Katarina, 79 years, Slovenia

“I will be 79 in April 2012 and I have not had an easy life. I was a smart kid, but didn’t want to leave my home to continue my studies, so with my limited education I could only be employed as a simple worker. My life has been spent on the edge of poverty. Fifteen years ago I joined the singing club. Socializing with friends and family is so good for me. It helped me a lot also when I was fighting cancer six years ago. It meant so much to me that the health care system enabled me to stay at home during the radiotherapy: I was taken to the institute 150 km away on a daily basis. The nurses trained me to take full care of a stoma following the surgery. A primary care nurse has visited me occasionally ever since.

“I am never bored, as I like cooking and cleaning. When the weather is fine I go for a walk to the nearby creek, work in the garden or play with my two cats. In winter I make paper flowers, which is a local tradition. I sing old folk songs most of the time. Sometimes I feel so energetic that I could fly. I even do exercises when I watch television. Leading an active life is a must. Perhaps that is why I have broken my arm two times in the past decade.

“With a positive attitude and supportive environments I can overcome any obstacles brought about by ageing and enjoy life.”