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Getting Crafty at 102; Happy Birthday Mary

on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Being healthy, physically active and socially engaged throughout our life has many benefits, especially as you grow older. However, it is common to hear these days of old age not beginning until after your 80th birthday – almost 20 years later than previous generations believed.

And with this, more and more people are celebrating their 100th birthday. Southern Cross Care celebrated Mary's 102nd birthday at Oaklands Park Lodge Residential Care Centre this month.

Thanks to the healthier and more active lifestyle messages, awareness campaigns and a general understanding of growing older and their needs, people are staying younger longer.

"Young at heart" has been given new meaning.

Mary is still very active at 102 years old. She attends the Centre's exercise group, 'Move & Groove', three times a week, continues to walk about four times a day and plays Bingo. Each Wednesday fortnight morning Mary takes a bus trip to The Pines Residential Care for Mass Service. She does this as she made friends when living there independently and loves to catch up with her friends.

Keeping people social and active needs dedicated focus and this becomes the role of Southern Cross Care's lifestyle coordinators. Understanding the diverse range of social, emotional, spiritual and psychological needs of residents is just one way they can ensure the programs are individualised and person-centred, while allowing residents to continue to enjoy independence, dignity and privacy.

Mental ‘fitness’ is equally important as physical fitness. Many older people still live alone and can miss out on social interaction (unless they are involved in community programs of course). Southern Cross Care residential care centres are a hive of activity, particularly when celebrating milestones. And, especially when that person has been active and social all her life!

On the day of Mary's 102nd birthday celebration she received a visit from two ladies from the local Marion Bunnings Store to hand her flowers and a gift of thanks. While her brother joked and teased, "She hadn't been a customer for years", she has been a social group craft activity member with them every month when they come.

The Bunning’s representative said on the day "It’s such a wonderful birthday milestone to help celebrate, she is a great participant in our monthly craft group, we had to come along and wish her a happy birthday."

Bunnings are committed to participating in the communities in which they operate and run regular fun craft activity sessions at the Oaklands Park Residential Care Centre.

They explain, "Workshops are tailored for the needs of each community group and can include gardening, craft, woodwork, water and energy saving activities."

Putting your heart and soul into ensuring another’s life remains healthy and active can be fun but hard work, as well as being very rewarding. A lifestyle coordinator’s day may consist of liaising with colleagues, students, volunteers, relatives and friends of residents. The duties are integral to the happiness and well-being of Southern Cross Care's residents.

Happy 102nd Birthday Mary!

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