“You’re never too old to study,” says Loretta Martin. “It keeps your mind sharp.” 

The resident at Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community is excited about buying a computer so she can study nutrition at Victoria University. 

The great-grandmother already has a Bachelor of Business Management under her belt and is determined to fit studying into her very busy lifestyle. 

She moved into Kingsville Community nearly a year ago and is already the official Resident Representative, voicing the collective views of other residents at monthly Residents and Friends meetings. 

“It’s a responsibility I take very seriously,” says Loretta. “It’s given me a widespread view of aged care – both from the residents’ perspective as well as from the staff.” 

Added to that Loretta enjoys karate, dancing and exercise classes, music sessions, trivia quizzes and going on bus trips.  She loves the weekly sermons at the chapel on site, as well as attending the Our Lady Catholic Church in Sunshine with friends on Saturday evenings.  She’s still a member of the Lions Club in Sunshine. 

“There’s always so much on the go,” laughs Loretta. “Life is very busy.” 

The mother-of-four also loves spending time in Kingsville’s beautiful gardens.  She still misses her Sunshine family home where she landscaped her own garden. 

“Still, life is about moving on,” says Loretta.  “I chose to come here, it was absolutely the right decision for me.  I’m happy and I certainly don’t have time to be bored.”  One of her children lives within walking distance and pops in every day to visit. 

Loretta believes it is her positive attitude that has sustained her throughout her life.  Her grandparents were English-speaking Portuguese who ran their own business in India where she was raised.  She met her late husband, Bill, and they had three children.  They moved to Melbourne where she continued working throughout her life while raising their little family.  She played hockey and studied while juggling work and family life. 

“I enjoy making friends with the residents here,” says Loretta. “Everyone has an interesting story to tell about their lives.”