TWENTY-five years ago, one of Kyabram’s oldest residents, Linda Wallace, was quite “chuffed” when she had lived long enough to welcome in the year 2000.
A few months earlier, on August 31, the former Stanhope dairy farmer, who had moved into Kyabram township in her 70s, had celebrated her 82nd birthday. She was born in 1918.
“I thought that if I saw in 2000, that would be good,” Linda’s response. She moved to her Waratah Street home with her husband of 67 years, Jim, in 1991.
She definitely undersold her longevity as last August she turned 106 and is among the oldest 30 people in the nation.
Linda’s mother, Ethel McConnell, lived to the age of 101, and when her husband died in 2007, he was 95 years old.
From the dining room of her home recently, with two of her eight children by her side, Linda reflected on that life goal of “being happy just to see the new century”.
The oldest Australian, and one of six people aged 110 or older, is Ken Weeks from Grafton, New South Wales. According to the list, there are only six Victorians older than Linda Wallace.
There are a few life choices that Linda believes have contributed to her living 20 years longer (to date) than the average Australian woman. She doesn’t smoke, she doesn’t drink and is a devout follower of religion.
Another essential factor in her quality of life has been enlisting the support of the team at Warramunda Community Care a decade ago, which has added to the wonderful family support network around her.
Warramunda Community Care Director Leah Konings said Linda has two daily visits by the care team, who work closely with her family to provide support at home.
“Linda is an incredible example of strength and vitality, and it’s truly an honour to support her in maintaining independence at home,” Leah said.
“Our team is dedicated to providing personalised care that aligns with each individual’s needs and preferences. For Linda, that means we ensure she has the right support at the right time to continue living a fulfilling life, surrounded by the people and activities that bring her joy.”
Warramunda’s Community Care residents range in age from their 70s to the amazing Linda Wallace. They are supported with things as simple as cleaning and housekeeping duties to more high-level services such as personal care and transportation.
The care is mostly provided early in the morning and late afternoon, which doesn’t interfere with one of Linda’s rare indulgences – watching Landline and Gardening Australia every Sunday.
She has 30 grandchildren, a similar number of great-grandchildren, and even more great-great-grandchildren. She was only recently the toast of a family gathering held in Ferntree Gully. All eight of her children were in attendance.
For more information about Warramunda Village’s Community Care Program and what will be available under the new Support at Home program and through The Lookout Way’s introduction, contact the Home Care team at 5852 2611.
