BlueCross Celebrate Their Supercentenarian

A supercentenarian is someone who has lived to 110, and according to research, is a feat only achieved by about 1 in 1,000 people. 

On the 5th January 2016, Mrs Marjorie Cooke, from BlueCross Cresthaven in Malvern East will achieved this incredible milestone and in doing so, will join only a couple of hundred people worldwide.

It is a record not yet seen at BlueCross, where thousands of birthdays are celebrated every year, including dozens of 100ths. Mrs Cooke holds a number of records at BlueCross; she is the oldest resident not only at Cresthaven, but in BlueCross’ 23 aged care homes. She also holds the honour of having lived in a BlueCross home for the longest period of time, at 17 years.

For Mrs Cooke’s small birthday party, she ensured Biddy, a Lifestyle Assistant, was on the select list. Biddy has worked at Cresthaven since Marjorie’s arrival in 1998, and the two have formed a special friendship.

Cresthaven accommodates only 45 people, and Mrs Cooke’s sons, 84 year old Lyell and 71 year old John, have valued the staff and sense of community it has offered. “They have really been like a second family to Mum, and I am really grateful to them for the care and attention they have given her.” said Lyell.

Residence Manager at Cresthaven, Kendra Daly, marvels at Mrs Cooke’s strength and sense of humour, “Marjorie has lived here since I began working at Cresthaven in 2001, and is an important part of the family here. People’s ages are really only acknowledged at birthdays, we work more with what our residents can do and wish to do. ”

Mrs Cooke’s fondest memories, besides her two sons, is the travelling she did on three international trips in the 1950s and 60s, visiting Europe, the USA, Lebanon, Persia, Iran and Pakistan. As for the biggest changes she has observed? The transition from gas streetlights to electricity. Mrs Cooke credits her longevity to having a positive attitude.

Click here to find out more about BlueCross's aged care services.