Their stories, as told through photographs they have taken, depict how their lives have changed as a result of illness.

Yarrawanga Park's John Garbutt had a stroke eight and a half years ago.

But he leads a full life, being a keen participant in City2Surf and lawn bowls competitions.

"The things I can't do or are not strong at are far outweighed by the things I can do," he said.

"I never dreamt I would be doing some of these things."

Before the stroke, Mr Garbutt had not entered the City2Surf race.

In 2009, his first year competing, he finished in six hours and 52 minutes.

Last year he did it in four hours and 43 minutes - two hours faster.

He continues to built on his strength and fitness to improve his walking ability.

Mr Garbutt's story, along with others, are on display at the John Hunter Hospital, level three, until Christmas.

¦ THROUGHOUT November The Star will look at the ageing process and how it affects your health.

The Hunter Medical Research Institute predicts that by 2056, the number of people aged 65 years and over will double from 13 to 26 per cent.

At the top of the list of health concerns for ageing Australians include obesity-related problems such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, asthma and arthritis.