Aged care plus centre resident celebrates 108 years

Caption: Gwen Smith celebrating her 108th birthday.

Gwen Smith, a resident at The Salvation Army's Mountain View Aged Care Plus Centre, commemorated a significant milestone on 10 September when she celebrated her 108th birthday with family and friends.

Born in 1907, Gwen is the Australian Capital Territory’s oldest resident. She holds other remarkable records as well, one being noted as the oldest secretary in Australia, retiring just 14 years ago at 94 years of age.

She is a mother of three – Clare, Terry and Michael – and a proud grandmother to eight. She has lived an eventful life, recalling memories from World War One, the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and pre-car days.

Gwen entered into Mountain View Aged Care Plus Centre in 2005, which is now home to six residents over 100 years of age. The Chaplain of Mountain View Aged Care Plus Centre, Sue Hale, said: “Gwen is a very gentle and humble lady. Her mind is still active, and she tries to be as independent as possible. In her younger years, she enjoyed knitting, playing scrabble, dancing, writing and gardening. Gwen now enjoys sitting in the sun, or listening to the ABC in her room.”

By Brittney MacKenzie