100 years of Joy and life at home

Joy, one of integratedliving’s clients, recently celebrated her 100th birthday still living independently and well in her home.

Joy’s very long life has been formed of family, friends and wonderful memories. Born and raised in New South Wales, Joy still lives close to where she was born.

One of four children, Joy grew up with her parents and siblings in a two-bedroom house.

She remembers always having beautiful clothes that her mother made and the delight of picking mushrooms near their home.

“Dad worked on the railway, and we didn't have many holidays. We didn't get many toys or presents, but we always had a lot of food, and Mum dressed us nicely,” Joy said.

When Joy finished school her Mum thought that she’d get a job where her two sisters worked so she asked the owner of the store but he said: “That little girl can’t hear.”  

Joy had indeed had problems with her hearing for years but her parents were skeptical when she told them. “They didn’t believe it,” Joy said.

Joy enjoyed a job selling milkshakes, vegetables and lollies before moving on to a tuckshop at a local boys’ high school. Following that, Joy worked in a café.

“I worked there for one summer, making pineapple juice parfait, milkshakes and serving. But then, when that summer was over, and they didn't need me, I went to a radio and electrical shop, and I was there for nearly 10 years.

“They knew my hearing was bad, but they were beautiful to me,” Joy said. “And I've got a lovely crystal lamp on my dressing table they gave me for my 21st, and a lovely little radio for my wedding present. My children, when they were born, were given lovely presents. I was always welcome to return if I wanted a job, but I didn't, as my hearing got worse. But I loved school ,and I loved my work in the radio shop,” Joy said.

Joy met her husband Alan at a "Y club for boys and girls". They had two sons 17 months apart and were married for 59 years, before Alan passed away 18 years ago. They were careful with money but enjoyed many wonderful holidays together.  

“We’ve had some lovely holidays, and every one of them has been special,” Joy said. “We went to New Zealand, and my husband shot the cannon for our 50th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time. 
 
“I remember when my granddaughter Natalie was 16, singing in the Australian Girls' Choir, and her father sent us to England. She sang in Oxford University and Westminster Abbey. It was a beautiful holiday. We even visited Scotland while we were there,” Joy said.

A constant in Joy’s life has been her love of animals.

“We’ve had a lot of pets over the years. We've had dogs, cats, tropical fish, a talking parrot, lovebirds, canaries and even a pigeon. A lot of stray animals – I always took them in,” Joy said.  

“And we can’t forget the baby kangaroo. When I was pregnant, I went with Alan’s family on a picnic. In the bush, there was a dead kangaroo with a baby in its pouch. When they got it out, we all nearly cried. Pink skin, no fur, eyes shut, couldn't stand up. Alan's sister said, ‘Joy's the mother, give it to her’."

“So I brought it home wrapped in a towel. Alan called the vet, who said, ‘You'll never rear it, kill it’. Alan said ‘My wife wouldn't do that. We’ll treat it exactly like a baby.’ So we hung some jumpers on the doorknob and fed it as best as we could. I did that and used to get up at night to feed Joey. 

"Then we moved him to the laundry, then outside. He started to drink water and eat grass. We put him on the grass, and I tried to teach him to eat.

We had him for three months, and he followed me around like a puppy,” Joy said.

“Alan called Taronga Park Zoo when Joey was a bit bigger, as he might not have liked the baby or might have jumped over the fence, and having a kangaroo was not really legal.

They asked how long we'd had him, and they said, ‘Give your wife a medal’, as they'd never heard of anyone rearing a kangaroo that young,” Joy said.

Joy is profoundly deaf but has embraced the technology that supports her to continue to live independently at home and still easily communicate with family and friends. Joy holds a small tablet and when people speak their words appear on the screen through voice-to-text technology. This makes conversation easy, and Joy loves to chat.

“My hearing was affected by a disease in the ear, and I had an operation,” Joy said. “I got my vibration back, but not in quietness or across a room. My eyesight is also affected, with macular degeneration and glaucoma. I've been receiving treatment for it for years. It's difficult, but I manage. My legs are getting a bit wobbly too,” Joy said.
 
The centenarian is very grateful for her family and wonderful neighbours who support and look out for her on a daily basis. She also has wonderful relationships with her team from integratedliving who provide services and care.

Getting the support needed to live independently at 100

“integratedliving started by bringing me groceries when the virus was on. My doctor and his wife, who are friends with my son, suggested it. They used to deliver, and then they started helping with housework. They've been wonderful, and I couldn't do without them. They've made my appointments for me, and provide company.

“I'm very grateful for their support,” Joy said. “They've helped me stay in my home and remain independent. It's important to me as I'm not keen on moving to a home. I've had friends in homes, and I don't think I'd fit in.

“I'd like to continue living here, and integratedliving helps me do that. They order my meals and check on me. Everyone is patient and kind, and I’m very thankful for their support,” Joy said.

“Joy is very independent and would like to stay that way for as long as she can,” Julie said. “We help Joy with domestic assistance three times a week and with some shopping. She also receives Lite n’ Easy meals and Cabcharge cards so she can go out independently.

Cathy, one of our registered nurses, visits Joy monthly and one of our podiatrist’s visits Joy as well. We also assist Joy with home and garden maintenance,” Julie said.

“I have learned from Joy that no matter what life throws your way, there is joy in living and caring for others. She’s also taught me the importance of keeping your independence,” Julie said.

When asked what’s the secret to a long and healthy life, Joy said that she didn’t drink alcohol or smoke and loved to walk, as well as loving chocolates.

Joy has enjoyed richly deserved celebrations for her milestone birthday, especially the letter she received from the King and Queen.  

Happy 100th birthday to a very special lady!