‘I AIM TO DO 7,500 STEPS A DAY’

BARBARA CARTER-DUNN, 72, lives with her husband Leonard, 82. She is a former Avon lady. The couple have six children between them, as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She says: ‘I went to see my dressmaker last week. She sighed as she took my beautiful sea-green dress in yet again. In the past month I’ve gone from a size 16 or 18 to a size 14. I was delighted. I used to play tennis five times a week until I had a knee and ankle replacement two years ago. ‘I have been doing aqua-aerobics classes, but have generally felt unfit, overweight and a bit low. My incentive was a family wedding. I’ve been getting up and going for a walk every morning and I aim to do a total of 7,500 steps a day. ‘I’ve felt a twinge in my bad leg on a couple of occasions, but I’ve just been careful to take things more slowly. In the morning I’m energetic rather than lethargic. And for the family wedding? I felt fabulous!’

DR ASHTON SAYS: ‘There is good evidence that mental wellbeing is boosted by exercise. A 2005 study showed that fast walking for 35 minutes a day, five times a week, had a significant influence on moderate to mild depressive symptoms.’

DR KOH SAYS: ‘Barbara should continue to exercise, so she may see more of a reduction in her blood pressure, which she can sustain.’

DR HEAVERSEDGE SAYS: ‘It is much harder to lose weight when you’re older. The body burns fewer calories because of reduced muscle mass, so Barbara’s weight loss of 9lb in four weeks represents great dedication.’