Her swing might not be the same as it was 26 years ago, but 90-year-old Margaret Shields can still make a run for the ball when playing a game of tennis.

Taking up the sport at age 64 – Margaret now 90 – still enjoys getting out on the turf and plays at the Otumoetai Tennis Club two times a week. 'I'd had a dabble at tennis in Auckland and I quite enjoyed it,” says Margaret. 'I didn't think I was very much good but it was fun and I went along to Otumoetai Tennis Club to see if I'd be allowed to play, and that was fine – everybody was welcoming.”

Reflecting on her tennis highlights, Margaret says playing interclub for the Otumoetai club 18 years ago stands out for her. 'The Otumoetai club suggested I play interclub – I didn't think I was good enough for that but I'm always ready to give it a go.”

Watching the 'big players” at Auckland's ASB Tennis Arena during this time, Margaret says this was 'a motivation to see what you could do” with tennis.

However, Margaret says playing tennis now at age 90 is a 'little frustrating”, compared to playing at 64 and her interclub days. 'The strength goes out of your arm.” She adds: 'I would like to give my opposition a decent game and I can't do that anymore.”

Although she can't get that same rev behind the racket, Margaret remains quick on her feet. 'I can still run, which has always been the main point of my tennis. I could get to whatever shot came over because I could run,” says Margaret, who attributes her speedy steps as a result of chasing after her two sons as a mum.

Margaret believes staying active throughout life is very important. 'You've got to get out amongst people.” She encourages other older people to get out there and join any type of club. 'Mix with people and talk to people – that keeps you going forever because I find it exciting learning about other people and what they do.”

A true patron and proud member of her tennis club, Margaret says: 'Of all the clubs I've been a member of, Otumoetai would take the top. They're just so welcoming and happy, and it's just great fun – and whatever happens when I can't manage anymore, I'll be going along there for coffee time.”