Frank Mawer says his key to living to a grand age is simple: no smoking, no drinking and no gambling.
“These are three things you can choose. The way you live makes a difference. And the schooling costs of my six children was a worthy investment,” Mr Mawer said.
Mr Mawer, who turned 109 last Sunday (15 August 2021) celebrated in the most COVID-19 safe way with a Zoom party with up to 40 of his closest family and friends.
Mr Mawer became Australia’s oldest man last month after Dexter Kruger, 111 years, passed away in Roma, Queensland.
Incredibly, Mr Mawer still lives on his own in his apartment in Gymea, 26km south of Sydney’s CBD, supported by HammondCare At Home staff, led by clinical care manager Narelle Wild, who drops by four days a week.
During the Zoom event, Mr Mawer was accompanied in his apartment by his son Barry, 75, as people logged on from the US, Britain, a grandson in Brazil, and across Australia. Everyone had a cupcake in his honour.
While he has not had a drink for 80 years, Mr Mawer does confess to one vice – Portuguese tarts from a local bakery on Gymea Road.
Mr Mawer had his first hip replacement in February this year, and according to Barry, he made an excellent recovery.
“To be honest, he seems to be in the best shape he’s being in for a while,” Barry said.
Mr Mawer said he can feel a little unbalanced walking these days. To help him avoid falls, support handle bars have been installed around his unit, fixtures he says make his unit feel a little like a “bull pen”.
Asked about taking Australia’s oldest man title Mr Mawer, a regular attendee at Horizon Church at Sutherland, said: “God has been good to me”.
Born in 1912, Frank has lived through some tough times, including the deadly Spanish Flu pandemic as well as COVID-19. His mum passed away when he was a 12-year-old boy, resulting in him becoming a ward of the state.
Frank married his sweetheart Elizabeth, an Irish immigrant, in 1939. Together they raised six children. The extended family has grown to 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.
Elizabeth passed away in 2011, aged 92.
“It was a long marriage to a lovely girl,” Mr Mawer commented.
HammondCare CEO Mike Baird said HammondCare At Home was honoured to work with Mr Mawer’s family to support him continue to live independently.
“Mr Mawer is without doubt the most inspiring individual – a family man and a man of faith. He is an example for us all about how to life the fullest,” Mr Baird said.
Mr Mawer, who has had both COVID-19 vaccinations, is continuing to make plans for the future and paid a deposit at the Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Bateau Bay, to stay in a beach front cabin in mid-December.
Mr Mawer and the extended family have vacationed at the caravan park prior to Christmas for more than 60 years.
We hope you are able to enjoy your holiday, Frank.
