SKIPPING through my 60s

Sue Watson is sharing her message of being fighting fit and is hoping to inspire others

- MISHAAL KHAN

Far too often, I hear people talk about being ‘too old’ to try something new or do something different. Society has a distorted view of the over-60s, believing we have passed the threshold of adventure and fun, and that we’re set in our ways, know what we do and don’t like, and what we are and aren’t capable of. But it’s a ridiculous idea and I’m proof of that.

At 66, I feel fit and healthy, and I’d say I even have more motivation than my children to exercise. There was a time when my son, 31, was fitter than me when he cycled and ran regularly, but he has less time now due to work and family commitments. And while my daughter, 34, exercised frequently too, she recently had a baby. I enjoy exercise and it makes me feel good, so I always make it a priority, and I’m proud of myself for doing that.

I didn’t start exercising until my early 20s when I joined the Royal Air Force, having spent four years after school working as a secretary, before deciding I wanted to travel and see the world. I met my husband Steve, then 21, in the force and we married in 1981. Seven years later, I left the RAF and fell pregnant the following year, giving birth to our daughter in April 1989, followed by our son in 1991. I was a busy mum and was also working as a secretary in the NHS, but still made time for exercise. When I found I had a spare 30-minute window, I pulled on my trainers and headed out the door for a run. 

Steve was a keen cyclist and runner, so I was encouraged seeing him stay active. Plus, I wanted to set a good example to our children about the importance of exercise. It was tough when, in 2008, I had to stop running for health reasons, but I continued going to the gym.