Osteoporosis New Zealand

Extraordinary Dunedin resident awarded

Age is no impediment to one's zest for life, if Mr Robin Smith of Musselburgh is any indication.

Robin, 86, was one of three New Zealanders to receive an award at the Osteoporosis New Zealand You Deserve a Medal ceremony in Parliament last night. The awards - open to all New Zealanders aged 65 and over - aim to encourage older people to stay physically active - a key contributor to maintaining bone health.

Beginning with a 1000 metre swim each weekday morning at 6am, Robin's active lifestyle extends to his involvement with the University of the 3rd Age, a committee member of the Otago Alzheimer’s Society, and member of the Knox Church Social Justice work group, supplemented by weekly Tai Chi classes and running Age Concern’s Steady as You Go exercise group.

Working in his garden, he grows fruits and vegetables and also participates in weeding and planting activities at the Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary as a member of the Otago Natural History Trust.

Robin is in his second year of learning Te Reo Maori at Te Wananga o Aotearoa. He attends weekly lectures at the Otago University Club, as well as film, theatre and musical events, and maintains his interest in the arts. Nominated by Age Concern in Dunedin and the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, Robin Smith is the recipient of the Fonterra Anchor Xtra Medal.

Robin joins two other extraordinary New Zealanders on the winner's platform – Lillian Langton, 97 of Auckland who, despite suffering a fractured pelvis and hip, continues to work for Meals on Wheels – a role she has performed for 30 years - for those less mobile than herself, and 90-year-old yoga teacher, Lyndsay Nichols of Russell.

Claire Mackintosh, Chair of Osteoporosis New Zealand, said: "It is essential that we recognise these inspirational individuals who make an effort to stay physically active and look after their bones. The awards evening is a tribute to their success, with a real feel good factor felt by all on this momentous occasion.
"Our You Deserve a Medal awards take place during Osteoporosis Awareness Week and it is amazing that year after year we continue to receive such inspirational nominations for the awards – testament to the many older Kiwis who make it a priority to stay fit and active. We would love to be able to present a medal to each <…> of the amazing people who were nominated this year."

Executive Director of Osteoporosis New Zealand, Julia Gallagher says, "A bone healthy diet and regular exercise offer so many benefits to our health from an overall improved sense of wellbeing to helping prevent falls through improved balance and muscle strength.

Keeping fit also helps slow bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis – a disease that affects about half of Kiwi women and nearly one third of men over the age of 60 years."

Mr Robin Smith was presented with his award in Parliament last night by the Minister for Health, Tony Ryall, and Osteoporosis New Zealand's 'bone ambassadors' Caroline Evers-Swindell and Georgina Earl.