Age is no barrier to staying in your home
Living independently at any age is possible with a bit of help. We meet two centenarians who prove it.
Like most people, Len and Jean want to stay living in their homes surrounded by much-loved memories, furnishings and photographs. Despite each living on their own, they offer no shortage of good humour and resilience, as they share their stories of living a long and full life.
Each saves a lovely dose of gratitude, too, for the families that love and support them now and in the past.
Be inspired by these centenarians proving age and regional distances are no barrier to independence and enjoyment in their community.
Len, 101 years of age – Tasmania
With a keen interest in Formula One car racing, Len stays up late so he doesn’t miss a moment of the high-speed action on television. It’s Len’s vast general knowledge and love of all sports that keeps his mind sharp, which is particularly impressive, considering he is turning 102 in August.
Named Charles at birth but affectionately called Len, this centenarian is fortunate to have the unwavering support of his children, Christine, John and Stephanie, who live nearby.
Born in the UK, Len joined the merchant navy as a radio officer at the age of 17. During World War II, he survived many treacherous convoys, transporting essential supplies to countries around the world and now bears the scars of shrapnel wounds on his legs.
Named Charles at birth but affectionately called Len, this centenarian is fortunate to have the unwavering support of his children, Christine, John and Stephanie, who live nearby.
Born in the UK, Len joined the merchant navy as a radio officer at the age of 17. During World War II, he survived many treacherous convoys, transporting essential supplies to countries around the world and now bears the scars of shrapnel wounds on his legs.
Len and his late wife Renee moved to Tasmania in 1967 with their four children. Their brood grew to eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Until recently, Len could be spotted riding his bicycle along the beach, closely followed by his loyal old dog, Blackie. While he now uses a walker, Len tries to stay as active as possible, scouting for fresh adventures – even a ride in the car to see some new scenery.
“He is a much-loved character and is a treasure to all his extended family and friends,” said his Support Worker Caroline.
“He has always loved adventures – travel, sailing, exploring and playing sport. He even has a mini golf course in his garden and generally beats his support workers, much to their surprise. With my help and using his walker, we venture outside to feed his three goldfish which he has trained to come up to the surface of the pond to eat from his hand."
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Jean, 101 years – New South Wales
Jean’s secret to living a long, happy and healthy life is fairly simple: “Keep busy, laugh lots, knit, and have a couple of schooners of cold Great Northern on a Friday."
Jean turned 101 years old in March and still lives independently at her home in regional New South Wales which was built by her late husband's father.
Jean turned 101 years old in March and still lives independently at her home in regional New South Wales which was built by her late husband's father.
Married for 49 years, Jean cherishes the memories of her late husband Bill. She adores her son, also named Bill, her two grandchildren and three great grandchildren who visit regularly.
The centenarian has always maintained a fairly active lifestyle, recalling how she celebrated her 21st birthday as a cook in the Airforce and later worked as a machinist in a handkerchief factory.
“Until recently, I would go for walks every day, sometimes twice a day,” Jean said. “Now I need my walker to get around, but I like to keep myself busy.”
The centenarian has always maintained a fairly active lifestyle, recalling how she celebrated her 21st birthday as a cook in the Airforce and later worked as a machinist in a handkerchief factory.
“Until recently, I would go for walks every day, sometimes twice a day,” Jean said. “Now I need my walker to get around, but I like to keep myself busy.”
Jean has just finished knitting an intricate coloured scarf for a dear friend, thanking her mother for teaching her the craft before the age of 10.
“We all learned how to knit and we were raised with a pack of cards in our hands because we lived in the country and there wasn’t much to do.”
“I still play cards. I meet up with a good friend every Friday and we play cards and have two schooners of beer. That’s our treat.”
“We all learned how to knit and we were raised with a pack of cards in our hands because we lived in the country and there wasn’t much to do.”
“I still play cards. I meet up with a good friend every Friday and we play cards and have two schooners of beer. That’s our treat.”