"Working in Aged Care helps me to feel like a member of the human family. I love working here."
Maria was born Uruguay in 1951, has three children and three grandchildren and lives in government housing for essential workers. After finishing school she married and became an art teacher and an exhibiting artist. Sadly her husband passed away suddenly in 1986 when he was only 34 years old. Maria then worked for the government to support her family. Even though she felt like her life was over at that time, Maria knew she still had to support her family. She was sustained by all the good people around her and her belief that there is always light coming to you.
In 1998 Maria married again and migrated to Australia in 2000 with her youngest child. It was very hard for her to find a job but she eventually found work in the Aged Care sector in 2003. “The day they gave me the job in Aged Care I was so grateful." she says. Maria is a member of the Lifestyle team and teaches art to residents at an Aged Care facility. For the first five years she worked in the dementia unit. While working she studied Community Services, Leisure and Health, Counselling, Mental Health and Montessori Education. Maria feels lucky to have the opportunity to study as a mature-aged student and is currently researching what to study next at university.
Maria always thought she would live overseas. She has loved travelling ever since she was 16 and had her first trip on a plane. Now she travels every opportunity she has because she loves learning about different cultures and meeting new people. She has Japan and the Azores on her list of where to go next.
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
I love my job and I love to care for people. I love human interaction, especially with older people. The Aged Care residents I work with are like family. Some people have nothing and no family. It is an honor to be with them, share their stories and bring some joy at the end of their lives. I give part of my life to their life. It’s also good for my mental and physical health - to live longer you need to receive love and it is very reciprocal in my work. I don’t go home lonely, because my job puts a lot of love into my life. Sometimes people ask me when I am going to retire but as long as I can make a social and financial (by paying tax) contribution to society I will keep working.
Life expectancy 2023
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