I don't own my home; I rent it. We all do. Part of the arrangement is that we receive three meals a day, cooked for us. The food is without reproach.
"I am happy to be old. I am comfortable now."
David: "I have had so many friendships in my life but they all evaporated when I got into trouble."
"I didn't know what to do. I was in Sydney and I rang my daughter here in Brisbane and said I was in trouble. My life was two feet from the gutter. She rang around and found this village; I walked in two days later. Now my health is terrific and Monday nights I can sleep knowing that on Tuesdays I don't have a sales meeting to go to."
"I used to always look at my watch for the time and now I have to look at the paper to see what day it is. My son was seven years old when I was divorced in 1995. I worked all week in sales to cover costs and then I had weekends with him, which I loved. But I just never stopped and on Mondays there was no money left in the wallet. It was just pressure every week - but it was worth it for my son."
"I have been here nearly two years; I came when I was 70. It did not take long to join the place, to feel at home and surrounded by friends. There is a big difference between loneliness and solitude. I like the people; they are really nice here and we get on. My home is more than adequate. It takes me seven and a half minutes to clean and there is plenty of space. Some of the residents are very good at creating colour with their own garden plots. And it's the perfect climate."
"I don't own my home; I rent it. We all do. Part of the arrangement is that we receive three meals a day, cooked for us. The food is without reproach. I was one of 11 children and the food at home was basic; this is special. In fact, Jasmine makes fresh cakes every day and the sweets taste sweet, as they should. On special days, they put on a few drinks. The managers really care about us; they get involved, know our families and generally are in touch. My next goal is to get involved in the community. I have experienced so much - both good and bad. I would like to work with kids, talk to them about life. I am a good talker."
