News

Following her own advice
Thu, Jan 10 2008

Margaret Cooper is doing a doctoral degree with Latrobe University, researching the experience of ageing people with long-term physical disabilities.

It’s a topic close to her heart. Margaret, aged 63, has polio.

Following her recommendations for others – and changing expectations for older people with disabilities - Margaret likes to keep as healthy as possible.

Part of her routine each week is going for a swim with assistance from EW Tipping staff member Tracy Farrell.

“I enjoy swimming; it’s very sensory. It’s the only time I’m free of my chair, my surgical boots and spinal brace,” said Margaret.

“It’s also stress release. One of the good things about swimming is that with the cap on, I can’t hear anything. It means I can work on a theoretical problem in my head with no interruptions.

“That 60 minutes in the pool each week is very important for stress relief, for health, and for brain time.”