An interview on healthy ageing with Lionel Young
From our Humans of Salveo Healthcare series
At Salveo Healthcare, we love sharing the stories of people in our community. Lionel Young is one of those people you do not forget. He is warm, thoughtful, funny and full of life. At 80, he keeps busy, stays curious and speaks with great pride about his family and the life he has built. As Lionel says, “I don’t feel 80.” After spending time with him, it is easy to understand why.
Early life and career
Lionel was born in Smithton in 1946 and grew up in the Tasmanian town on the North West coast as one of six children. He remembers a happy childhood filled with fishing, football, cycling and time with family. As a boy, he thought he would become a mechanic like his father, who worked on the railways. But his mum had other ideas. “She said, no, I’m not going to be a mechanic. You need to put in for the job down at the local council office.” That one push led Lionel into local government, where he built a long and successful career helping communities across Tasmania.
Family, change and resilience
Family has always been at the heart of Lionel’s life. He and his wife Jill were school sweethearts and shared 63 years together. He speaks with so much love about their three sons and five grandchildren, and it is clear that family still gives him strength every day. Lionel has also lived through some very hard times, including serious health issues, caring for Jill through illness and losing her suddenly last year. Through it all, he has kept going with honesty, humour and courage.
“The key for me in being able to manage and handle stress was having good health,” he says. “Good health is always important, and it’s high priority for me.”
Staying active and involved
These days, Lionel works hard to stay active, independent and involved in life. He walks his dog Bobby, rides his electric bike around Launceston, does exercises in his home gym and keeps a close eye on his health. He also enjoys crossword puzzles, jigsaws, snooker and time with family and friends. “Bobby runs my life,” he says with a smile. Lionel is proud of the healthy routines he has built, and he believes the small daily things matter. “I’m living ‘til I’m 100,” he jokes. It is said lightly, but he truly means it.
Taking an active role in healthy ageing
Lionel believes people should take an active role in their own health. He keeps records at home, asks questions, books appointments ahead of time and talks openly with his doctor. He does not like to sit back and let things just happen. His advice is simple and strong: “Be involved.” He says too many people take a “whatever will be, will be” approach, but he believes it is better to understand your health, speak up and stay on top of what you need.
Falls Prevention Program experience
Lionel joined the Falls Prevention Program after a series of unexpected falls left him worried about his balance. He valued the chance to understand what was happening and to keep building his strength and confidence. He spoke warmly about being part of the program and clearly sees it as one more way to stay well and keep doing the things he loves. For Lionel, it is not about giving in to age. It is about learning, adapting and doing what you can to stay steady and independent.
A life well lived
When Lionel talks about a life well lived, he comes back to the same things: family, purpose, good health and making the most of every stage of life. He believes in eating well, staying active, not smoking, drinking very little and thinking positively about the future. He has even booked the venue for his 100th birthday. This says a lot about how he lives with hope, humour and a real determination to keep going.
Lionel’s story is a lovely reminder that healthy ageing is not about slowing down or stepping back. It is about staying involved, backing yourself, connecting with the people who matter and finding joy in everyday life. As Lionel shows, a full life can be built on good habits, good choices and one good day at a time.
This information is general in nature and individualised medical advice should be sought from a general practitioner (GP) or appropriate medical practitioner.
