This article featured in an autumn edition of UnitingCare Ageing’s Aspire magazine:
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As president, secretary, social secretary, publicity officer and caterer for the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association in Young for the past 18 years, Willow Glen Independent Living resident, Dot Jeffries, is always on the go.
She simply doesn’t have a lot of spare time.
And the move into a UnitingCare Ageing Independent Living community hasn’t stopped Dot from her commitment to the seniors’ community in Young.
“My aim is to get the elderly out of the house and having a great social life at a cost they can afford,” she said.
“You’ve got to get out, smell the roses and enjoy the fresh air. Be happy. If you’ve got pain you know you are alive – you can’t let it stop you.”
Planning the schedule six months ahead of time keeps Dot on her toes and getting out and about socially. That means life is full of activity, interest and fun.
Activities on offer include bus and coach trips, barbecues, picnics and lunches. Places fill up fast and according to Dot, they are a great group of people to spend time with. Each event is an opportunity for activity, social interaction and friendship.
“Next week we are off to the Camel Races at Forbes - which is a bit naughty I suppose - and we will be having fish and chips for lunch,” she cheekily admits.
If Dot is not out and about at one of the scheduled events or planning for the next one, she can often be found fundraising at the local IGA or enjoying her other passions, gardening and staying healthy by walking.