Li Wang is 92-years young. Born in Harbin, China, Li communicates exclusively in Mandarin and loves life at Uniting AgeWell Manor Lakes Community.

Li arrived in Australia 29 years ago when her second daughter gave birth to her grandson in Australia. “He is now studying at the University of Melbourne,” Li proudly shares

“I was in a Chinese aged care facility and it was too far for my daughter to visit,” Li says. Li moved to Uniting AgeWell’s Manor Lakes Community two years ago to save her family travel time. While she does not speak English, she can feel the caring attitude of staff and they in turn have embraced Li’s “language.” She gestures to communicate with staff to show what she needs and she basks in the steady hum of residents around her. “I can’t understand English but I still listen. I like listening to it.”

Lifestyle activities and community bus outings have also enriched Li’s life. “I am very busy! On Mondays I have leather crafting, Wednesdays I have art classes.”

Li studied arts in China and worked across stage design, costuming and more. “Arts was just arts back in the days, we worked on all types of art, and it didn’t matter if it was painting or design. You would work on what you were assigned to.”

Li particularly enjoys the art of Bingo. She struggled to understand the rules in the beginning but has learnt overtime. She is happy with her life at Uniting AgeWell Manor Lakes Community. “The facility is spacious. I can read books and there are so many lifestyle activities. I really like how Uniting AgeWell does not have us older people just sitting around all day.”

Li cherishes the multiculturalism and inclusive nature of her community. She was delighted when bao and siomai (some may know them as shumai) began to appear on the menu. The traditional Chinese food reminds her of home.

Li sincerely hopes for the best for her community in Manor Lakes. “We are a big family. I wish Manor Lakes Community becomes even better and more people from more backgrounds move in here.”