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New survey reveals critical need to combat ageism in Canada
A new study commissioned by the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA), which in...
“I’ll be busy until I’m 250!”
At 52, Célia Godbout still has a lot of time ahead of her, and she intends to make the most of it. She plans to paint, write love songs, publish five books, travel and more. But she’ll have to wait until retirement before doing any of this.
“I’m very involved in things at work. Over the last few months, I’ve been working to ensure that our company has an equity, diversity and inclusion policy,” she explains. “I organize and lead workshops. Anything that has to do with communication appeals to me.”
In her spare time, the 50-year-old keeps fit by riding her bicycle. She tries to maintain a pace of 1,000 kilometers a year. In keeping with her passion for riding, last August she took part in the Parkinson’s Bike Challenge, to raise funds for the fight against this disease. This activity is dear to her heart.
Mother of three children now aged 31, 27 and 22, Célia Godbout feels very close to them, which helps her stay young.
“I still do a lot of silly things. Sometimes you’d think I was a 14-year-old, she laughs. “I never see the problems, I just see the solutions. And I find ways to accomplish what I set out to do.”
Turning fifty didn’t affect her much. Type 1 diabetes imposes certain constraints on her, but she generally manages not to worry. “I have friends who deal with limitations worse than mine.”
For her, getting old is no big deal.
“I accept it. My advice to people my age is to set yourself goals, keep living your life. Life doesn’t end at 50, far from it. Maybe someday, but not today. We’re lucky to be able to live so long and so well.”
Her dad gave her a FADOQ card on her 50th birthday. Although she doesn’t take part in FADOQ’s recreational activities, she says she still benefits from her membership.
“I take advantage of the discounts and I always leaf through Virage magazine. I encourage everyone to support Réseau FADOQ, because the work it does on behalf of seniors is important.”
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