Age is just a number

Mavis East is proof that age is no barrier when it comes to living a great life for longer!
On her 73rd birthday, the great-grandmother from Burgh-le-Marsh was determined to stop by and say hello to her friends and motivators – the staff at Skegness Fitness Suite.
And, on doing so, she supported a newly-released national study into health in later life from the University of Cambridge, which reveals how just two-and-a-half hours of exercise per week in your senior years slashes risk of an early death.
The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, such as cycling, brisk walking, swimming or gardening. But Public Health England says more than a third of English adults do not follow the advice.
A former dancer and keep fit fanatic, Mavis did keep herself fit in her younger years – and, according to her doctors, it was a good job she did or the health issues she is now living with would been much worse. These issues have included a knee replacement, problems with her lower and upper spinal joints, osteoarthritis and breathing problems due to AF (Atrial Fibrillation).
“The doctors have all said that I may well have been wheelchair bound had I not been so supple,” she says.
A former member of the team at the Beacon Medical Practice in Skegness, it was before her retirement that she needed one of her knees replaced. Following surgery, she found herself very immobile and, as a result, she was referred by her GP to the Magna Vitae-managed Skegness swimming pool page, where trained professional Ross Cameron took her through a bespoke programme of exercise.
“I honestly could not bend my knee, but Ros got me moving again. I was given the opportunity thanks to the GP referral programme and, if I am honest, I probably would not have come here at all otherwise,” she admitted.
That was six years ago, and after a spell at the gym, Mavis was forced to stop going to her regular sessions due to severe problems with her back. As a result, she gained weight and suffered a loss of confidence that saw her socialise less and not feel so well in herself.
However, inspired by her great grandchildren to get out more, she took advantage of a second GP referral programme and returned to the Magna Vitae gym last November, where she is supported by Lifestyle consultant David Harlock.
“That was it, I have not looked back. I am now a fully paid up member and come in here twice a week, as well as joining Slimming World. I have dropped a dress size, lost a stone and a half and feel great. I would say to anyone, just come in here – no-one makes you feel old or fat, they are lovely and the older you get, the more you need it,” added Mavis.
For more information about the Exercise Referral Programme run in association with Magna Vitae venues in East Lindsey, please ask your GP.