Active life keeps Elsie young at heart

Elsie Spooner has no intentions of calling time on her lifestyle. Photo/Bevan Conley

When people several years her junior have long given up thoughts of an active life, Elsie Spooner is like that Energizer Bunny - she keeps on keeping on.

This sprightly 94-year-old is on the go almost every day of the week and it is only her failing eyesight that keeps a rein on her.

In a lifetime spanning more than nine decades, Mrs Spooner has crammed in a lot of living.

Maybe it is because she hails from North Otago, a place hardy souls call home.

She arrived in the city in 1950, soon after she married, and she and her husband raised their family here. She also worked for Maori Affairs and then at Wanganui Hospital.

In those intervening years she has become a fixture at many city sporting venues, but more particularly at table tennis.

"I played tennis and table tennis mostly, but also some badminton and netball, all socially of course".

Socially, except for table tennis, which she says she played "pretty seriously".

In fact, she was good enough to represent Wanganui.

Advancing years have not slowed Mrs Spooner. She is at the Jubilee Stadium every Monday and Friday, setting up the tables for the regular table tennis competitions.

"It frees up the others who are still playing to get on and enjoy their games," she said.

"I organise the weekly games as well. They have names on a board, and I keep time and blow the whistle to get them on to another table."

Only her failing eyesight keeps her from picking up a table tennis paddle and whipping out a mean forehand.

"I just can't see that little white ball any more," she said.

But it doesn't end there.

Mrs Spooner helps prepare the community lunches every Wednesday at St Luke's Anglican Church in Castlecliff. She is there are 8.30am, preparing meals for anywhere between 20 and 40 people. She has been doing that for 16 years.

Regardless of her failing sight, she is determined to stay active and get out and about.

"I know people who are a lot younger than me who are in rest homes. Finished their lives, haven't they? I've never had any health problems and my feet are still good. It's only my eyes."

She belongs to the Blind Foundation and is a regular at its craft group. Talking Books are also good company. Volunteer drivers ensure she gets from her home to the foundation. Same with the table tennis and the meals at St Luke's, others are providing her wheels to keep her mobile. And family call by to take her shopping.

Mrs Spooner's secret to a good long life is about keeping active.

"You could say I'm living life to the full."

And with that, our chat was done. But before this reporter leaves, she asks a favour.

Was there a postbox on the route back to work? Yes, there was. "So you won't mind popping these in for me, will you?" handing over a couple of envelopes. Who could refuse?