Alberton Retirement Village honours elders aged 90 and older
With traditions like this, the village ensures its elderly residents feel valued, loved, and celebrated—not just for their age, but for the lives they have lived and the wisdom they continue to share.
In a heart-warming celebration of wisdom, the Alberton Retirement Village hosted a special function on March 5 to honour its residents aged 90 and older.
The event, held at the village at noon, saw 13 esteemed elders walk down a red carpet, each accompanied by a village council member in a touching display of respect and admiration.
As they entered, they were met with warm welcomes, setting the tone for a day filled with love, laughter, and shared memories.
The village provided a delicious lunch for the honoured guests and their chosen companions – whether a child, sponsor or a close friend.
Each elder also received a thoughtful goodie bag filled with treats like rusks, chocolates, Easter eggs, and bath lotion, a small token of appreciation for their remarkable journey through life.
“The village started this celebration long before I began working here,” said Cathy Pieters from Alberton Retirement Village.
“In the early days, we had only a few residents aged 90 and above. Now that the village has been around for 30 years, we celebrated 13 individuals today who have reached this milestone.”
She emphasised the village’s dedication to continuing the tradition, which has been running for 28 years, as the elders deeply appreciate the recognition.
Wisdom from the village’s eldest residents
Alberton Record had the privilege of speaking to the three eldest attendees – Wally Hunter (98), Annette Jansen van Vuuren (96) and Isabel Barrett (96) – to learn about their secrets to a long life and the wisdom they gathered over the years.
Wally Hunter, the oldest of the group at 98, credits his longevity to a lifelong love of reading.
“Reading is the secret,” he shared. However, with a chuckle, he admitted he has since stopped reading because it now tires him out.
When asked about his fondest memory, he became emotional as he recalled his late wife, whom he was married to for 68 years before she passed away a decade ago.
“Those were the happiest days of my life,” he said, his eyes welling up with tears.
Reflecting on life’s greatest lessons, he offered simple but powerful advice: “Keep your hands off the till. Don’t steal.”
A former electrician, Hunter humorously admitted that despite his years of experience, he was now too scared to touch anything electrical.
Annette Jansen van Vuuren attributes her long life to her faith, quoting 1 Corinthians 10:31 as her guiding principle.
A successful businesswoman in her younger years, she worked as a business manager at Foschini and later owned her own store, selling almost everything.
“Looking back, I must say I have so much to be thankful for,” she reflected.
Jansen van Vuuren, who had four children but unfortunately lost two, believes gratitude is the most important lesson life has taught her.
At the retirement village, everyone admires her for maintaining a beautiful garden, a demonstration of her love for nature and hard work.
Isabel Barrett expressed her deep appreciation for the village’s efforts in organising the function.
She recalled her career as a shorthand typist, a skill that was highly valued in her time.
Opting for early retirement at 54, Isabel decided she was done with the working world.
In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, a craft she found fulfilling.
When asked about the biggest lesson she has learned, she shared an unconventional piece of advice with a mischievous smile: “Don’t get married. You’re better off by yourself.”
A day to remember
The celebration was not just an event – it was a testimony to the respect and appreciation the Alberton Retirement Village holds for its oldest residents.
As laughter and conversation filled the air, it was clear that these remarkable individuals, with their rich life experiences and stories, continue to inspire those around them.
