Age little challenge for Hilda

Her warm disposition and eagerness to share her story can be felt from the other side of the phone.

Despite needing a walker to help get around, it is hard to believe that Parkwood resident Hilda Little is 97 years old.

Born on April 11, 1918, in England, Mrs Little moved to Australia in 1965 and has lived in Parkwood for about 20 years.

Three days a week you will find the mother of four, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of eight making a splash at Goodlife Health Club in Cannington.

For close to five years, swimming at the club has been part of her morning routine.

"I've always loved swimming. I've been doing it since I left school," Mrs Little said.

"I've got some wonderful friends at the pool. Getting out of bed at 7am and putting on a swimsuit isn't easy, but Im used to it " you make the effort."

Over the past nine decades, Mrs Little has had her fair share of challenges and triumphs.

"I had a good upbringing," she said. "As a mother of four kids, it was a struggle, especially during and after the war because my husband went to fight " he was in the navy, but you manage."

Her husband, Ken, died just over 20 years ago. He was a teacher at Perth Modern School.

With only three years until she turns 100, Mrs Little has her fingers crossed she will get to celebrate the milestone.

"I better look after myself and stay on this planet for a little longer," she said. "Oh, Ill celebrate turning 100 make no mistake."

But, Mrs Little is aware that people make mistakes and circumstances change, which is why her advice is to take life as it comes.

"When you get a problem, you solve it, you move on," she said. "My philosophy is thank the Lord you can put your feet out of bed and carry on."