Three Winners In You Deserve A Medal Awards

Media Release

22 October, 2010

Osteoporosis NZ announces three inspirational recipients in the 2010
‘You Deserve a Medal’ awards
 
Osteoporosis New Zealand is pleased to announce the 2010 winners of the ‘You Deserve a Medal’ Awards for their ‘can do’ attitude in later life. The finalists, all aged 65+, were selected for their commitment to active, healthy living. Dr Grace Suckling, Mrs Lida McIvor and Mrs Anne Mills were presented with their awards last night at Parliament by Honourable Pansy Wong.

Osteoporosis New Zealand Bone ambassadors and current Olympic rowing gold medallists, Caroline Meyer and Georgina Earl said, “The You Deserve a Medal awards are a wonderful way to honour role models in our community who dedicate themselves to an active lifestyle and good nutrition, both of which are so important as we age. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners.”

Associate Minister for ACC, Honourable Pansy Wong presented each winner with their medal.

The sponsors of this year’s awards are ACC, Pharmac and Nutrition NZ, each selected a winner who embodies the ‘can do’ attitude the ‘You Deserve a Medal’ Awards recognise.

Dr Grace Suckling, 88, Waikanae, Kapiti Coast

Dr Grace Suckling is 88 and knows how important it is to be active outdoors for her mental, emotional and physical well-being. Grace enjoys daily one hour walks on Waikanae beach and active trips to the South Island. On her most recent trip, Grace impressed other participants by walking the 2.5 hours to Puyseker Point in Fiordland. She is a volunteer guide at Nga Manu Nature Reserve on Kapiti Coast and is involved with the Waikanae Lagoon Tours. Both require an extensive knowledge of the wildlife breeding operations and natural history, as well as physical fitness. Grace has maintained her mobility and lives very successfully at home alone.

In her earlier years, Grace practised children’s dentistry and was a dental researcher with a particular interest in the effects of fluoride on teeth. After retiring, she obtained her Doctorate of Dental Science and has continued her interest in dental health through submissions and other advocacy. She helped advance the knowledge of tuatara teeth through her work with Nga Manu.

Mrs Lida McIvor, Mt Albert, Auckland

Mrs Lida McIvor is described by those who know her as a survivor. At a young age, she lived in German labour camps and immigrated to New Zealand after World War II as a refugee. At 40, she developed severe asthma which proved almost fatal on three occasions. To combat her illness, she began weight training and working out. Thirty-one years later, the only days she’s missed her workout are when the gym is closed or due to the occasional illness. She is currently the oldest and most active member of her gym. Lida believes physical activity and hard work are essential to a healthy and successful life.

Lida also has a passion for gardening. She supplies friends and family with fresh produce and for years she supplied the Big Fresh supermarkets in Auckland with fresh organic produce for free because of her love of gardening and helping those around her. Lida is described as an inspiration. She endeavours to help friends and family lead a fit and healthy lifestyle. She is also an avid bridge player and enjoys walks with her husband.

Mrs Anne Mills, 73, Alexandra

At 73, Mrs Anne Mills has a full schedule with work, volunteering and family commitments keeping her busy. She coordinates the Steady As You Go falls prevention programme in Central Otago, extending from Alexandra to Wanaka, Roxburgh and Ranfurly. Anne currently instructs five classes of Tai Chi per week to over 65s as part of the Steady As You Go programme. She cares for her husband with chronic tachycardia and fibrillation, walks an hour a day with her daughter and frequently looks after her 17 grandchildren. She also enjoys caring for her large garden and belongs to a multitude of local community organisations including: Senior Citizen’s Club, Rotary Club, Probus, Reap and Central Otago Health.

Anne is an inspiring role model to her peers. Between the ages of 57 and 63 she had three total hip replacements and osteoarthritis had almost completely deteriorated her left knee to the point of needing replacement surgery. The benefits of strength and balance exercises and Tai Chi have led to her now being symptom free. She promotes active living by being a role model and through providing information to groups about the Steady As You Go programme.

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