Elna Page has her say

Elna Page was among several residents responding to questions about becoming older as part of OCAV’s contribution to the UN International Day of the Older Person on Thursday 1 October. This year is the 30th anniversary of the day, and the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

What is the greatest thing about being your age?

Being healthy because of modern medicine. Having a walker which wasn’t available in my grandparent’s era.

Do you ever look back and say the ‘good old days?

No. there were good and bad days in the past. Nothing was perfect.

What is your hope for the future?

Not a lot of future for me at my age but I hope for a good future for my children and grandchildren.

Do you think that wisdom automatically comes with old age?

No. wisdom comes with age and how our parents lived. Is a part of your upbringing.

What makes you mad about the world today, and can we change it?

People wanting more and more when more is not always for the better, can’t change it.

What is the one thing you would tell the Prime Minister to do for older people?

To help people live in their homes for longer instead of putting them into aged care facilities.

Some people say that old people are a burden to society. What would you say to them?

It’s a part of life. Makes them realise that its coming to them. They should plan for their future if they think older people are a burden.