The former Australian cricketer, Melbourne footballer and television personality was in Ferntree Gully last week to launch Knox Council's Healthy Ageing Strategic Plan.

The plan outlines ways to help senior Knox residents enjoy active, healthy and independent lives by encouraging positive approaches to ageing.

Mr Walker spoke of the highs and lows of his life, not only as a professional sportsman, but also as the long-running host of Channel Nine's Wide World of Sports, a prolific author and public speaker.

Now 60, Mr Walker said it was up to the individual as to how they lived their life. He said he still kept physically active between his numerous speaking engagements around the country.

When Mr Walker found himself sacked from Channel Nine some years ago, it was important that he remained positive, he said.

"It could be you are no longer employed or something happens in your family, events happen, and can change your circumstances with no notice sometimes. What you shouldn't do is jump into anything.

"What it does give you is breathing space or thinking space that you might not have had before. It's an opportunity to reassess or re-imagine where your life may go. Make it happen."

The plan was launched at U3A Knox, which offers a range of courses for retired people over the age of 45.

The group has over 900 members.

President Cath Brown said it was vital that older people in the community remained active. "You've got to have a reason to get up in the morning."