When TPC client Shirley, 84, first talked to us back in 2024, she often found it hard to find motivation to leave her home. Most outings were limited to grocery shopping or walking to meals with her husband, Mark.
That all changed one day when, during a walk with our physiotherapist Eliza, Shirley noticed some fellow residents enjoying a game of pool.
Curious — and never having played before — Shirley wondered what it might be like to give it a go. This moment sparked an idea: to set a goal that would not only get her moving more, but also open the door to new friendships and social connections.
So Shirley and Eliza set a goal:
“To play a game of pool with my physiotherapist Eliza, without needing to sit down due to knee pain.”
Why this goal mattered
For Shirley, this wasn’t just about learning a new game. It was about proving to herself that she could enjoy a social activity independently, without relying on her husband. It gave her the chance to connect with others, build confidence, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
The journey to the table
Reaching the pool table itself was no small feat. At first, Shirley found the walk there from her unit tiring and would become short of breath. But with daily walks and steady encouragement, she gradually built up her stamina.
In her sessions with Eliza, Shirley worked on building her strength and balance, so that she could move more confidently without her walking frame. Over eight weeks, Shirley’s determination shone through, and before long, she was playing full games of pool during her physiotherapy sessions, laughing and chatting with other residents along the way.
The winning shot
By the time Shirley smashed her goal, she wasn’t just a beginner anymore, she had become quite the skilled pool player! She often mentioned how good it felt to walk confidently to the table, stay on her feet during a full game, and enjoy the buzz of conversation with her new friends. Eliza recalls arriving at sessions and finding Shirley already waiting, cue in hand, eager to play.
“I was really proud of Shirley’s perseverance,” says Eliza. “She’d been struggling to find motivation to move her body every day, and seeing her not only improve her fitness but also make new friendships was so rewarding.”
Shirley’s story is a wonderful reminder of the power of meaningful goals, and how sometimes, the smallest sparks of curiosity can lead to the most memorable achievements!
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The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat! Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]


