Living a full life
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“I went to a few Special Olympics where I did athletics, and later on I did tenpin bowling and carpet bowls.”
Margaret Curtain
Margaret Curtain is a 76-year-old woman with Down syndrome living in Tasmania. Her sister Shelagh shares a little about her life, before we ask Margaret some questions about how she’s taken care of herself over the years.
Margaret is the eldest of seven children. She spent much of her childhood in Maydena, Tasmania, with five siblings who all attended Maydena Primary School. After her father passed away, her mother Connie moved to Hobart with Margaret and her now six siblings. There, Margaret attended Talire School in New Town.
With Margaret by her side for a lot of this time, Connie was very active in the disability space, including being a founding member of COSMOS Inc in the early 1980s. This was the first recreational service for people with disabilities in Tasmania.
Margaret enjoyed her time participating in a range of recreational activities and events at COSMOS. She was involved in Riding for the Disabled, and went tenpin bowling every Sunday. During the 1980s she participated in multiple Special Olympics, in Australia and overseas. Margaret was employed for many years at Oakdale Lodge as part of their sewing team.
Since her mum passed away in 1989, Margaret has lived in a group home, and has since retired from work.
She continues to have close contact with her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of whom are quite astounded by what Margaret has achieved over her 76 years.
She recently reached out to her local council about the state of the footpaths around her home impacting her ability to get around with her walker, and the council rectified the situation not long after!
Margaret remains socially active. Although she has had a couple of health scares this year, she has bounced back remarkably and hasn’t let these episodes stop her living life.
What things have you done to look after your mental and physical health over the years?
I eat healthy food. I walk with my walker. I like to read the paper every day so I know what’s happening with sport and politics.
I like chatting with people, especially about sport and politics.
What are your favourite activities to do now?
I like doing word finder, and reading the paper, and going out for a drive and having coffee, either with carers from the house or my brothers and sisters.
How often do you have medical and health appointments? Why are they important?
I go quite often for checkups as I have asthma. It’s important to know if anything is wrong with your health.
Who are your support people?
The carers in my group home and my family.
What are you most proud of in your life?
In 1986 I received communion from the Pope when he visited Hobart.
I went to a few Special Olympics where I did athletics, and later on I did tenpin bowling and carpet bowls.
I was part of the Speak Out Association of Tasmania, a group of people who promote the rights of disabled people.
What is your advice for other people with Down syndrome who want to look after their health?
To go out to things. Join sport groups.
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