What’s happening?
Theresa Harvey, at the extraordinary age of 102, has recently moved into aged care at Carinity Shalom in Rockhampton, significantly above the average age of women entering such facilities, which is typically around 85 years old.
Why it matters?
Theresa’s move highlights the changing dynamics and personal experiences in aged care, emphasising resilience, longevity, and the evolving needs of elderly Australians.
Local Impact
Theresa’s story resonates deeply within the Rockhampton community, providing an inspiring example of local history, resilience during difficult times, and lifelong community ties. Her personal narrative enriches the collective heritage of the city.
By the numbers:
- Theresa was 102 years old when she moved into aged care, significantly older than the average age of 85 for women entering care.
- Married to Arthur Harvey for 62 years, she was separated from him for 4 years during his military service in WWII.
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10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, with the latest great-great-grandchild born just yesterday, underlining her extensive family legacy.
Zoom In
Theresa vividly recalls her early life hardships, sharing, “My earliest memory of childhood is riding in the sulky with Mum, taking Dad to and from work, when he was a slaughterman and butcher.”
Reflecting on her challenging school days, she said, “Mum could not afford to give us a cut lunch to take to school, so we had to run home at lunchtime and then back to school again.” Theresa’s wartime wedding is poignantly described: “It was a simple wedding: I had saved enough coupons to purchase lace curtaining fabric which my neighbour sewed into a wedding dress. A cousin loaned me a veil and a relative baked a cake using my saved fruit coupons.”
Zoom Out
Theresa’s lifetime experiences encapsulate significant historic periods—from the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II to contemporary advancements in communication. Her story offers perspective on societal shifts and the enduring strength of the older generation. She remarked, “I can only marvel now when I look at how easy it is to communicate in 2025.”
What To Look For Next?
Theresa will celebrate her 103rd birthday on 28 April at Carinity Shalom. She expressed anticipation for this milestone, stating, “I will be 103 on 28 April and am looking forward to celebrating that milestone here at Carinity Shalom with family and friends.”
