Margaret Taylor thinks young people should travel as soon as they can. Photos: Oliver Jacques.
Region is introducing a new series of articles profiling some of the Riverina’s distinguished senior residents, to find out about their lives and what wisdom they can impart to the rest of us.
We find out about their life highlights and challenges, what they like and don’t like about the modern world, the secrets of a successful marriage, their advice for Year 12 graduates and tips about retirement living.
We start by getting to know much-loved 72-year-old Margaret Taylor, who worked as a nurse for 45 years and leads an active life at the Griffith Retirement Estate.
Who is Margaret Taylor?
I was born and raised in Griffith, just like my mother. I became a nurse when I was 19 and did that all my life, in between raising my three children. I retired a few years ago and have three grandkids.
What was your first job?
An office worker at a company called Wright Heaton.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had in your life?
Raising three children as a single mum.
An achievement of which you’re most proud?
Same thing. Raising my kids. They’ve all turned out really well. My son has played Santa Claus for the past 17 years.
What’s something you don’t like about the modern world?
Having to do so much online. That’s really hard. I’ve never had much experience with computers.
Margaret with friend Dorothy Turner, aged 91.
What do you like about this day and age?
You can be yourself. You don’t have to answer to anyone. I can do anything I want in my retirement.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a Year 12 graduate?
Travel. You can always do it again when you get older, but I think while you’re young and have no commitments, you should get out and see the world. I’ve done lots of travelling all through my life, seen so many countries and still go overseas regularly.
What’s the best place you’ve seen in the world?
Lithuania and Latvia, in Eastern Europe. It’s got wonderful greenery and has a great vibe.
What’s the secret to a successful marriage?
Trust.
How are you spending your retirement?
I love reading mystery novels. I’m also into knitting and do Sudoku. I’ve joined different groups and I’m out every day.
What advice do you have about retirement village living?
Come early to make sure you’re not too old to enjoy it. I was still working when I came here nine years ago.
My mum went to a retirement village on the coast and I was going to live with her. But there was no backyard, no dining room — she looked at what I had and said I was lucky.
Would you like to see your 100th birthday?
Yes, I’d love to. Provided I’ve still got all my faculties, that would be nice.
If you know an elderly Riverina resident whose wisdom could teach us a thing or two, call Oliver on 0498843181 or email: [email protected].
