Still Becoming: Lisa’s Story

For International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, GreyMatter is asking people a simple question: Who are you becoming?

Getting older to us means the story never stops. If anything, there is more room to explore, learn, connect, change direction – and even surprise yourself.

Lisa is a great example.

Something she has taken up recently would probably have surprised her younger self:

“Singing with Livio and sharing the videos on Facebook entertaining our Facebook friends.”

And then there are the chapters of Lisa’s life that you simply wouldn’t know by looking at her age. Her experiences have taken her into some unexpected places and introduced her to people who have shaped her story.

“The people I’ve met and links I’ve made as a Financial Counsellor, Volunteer Adelaide Greeter, a Red Hat Queen and a lover of rock music particularly drums and drummers.”

But life doesn’t always follow the script we expect.

After two life-changing events in recent years – COVID cutting her off from social connections, followed by a fall that unexpectedly led her into the aged-care system in her early 70s – Lisa is now focused on taking back some control.

“Taking control of my emotional and physical well-being after two life-changing events in recent years being COVID cutting off my social contacts and a fall resulting in having to enter the age care system unexpectedly in my early 70s.”

Her approach to purpose and meaningful living has become beautifully uncomplicated.

“Don’t worry the small stuff. Is it important?, do something about it. If not let it go. Listen to yourself and trust your instincts.”

And perhaps that is one of the gifts of getting older: perspective.

Lisa says one of the joys of being older is being able to stop, notice and appreciate what is happening around you, including things that can so easily be missed when life is busy.

“One of the joys of being older is to observe what is happening around you, even the small things like a baby’s smile or a walk in the sunshine.”

There is something wonderfully life-affirming in noticing and staying curious enough to keep on keeping on.