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SENIOR S T O ‘GE T ENCOUR AGED S From le OCIA L’… f t, Core Strengt and We h lln owner, T ess business r ac e y V isser wit local re h sid Photo: S ent, Jill Roger s . harelle Jar vis .
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September 2018
September 2018
Older Victorians celebrated
at Victorian Seniors Festival THE Victorian Seniors Festival will return for its 36th year this October, celebrating the one million-plus Victorians aged over 60 who make significant contributions to our society. Starting on Sunday, October 7, the month-long festival will see more than 2,500 events and activities held across the state, where older Victorians can come together and connect with one another. From learning about Facebook and how to communicate with loved ones online to awakening the body and soul with belly dancing and tai chi, the Victorian Seniors Festival offers an opportunity to try something new in a positive and safe
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environment. This year’s festival theme, ‘Get Social,’ promotes inclusivity and diversity among older Victorians. Regardless of background, experience or mobilit y, ever yone is encouraged to take part in the festival to learn new skills and make new friends in their communities. For more information about events and activities, visit w w w.seniorsonline.vic. gov.au or pick up a free Victorian Seniors Festival program at any Coles store, local library, council office or neighbourhood house. You can also call 1300 797 210 to have a program sent to you.
free activities:
Greater Shepparton LGBTI Elders: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) elders and their allies are invited to attend this free monthly social event, learn new dances, enjoy delicious catering and drinks, and interact with other LGBTI elders and allies. Wednesday, October 10 and Wednesday, October 24 from 11am to 12:30pm at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre Hall, 120-132 Welsford Street, Shepparton. For bookings, call Jason on 5832 9725. Me ‘n Me Mates: In the tradition of Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson and Slim Dusty, Me ‘n Me Mates perform well known traditional and country songs and bring a contemporary approach to traditional material. Monday, October 15 from 1pm to 3pm at Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton. Bookings essential and can be made by calling 5832 9511. Come and Try Badminton: The Victorian Badminton Veterans Association (VBVA) have co-ordinated badminton sessions sponsored. These will provide you with an opportunity to experience badminton at its best together with the sense of community it fosters. Wednesday, October 10 at the Shepparton Sports Stadium, 120 Numurkah Road, Shepparton. Bookings can be made by calling John on 5826 9557.
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September 2018
Get into a park your mind and body will thank you
T ips for getting out into the parks • Start by heading to local parks near you to get a taste for nature.
DID you know that research all over the world shows that nature is part of the answer to myriad health challenges we are facing? As we age it’s important that we look after ourselves both physically and mentally, and spending time outdoors is an easy and enjoyable way to do this. Simply spending time in safe, thriving parks can help us become more active, recover faster from illness or injury, reduce our stress levels and boost our immune system, and foster social connections that contribute to our wellbeing. FRESH AIR IS BEST… Getting out into a local park is not only good for your health but has a healthy effect on your mental state. Photo: Supplied.
• Check the Parks Victoria website at www.parks.vic.gov.au before you visit a park to find out more about the park you plan to visit, any accessibility details and what activities you can do there. • Consider your fitness levels and interests then choose a park that is a good match for you. • Always consider visiting a park with others. It’s more enjoyable to spend time in nature with friends or family. • Check the weather and make sure you wear suitable clothing – you don’t always need special gear, just sensible shoes and comfortable clothes, hat and sunscreen, and warm clothes if it’s cold. • Carry a map and plenty of water if you are going for a walk.
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September 2018
HEADING OFF TO THE MARKETPLACE TO GO SHOPPING… From left, Rumbalara Elder’s Facility residents, uncle Ron Pedder, aunty June Atkinson, personal care attendant, Shae, resident, uncle Dick Murray, personal care attendant, Jill, residents uncle Charles Allen and uncle John Briggs. Photo: Nicholise Garner.
For the love of f a m i l y P R E S U M A B LY, t h e fa m i l y h o m e i s special because it’s where you feel most comfortable, surrounded by people who know you, protect you and understand your nuances. Rumbalara Elders Facility operates as a family. The play and fun, cheekiness and personal approach spreads throughout the facility between staff and elders alike. Rumbalara Elders Facility nurse unit manager, Donna Duncanson describes staff at the facility as a team, a family. In fact, Donna said that all staff refer to the elders as ‘auntie’ or ‘uncle’ out of respect. Donna said, “Rumbalara is a place like no
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other, we truly support each other like a family. We value our elders and their families deeply, even caring for family members who come to visit the service. If we know they need support, we’ll be sure to help to make appointments and ensure they’re being looked after.” The staff in this wonderful facility are making lives happier through inclusion and compas sion that is clearly the underpinning philosophy of Rumbalara Elders Facility. For more information, phone 5820 6200 or visit Rumbalara Elders Facility at 95 Ford Road, Shepparton.
September 2018
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travel for seniors
for 2018 Victorian Seniors Festival VICTORIAN Seniors Card holders are encouraged to explore Melbourne and regional Victoria with free travel from October 7 to 14 as part of the 36th Victorian Seniors Festival. Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Martin Foley said the free public transport will help people get to as many of the festival activities as possible. The free travel applies to Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses and regional V/ Line trains, coaches and buses.
Are you
Seniors need to carry their Seniors myki and Victorian Seniors Card with them, and touch on and off as usual, but will not be not be charged during the eight days of free public transport. For more information about events and activities, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/ festival or pick up a free Victorian Seniors Festival program at any Coles store, local library, council office or neighbourhood house. You can also call 1300 797 210 to have a program sent to you.
TRAVEL WHERE YOU WANT… Seniors are encouraged to get out and about during the Victorian Seniors Festival, with free public transport available from October 7 to 14. Photo: Alicia Niglia.
sca m savvy?
BE aware - scammers are impersonating government departments and trusted businesses. If you received a call out of the blue from the tax office saying you had a tax debt that you had to pay immediately or be arrested, what would you think? If Telstra called you and said there were internet problems in your area and they needed remote access to your computer in order to help you other wise they would disconnect your ser vice, what would you do? These are examples of threat-based impersonation scams, about which the Australian Competition and Consumer Co m m i s s i o n’s S c a m w a tc h r e c e i v e d almost 33,000 reports in 2017. About 85 percent of these reports indicated the scammer had been in contact by telephone. These scammers and their threat s can s eem genuine and frightening. They make you feel as if you’ve done
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something wrong or that there’s some urgency and you must do what they say immediately or suffer the consequences. And many people have believed these threats. According to Scamwatch, over $4.7M was repor ted lost and more than 2,800 people gave their personal information to these scammers in 2017. Older Australians have been particularly vulnerable to these scams – people aged 65 and over submitted more than 5,800 of the Scamwatch reports and reported losing almost $1M last year. If you’re contacted unexpectedly and threatened by someone that says they’re from a government agency or trusted business, always consider the possibility that it may be a scam – then stop and check if it’s for real. For more information about these scams, where to get help or to report a scam, visit the Scamwatch website www. scamwatch.gov.au/scamsweek2018
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September 2018
Stay on top of the ladder AS THE football season draws to an end your team may be off the ladder – but there’s no reason you should come off it! Every year in Victoria, over 2,600 people are hospitalised as a result of falling from a ladder at home. Men aged 60 years and older are most likely to suffer serious injuries from a ladder fall, so this year don’t
T ips
to help you stay on top of the ladder • Use only ladders that meet the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1892) – pay attention to safety warnings – don’t climb too high. • Check that your ladder is in good working order; ensure it is free of rust, has non-slip safety feet, and if safety locks and braces are in place – use them! • Don’t use a ladder with missing or loose parts, or if it is bent or warped – wobbly ladders should be retired to the bench. • Ensure the ladder is level and positioned on a firm, dry surface – check out the state of the ground and that nothing slippery is near the base or top contact points.
become a statistic. A fall of one to two metres can be enough to cause broken bones, spinal cord damage, severe brain injury or even death however ladder falls are preventable. For more information on ladder safety, visit www. productsafety.gov.au/products/outdoor/workshop/ ladders • Never put the ladder on top of other objects to gain extra height. Choose a ladder that is the right height for the job. • Maintain three points of contact at all times while on the ladder. Use two hands when climbing. When using a tool, make sure both feet and your other hand are secure on the ladder. • Wear slip-resistant shoes. • Work within your arm’s reach and avoid leaning out – it is much safer to get down and readjust the ladder. So don’t be lazy – re-position and keep the game in play. • Have someone hold the ladder while you climb – great teamwork can save the day. • Avoid using a ladder during hot days to prevent getting dizzy and losing balance. • Work within your limits and make sure another person is at home while you are working with a ladder, should you need help. It is a good idea to have another person to help hold the ladder, to prevent it
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SAFE LADDER TIPS… When you are using a ladder ensure that you are using it safely. Photo: Supplied.
September 2018
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Take on our
u k o d Su e g n e l C ha l Challenge your Sudoku solving skills and take on our medium Sudoku puzzle.
Get $50 for comparing your energy costs THE Victorian government is offering Victorian households a $50 Power Saving Bonus for comparing their energy costs between July 1 and December 31 2018 on the Victorian Energy Compare website.
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On average, Victorians who use the comparison website will save $330 on their energy bills in the first year alone, with seven out of 10 finding a better deal by switching retail offers. To be eligible for the $50 bonus, households simply need
to compare deals, they are not required to take up an offer or switch plans. So what are you waiting for? Visit www.compare.energy.vic. gov.au today!
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