International Day of the Older Person is entering its 26^th year of celebrations and was first introduced by the United Nations to honour the contribution and value older generations bring to society.

Ingenia Lifestyle is celebrating this year’s theme, Take a Stand Against Ageism, by sharing some amazing stories of how our residents are defeating ageism.

Ingenia Lifestyle Lara resident, Judy Russell, is beating the perception that getting older means acting older and has not slowed down since moving into the Lara community, with weekly commitments at two local charities, part time work and a daily fitness regime.

“Getting older has not stopped me from doing the things I have always done. To me, it is the time in my life that I can now do things that I want to do.”

Judy continues her active lifestyle by working more than 15 hours a week in retail, being involved in Lions International for a milestone 10 years and cooks meals for around 150 disadvantaged adults and volunteering with the Lara Community Soup Van. To keep physically and mentally fit Judy and her husband Peter, swim daily in their village pool and take their dogs for walks around the grounds, and every month they set out to explore for at least a week, to see more of the beautiful country side and to meet amazing new people.

 Ingenia Lifestyle Albury resident, Barbara Richards, is an 81-year-old who effortlessly embodies the 2016 theme.

Barbara actively participates in hiking, kayaking, photography, bird-watching and nature painting and is an avid caravan camper, frequently driving her 4×4 vehicle on long trips, with other members of the Illawarra Ramblers, a group dedicated to enjoying the great outdoors.

Barbara, who moved from Wollongong into Ingenia Lifestyle Albury in 2015, said she did not fear aging and described the Albury community as the perfect place to continue her active lifestyle.

“I absolutely love getting into the outdoors and feel blessed to be getting older and having the time to do these things. I’m actually planning a caravan trip up to the Simpson Desert in November, followed by a 4-day trip down to Katoomba to undertake a painting program.

 Ingenia Lifestyle Albury Project Sales Manager Megan Collins said Barbara was one of many residents in the community who maintains an active and adventurous life.

“Our residents are some of the busiest people I know, and the thought of letting age get in their way of doing what they love is not an option.

“Age really is just a number – Barbara is a perfect example of this – her energy and zest for life rivals people even half her age.  I get a real kick out of hearing about all of her adventures,” Megan said.

Ingenia Lifestyle Bethania resident and volunteer, Fay O’Toole, (pictured above) was honoured to win the 2016 Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award for her contribution to charitable work in her community.

The award acknowledges those who have a big heart for people and for South East Queensland’s City of Logan.

Her selfless deeds have touched and changed the lives of many with her 28 years of volunteering with St Vincent de Paul Welfare Conference Group in Beenleigh providing food parcels, financial help and furniture at no cost to the disadvantaged.

“We are not government funded and rely mainly on the generosity of our parishioners and donations from the local community. Our food account would be close to $50,000 annually and we also provide 100+ Christmas hampers and toys.

“Over the years I have worked with many volunteers who are so committed to the work we do and formed wonderful friendships. I still meet people in the street who were grateful for our support when they needed it,” Fay said.

As an 85 year old, Fay certainly has a number of life experiences and is hoping to continue her community services. We’re very proud to have Fay represent our local community in the City of Logan and for her to call Ingenia Lifestyle Bethania home.