Case Studies

Within Dr G’s network, there are several people over the age of 80 who are ageing successfully. In particular, they are undertaking regular exercise and consuming a healthy diet. Some are still competitive and one has recently completed a swim across the English Channel.

These Elders provide us with the inspiration to remain active.

For privacy reasons, only first names and limited information about their activities has been shared.

Black and white photo of two shirtless men at the beach, both holding upright paddles. The man on the left is smiling and the man on the right has a mustache and hair with two quiffs, standing with a serious expression. Ocean waves are visible in the background.

John & Gary: North Bondi Surf Club, 1973

Two elderly shirtless men standing on a beach, holding paddles, wearing red, white, and blue hats, with the ocean and people swimming in the background.

John & Gary: North Bondi Surf Club, 2023

  • An elderly man with gray hair, glasses, and light skin, wearing a Rastafarian hat and dreadlocks, playing a small acoustic guitar on a porch surrounded by green trees.

    Charles, Aged 85

    Town Planner, Semi-Retired

    Exercise: 7 days/week for 60-90 minutes

    Activities: Bike 150 km weekly; Strength/Swim/Stretching 2-3 days a week; Pilates 2-3 days a week.

    Diet: Plant-based/Mediterranean

    Alcohol: In Moderation

    Hobbies: Plays the Ukulele

  • An elderly man with white hair smiling at the camera on a beach promenade, with a lifeguard station, sandy beach, and ocean waves in the background.

    John, Aged 81

    Retired tribunal commissioner

    State & Australian Surf Ski Masters Champion (still competing)

    Exercise: 7 days/week for 60-90 minutes

    Activities: Swims most days; Endurance & sit-ups every day

    Diet: Mediterranean style

    Alcohol: In moderation

  • An elderly man with short gray hair, smiling, in a swimming pool with a modern building and outdoor seating area with white umbrellas in the background.

    Cyril, Aged 83

    Retired businessman

    Swam the English Channel on a number of occasions. At one point in time, he was the oldest person to complete a Channel swim.

    Exercise: 7 days/week for 60-90 minutes

    Activities: Prolific swimmer and swims almost every day; some running

    Diet: Reasonably heathy

    Alcohol: Occasional drinker

  • An older man with short white hair sitting at the edge of a swimming pool, smiling slightly. In the background, two people are in the pool, and there are poolside plants and fencing.

    Pete, Aged 81

    Retired businessmen

    Activities: Swims at least 2km most days

  • A man with glasses and a bald head smiling and holding a glass of white wine, with a harbor full of boats in the background.

    Bill, Aged 88

    Retired surgeon & businessman

    Played 100 first grade games with the Roosters

    Won his age category in the Hawaiian Ironman

    Exercise: Exercises every day

    Activities: Swim, walks & light weights most days; Still a very competent snow skier

  • A smiling elderly man with glasses, white hair, and freckles, wearing a white shirt and a red vest.

    Rob, Aged 82

    Retired engineer, MBA

    Played first grade Easts Rugby 3 years

    Has the fitness of a fit 40 year old

    Exercise: 2-3 hours per day

    Activities: Stretching 3 days; Weights 3 days; Golf 2 days; Tennis 3 days

    Diet: Plenty of veg + two fruit

    Alcohol: Moderate consumption