Upper Coomera aged care home preparing to celebrate three resident’s 100th birthday
THE Queen is having a busy year sending letters to an Upper Coomera aged care home, with three of the residents celebrating their 100th birthday this year.
Joan Haygarth — to her six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren their “nanna with the lollies” — passes the triple digit mark today at the Magnolia Aged Care facility.
“There’s no secret to it,” she said.
“I loved horseriding and outdoor bowls where I grew up in Mona Vale, down in New South Wales, and my husband and I always went out dancing.”
Ms Haygarth, a dairy farmer throughout 61 years of marriage, moved to the Gold Coast to be closer to family after her husband died.
Daughter-in-law Janette Haygarth said Ms Haygarth went into Magnolia three years ago.
Joan Haygarth, who is celebrating her 100th birthday on May 27th in a cheerful mood at the Magnolia Aged Care. Photo: Regi Varghese
“Her two boys were always the priority and she really cared for everyone in the family,” she said.
Irene Hartwig and Olga Cooper will also turn 100 this year.
“The secret to longevity is a healthy lifestyle and a good husband,” Ms Hartwig said.
“One of my favourite memories was visiting Disneyland in the ’80s with my husband.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes throughout my time.”
It seems a letter from the Queen may not be enough for Ms Hartwig.
Irene Hartwig, Joan Haygarth and Olga Cooper. Photo: Regi Varghese
“The Queen could’ve come to see me when she was here in Australia to say congratulations,” she joked.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Gold Coast has 50 centenarians, 38 of them women.
Magnolia mobility therapist Chong Lei said the women were always spirited.
“These ladies have so much heart — they never give up,” Mr Lei said.