The myth of ageing: Elaine’s story of staying active, connected and living life her way

There’s a persistent myth that ageing means slowing down, stepping back and becoming less connected to the world around you. Elaine Pringle’s life in Griffith tells a different story.

Elaine lives independently in her own home and, by her own admission, has a calendar many younger people would struggle to keep up with. “In a busy week, I go to Garden Club, I go to Probus, I go to church on Sunday,” she says. “I’ve got an exercise group on Friday mornings. Some of my friends say I’m never home.”

For Elaine, staying involved in her community isn’t just something to fill time – it’s essential to her wellbeing. “When you get out, you talk to people,” she explains. “Whereas when I’m at home, I’m alone. So, I decided I need to go out and talk to different people.”

Like many older people, Elaine acknowledges that ageing does bring changes. “I am slower,” she says. “I take longer to do things.” But slowing down hasn’t meant stopping. Instead, it’s meant being supported in ways that allow her to keep doing the things that matter most.

Elaine receives fortnightly at-home care support from Forrest Home Care, including help with shopping and domestic tasks. That support, she says, has been life changing. “I feel I wouldn’t be able to stay at home by myself if I didn’t have Forrest helping me,” Elaine says. “I really rely on them. And it’s not just the help; it’s the company as well.”

With support during grocery trips – from lifting bags to navigating the checkout – Elaine is able to conserve her energy for the things she enjoys. “They bring my groceries inside for me, and that’s really, really good help,” she says.

Elaine is also a strong advocate for accepting support early. “I’d recommend you start before you need it,” she says. “It was the best advice I was given.”

For Elaine, at-home care hasn’t taken away her independence – it’s protected it. “I keep saying I want to stay in my own home forever if possible,” she says. “And if I didn’t have that help, I wouldn’t be able to do that.”

Elaine’s story is a reminder that ageing doesn’t have to mean retreating from life. With the right support, it can mean staying connected, contributing to community, and continuing to live life on your own terms.

For more information about at-home support, read more about Forrest Home Care or phone 02 6932 3009.