Download this issue - Foresters Friendly Society

06 2010: Get activeActions speaklouder...It’s been scientifically proven that people with an active lifestylefeel healthier and have an improved sense of well-being.Physical activity also reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes,and diabetes. We ask two Foresters why it’s never too late toreap the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle“Don’t just wait forthings to come to you”With Greek dancing on Monday,painting on Tuesday and Tai Chi onThursday and Friday, it’s hard to keepup with Pat Crew. It’s also hard tobelieve that she’s just turned 82!“It’s easy as you get older to sit aroundat home and vegetate, but I think it’s soimportant to stay active, no matter whatyour age, in order to maintain physical andmental well-being,” she says.Pat in her Greekdancing outfit, and herTai Chi gear (right)“As well as doing Tai Chi for many years,I’ve belonged to my Greek dancing groupfor 25 years, and every year I see the newyear in with my Greek dancing friends.”Pat’s interest in the dancing came after shespent six months in Crete on an archeologicaldig at Knossos, and her love of Chineseactivities and culture stem from her yearsliving in the Far East. “I can speak Greek anda little Cantonese and Mandarin,” she says.“I believe strongly that if you’re living abroadyou should try and fit in with the local cultureand, if possible, learn the language.”In March, Pat is going to Hong Kong withher daughters for 10 days, and says shewill definitely seek out somewhere to doTai Chi while she’s there.Pat was in the Land Army duringthe Second World War, and recentlyattended a ceremony at GuildfordCathedral to recognise the part playedby the Land Army girls, receiving amedal and certificate from Prime MinisterGordon Brown.Pat’s advice for people who are keento try something new, but not surewhere to start, is to investigate localcommunity centres to see whatthey have to offer. “Go alongfor a taster session with afriend, and ask other friendswhat they do,” she suggests.“Don’t just sit back and waitfor things to come to you.”JOIN INJoin the running forum onwww.forestersfriends.co.ukand share your runningand healthy livingtips with fellowenthusiasts