Gold Coast centenarian continues solo Christmas travels to New Zealand

Thelma Halls, a 103-year-old from the Gold Coast, continues her tradition of traveling to New Zealand for Christmas to see her family. This year, she will fly solo, as her son and grandchildren are unable to visit her. Mrs. Halls has been making this trip for two decades and manages all aspects of her travel independently. She enjoys the three-hour flight, often doing crossword puzzles and appreciates the care she receives from airline staff. As more Australians live longer, attitudes toward aging are shifting. Many aged care residents, like Mrs. Halls, continue to travel, highlighting the importance of independence and the need for society to support older individuals in pursuing their interests.