MOTORS

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

RAPTOR

THERE are some situations in life where size matters and that is certainly the case when it comes to pickup trucks.

So if the already large Ford Ranger 4x4 is not truck enough for you then there is now an alternative… the Ranger Raptor - which we got to try out for a week.

The first thing to say is you won’t get missed in this giant Tonka toy – it stands as tall as a Range Rover and is considerably longer.

But it is the Raptor’s extras that really get you noticed. Big chunky off road tyres, raised ride height, flared wheel arches and brash Raptor decals on the side… subtle this ain’t.

Even the name is evocative… Raptor conjures up visions of those killer dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and tells everyone that you mean business behind the wheel of one of these. Having said that there was one thing about the Raptor that was not oversized and that was the engine, as our test 2.0L Eco-blue auto had the 2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel. This still copped well with the vast bulk of the Raptor and, while you would not win many traffic light grand-prix, it was capable of getting down the road at a fair lick and cruising on the motorway no problem – 0 to 60 comes up in a reasonable 10.5 seconds and top speed is 106mph.

Also, thanks to that moderately-sized 210bhp engine, the Raptor can return up to 31 mpg, has room for five adults in the double cab and boasts a large load deck – although because of its raised suspension set up and extra weight the carrying capacity and towing limits are lower than the standard truck.

Clearly ground clearance is good for those who want to go off road as is the impressive 850mm wade depth and those chunky all-terrain tyres - which are surprisingly quiet on road.

That 2.0-litre diesel is also surprisingly quiet unless pushed very hard and drives through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. There are settings for on road two-wheel drive then 4x4 high and low ratios.

Step up into the Raptor’s cabin and you will find it feels fitting for a premium price vehicle with full leather upholstery, heated electric front seats, climate control, phone mirroring, touch screen sat nav, heated front and rear screens, privacy glass and reversing camera.

On the outside in addition to those Raptor signature features there are 17” Dyno Grey alloy wheels, a lockable load bed cover with moveable rails for long loads.

So what was this ‘monster’ like to live with? Well surprisingly civilised and very easy to find on the supermarket car park – although slightly less so to park up in the first place.

I also got the chance to try out those off road features on a mildly challenging muddy field and, as a long standing Land Rover fan and owner I have to say it definitely does what it says on the tin.

But it is on road where the most fun is to be had with people noticing your ride wherever you go and no one gets in your way as you loom large in their rear view mirror – as a bold statement vehicle the Raptor is a roaring success.

The only down side, providing you are not a shrinking violet, is the price… at a shade over £51,000 this truck is not cheap, but then it is a stand out motor and compares well with the cost of competitors like VW’s Amarok and the Mercedes X-Class.

PASSAT ESTATE

WHEN you are producing the world’s bestselling mid-range car making upgrades and improvements is something to be done with the utmost care.

The Passat has sold more than 30 million units since its introduction in 1973 so when VW wanted to upgrade the Mk 8 it was a case of evolution not revolution with subtle styling revisions alongside significant technological improvements.

The result is a good-looking and well put together vehicle with the very latest technology, better connectivity and an improved engine range – including a significantly more capable GTE plug-in hybrid model, which was our test car. The Passat range has been simplified with eight variants in the UK: SE, SE Nav, SEL, R-Line and limited-run, Estate-only R-Line Edition, alongside the Alltrack, GTE and GTE Advance.

Our range-topping plug-in hybrid GTE Advance estate is enhanced in many ways and as an extra bonus is approximately £2,300 cheaper than the previous GTE model. Also the electric-only range has increased by almost 40 per cent to around 33 miles with an overall MPG prediction of over 50, which is why VW say one in four Passats sold in the UK are predicted to be GTE variants, compared with 1 in 10 previously. Also in the UK estate versions outsell saloons by 2 to 1.

The UK range has a choice of three petrol engines, four diesels and our petrol-electric plug-in hybrid which boasts a 1.4 power plant alongside a 100bhp-plus electric motor meaning progress is very brisk – 0 to 60mph comes up in just 7.6 seconds and the top speed is 138. A super-slick 6-speed DSG auto gearbox adds to the driving experience.

Not for the faint hearted (and those who want to hang onto their driving licence) is a feature which Volkswagen are claiming as a first. Their new Travel Assist system (standard across the range) means the Passat can drive at up to 130 mph in a partially automated mode thanks to the evolution and amalgamation of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist.

Our test car had a number of extras which pushed the on the road price up to £44,880 (the Passat range starts from £27,085 and GTE Advance hybrid from £42,450) which included an impressive 360-degree camera system, head up display, panoramic glass roof and an ambient lighting pack which gives a choice of snazzy colours for the LED strips on doors, footwells and dashboard. On the road the Passat GTE Estate has a smooth ride with plenty of power and that legendary VW build quality means everything feels built to last.

At this range topping price the car is up against some strong opposition from the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Volvo but if you are prepared to look past premium badges the Passat has a lot more equipment on offer for the money.

These improvements across the Passat range look certain to keep it at the top of the sales charts, although I suspect the vast majority we see on our roads will be lower spec variants.

More information at www.volkswagen.co.uk

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/

DESIGN FOR WELLBEING – CAN OUR PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT REALLY MAKE US FEEL BETTER?

By Sarah Jones

People often refer to locations or spaces as their “happy place”. Places can hold special memories and certain surroundings can make us feel good, even if we’re not entirely sure why. In fact, there is a lot more to the connection between physical environment and wellbeing than you might expect. Our physical environment has a significant impact on our mood. It is increasingly accepted that wellbeing can be improved by incorporating nature in our direct environment where possible. Where it was not possible to have a building surrounded by woods, water, meadows etc. then bringing elements of nature inside is the next best thing. Over the last few decades, more attention has been paid to how health and wellbeing could be improved in homes, the workplace and care settings. Following the principles of design for wellbeing can help us to feel more open, optimistic and resilient. I wanted to create spaces which would promote wellbeing and resilience, and which would be welcoming and comforting. In our spaces we are also very mindful that using some of the principles of design for wellbeing might be helpful for people who have been bereaved, or face other challenges in their lives.

Here is a brief guide to some of the key principles of design for wellbeing and how to create a sense of connection for yourself at home and work.

Biophilia

I recently read an excellent book entitled “Biophilia: You + Nature + Home” by Sally Coulthard. The term Biophilia was first used in 1960s by Erich Fromm. He used it to articulate the idea that humans have an innate affinity with living things and natural surroundings. Since then, this principle has been embraced by many schools of thought within psychiatry, architecture and neuroscience. It is widely accepted that there is a direct link between contact with nature and our wellbeing. Nature makes us feel good. What I learnt from Sally Coulthard is that science has actually shown that spending time in nature reduces stress levels, reduces anxiety and depression and that nature can help us heal. Patients who can look out over green spaces have quicker recoveries and need less painkillers! There are many ways that we can create nature inspired spaces and harness the positive effects that this can have on our health and wellbeing. You might want to bring some nature into your home, work or community spaces – small changes can have a meaningful impact.

Materials

“Natural” means something which is as close to its natural form as possible. Pebbles and People often refer to locations or spaces as their “happy place”. Places can hold special memories and certain surroundings

can make us feel good, even if we’re not entirely sure why. In fact, there is a lot more to the connection between physical environment and wellbeing than you might expect. Our physical environment has a significant impact on our mood. It is increasingly accepted that wellbeing can be improved by incorporating nature in our direct environment where possible. Where it was not possible to have a building surrounded by woods, water, meadows etc. then bringing elements of nature inside is the next best thing. Over the last few decades, more attention has been paid to how health and wellbeing could be improved in homes, the workplace and care settings. Following the principles of design for wellbeing can help us to feel more open, optimistic and resilient. I wanted to create spaces which would promote wellbeing and resilience, and which would be welcoming and comforting. In our spaces we are also very mindful that using some of the principles of design for wellbeing might be helpful for people who have been bereaved, or face other challenges in their lives. Here is a brief guide to some of the key principles of design for wellbeing and how to create a sense of connection for yourself at home and work.

Biophilia

I recently read an excellent book entitled “Biophilia: You + Nature + Home” by Sally Coulthard. The term Biophilia was first used in 1960s by Erich Fromm. He used it to articulate the idea that humans have an innate affinity with living things and natural surroundings. Since then, this principle has been embraced by many schools of thought within psychiatry, architecture and neuroscience. It is widely accepted that there is a direct link between contact with nature and our wellbeing. Nature makes us feel good. What I learnt from Sally Coulthard is that science has actually shown that spending time in nature reduces stress levels, reduces anxiety and depression and that nature can help us heal. Patients who can look out over green spaces have quicker recoveries and need less painkillers! There are many ways that we can create nature inspired spaces and harness the positive effects that this can have on our health and wellbeing. You might want to bring some nature into your home, work or community spaces – small changes can have a meaningful impact.

Materials

“Natural” means something which is as close to its natural form as possible. Pebbles and plants are easy examples, but it also includes using wood is its most natural form, rather than painting it and altering it to the point that its natural origins can barely be seen. Wood is an amazing material and several studies in different countries have shown that the presence of nature can have a stress-reducing effect. Fresh flowers have also been shown to have a notable positive impact on wellbeing and mood and adding flowers to indoor spaces has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety. At Full Circle we have wooden floors, use natural pine furniture as much as possible and we use tactile displays of driftwood, pinecones, chestnuts, dried flowers, and wall wreaths made from all kinds of natural products. Our blinds and rugs are natural tones and made from natural materials such as linen and cotton. Some of this can be included in any space and even small changes can have a meaningful impact on the sense of nature, and on how we feel.

Patterns

There is so much choice if we want to include natural patterns and textures inside. For example, we have wallpaper with large birch trees and you can find an abundance of flowers, animals, foliage, and shell patterns in all the elements required to decorate an indoor space. When you are next choosing a lampshade, rug, blanket or even a notebook – choosing a pattern inspired by nature could have a small but meaningful positive impact on connection with nature.

Colours

The colours that we choose for our indoor spaces can also be inspired by nature. There is no clear evidence about which colour has the most positive impact on mood and varies with age, life experience and many other factors.

However, choosing colours which are common in the sky, sea, in plants and in the earth seem intuitively like a good place to start. Blues, greens, greys, browns and a tendency towards softer tints (rather than bright and vivid) are more likely to simulate our experience of being in nature.

Plants

Spending time in places which are full of plants can be very positive. In a recent study, residents with paved front gardens were given two planters with ornamental plants and Over a period of one year, we found that having plants in previously bare front gardens resulted in a 6% drop in residents’ perceived stress levels. The number of people of people with healthy Cortisol (stress hormone) levels also increased from 24 – 53% over the course of the study.

Small steps, big impacts

I would highly recommend reading “Biophilia: You + Nature + Home” by Sally Coultard if any of this has resonated with you. She has many good suggestions and really emphasises that small changes can have a big impact. We are more mindful of the importance of our mental and physical health and wellbeing than ever before so let us let natural light into our homes and workplaces, choose nature inspired patterns and buy that houseplant or small bunch of flowers!

WHY HOLIDAYS ARE IMPORTANT FOR OUR HEALTH

The past year has been incredibly tough and unpredictable, and the uncertainty and constant changes have increased our stress and anxiety levels. Many of us are hoping to take a holiday this summer, whether that is in this country or perhaps abroad. Here is why taking a holiday is so important to our physical and mental health.

Holidays improve our physical

health… Working without breaks creates an imbalance in hormone levels and increases inflammatory processes which weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, viruses and other illnesses. Giving your body frequent periods of rest prevents poor health and can reduce the chances of serious medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.

Holidays help our mental health…

Overworking and overstimulating our brains makes our neurons more excitable and alert which leads to trouble sleeping, mood swings, short temperedness, and poor memory, focus and confusion. More serious mental health problems can also occur like depression and anxiety. Holidays do the reverse and help us take time to find solutions to problems and to be relaxed in the moment.

Holidays help consolidate and

process memories… and make happy ones…During periods of rest our brains take time to process and sort memories so that we are more prepared for work and normal home life when we get back. Holidays strengthen bonds… Quality time with partners, children, other family members and friends strengthens social bonds. This last year has shown how unpredictable and tough life can be and as pack animals, and how we rely on a strong social infrastructure for support. Spending time with your children also boosts their self-esteem, sense of security and family values.

Holidays decrease burnout… Burnout can influence every aspect of your life from relationships to physical and mental health. One of the main ways to tackle burnout is taking time off to relax. Time off helps to ease feelings of stress and anxiety, alleviating pressure and feelings of burnout.

Holidays help us catch up on sleep…

Holidays allow us to catch up on sleep which is essential for brain function. Whilst we are asleep our brains consolidate information and memories from the day which improves our mental functioning, problem solving, memory and creativity. Studies show that people with depression often have less than six hours sleep per night, meaning they do not have enough deep sleep and REM sleep, which is when the brain is restored. In fact, prolonged time awake can actually result in the loss of a certain type of brain cell known as the locus ceruleus which regulates norepinephrine. The more norepinephrine the less likely we can achieve REM sleep.

Holidays sharpen your mind… Giving your brain a break from the daily activities you undertake at work and at home by doing something new helps establish stronger connections between brain cells which improves the learning process and concentration. Spending more time resting boosts creativity, problem solving skills and also makes us more efficient. Information is also transmitted from one part of the brain to another more effectively, improving recall.

Holidays boost your creativity…

Research has found that the brain gradually stops registering sense stimuli such as sight, sound or feeling if that stimulus remains consistent for long periods. This may cause us to lose focus and diminish performance and creativity. Taking regular breaks and time off helps to prevent this, leaving us more motivated and creative.

Holidays make us more active

especially outdoors… Most of us spend more time outside on our holidays which is hugely beneficial to our health. For example, studies have found that going for a walk outside lowers blood pressure, stress levels, improves focus, helps us heel quicker, slows ageing and simply make us happier! Exercise helps to boost your creativity even more by increasing oxygen flow to the brain. In addition to enjoying it on holidays, incorporate time outdoors into your daily routine, especially if you have a desk job.

Holidays encourage us to try

something new… like open water swimming, a segway, a new type of food, footgolf, a barge trip, an open air cinema or learning about a new culture. Trying new things allows us to expand our minds, learn and step out of our comfort zone which expands our horizons and increases productivity, inspiration and knowledge.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Chiropractors use a range of techniques to reduce pain, improve function and increase mobility, including hands-on manipulation of the spine. As well as manual treatment, chiropractors are able to offer a package of care which includes advice on self-help, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes.

Chiropractic treatment involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Apart from manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture as well as advice about posture and lifestyle.

BACK PAIN

Back pain is very common. Most people will suffer one or more episodes of back pain during their lives. In many cases, it starts suddenly and gets better quickly, without the need for any treatment.

However, back pain can be painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people suffer repeated episodes. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as leg pain or sciatica. It may start following a specific incident, such as bending awkwardly or lifting a heavy weight. Or it can develop gradually, perhaps as a result of poor posture, an uncomfortable work position or repetitive strain.

NECK PAIN

Neck pain is very common. Most people will suffer one or more episodes of neck pain during their lives. In many cases, it starts suddenly and gets better quickly, without the need for any treatment.

However, neck pain can be painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people suffer repeated episodes. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as arm pain or headaches. Neck pain may start following a traumatic incident, such as a road traffic collision, or it may start gradually, perhaps as a result of poor posture or an uncomfortable work position.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

When we talk about chiropractic care, it’s important to understand that the nervous system and spine are integral to your long-term health. The spine should move in a certain way and continuously during the day. As humans, we sit too much and don’t move enough. It starts to affect the function of the spine and can impair brain function. And since the brain is the master system of the body it can begin to have a negative effect on those areas.

“I’m in pain” “Can Chiropractic help me?”

OFFER PRICE £35

Expiry date 31st August 2021

Your initial visit will include:

• A private consultation with chiropractor • X rays if necessary (normally £70) • Spinal examination, orthopaedic and neurological tests • A confidential report of our findings • An explanation of our treatments procedure if we determine Chiropractic can help you

For a limited period we will complete a full consultation, examination, X ray (if necessary) and a full report of findings all for £35.00 (Normally £135.00) Offer open to new patients only.

*please quote 50plus offer*

We treat these conditions

• Headaches, back pain, neck pain • Prevention of migraines • Muscle spasms, joint pain • Tired all the time, tension If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call our clinic today for an appointment

Marple Chiropractic Clinic 8-10 Derby Way, Marple SK6 7AH 0161 449 5006 www.chiropractichealthsolutions.co.uk Stockport Chiropractic Clinic 466 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey, SK4 3BS 0161 432 6708

The Bluebird Care Team

BLUEBIRD CARE CELEBRATE 10 YEARS IN COMMUNITY CARE

In 2010 Naeem Ahmed, the managing director decided that he could make a positive impact on the care services provided in Stockport and Manchester.

We will empower health professionals. We will support this by giving front¬line staff more control. Healthcare will be run from the bottom up, with ownership and decision-making in the hands of professionals and patients. I couldn’t agree more that we have to be more accountable from ground level up as it is those key members that make a difference every day for those in need. It was at this point I decided to search for an opportunity in Healthcare Services and that’s how my new Journey began with Bluebird Care”. Bluebird Care started as a small family business in 2004 and through franchising since 2006, are proud to be the largest private homecare provider in the UK, having grown from one business to over 220, delivering over 900,000 hours of care every month. The story of Bluebird Cares success is a testimony to the highquality home care and support services that franchisees provide to each of their customers every day. The Franchise Support Centre has been ranked 16th on the prestigious Elite Franchise Top 100 for 2020. Naeem continues “When I first opened my doors at Bluebird Care I had the passion to deliver the highest quality care as I would for my own family members, it didn’t take long for me to learn that I am only as good as the people I employ. It still gives me great pleasure in knowing that the services we provide 10 years on continues to make a huge difference to people lives, the core fuel of my passion. My Company ethos? Do not compromise quality over quantity. Pay employees well, reward them, provide them with all the training they need to carry out their duties and more, support them in achieving their professional and personal goals. I believe when you have a happy workforce you have positive outcomes for customers”.

Here Naeem looks back and says: “It feels like it was only last week when I was traveling up and down the M6 to Lytham St Annes working with a developer to build Health Care Centres for the NHS. Looking back that was actually 10 years ago at the time when the policy for Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS was issued. The things that made me think from the policy were - “The NHS is a great national institution. The future of the NHS - rooted in the coalition’s core beliefs of freedom, fairness and responsibility. Patients will be at the heart of everything we do. So they will have more choice and control, helped by easy access to the information they need about the best GPs and hospitals. Patients will be in charge of making decisions about their care. Someone once asked Naeem: “what is the best thing you have done in business”, he replied “well, I employed the right person to do the right job. Asked “what is the worst thing you have done in business” he replied “I employed the wrong person to do the right job”. “A mentor once said success is when you are not afraid of making decisions, don’t be scared whether you are making right decisions all the time its about learning from the wrong ones”.

So many stories to share in the 10 years at Bluebird Care “We once provided care for a lady as her only daughter needed respite as she was the only one looking after her mother at home. After a few years had passed, sadly the mother died peacefully at home due to old age. It was at this point the daughter approached Bluebird Care and applied for a position as a Carer. She said she had witnessed how respectful the carers were and how happy they made her mum feel when they visited her which made her want to get involved in care. I can say that this employee has embraced all the training and learning Bluebird Care has provided her and with her passion for care has become an excellent mentor to other employees. One of customers used to house the Busby Babes with her aunty years ago, she still has the original picture taken of her aunty standing in the kitchen with the Busby Babes. One of her wishes was to watch Manchester United play at home, So we wrote to Manchester United who graciously responded with generous gifts, including two Matchday tickets against Arsenal at Old Trafford. Our customer was so elated and thoroughly enjoyed our carer taking her to the match, creating memories which would last her a lifetime. Its things like this that make us turn up for work everyday and remind us why we work in Care. What makes me proud, its knowing that I have helped develop employees to achieve their professional goals. It is important to include your employees in decision making as this increases productivity and gets results. I am always learning ways to constantly improve our services and I believe this comes from developing the workforce from a Carer right the way up to Registered Care Manager. I have a clear understanding that it is essential to offer a Career Pathway to all employees assisting them to attain their career goals. Through developed workforce you can Over 10 years Bluebird Care (Stockport & Manchester South) have helped and been involved with so many local charities, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Stroke Association, Children in Need, Dementia Awareness, Parkinsons UK, Breast Cancer Now, Macmillan Cancer Support. Their business plan for 2020 was to actively provide free First Aid training into the community and for the Local Authority due to COVID this has now unfortunately been postponed till 2021.

Bluebird Care team presenting a fund raising cheque to the Alzheimers Society.

Bluebird Care provide care for people living at home, they believe there is no safer place than home and their customers have the right to choose who they receive care from. If you live in the following area and are looking for help for yourself or for a family member then please contact them so that we can help in setting up a person centred care plan, providing care just the way you want it.

Call for a friendly chat about care at home.

Bluebird Care Stockport: 0161 477 0200

email: stockport@bluebirdcare.co.uk

For Heaton Mersey, Heaton Norris, Reddish, Bredbury, Marple, Romiley, Hazel Grove, Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green, Cheadle, Gatley. Bluebird Care Manchester South: 0161 998 4060

email: manchestersouth@bluebirdcare.co.uk

H me

is where the heart is

Let’s keep it there