At Aeralife Twin Parks, we’re fortunate to share our community with residents who carry a lifetime of stories, resilience and warmth. One of them is Lilian, who celebrated her 100th birthday recently – a milestone she still finds hard to believe. As she says with a smile, “It doesn’t change anything… it’s just an age.”
Her life has been shaped by family, travel, wartime memories and a quiet determination that has carried her through every chapter.
“Have patience,” she says. “Don’t rush everything.” It’s advice delivered with the simplicity of someone who has lived long enough to know what truly matters.
Finding comfort and a sense of belonging
Lilian’s move to Aeralife Twin Parks began unexpectedly. After a hospital stay, she spent a short time in the Transition Care Program before preparing to return home. But living alone had become increasingly difficult, and she didn’t want her family to worry. When a room became available, she was offered the option to stay permanently.
“I was uncomfortable living alone,” she says. “I didn’t want to bother my family – they’ve got their own lives.” Choosing to remain at Twin Parks brought her a sense of relief and stability. Today, she feels settled, supported and comfortable knowing help is always close by.
The company is what she enjoys most – the gentle conversations, the warm smiles and the sense of having people around. Her hearing isn’t what it used to be, especially when people speak quickly, but the friendly atmosphere makes her feel connected.
Staying active and enjoying the everyday
Her favourite activity at Twin Parks is the exercise sessions, which she finds both energising and important for her wellbeing. “It’s no good sitting on your bum all day,” she says with a cheeky grin.
Lilian has always enjoyed keeping active, and that hasn’t changed. Her favourite activity at Twin Parks is the exercise sessions, which she finds both energising and important for her wellbeing. “It’s no good sitting on your bum all day,” she says with a cheeky grin. Morning exercises are ideal, she adds, because she feels her best earlier in the day.
Outings like Morning Melodies bring her joy too – the chance to sit, listen to music and simply be part of something familiar and uplifting. She loved joining in on Twin Parks’ recent Family Fun Day and still laughs about mixing up the dates and forgetting to invite her family.
Early life and wartime memories
Born in Preston and the eldest of seven children, Lilian grew up in a family that moved frequently. Her childhood took her through suburbs like Fitzroy, Ferntree Gully, Ringwood, Sandringham and Port Melbourne. Many of her younger memories are tied to the war years, when ration books and coupons shaped everyday life. “You couldn’t just do what you wanted – you did what you were told,” she recalls.
She left school at sixteen and entered the workforce, joining a factory that produced items for the Army. It was simply what was expected at the time, and she speaks about it with matter-of-fact pride.
Love, travel and life’s second chapter
Lilian married young and had two boys. After losing her husband, she spent many years raising her sons on her own before meeting Fred, a chef from Queensland whose adventurous spirit brought new joy into her life. When they first met, he was preparing for a trip to the Antarctic. “He went down and came back, and then we got together,” she says.
Together, they travelled widely – from Singapore and Hong Kong to England, Scotland and many places across Australia. Paris and London stand out as favourites. “They were beautiful… different from today, but beautiful,” she reflects.
Family remains her greatest joy
Today, family is still at the heart of everything for Lilian. She has one surviving son, two grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who brighten her world. Her granddaughter visits every Sunday without fail – a routine she cherishes deeply. “I don’t know what I’d do without my son,” she says. “And my granddaughter… she’s always here.”
She’s looking forward to spending the holiday season with family – they will make it special, as they always do.
Young in spirit – even at 100
Despite her milestone birthday, Lilian doesn’t feel old – not mentally, and certainly not in spirit. She believes the key to longevity is staying active, not stressing too much and keeping life in perspective.
“Have patience,” she says. “Don’t rush everything.” It’s advice delivered with the simplicity of someone who has lived long enough to know what truly matters.
She mentions receiving a congratulatory letter from King Charles for turning 100, though she has misplaced it somewhere. With a laugh, she’s sure it will reappear when she’s looking for something entirely different.
Life at Aeralife Twin Parks
Lilian describes herself as someone who doesn’t push into social groups, but she enjoys friendly chats and the comfort of being around others. She appreciates the routines of the home, the support of staff and the feeling of safety that comes with knowing she is never alone.
Even the occasional frustrations of modern life – like navigating bank account transfers – don’t rattle her. She takes everything one step at a time, just as she always has.
A life lived with grace, humour and heart
Lilian’s story is one of strength, adaptability and humility. She is thoughtful, warm and refreshingly grounded – the kind of person who brings richness to the Twin Parks community simply by being herself.
At Aeralife Twin Parks, we are honoured to be part of her journey. Lilian represents the heart of our community: resilient, warm, and full of stories that remind us of the beauty in ageing with dignity and purpose.
