Independent living at 100
2021 is a significant year for Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community clients, Mr and Mrs Tom and Una Wood, who both reach their centenarian milestones.
Tom reached his 100th birthday back in June, while Una awaits December for hers.
‘It doesn’t feel any different being 100, other than the odd physical restrictions – time just keeps moving forward and you keep living your life!’ Mr Wood explains.
Despite the impressive 200 years between them, Mr and Mrs Wood continue living independently at their Fullarton home, where they have resided for 41 years.
‘We have been married for 78 years now, so we haven’t lived in Australia for that long in the scheme of things.’
‘I am from Scotland and Una’s from England, but we both joined the RAF at the beginning of the war [World War II, 1941] – we came across each other in that first year.’
Una particularly looks back on the memory of meeting her now-husband.
‘I knew from the moment I met him that I wasn’t going to let this one go!’, Una beams.
After marrying, the natural progression was for Tom to carry on his service with the RAF, while Una stayed home to raise their first son, Andrew.
‘We lived a life of adventure, living all over the world during Tom’s time in the air force – England, Germany and Romania to name a few.’
In 1946, when the war was finally over, Tom and Una could truly settle, welcoming their second child to the world, Ian.
‘We stayed in England for a while, before relocating to Australia to follow the kids and their families!’
When reflecting on their lives together, Tom comments, ‘Una has been a solid wife – we didn’t have many grievances at all – it just worked.’
When asked how Una feels about Tom, she smirks, ‘He’s alright – I’ll keep him!’
With the combination of receiving services from Resthaven, and weekly visits from their son, Andrew, the Wood’s carry on living independently with ease – even into their 100’s.
‘We love our home here, we couldn’t think of anywhere else we would want to live!’
Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.
Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.