Celebrating
Seniors Week
Sunday, October 4 to Sunday, October 11
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – Page 25
VICTORIAN SENIORS
HOLISTIC SUPPORT… Wyndham House Clinic are your medical professionals there to support you every step of the way throughout your life. From left, Wyndham House Clinic General Practitioners, Dr Simon Sneyd and Dr John Guymer. Photo: Alicia Niglia
Page 26 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015
October 2015
Continuity of care
Supporting families at all stages of life W YNDHAM House Clinic has been a trusted name in professional medical care here in the Goulburn Valley for more than 25 years and as families move through their lives and into their elderly years, it is important to feel assured that your medical professional is there to support you every step of the way. W y n d ha m H o u s e Cli nic Pr a c t ic e Manager, Rhonda Rose said, “We pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients and particularly our elderly patients as they move through different stages and face different challenges. We offer continual care and support every step of the way. “We are dedicated to caring for the wellbeing of our patients and families alike, supporting them through times of transition as well as with ongoing care and allied health support to maintain independence and then at nursing home level as well as throughout hospice care.
“It’s important to have that continuity of care. “We also have a dedicated care plan program which enables us to support individuals to remain in their own homes independently, with a better quality of life for longer. “There’s such a broad variety of health issues which people encounter as they become elderly and particularly for anyone with chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis or any number of issues. Our doctors work along side allied health professionals to ensure our patients are supported every step of the way.” Wyndham House Clinic is focused on providing a premium level of patient care with a wide range of specialists available for consultation on-site at the Specialist Centre at Maude Street Medical. For more information on any of Wyndham House Clinic’s services call in at 96 Maude Street, Shepparton or phone 5820 3400.
Get involved in Seniors Festival THE Victorian Seniors Festival is back for 2015, with a range of events and activities taking place across Greater Shepparton that are sure to please all tastes. T h i s y e a r ’s f e s t i v a l, w h i c h r u n s throughout October, includes the Over 55s Health and Wellbeing Expo, featuring Denise Drysdale, photography and art classes, musical performances, as well as the chance to try sporting and leisure activities and environmental walks. Greater Sheppar ton Cit y Council Direc tor Communit y, Kaye Thomson encouraged people to attend. “With more than 20 different free and low cost activities taking place, there is definitely something for everyone. “The festival enhances seniors’ social interaction by creating opportunities to meet new people, make new friends and
build on current friendships. “Research shows the more socially connected we are as a community, the healthier we are and the safer we are, that is why celebrations like this are so important.” To help people get around, free public transport services will be provided to Vic torian Seniors Card holders from Sunday, October 4 to Sunday, October 11. Pick up a Victorian Seniors Festival program from Council’s Welsford Street office or visit www.greatershepparton.com. au/events for a full list of Seniors Festival events and start planning your festival! Event bookings are now open and can be made by contacting council on (03) 5832 9700.
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – Page 27
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
Resort living All year round LIKE any good holiday location, it’s good to have plenty of choice when it comes to activities. Whether you enjoy taking a dip in the heated indoor pool, getting some friends together for tennis, dropping into the gym or watching a movie in the cinema, there’s plenty on offer at Lifestyle Shepparton. Or, you can simply choose to not do anything at all and just enjoy the fact that the choice is yours! In addition to the multi-million dollar clubhouse and resor t facilities there is also an oversized workshop and homeowners are able to share a fishing boat and parking spaces for caravans and RVs. Bet ter still, Lifest yle Sheppar ton has just announced the addition of the new Aqua Club to be opened in late 2016. Comprising of a large outdoor pool and luxurious cabana, the Aqua Club will be surrounded by extensive landscaping, a stunning alfresco entertaining area with barbeque and will provide yet another space for homeowners to relax and enjoy the great life on offer. Lifestyle Shepparton continues to progress and is excited to have now commenced the final stages of development. To find out more about homes for sale in this exciting new residential precinct, call Mitch on 5831 1133 or call into Lifestyle Shepparton at 65 Channel Road, Shepparton. THE LIFESTYLE YOU WANT… Whatever your taste in activity, Lifestyle Shepparton has plenty on offer to keep you entertained and will be boosting that once more, with the addition of the new Aqua Club. Image: Supplied.
Page 28 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – Page 29
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
SUPPORT FOR LOCALS… Local Shepparton residents, Norm and Bernice are appreciative of the support they’ve received through the Community Interlink program offered by GV Health. Photo: Supplied.
Do you need extra support at home as you age? DID you know that a whole range of services are available, through Community Interlink, to provide support for seniors in their own home. Community Interlink can provide aged care services, case management, care coordination, disability support, respite for carers and other individually tailored services. Local Sheppar ton resident, Bernice recently endured a sudden illness, which led to her hospitalisation for around two weeks. Once she was well enough to leave hospital, it was suggested she go to a rehabilitation facility; but she just wanted to go home with her husband. Her husband, Norm, took her home and her daughter contacted Community Interlink to help provide support at home. Through Community Interlink there was
Page 30 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015
a steady stream of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dieticians, incontinence nurses and psychologists who came to the house to ensure Bernice’s recovery. Nor m said, “Ber nice has her independence again now, which is great. It has allowed us to be together and enjoy our lives. “It transformed our lives from being chaotic to more ordinary living,” he said. Bernice looks for ward to her case manager visiting regularly. “Having a case manager has been w o n d e r f u l; I w o u l d r e c o m m e n d Community Interlink to anyone who needs extra support at home,” said Bernice. For more information, call 1800 222 582 (press option 1) or email interlink@ gvhealth.org.au
Increases to the Age Pension payments THE Aged Pension has now increased giving single pensioners a $6.80 boost to their fortnightly payments or $176.80 a year, while couples will receive an extra $10.20 a fortnight or $265.20 a year. The increase, which has been linked to the consumer price index (CPI) so pension rates will continue to increase twice every year in line with the CPI, or cost of living rises, will assist local pensioners who face increasing living costs. Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone said, “Unfor tunately there have been some scare tactics used suggesting pension rates falling; this is not the case. “The Aged Pension rate will now rise to $867 a fortnight for single pensioners and $1,307 for couples combined per for tnight. Since the Coalition Government has come into office, the Age Pension has increased by $58.60 per fortnight for single pensioners and by $88.20 per fortnight for couples. “The Aged Pension will always increase using one of two methods, either CPI or the Beneficiary Living Cost Index whichever is the higher result. That result is then compared to a Male Total Average Weekly Earnings benchmark. If this benchmark gives a higher pension increase, then the benchmark is used to adjust pensions. “The government has also changed rates for pensioner s with modes t assets, giving an increase to these part pensioners by an average of more than $30 per fortnight. This is to give fairer access to a more sustainable pension coming into effect in January 2017.” For further queries on the increases c o n t a c t 5 8 21 5 371 o r v i s i t t h e Department of Social Services website, www.dss.gov.au/benefits-payments/ indexation-rates-september-2015
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
New announcement benefits residents SHEPPARTON Gardens’ residents have been pleasantly surprised by an announcement made last week, by the new village owner Eureka that will significantly reduce the fortnightly rental rates for some residents. Eureka Regional Manager, Peter Morgan told The Adviser, “Since acquiring Shepparton Gardens in June, we’ve reviewed the rental agreements currently in place and made the decision to bring the rate into line for all our residents. This means a significant reduction for many residents. “This rate now also includes all utilities (with the exception of electricity), maintenance of the grounds and gardens and three square meals, seven days a week. “As one of Shepparton’s only rental retirement villages for over 55s, the most important thing for us is the happiness of our residents. They should feel secure and comfortable where they live and for that reason, we have secured the rental rate for the short to mid term at least. Pensioners will not see an increased rate when their pension payment is increased, as is the case with a lot of retirement villages across the country. We believe this is fairer for residents, that way any payment increases land directly in their pockets.” Shepparton Gardens welcomes new tenancy enquiries and Village Managers, Paul MacFarlane and wife Michelle pride themselves on providing a connected community within the village. Shepparton Gardens is located at 60 Poplar Avenue, Shepparton. To request a free information pack, phone (03) 5821 7405. RESIDENT’S WELCOMING NEWS… From left, Eureka Shepparton Gardens residents, Beryl and Betty hearing the good news about a reduction in the fortnightly rental rates for some residents from Regional Manager, Peter Morgan and Village Managers, Paul and Michelle MacFarlane. Photo: David Lee.
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – Page 31
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
EAT HEALTHY, BE HEALTHY… Eating healthy while you age will help to increase mental acuteness, build resistance to illness and disease, provide higher energy levels, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems. Photo: Supplied.
Page 32 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Eating well as you age FOR adults over 50, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Eating well should be all about fresh, colourful food, creativity in the kitchen and eating with friends. Feeding your body, mind and soul • Live longer and stronger – Good nutrition keeps muscles, bones, organs and other body parts strong for the long haul. Eating vitamin-rich food boosts immunity and fights illness-causing toxins. A proper diet reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, cancer, and anaemia. • Sharpen the mind – Key nutrients are essential for the brain to do its job. People who eat a selection of brightly coloured fruit, leafy vegies and fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids can improve focus and decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich green tea may also enhance memory and mental alertness as you age. • Feel better – Wholesome meals give you more energy and help you look better, resulting in a self-esteem boost. It’s all connected. When your body feels good you feel happier inside and out.
A well-balanced diet • Avoid skipping meals – This causes your metabolism to slow down, which leads to feeling sluggish and making poorer choices later in the day. • Breakfast – Select high-fibre breads and cereals, colourful fruit and protein to fill you with energy for the day. Try yoghurt with muesli and berries, a vegie-packed omelette, peanut-butter on whole grain toast with a citrus salad, or old-fashioned oatmeal made with dried cherries, walnuts and honey. • Lunch – Keep your body fuelled for the afternoon with a variety of whole-grain breads, lean protein, and fibre. • Dinner – End the day on a wholesome note. Try warm salads of roasted vegies and with crusty brown bread and cheese, grilled salmon with spicy salsa, or whole-wheat pasta with asparagus and shrimp. • Snacks – It’s okay, even recommended, to snack. Choose almonds and raisins instead of chips, or fruit instead of sweets.
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
Something special for our seniors during October...
Something Special
for Shepparton Seniors
e
Save 10% on all your fresh fruit and vegies only on already low prices! *Excludes advertised specials
Exercise and fitness as you age
OPEN 7 DAYS
35 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
P: 5831 1378
Seniors Card Savings
AS you grow older, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Regular exercise can help boost energy, maintain your independence, and manage symptoms of illness or pain.
Build a balanced exercise plan
Building block 1: Cardio endurance exercise • What is it: Uses large muscle groups in rhythmic motions over a period of time. Cardio workouts get your heart pumping and you may even feel a little short of breath. Cardio includes walking, stair climbing, swimming, hiking, cycling, rowing, tennis, and dancing. • Why it’s good for you: Helps lessen fatigue and shortness of breath. Promotes independence by improving endurance for daily activities such as walking, house cleaning, and errands. Building block 2: Strength and power training • What is it: Strength training builds up muscle with repetitive motion using weight or external resistance from body weight, machines, free weights, or elastic bands. Power training is often strength training done at a faster speed to increase power and reaction times. • Why it’s good for you: Strength training helps prevent loss of bone mass, builds muscle, and improves balance—both important in staying active and avoiding falls. Power training can improve your speed while crossing the street, for example, or prevent falls by enabling you to react quickly if you start to trip or lose balance. Building strength and power will help you stay independent and make day-to-day activities easier such as opening a jar, getting in and out of a car, and lifting objects.
from these businesses when you present your ‘Seniors card’.
Building block 3: Flexibility • What is it: Challenges the ability of your body’s joints to move freely through a full range of motion. This can be done through stationary stretches and stretches that involve movement to keep your muscles and joints supple so they are less prone to injury. Yoga is an excellent means of improving flexibility. • Why it’s good for you: Helps your body stay limber and increases your range of movement for ordinary physical activities such as looking behind while driving, tying your shoes, shampooing your hair, and playing with your grandchildren. Building block 4: Balance • What is it: Maintains standing and stability, whether you’re stationary or moving around. Try yoga, Tai Chi, and posture exercises to gain confidence with balance. • Why it’s good for you: Improves balance, posture, and quality of your walking. Also reduces risk of falling and fear of falls.
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1270 Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – Page 33