Army Veteran Peter thrives at our Wellness Centre
Peter shows how seniors can benefit from exercise and community.
Former Federal Police Officer and Army Veteran Peter is a walking example of the adage ‘move it or lose it'. At 81, Peter still works out, lifting weights and using the bikes and other machines at our Toowoomba Wellness Centre. He believes it is the key to keeping him physically flexible and happy.
“Apart from my hobbies, the gym is the main thing that gets me out and about,” Peter said.
“The key to old age is staying active and talking to people. The worst thing you can do is sit at home on the couch.
Support from our Wellness Centre
“I have met nice people through the Wellness Centre, and the team are great,” Peter said.
Peter started going to the Centre four years ago, and his exercise physiologist Jodie, has developed a program to keep him on track.
He says she likes to come up with new challenges for him, which he enjoys.
“If I miss a session, Jodie or someone from the Centre will always call to check in and see if I’m okay, or just being lazy,” he laughed. “They are great.”
Building community and connection
Peter lived in Canberra for 42 years and moved to Toowoomba after his partner died, to be closer to two of his three children. He says making new friends and community involvement have been key to his happiness.
As the Deputy President of the Harlaxton sub-branch RSL in Toowoomba, Peter helps to organise the Dawn Service on Anzac Day every year. He has only missed two in 80 years! He is also a member of the Retired Police Officers’ Association and the Sporting Shooters’ Association, which he says provides the opportunity to socialise with like-minded people and tell a few ‘tall stories’.
A life of service and adventure
Peter has had a life full of adventure, including time in the Army serving on the Malay border from 1964 to 1966 and training troops for the Vietnam War. In 1969, Peter joined the Commonwealth Police Force, which later became the Australian Federal Police. He spent time enforcing the United Nations mandate in Cyprus and conducting many other investigations around Australia. Before his retirement at 55, he was a Detective Senior Sergeant based in Canberra.
A man of many talents, Peter was also in the Australian Rugby Choir for 20 years, which took him to some interesting places, including Gallipoli and Lone Pine. Peter was also a sea scout leader for 17 years and sailed with the First Fleet from Hobart to Newcastle for the Bicentennial celebrations in 1988. He was also a keen scuba diver and parachuting enthusiast.
“You have to keep having fun,” says Peter. “The Wellness Centre is part of that. I have nothing but praise for the people at integratedliving. I have lunch with the Vets every Wednesday, and I have convinced some of them to join the gym too.”