If you get to the glorious age of 97-years chances are you can lay claim to being the first person to have achieved 'something'.
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Take Betty MacKinnon for instance - she has two claims to fame.
Betty was the oldest person under the care of orthopedic surgeon, Johan Le Roux and patient at Forster Private Hospital to have received a hip replacement.
For the first time in more than five years Betty is pain free and looking forward to resuming her relatively active lifestyle.
"I was in a lot of pain; it was hell," Betty said.
"There was nothing that could help ease the pain."
Betty was almost forced into making the decision to have the risky (for her age) procedure after a fall earlier this year.
"I knew I was falling but I couldn't stop."
And, while she was lucky no bones were broken, an x-ray showed a ball joint had completely disintegrated which could lead to complete immobility.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a result of pushing a walker for many years, also has forced Betty to give away painting.
As a result of the condition, which leads to weakness and pain in fingers, she was often unable to control the paint brush, which would often fall out of her hands.
However, she has continued to hold exhibitions and raise money for pancreatic cancer research, a condition which claimed her daughter's life.
An artist of some note, Betty has exhibited in London, Paris and New York and is a past president of the Lake Street Gallery in Forster.
Her artistic talents expanded to the needle and thread, embroidery, knitting and playing the piano, while in the sporting arena, Betty played tennis and golf - until she was 87 years - and ten pin bowling where she shone as a NSW champion.
Betty had planned to have a hip replacement many years ago, however the retirement of her orthopedic surgeon and nursing her ailing husband put that on hold.
Following the death of husband Ian two years ago, Betty sold her Forster Keys home and with 77-year-old son Bob move to Golden Ponds.
Betty returned home on Monday, March 30 following a seven week stay at Forster Private Hospital
Forster Hospital rehabilitation medicine registrar, Melissa McCarney explained Betty's long stay was due to the fact she was admitted for "prehab" to optimise her medically and improve her strength and condition prior to surgery, as well as intensive rehab program post operation to ensure her safety on discharge home.
"Betty responded very well to her procedure, incredible for someone of her age," Dr McCarney said.
"She was very determined not to let this set her back and wanted to continue an active lifestyle.
"Betty worked really hard with the doctors and allied health team at Forster Private, we couldn't be prouder of her."
She will continued her treatment at home via the hospital's telehealth service in conjunction with her usual physiotherapist.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
