DOROTHY DOBSON

PROFILE – DOROTHY DOBSON MBE – DIRECTOR

DOROTHY DOBSON was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders. She was educated at ST. MARGARET'S SCHOOL, first when it was in Perthshire and then in Edinburgh. Following School she trained at DUNFERMLINE COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION in Aberdeen.

She taught in PEEBLESSHIRE, in the High School and the County, for three years before moving to THE HIGH SCHOOL OF DUNDEE, where she taught in the Physical Education Department from 1966 to 1974. She then moved to the UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE as Assistant Director of Physical Education The advent of mature students coming to University of Dundee to study, along with a desire to be part of the Town and Gown policy, gave an opportunity for Dorothy to develop an interest in Physical Education for the older person. Over 60’s Exercise was devised by her and classes began in Dundee in 1978.

Dorothy’s working life is now entirely devoted to the older person. In 1991 the City of Dundee named her CITIZEN OF THE YEAR in recognition of her Pioneering work in developing a fitness programme for the over 60’s and as a worthy record of her service to fellow citizens. Dorothy is now responsible for, through DD Developments, a company formed to support her work, the training of Leaders and the setting up of classes for Over 60’s Exercise. There are now 60 classes nation-wide and in any given week over 4000 men and women exercise at a DD class. There are classes in Australia (New South Wales) and as from the start of next year, two Leaders will be working in New Zealand.

Dundee was firmly put on the map as a leader in Exercise for the Elderly. Medical Research projects using class members have been an important ongoing part of class life. Ideas and exercises have been honed to suit appropriate RESEARCH findings. The classes meet the needs of people from all walks of life with a wide range of physical ability. In 2000 Dorothy was awarded an MBE. The Citation reads - For Services to Physical Education, particularly for Elderly People.

Interest in this Exercise Method has resulted in Dorothy travelling to share her expertise with colleagues throughout the UK as well as in Canada, America and Holland.