‘I didn’t go to a gym until I was 63!’

The path to ageing well and maintaining a strong sense of wellbeing can seem overwhelming. However, the ambassador for The Big O has a surprisingly simple and inspiring philosophy that anyone can emulate.

Q When did you first start thinking about your health and wellbeing, in terms of ageing well?

“When I was about 38 I thought, ‘how do I want to be when I get older?’ I knew I wanted to be fit and keep my weight down. So I thought, ‘I’ll have to take up exercise.’ I started running and loved it once I got the hang of it. I did that for a long time, until I got to the point where I felt it was time to hang up my running shoes and put on my walking shoes. And now I walk every day for at least an hour.

Q Are there days when you don’t feel motivated?

“Of course! Until recently I had a dog called Cleo (my daughter named her!) and that really helped. But she got cancer earlier this year and had to be put down. I do have a new dog coming, but until then, I just know how important that daily walk is for my bones, my mood and my ability to cope with the busy day ahead. It’s like meditating, in a way.”

Q There’s very much a mental wellbeing element to exercise.

“Absolutely. I’ve done a lot of work with dementia and physical exercise is absolutely crucial for brain health. It’s the best thing anyone can do.”

Q You have played an important role in raising awareness around osteoporosis. What do you do for your own bone health?

“For a start, I get a bone density scan every two years. And all women need to make it part of their regular health check-ups over 50, because when you lose oestrogen after menopause, bones are affected. So I urge everyone to make a bone density scan as part of your routine.”

Q We know that women often don’t prioritise their own health, but from what I understand, a bone density scan is quite straightforward.

“It’s so easy. It’s only half an hour and you don’t have to get undressed. You just lie down on a bed and the machine passes over you. It’s an easy, painless procedure. And I know it’s easy to tell women to take time out for themselves, and hard to do. We are all guilty of that, especially when you have children and a busy career. But these are important health matters that should not be ignored.”

Q The difficult thing about our bones is that no matter how attuned we are to our body and health, you might not know your bone health is compromised until you’re injured.

“Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Without a bone density scan, you just don’t know what’s happening to your bones. You’re travelling through life and you might not know until that first fall results in a fracture. When I first started learning about bone health, I was taken aback by the statistics. After 65, one in three people have a fall that results in a fracture, and some will never fully recover. When you’re older, these falls are detrimental to your health and they can rob you of your independence.”

Q What have you learnt about the role diet plays in bone health?

“Well it’s very important that children drink milk. My mother was absolutely rigid about my brothers and I drinking milk with every meal. We also got free milk at school, and I think it’s a shame that was ever phased out because free milk

was a great protection for bones.”

Q There is a trend to move away from milk, towards various alternatives like nut and oat. What are your thoughts on how to balance those trends?

“Fad diets are fine as an adult. But when your children are younger, you need to set the grounds for good health, and that means everything in moderation, including milk and cheese. And if you need to move away from that, be guided by your GP in terms of bone health for yourself and your children.”

Q Is it ever too late to start making changes so that you age well and remain vital, healthy and independent?

“No! I had not been to a gym, ever, until I turned 63. And do you know what? I really enjoyed it once I figured out how to use the weight machines properly. I found that I could push myself further physically than I ever imagined. Sometimes I will say in my twice-weekly pilates class, ‘Oh I don’t think I can do that,’ and the physio says to me, ‘Yes you can. Go on, try it!’ And then I find out I can! And it’s a really fantastic sense of achievement. And that taught me I can push myself further physically than I ever imagined. I used to get my mum to write me a letter to get me out of doing PE at school. So I’ve really changed as I’ve gotten older!”

Q So the message is, get moving and book in a bone density scan.

“Yes. You’ve got to be responsible. You have to work out, ‘how do I want to age?’ and then start taking those important steps to ensure you keep well.” AWW For more information, visit thebigo.com.au

“When I first started learning about bone health, I was taken aback.”

– Ita