Gabrielle says friendship and laughter are the keys to living to 100
They say laughter is the best medicine. And for Gabrielle, resident at Wesley Mission’s Alan Walker Village, laughter has been good for her soul.
Gabrielle has just celebrated her 100th birthday. Known for spreading joy within her village community by telling a joke or two with the residents and staff, for Gabrielle, laughter is one of her keys to living a long life.
“My tips for living well at every stage of life is to be happy and laugh a lot,” Gabrielle smiles.
But it’s not just laughter that’s been instrumental to living well. For Gabrielle, it’s her close friendship with her neighbour, Elwyn that’s been essential to her wellbeing.
It’s safe to say Gabrielle and Elwyn are joined at the hip. And while there’s a 19-year age gap between them, Gabrielle says, “[It] doesn’t matter because we get along like a house on fire”.
And indeed, they do. Gabrielle and Elwyn are known for dressing in elaborate costumes at village social-themed days, such as St Patrick’s Day and Christmas. And in 2022, Gabrielle was consistently nominated as ‘best-dressed’ at village social events.
Surrounding herself with people
Along with the friendships she’s made while living at Alan Walker Village, Gabrielle says she’s grateful for the supportive staff. Having lived at this retirement village for 16 years, for Gabrielle it’s the people who’ve taken the time to know and care for her, who’ve enriched the latter years of her life.
“Since day one, the staff have been wonderful to me,” Gabrielle says.
And she truly means it. Turning to Fiona, Alan Walker Village Care and Education Coordinator, Gabrielle says, “I will say, Fiona, you are my friend first, staff second.”
A sentiment Fiona echoes as tears well up in her eyes.
For Gabrielle, it’s the people she’s bonded with who’ve strengthened her life. Being the youngest of eight children, Gabrielle smiles as she fondly reflects on her childhood days with her siblings. “We were a very happy family. We used to laugh a lot.”
And their close-knit relationships also influenced how Gabrielle raised her son and daughter. She says she’s thankful to still have strong bonds with her now adult children. “My family means everything to me. They’re my treasures.”
The closeness goes both ways as her whole family recently came together to host Gabrielle a memorable 100th birthday celebration – the first out of many celebrations that happened throughout July.
“I had a ball. I received lovely flowers and 100th birthday cards. The food was delicious. It was five-star,” Gabrielle exclaims.
Staying true to herself
For Gabrielle, remaining optimistic is one of her keys to living a meaningful life. Having lived through many changes over her years, from surviving the Second World War to losing sight in one eye and hearing in one ear, at 100, Gabrielle continues to have a positive outlook on life.
So, how does Gabrielle do this? By embracing each day by choosing to be true to herself. Every morning, Gabrielle puts on her signature red lipstick. “It makes me feel as though I’m alive,” she says.
Gabrielle’s often seen rocking a bright pink jacket, her sparkly diamond brooch and freshly manicured pink nails. Having a flair for fashion, Gabrielle enjoys wearing whatever helps her feel like herself.
“What you see is what you get,” she proudly says.
Gabrielle also prides herself on being a bargain hunter and boasts about the recent deal she scoured, paying only $7 for her red lipstick. “I refuse to pay full price for anything,” she exclaims.
Living life to the full
Born in Ballarat, Victoria, Gabrielle joined the Australian Women’s Army Service at 19 and served there for four years. She then spent many years working in the Department of Defence Production in Melbourne and even received a certificate of recognition for her long-standing service.
Gabrielle is a passionate ‘bombers’ Essendon football fan and has a deep love for music. When she was young, Gabrielle enjoyed singing in her church choir. Gabrielle is also a talented piano player, and to this day, she still enjoys playing traditional hymns on the electronic piano she keeps in her unit.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabrielle shared her love for music with the village community – playing the piano at village gatherings. It’s where she first bonded with Elwyn.
“That’s where we met, in the Blue Bell Room,” Elwyn reflects. “There was a group of us that used to go. Everyone would bring a plate and when we finished, we both used to go and play the piano.”
While Gabrielle doesn’t play for her neighbours much anymore, aside from her age, she jokes it’s because the village piano is never in tune.
“She tells me almost every week that it’s not in tune,” laughs Fiona.
Gabrielle also has a secret talent for photography. For several years, Gabrielle was known as the ‘village photographer’ because she took photos of the residents on her phone, which she now cherishes in a photo album.
Gabrielle has led a full life and along with friendship, laughter and a positive attitude, Gabrielle believes prioritising her health has made all the difference.
And even though Gabrielle has partial sight and hearing, and two artificial hips, that doesn’t stop her from greeting the day with a smile and a laugh.