Wise Women: Patti Wilkins

Posted on 23 February, 2017

“It’s also important to keep a sense of fun and play as we age.”

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, HerCanberra celebrates 10 outstanding local women who revealing their own wisdom based on the very different paths they have taken in life.

Patti Wilkins started her own personal training business, Bodyrite, at the age of 60 and is living proof that age is no barrier to peak physical fitness.

On keeping active as you age

“Doing physical activity minimises the health risks associated with inactivity and ageing. It’s about gradual improvement, not an elite state, so you start where you can and get fitter and stronger over time. It’s also important to keep a sense of fun and play as we age.”

I am happiest…

“When I have celebrated the birth of my children and grandchildren, when I have been in love, when I am with my family and in nature, when I work in teams with purpose and integrity and when I have conducted an exercise session and see people’s smiles and their sense of achievement.”

When life presents challenges

“I remain optimistic. I adopt the maxim “Keep on keeping on”. I assess the situation – acknowledging that nothing lasts and that the circumstances will change. I stay active and use meditation and mindfulness techniques in times of stress.”

Photography: Martin Ollman

This article originally appeared as part of our Wise Women article in Magazine for Autumn 2017, which hits stockists next week. Find out more about Magazine here.