Joy's healthy ageing story

Your day is full of routines, from making a cup of tea to watering the garden or calling a friend. Routines add structure to your day. They reflect what matters most to you, helping you feel certain about who you are and what you care about.

When you can no longer do the tasks and activities that make up your day, it can feel like losing parts of yourself. Getting older can change what you're able to do. But there are ways to adapt to these changes and continue living your life with meaning and purpose.

We spoke to Joy Ingram, a proud Gimuy Walubara Yidnji woman, who is doing just that.

Finding yourself after a big life change

Known for being a 'go-getter', full of energy and determined to make things happen, Joy felt lost when she left the workforce.

‘For mum, it’s been a big change in her life, because she’s always been independent. She’s always been able to just go, go, go – nonstop,’ said her daughter, Christine. ‘When she left work it was a massive change in terms of her whole, "Who am I?" You know, her whole wellbeing changed.'

Christine is a Team Leader and Outreach Worker at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. The change in Joy's sense of self was something Christine had seen many times in her work with older clients.

‘I think the challenge for them is that they’re getting older. They’ve got to think about, "Oh jeez, there are things that I can’t do on my own". And it’s actually asking for that support,’ Christine said.

Why it’s important to ask for help

It can be hard to ask for help, especially when you're used to doing everything by yourself. Asking for help doesn't mean you stop being independent. Instead, it can help you be independent in new ways by letting you focus your energy on the things that interest you. Here's an example:

If you don't enjoy cooking, alternate home-cooked meals with microwave ones. This can help you save your energy for activities that matter more to you, like gardening.

As time went on, Joy got used to accepting support. Not just from Christine, but also through the use of everyday tools.

How everyday tools support independence

Joy uses a walking stick to get around the house, and a walking frame when she's out and about. She also has some simple home modifications, including a handrail and chair in the shower.

Joy has a personal alarm, as well. This means she can call for help with the press of a button if anything happens while she's home alone.

These supports help make daily life easier, allowing Joy to continue living on her own. ‘In terms of what I know my mother used to do, she doesn’t have that same capacity. But she soldiers on as much as she can,’ Christine said.

How social connections support independence

With the right supports in place, seeing loved ones remains a big part of Joy’s life. ‘We’ve also got family in Far North Queensland, so we take mum home to Country and catch up,’ Christine said.

Spending time with family supports Joy in more ways than one, including helping her stay active. ‘Because we know if you’re isolated and your mobility is getting less and less, it’s not good for the rest of the body. So it’s just trying every day to do something to keep that energy and body moving,’ Christine said - a sentiment that Joy echoed:

‘You’ve just got to keep moving. Get up and rock and roll. Always. There’s nothing stopping me. You go forward, not backwards.’

Everyday Tools to Help Mob

Download Joy and Christine’s full story to read more about their healthy ageing journey:

Christine and Joy also helped create culturally grounded resources. They're designed to help other First Nations people access the support they need to age well.

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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