CATEGORY: PERSONAL STORIES
Ilse was born in the Dutch East Indies on the island of Java on a tea and rubber plantation to Dutch parents. Her parents encouraged her from an early age to be involved and actively engaged in life learning. She was also encouraged to stay healthy and active, despite being in a war and deprived of a proper youth.
Always trying to practice what she preached, Ilse moved to Australia to pursue a career as a nurse specializing in midwifery and then moved to Canada and specialized in cardiology. Ilse tries to "live" every day of her life and makes every effort not to waste any aspect of it. She loves being involved in physical fitness and feels that athletics is a form of preventative medicine that helps her keep a positive attitude. She also enjoys being a role model for other seniors.
Since the age of 55, Ilse has been involved as a committee member and participant in the Senior Games of Ontario competing in Tennis, Swimming and Table Tennis. Her competitive spirit has enabled her to participate and compete in local, provincial and national games in Canada. She is an amateur Gold Medalist. Ilse recently was invited to represent Canada in swimming at the US Senior Games being hosted by Mr. & Mrs. George Bush in Houston, Texas in June 2011. You can find Ilse at The Dunfield encouraging residents to get active and to participate no matter what their level of fitness or current ability.
"The Dunfield offers us a chance to be part of a community of like-minded people from all walks of life. The residents enjoy sharing their life experiences, which makes life more interesting."
