For 50 years, multiple generations of the Gibson family have lived at UnitingSA’s Westminster Village at Grange.
The family hit this milestone in March, according to “recent arrival” Ina Carr who has lived in a Retirement Living unit at the site for over two decades.
The spritely 97-year-old says “friendship” has been the best thing about living at Westminster.
Ina’s daughter, Merrilyn, is a daily visitor.
“We’re joined at the hip,” she says with a smile. “I am fortunate to have a wonderful, healthy mum.”
The Gibson family have had a long association with Westminster Village.
Ina’s parents, Dorothy (Dollie) and Ivan Gibson, moved into Unit 15 upon its completion in March 1975.
Ivan lived there until his death in 1980, while Dollie later moved into Westminster Village Aged Care where she lived until she was 102.
Lila Penn, their middle daughter, lived in Unit 22 for 6 years from 2004 – 2010.
Phyllis Johnson, another daughter, lived at Westminster until 2014.
Ina moved into the complex in 2005.
“I’ve been here long enough to have seen multiple redevelopments of the site,” she says.
And what does she think has contributed to her long, healthy life?
“Longevity,” she says.
But it isn’t all luck. Ina walks 100 laps outside every day.
“In Winter, I’ll go out at about 11am when the sunshine is out. If it is hot – I’ll do my laps when it is cooler.”
And what would she say to someone considering moving into Westminster Village?
“Do it.”