Rita Popowski has proven that age is just a number.

Four years ago, the 82-year-old started going to the Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation & Leisure (SWIRL) after she suffered a fall that resulted in her being hospitalised for five days.

"I was going to the doctor, and he said the best thing for you to do is to have water therapy and tai chi, and I started both around about the same time," Mrs Popowski said.

"When I was going to the doctor, I was using a walking stick and struggling.

"I was thinking 'I suppose I'll have to buy one of those walkers'."

Instead, she found immediate benefits from the classes, and this year she started going to the gym at the centre too.

"I thought it might have been [something I did] for six to 12 months," the Smithton woman said.

"[But] I just love

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