PAT Mears has been lifting weights most days since participating in a Hunter research trial, and now the 82-year-old great-grandmother is encouraging other over-65s to give it a go.
The East Maitland woman says rather than wearing her out, the strength training she learned through a Hunter Medical Research Institute study has kept her "energised", and helps her keep up with her grand children and great-grandchildren.
"I was approached to do the trial and I thought, what the heck?," she said. "I really did love doing it. And I still do my exercises, just about every day. I feel better when I do the weights and little push ups. It really gets your adrenaline going."
Mrs Mears said she started with one kilogram hand weights in the 16-week STRONG trial, but now she lifts the fives.
"It's really helpful," she said. "If you can do it, do it. I'd love to do the course again."
Mrs Mears said she had always been fairly active, and has been known to play basketball, kick a ball, or jump on the trampoline with her great-grandchildren.
"I've always babysat the bubs," she said.
"They keep me active. They really do. I think they think I'm their age."
PhD candidate and accredited practicing dietitian, Isobel Stoodley, said they were recruiting people aged 65 and over for the exercise and diet study, which was put on hold for three months due to coronavirus fears and restrictions.
"We are looking to investigate the way we can get people 65 years and over to develop their muscle mass strength and function," she said. "A lot of people are keen to do something now but they don't want to go to gyms because they are more of a risk than they used to be. We can give them that option to build strength safely and confidently at home."
Call 4985 4563 for more.
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