Lionel and Janice's healthy ageing story

To age well is to make choices that help you stay independent for as long as possible. That doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself. It means knowing when you need support to continue doing the things that matter most to you.

That’s where Lionel, a proud Palawa man, and Janice, a proud Gunditjmara woman, come in.

This husband-and-wife duo are partners in ageing. They use their personal strengths to adapt to changes in each other’s abilities. By sharing their independence, they're able to continue living at home.

Building independence through daily activities

Healthy ageing is about maintaining the abilities you need to live a life you value. This includes the tasks you do every day to meet your basic needs.

Meeting your basic needs goes beyond eating nutritious food and taking your prescribed medication. It also involves creating a comfortable home environment.

This rings true for Lionel (known by loved ones as Spike) and Janice. They agree that ageing well means being able to keep up with their normal routine.

‘As far as Spike and I, we enjoy our lives because we still have each other. We’re still capable of doing things in our house,’ Janice said. ‘That’s our independence.’

A day in the life of Janice and Lionel

Days in the Bakes’ house tend to follow the same pattern. Lionel wakes up early and goes out to check the mailbox and sweep the leaves. ‘Old knees are no good so I get up and go for a walk – I’ve got to,’ he said.

Janice is never far behind. ‘Spike’s always gotta do something. If he’s up at six o’clock I’ll get my coffee and I’m very happy.'

Daily habits like these involve moving your body, making decisions, and doing the things that give you direction. In their own simple, meaningful way, they help keep your mind, body, and sense of purpose strong.

Building independence through mutual care

For Lionel and Janice, the key to staying independent is sharing responsibilities. It's not about taking over. It's about knowing each other’s strengths and combining them so they can keep doing more - together. Here's an example:

While Janice might be the one to put some washing in the machine, Lionel hangs it out, as Janice can no longer reach the line. 'You do things that're normal, and life comes easy,' Lionel said.

Their support for each other doesn't stop there. ‘For our appointments, we’re always together. If I forget what the doctor says, he remembers. If he forgets, I’ll remember,’ Janice said. By sharing responsibilities, both Lionel and Janice remain active and able to cope when things don't go to plan.

‘Sometimes I do my back. It could be as easy as getting out of the shower, and I’m gone,’ Janice said. ‘He’ll get the walker for me, dry me. We both assist each other. Especially when he had a broken thumb, sprained wrist, all these kinds of things.’

Ups and downs of ageing

Janice and Lionel know that ageing is not a smooth or predictable process. 'You have your good days and your bad days,' Janice said.

While they don’t deny that times can be tough, Janice and Lionel keep going - together. They understand and balance each other, boosting their spirits and helping them focus on making their days worthwhile.

‘Janice understands the way I feel, and I understand her as well,’ Lionel said. ‘We have a good life together. We have a lot of fun. Why not? You only have one crack at it.’

Everyday Tools to Help Mob

Healthy ageing isn’t something you do on your own. It’s made easier by connection. Download Lionel and Janice’s full story to read more about their healthy ageing journey:

Lionel and Janice also helped create culturally grounded resources. They provide real stories and practical advice to help other First Nations people stay independent.

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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