"I'm in my seventies and I still enjoy exercising regularly. I find that it keeps me healthy and means that I don't have to worry at all about what I eat!
"I walk at least two miles a day and sometimes five when I go on organised walks. Walk Newport, run by the Community Health, Exercise and Sports Science project, organises several walks around the Newport area which are suitable for all abilities.
"They're fun and a good way of meeting people, seeing different sights and keeping fit all at the same time!
"I've enjoyed walks with them around the fishing ponds near Bettws/Malpas canal. We've also walked around Beechwood Park and along the Sirhowy Valley Trail in Duffryn.
"I also keep fit by going swimming. Once a week I swim 100 lengths breaststroke.
"I've been taught how to breathe correctly when doing breaststroke by a swimming teacher. I can completely relax when I swim and I just watch the world go by as I go up and down the pool.
"In addition to swimming and walking , I also attend a dance exercise class weekly. This combines aerobic exercises with dance moves. It's great fun and I enjoy it very much.
"Along with keeping your body healthy, I also think it's important to keep your mind agile, so I've joined a reading group through the local library.
"I've also learned how to use the internet through web taster sessions I've had in the BBC Community Studio. I can now e-mail friends and family all over the world. I'm definitely one of life's optimists - I think positively and count my blessings.
"I would say that a positive attitude combined with regular, enjoyable exercise keeps me happy and healthy!
Norma Butt - January 2005
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Petra from Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Hi Norma, my mum is in her 70s, she lives in Field's Park Road and I live in the Caribbean. She plays bridge but is technofraid to the maximum. She says if she played bridge on a computer she would never get out and she likes to get out. I would like her to learn to do emails though (and meet some nice people) so she could see pictures of her grandson who is 13 and see what we are up to. Any ideas how I can get her to go to a computer access session please?
Lisa, Cardiff
Hi Norma,
I was lucky enough to work with you in the studio a few months ago and your wonderful outlook on life was an inspiration. I'm glad to see you're keeping well. All the best x
Jan from Cardiff
Hi. I was interested in your activities, and as I will be 70 years of age this year, I would like to do some of the activities you maintain, as now I have lost my lifetime partner in ballroom dancing I feel the need to get out there and do something before it is too late.
Please contact me soon Jan From Cardiff
