'Living well, ageing well' #2: Decide to live a happy life In our last article, HBH Senior Living CEO, Bonnie Robinson, talked about the she has worked hard to ensure it never held her back. "I have always managed without help. My importance of maintaining a good attitude other had me walking between 1 and 2 years and as you age. In this issue, we meet someone who knows first-hand the power ofivem proud of what I can do with my Cerebral Palsy thinking-HBH Resident, Lesley Charles. once I got going. I was away!" Even when I was working and raising my children it never held me back. I learnt to knit leven though my hands and arms were affected by CP) and I learnt to drive a car -I got my licence when I was 34 years old Aged 81 years, Lesley has lived at HBH Senior Living for 3 years. As for many seniors, it wasn't an easy decision to move from her home. "Being so independent has its downside, as I was very determined to remain at home. However, I had five falls within six months so that made the decision for me. Now, I really enjoy it here. Ive made some wonderful friends and I'm glad ! made the move. LESLEY CHARLES These days, Lesley is the only sibling left in her After leaving school, Lesley worked as a punch card family as both of her brothers have passed away, but operator and saved over a thousand pounds which s aways, she doesn't let this get her down. When er solicitor father wisely invested for her. T've asked if she had any advice for the next generation, always been a good saver she tells us. At that time, not surprisingly. it's all positive. she met a woman with TB who encouraged her When Lesley arrived at HBH Senior Living, she nitially needed quite a lot of help due to her recent to attend the 64 Club la club for disabled people). falls. But one day she thought, I can do more for myself now' And that sums up Lesley's positive spirit married and had two children, a girl and a boy Keep well and healthy and live a balanced life, she tells us. "Be careful with money and stay out of trouble but enjoy lifel And get along- people get bees in their bonnets over all sorts of things - decide you're There, she met her future husband and they soon she certainly makes the most of every day and keeps herself active and busy She says that father was dead set against her getting married, but again that independent going to live a happy life and don't dwell on things Living wel ageing well' is a series of articles It's important to join in - I don't want to stay in my streak surfaced and they maried. After her children profing the lives and sharing the stories of HBH room all day and it's very easy to keep yourself busy were bon, they moved to Pakuranga and enjoyed SeniLiving's residents, staff and families, and the here. I've got things on three days a week. I love playing cards and bingo. The college kids come and were young join in sometimes - it's great fun. The lady Isabel and 1 get on like a house on fre. I want to make the most of every minute while I can. several happy years together when their children life lessons they've learned along the way. next door When the marriage came to an end, Lesley's positive spirit got her through. I was sad when it was over, but I just got on with it. I was always a very independent and determined woman and the children and I managed just fine. CARE & VILLAGE Lesley's optimistic, independent attitude has always stood her in good stead. Bom with Cerebral Palsy. In every little way, we care A service of Howick Baptist Healtheare Ltd