Young at heart. Get ready for upbeat Seniors Week, “Live Life” to fullest

Cracking a joke is Bill Ryan’s secret to getting the day off to a lively start.
So too, it’s the inspiration behind the 97-year-old Port Macquarie resident’s cartoons that he is constantly sketching.
Since his retirement 30-odd years ago Bill has been drawing humorous cartoons, with his personal collection now numbering over 400.
“I think of a funny gag and if it gets my wife’s [Joan, 93] approval, then I run with it and get drawing,” he said.
“It makes me feel alive.”
The Garden Village resident also keeps on his toes by bowling three times a week across two clubs.
It is his zest for life that is synonymous with Seniors Week this year — Live Life.
The Minister for Ageing, Peter Primrose, announced 2011 NSW Seniors Week will run from March 20 to 27, featuring more than 900 events around regional and metropolitan NSW.
“Last year, more than 250,000 people aged over 60 participated in the various activities on offer held throughout the week,” Mr Primrose said.
“This year marks the 53rd year of Seniors Week celebrations in NSW.
“The theme of Seniors Week — Live Life, aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles for seniors and encourages the over 60s community to actively participate in the vast program of events which are free or specially discounted.”
Living life to the fullest goes hand in hand with Jean Lacey’s outlook.
In between fitness classes, bowls, croquet and manning the presidency of the Port Macquarie Ex-service Women’s Association, the 85-year-old Garden Village resident likes to fit in the odd social outing with friends.
Her neighbour and pal Sylvia Arnett is on the same wavelength, and won’t miss a beat in the lead-up to her 100th birthday in April.
The avid lover of tennis, bowls, music and craft prides herself on keeping active.
She said to reach the age of 100 on April 11 will be a remarkable achievement, to boot.
“I’ve been blessed with good health,” she said.
Sylvia, a mother of four, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of 13, also loves being able to contribute her time to the community of Port Macquarie through the St Vincent de Paul shop.
Seniors in the region can Live Life and celebrate their age and lifestyle at countless events in the coming days, just like Bill, Jean, Joan and Sylvia.