“If you’re not keeping busy in retirement, you might as well be dead. It’s important to stay curious, question things, and seek out activities to fill your time,” Max Lucas remarked.

He stays busy by volunteering as a city tour guide and creating knitted artwork. This holiday season marks his 10th year as Santa Claus at Eastgate Mall.

While he is now a familiar face around town, Lucas gained recognition for his role in a TV commercial for Arvida retirement villages, where he portrayed a resident named Gerry.

The commercial features a man interacting with village residents who initially appear young before revealing their true age in a humorous twist.

Lucas’ character, Gerry, jokingly claims to feel “not a day over 30” as he transforms into his older self.

Lucas landed the role through a friend with connections in casting. He had a memorable experience when he unexpectedly met the actor playing his younger self at a barbershop.

“They sat us down in two chairs and tried to match our beards and hair. It was quite amusing when we realized we were both playing the same person in the ad,” Lucas recalled.

While he didn’t disclose his earnings, Lucas shared that the pay was “not bad at all.” He has also appeared in minor roles in a New Zealand comedy and a music video.

“I’m always open to new opportunities, especially if the compensation is good,” he added.

Originally from Newcastle, New South Wales, Lucas began dating his wife, Janice, at the age of 14. Their enduring relationship of over 60 years has no secret formula, according to Lucas.

Lucas and Janice have lived in various countries, including Papua New Guinea, Thailand, London, and Cape Town, where Lucas worked as a travel agent.

After settling in Woolston in 1975, Lucas became a proud father of three sons and three grandchildren. He emphasizes that family is his greatest source of happiness.

Retirement brought Lucas more free time, prompting him to engage in community activities to stay active and maintain mental sharpness.

Since 2014, Lucas has portrayed ‘Eastside Santa’ at Eastgate Mall, cherishing the opportunity to bring joy to children and families each year.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Lucas took up knitting as a hobby, creating colorful rugs and blankets that are now on display at the Linwood Library.

Despite knitting being an unconventional hobby for older men, Lucas finds solace in the craft and enjoys the meditative process.

Lucas remains committed to staying healthy and active through volunteering and embracing new experiences. He plans to continue volunteering and portraying Santa for as long as he is able.