How do you keep your independence in your 90s?

At 94, I’ve worked out my own way of doing things. I have a carer who comes with me to Coles for two hours, but I’m still adjusting to having someone hovering around while I shop. I’ve got my own system - I don’t always need the walker they try to push on me. There are plenty of rails to hold onto, and I can use the shopping trolley for support.

I told them straight about the food - I’m not changing my diet now! When they bring out fish covered in strange seeds or put cream on corned beef, I speak up. I’ve lived through everything from making my own dripping to cooking on a small stove during the gas strike - I know what I like and what I don’t.

I stay in my room in the afternoons because there are all sorts of activities going on in the morning. They try to drag me into some of these groups, but I’m not interested in sitting there just to sit there. I’ve got my own space set up just how I like it - my lounge room, my pharmacy corner, and my own little kitchen setup where I can make my coffee. I’ve even got the special TV setup that Samuel gave me, so I can watch what I want when I want. I don’t have to watch sport or whatever else is on - I’ve got all my recordings of things I actually enjoy.

The most important thing is knowing when to say ‘Stop!’ Sometimes everyone’s giving you different advice - one lot telling you to take it easy and rest, another lot telling you to walk through the park. You have to know your own limits and stand up for yourself, even if it means speaking up firmly sometimes.