Walk'n'Talk keeps 91-year-old sprightly

Walking is a way of life for a 91-year-old who has been part of a weekly Walk’n’Talk group for the past 17 years.

Pat Williams took part in the first outing of the community walking group when it started back in 2000 and she has been a regular participant ever since. The Fendalton Walk’n’Talk group she belongs to is one of six organised by the Council in different suburbs around the city.

Pat Williams catches up with her daughters Maggie Williams-Magner (left) and Pam Brydges on a walk.

Pat says being part of the group helps keeps her active and provides valuable social contact.

“It’s healthy, plus the fact that you have company on the walk and you make friends. We all go to a café together afterwards. There are quite a lot of immigrants who have joined and learning about their culture is really interesting.”

On a recent Walk’n’Talk outing she was joined by her daughters Maggie Williams-Magner, who lives in Canada, and Pam Brydges, who lives in Newcastle, Australia, while they were here on holiday.

When Pat was younger she used to do a lot of tramping, especially around the Port Hills.

She remembers when a notice about the new group arrived in her letterbox from the local library in 2000. “I’d just retired from the nursing world and I thought, ‘This is what I need’.”

Pat has recently started using walking poles for extra balance but is in good health, lives independently, and regularly walks to the supermarket to get her groceries using her own shopping trolley.

She has lived in Christchurch since 1946 when she arrived here by ship from England to marry a New Zealander who she met when he was in the Navy during World War II.

The Walk’n’Talk group has grown in popularity over the years, Pat says, and now there are close to 50 people turning up for a brisk stroll around the neighbourhood on a Thursday morning.

Council Walk’n’Talk Supervisor Nicky Auld says Pat’s fitness at the age of 91 is “absolutely fantastic”.

“She’s a role model really, and a great example of the benefits of getting out and about for a regular walk and a chat with other people. These groups are a great way for older people to stay active and engaged in their local community. When I grow older I want to be just like Pat!”