Let’s meet Thelma.
Thelma is 100 years young, born 30th June, 1926. She was born into the Greatest Generation (those born between 1901 and 1927). Growing up in the 1930’s, this generation experienced intense economic hardship during their formative years which gave them an inbuilt mindset of ‘waste not, want not’. As young adults, they fought in World War 11 or worked the home front to support the war effort – a generation who didn’t see themselves as heroic, but rather just doing what needed to be done. Afterward, they helped build the strong modern infrastructure we enjoy today. Thelma herself was a young women during WW11. At 18, she was called up by MANPOWER to work in a local industry, but because she was needed in her father’s hardware business she was granted an exemption.
Later, Thelma was married for 61 years, raising three children and welcoming 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
I recently sat down for a lifestyle conversation with Thelma. This is her story.
Song: Glen Millar- ‘In the Mood’
“My name is Thelma Marks, my maiden name was Young.
I was born in Marrickville and when I was three I moved to Guilford where I lived for a large part of my life. Life was simple we spent hours outside playing games like hide and seek, marbles, hopscotch and tree climbing. Over the years I watched Guildford grow from a country town into a post-war housing suburb filled with brick or fibro cottages.
When I was 13, I met Allan Marks. He was 9 years older than me and one of our favourite things to do was go ice skating at the Hall of Industries at the Sydney Show Ground. Of course, my mother always came along as a chaperone! We were married when I was 21 and shared 61 wonderful years together before Allan passed away at the age of 90. I never remarried or had another partner after him. Together we raised three children, Gay, Kerry and Scott.
Throughout the years Allan and I travelled to some lovely places including Fiji, New Zealand and within Australia. We had a weekender at Booker Bay and a boat. Fishing was a favourite pastime of ours, and we would often enjoy freshly caught fish even for breakfast! It was a happy, simple life. In October 1979 we moved from Guildford to Point Clare on the Central Coast. I still live here today. I like it, its close to family and my sister lives only a few doors away.
I think my diet, exercise and life style have all helped me live a long life. I have always eaten mostly home cooked meals, lots of fruit and vegetables along with salmon, chicken and lamb. I only occasionally eat out, my favourite treats are Thai food or fish and chips!
I have always led an active life. Growing up it was walking, tennis, vigaro, ballet, tap dancing and ice skating. I also always enjoyed gardening and aerobics. I starting physical culture at 60 and continued tap dancing until I was 80! I really like the motto ‘ Keep it moving’ . It is so important for your overall health to just keep moving.
Music has always been a big part of my life. I loved it from the time I was a young girl learning ballet and tap dancing. My favourite style is big band music like Glen Miller-‘In the Mood’ and ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’. My favourite all time song though is ‘Blue Danube Waltz’. I also love music of the 1940’s and 50’s as well as artists like Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Roy Orbison.
Over the years, I learnt to play the piano, violin and organ and I still sometimes play the keyboard. In 1975, we bought a pianola; that was great entertainment and provided a lot of fun for the whole family.
I think its so important to keep your brain active, too. I really enjoy reading- especially non fiction, adventure or crime stories as well as listening to music, painting and crochet. I also often do puzzles and crosswords to stay sharp. Lately, I have a favourite show I like to watch on YouTube ‘ Shahdag Mountains’. It’s about a peaceful, rustic, traditional lifestyle and outdoor cooking and it is so relaxing to watch. There is no loud music just the sounds of nature and the sounds of outdoor cooking.
I feel very lucky that I have mostly enjoyed good health throughout my life. I’ve only ever been to hospital once, and apart from some bouts of asthma, I am in good health at the moment. I’ve never had a fall although I do use a walker or a walking stick to get around.
I truly think eating well, never smoking and keeping active are keys to a long life. I like to have a small sherry or ginger wine at night, and the occasional glass of wine at a celebration. I believe alcohol is ok in moderation.
I am so grateful to have lived such a long life. I often wonder why but maybe its because so many people around me have also lived long lives. My husband Allan, lived to 90, and my mother reached 96. My brother, Reg, lived to 90, my best friend lived to be over 100, and my sister, Shirley is still going well at 92.
My advise to younger people is simple: eat well, exercise, don’t smoke, try not to worry, keep socialising and drink in moderation. I feel concerned about some things in the future for younger generations – such as climate change, wars and how difficult it is these days to own your one home.
I have had a wonderful life and would not have changed a thing. My family helps me out now with chores, cooking and taking me out but my purpose in life now is simple, to be happy and stay well. Every Sunday afternoon we have a family gathering at my place. I look forward to that each week. It is such a happy time, being surrounded by my family and friends. That’s what I love, that is truly what keeps me going.”
Song: Strauss – ‘Blue Danube Waltz’
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````“It was a great pleasure and inspiration to meet Thelma . What a wonderful role model she is for anyone who aspires to live a long life and potentially become a centenarian. Thelma’s energy and zest for life are amazing. Her story shows us that to live a long life, there are some key elements: diet, exercise, staying social, keeping your brain active, and having a purpose are all integral aspects of longevity.
Thank you, Thelma, for that insight to your amazing 100 years and best wishes for many more years of good health and happiness.”