Point Lonsdale’s Carmen Ward had a fairly typical birthday this year; some cupcakes, balloons and an exercise session.
Fairly typical, that is, except this year Mrs Ward celebrated turning 100.
In recognition of her milestone birthday, Mrs Ward received a congratulatory letter from King Charles and messages from various other dignitaries, but she played down the significance of the occasion.
“Well, I think it’s just another day, and I’ve told my friends and people around that it’s over now, and I’m just here, and I’m very fortunate, and we just keep on living,” she said.
A resident of the charming seaside town since retiring there with her late husband in 1984, Mrs Ward credits her weekly session with Bellarine Community Health’s (BCH) Mobility Plus exercise program as an important factor in her health, wellbeing and longevity.
“I remember doing meals on wheels a few years ago, and I’d go into these homes down here and here were these poor old things sitting in the chair all day, not moving at all. And I thought, that’s not the way to live,” she said.
“We’re mainly sitting on our chairs, and standing up, but nothing too strenuous. We’re all older. But it keeps you going, and it’s nice to come and see other people.”
Mrs Ward continues to live independently at home, and in addition to participating in the weekly BCH exercise session she maintains a daily walking routine.
She encouraged other older people to find ways to stay active and said she would continue with the Mobility Plus program for as long as possible “because it keeps you mobile, and you’re meeting people, and it’s just another day out”.
