DOLLY THE CENTENARIAN

Dolly the Centenarian

A narrative

Song “Hello Dolly” – Louis Armstrong

I had the privilege to have known one Centenarian. Her name was Elizabeth, born in December of 1902, however she was known to her friends as Dolly. Dolly was of Irish descent, a small frame and about 152 centimetres in height. In her younger days Dolly was a dressmaker and had her own business.

Dolly was married for over 70 years and had two daughters. Dolly didn’t have a drivers license and walking was an integral part of her life. She regularly played tennis and when retired played lawn bowls. Dolly’s husband was an avid gardener and ‘in season’ fresh vegetables were a part of their daily diet. Freshly made hearty soups in winter and salads in summer were staples.

Dolly was a very organised person. The table was set at night ready for a hearty, healthy, breakfast and laid out with jams, vegemite, containers of oats, wheat germ, and bran flakes. Hot meals were bubble and squeak made from left over vegetables, savoury mince or cooked tomato and onion with eggs.

Dolly was kind to everyone and had a happy easy-going personality. She had two favourite adages “MOVE WITH THE TIMES” and “EVERYTHING IN MODERATION”. She loved being with family and friends and enjoyed a good time. Her party trick was to stand on a table and sing her signature song ” HELLO DOLLY”.

Dolly had a beautiful sunroom which was adorned with indoor plants. It was a comfortable area to relax in, read and chat. Happy hour was a regular part of the day, always at 4pm and always in the sunroom. In summer it was homemade beer and in cooler weather sherry or port. Dolly would relax with a drink while dinner was cooking.

Dolly always looked immaculate and took pride in her appearance. She had a beauty routine that included always running cool water on her skin after a hot bath or shower. Her skin was flawless. Ponds cold cream and Oil of Ulan were her face creams, applied in a special way with hands crossed and thumbs massaging the cream in an outward motion which she said was to remove wrinkles.

At age 80 she and her husband moved to a self-care retirement village self care, right near the beach. She continued to play bowls, joined social groups playing euchre and hoy and on fine days took a walk to the beach.

At 93 when her husband became ill they both moved into an assisted living apartment within the complex. Meals were provided and assistance with showering and dressing if needed. Dolly was independent and could look after herself. At aged 96 her husband was moved into high needs aged care within the complex. Dolly accepted that they would be separated but each day she walked to visit her husband. She would read to him, do his hair and hold his hand. Sadly her beloved Frank passed away soon after.

Dolly got on with her life playing cards, crocheting, and enjoying visits and outings with family and friends. In school holidays she would meet her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the park for a picnic. She would bring freshly cut fruit in little parcels, wrapped in grease proof paper. The young children loved it.

At age 99 a terrible accident occurred. A wardrobe fell on her when she climbed on a chair to reach the top. This resulted in a long hospital stay and her needing a walking frame. After another fall, she was no longer ambulant. No longer active, she began to decline. Although she was still cognisant that she had visitors, she struggled with her speech. On her 100th birthday, family and friends celebrated with Dolly. Her signature song “Hello Dolly” was played for her and she waved her hands to the music. Sadly Dolly passed away 13 days after her 100th birthday.

Dolly had a happy, healthy, active life and lived by her adages. Her adages have been passed down through the family generations. Hopefully by following in Dolly’s footsteps her family and anyone reading this narrative will also aspire to live towards becoming a happy, healthy Centenarian.

What Can We Learn from Dolly’s 100 Years of Life

• Dolly had an active life, always playing sport like tennis and later lawn bowls. This was a source of not only great physical exercise, but also a social hobby where Dolly met many friends.
• Dolly had a healthy diet throughout her life. She stuck by her adage of “everything in moderation” which meant that while food was based around healthy vegetables, fruits and home-cooked meals, she also enjoyed a treat on occasion.
• Dolly took time out to relax. She had many hobbies, especially her indoor plants and crocheting. She could spend hours happily creating beautiful knitted clothes, furnishings and gifts.
• Dolly had a happy disposition. She was rarely cross (even with cheeky grandchildren!) She embraced new experiences with a smile and an open mind.
• Dolly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved a chat and could tell a great story to anyone who would listen.

My next post will be about the Acronym DEBS – Diet, Exercise, Balance and Stress Management.

Keep Rocking and Rolling ’till next time!

Kim