101 Years of Stories with Eileen Martin

At 101 years young, SwanCare Waminda resident Eileen Martin boasts a century of wisdom, with a year to spare. Eileen has always approached life as an adventure, making every day count.

Appreciating a Happy, Simple Life

Eileen’s childhood in Portsmouth was a happy one. One of six children, she remembers spending her days outdoors with siblings and friends, skipping, playing marbles and conkers and inventing games.

“We never had much, but what we did have, we appreciated,” she says. “We lived about four miles from the sea. Mum would give us a halfpenny for the bus to the beach and a halfpenny to come back. But so that we could have a halfpenny ice cream when we got there, we’d walk the four miles one way, then come back on the bus because we’d be tired from swimming all day. Kids today wouldn’t do that!”

Wartime Realities

Growing up during the war gave Eileen a perspective that has stayed with her throughout life. As a young teenager living in Portsmouth, home to a naval dockyard, she remembers falling bombs becoming part of everyday life and, at the time, not worrying her too much.

“I felt for my mother because she was so worried,” says Eileen. “We’d be in bed and the siren would start. She’d tell us we must go down to the shelter. But we said, ‘No, Mum, we’re going to stay in bed. We’ve got work tomorrow!’

“They were the ones who should get the medals. They had a family to feed and everything was on rations. An ounce of this and an ounce of that, which you queued up for.

“It wasn’t so bad for me in the Air Force, but at home it wasn’t easy for them. Still, they managed. They’d make things go a bit further, plum puddings, steamed puddings, whatever would feed the family.”

Before joining the Air Force, Eileen worked in a chemist, which proved useful to the wartime effort.

“They said, ‘Good, you know about medicines, we’ll put you in as a medic!’” Eileen laughs. “From then on, I had to study instruments and anatomy and all sorts of things.”

Although the role exposed her to some horrific sights, it was work she genuinely enjoyed.

Eileen’s working life continued to take her in unexpected directions. With a talent for sewing, she worked with fabrics, creating bridal gowns before moving into banking.

She also spent many happy years in Zimbabwe with her husband, who sadly passed away there. Despite the loss, it remains her favourite place in the world. Weekends were often spent packing the caravan and heading off to Lake McIlwaine, now known as Lake Chivero.

Living Independently

Eileen eventually came to Australia on holiday to visit family, liked what she saw and decided to stay. She spent 24 years living independently at SwanCare’s Mavis Cleaver Court before moving to SwanCare Waminda seven years ago.

Her move to Waminda was partly inspired by her friend Audrey, who often invited her over for bingo and concerts. Eventually, Eileen realised she was spending so much time visiting that moving in simply made sense.

Even at 101, Eileen remains remarkably independent and active, playing table games and joining the walking group. She still ventures to the local shops, where she often recruits friendly “university lads” to help her safely cross the road.

A Life of Gratitude

There are some things Eileen misses due to old age, particularly sewing, a lifelong passion. But she remains grateful for what she can do and for the people around her.

She has four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. When asked how she remembers all their names, she laughs and says, “I don’t!”

And then there is Eileen’s famous golden rule.

“Oh yes, I have a glass of wine every day with dinner,” she says, revealing her preferred tipple, Sauvignon Blanc. “You have to have some pleasure out of life!”

Perhaps that sums up Eileen’s outlook perfectly: enjoy yourself.

Her advice to younger generations is simple.

“Don’t worry about things. What’s going to happen will happen. Spend less time on your phones and computers. Get outside, enjoy your friends and have fun while you can!”

Simple Pleasures

After many happy years at SwanCare, Eileen couldn’t be happier. But there is one thing she would definitely change. After 101 years, she says it is the small things that make a difference.

“I’m over a hundred years old now and I can’t get a nice boiled egg!” she laughs.

Eileen left independent living seven years ago and being able to boil herself an egg is something she still misses.Someone find Eileen an egg!

Happy 101st birthday, Eileen, from everyone at SwanCare.