Australians are living longer than ever, but reaching 100 is still a rare feat. With four centenarians calling BlueCare Dicky Beach home, perhaps Caloundra has uncovered its own Blue Zone secret: sunshine, sea air and the good life.
What an absolute privilege and pleasure it was to sit down and chat with four amazing women, all of whom have led long and interesting lives.
Residents at Dicky Beach Blue Care Aged Care Facility, Merle Williams (104), Joyce Helmstedt (101), Rose Smith (99) and Jean Bullic (99), are a wonderfully lively and entertaining group.
Despite their very different backgrounds and personalities, they have clearly formed close bonds with each other. We asked them to share just a few of their memories, highlights and pearls of wisdom for the benefit of our readers, and they all had plenty to offer.
Memorable moments such as weddings and the births of their children were a common thread, but the intense relief and joy that followed the Depression and the end of World War II, with all its hardships and dangers, were also real standouts.
For Jean, formerly from the UK, VE Day remains particularly vivid.
“I was 13 years of age when World War II broke out, which meant I was 18 when VE Day came. The blackout was over, cars were running again and we could move. We could start to live, and I think that was the happiest day of my life.”
Her comment brought much nodding and agreement from the group, along with memories of rationing and using mosquito netting for post-war debutante frocks when no taffeta could be found. They also recalled troops training in Caloundra or coming over from Bribie, which apparently ensured a “whale of a time”, according to Rose.
Of the group, Rose has been a Caloundra resident the longest, having spent 91 years of her life here after her family moved to the area when she was eight. Her father opened a hairdressing salon, and Rose has vivid memories of the daily ride from Bulcock Street up Lighthouse Hill and all the way around to school.
“We’d come home, have something to eat, then go down for a swim,” she recalled.
She met her husband, Robert, at school when they were in the same class, though she assures us they did not start dating until she was 16! They were married for more than 50 years and, although he has now been gone for 26 years, she happily recalls the many places they visited together. Rose continued travelling afterwards with a friend.
All four lovely ladies were very happy to share the many interests that remain undiminished in their later years, including music, television, indoor bowls and a little flutter on the pokies. They are well catered for at the residence, with exercise, dancing, a garden club and a newly established book group.
Each firmly believes in the benefits of keeping the body and mind active.
Joyce also credits her strong Christian faith for her continued interest in life and wellbeing. Of course, they acknowledge that health issues can crop up as the years advance, but these lively ladies are grateful that theirs are mostly minor. Rose gleefully tells us that her specialist declared she has “great genes”, so no doubt that helps too!
Taking each day as it comes is a philosophy all four agree is a good one. Jean adds that having a reason to get up each morning is also important, even if it is simply the daily exercise session, going for a walk or laughing with her bestie, Rose. She says optimism and fresh vegetables are also part of the action plan, while Merle adds, “And two beers every afternoon.”
Given that Merle will turn 105 in December, perhaps we should take that one on board. There is no doubt that all four still have their sense of humour very much intact!
While health, happiness and good genes do factor in significantly, keeping mentally and physically active, eating well, maintaining friendships, practising gratitude and enjoying life’s small pleasures all come into it.
The final word from all four? “Be kind. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Mick Scott 106
At 106, Mick “Richard” Scott keeps life refreshingly simple.
The WWII-era serviceman and life member of Caloundra Power Boat Club still catches up with mates at their aptly named “Table of Knowledge”, where stories and plenty of bulldust flows freely.
His greatest life highlight was meeting his wife, Muriel, in Wales during the war; losing her was his lowest.
Mick credits plain food, meat and five veg, walking, good friends, family and the occasional beer for his longevity.
His advice is equally straightforward: be kind, stay active.
As for the meaning of life? He chuckles: “Nobody told me.”
Valmai Craig 99¾
At 99 and three-quarters, Valmai Alice Craig has packed plenty into a contented life.
Raised with 10 siblings on an Apple Tree Creek sugar cane farm, she walked three miles to school and met her sweetheart, Thomas, at a local dance. They married, settled in Yandina and raised four children.
Today, Valmai’s family spans five generations, including 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
A dedicated fundraiser and champion baker, she made countless cakes, sweets and stuffed toys for community causes, while her famous chocolate cake regularly won first prize.
Her advice for a long life?
“Be happy and be kind to people.”
