Regular Content

04 Publisher’s Message

Publisher Paul Koury welcomes you to the issue.

10 The Scoop

Useful tips and wise advice on health and lifestyle matters.

13 We’ve Got Mail

Letters from readers. (We love receiving your feedback, so keep those letters coming!)

68 Finance

Rachel Lane of Aged Care Gurus breaks down the real costs of buying into a retirement community.

72 Comic Corner

If you need a laugh or just want a shift in mood, then Comic Corner is for you.

74 Law

We take a deep dive into the Charter of Aged Care Rights.

78 Aged Care Reforms

An overview of some of the changes the Federal Government is implementing to improve aged care in Australia.

84 Your Say

A new column, where we give our readers a chance to talk about what matters to them. This issue, it’s carer advocate George Helon.

90 News and Views

All the latest news that impacts older Australians and their carers.

92 Q&A

Important questions answered.

94 Recipes

Through her foundation, Maggie Beer, one of Australia’s most-loved food personalities, is on a mission to improve the food experience and quality of life for older Australians. This issue, enjoy two of her classic recipes.

98 Time Out

Publication Office PAK Allied Media ACN; 34 611 117 303 Suite 3/13 Elm Street Bayswater Victoria 3153 Tel: 1300 717 515

Acknowledgment

The Australian Carers Guide acknowledges the Wurundjeri People as the traditional custodians of the place we now call Bayswater, where this magazine is published. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and emerging.

Seven pages of fun: puzzles, Sudoku, word search and quizzes.

105 Editor’s Choice

The books you need to read.

115 Helpful Contacts

Contact details for essential services and organisations.

STROKE: KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

If you or someone you’re with experiences any of these symptoms, it could be a stroke and you should call 000 immediately: weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on one side or both sides of the body; trouble speaking and understanding; loss of vision or sudden blurring; a severe, abrupt headache; and dizziness or lack of balance. You can help reduce the risk of stroke by staying active, eating well, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol.

Source: strokefoundation.org.au

COFFEE... GOOD AND BAD

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

Recently, Canadian financial writer Gail Vaz-Oxlade laid out seven ways to improve your financial health:

1) Don’t apply for joint credit cards.

2) Make mortgage payments every two weeks.

3) Pay off the highest interest rate loan first.

4) Applying for a loan can hurt your credit score.

5) Have 11 times your salary by the time you retire.

6) Paying into insurance is worth it.

7) And remember that credit-card companies change interest rates whenever they want. D

Although a cup of coffee may have become a part of your morning and afternoon routine, consider how much you’re drinking. While beneficial compounds such as magnesium, potassium, niacin and antioxidants are good for your health, too much caffeine may lead to insomnia, nervousness, heart palpitations and a rise in blood pressure.

A gentle alternative to “bad for your skin” chemical dryer sheets and fabric softener are natural wool dryer balls, which also cut drying time by up to 30 per cent. Try brands like e.sup, Little Bumble and That Red House, which is available at Go For Zero.

Source: The Forever Group

Live Longer In

R. OZ SAYS...

THE sunshine

To get a steady supply of vitamins and minerals all day, break your multivitamin in half: take one-half with breakfast and the other with dinner.

The recommended intake is 400mg a day, or about four cups.

Source: Harvard Medical School

Those who avoid the sun have a shorter life span, according to a new study. Safe sun exposure for 15 to 30 minutes a day is vital to boost vitamin D, which lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and osteoporosis. But don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!

Source: Vitamin D Society

Kiss AND TELL

Locking lips is not just enjoyable – it’s actually good for your health, too. Here are five reasons to pucker up (as if you need them!)…

• A French kiss exercises all of the facial muscles, which could keep you looking younger and certainly happier.

• Kissing reduces stress and improves mood by decreasing cortisol and increasing serotonin and endorphins.

• During a very passionate kiss, it’s possible to burn two calories a minute, double the normal metabolic rate.

• Kissing triggers psychological processes that may boost immunity and break down oral plaque by producing more saliva.

• Studies show that men who kiss their partners before saying goodbye for the day live an average of five years longer.

Source: galderma.com

Get Good With Your Gums

Periodontal disease (periodontitis) may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and dementia. The following are the best ways to reduce your risk of gum disease: Brush and floss. Brush at least twice a day and floss at bedtime. Don’t smoke. People who smoke up to half a pack of cigarettes a day are almost three times more likely to have periodontitis. Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in vegetables and vegetable oils, fruits, legumes, nuts and fatty fish helps suppress inflammation. Have a regular dental check-up. This will help spot the first signs of periodontitis, while a clean removes bacteria-harbouring plaque. Get treatment at the first signs of gum disease. spaces between teeth and bridges, or partial dentures that don’t fit as well as they once did may signal periodontitis.

Source: Harvard Women’s Health Watch

STAND UP STRAIGHT!

Good posture means: chin parallel to the floor; shoulders even (roll your shoulders up, back and down to help achieve this); neutral spine (no flexing or arching to overemphasize the curve in your lower back); arms at your sides with elbows straight and even; abdominal muscles braced; hips even; knees even and pointing straight ahead; and body weight distributed evenly on both feet.

Source: Harvard Medical School

Smooth Sailing

Finding it hard to consume five to 10 servings of fruit and veggies a day? You’re not alone! Use this universal smoothie recipe as a meal replacement or easy snack.

1-2 handfuls of leafy greens

Spinach is a great nutritional addition that doesn’t compromise flavour. Other options include kale, lettuce, endives or celery.

1 cup fruit

Try berries, mangoes, plums or pineapple to sweeten things up.

¼ cup binding agent

Think banana, nut butter, avocado or yoghurt.

1-2 cups liquid

Pro Tip

Keep your freezer stocked with frozen fruit to minimise trips to the shops.

Try fresh juice, milk/ milk substitutes or water (flat or sparkling).

Add cinnamon, lemon, nutmeg, ginger or any spice you like to keep the drink flavourful without sacrificing nutrition.

Take the stairs

Studies show brain age decreases by almost seven months for every flight of stairs climbed a day.

Source: Men’s Health