Nelly and John pictured with friends at Aspley hub's Valentine's Day celebrations.
Nelly and John love to dance together at Aspley Hub
“From the very first time I met Nelly, I knew she was a very special person,” said John.
John (91) and Nelly (86) first met at their local Centacare social and community hub, a place where friendships flourish and days are full of shared activities and connection.
“John was new to the hub and that day we had one of our musicians playing for us,” Nelly recalls with a smile. “John asked me to dance, of course, I said yes!”
Nelly and John love to dance together at Aspley Hub
Now, John and Nelly attend Centacare’s Aspley Hub three days a week, enjoying activities, meals and outings that have become highlights of their week.
Nelly had already been part of the Centacare community for two years before John visited in 2025. Living alone, John explains he was feeling a little isolated. “I’m very active, I continue to enjoy gentle runs and bike riding. But I was missing friendship and shared experiences,” he said.
It was John’s Centacare in-home support worker, Sue, who suggested he try his local hub.
“It was wonderful,” John says. “I was welcomed with open arms. Not only did I make a whole group of friends, but I found Nelly.”
John and Nelly enjoy a special moment at an Aspley Hub community outing
Creating spaces where friendships grow and older people thrive is at the heart of Centacare’s five social and community hubs.
“Companionship is so important as we age,” said Centacare Senior Care Partner Linda Abbott. “At Aspley, our programs are designed to support people to age well, to try new things, stay active and enjoy life with others.”
At the hub, John and Nelly participate in a wide range of activities, including art and craft sessions, music and dance, barbecues, sharing home-cooked meals and enjoying outings into the local community.
Nelly and John pictured with friends at Aspley hub's Valentine's Day celebrations.
As their friendship has blossomed and they have grown closer, John and Nelly have shared their own interests and passions with one another.
“I’ve always loved classical music and ballet,” John explains. “Nelly preferred the popular songs of her Belgian roots but she has taken a shine to the ballet and we’re looking forward to seeing Giselle at the theatre soon.”
“And I’ve got John enjoying art and craft classes at the hub,” Nelly adds. “He’s become quite the painter!”
Looking ahead, the pair are excited to make many more happy memories together and with their friends at Aspley hub.
“I don’t take life too seriously,” John laughs. “I just enjoy the moment, the people around me, and the things that make life fun.”
With that spirit, John and Nelly’s story is a reminder of what ageing well is all about. Staying physically and socially active with the support you need, sharing memorable moments with good friends and cherishing every connection.
Find a hub near you
Check out our hub locations. We welcome you or your loved one to join us for a day, make friends, try some new activities and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Learn more.