The woman of 103 stories turns another chapter in aged care

At 103 years old, Helen Orosz is proof that age is just a number — and it’s never too late to embrace a new chapter in life.

This multilingual centenarian recently moved into Carinity Hilltop aged care in Brisbane, joining a growing number of Australians entering residential aged care well after their 100th birthday. Of the dozen centenarians currently living in Carinity communities across Queensland, half moved in after turning 100.

Helen made the move to Hilltop in Kelvin Grove earlier this year, at 103, several years after reaching her triple-digit milestone. For Helen, aged care isn’t a sign of slowing down, but a new space to stay social, keep her mind active and enjoy a little well-earned comfort.

A life spanning continents and languages

Helen was born in 1921 in Košice, Czechoslovakia — now part of modern-day Slovakia. As one of six children, she fondly recalls singing with her brothers and sisters growing up. In 1942, during the turbulence of World War ||, she married Viktor, a Hungarian soldier. Their early years together were marked by hardship, including the devastating loss of their infant son.

After the war, Helen and Viktor made a fresh start, migrating to Australia in 1952. The couple settled in Brisbane, both working in a local shoe factory and building a life together. Helen’s passions over the years have included cooking, sewing, knitting, gardening and reading — hobbies that still bring her joy today.

Over the course of her remarkable journey, Helen became fluent in five languages — English, Czech, Slovak, German and Hungarian — a legacy of growing up near the Czechoslovakia-Hungary border.

Now, at Carinity Hilltop, Helen continues to enjoy conversations, television and plenty of books to keep her mind sharp.

More Australians are ageing at home and for longer

Helen’s story reflects a broader shift happening across Australia; more people are choosing — and are able — to stay in their own homes well into their 90s and even past 100, thanks to better health, lifestyle improvements and in-home, aged-care, support.

Government programs like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages allow older Australians to receive help with daily tasks, such as cleaning, personal care, meal preparation and transport — all while remaining in their familiar surroundings.

This means people like Helen can enjoy independence and community connection for longer, only moving into residential aged care when more comprehensive support is needed.

In fact, research shows the average age of people entering permanent residential aged care in Australia is now well over 80, with increasing numbers in their 90s or even 100s making the move.

Embracing aged care when the time is right

Moving into aged care doesn’t have to be a last resort; for many, like Helen, it’s about accessing support, companionship and peace of mind. Carinity Hilltop offers a vibrant community setting where residents can stay engaged, enjoy activities and receive the care they need.

As Australians live longer with more options for in-home and residential care, the focus is shifting toward choice and quality of life at every stage of ageing.

Finding aged care support near you

If you or a loved one is considering aged care, whether it is at home or in a residential setting, you have a cavalcade of ways to find the right one for your situation.

• Visit Talking Aged Care for news, guides and tips to navigate aged care.
• Search for services on the Aged Care Guide website to compare providers in your area.
• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to book an aged care assessment or learn more about available government support.

Helen is living proof that it’s never too late to start a new chapter, regardless of the language, the narrative twists she’s had to face or her personal growth as an endearing protagonist in her journey. With the right support, residents can choose how and where they want to live, well into their golden years. She reads a wide range of literature, she’s built a wealth of life experience and this is her next chapter in a catalogue of memories worth keeping on a timeless bookshelf. Some people can recount an exciting year from their youth, but Helen’s life is an anthology, built from hundreds of stories and spanning over a hundred years.

From the team at Talking Aged Care, we wish Helen all the best in residential care and her continued pursuit of all that life has to offer. Nothing beats a good book, except for someone with a better story.