Family the secret to positive ageing for Marthe, 103

Celebrating 103 remarkable years, Beechwood aged care resident Marthe Chasle is joyfully reminiscing about a life rich in family devotion and marked by a vocation of caring for others.

 That dedication began when Marthe, born in Mauritius, left school at an early age to care for her parents, brother and sisters. She married young and was then blessed with seven children of her own.

“Family always came first,” Marthe recalls.

After her son Luke married and migrated to Australia in 1968, the rest of the family soon followed. Marthe and two of her children were the last to arrive in the country on the 30 December 1970, with the whole family living together in a unit in Belmore, Sydney.

When all her children married and settled into their own homes, Marthe rotated herself between the families caring helping with cooking, cleaning, and caring for her grandchildren.

“My proudest moments have been to attend many of my family members’ weddings and getting to meet and hold my new grandchildren - of which there are 16 -  and my 32 great-grandchildren, and watching them grow up,” she said.

Marthe’s penchant for caring has not fallen far from the tree, with daughters Nicole and Marie showing a particular devotion to looking after their Mum, visiting her regularly and taking care of her personal needs. Before moving into Beechwood they and their families looked after their much loved Matriarch in their homes until she needed extra care.

Marthe will celebrate her 103^rd birthday at her Revesby home, where she has lived for the last five years. Lifestyle Coordinator Shruti Kaushnik says Marthe is very much loved and respected by staff and other residents.

“Ever since she joined our Beechwood family, she has brought so much joy,” she said.

“You can often walk by her room and hear her singing a French song to herself.

“She is regularly visited by her family who come to see their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is so clearly loved by them all!”

On her secret to a long life, Marthe says it really is quite simple.

“Spread the love, always try to be happy, and always eat rice, fresh vegetables and meat to stay healthy,” she shared.

Marthe will celebrate her birthday on the 10^th March 2024 at Beechwood Aged Care in Revesby alongside family, friends, residents and staff.