Why Anne refuses to slow down at 80 years young

Anne Galloway laughs when she admits she’s still getting used to saying she’s 80.

“It happened a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t like to admit it at first,” she says with a smile.

Beyond the milestone birthday, though, very little has changed. The Roma cattle farmer still helps run the family business, still heads off on hiking adventures with friends whenever she can, still squeezes in Pilates and regular walks, and still believes the best investment anyone can make is in their own health.

“Nothing magically changes,” she says.

“I know I’m much better mentally when I’m physically active and on the go.”

It’s a philosophy that’s taken her from the Queensland bush to the Mornington Peninsula, India and, if all goes to plan, Sri Lanka next year.

Not bad for someone who insists she’s no athlete.

Discovering hiking later in life

Like many people on the land, Anne spent decades putting work first. Running cattle didn’t leave much room for hiking holidays.

Only after she and her husband downsized their operation did she begin discovering walking trips that combined beautiful scenery with good food, good company and just enough challenge.

One of those discoveries was GirlsTrek, the Australian women-only hiking company founded by Frith Hudson Graham. Its small-group adventures blend guided walks with local food, wine and unique regional experiences, allowing travellers to simply turn up, lace up their boots and enjoy the journey without worrying about organising every detail.

“Two or three nights is a really good length,” Anne says. “Long enough to feel like you’ve had a break, but still manageable when you’ve got a business to run.”

One of her favourite escapes was a three-night GirlsTrek adventure on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

“It was just fantastic,” she says. “We did beautiful walks, visited restaurants and wineries. It suited everyone, and the experience was made even better by the two guides leading the trip. They worked together so well and were just lovely people, I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough.”

More than just a walking holiday

Anne isn’t alone.

GirlsTrek founder Frith Hudson Graham says women over 50 have become one of the company’s fastest-growing groups, with many looking for much more than a holiday.

“Independent travel is great until you want to go out for dinner, and then you’re on your own,” Hudson Graham says.

“On the trail it’s incredible how quickly strangers become friends. Women share their stories, encourage each other and leave with genuine friendships.”

GirlsTrek now offers guided adventures throughout Australia and overseas, with groups typically limited to 12 women. Some itineraries focus on leisurely walks paired with great food and wine, while others tackle more challenging terrain in destinations including New Zealand, Peru and Mongolia.

For Anne, however, it’s the friendships that linger long after the hiking boots are packed away.

“Our gym group goes away each year on a little hiking trip and it’s always a highlight,” she says.

“The main thing is to keep moving and stay connected.”

She believes staying connected is every bit as important as staying physically active.

“If you isolate yourself, it’s not good. You’ve got to keep up with your girlfriends, your husband, your family – just keep doing things with people,” Anne points out.

“You pick up so much extra information and support that way. Whatever you need to know, usually someone has a solution.”

Her husband has never had any issue with Anne heading away on adventures.

“We’ve always had a fairly independent life,” she says. “If it doesn’t interest him, that suits him fine.”

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Her advice is beautifully simple

Anne doesn’t pretend she’s discovered some secret formula for ageing well. If anything, she thinks people often overcomplicate it. She worries Australians are surrounded by heavily processed food and endless temptation, remembering her own battle with weight as a teenager.

“Stay fit and eat well,” she says.

“I never want to get like that again. So for me, it’s about getting back to good, natural food that isn’t heavily processed and not overdoing all the extras.”

She isn’t talking about marathon running or punishing workouts either, because for her, healthy ageing can be as simple as a daily walk, a Pilates class or spending time outdoors.

“I’ve never imagined a life where I wasn’t moving,” she says. “I love being out in the fresh air and in nature.”

So what would she tell another woman in her 60s, 70s or even 80s who thinks she’s left it too late? Anne doesn’t hesitate.

“Start small, but start,” she says. “You don’t have to do anything extreme – try a short walk, a gentle class or a two- or three-night trip with a supportive group.”

Then comes the line that perfectly sums up the way she’s chosen to live her life.

“While you can move,” she says, “just keep moving.”

Find out more: GirlsTrek offers guided small-group hiking adventures for women across Australia and overseas, catering for everyone from first-time walkers to experienced hikers.