Keeping active is her fitness secret

At 91, Daisy Caddoo has more energy than many people half her age. She's an athlete, community volunteer and good neighbor.

SUN CITY CENTER - Few people played tennis at the Sun City Center Golf Course when Daisy Caddoo became a member of the retirement community in 1976.

The four courts were in disrepair and part of private property. Caddoo, however, was able to get permission for herself and a few friends to use the courts at no charge. As the number of players increased, Caddoo asked officials of the Sun City Center Community Association for funds to build courts for all residents.

"There were 30 or 40 of us forming a tennis club, so we asked if the association would loan us money to build four courts. I don't remember the amount, but they loaned us the money and we built some courts. We paid back every dime, too. Now we have 10 soft courts, well maintained I might add, and around 260 members of the Sun City Center Tennis Club."

Caddoo, 91, is also a breast cancer survivor. She says she refuses to let age limit her physical activity. Twice a week she plays tennis with friends and three times a week she participates in an exercise program.

Caddoo and her husband Charles moved to Florida 29 years ago from Milton, Mass. Her husband was an avid golfer, but wanted to diversify his activities.

"Neither of us played much tennis at all in Massachusetts," she said. "But it was something we both enjoyed. But now it is just me and I am still involved in tennis, my church, the breast cancer support group and a few other things."

The Caddoos were married 64 years. Charles died four years ago at 87. They have two sons, Robert and William. Each summer Caddoo goes to Maine to spend time with her family, then returns in the fall.

During her battle with breast cancer, she helped form the support group at SCC. That was 11 years ago. Before the cancer, Caddoo swam in competitions with the SCC swimming club; she had to give that up after part of her lung was removed during surgery.

"Because of all my activity and exercise, my doctor says I have a healthy heart," she said. "I had a fall in my kitchen a while back, hurting my knee and back, but I am active now and still enjoying life.

"I love my community and have the greatest neighbors. I have been thinking about helping as a volunteer in the SCC Emergency Squad. Maybe I will do that next. It is a good way to help my neighbors."

- If you know of someone in your community or a neighbor who would make a good profile candidate for our Faces column, please send information to Terry Jones, c/o Seniority, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.

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