An Irish 'supergran' who regularly cycles 20km and stands on her head during daily yoga sessions is aiming to do her first skydive - at the tender age of 83.
Age is just a number for Annette Callan whose grandchildren call her 'Supergran' and make her play in midfield with them at soccer.
The popular resident from Ardee, Co. Louth rises each day at 6.30am to fit in her exercise ahead of collecting her grandchildren from school, cooking dinners and helping with homework.
"I get up early to do some yoga before heading off on the bike for 20km four or five times a week, but I'd do more if I had the time," she said, adding: "I am busier now than I was 20 years ago.
I go out in all weathers. If it's cold, I'll heat two small potatoes in the microwave and pop them in my gloves to keep my fingers warm and off I'll go.
"I then mind five of grandchildren while my daughters are out working and I love it. The children keep me young, I hate being around complainers," she laughed.
"They'll ask me to play football with them and put me in midfield because they know I'm able for it and sometimes we will have a disco in the kitchen.
"They are not allowed any screens or phones in my house while they are here. I think life is harder for children these days because of these devices."
Annette with her family. Picture: Seamus Farrelly
Annette, who has perfect hearing and eyesight and is not on any medication, is an 'adrenalin junkie' who loves trying new things, according to her daughter Deirdre.
"In recent years she has gone jet skiing and parasailing and when we asked her what she wanted to do for her 80th birthday, she said she'd love to climb Croagh Patrick, which she did in just 90 minutes.
"She's also an amazing cook and doesn't do anything by halves. If she cooks a roast dinner, it will be home-made gravy, mashed potato, roast potato and five fresh vegetables.
"We say Mammy's house is like some kind of five-star hotel, the kitchen is always open and we can have anything we want at any time, day or night.
At her age, you think parents become somewhat dependent on their children but not mam, we are all heavily dependent on her.
"She really is a Supergran."
Showing no signs of slowing down, Annette is determined to keep up her regime for future years.
"You have to keep positive and keep going. I'm a very strong minded person and I won't let anything beat me."
Image: Annette Callan. Picture: Seamus Farrelly
