THE BIG READ
Ask 100-year-old Cliff Jackson what gets him out of bed every morning and his answer might surprise you. Along with fellow centenarian Trish Buchanan, he’s proving that growing older doesn’t mean losing your sense of humour, independence or appetite for life.
Ask Cliff Jackson what gets him out of bed every morning at the age of 100, and don’t expect a philosophical answer about finding purpose, positive thinking or the secrets to a long life.
“The toilet,” he replies.
Fair enough, Cliff. After a century on this planet, including wartime service, pioneering aviation in Papua New Guinea and nearly three decades of volunteering, he’s entitled to a little straight talking.
Across Sydney, fellow centenarian Trish Buchanan has an equally refreshing attitude towards reaching triple figures.
“I don’t feel 100. Did you say I’m 100 years old?” she asks.
“No, I never thought about it, and I don’t feel anything. I’m just living, and that’s it. I take it all as very natural. I never think about it.”
Cliff and Trish have lived through the Great Depression, the Second World War, the arrival of television, the internet and extraordinary changes in Australian society, but neither spends much time contemplating their age.
Both are still living in their own respective homes, supported by people close to them, and neither seems particularly interested in being held up as an example of successful ageing.
They’re simply getting on with life.
For Cliff, who lives in Monterey, Sydney, that life has been anything but ordinary.
As a teenager during the Second World War, he was so determined to join the Royal Australian Air Force that he put his age up from 15 to 18.
“I’m proud of serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. I put my age up from 15 to 18 so I could join,” he recalls.
His working life subsequently took him to Papua New Guinea, where he spent 26 years in aviation and helped establish an airline. He says his achievements were recognised with an Order of Australia.
He also recalls supervising construction projects in New South Wales and Port Moresby, including work on the Gateway Hotel.
Even retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Cliff went on to volunteer with Vision Australia for 28 years, a commitment made particularly meaningful by his own experience of losing his eyesight.
He lost the sight in his right eye at 41, with his vision deteriorating further over the following decades.
Rather than describing some extraordinary act of determination, Cliff speaks matter-of-factly about adapting to circumstances as they changed.
“I never thought much about getting older,” Cliff told Starts at 60. “I just kept doing things and working, and then suddenly the years had gone by.”
These days, Cliff’s world is quieter.
Gay, Cliff’s wife who helps explain his daily routine, says he doesn’t venture out much beyond appointments. He once enjoyed listening to books, but now takes pleasure in conversation and hearing from family.
Cliff has also watched the generations following him develop their own ways of thinking and living.
“I have three children from my first marriage, and they’re now in their 60s and 70s,” he says.
“The modern world has changed a lot. It’s been an education for me to learn how people live and talk today. Sometimes I can’t understand what they’re talking about.”
For Trish Buchanan, who lives in Rosebery, Sydney, the secret to enjoying life at 100 appears to involve considerably less reflection on the past.
“I never think about the old days. I live in the present,” she declares.
And her favourite pastime?
“Reading’s my favourite sport.”
Trish worked at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital well into her 80s, having previously worked as a nurse. When asked what kept her working for so long, she doesn’t reach for a grand statement about dedication or purpose.
“I needed money,” she says.
“I used to be a nurse. Although I wasn’t nursing then, I was working in a hospital, dealing with people.”
Today, books remain a constant companion.
“I read a lot. I belong to a book society, and the City of Sydney delivers books to me. I love reading.”
Her daughter June, who lives with her, makes sure there’s some physical activity in the daily routine too.
“And I make her walk every day,” June interjects.
“Yes, my daughter makes me walk every day,” Trish confirms. “Age means nothing.”
The pair clearly share a close relationship, with June providing the support that helps her mother remain in familiar surroundings.
“I’ve got my darling daughter living with me,” Trish says. “Having my daughter living with me makes the world of difference. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Trish still enjoys travelling, and June reveals another small pleasure.
“She also enjoys half a glass of wine and orange juice.”
“I enjoy that very much,” Trish responds. “I never think about it; I just do it.”
Their experiences come as more older Australians seek ways to remain in their own homes rather than move into residential aged care.
Both Cliff and Trish receive support through aged care provider My Guardian, helping them maintain their independence and continue living in the homes they know and love.
According to figures cited by home-care provider My Guardian, about three-quarters of Australians aged over 75 continue to live independently, while the number of people using home care has risen substantially in recent years.
My Guardian managing director and co-founder Diala Azzi says the growing availability of in-home support is helping older Australians retain familiar routines and community connections.
“Home is where people feel comfortable and independent. With the right care and support, many older Australians can continue living safely at home while maintaining their quality of life,” she says.
That support can range from nursing and personal care to household assistance, transport and companionship.
Of course, remaining at home at 100 isn’t possible or appropriate for everyone. Health, mobility, finances, housing and the availability of family or professional support can make an enormous difference.
And there’s an important distinction between living in your own home and managing entirely without help.
For Trish, June’s presence is invaluable. For Cliff, assistance and family contact help sustain the life he knows.
Neither Cliff nor Trish claims to possess a magic formula for longevity.
Cliff kept busy with work, service and volunteering until the years accumulated almost without his noticing. Trish has little interest in looking backwards, preferring a good book, her daily walk and the company of her daughter.
And when asked what advice she would offer someone in their 60s or 70s who fears their best years might be behind them, Trish doesn’t hesitate.
“Don’t smoke. Have a drink. Enjoy life. Look at the blessings you have rather than what you don’t have.”
At 100, that’s a philosophy she’s still putting into practice.
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