Firm Friendships Can Be Made at Any Age

Friends are important at every stage of life and, with that in mind, International Day of Friendship on Sunday 30 July will have special significance for two residents living at Regis Nedlands. That’s because, despite both being nonagenarians, residents Joan Gendall and Meredith Jacob are living proof that age is never a barrier to making new friendships.

91-year-old Meredith and 90-year-old Joan met at Regis Nedlands and, by their own admission, immediately recognised a connection and hit it off.

“We spend a lot of time together and enjoy similar activities,” says 90-year-old Joan, who was born in Kalgoorlie in 1932 and has four children, eight grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.

“We always sit next to each other during the various activities that we attend at Regis Nedlands,” adds Meredith, who started out life back in Adelaide in the same year, and is also very much the matriarch of her large family.

“Making friends with Joan has been very special. We are a similar age and have seen and done a lot in our lives, so we are never stuck for things to talk about. I think we are a good example of how it’s never too late in life to make a new friend.”

Regis Nedlands General Manager, Kim Stevenson, said it was a delight to see Joan and Meredith’s firm friendship develop, despite both being in their later years.

“Age can sometimes erode friendships and so it is heart-warming to see the companionship that has developed between the two ladies since they met after they moved into Regis Nedlands,” she says.

“Having a sympathetic friend with whom we can share our troubles and our thoughts can significantly improve our health and outlook on life, and so we’re fortunate at Regis Nedlands that many of our seniors have developed real companionship with fellow residents, and as a result we have a thriving community where our seniors really enjoy each other’s company.”

International Day of Friendship is a United Nations day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures. It is observed on July 30 each year.

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