“Never say die” might be pushing it, but two Eurobodalla residents appear to live by the slogan” “Never say you’re too old” – or at least hold the moment off for as long as possible.
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Our story today about nurse Margaret Jobson, 80, who remains in paid employment in, of all things, the aged care industry, is inspiring.
As Josh Gidney’s lovely story explains, Mrs Jobson is older than some of her patients at a Eurobodalla aged care facility – but that does not stop her caring for them and using her considerable skills and experience in a growth industry with a serious labour shortage.
“A lot of people worry about age … but I am a positive person; I look at everything in a positive way,” Mrs Jobson explains.
The aged care sector is one where the advantages of preventative medicine and healthy lifestyle choices are demonstrated daily – and the reverse.
A healthy life is your best chance of a healthy old age – and Margaret is hanging onto hers, remaining motivated for as long she can, playing golf and working because she finds it fulfilling.
What a trooper – an opinion those handing out Order of Australia Medals way back in 1990 clearly shared.
Our favorite quote from Josh’s interview with Margaret is: “I admire and respect the elderly. They have a lot of stories and are lovely to listen to.”
We reckon she has earned a ride on Jeff Murphy’s Harley.
Life has not slowed either for the 90-year-old, who dwells in the southern part of the Eurobodalla Shire, as Stan Gorton’s interview with him at www.batemansbaypost.com.au shows.
Forget a mobility scooter, Jeff gets about town on a 1200cc Harley Davidson trike. It was a case of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” for the nonogenarian.
“I got talked into it by my family and my nine children, I was the only one who didn’t have a Harley,” Jeff explained to Stan.
Jeff is another example of an active life leading to an active old age. He enjoyed an extensive racing career first with motorbikes and then in speedway.
He was a regular at the Moruya Speedway for 43 years until his last race at age 83. His family has declared him a “90 year old man with youth on his side”.
Got to love it! Email your stories of active ageing to josh.gidney@fairfaxmedia.com.au – we would love to hear them.
