LIFE STYLE COVERSATIONS. Gwen and Peg revisited.

It’s time to revisit the lifestyles of Peg and Gwen aged 91 and 92 years young.

Song – Frank Sinatra ‘That’s Life’

In December 2023 I shared an interview (blog post Dec 31) about two lovely ladies Peg and Gwen, both born in 1933 and now aged 92 and 91 years young. Both are from the Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1945). Both Peg and Gwen aspire to live to be Centenarians. I recently had a conversation with both these lovely ladies to see how they were going since we last spoke.

PEG

Peg – “I was going really well. In March 2024 I flew up on my own to Brisbane. I visited my son and his wife and my triplet grandchildren.

I love going up there – I adore being with the triplets they’re 8 now, full of energy but each so different. But they all love snuggles in bed.

Late last year I slipped in my kitchen. I broke three ribs and was in a lot of pain. I ended up in hospital for 7 weeks and needed a lot of rehab. I really wanted to go back home but I realised that was not possible. I now need a walker to move around safely.

My family found a lovely aged care facility not far from where I live. I am gradually settling in, it’s different but everyone is caring and I have made some lovely new friends.

The food is good, I can have breakfast in my room if I want but usually get up and go to the meals room.

There is a cafe and lovely outdoor area where I can take family and friends who come to visit.

I still get taken out often by family and friends. I have friends who pick me up each week and take me to watch tennis where I used to play. I love watching the tennis and meeting up with the girls. There are also plenty of organised activities and outings which I enjoy being involved in.

I particularly like the arts and crafts here. I have taken up painting and colouring. Its good for my brain.

My mum lived to 100, she was accepting when she needed to move into aged care when she was 97. I am grateful that I have been able to live independently for so long. I still plan to live to 100 but only if I can get around and still do many things for myself.”

GWEN

Gwen – “I was living in a retirement village. It was nice, I had some good friends but my daughter suggested I move in with her.

I thought that was a great idea . My grandchildren and great grandchildren live close to my daughter and I would get to see them more often.

Being with my daughter I get lovely home cooked meals. The food was nice in the retirement place but just not like home cooked food. My diet is good.

I will still be able to see my friends and I now have a new dachshund named Luna, she’s a little dog and loves to curl up on my lap. I like to take her for short walks, she loves to be outside. That’s good for me to get outside into the fresh air and gives me some exercise.

I like watching the game shows and news on TV. I try and answer the game show questions before the contestant.

I have been fairly well other than having Vertigo. It’s a bit scary when it happens, I need to be really careful that I don’t fall when I get up. That’s when I feel dizzy, when I have been lying down in bed and get up. The doctor said to always sit on the side of the bed for a minute before I start to move around. That’s something everyone should be doing as you get older.

I still hope to live to be a Centenarian. Three of my brothers lived well into their 90’s. One brother nearly made it to 100, he was 99 when he passed away.

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It was lovely to catch up with both ladies and to see how well and happy they are on their road to becoming Centenarians.

They are both looking after themselves through exercise, good diet and positive social interactions. Having a companion pet and learning a new skill is great for their cognitive health too.

And great advise from Gwen. Take your time when getting out of bed. As Peg found out it is so easy to have a fall and a long slow recovery. Thankfully Peg has made a great recovery!

So it seems like we can learn a lot from these lovely role models. I know I will. I Hope you can too!

Till next time ‘Keep on Rocking and Rolling’

Kim