For the love of it
Truro woman celebrates her milestone birthday on the tennis court
Dede Hayden might have had other ways to spend her birthday but none of them would have been any better than hitting tennis balls inside the Cougar Dome. Now at 80, Dede spends four to five days a week playing the sport she credits for keeping her moving.
Dede Hayden celebrated her 80th birthday in one of her favourite places — the tennis court.
Hayden plays four or five days a week, outdoors in the summer and at the Cougar Dome during the colder months. She credits it with helping prevent mobility problems.
“It’s important to keep moving, and this is fun. I enjoy the fellowship as well as the activity.”
She grew up in an active family and always played sports. After getting a degree at the University of New Brunswick, she taught physical education at schools in Sackville and later at the teacher’s college in Truro.
“I had to learn tennis at UNB and I was terrible at it,” she said with a laugh. “I was over 30 when I really started playing it. I had a hip replacement 12 years ago and I just play doubles now.”
She has played many sports in the past, including squash, basketball and broomball, but now she focuses on tennis and, during the summer, kayaking on Shortt’s Lake. She also includes a bit of yoga.
“You’re never too old to try things, and I would encourage anyone to be active,” she added. “If you don’t know how to play tennis yet, there are lessons available and the pros are excellent here.”
Following the games on her Jan. 11 birthday match, Hayden’s friends brought out some treats for a celebration.