It’s not every day you have the chance to blow out 100 candles. But that’s exactly what a trio of Mercy Health aged care home residents recently did as they proudly joined Australia’s elite club of centenarians.
In Geelong, Mercy Place Rice Village resident Joyce Thetford celebrated her 100th birthday on 18 March. Joyce describes growing up in Hampton, Victoria, as idyllic, after moving from dreary England in her early life. ‘I loved to play hockey and tennis in school, but my true passion was dressmaking. I went to a technical school in my early 20’s to learn the art and then went on to teach at McCabe Academy where I met my husband,’ Joyce said.
‘I love that I can continue to enjoy crafts at Mercy Place Rice Village with many craft sessions every week including sewing, embroidery, knitting and beading,’ she says.
When reflecting on what helped her reach the centenarian, Joyce reflects on her secret ingredient. ‘My secret to a good life is looking after yourself, growing your own vegetables, being active and maybe a nip of green ginger wine sometimes!’ Joyce said.
Irene Hardener, resident of Mercy Place Montrose in Melbourne’s east has no shortage of friends, children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, who were keen to celebrate her 100th birthday on 21 March.
An active member of the war services and a keen world traveller, Irene is certainly not lacking in life experience and often reflects on her journey to 100. ‘We had the most wonderful times travelling around the world. Japan, Canada and France were my favourites,’ Irene said.
During this Amoris Laetitia Family Year (2021-2022), which commemorates five years since the publication of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetita, the Holy Father has encouraged the Church to take a new look at the beauty of the family, encouraging the community to commit itself to safeguarding the precious and delicate familial bonds between children, parents and grandparents.
Pope Francis has also stressed the importance of pastoral care of the elderly, a priority that he says can no longer be postponed by any Christian community. In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis says that we must treasure the spiritual and human wealth that has been handed down from generation to generation.
‘We need these bonds to live and to live well, to make humanity more fraternal,’ he says
Further out in Victoria’s Western Districts, Mercy Place Colac resident Les Trigg also turned 100 on 23 March and marked the occasion on Zoom, somewhat unconventional for the former army Cobber but to be expected in these days of the pandemic.
To support in the celebrations, Seniors Victoria shared a video presentation that helped Les share this big milestone and his life story with his friends, family, residents, and staff, all with the assistance of technology.
This piece has been adapted from Mercy Health news
