A new lease on life at age 103

This is part of a series of sponsored stories by ZB’s Kerre Woodham in which she examines life in Metlifecare villages through the eyes of residents – how they came to be there, what shaped their choice of village and their life in residence. Today: Kerre meets a remarkable centenarian who rebuilt her life after a devastating natural disaster.

After losing her home twice, Mavis finds joy in her new life.

Mavis Lane was evacuated from her North Shore home during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods, saving only a few treasures with her family’s help.

She moved in with her son Steve while her house was rebuilt, but soon after moving back in, the council informed her it would be buying the home from her. At 102, Mavis was left homeless for the second time that year.

Now 103, she’s bright-eyed and spirited in her new home at Metlifecare’s Greenwich Gardens, as she tells me why she chose one of their care suites as her forever home.

“Steve had told me I could move in with them, but I said no. I knew I’d have to be cared for at some stage. What’s the point of making two moves when I could do it in one?” she says.

What an extraordinary, pragmatic, unselfish woman! I exclaim, and Steve agrees.

“It’s a big relief. We’re a large family so she would always get a visit from at least one of us every day when she was living on her own, but it’s the nighttime... just knowing that now, if anything happens, there will always be somebody there is great,” he says.

Mavis was living on her own before the floods but a carer popped by in the mornings to do a bit of housework and prepare a few meals, and to keep an eye out while Mavis showered. I asked Mavis if going from her own home to being a member of a wider community was a big change.

“Well, it was,” Mavis says. “Before, I was able to cook simple meals for myself – although I did rely a lot on the frozen meals as I got older – but now I’m waited on hand and foot which is nice. You’d think you’re going to be bossed around, but no. It’s not like that at all.

Mavis Lane.

“I can do as much as I like and participate in as much as I want to. I’ve met all the ladies and the gentlemen in the coffee club. They’re really friendly and we can have a good chat together. I can sit quietly in my own room if I want, watch a little bit of television, do my crosswords – I can’t read so much now because my eyes are gradually fading. Before, I never felt lonely and I never minded my own company, but now I’ve got company, I’m quite enjoying it.”

“That’s been a real surprise,” Steve says. “Mum’s a shy person – that’s how you’d describe yourself, isn’t it, mum? – but she’s blossomed here. She’s in a coffee group, bingo, exercise classes, chatting with the girls – it’s great to see.”

“In fact,” Steve continues, “it’s changed our visiting patterns because we know now not to come until the afternoon because there’s always something happening every morning. If we phone in the morning, she won’t answer because she’s not in her room. She’ll be out running around... well, not quite running around!”

Mavis may not be running, but she’s certainly not standing still. As well as joining clubs, she’s also been on two jaunts in the Greenwich Gardens van – one to Devonport and one to Greenhithe for a long lunch.

Mavis, Steve and the rest of the family did their homework before choosing Metlifecare’s Greenwich Gardens. They visited four or five facilities, but say this was their favourite because of the friendliness and the professionalism of the staff. Steve says throughout his career he’s had to observe people, watching how they interact with one another, and was highly impressed at Greenwich Gardens.

“I noticed the management here have a great rapport with the staff and they know everybody’s name. Mum got that vibe as well. Nothing is too much trouble.”

Mavis concurs. “I don’t have any worries or any responsibilities. I can ring the bell anytime if I want anything – it’s really rather nice.”

Steve is justifiably proud of his mother. “Look at her,” he says. “She was a kid in the Depression, was married and raising children during World War II. She just takes everything in her stride.”

She surely does. Being evacuated from her home at 102, moving into a care home and making a new life for herself at 103 is indeed amazing.

Mavis waves away my praise. “In days gone by, you got on with things,” she says. “You knew you had to do something, so you just did it.”

But could we all do so with as much style and grace as Mavis? I doubt it. This sensational centenarian is a living example that moving into a care home can mean the beginning of a whole new way of life – even when you’re 103.

For more information: metlifecare.co.nz