Riverwood customers Aisea and Veronica don’t need to see studies that prove living in an interconnected community is one of the keys to happy and healthy ageing. They know it is, because they are living proof.  

Aisea, who turned 92 this year, and his wife Veronica, 78, help out at the SCGH-supported Residents’ Organisation At Riverwood (ROAR) weekly community barbecue. The pair turn up every Friday to prepare the food, and Aisea might later pick up his guitar and join his fellow ROAR members to entertain those who come along to the barbecue.   

“Living in a multicultural society, people tend to keep to their own little cliques,” says Aisea. “What they don’t realise is that there is a lot to be gained by everyone getting together, sharing their experiences, that will eventually make the place they live better for all.”   

Originally from Fiji, the couple moved to Riverwood from Blacktown in 2014. “Back then, Riverwood didn’t have a good reputation,” adds Veronica, “but it has grown and changed so much. When we moved here, we met and talked to everyone– especially the elderly, who we tried to get out of their apartments. Back home in Fiji, families take good care of the elderly and loneliness is rarely an issue for anyone at all. Being involved in your community is good for everyone.”   

The couple’s involvement in the local community doesn’t stop at the ROAR barbecue either. Aisea is a member of the SGCH’s Tenant Coordination Panel plus others, and he and Veronica are founding members of the Riverwood Community Choir. “We are also involved in the community garden and in pretty much any event organised by the members of our community,” says Veronica.   

That’s part of the reason the couple is widely known and adored throughout Riverwood. Having reached his 90s, Aisea is in a great position to pass on his wisdom about the importance of ageing well. ”It boils down to surrounding yourself with friendly people who have a good attitude in life, especially those who aspire to inspire others.”   

It’s this approach to life that saw Aisea make an appearance in Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, a TV series where the actor explores the secrets to longevity. “Getting old is a blessing in disguise and nothing to be afraid of,” says Aisea. “I’m privileged to reach this ripe old age. It enables me to pass on to younger generations my life’s experience and what I learnt during my younger days. It also enables me to better serve the community I live in, irrespective of how hard the task may be.”