For 94-year-old Ken, his greatest memory as a teenager was catching the bus to City Beach. Eighty years later, he is celebrating an even greater milestone at the same beach thanks to the support of a Juniper Community Physiotherapist.

“City Beach was my second home growing up. One of my favourite memories was from when I was 15. I watched a beautiful young lady step off the bus, and she caught my attention instantly. I remember exactly what she was wearing, and she ended up being my wife,” said Ken.

Ken and Elaine have been happily married for over 70 years and are now living at Juniper Rowethorpe Retirement Living in Bentley.

“The beach was my number one love, up until I met Elaine. But unfortunately, we have not had the opportunity to go for years. I am struggling to remember the last time I went; I think it was more than 15 years ago,” said Ken.

Through Ken’s Home Care Package with Juniper Home and Community Care and thanks to the support of Juniper Community Physiotherapist Robert Moore, Ken now has the strength to walk in the sand to put his feet in the water.

Ken started the Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark (GLAD:D) program at the Juniper Rowethorpe Day Centre nine months ago, to help develop skills to self-manage his osteoarthritis and build confidence.

“Age will never stop me! I have been very active my whole life and it has been very hard for me to slow down. Thanks to Robert, I am staying active and regaining my confidence. He set up a personalised program for me that I do twice a week, and I am feeling great,” said Ken.

Ken said he has been dreaming of feeling the wind through his hair and sand beneath his toes for years.

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when I got to the beach, it brought back so many memories. Being able to catch the bus with Juniper and walk along the sand at City Beach has been a massive milestone for me, and I am so grateful to be able to share it with my wife,” said Ken.