Uncover the secrets to a long, happy life from Australia's oldest person
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Members, have you ever wondered what the secret to a long, healthy and happy life is? We might get the answer directly from Australia’s oldest person–Catherina van der Linden.
Catherina, who is from Adelaide but currently resides in Southern Cross Care’s West Beach Residential Care Home, will turn 111 this Saturday, August 26.
On her 110th birthday last year, the van der Linden family received an email informing them that their matriarch was Australia’s oldest living person after then-titleholder 110-year-old Frank Mawer passed away.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Catherina still loves to keep active. She takes part in gym sessions several times a week and long walks–an activity that leaves staff at the residential care home in disbelief.
'I push myself sometimes when I’m getting a bit tired, and I think it’s about time to do something to yourself to see that you still have that energy you had before,' Catherina said.
'I still go on the bike, sometimes for 10 minutes, and that is a long time to spend on the bike.'
West Beach Residential Care Manager Catherine Willoughby said Catherina was a 'fantastic' model of healthy ageing, inspiring other residents to follow her lead and develop a similar routine.
Catherina was born in 1912 in the Netherlands and is possibly also the oldest-known Dutch person in the world.
She migrated to Australia with her husband and family in 1955. Catherina has four children, ten grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
She has since held various jobs throughout her life, including as a grape picker, nursing assistant, typist, and clerical assistant.
Family members were all in awe at her achievement, as Catherina's older brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles all only lived to their 60s or early 70s.
Her oldest daughter, Mariella Hocking, attributes this to her mother's 'freaky gene'.
Since retiring, Catherina says she likes to spend time with family and friends over a 'simple meal' and finds joy in socialising with her peers.
Her key to a long life? 'Be happy with yourself and be content with what life gives you'.
You can watch Catherina’s birthday celebration here:
We at the SDC wish Catherina van der Linden a happy birthday!
What are some of the activities you like to do to stay active and sharp? Let us know in the comments below!
Catherina, who is from Adelaide but currently resides in Southern Cross Care’s West Beach Residential Care Home, will turn 111 this Saturday, August 26.
On her 110th birthday last year, the van der Linden family received an email informing them that their matriarch was Australia’s oldest living person after then-titleholder 110-year-old Frank Mawer passed away.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Catherina still loves to keep active. She takes part in gym sessions several times a week and long walks–an activity that leaves staff at the residential care home in disbelief.
Catherina van der Linden will turn 111 on August 26. Credit: Southern Cross Care
'I push myself sometimes when I’m getting a bit tired, and I think it’s about time to do something to yourself to see that you still have that energy you had before,' Catherina said.
'I still go on the bike, sometimes for 10 minutes, and that is a long time to spend on the bike.'
West Beach Residential Care Manager Catherine Willoughby said Catherina was a 'fantastic' model of healthy ageing, inspiring other residents to follow her lead and develop a similar routine.
Catherina shared that she keeps an active lifestyle. Credit: Southern Cross Care
Catherina was born in 1912 in the Netherlands and is possibly also the oldest-known Dutch person in the world.
She migrated to Australia with her husband and family in 1955. Catherina has four children, ten grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
She has since held various jobs throughout her life, including as a grape picker, nursing assistant, typist, and clerical assistant.
Family members were all in awe at her achievement, as Catherina's older brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles all only lived to their 60s or early 70s.
Her oldest daughter, Mariella Hocking, attributes this to her mother's 'freaky gene'.
Since retiring, Catherina says she likes to spend time with family and friends over a 'simple meal' and finds joy in socialising with her peers.
Her key to a long life? 'Be happy with yourself and be content with what life gives you'.
You can watch Catherina’s birthday celebration here:
We at the SDC wish Catherina van der Linden a happy birthday!
What are some of the activities you like to do to stay active and sharp? Let us know in the comments below!
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