It was in 2001 that Beryl Spencer moved into the Shearwater Apartments at the retirement village in Mornington, 46km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, for extra support and to remain independent. 

She celebrated her 100th birthday with her 98-year-old sister Edna, who still drives her own car, and still lives in Wandin Yallock, near Lilydale. She has four children Christopher, now 70, Roland, 69, Roger, 67, and Linda, 61. 

Beryl’s secret to a long life? 

“Eat healthy, keep busy, exercise and keep your mind busy,” she said. 

She enjoys knitting, doing her own shopping, and the connections she has made with staff and residents. 

“All the people here are like a second family,” she said. 

If you’re looking for retirement villages, you can find them more easily at villages.com.au.

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