
The friendly champion
This article was originally published on March 16th 2023. The subject of this article has since passed away.
The Korndalsgarður retirement home was opened in 1999, which was great news for the municipality’s elderly citizens. In this article, we’ll visit the retirement home and speak with a very special person.
Talkative housemates
The home has room for 15 occupants at any time. Some of whom are relaxing in the lounge as we enter the building. The television is on and small talk fills the room. Common topics include childhood years, and the local sports club turning 110 years old.
Oldest citizen and Faroese champion
The oldest citizen in Eiði municipality lives in the care home. She is 99 year old Astrid Joensen. She’s relaxing whilst I prepare for the interview. Pictures of her family adorn the walls. Her room also contains a flatscreen TV, but she quickly points out that she rarely uses it, ever since her eyesight started failing. When she hears that the interview is ready to begin, she becomes visibly
excited.
Astrid Joensen turned 100 years old on May 27th 2023.
What was it like to grow up in Eiði?
– It was paradise, everything was open! Astrid says while reminiscing about her childhood. Despite her age, there’s nothing wrong with this friendly woman’s memory as she continues: It was a different time; it can’t be compared. We went to school and played outdoor games. On the 10th of December 1944, Astrid married Andreas Joensen from Haldórsvík. They had five children together.
– Andreas was very happy in Eiði. My job was taking care of the children and our home.
Faroese handball champion in 1947
Besides all her normal duties, she played handball with EB, the local handball club. She played as a goalkeeper and was instrumental in securing the first and only national championship in the clubs history. When asked how it felt to win the championship, she explains:
– Winning was very fun. We were invited for a meal with two men from Eiði who lived in Tórshavn. They offered us beer, which we didn’t think much of at the time. It was only later, when we were sternly reminded of the fact, that we were all members of the temperence society. We were asked if we were unaware of this. Was it strong beer? I doubt it! Astrid says laughing to herself. She continues: We boarded the ferry bound for the village of Oyri, and we pretty much danced the whole way.
Astrid’s easy-going nature and the youth of today
It’s clear to me that Astrid is of an easy-going nature and this has played a major part in her life.
– We always laughed! Astrid says, reffering to the women with whom she used to knit. Adding: It was fun to be part of the knitting club. We talked a lot and used to share knitting recipes. Our husbands used to tease us. Asking what we were gossiping about. I wouldn’t say we gossiped that much. We mostly spoke about ourselves and each other.
Which do you believe is the biggest difference between your youth and the youth of today?
– In some ways, the youth of today don’t have it as difficult as we did. We went to school, but we also needed to work after school hours. Today, the kids are meant to attend school and also do all kinds of sports and activities. It’s obviously different from child to child.
Astrid Joensen was born on the 27th of may 1923. THere’s a big birthday coming up. Astrid, however, doesn’t feel that old.
– I can’t really believe it. People tell me that I can’t be nearly 100 years old, because I look so good! I suppose i’ve always had a youthful mind and that’s why I don’t feel old. Naturally, I’m aware of the fact that I am old. My body isn’t what it used to be, but I’ve been well.
You might be wondering what it takes to reach such an old age. For the oldest person in Eiði there are two things in particular.
– I’ve been in good health and always been light-hearted. I might be quick both to anger and joy, but I don’t think that’s an issue.
Work has been the motivation
When asked what has been her motivation to keep going, Astrid is unsure of how to answer the question. After taking a moment to think, she answeres:
– Work.. Work has been my motivation, I alwahs had plenty to do. Making hay, carrying creels. On top of being a housewife.
The interiew is approaching its end but before we leave Astrid, I have one final question for her.
Do you have any advice for the reader?
– I don’t know. It’s difficult for me to tell others what to do. We are all so different. I can tell them one thing: Nobody escapes unscathed. We all have bad times, but we must cherish what we have.
With that advice, the article is at an end. Thanks to the Korndalsgarður staff for their friendly cooperation.