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90-year-old woman still enjoys getting out for a swim

Margaret Noble goes for a swim. Geraldine Brophy

Margaret Noble goes for a swim.

Diane Crocker
Published on February 2, 2012
Published on February 2, 2012
Diane Crocker  RSS Feed

If Margaret Noble could get to the pool everyday of the week, she would.

Topics :
Western Star , Kingston , Ontario

And no she's not an athlete in training, she's a senior citizen who believes in staying active.

Five years ago Noble was featured in The Western Star just after she turned 85. In the article she spoke of her love of swimming that started when she was a young girl.

Today is Noble's 90th birthday and she's still swimming.  

"I think everybody should exercise as long as they can," said Noble.

"I like to swim, I always did do it and I still like it."

Once or twice a week, whenever Noble can get a ride with friends or neighbours, she'll head to the Arts and Culture Pool for the adult noon swim which runs for an hour and a half. 

Noble stays for the full time and is often the last one out of the pool.

"It's just the time in the day I like to swim, I would prefer to exercise," she said.

And it's also a time to socialize with the noon swim regulars.

Noble likes the fact that swimming is something she can do year-round as opposed to walking which is hard in all the snow.

Besides swimming Noble credits stair climbing with keeping her fit.

"I've got a two-story house, so I have to climb those stairs how many times a day," she said with a little laugh. "And if you just lived in a one-story you wouldn't get that exercise, you wouldn't be used to that would you."

When asked if she encourages other seniors to stay active, Noble simply said "well I sure do."

Her advice: "Keep active as long as you can."

Noble celebrated her birthday this past Saturday at a party with 115 family and friends.

All five of her children, daughters Gloria Stacey and Doreen Dawe and sons Dennis, Eugene and Donald, came home to celebrate with her.

Stacey, who now lives in Kingston, Ont., said all of her siblings are pleased that their mother still keeps active.

"That's why she's still here and that's why she's still in the shape she's in," said Stacey.

She said it's interesting to note that all five children have had cancer, but not their mom.

And Noble's enthusiasm for exercise has rubbed off on her children. Stacey and Dawe both swim, Eugene is a runner, Dennis skates and plays hockey and Donald snowboards.

Stacey said her mother still travels, by plane, train, boat and bus, to visit her family.

Just this past August when travelling to Ontario she got a half-price ticket because she was an escort for Dawe.

"At 89, who gets a half-price ticket to escort their daughter at that age," said Stacey.

"There's a lot of history in reverse."

Comments

  • Username
    Lesa Hollett
    - February 4, 2012 at 18:47:42

    THAT'S MY NANNY, and she is the best Nanny ever. My girls would love to swim with you soon. I hope we get to see you this summer.

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  • Username
    Ruby Burry
    - February 3, 2012 at 19:32:53

    Happy Birthday Mrs Noble glad you had a great birthday!! Love your picture swimming!! Enjoy God Bless!!

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  • Username
    Pastor George & Laura Dawe
    - February 3, 2012 at 12:26:12

    Happy Belated birthday, Margaret. We apologize for missing your birthday on Saturday past. However, we congratulate you dedicated and consistent living. Thanks for being faithful to the gospel. Pastor George & Laura Norris Arm North

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  • Username
    Flora Ball Boyd
    - February 2, 2012 at 20:29:05

    Great Margaret , so proud of you .That's the great Springdale air we breathed when we were younger. Keep up the Great work. Flora

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  • Username
    Alvin Grimes
    - February 2, 2012 at 11:43:51

    Just a super lady for whom I have much admiration. Congratulations Mrs. Noble.

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  • Username
    Mary Basha
    - February 2, 2012 at 10:42:28

    Happy Birthday Margaret--I am still swimming too! Cheers--Mary B

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    • Username
      Alfreda cassell
      - February 2, 2012 at 23:59:50

      Happy Birthday margaret. I'm so happy that you can still do your enjoyed activity .

    • Username
      Colin Noble
      - February 2, 2012 at 20:28:12

      That's my Nanny! What a woman!

    • Username
      Ruby Burry
      - February 3, 2012 at 19:32:50

      Happy Birthday Mrs Noble glad you had a great one with your family home!! I LIKE YOUR PICTURE SWIMMING!! God Bless!!

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