Zinovi turns 100
Lieutenant-Colonel, distinguished history teacher and Jewish Care’s Active Living Centre client Zinovi Khaikin has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Born in the Ukrainian city of Krivoy Rog, Zinovi had fought in the Soviet-Finnish War and World War II, for which he was honoured with numerous bravery medals. After the end of the war, Zinovi became a history teacher and taught for over twenty years in former USSR.
In 1997, at the age of 83, Zinovi and his family moved to Melbourne. He soon became a client of Jewish Care’s Active Living Centre, where he attends the Russian-speaking healthy ageing program twice a week.
“I love coming to Active Living Centre,” said Zinovi. “It’s great to have a place where you can see your friends, share laughs, discuss current affairs and even play games.”
A celebration of Zinovi’s 100th birthday took place at the Active Living Centre on 22 March 2014. Family members from Melbourne and overseas, friends, Jewish Care staff and volunteers gathered to mark his special day with songs, cakes, toasts, good wishes and dances.
The ‘birthday boy’ showed that there is still plenty of life in him as he joined in a festive dance with a Jewish Care social worker.
“It’s important to continue going forward, no matter how difficult it is,” said Zinovi. “And keeping a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude is always a bonus!”
The Active Living Centre on Kooyng Rd, Caulfield North enhances the physical and emotional wellbeing of seniors by offering a complete range of social, therapeutic and recreational activities.