Your Time Brisbane October 2022

Fafew, I have been contemplating my preferred label for someone who is no longer a toddler, a teenager, in their 20s, a 30-something, or, any time after 40, mid-life.

Do I want to be called elderly, aged, an oldie, a senior, an old fogey (which is only marginally better than being an old fart), a silver, a retiree, a pensioner or perhaps a more general over-55.

I must admit none of them particularly grab my fancy. I still tend to think of elderly as applying to my parents and “the aged” has similar overtones of being far more advanced in years than 60-something.

At the same time, I am significantly over 55 so it seems a bit cheeky for that

number to come up. I called my parents “the oldies” and have since copped it from my own kids, so that doesn’t really work either. And being a golden oldie doesn’t make it any sweeter. I’m not yet retired or on a pension, but in that sad period, the twilight years.

Judy Rafferty this month discusses the options in her On Track column. Her reference to high school seniors reminds me of an interview with the actress Rachel Ward a few years ago when she said it wasn’t all bad being a “senior” because at high school the seniors were the groovers who were in charge and wore the special uniforms.

I just need to change my mind-set from my dad’s “senior citizens” club to high school seniors and I should be right. And since it’s Seniors Month, it is a good time to do just that.

There are plenty of events planned, most of them free, so be sure to check our calendar for what’s on near you.

And celebrating all that’s good from yesteryear, Julie Lake joins car enthusiasts at a rally where classics, veterans, vintage and the golden oldies rule — and there are a few more titles to choose from right there.

Dorothy Whittington Editor

Contents

4 COVER STORY

6 BITS AND PIECES

8 AGES AND STAGES

10 FUN FACTS

11 FAMILY HISTORY

12 BRAIN MATTERS

14 ACTIVE LIVING

16 YOUR CITY 18 MOTORING

20 CARE AFFAIRS

21 SENIORS MONTH EVENTS

30 ON TRACK

31 FINANCE

32 HEALTH

34 RETIREMENT LIVING

35 COMMUNITY NEWS

36 IN-HOME CARE

38 WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

44 BOOK REVIEW

45 TRIVIA QUIZ 46 PUZZLES

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Gearing up the golden oldies

On any sunny weekend in south-east Queensland, you can see stately cavalcades of gleaming vintage and classic automobiles out on the backroads. JULIE LAKE investigates the nostalgia that drives a passion for old vehicles.

Show time!

It’s a typical crisp, sunny winter’s day and everyone’s going to the show. No, not the Ekka, but one of the vintage, antique and classic car shows popular in south-east Queensland.

This time the show is at Tamborine Mountain and cars have arrived from the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and west to Warwick. Some have been driven, others towed on trailers.

Everything gleams in the bright sun – paintwork, brass and chrome fittings, even the immaculate engines which look as if they have just come fresh from the showroom.

The atmosphere is festive, the live music is vintage rock and roll.

Acar

rally, featuring one make or model of car, sometimes a mixture, heads off to a scenicallyappealing destination, among them men and an increasing number of women, young and old, salespeople and surgeons, plumbers and physicists, teachers and taxi drivers. What unites them is a passion for the internal combustion engine and its history.

According to enthusiast James May,

most classic cars are rubbish: “If they were any good they’d still be made!”

Modern cars are faster, more reliable, more comfortable, safer, more economical and handle the road much better than their predecessors, yet despite this, people still opt to drive these golden oldies and interest is thriving.

For one thing, old cars are more distinctive.

A Jaguar or Mercedes of yesteryear

could be identified at a glance. Today’s cars look much the same and as Harvey Dix of Brisbane points out, it’s hard to tell a modern Jag from a Kia. He drives a Kia for everyday use but keeps a lovinglyrestored Jaguar XK 120 from the 1950s as his “weekend fun car”.

He is typical of those who acknowledge the marvels of the GPS and the reversing camera but think that when our cars had chokes and

Makes and models date from pre-1920s to 1980s. Owners are on hand to show off their automobiles – the word “car” seems almost disrespectful to describe these beauties!

Ancient engines are revved to show their power. Carburettors are displayed as curiosities. Choke buttons are pulled out to show the way we were.

It’s history on wheels. It’s nostalgia. It’s fun.

Paul Clemens proudly shows off his Rover Mini Cooper. Paul bought his first Mini 850 in 1971 and after five years traded it for a 1964-registered Mini Cooper S. When he saw this 1994 version – which he calls a “Thoroughly Modern Mini” – he fell in love all over again.

A 1975 registered VW Beetle in perfect condition, all set up for surfing

carburettors there was a lot more skill and fun driving them.

And then there is the nostalgia aspect. For vintage car owners, this is all about the elegance and craftsmanship of the early cars, mostly those made before World War II. But for the classic car drivers it’s all about feeling young again.

There is nothing like a VW beetle or classic Kombi to get the Baby Boomers reminiscing fondly about their glory days driving up and down the coast in search of sun, fun, sea and sex.

And – no surprises here – such nostalgia is psychologically quantifiable.

“Memories of vehicles from our past can be a multi-sensory experience says Sociology Professor Janelle Wilson:

“For example, the smell of the seats, the sound of the engine turning over, the look of the grill”.

She explains that nostalgia is not simply a passive “living in the past” phenomenon because sociologists have long concluded that nostalgia can facilitate the continuity of identity.

Differentiating between vintage and classic cars is a minefield of passionately held opinions into which I am stepping with great delicacy.

As a general (but not universally accepted) rule, vintage cars date from 1918-1930. The T-Model Ford is one example and the Aston Martin Grand Prix. They are mostly sold already restored and privately, for a high price, like any old and valued artifact.

Antique cars are more than 45 years old, dating back to about 1930, and include the 1938 Volkswagen, Chevrolet Corvette and El Camino, Rolls Royce Phantom – and the more humble but venerated FJ Holden.

It’s still possible, though not easy, to find such veterans and restore them.

Classic cars are about 25 to 45 years old, and you find a lot of muscle and sports cars in this category.

Nostalgia plays a big part in owning one of these. As one driver said: “I’ve had my gas guzzling Holden Premier for 35 years and I still love it. I don’t like all this newfangled technology that tells you how to drive and where to go! My old girl will see me out. I’ve always kept her in mint condition and made a few modifications and today she’s worth a hell of a lot more than I paid for her!”

(He also asked to remain anonymous so people wouldn’t put him down as a silly old fogey!)

All lovers of old cars dream of finding one in a farmer’s barn or scrapyard somewhere; neglected, dilapidated, going for a song to the person who recognises its qualities and is prepared to lovingly restore it to new life.

Of course, the likelihood of that happening today is almost non-existent. Collecting is driven by the internet and vintage cars are sold privately online or through the automobile clubs. There are several of these in our region.

The peak body Queensland Historic Motoring Federation represents more than 100 veteran, vintage, historic and classic vehicle clubs in the state, with 13,000 registered club members and about 21,000 historic vehicles (more than 30 years old). It just goes to show how popular the passion for golden oldies is.

Some clubs specialise in only one make of car. MG car clubs (three in south-east Queensland) are among the oldest. Others include Jaguar, Holden, Ford, VW Beetle and Kombi, Chevrolet, Morris Minor and the marvellous Mini, Chrysler – it seems that wherever there are a few enthusiasts for a particular make or model they form a club.

Not all these cars are obviously iconic and you don’t have to be rich to own one. For example, the Datsun Z series.

When the Datsun 240 Z was launched (by Nissan) in 1969 it introduced one of the most successful sports car lines ever produced. Queensland DatsunZ club president Jason Cheshire says that back then it gave a great two-door driving experience for half the price of a Porsche and, along with the ensuing 240Z and 280Z, it has a cult following today.

Old cars are generally costlier to run than today’s fuel-efficient models. Those dating back to the days of leaded petrol can be modified (a costly change that can devalue the collectability of your vehicle) or use an additive.

If they are roadworthy, they can be registered but older (vintage) cars usually have restrictions on road use and require a special interest vehicle concession; drivers should carry the paperwork on rallies and outings to avoid a fine.

Antique cars that can’t conform with todays’ roadworthy conditions must be carried on a trailer.

Spare parts are comparatively costly too and may involve scouring junkyards or searching on eBay, depending on the age of the car.

Graham-Paige owner Kevin Vaughan says it took him a couple of years to find a second, similar vehicle, which he “cannibalised” to fully restore the splendid 1929 model he owns – and he had to buy it in the USA and have it shipped here.

“The cost was worth it,” he says enthusiastically. “When I drive my car I’m driving a piece of history”.

The cost of buying an iconic old car, even unrestored, varies hugely depending on make, model, age, originality, vehicle history and specification.

The Kombi, which represents a way of life to older Queenslanders, might trade for as low as $35,000 unrestored but a collectible 1962 VW 23 split-screen model sold recently for $100,000 and some have gone for a lot more than that.

The stylish MG TD which I once proudly owned in the 1960s can still be bought today in good condition for as low as $25,000, but a 1952 Rolls Royce Phantom will set you back at least $200,000.

American comedian and keen car collector Jay Leno once stated: “Any car can be a collector car, if you collect it” and with every passing year classic cars age into antiques and antiques into veterans.

And just why it is that some cars become more collectible than others remains a mystery, understood only by those who have made it their hobby.

If you are inspired to own at least one collectible car be assured that somewhere nearby is a club to suit you.

As Steppenwolf sang: “Get your motor running, head out on the highway…”

Women love old cars too. Michelle Robertson, dressed for the period, shows off her 55 FJ Holden. Her dad had an FJ and she fondly remembers her family of seven going for Sunday drives.

PADDOCK TO PLATE A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

A BRISBANE retirement community and a Queensland family farming business have entered a partnership which brings the country to the city and provides village residents with quality meat and ready-made meals.

Brisbane Valley Protein each week delivers meat and produce direct to residents at affordable prices and has set up food operations in the commercial kitchen of Kingsford Terrace, Corinda, an independent living community operated by Aura Holdings.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in a collaboration that Aura Holdings’ director Tim Russell says is unique in the retirement living sector.

Brisbane Valley Protein, based in the Somerset region, is the vision of fourth generation farming siblings Duncan Brown and Selena Gomersall who produce beef, chicken and quail on an 1100ha farm at Coominya, 80km west of Brisbane. Locally-produced lamb anad pork is also on the menu.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to provide meat direct from our farm to the Kingsford Terrace residents and to base our award-winning chef Jason Peppler in their kitchen,” Mr Brown says.

“Our mission is to feed and grow communities through sustainable, innovative agriculture. We are slowly

turning our property into a diverse agriculture and food production hub capable of growing, processing and exporting poultry, beef and quail.”

The company produces and breeds the largest quails for consumption in the world.

“When I first tried quail it was love at first bite. But I’ve always found it fiddly and difficult to eat,” Mr Brown says. “The original breeding stock came from the Hunter Valley, and we’ve been selecting the biggest birds to continue breeding. Instead of the typical 180-200 grams our quails are 300-450 grams.”

The weekly meat orders of Kingsford Terrace residents arrive in Cryovac packaging and there’s an option to order a box of locally-grown fruit and vegetables.

Mr Peppler produces heat-and-eat meals in the village kitchen and there are plans for regular barbecues and farm tours to see how and where the meat is produced.

IN THE GARDEN — with Penny

water. Citrus trees are full of flowers, fertilise and give a good soak.

Roses are coming into flower so if you haven’t already done so, use a suitable fertiliser to keep them growing well. It’s a wonderful time of the year to be outside. Enjoy!

IT’S October already, and the warmer weather has certainly made a difference to the growth of our plants.

Time to fertilise and keep those pesky weeds at bay.

All types of summer vegetables can go in now – tomatoes, lettuce, corn, spring onions, radish, cucumbers and beetroot among them. All are easy and very satisfying to grow.

Zinnias can be planted now and are great cut flowers.

Fertilise your lawn for lush green grass, and it’s also a good time to check your mower blades.

Cane mulch is now available so mulch everything to help stop the weeds and save

I have just returned from hosting a group at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

What a sight, with so many beautiful flowers such as pansies, ranunculi, alyssum, tulips and delphiniums, planted in their thousands.

Other highlights were the parade and the orchid, clivia and geranium shows.

With so many specimens, there wasn’t much room left under the bus on our way home. I have already planted most of mine in their new homes.

I’m happy to answer your gardening questions. Email me at penny.hegarty@ gmail.com

Penny Hegarty

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP?

Did you know that:

• Fatigue is four times more likely to contribute to impairment than drugs and alcohol.

Extended periods of poor sleep can increase risk of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

• Sleep and mental health are intrinsically linked.

• More than half of adult Australians suffer from at least one chronic sleep symptom that affects their ability to live a healthy, happy life.

Visit sleephealthfoundation.org.au

DIG DEEP FOR CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS is coming but, surprise surprise, household budgets will be hit by inflation and rising interest rates which are driving manufacturers and retailers to increase prices.

Parcel delivery company CouriersPlease surveyed 1007 Australians to gauge whether they would be shopping for Christmas earlier this year as a result of ongoing supply chain issues and some product shortages.

It found that 54 per cent of shoppers were feeling the pinch and would spend less on Christmas gifts, while almost two-thirds said they would be shopping earlier than last year.

A higher proportion of older respondents revealed they had already completed their Christmas gift shopping

for the year – 24 per cent of over 50s had completed their shopping before September..

Younger respondents were more likely to give fewer gifts this Christmas –34 per cent of under-30s compared with 20 per cent of over 50s.

More than half of over 50s indicated they would spend the same on Christmas gifts this year.

The survey found that in addition to rising costs, slow and disrupted supply chains were spilling over into consumer confidence.

During the key Christmas trading months of November and December, Australians last year spent more than $65 billion, both in-store and online – a $3 billion increase on the previous year.

MAKE YOUR WILL A PET PROJECT

THE Public Trustee has called on Queenslanders to consider making a will and appointing someone to look after their pets.

“Talking about advance life planning can be confronting but it’s essential to plan ahead,” Samay Zhouand said.

“We’re encouraging everyone to consider who’ll take care of their beloved pets if they are no longer around.”

The RSPCA’s Home Ever After program helps rehome pets.

“Those of us lucky to have animals in our lives really need to think about planning ahead if we’re rushed to hospital and our pets are left without someone to care for them,” thr RSPCA’s Aileen McGregor-Lowndes said.

“It’s important to make a will and leave instructions. If you want the RSPCA to care for and rehome a pet, it’s a good idea to register your pet with us so we know about their needs.”

Visit willsweek.com.au

by Mocco Wollert

wanted to talk about those times.

I don’t want to talk about bad memories though, but the ones that give us joy and there are many memories that give us joy.

Which mother would not cherish the wonderful memory of those seconds when her baby was born? A birthday party where everybody was in fancy dress? A first kiss from a boy who had become the whole universe?

Memories can sometimes be awakened by certain smells, like walking in a park on a summer’s day; hearing a piece of music on the radio or the colour of an evening sunset; the soft feel of a springtime breeze.

loving and who would listen to their opinions – which are always right of course – but also a person who had principles.

What I don’t want – and it can easily come to this – is to be in their memories as that cranky old woman who always criticised, was intolerant of their opinions, and always talking about the good old times.

So, I am learning to accept text messages instead of phone calls, and to sit patiently and quietly while they spend their time staring at their phones, my presence forgotten.

SOME people suffer from amnesia but most of us have memories, memories of successes or failures, of happy times and sad times.

I have many vivid memories of World War II, most of them are not good ones and unfortunately, they will never go away.

I can sometimes still hear the shrill noise of bombs dropping; they were falling like heavy rain.

I have memories of crossing from the eastern part of Germany to the western part; crossing the border in the dead of the night, the very air filled with fear. I was 10 years old.

There are memories of being cold, hungry and terribly frightened. My husband was sent to fight on the Russian front before he turned 14.

His memories were so bad, he never

A lot of memories will be about holidays where even a rainy day was fun.

I have old-fashioned albums with paper photographs but also the new, computer-generated ones.

I often look at them and, in my memory, relive exciting and happy trips.

Lately I have thought that maybe we should be more conscious of our behaviour as we get older, of the gifts we give, the way we spend our time because all of these will be a memory in the life of a child or grandchild.

Maybe we have to make some effort to create memories which are meaningful and forever.

I certainly will give it a go.

I would like my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to remember me as somebody who was fun, who was

One of the greatest gifts is to leave memories which will be relevant, little bubbles of happiness and joy around which people’s thoughts can roam.

When we depart from this earth, we will leave a lot of “stuff” behind, like old novels or crystal glasses – that nobody wants because they don’t go into the dishwasher – that our children will have to get rid of, so let us make sure that we leave not only “things” but memories, something to recall us by with joy and fondness.

Whatever we leave behind in worldly goods, will be soon forgotten, but memories will last a long time and might even go from generation to generation.

May you create happy memories to leave as your legacy

AS THE cost of petrol rose, I questioned whether a road trip was a great idea. With relatives living interstate, hubby and I are familiar with hitting the bitumen and clocking up kilometres.

For our most recent trek to South Australia, we set up a cosy bed in the back of our station wagon.

What drives us (pun intended) to long days in the car followed by sleeping quarters far removed from the comforts of home?

Hubby has already turned 60 and I’m frighteningly close, so you’d think we would start acting our age and check into a motel.

The simple answer is that there is a little part of me that stubbornly refuses to grow old.

I like to pretend that I still have the

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flexibility of someone half my age. I don’t want to accept that there are things I can no longer do with ease.

About a decade ago, I came across a large backpack at a church sale. It looked new and was going cheap.

I had never backpacked and didn’t really plan to, but I bought it in the hope that I would use it, a kind of a “build it and they will come” scenario.

It is now well-travelled and I like to think my backpacking days are not over yet. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s buying something and not using it (unless it’s a first aid kit or maybe headache tablets).

With interstate trips, my preferred option is flying. However, we chose to stuff the car and its rooftop pod with necessities and away we went.

On the first night, somewhere in NSW, we found a free camping area and began our routine of preparing for sleep. I should mention that our 11-year-old border collie was along for the ride and appeared unimpressed that his bed was now outside on the ground.

As the temperature plummeted to 1 degree Celsius, hubby felt sorry for pooch and invited him in. The sizeable dog stretched out between us atop the quilt, pulling it inward, leaving us clinging to a tiny corner of quilt each.

There had to be a better way of sharing the space with a quilt-hogging snorer … and the dog!

Hubby coaxed the dog to move to one side, then shouted wildly, “pull … now!”

I whipped that quilt across like a magician doing the tablecloth trick. The dog settled and hubby and I spooned on the remaining section of mattress.

At 1am, our canine wanted out. Perhaps, he was sick of the snoring too. I reminded hubby to put the doggie coat on as I snuggled away from the arctic chill that came through the open tailgate.

“I doubt it will fit me,” he said.

I’m not sure which was worse, that freezing night or the one when it rained non-stop. We parked next to a picnic shelter and tethered the dog out of the weather.

After sleeping quite well in our warm, dry car, we awoke to puddles and continuing drizzle. Exiting the car involved twisting and turning to climb out of the passenger side door and leaping over a small torrent of water.

We drove a short way to a service station and repacked the car under a roof as it was the only way to keep things dry. The perfume for the rest of the day was eau de damp dog.

As much as I’m fighting this aging business, I admit that it was wonderful to crawl between the fresh sheets of my queen-sized bed when we got home. Our furry friend seemed happy back on his doggy bed too.

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World’s most popular book

Did you know?

Someone tried to sell New Zealand on eBay. There’s an ongoing rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, but in 2006, one Australian man came very close to winning. In May 2006, he opened a bid on the e-commerce platform starting at one cent. Bidding prices climbed all the way to $3000 before eBay officials shut it down, stating “clearly New Zealand is not for sale”.

This month in history

1582 - The Gregorian Calendar took effect in Catholic countries as Pope Gregory XIII issued a decree that Thursday, October 4, would be Friday, October 15, correcting a 10-day error accumulated by the Julian Calendar.

1798 – George Bass and Matthew Flinders leave Sydney to explore Van Diemen’s Land.

With more than 200 million copies in circulation every year, the IKEA catalogue surpasses the Bible, the Quran, and the Harry Potter series to earn the title of the world’s most-printed book. The annual catalogue is usually around 350 pages and varies in each of the 72 regions in which it’s distributed. For example, catalogues in Saudi Arabia feature only men in their photos.

By the numbers.

Quote of the month.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

Twenty three

In a room of 23 people, there’s a 50 per cent chance of two people having the same birthday.

100,000

The number of pieces of bread that can be toasted using power from a single lightning strike.

1818 - The US and Britain agree to set the US-Canadian border at the 49th parallel.

1884 - Greenwich established as the universal time to calculate standard times throughout the world.

1892 – Jackie Howe shears 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes at Blackall, a record for hand shears that still stands.

1908 - Henry Ford’s Model T, a universal car designed for the masses, goes on sale.

1923 – Telephone link between Sydney and Brisbane officially opens.

1925 – Greater Brisbane is inaugurated as a single municipal authority under Brisbane City Council.

1929 - The stock market crashes signalling the beginning of the Great Depression.

1945 - The United Nations is founded.

1957 - The Space Age begins as the Russians launch Sputnik I, the first satellite into orbit.

1961 – Parkes radiotelescope officially opens.

1990 - The Channel tunnel opens to connect Great Britain with the European continent for the first time since the Ice Age

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The number of words Scotland has for snow.

The thrill of finding family

Researching family history is an absorbing pastime that can lead to some exciting discoveries. ALLANA O’KANE shares her story.

Some people might call it their No.1 housework avoidance strategy but there’s something about discovering your grandfather’s grandfather in the 1851 census in Manchester UK, that makes everything else disappear.

His occupation was “turner”, whatever that means. His grandson was a wood turner manufacturing furniture in the Wide Bay area but were there lots of furniture manufacturers in Manchester in the 1850s? The likely answer is no, but there were cloth manufacturers needing industrial pieces customised for their machinery.

There’s also something very moving about finding your grandfather’s name in a thick file of documents chronicling his admission to a Rockhampton orphanage in in 1910. George was just one year old and his sisters slightly older, when their widowed father, a bullocky, asked for his children to enter Meteor Park state orphanage.

It seemed terrible that poor little George and his sisters were abandoned by their father, but then I learned that orphanages were not only for orphans.

They were also a form of state-

sponsored social support for families under duress. The children were at Meteor Park for four years until their father had a stable job close to home and applied for return of his children. Sadly, by this time, there were only two as one of the girls had died.

The final bill for their release was £15, surely a considerable sum in 1914.

Little housework was done while I was absorbed in George’s story – and so many more questions. What had happened to his mother? What did a bullocky do? What happened to Sissie who died?

Every family has stories waiting to be discovered. Queensland Family History Society can help chase leads with its collection of books and official records, affordable access to world-wide databases and expert knowledge and help.

Seniors Month is a good time to find out more, with the following special days coming up: October 8, Irish interest group; October 14, research techniques (citations); October 15, new member orientation; and October 26, research techniques (QFHS resources).

Allana O’Kane is Queensland Family History Society president. Visit qfhs.org. au or email secretary@qfhs.org.au

The Overland solution

Ecotherapy, mindfulness and physical exercise have a positive effect on the brain as KAILAS ROBERTS discovers on a trek through the Tasmanian wilderness.

Iwas

recently reminded of a trip my wife and I last year took to Tasmania, where we spent five days trekking with a group along the Overland Track.

It lies within a World Heritage area in the state’s north-east and is one of the world’s greatest walks.

Why do I mention this, aside from for the pleasure of reminiscing?

Well, as I reflected, I recalled the island of serenity that it created among the busy-ness and stress of everyday life, and it occurred to me how good such things are not just for your health, but for your brain.

Now, it may not be possible for you to do the trek yourself (though I would highly recommend it if you can), but what can it teach us about the ingredients of good brain health?

To understand this, it is helpful to dissect the experience. In this way, even if you can’t fly over the Tasman, perhaps you can apply some of these things in day-today life. To paint a picture, we would spend about six hours a day walking the track, carrying just enough gear.

By just enough, I mean not so heavy that every step was agonising, but sufficient to make the walking strenuous.

We were intermittently out of breath, and this, along with the associated increase in pulse rate, helped suffuse our brains with blood, oxygen, and nutrients. So, physical exercise … tick.

The environment itself was also important for our wellbeing. Lake St Clair National Park, which the Overland Track bisects, is a true wilderness, beautiful and ever-changing.

The benefits of being in such natural environments are well documented.

Ecotherapy, as it is sometimes called, is known to improve your attention, mental flexibility and working memory.

Improvements in mental health –anxiety and depression – also often occur.

Then there is the concept of awe – a feeling of reverential respect.

This was a daily experience, surrounded as we were by vast plains and sheer mountains. Awe also confers brain benefits, including regulating our default mode network, a network that is stimulated when our minds are not purposefully cognitively engaged.

A disordered default mode network has been associated with depression, among other brain disorders.

At one stage throughout the trek, it was suggested we walk in silence through a section of forest, out of sight of other walkers. We were encouraged to pay attention to our senses – what we could see, and hear, and smell.

This was for me one of the most enjoyable sections – forced mindfulness if you will. Research has shown mindfulness and meditation have an unequivocal benefit for the brain.

As well as reducing stress and anxiety, it helps us maintain focus and manage our emotions.

Continuing the theme of sensory stimulus, one thing that was conspicuously absent was my phone. I had it with me, but the lack of reception rendered it obsolete.

I was blissfully free of the brain-

distracting pings, notifications, and emails for almost the whole trip, and this no doubt helped my brain.

I say almost because I had my phone on to take photos from the highest point of the walk – Mt Ossa – and for a moment, the reception came back.

Within seconds, I received a deluge of texts and emails, and alongside it a flood of stress. I rapidly turned it off!

There were many other brain healing elements to the trip – good food, good company, clean air, even comfy beds to ensure a good night’s sleep.

When something feels good – or indeed bad – it is helpful to analyse why: in this way, you can make practical changes to your daily life to ensure your brain and body remain healthy.

Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind your brain

The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia now available at all good bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au

The

Feel good stretches for the modern slump

Spending hours hunched over the computer or gazing down at your phone can impair balance, breathing and spinal health. TRISTAN HALL looks at some simple stretches to counteract these unnatural postures.

Agood posture looks elegant and strong but standing tall is about more than good looks.

Poor posture can cause headaches, back pain and fatigue. It puts your spine out of alignment and strains joints, muscles and ligaments in the back.

It can also lead to wear and tear on spinal discs.

A report from Harvard Medical School showed poor posture can cause incontinence as it puts pressure on your bladder. Slouching can also lead to heartburn as it puts pressure on the abdomen, forcing stomach acid upwards.

Here are some ways to make a difference to your posture and feel better as you do it.

It can take a while to see the benefits of these stretches, after all, muscles and ligaments have learnt to exist in certain

arrangements. Give it some time, enjoy the added mobility and stand tall.

CHIN TUCKS

Pull your chin back, not down just back. This movement will feel unfamiliar at first but stick with it. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat this five times. You should feel a stretch in the muscles at the back of your neck close to the skull.

This exercise can be done many times a day. This is an ideal one to do at a red light.

CHEST RELEASE IN DOORFRAME

This exercise undoes the tightening of chest muscles. Stand in a doorway and place your palms up on the frame. Let your torso fall forward. Stay in the stretch for up to a minute.

Again, this is an exercise that can be repeated many times a day.

THE WALL PRESS

Stand against a blank wall with your knees slightly bent. Push your lower back, middle back and shoulders into the wall. Make sure there are no gaps between your back and the wall.

Try to also place your head against the wall with your chin tucked. This may be difficult if muscles are tight, just do your best. Hold the position for two to three minutes and repeat three times a day. Initially, you’ll feel the muscles along your spine working but over time they will become stronger.

These stretches can help maintain a fuller range of movement and remedy the muscle tightness that comes from modern life.

Tristan Hall is an exercise physiologist with Full Circle Wellness. Call 0431 192 284 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

Finding a balance

We are always being told we need to do more exercise but finding an effective way to stick at it is another story, writes NEAL McLENNAN.

We all know that use it or lose it applies to the legs and arms as much as it does the brain, and none of us want our lives to be restricted by our physical capabilities and failings.

We need a program that’s enjoyable and adaptive to really help develop balance, strength and confidence.

With this in mind, Balance Brisbane has specifically designed a program for seniors.

It is based in a gymnastics club where the equipment allows us to adapt to the needs of the group on the day.

It is improving balance, strength and coordination while being in a fun social group of seniors – laugh and be encouraged. Everyone’s individual ability is taken into account.

Even the music is from the appropriate decades.

You’ll find that when you’re on a good thing, it’s easy to stick with it.

Surprise the grandkids with your skills next time you’re at a play area.

Neal McLennan is coowner of Balance Brisbane. Visit balancebrisbane.com.au

Imagine waking up to this ocean view everyday.

Victoria

TAYLOR-FOX

Law

THE warm weather is great for early exercise. If you are a regular early morning riser you will have noticed that you no longer need to rug up.

It may be only Spring, but already we have had some very warm days. This normally means those who have not exercised during the cold, dark winter mornings, will start to reconsider coming back to exercise.

In fact, those of us in the fitness industry rely on the change of numbers attending our sessions or the gym from September.

My own exercise classes start at 5am and I can tell you that even though the Thursday sessions are only 30 minutes, the heat is on before the session is over.

Generally, those in the health industry use the New Year to heavily promote signing up to a gym or starting out on an exercise regime or program.

Any time is a great time to start getting healthier, but the onset of warmer weather entices people out to exercise just as much as the start of a new year.

Warmer weather often means we do not sleep in too late, the sun is shining in the bedroom windows earlier and we change our wardrobe to summer clothes.

In Australia, we do get extremes of temperature and summer can be very hot and not the most comfortable weather for

exercise, so the earlier you start your morning walk, jog, swim or gym program, the better.

Spring and summer are great times to get family and friends out and into a regular exercise program. We get told often that habits – and anything you do to improve your health must be considered a good habit – take a couple of weeks to become a regular thing.

Get out and take advantage of the beautiful days ahead.

Tom Law is author of Tom’s Law Fit Happens. Visit tomslaw.com.au

a hand around the house.

IRT has been around for over 50 years.

highly trained home care team are more than just an

they’re a shoulder to

on.

pair of

– landmark celebrates 150 years

One of Brisbane’s oldest buildings, the General Post Office, celebrated its 150th birthday on September 28, but it hasn’t all been clear sailing.

The city landmark was built on the site of the female factory – a prison for female convicts who had to be kept isolated from the lecherous male prisoners and officers of the main Moreton Bay convict settlement.

It was partially demolished to make way for the elegant Italianate building which opened in 1872 at a cost of £7450 after years of lobbying.

To set the scene, the Moreton Bay settlement became known as Brisbane in 1839 and was only opened to free settlers in 1842.

The first letter carrier was appointed in 1852 and until separation in 1859, postal services were managed out of Sydney. The first Queensland postage stamp issued was in 1860.

Brisbane’s first fulltime PostmasterGeneral, John Edward Barney, was appointed in 1852 and on his death three years later, was succeeded by his wife Elise, who became the first post mistress.

After years of campaigning, it was finally agreed that Brisbane should have its own General Post Office.

The building was designed by the colonial architect F.G.D. Stanley (a busy chap given the number of grand old buildings still standing in his name) and built by Brisbane’s first mayor John Petrie.

Freestone came from Murphy’s Creek near Toowoomba, and the Albion Heights quarry and the elegant iron lacework balustrading on the second floor was made at R.R. Smellie’s Alice St foundry.

The post office opened in 1872 and in 1877, work began on the 15.2m high central tower with a matching building, a mirror image, on the other side for the Telegraph Office.

By now, the postal service and telegraph departments had merged and the Queen St site had become central while the Telegraph Office in William Street, was considered out of the way.

It was a happy day for customers when it opened beside the post office in 1879.

A clock with a 1.4m dial was built into the front pediment of the post office and illuminated by gaslight at night but plans for a more elaborate 33m clocktower between the buildings had to be shelved as the cost was prohibitive for a small town of 15,000.

Although a classical building, Stanley had kept the climate in mind. There wouldn’t be electric fans until the 1890s, so to beat the heat, there were wide verandas, a 3m colonnade to protect from heat and rain, and high ceilings – 5.4m on the lower floor and 5.1m on the upper.

The beautiful old building has also been home to some firsts.

In 1887, it was one of the first buildings in Brisbane to be powered by

electricity and in 1892, three Ideal Hammond typewriters arrived at the Telegraph Office.

It was the first time a typewriter was used as a business tool in Australia and a move which the other colonies soon copied.

Within, is the historically significant Queensland Postal Honour Board for World War I.

There was a plan in the late 1890s to demolish the buildings entirely, the idea advancing as far as a new building design competition being held.

In the end, the original was retained, upgraded and extended, including construction of the Elizabeth Street building in 1908.

Other calls down the decades to knock it all down and start again ended in 1953.

The GPO was cleaned up for the Royal visit by Queen Elizabeth and then its enduring magnificence was recognised and appreciated.

Today, the Brisbane GPO comprises five interconnected buildings, all built at different times.

Still a city landmark, it is on both the Commonwealth Heritage List and the National Trust register.

Above left: The elegant GPO building, pictured in 1931, has dominated Queen St for 150 years. Above: Mail carriers in 1936. Below: Inside the postal hall in 1912.

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change.

Artist impression. Subject to change.

There’s more to the SUV than old prejudices

There remains a small, if declining, number of folk who cannot get their heads around Sports Utility Vehicles. BRUCE McMAHON looks at the new genre and a vehicle that has become fashionable and functional.

attraction of today’s SUVs, especially one with the style and convenience of Kia’s latest Sportage.

This medium-sized wagon is wellsuited to a range of needs and a far cry from the original 1990s Korean wagon, as honest as that was.

Consider this: a Kia Sportage today has ground clearance of 181mm – a Model T Ford had 250mm between road and the machine’s underpinnings; a 1977 HZ Holden had 142mm.

The VF Commodore, the last homegrown Holden, was down to 110mm.

one of those new-fangled SUVs for ease of access over lower-slung sedans.

So, there was a fair degree of function to this fresh automotive fashion. As the niche grew there became less emphasis on the all-road ability of SUVs as people appreciated the simple versatility of these cars. Plus, the neighbours bought one the other day.

If out there looking to catch up, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a must on the shopping list.

Wayback when, there were sedans, station wagons, sports cars and four-wheel drives.

Somewhere along the road – encouraged first by the likes of Jeep’s Wagoneer and then more compact machines such as Subaru’s Leone – four-wheel drive wagons became more civilised, more car-like and morphed into a new automotive genre.

Many scoffed at these high-riding SUVs, seeing them more fashionable than functional.

And that was the proper truth (still is) for some of this mob.

While touted as go-anywhereanytime machines, most are limited to bush roads at best. Some have no chance of a relaxed Sunday drive up to the coloured sands; some would baulk at delivering a risk-free ride to the Birdsville races; some are two-wheel drive only, yet these SUVs are replacing family sedans and wagons in suburban garages across the motoring landscape.

While most will not live up to the bushability of a proper four-wheel drive (such as an Isuzu Mu-X wagon with body-on-chassis and two-speed transfer case) it’s not that hard to understand the

As traditional passenger cars became more stylish and more aerodynamic three decades back, ride heights dropped. Tyres became more biased toward bitumen road handling.

A couple of things happened here. With less ground clearance, the family car became less suitable for many country roads. More importantly parents and grandparents, found it was more of a chore to bend and strap kids into cumbersome car seats.

And some folk were advised, by doctors in many cases, to look at easing back, hip and knee complaints by buying

From around $33,000 for a two-wheel drive version to $53,000 for an all-wheel drive version with all the fruit, these have a sharp road presence, a welcoming and comfortable interior plus a swag of safety features and conveniences.

There’s the choice of petrol or diesel engines and a deal of sporting character across the range, aided by a suspension tuned for Australian conditions. Diesel versions have terrain mode, allowing drivers to switch settings – altering engine, transmission and traction controls – to best suit different road surfaces.

This is one SUV that’s both functional and fashionable.

Apathy can signal something more serious

Apathy is more than just a passing flat mood. KENDALL MORTON explains the signs of apathy and suggests some practical remedies.

It’s common to feel apathetic on occasion, but when apathy sticks around it can be damaging to your mental and physical health.

It can occur alone, or it may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

When someone is experiencing apathy, they will be unmoved by good or bad news, and lack the energy and motivation to do everyday things.

Apathy is different from depression. While depression is expressed as sadness, despair and other strong emotions, apathy is being unresponsive to life’s up and downs.

In a 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 937 older adults were assessed for apathy, and it was found that those who scored highly had double the risk of developing a slow gait and frailty compared to their peers.

They were three times more likely to lose functional life skills. The authors concluded that apathy can be a useful marker and warning for family members and health staff.

Here are some signs of apathy to look out for:

• No longer showing an interest in the usual enjoyable activities and hobbies.

• Refusing social invitations that would have been accepted in the past.

• Not taking initiative to plan the day but relying on others.

• Failing to care about problems, such as health conditions or household maintenance.

If you or someone you know is struggling with apathy, here are some strategies to try:

Encourage the person to do things they used to enjoy. When older adults give up their drivers’ licence, their social world can shrink. Assist them to reconnect with people they know. This can be by phone or by inviting them for morning tea.

Do not take roles away that they can do with some assistance. This may reinforce apathy and helplessness. Instead share the tasks with them.

Check they have a good sleep routine and eat regular meals. Have other family

members or helpers share a weekly meal with them. Arrange for them to visit a neighbour once a week.

Make a note of what can trigger the apathy. It may be television news of doom and gloom. If so, encourage them to take a one-week holiday from the television news.

At any age we can suffer from compassion fatigue. This happens when bad news such as floods, fires and mass shootings, is so constant that you disengage. This has been defined as apathy, but it is a mental survival strategy.

Vary the day. Our brains like new things. A drive to a park with a flask of tea may spark some interest; take a mystery tour to a garden centre that serves lunch; or spend time outdoors in the sunshine.

Not every suggestion will be effective for every person.

If you have concerns that you or someone you know is not overcoming a state of apathy, seek medical help. It may be part of an underlying medical condition.

Kendall Morton is Director of Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast to Wide Bay. Call 5491 6888 or email kmorton@ homecareassistance.com

Raised a family. Tick. House-trained a husband. Tick. Paid off a mortgage. Tick. Saved for retirement. Tick.

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Discover the retirement you deserve by booking a Long Live Me experience this October.

Celebrating Seniors Month 2022

It’s going to be a connect fest!

*Events are free unless otherwise noted

Aqua Aerobics

Ithaca Pool – Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am

Jindalee Pool – Fridays 1.30am-12.30pm

YourTime

Brisbane City Hall - Wednesdays 8.30-9.30am, 0402 714 494 to book, cost $8

Burnie Brae Park – Fridays 7.30-8.30am

Connecting

with one another is essential to wellbeing and it's appropriate that the theme for the second annual Queensland Seniors Month, is again about making it a month of social connections.

“Humans are social creatures, and have a fundamental need to connect and interact with one another," COTA Queensland Seniors Month coordinator Lisa Hodgkinson said.

"The past few years have been really tough for some people and we are so excited to be coming back together through a great line-up of events and activities.

"The month-long celebration will provide opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and abilities to connect and celebrate the important role that older people play in communities.

"In short, it’s going to be a connect fest," Lisa said.

Feeling socially connected not only makes us feel good but also has

great health benefits and can improve quality of life.

Residents of the Brisbane region can take part in a range of activities that will have them living, learning and connecting like never before.

From fitness to history and high tea; workshops and wellbeing to online connections, it's all happening.

Check what takes your fancy now, as some events require an RSVP.

COTA also invites you to take part in combating social isolation and loneliness, one fork at a time, by hosting or attending a Sunday Roast on October 16, to create Queensland’s Largest Sunday Roast.

To find events near you visit qldseniorsmonth.org.au or call 3316 2999.

Queensland Seniors Month is coordinated by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government and supports the building of age-friendly communities.

Chair Exercises

FITNESS

St Lucia Community Hall –Wednesday 5 October 1-2pm

Indooroopilly Activity Hub –Thursdays 1-2pm

YOGA & MEDITATION

IRT The Ridge – Wednesdays 9-10am St Lucia Community Hall - Wednesdays 1-2pm

FITNESS & TAI-CHAIR

Mt Gravatt PCYC – Thursdays 11:30am12:30pm and 1-2pm. 0421 314 392 to book.

FALLS PREVENTION & STRENGTH

Bulimba Riverside Park Fridays 9.30-10.30am. 0414 437 616 to book.

Functional Fitness

Phone 0403 221 676 to book.

Drevesen Park – Wednesdays 8-9am

Wakerley Park – Tuesdays 8-9am MoveFit

Acacia Ridge Hall – Fridays 10.45-11.45am

Upper Mt Gravatt Progress Hall – Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am

Wynnum Hall – Thursdays 9.30-10.30am (Tai Chi and Qigong)

Akuna Street Park – Wednesdays 9-10am, cost $5

Downfall Creek Bushland Centre – Tuesdays 9-10am

Fletcher Parade Park (nos.161-231) –Thursdays 8.30-9.30am, Cost $5

Guyatt Park – Wednesdays 9-10am

Hawthorne Park – Fridays 9.30-10.30am

John Walker Place - Wednesdays 8.30-9.30am

Keong Park -Thursdays 9.30-10.30am, cost $5

Moora Park – Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am, cost $5

Newstead Park – Fridays 8.30-9.30am

Sherwood Arboretum – Tuesdays 8-9am

St David's Neighbourhood Centre – Fridays 10-11am

The Lake Parklands – Tuesdays 7-8am, cost $5

Pilates and Low Impact Fitness

Essex Road Park – Thursdays 9.30-10.30am

Kalinga Park – Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am

Nudgee Beach Reserve – Thursdays 6.307.30am

Queensland’s Largest Sunday Roast

If you think about the activities that connect a community, food is often at the top of the list.

It has the ability to surpass physical and language barriers, allowing us to share our stories of life, culture, and creativity.

Feeling socially connected not only contributes to a sense of belonging but also to

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Calendar of events

overall health and wellbeing. One in three seniors have reported feeling lonely and one in three live alone and are at increased risk of social isolation and/or loneliness.

That’s a lot of people who may be feeling lonely and/or socially disconnected, and we want to change that.

On Sunday, October 16, Queenslanders of all ages are encouraged to come together, raise a fork and connect over a meal with another, creating Queensland’s Largest Roast.

Host your Sunday Roast any way you like:

• Host a roast at home with family and friends,

• Host a roast in your local park with your community, or

• enjoy a roast dinner at a participating restaurant.

The only way to know how big COTA's Sunday Roast is if you can let them know if you’ll be hosting a dinner and how many diners you’re expecting. Register details at LargestRoast.au

Combat social isolation and loneliness, one fork at a time.

Tennis Bookings are essential and will open two days prior to each session. Bring a tennis racquet if you have one and meet at the club house.

Morningside Tennis Centre – Tuesdays 10-11am, phone 3899 8110

Shaw Park Tennis Centre – Wednesdays 10-11am, phone 3266 1660

Yoga and Yoga Gold

ARC Hill Park – Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am, 0468 433 697 to book

Boyd Terrace Park – Fridays 9.15-10.15am

Cannon Hill Community Centre –Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am

Drevesen Park – Fridays 9.30-10.30am

Elorac Place Community Centre –Wednesdays 10.30-11.30am

Forest Lake Community Hall –Tuesdays 9-10am

Jindalee Boat Ramp Park –Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am

Mt Gravatt PCYC – Thursdays 8.30-9.30am, 3420 4655 to book

Aqua Yoga

Dunlop Park - Thursdays 11am-12pm

Zumba Gold and Zumba Gold Fitness

Acacia Ridge Hall – Fridays 9.30-10.30am, cost $6, phone 0405 652 109 to book.

Arthur Davis Park - Wednesdays 4.30-5.30pm

Banyo Memorial Park – Thursday 6 October 10.30-11.30am

C.J. Greenfield Community Hall – Tuesday 4 October 11.30am-12.30pm

Calamvale District Park – Fridays 10-11am

Elorac Place Community Centre - Thursday 6 October 11.30am-12.30pm, go to picktime.com/ ZumbaJessie to book

Greenways Esplanade Park - Fridays 8.30-9.30am

Lota Camping Reserve – Tuesdays 8-9am

O'Callaghan Park – Wednesdays 8.30-9.30am, 0418 855 946 to book

The Community Place Stafford - Thursdays 9-10am, phone 3857 1152 to book

Upper Mt Gravatt Progress Hall –Wednesdays 11.30am-12.30pm, cost $6, phone 0405 652 109 to book

Wynnum Hall – Thursdays 8-9am, phone 0428 419 157 to book

9-10am

TUESDAY OCTOBER 4

Gentle Fitness

Meet at the hall, bring an exercise band if you have one.

Bookings yumischaefer@gmail.com Our Place Hall, Inala

9.30-10.30am

Flexibility and core conditioning

Bring a yoga mat. Bookings 0414 437 616. Bulimba Riverside Park 10-11.30am

Singing for Health and Harmony New Inala Hall

12-3.15pm

Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret Showcase

Brisbane City Hall

1-2pm

TAISO

Meet inside the hall. Bookings essential, 3857 1152. The Community Place

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6-8pm

Introduction to lawn bowls

Wear flat soled enclosed footwear. Bookings 07 3855 2725. Gaythorne Bowls Club

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5

8.15am-2.30pm

Centenary Volunteers in Policing Over 50s Expo

Riverlife Bapist Church 9.15-10.15

Bollywood fitness Twilight Street Park 9.30am-12.30pm

Painting Bookings, 0422 323 242. Bracken Ridge Hall. Cost $5

10.30-11.30am

Yogalates

Bring a yoga mat and/or towel and water. Carindale Recreation Reserve

10.30-11.30am

Strength, agility and balance for seniors

Bring hand weights and a mat. Bookings 0406 425 561. Bowman Park 10.45-11.45am

Strength and cardio

Bring an exercise mat. Rocks Riverside Park

over>

Celebrating Seniors Month 2022

11am-12pm

The Next Chapter social group

Bookings essential, contact the library.

Garden City Library

11am-12pm

Seniors Suburban Concerts - Leah Lever performs The Golden Oldies music from the 1950s to the '70s

Bookings 3379 8555. WestsideHQ

11.15am-12pm

The Next Chapter social group Bookings essential, contact the library. Zillmere Library

11.30am-12.30pm

Gentle fitness. Bookings 3857 1152

The Community Place Stafford 1-2.30pm

Intro to Keyboard

Bring your own keyboard piano and headphone.

Bookings 0422 323 242. 2.30-3.30pm

Belly dance Bookings 3379 6963

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre 3.45-4.45pm

8-9am

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6

Senior resistance band strength training Book by emailing act@amazing-professional.com Enoggera Bowls Club

10-11am

The Next Chapter social group Bookings essential, please contact the library Wynnum Library

10am-1pm

Retirement Expo Bookings 3547 1933. Kingsford Terrace Corinda 10.45-11.45am

Stretch & mobility

Yoga mats essential, stretchy band/TheraBand and yoga block optional.

Bookings 0405 652 109. Wynnum Hall Cost $6

2-3pm

Protect yourself against scams (online) Bookings online at beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ bookings#protect-yourself-against-scams

3-5pm

Dance & Art Bookings 3379 6963

SATURDAY OCTOBER 8

7.30- 11am

Come and Try Day State Athletics Facility

8-9am

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and water. Bookings 0412 563 191. Bayside Park Manly. Cost $5

10am-12pm

Bands in parks - Strings in the Spring Durack Bowls Club 10am-12pm

High Tea Bookings 3359 2062 by October 7

8-9am

Windsurfing

Wear clothes you can get in the water with, sun cream, towel and change of clothing. Bookings 3137 0500. Arthur Davis Park Cost $5

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9

Proudly supported by Your Time

Book by emailing admin@sherwoodnc.org

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre. Cost $5 10am-12pm

Smartphone eco photography

Bring a smartphone and meet in front of the Auditorium by the three water lily ponds. Bookings 0411 246 487. Brisbane Botanic Gardens 10-11.30am

Mood Foods

Meet at the kitchen in the gardens and wear enclosedshoes.

Bookings 3257 4393. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Cost $5

TUESDAY OCTOBER 11

7-8am

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and

10-11am

Bands in parks - Brass in the House Old Government House

MONDAY OCTOBER 10

9am-1pm

Seniors Month Lunch Bookings 3395 4636. Carina Senior Citizens Club. Cost $25 9am -12:30pm

Kadinsky Flowers

9-10am

Gentle fitness

Bring exercise band if you have one.

Book by emailing yumischaefer@gmail.com Our Place Hall, Inala 9.30-10.30am

Flexibility and core conditioning

Bring a yoga mat.

Bookings 0414 437 616. Bulimba Riverside Park 10am-1.30pm

Grow it, Cook it, Compost it

Meet at the kitchen in the gardens and wear enclosed shoes.

Bookings 3403 2535. Brisbane Botanic Gardens 10.30-11.30am

Safer online shopping and banking (online) Book online at beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ bookings#shopping-banking

10.30-11.30am

The Next Chapter social group Bookings, contact the library.

Holland Park Library

12-3.30pm

Social Bowls Bookings 0413 455 949. Brighton Bowls Club 1-2pm

TAISO Bookings 3857 1152. The Community Place 1-4pm

Leather Glasses Case

Meet at the Activity Space. Bookings 3624 2110. Burnie Brae Centre. Cost $5 6-8pm

Introduction to lawn bowls

Bookings 3855 2725. Gaythorne Bowls Club

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12

9.15-10.15am

Bollywood fitness

Twilight Street Park 9.30am-12.30pm

Painting Bookings 0422 323 242. Bracken Ridge Hall Cost $5 10.30-11.30am

Yogalates

Bring a yoga mat and/or towel and water

Carindale Recreation Reserve

10.30-11.30am

Strength, agility and balance for seniors

Bring hand weights and a mat Bookings 0406 425 561. Bowman Park

11.30am-12.30pm

Gentle fitness Bookings essential 3857 1152.

The Community Place Stafford 12-1pm

Seniors Suburban Concerts - The Elton John Experience Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/seniorssuburban-concerts-the-elton-john-experiencetickets-388923670167

The Princess Theatre

1-2.30pm

Intro to Keyboard

Bring your own keyboard piano and headphones

Bookings 0422 323 242. Bracken Ridge Hall

2.30-3.30pm

Belly dance Bookings 3379 6963

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre

3-5pm

Day Abseil Adventure

Meet at Riverlife Adventure Centre, Naval Stores.

Bookings 3517 4954. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. Cost $5

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13

10.30-11.30am

Fitness 4 Seniors Dorrington Park, 5 Mirrabooka Road

10.45-11.45am

Stretch & mobility

Yoga a mat essential, stretchy band/TheraBand and yoga block optional

Bookings 0405 652 109. Wynnum Hall. Cost $6 2-3pm

Helpful apps for your smart device (online) Book online at beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ bookings#helpful-apps-for-your-smart-device

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14

9.30am-2pm

Seniors Wellbeing and Connections Expo Bookings 3343 9833

Coorparoo School of Arts Hall 4-5.30pm

City Nights, City Lights

King George Square. Book online at brisbane.qld. gov.au/whats-on-in-brisbane/brisbane-greetertours SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 2-5pm

Bands in Parks - Trick or Treat 7th Brigade Park

11.30am-2pm & 5-8pm

Queensland’s Largest Sunday Roast 2 Course – Traditional Roast of the Day and Dessert. Bookings 3265 3711. Geebung RSL Cost $24.90

MONDAY OCTOBER 17

10-11am

Inclusee’s Get Online Week Learn2Paint (online) Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-getonline-week/

3-4.30pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - Learn2Storytell (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek/

TUESDAY OCTOBER 18 9-10am

How to use smart home technology (online) Book online at beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ bookings#how-to-use-smart-home-technology 9.15-10.15am

City Botanic Gardens Walk Bookings 3872 2523. City Botanic Gardens 10-11am

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Travel (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

10.30am-12pm

Bite-Sized Science: Morning Tea and Mini Talks

Book online at https://bit.ly/3UqGXPZ

St Lucia campus of UQ, Terrace Room 11am-2pm

Seniors Month Roast and Rhythm Dinner and Tour by Aveo @ Taringa

Book online at taringaroast.eventbrite.com.au by October 14.

Calendar of events continued over>

Love

Cnr Wacol Station

Legacy

Celebrating Seniors Month 2022

12-3:30pm

Social Bowls

Bookings 0413 455 949. Brighton Bowls Club

12-1pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Sheds (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

1-4pm

Polymer Clay Jewellery Bookings 3624 2110. Burnie Brae Centre

Cost $5

1-2pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Gardening (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

2-3pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Craft

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

6-8pm

Introduction to lawn bowls

Wear flat soled enclosed footwear

Bookings 3855 2725. Gaythorne Bowls Club

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19

9.15-10.15am

Bollywood fitness Twilight Street Park

9.30am-12.30pm

Painting Bookings 0422 323 242. Bracken Ridge Hall

Cost $5

10-11.30am

Cooking for a healthy heart

Bookings 3257 4393. Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Cost $5

10-11am

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Travel (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

10-11am

Your Digital Legacy (online)

Register your interest by emailing info@cotaqld. org.au

10am-12pm

Switched On and Ready to Learn - Brain Fitness

Bookings 3379 6963

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre 1-2pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - Learn2Cook (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

1-3pm

Intergenerational design session: Creating a new vision for intergenerational learning and living - a hands-on design workshop

Book online at events.humanitix.com/creating-anew-vision-for-intergenerational-learning-andliving

2-3.30pm

High Tea and History at Highlands House Book online at highteahighlands.eventbrite.com.au by October 12. Aveo The Clayfield

2.30-3.30pm

Belly dance Bookings 3379 6963

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre 3-4pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Wellness (online)

Register at inclusee.org.au/events-get-online-week

THURSDAY OCTOBER 20 10-11am

Re-Discover Brisbane walk King George Square Book online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-inbrisbane/brisbane-greeter-tours 10-11am

Inclusee's Get Online Week - Biggest Morning Tea (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

10am-12pm

My Life Story … online

Bookings 1800 644 189 by October 17.

Proudly supported by YourTime

12-1pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Trivia (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

3-4pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Bingo (online) Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

3-5pm

Dance & Art

Bookings 3379 6963. Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre

4.30-5.30pm

Inclusee's Get Online Week - In2Books (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

6-7pm

Senior athletics throughout the ages - where age is only a number! (online)

Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/seniorathletics-throughout-the-ages-where-age-is-onlya-number-tickets-410209516707

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21

10-11am

Rediscover Brisbane walk King George Square

Book online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-inbrisbane/brisbane-greeter-tours

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ADDRESS:

Calendar of events

10am-1pm

Seniors Suburban Concerts - The Beatlegs

Book online at eventbrite.com. au/e/388977430967. Waterloo Bay Leisure 11am-1pm

TenorUS Encore Morning Melodies

Performance Book online at trybooking.com/BZKBF by 21/10/2022. Sandgate Town Hall. Cost $27

1-3pm

Inclusee’s Get Online Week In2Movies (online)

Book online at inclusee.org.au/events-get-onlineweek

4-5.30pm

City Nights, City Lights

King George Square

Book online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-inbrisbane/brisbane-greeter-tours

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22

7-8am and 8-9am

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Bookings 0412 563 191. Bayside Park Manly Cost $5

12.30-3pm

Celebrating Filipino Seniors & their Culture Bookings 3214 6333 by October 17.

Upper Mount Gravatt Hall

2-9pm

Bands in parks - Caribbean Fiesta Arcana

6-10pm

Bands in parks - A Symphonic Twilight Queensland Tennis Centre 6.30-9pm

Queensland Seniors Month Celebrations by Tamil Seniors!! Oxley Bowls Club

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER

1-2.30pm

Seniors Month Roast and Rhythm Lunch and Tour by Aveo @ Carindale Book online at carindaleroast.eventbrite.com.au by October 20.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 25

9.30am-12.30 pm

Intro to Tik Tok/Youtube

Book by emailing dale.v.music@gmail.com Bracken Ridge Hall

9.30am-12.30pm

WAKE

7-8am

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Bookings 0412 563 191. Bayside Park Manly Cost $5

10am-12pm

Bands in Parks - Community Train Day McPherson Park

10am -12 pm

Bands in parks - Strings in the Spring Durack Bowls Club

12-3pm

Bands in Parks - Jacarandas and Jazz New Farm Park

2.45-4.30pm

Celebrating Older Women’s Wisdom Book online at trybooking.com/CBMXW by October 23. Warner Hall Merthyr Uniting Church Cost 15/$10

MONDAY OCTOBER 24

10am-12pm

Smartphone eco photography Bookings 0411 246 487. New Farm Park

9-10am

Selling safely online (online) Book online at beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ bookings#selling-safely-online 1-4pm

Polymer Clay Jewellery Bookings 3624 2110. Burnie Brae Centre. Cost $5 2-4pm

Seniors Month Soiree - Piano, Wine and Tour

@ Robertson Park Book online at seniorsmonthsoiree.eventbrite.com. au by October 18. Robertson Park 6-8pm

Introduction to lawn bowls

Wear flat soled enclosed footwear. Bookings 3855 2725. Gaythorne Bowls Club

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26

8am-5pm

Probus Coorparoo Club Day trip A Celebration of Senior Month Probus Coorparoo Club. Coorparoo. $80pp 9.15-10.15am

Bollywood fitness Twilight Street Park

Painting Bookings 0422 323 242. Bracken Ridge Hall. Cost $5

11am-12.30pm

Military Barracks walking tour

Book online at armymuseumsouth queensland. com.au or 0429 954 663. Victoria Barracks

11am-12pm

Seniors Suburban Concerts - The 8-Tracks Bookings 3359 9122.

Kedron-Wavell Services Club

1-3pm

Intro to Guitar and drumming

Bring own guitar where possible. Book by emailing dale.v.music@gmail.com

Bracken Ridge Hall

THURSDAY OCTOBER 27

10-11am

Rediscover Brisbane walk

King George Square

Book online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-inbrisbane/brisbane-greeter-tours

CUSTOMER’S SAY:

Saturday

hours: Monday

Saturday

11am

Friday 11am

11am

SOFTSIDE WATERBEDS

Celebrating Seniors Month 2022

10am-12pm

Walk and whimsy, art in the park

Book online at bazilgrumble.com/whats-on/ or 0411 246 487

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre. Cost $5

11am-2pm

If Only I Could...

Book online at qpac.com.au or 136 246 by October 29. Cremorne Theatre, QPAC. Cost $29

12-2pm

Sherwood Seniors Day

Bookings 3379 6963

Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre

10-11am

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28

Rediscover Brisbane walk

King George Square

Book online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-inbrisbane/brisbane-greeter-tours

4-5.30pm

City Nights, City Lights

Book online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-inbrisbane/brisbane-greeter-tours

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29

9.30am-12.30pm

Lino Cut Shopping Bag

Bookings 3624 2110. Burnie Brae Centre. Cost $5

10am-12pm

Come and Try Urban Poling for those impacted by Parkinson’s

Bookings parkinsonsqld.org.au or

1800 644 189 by October 24.

Rocks Riverside Park . Cost $5-$10

10.30-11.30am

Grandparents Storytime

Bookings essential contact Ashgrove Library 11am-12pm

If Only I Could...

Book online at qpac.com.au or 136 246 by October 29.Cremorne Theatre, QPAC. Cost $29.

6-7.30pm

Night Adventure - Celebrate Grandparents Day

Raven Street Reserve

Meet at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre.

Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/halloweennight-adventures-celebrate-grandparents-daytickets-409731737657

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30

NATIONAL GRANDPARENT'S DAY

6.30-9am

Intergenerational Bird Walk

Book online at habs.uq.edu.au/event/ intergenerational-bird-walk-2022

Oxley Creek Common

9-9.30am

Fun Soccer 2-3 years old

Bookings 1800 446 437. Svoboda Park, Kuraby

9.30-10.30am

Native clay critter

Book online at bazilgrumble.com/whats-on. Gregory Park. Cost $5

9.30-10.30am

Grandparent's Day - Family Tree Painting Bookings 3624 2110. Burnie Brae Centre. Cost $5

9.35-10.05am

Fun Soccer 3-5 years

Bookings 1800 446 437. Svoboda Park, Kuraby 10am-12pm

Start your own Scary Garden

Bookings 3403 2535. Brisbane Botanic Gardens

10.10-10.40am

Fun Soccer 5-7 years old Bookings 1800 446 437. Svoboda Park, Kuraby 10.30-11.15am

OUTDOOR GALLERY WALKING TOUR: ‘Playground’ exhibition for Grandparents’ Day

Brisbane City Hall Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/outdoorgallery-walking-tour-playground-exhibition-forgrandparents-day-tickets-407954652347

11-11.45am

Grandparents Day Storytime Bookings essential. Contact Chermside Library. 1.30-2.30pm

Along Came a Spider Bookings essential bazilgrumble.com/whats-on. 7th Brigade Park. Cost $5 2-3pm

Grandparent's Day concert Kalinga Park

Proudly supported by YourTime

2-3.45pm

Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret Gala: Golden Age of Pop Brisbane City Hall.

Book online at events.humanitix.com/lord-mayors-seniors-cabaret-gala. Cost $5

2-5pm

Canoe/Kayak Adventure Heath Park Boat Ramp. Bookings qld.paddle.org.au/recreation. Cost $5

2-4pm

Make a terrarium with artists Man&Wah Bring a hat, water bottles, gardening gloves and grandchildren.

Fish Lane, Town Square, South Brisbane Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/outdoorgallery-workshop-make-a-terrarium-withartists-manwah-tickets-407959476777.

3-6pm

Bands in parks - Blackwood Street Halloween Festival

Band plays 4-5pm Parade starts 5pm Blackwood Street

MONDAY 31 OCTOBER

12-1pm

Seniors Suburban Concerts - Murphy's Pigs Brisbane City Hall

* Event listings supplied to COTA Queensland and Your Time Magazine were correct at time of printing. For updated event information please visit qldseniorsmonth.org.au

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What’s in a name?

Are we the aged, oldies, elders or just seniors? JUDY RAFFERTY is surprised to find she is officially elderly but welcomes Seniors Month.

Ihave been diagnosed by my GP as being elderly. I thought I was popping in to tell him that my right knee was a bother. He looked at me, checked my date of birth and said solemnly “now you are elderly it is likely that these things will start to happen.”

I cannot even blame him for being an uninformed young doctor. He is my age. It seems that age 65 onwards is considered elderly.

I have read in the media of people being described as elderly, and then I’ve discovered they were only in their mid or late 60s.

I thought this was loose journalism aiming to ramp up the emotion in the reader but no, it seems the description is technically accurate.

So now it is Seniors Month. I think that Seniors Month has a more positive flavour than Elderly Month. Senior has

it personal.

a certain gravitas.

I remember my older siblings moving from Junior (grade 10) to Senior (grade 12). There was senior school. Someone’s dad was Mr Smith senior and the son was junior. Senior seemed to have cache. It was something to aim for.

I am happy to be a senior, waving my little discount card at every opportunity. However, if I could choose my own nomenclature I would like to be described as an Elder - preferably with a capital. I think I have earned a capital E.

I have looked at the lovely range of activities scheduled for Seniors Month in many parts of Queensland. My observation is that the activities are being put on by groups on seniors.

While there is nothing wrong with this, I think it is a missed opportunity.

I would love to see Seniors Month being an opportunity for our Elders to be seen and heard – to be invited on to panels, do radio interviews, visit schools.

I have been very fortunate to be involved (on the periphery) with a program to bring school students and older folk together over a number of months. You might have watched on

the ABC or read about the success of this program for both elders, mostly in their 80s, and young people.

While the title we give to the aged is important, age is certainly in the eye of the beholder.

On the program mentioned above I was accompanied by a beautiful young (to me) practitioner in her mid 40s. She asked to join one little group of youngsters seated with their assigned Elder.

There was a moment of consternation among the young people. Finally, one boy spoke up and said to this woman with a flawless complexion and not a line to be seen “sorry we’ve already got an old person.”

Happy Seniors Month. I hope you will be acknowledged for the wisdom and experience you bring.

Judy Rafferty is the author of Retirement Your Way, A Practical Guide to Knowing What You Want and How to Get It, at all good bookshops and online.

Wills aren’t about lawyers, they’re about you, and your desire to ensure that the results of all your hard work are well protected. Our mission for over 30 years has been to provide easy to understand wills that are custom made for you and flexible enough to change as your circumstances change.

We

To

Will

creating

But do you really know how I feel?

We are commonly told “I know how you feel” when quite clearly it is just not possible. DON MACPHERSON

writes that elder lawyers have walked the walk and don’t just talk the talk.

• A widow whose husband, in the old school way, did all the finances.

• Choosing a suitable retirement village.

• Managing the transition from independent retirement living, to assisted care, including aged care.

don’t practice primarily in elder law.

Expert elder lawyers have a wide knowledge base to advise on many and varied contracts and retirement living models.

aged care – and then, sadly, on their final journey.

Our motto of expertise with empathy is not just a marketing catch phrase – it’s what we do, and what we give. We really do know how you feel.

The

five words “I know how you feel” are commonly used, and yet they are quite inaccurate, especially when it comes to obtaining elder law advice.

It is simply not possible for a 30-something lawyer with parents and grandparents who are still alive and in excellent health, to truly identify with issues facing the elderly.

The list is long and varied and includes:

• Moving out of a treasured home because it’s too big to manage.

• Dealing with an estate, particularly when the beneficiaries, themselves in their 50s or 60s, are in dispute about a vast array of things as to how the estate should be dealt with/divided up.

• Disputes as to who gets the Tupperware, or the old medals.

• How to get the best Centrelink advice from a specialist, not a generalist financial planner.

• QCAT Applications.

Of course, there are many excellent younger lawyers who are experts in wills and estates matters, and some older lawyers may be “jacks of all trades” who

PROPERTY COUNCIL WELCOMES RIGHT-SIZING INCENTIVES

THE Property Council of Australia has welcomed a federal government commitment to reduce the adverse financial impact on pensioners looking to “right-size” as a win-win for older homeowners, young families and governments.

Property Council of Australia executive director of retirement living, Ben Myers, said it made sense to provide incentives for older Australians to move into homes requiring less maintenance so they could live independently for longer.

He said countless reports and reviews over the past decade had found that wealth was locked up in the family home, so removing tax disincentives was a good start for helping them to help themselves.

“Encouraging older Australians to right-size, not only contributes to healthier ageing, it’s also one of the smartest and fastest ways a government can boost much needed housing supply for families,” he said.

The Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Incentivising Pensioners to Downsize) Bill 2022 gives pensioners an additional 12-month asset test exemption on their home sale.

More than 8000 pensioners downsized last year.

In 2015, the Productivity Commission report Housing Decisions for Older Australians found that more than 90 per cent of age pension recipients who owned a house could leverage the equity in their home to achieve a “modest retirement standard” for life.

It found “a general lack of affordable downsizing options for older Australians, due in large part to the red tape and inconsistencies within state and territory land planning regimes”.

As Baby Boomers ourselves we can match and identify with the demographic of our clients. Our parents have made the journey from independent living in their own home, to retirement villages, and to

Don Macpherson is an expert in elder law at Brisbane Elder Law. Call 1800 328 952 or visit brisbaneelderlaw. com.au

Your aged care support service

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We support you to access or get the most from your aged care services, understand service charges and fees and have a say in the things that impact you.

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700 600

The Queensland Seniors Calendar 2023 is available now. The calendar is a handy reference to supports and services available to older Queenslanders and to help you understand your rights.

www.adaaustralia.com.au to get your copy.

31Brisbane October 2022 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE VIDEO CONFERENCING AVAILABLE • Mr Myers said there was a need for broader action on housing supply to encourage the supply of purpose-built age-friendly communities to ensure affordable and accessible choices.

Retirement Village Contracts

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HEALTH

IRON KEY FOR HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

PATIENTS with chronic heart failure are being urged to be aware of the importance of having their iron levels checked regularly.

Research has found that half of all heart failure patients have low iron, increasing risk of hospitalisation.

Hospitalisation for heart failure is associated with high rates of readmission, and death, with Australia recording an estimated 61,000 heart failure-related deaths each year.

New treatment guidelines recommend intravenous iron treatments rather than oral supplementation in a bid to reduce the risk of hospitalisation.

The updated guidelines reflect new research, including a 2020 study that found heart failure patients who received an intravenous iron treatment had a 26 per cent risk reduction in total heart failure hospitalisation, and were 21 per cent less likely to experience cardiovascular death and total heart failure hospitalisation.

University Hospital Geelong cardiologist John Amerena, who coauthored the new treatment guidelines, said iron deficiency was easily diagnosed by a blood test, and should be screened for as part of routine management for heart failure patients.

“Patients with heart failure with

reduced heart function can experience symptoms of tiredness, restlessness, bloating and poor quality of life. These can occur regardless of whether the patient is anaemic or has experienced iron deficiency in the past,” he said.

Heart failure prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to organs and tissues and can occur as the result of conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve defects, viral infection, or alcohol misuse.

Women are more typically at risk of low iron.

“Women should be aware that low iron is common in heart failure. Measuring iron levels should be a part of routine blood testing. If their iron stores are low, there is good evidence that the administration of intravenous iron can improve their wellbeing and functional status, as well as reducing the risk for rehospitalisation” he said.

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Keeping an eye on cataract surgery

There have been some exciting developments in cataract surgery. MADELEINE ADAMS explains how to see life more clearly.

known that establishing a healthy ocular surface is hugely important in cataract surgery.

Improving the ocular surface and treating dry eye prior to surgery using modern treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) allows for optimal visual results, and minimises any discomfort.

IPL is safe and effective and can be performed before and after surgery.

If you think you might have a cataract visit your optometrist for an assessment to check that there is no other cause for the symptoms. The optometrist will then refer to a cataract surgeon for further assessment and treatment.

Dr Madeleine Adams is an ophthalmologist at Insight Eye Surgery, Taringa. Call 3154 1515 or visit insighteyesurgery.com.au

Acataract

is the natural lens inside your eye that has become cloudy or hazy. Cataracts form with normal ageing.

Certain medical and eye conditions can accelerate their development. The lens is located just behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Symptoms may include blurred or dulled vision, sensitivity to light, glare and reduced vision in dim light.

As they grow slowly, cataracts can creep up on you – you may not be aware of them until your optometrist assesses your eyes or you have your driving vision checked.

Many people are surprised how much brighter and clearer life is after they are removed.

Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens that has become cloudy, and replacing it with an artificial, intraocular lens or IOL.

The IOL acts as a natural lens would, but with added benefits – it can correct corneal astigmatism, short and long sightedness. Some IOLs also restore near sight, removing the need for reading glasses. These are called presbyopia-

correcting IOLs or PCIOLs.

There is no “best” IOL option. The choice is dependent on eye health, as well as visual needs based on individual lifestyle.

The most exciting development during the past decade has been the huge increase in choice in IOLs.

Ten years ago, a small percentage of patients were suitable for PCIOLs, the type of IOLs that extend the range of sight and restore near vision. They also carried some side effects such as reduced quality of vision and haloes around lights.

Now we have new IOL technologies that can provide an extended range of vision, and don’t have the side effects. And they are suitable for almost everyone. This means no glasses for most day-to-day activities. Currently the newer IOLs are only accessible to those undergoing cataract surgery in the private sector. Public hospitals remove the cataract and replace it with a more straightforward type of IOL that gives vision at one distance only – usually for far sight (like TV or driving).

In other developments, it is now

MORE than 80 local seniors and residents from Seasons Living Sinnamon Park enjoyed a financial presentation from Noel Whittaker.

Noel’s presentation, Making the best in challenging times, was hosted in the community’s dining room and covered a variety of topics including interest rates, population change by age and electric vehicles.

“It was an incredibly informative morning,” Seasons sales manager Claire McCallum said.

“It has been wonderful that we have been able to host such an engaging event for seniors, from both the local area and our own community.

“The engagement from the crowd throughout the morning really showed the importance of these topics for many seniors and we’ve already received great feedback on the insights people have taken away from session.”

Attendees received a copy of one of Noel’s books and were invited to enjoy

morning tea together.

Seasons Sinnamon Park has one, two and three bedroom independent seniors living apartments, with 24/7 onsite care available.

Visit seasonsliving.com.au/Sinnamonpark or call Christine Middleton 0472 878 783.

SECURITY AND A SPOT FOR THE

THE security of a gated community helped seal the deal for keen beach anglers Peter and Maureen Hines who will be living at Halcyon Promenade north of Brisbane.

The doting grandparents, who love to travel, bought in at stage one of Stockland’s 24ha Burpengary-East development and hope to move in around June next year.

They are still in their 4-bedroom Kallangur home, 10 minutes down the road, and have recently picked up their new caravan “with all the gear on it”.

They have already had a few short caravan adventures and are looking forward to many more.

Peter said they were reassured knowing the caravan would be stored safely on site in their new community

“The plan is to move in, lock up and go whenever we are ready,” Peter said. “I think the beauty of it is there won’t be any lawns to mow or security worries and storing the van on-site will be easy.”

Maureen said they were thrilled to be able to personalise their new home by

choosing from a range of impressivequality finishes.

The pair are keen golfers but are looking forward to learning lawn bowls on the full-sized bowling green and also getting into the gym and inviting the grandchildren around to swim in the heated lap pool.

Halcyon Promenade community will also include a private nature reserve, recreation club and bar, spa, work shed, library and cinema.

Visit stockland.com.au/halcyoncommunities

SUNCARERS MAKE A DIFFERENCECHOOSING THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS

JUST because you can no longer run a marathon or it takes a bit more time to get up the stairs, it doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun and venturing outside of your home.

Suncare recognises that social interaction and positive activity contributes to healthy minds and bodies, regardless of age.

For many elderly Australians, family visits are infrequent and friends are not always around for a cuppa or a walk in the park, but that doesn’t have to mean being alone.

Whether you want a friendly support worker to come to your house and walk the dog with you or need a transport service to take you to the doctor or the local Suncare Activity Centre for a game of mahjong or belly dancing, Suncare can help – and the Suncarers love what they do.

Suncare support worker Carrey goes home every day knowing she has made a real difference to the lives of her clients.

Before joining the team as a Suncarer, Carrey knew she wanted a job that was fulfilling and gave a sense of purpose.

“I met a couple of people who worked for Suncare and they seemed to love their jobs, and were really happy outgoing people. I knew immediately that’s what I wanted to do,” she said.

And with more than 150 volunteers to accompany clients on social outings and excursions, provide community transport services, or visit in the home for companionship, there is always a friendly Suncarer around.

Call Suncare 1800 786 227

RETIREMENT might mean seachange, treechange or city life, so when considering your future, think about your vision of an ideal lifestyle.

CITY: One of the main benefits of retiring in an urban area is ready access to essential amenities, services, and transport.

Retiring in the city brings new experiences and opportunities such as going to the theatre, visiting a new market or festival, and adventuring out to explore.

If you’re seeking calm in the buzz of an urban setting, look for home-style communities in inner-city locations.

COUNTRY: If you dream of retiring to an idyllic country setting you are not alone. A recent study found that a wish to live in a regional community was common among 55-74 year-olds. A country setting reduces the health impact of pollution and stress associated with constant noise.

A country-based retirement is also an opportunity to shake up your social circle and discover the warmth of a small town. Some regional towns such as Toowoomba

Are you planning on

offer “small city life”, meaning all the advantages of a city but with a small-town feel, giving the best of both worlds.

COAST: Swimming in sea water can reduce stress and anxiety and help with arthritic pains. A Japanese study found that those whose homes had ocean views were significantly calmer and had greater peace of mind. Coastal living can provide the convenience of the city, with the health benefits of a rural setting.

TriCare Retirement Living has a variety of communities, from Stafford Lakes to Willow Glen in Toowoomba, and Cypress Gardens on the Gold Coast.

Visit tricare.com.au

CRAFT AND QUILT FAIR STITCHED UP

THE Craft and Quilt Fair is coming to Brisbane with guest tutors, workshops, quilt displays, experts and exhibitors who understand the benefits of craft.

Visitors can learn to upcycle with a rag rug workshop, make beeswax wraps, upskill in linocut printing and watercolour lettering, and create resin jewellery.

Guest artist, Tracy Emerson will demonstrate working with clay and exquisitely detailed quilts from the Queensland Quilt Show and Australian Quilt Show will be on display.

Not since World War II has mending been so accepted and respected, and knitting and crochet also have seen huge growth in recent years.

Brisbane Exhibition Centre, South Bank. October 12-16, 10am-4pm. Tickets at the door $23, concessions $21, online $22, concessions $19. Visit craftfair.com.au

ASK THE BREAST CANCER EXPERTS

IF YOU’VE got a question about genetic breast cancer, then there are experts ready to supply answers.

Oncology research group, Breast Cancer Trials, will host an expert Q&A panel on October 24, 5pm-6.30pm.

Registration is free. Simply go to breastcancertrials.org.au/ news/qa-events/qa-genetics/ to register and submit your question.

While all women are at risk of developing breast cancer over the course of a lifetime, a range of factors can increase risk, including family history and genetic susceptibility.

Can’t stop drinking?

Alcoholics Anonymous can help you to stop drinking and stay sober.

Develop the lifechanging skills needed to break the vicious cycle of alcoholism and addiction, and the destruction that comes with it.

HELP FOR HOME MOVIE MAKERS

IF YOU would like to turn a video and photos taken with camera or mobile phone into a movie, the Home Photography Movie Makers club can help.

Meetings also show how to add background music and voice announcements. Members show movies they have made on a big screen.

The video editor software used can be technical, but with a little tuition the results are surprising.

Your movie can be sent by the internet, saved on a small USB thumb drive/stick or even written to a DVD.

Home Photography Movie Makers meets twice a month on the first and fourth Tuesdays, 9.30am to 12pm, at the 50 Plus Centre at Brisbane City Hall. Cost is $2 a day. Call John D’Alton 3371 3707 Monday to Friday (not between 12pm and 2pm) or email jcdalton@paradox.com.au

CLUB OFFERS FUN WITH A PURPOSE

BRENDALE Evening VIEW

Club would like to hear from women who would like to improve their social life and give back to their community.

VIEW, an acronym for Voice, Interest and education of Women, is one of Australia’s leading women’s volunteer organisations.

Brendale members enjoy an evening meal, and hear an informative guest speaker at their dinner meetings, having fun while fundraising for the Smith Family.

HISTORIC HOUSES OF SANDGATE WALK

JOIN a Sandgate Museum historian on an informative journey to view the architectural beauty and history of houses throughout the streets, avenues and beachfront of Sandgate.

The walk, on Saturday, October 29, from 9.30am, includes morning tea in an historic house on the beachfront and views of Bramble Bay. Cost $25 Bookings essential, call 0410 327 095.

The club currently sponsors eight Learning for Life students.

Members raise funds through dinner raffles, sausage sizzles and a fashion parade.

They have also enjoyed social events, monthly coffee morning tea, lunch at Parliament House, picnic in the park, fashion parade and a walk along the Shorncliffe shoreline.

Meetings third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 50 Graham Rd, Carseldine, 6.30pm for 7pm.

Call Shayne 0409 991 428.

OLDER WOMEN MEET IN CABOOLTURE

THE newest branch of the Older Women’s Network is in Caboolture.

Meetings are on the first Thursday of each month, 10.15am-1pm, at Sports Central Caboolture, formerly the RSL club.

Women over 50 who are interested in social activities and meeting new friends are invited to attend. For more information and to find your nearest branch, call 3358 2301.

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Generation stays put with a little help around the home

Baby Boomers are embracing their “Me Generation” moniker more fiercely than ever when it comes attitudes towards ageing.

They’re the original protest generation, the rebels with a cause, and now they’re set to change the way aged care services are delivered in Australia.

According to a 2020 survey commissioned by RSL LifeCare, a whopping 76 per cent of Australia’s 5.2 million Baby Boomers (people aged from 58 to 76 years old) want to age at home assisted by home care visits.

The survey sampled a nationally representative group of more than 1000 Australians born in the post World War II cohort.

The research found Boomers were typically more professional, more tertiary educated, more active and have a greater life expectancy than any previous 60-plus group in Australia’s history. They’re fiercely independent, work longer, live longer and are renowned for their love of travel and generally enjoying life.

Charlotte and Graham Young are social and active retirees living in inner-city Brisbane. Charlotte, 74, enjoys coffee mornings after aqua

aerobics and pilates, and Graham, 76, does swim squad three times a week and belongs to a men’s book group.

Pre-Covid, the couple enjoyed adventurous overseas travel and now regularly visit their children and

grandchildren who live interstate.

The Youngs are representative of the “Me Generation” which is eschewing communal living currently offered by aged care facilities. Instead, they’re looking for tailored at-home care

services, which will carry them through to their life’s end.

The Youngs are self-funded retirees who have embarked on the first stage of home care by engaging the services of a cleaner and a gardener. And every three months, they get their windows, gutters and ceiling fans cleaned and garden pathways cleared.

Their home is a single level Queenslander-style dwelling with a wrap-around veranda, a pool and subtropical garden.

Graham is adamant they’ll remain at home until they’re “carted out in a biodegradable cardboard box”.

“We want to age at home, but we realise that as we get older, we’ll need more help, and that help can be the basics: cleaner, gardener, shopping, pet care,” he says.

Charlotte adds: “We want to continue with activities such as book club, View Club and Probus but realise we’ll need help to get out there.

“We have a friend with late-stage Parkinson’s Disease, but with home care visits, she’s able to stay at home, which is wonderful for her. If we got to the same point, we’d do the same.

“This is our home, the place we love.

Active Baby Boomers are determined to keep pushing the boundaries to the end. LUCINDA DEAN talks to a couple who are intent on doing it their way.

Charlotte and Graham Young consider home care the preferred option for their future.

Too often we’ve seen friends who have gone into nursing homes thinking that they need more supervised care, but they go downhill very rapidly, too fast.”

Graham agrees. Being able to recuperate at home after an illness or surgery greatly affects how quickly and well you recover.

“I think just being in familiar surrounds – mentally and emotionally, is very important rather than being in an institution like a hospital or nursing

home,” he says. Not only that, he maintains it’s cheaper for governments if the elderly receive home care.

“We have another friend who had a really bad skin infection. He was only in hospital for a day, but he needs to have an anti-bacterial infusion once a day for the next six months. Having a registered nurse visit him at home daily is a much cheaper care solution than the thousands of dollars it would cost the government to keep him hospitalised.”

The Federal Government’s Home Care Packages program is a consumerdirected approach to care, which appears to be meeing the emotional, physical and social needs of Baby Boomers as they age.

There are four levels of Home Care Packages ranging from 1 for basic care needs to level 4 for high care needs. The Youngs believe that self-managing their own Home Care Package is more affordable than a nursing home.

“People think selling their home and assets to buy into these nursing home schemes is the answer to their care needs,” says Charlotte.

“But they seem to want to take a lot of money from you, and that eats into the nest egg we want to leave for our children and grandchildren.

“We’d much rather tailor our own home care package to suit our needs now, and then adjust it as we age.”

MORNING OF MAGNIFICENT MUSIC

THE 7 Sopranos, an all-female ensemble of Australia’s leading voices from musical theatre and opera, will perform a selection of songs and arias from favourite musicals and operas at a morning concert.

From excerpts from Carmen, La Bohème, My Fair Lady and The Tales of Hoffman, to favourites such as Danny Boy and La Vie en Rose, they will cover everything from operatic arias and classic songs to show tunes and musical theatre

highlights. The individual singing pedigree of each of artist is world-class. Their calling card is versatility and vocal quality of rare distinction.

The 7 Sopranos have thrilled audiences internationally and their debut album, released by ABC Music, went to the top of the ARIA charts.

Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland. October 19, 11am Tickets from $25. Bookings call the RPAC Box Office 3829 8131or visit rpac.com.au

voices

Redland Performing Arts Centre presents

Photo:

NEW TAKE ON A BRONTE CLASSIC

AFTER rave reviews around the country, a stunning new production of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre features original music written by multi-ARIA Award winner Sarah McLeod.

The classic gothic tale of an orphan in search of love, family and a sense of belonging has become one of the most notable pieces of English literature.

After a childhood spent suffering at the hands of her cruel aunt, Jane finds employment at Thornfield Hall – the impressive yet mysterious home of Edward Rochester. As Jane and Rochester become inexplicably drawn to each other, the dark secrets locked within the walls of Thornfield start to unravel, forcing Jane on a heart-wrenching journey towards truth and freedom.

The story is being retold in a faithful

yet fiercely original stage adaptation from the nationally-renowned shake & stir theatre co.

Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland. November 11 and 12, 7.30pm. Tickets $40–$55. Bookings RPAC Box office 3829 8131 or rpac.com.au (booking fees $5 by phone and $6 online).

CHORAL MASTERPIECE NOT TO BE MISSED

BRISBANE Chorale and Oriana Choir join forces to present one of the great masterpieces of musical history, Haydn’s monumental oratorio The Creation.

Conducted by Emily Cox, (pictured) the combined chorus will be joined by Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists soprano Leanne Kenneally, tenor Tobias Merz and bass Jason Barry-Smith.

Emily characterises The Creation as more of an opera than an oratorio.

“The choir really contributes all the way along in this work with personality and energy, both in its own choruses and in the many movements which involve soloists and chorus,” she says.

“A sense of storytelling must be present the whole way along. There’s a real expectation that the chorus is a vivid communicator throughout.”

The Creation depicts and celebrates the creation, wonder and beauty of the world with musical wit and inventiveness.

“Oriana is so excited to be joining with Brisbane Chorale for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” president Melissa Innes said. “A work of this scale is something rarely seen or experienced.”

Brisbane Chorale celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, and it’s also Emily’s 20th year as music director.

Oriana Choir began in 2005. In 2006 they competed in ABC Classic FM’s National Choir of the Year competition and placed second in the Queensland finals.

City Hall, Brisbane.

Sunday November 20, 3pm Tickets 4mbs.sales.ticketsearch.com or call 3847 1717. Visit brisbanechorale.org. au and oriana.org.au

VIENNESE CLASSICS

EXPERIENCE the musical heritage of Vienna in the melodies and rhythms brought to life by Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s talented musicians performing Viennese Classics.

Vienna, “the city of music” is home to many of classical music’s greatest names – Beethoven rose to prominence; Johann Strauss Jr created his great waltzes, Mahler led their orchestra and composer Franz Schubert crafted his masterpieces.

Featured in the concert is violinist Guy Braunstein playing Beethoven’s Romance No.2 for violin and orchestra.

Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland. October 21, 7pm. Tickets $40–$55. Bookings call the RPAC Box Office 3829 8131 or visit rpac.com.au

MUSICAL THEATRE GALA

QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra joins with musical theatre superstars Amy Lehpamer (pictured) and Alexander Lewis to present a Musical Theatre Gala. The program includes stage hits including All That Jazz from Chicago, I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables, and Don’t Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl all with the big sound of Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

QPAC Concert Hall Saturday, October 29, 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets from $49. Bookings qso.com.au

The WORLD in Your Hands Travel in Your Time

Take a cruise – in the Outback

“From her days as a wool barge nearly a century ago, she has come to Longreach, once the wool capital of the world, for a new role.”

The cruise is just one of the activities making Longreach an increasingly popular destination. There is enough to do in the region to fill a week – and it all feels like a different world.

Time moves a little more slowly under wide blue skies, meals are bigger and the country’s pioneering past is ever present.

Stay at The Staging Post in the heritage heart of town for the full pioneer-inspired atmosphere and fill the days with outback experiences that will entertain and educate.

WAY DOWN UPON THE MURRAY RIVER

MANNUM, a little town packed with heritage-listings 80km east of Adelaide, has a big claim to fame – it was here that William Randell launched the first paddleboat on the Murray River.

Youdon’t have to go to sea or the rivers of Europe for a memorable cruise experience –there’s a treat waiting right here in the Queensland Outback.

Head 1200km north-west to Longreach where, throughout the winter season, you can see an outback sunset to the tune of the gentle slap-slap of paddlewheels on the lazy Thomson River.

Then tuck into a stockman’s dinner around the campfire under the stars and pioneer entertainment – quintessential Australia at its finest.

The Starlight’s Cruise Experience has been so popular that operators Outback Pioneers bought an additional boat in 2022.

In an unlikely overland journey, the historic paddlewheeler Pride of the Murray, was brought 1170km north to Longreach and has become something of a tourist attraction in her own right.

Outback Pioneers founder and owner, Richard Kinnon, was behind the Pride of the Murray’s incredible journey.

“We’re all about sharing the stories of this great outback land and I wanted a boat with her own stories to tell,” he said.

Ride the old bush mail route with the creak and rattle of the stagecoach as the pounding horses’ hooves raise the bull-dust on the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience.

The Nogo Station Experience is a station safari by double-decker open-top bus to learn the secrets of feral, domestic and native animals as well as the merino story in the historic shearing sheds.

And there’s always the famous Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

At Winton, a day tour from Longreach, follow the footsteps of Banjo Paterson and visit the Matilda Centre and the North Gregory Hotel where Waltzing Matilda was first performed. Winton has also become famous for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.

Getting to Longreach is easy, even though it might seem remote. There are regular flights from Brisbane and Townsville or take the Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane or Rockhampton.

Alternatively, take a drive on the Outback highways – no 4WD necessary.

For the ultimate relaxed experience, Outback Pioneers offers holiday packages from available April-October.

Visit outbackpioneers.com.au

The Mary Ann made its maiden voyage in 1853 and has now been faithfully restored. She remains at Mannum beside another legendary paddlewheeler, the Murray Princess.

The difference is that the Murray Princess, the southern hemisphere’s largest inland paddlewheeler, shares all the character and charm of yesteryear with visitors to travel the great outback river highway. Guests can sit in the lounge watching its massive stern wheel in action through a two-storey window.

A four-night cruise on the Murray Princess, is just one stage of an adventurous 11-day tour departing February 19, that also includes a trip to Kangaroo Island.

“By flying in and out of Adelaide we can pack a lot in and really see some of the out-of-the-way places,” says Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel.

The adventure begins with a tour of the city’s highlights before heading to the hills and Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Along the way is the famous Beerenberg farm, chocolate and cheese, then it’s all aboard the Murray Princess at Mannum.

Revel in spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs to expansive farmlands, and an abundance of wildlife – 350 bird

species inhabit the riverlands. Outside cabins provide a ring-side seat.

Onshore, taste the wine at a vineyard, visit a woolshed and step back tens of thousands of years at Ngaut Ngaut conservation park, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites.

At Victor Harbour, ride the historic Clydesdale-drawn tram before boarding the ferry at Cape Jervis for the 40-minute crossing to Kangaroo Island.

Three nights allows time to visit see it all, from two major wildlife areas to Cape Willoughby lighthouse, the Ligurian bees and Emu Ridge eucalyptus distillery.

Stop at McLaren Vale, the birthplace of the South Australian wine industry, before heading back to Adelaide for the flight home.

If you’re keen to get moving before then, head to the Hunter Valley Gardens for the Christmas Lights Spectacular.

The seven-day luxury coach journey leaves on November 25, and covers the sights of Warwick, Glen Innes, Armidale, and Tamworth before heading on to Scone and Singleton in the Hunter Valley.

Highlight is the Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolobin, where 10 themed gardens showcase gardens around the world using native and exotic plants.

By the numbers, it has 8km of walking paths through 14ha of gardens with more than 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground covers as well as waterfalls, statues, and murals.

Return at night for the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular, which last year won silver in the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards. More three million Christmas lights illuminate the gardens.

The round-trip returns over the beautiful Comboyne Plateau to Coffs Harbour and back up the east coast.

King Island, with a population of just under 1600, in the middle of Bass Strait calls for four days from February 6. A comprehensive tour covers its rugged coastline, fascinating history and famous dairy produce.

Call 5391 1648 or visit cttravel.com.au

Borders open and the world is waiting

International travel is back on the agenda and as well as monitoring the changes after Covid, it’s important to remember all the other precautions that were top of mind before 2020.

While the travel sector will take some time to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels, Allianz – one of the world’s largest assistance and insurance organisations – has seen a strong lift in demand for travel insurance in recent months.

As the travel landscape has changed immensely, Allianz has compiled a list of essential tips to consider before embarking on your international adventure:

1. It may seem obvious but research a destination before you book.

The smartraveller.gov.au website has the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to destinations as well as any Australian Government travel advisories.

Covid policies and mandatory procedures can vary. The website provides important information on where to travel and where it might be better to leave for another time. It also has updates on airline requirements and mandatory health declarations and entry requirements.

It’s a good idea to consider if the destination has adequate vaccination

rates or high infection numbers.

2. Don’t forget visa requirements

Don’t forget some of the standard requirements for international travel –visas. Countries can change entry or exit requirements at short notice. Check the latest information before leaving.

3. Be prepared for change at short notice and pack extra prescription medication.

Being stuck without daily essentials such as prescription medication can be problematic. Navigating language barriers and different brands is an unnecessary travel challenge so consult your GP before leaving and take extra

medication just in case. For those with underlying health conditions, a GP visit could be a requirement of travel insurance.

4. Travel insurance

The accidents, food poisoning, falls and unexpected sicknesses that were the main consideration before Covid are still there and the cost of receiving medical treatment can be staggering.

Travel insurance can help provide cover for the unexpected and give travel confidence.

Compare policies, look for limits and exclusions and choose a policy that provides enough to cover costs. Consider

whether the policy provides access to Australian-based medical assistance teams that have access to global medical networks.

5. Beat the fees and get an international debit card.

Currency conversion fees at an international ATM can be high. Avoid fees with a travel card. Some banks offer international debit cards with low to no upkeep fees, so do your research to find the right option. International debit cards allow seamless transfer between currencies. Most accounts don’t have an expiry date.

6. Carry proof of vaccination.

Hospitality, healthcare and entertainment venues may require proof of vaccination to enter their premises. The international COVID-19 vaccination certificate (ICVC) meets international standards and is easily scanned. Download it on your phone and carry a hard-copy along with your passport.

7. Dress sensibly

Packing clothing and footwear appropriate for planned activities can save time, money and memories. Handbag essentials include sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitiser and a mask.

Visit allianztravelinsurance.com/ travel/tips-advice

THE REAL OUTBACK. LIVE IT YOUR WAY!

3-day Longreach Storytelling Holiday

Arrive on a Monday and this premium short-break itinerary packs in the three signature Outback Pioneers experiences, two nights’ accommodation at The Staging Post and entry to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Fully escorted with transfers and most meals included. Includes VIP gift $1589*

6-days unleashing Longreach and Winton

Arrive on a Wednesday and settle in for five nights at The Staging Post accommodation. Enjoy all of Outback Pioneers experiences, including a Winton Discovery Day Tour, and entry to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Fully escorted with transfers and most meals included. Includes Winton and VIP gift $2920*

Hooray for cruise holidays from Brisbane

Queensland Coastal Interior from $599*pp | Balcony from $699*pp

5-night cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas ® Itinerary Brisbane • Airlie Beach • Brisbane Departs 26 February 2023

South Paci ic Sunrises -night cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas ® Itinerary Brisbane • Noumea • Mystery Island • Port Vila • Brisbane Departs 15 February 2023

Interior from $999*pp | Balcony from $1,149*pp

South Pacific Explorer

8-night cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas ® Itinerary Brisbane • Port Vila • Mystery Island

Noumea • Brisbane Departs 27 March 2023

Interior from $1,099*pp | Balcony from $1,299*pp

*Conditions apply: Health & safety protocols, guest conduct rules & regional travel restrictions vary by ship & destination & are subject to change without notice.

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& offers are subject to availability & change without notice,

THE biggest and boldest ship ever to come to Australia Quantum of the Seas will be the star of Royal Caribbean’s Brisbane debut.

With the new Pinkenba cruise terminal as its home port, it will be sailing from next month and giving Queensland a new gateway to the South Pacific.

Sister ship, Ovation of the Seas, is also making its return and is ready to make up lost time for family cruise get-togethers.

Royal Caribbean is ready to launch summer 2022 sailing, with more than 15 dining venues, showstopping entertainment and, on Quantum class ships only, an abundance of at-sea innovations such as skydiving in the middle of the ocean.

Holder of the Guinness world record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship at 100m above sea level, North Star towers above the ship for unrivalled

360-degree views. Beginners and experienced surfers can try boogie boarding and stand-up surfing on the FlowRider.

Heading inside from the pool deck, sit back to watch Broadway Style shows, made multi-dimensional so that audiences can immerse themselves in live performances with aerialists and video and digital scenery.

It’s all against a backdrop of 270-degree sea views through vast floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the ship’s stern.

For the grandkids, SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, is a distinctive and flexible sporting and entertainment venue that includes a full-size regulation basketball court and the first-ever bumper car and roller skating at sea.

Mixology meets technology at Royal’s Bionic Bar, where you can have your favourite cocktail mixed by a robot in a ballet-like performance. The robot arms can produce two drinks a minute for a total of 1000 drinks per day.

Sailings are from two to 13 nights, from Australia to the South Pacific islands and New Zealand. Bookings are now open for a Royal Caribbean summer cruise out of Brisbane.

Visit travellerschoice.com.au to find your local ATAS-accredited Travellers Choice travel agent.

FANTASYLAND IN THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS

WITH much of Alaska inaccessible by road, a coastal cruise exploring some of its almost 55,000km coastline eases the logistical challenge of point-to-point travel.

Silversea’s Vancouver to Seward, near Anchorage, seven-day itineraries head deeper into Alaska than a round-trip.

Also known as a Gulf Crossing, the cruise visits Alaska’s top four ports and does a drive-by to North America’s largest glacier. The one-way route, choose either direction, also gives access – pre or post cruise – to the interior including Denali National Park.

Ketchikan, a town of about 8000 residents, has quaint wooden homes on the steep slopes and is famous for its fishing, especially salmon. Nearby at the 930,000ha wilderness Misty Fjords National Monument, waterfalls drop over

900m glacier-carved cliffs.

Juneau is the capital but don’t expect a metropolis – the town of 32,000 is literally cut off from the rest of the state by the sea on one side and the Juneau icefield on the other. It’s the only US state capital that can’t be accessed by road.

Skagway, “Gateway to the Klondike” is surrounded by wilderness and is part of a park dedicated to Alaska’s gold rush.

Denali National Park is not just North America’s highest point but also one of the world’s great mountains.

See it all on the Silversea cruise ship Silver Muse sailing next August. The all-inclusive seven-night cruise includes the pre-cruise trip to Denali National Park.

Call Helloworld Travel Eatons Hill 3264 6222, Spring Hill 3832 0833 or Kenmore 3378 8555.

Wooden walkway along Ketchikan Creek

PHEW, a fairly interesting read and plot for a change. A few misdirections, well done at the start, lead you in the wrong direction entirely. Politics, the FBI and conspiracy theories are the real meat.

The plot is not terribly fast-paced or complicated, and being an American story involves, of course, extremely rich, talented, handsome and famous characters, not to forget the hero with amazing abilities and a mysterious past.

Unusually, hundreds of people are not shot or blown-up and there are no lengthy descriptions of weapons, always a bonus.

I would not go out of my way to buy the book, but an acceptable read if there is nothing better in your bag.

SUZI HIRST

AT last! A book I was happy to sit down with and get my teeth into. Wilde, as the main character is known, was found alone in the woods with no memory of his past and is now an adult happily leading a quiet life with little human connections.

The characters are believable and the plot powerful with many twists and turns – family, abuse, justice, bullying, love triangles, the wealthy and privileged.

Hester, an elderly criminal attorney is a fantastic character and one you would want on your team. This book has it all. And what I loved is that we still do not have Wilde’s story, so there must be another book to follow! 9/10

BOOK review

ANOTHER mystery thriller from this most prolific author, but not quite his best. It is an engaging read, however, and I had no trouble making it to the end to see how the many sub-plots in the tale are wound up. The character of the title, simply called Wilde, is a little underdeveloped, I thought. The potential was there to have his background somehow incorporated into the story, which began with missing teenagers but then became a political power game – a little too close to ugly parts of modern US history as we know it. The connection between these two sub-plots was a bit too contrived to be believable. Most engaging was the character of the feisty aged female lawyer Hester Crimstein, whose wit and “no bull” approach gives her a special place in this book. Worth a look for mystery lovers, but not with high expectations.

As a boy, Wilde was found living feral in the woods, with no memory of his past. Now, 30 years later, he still doesn’t know where he came from, and another child has gone missing.

Nobody seems to take Naomi Pine’s disappearance seriously except television criminal attorney Hester Crimstein, who knows through her grandson that Naomi was bullied at school.

THEBOYFROM

THE BOY FROM THE WOODS

By Harlan Coben

She asks Wilde to help find Naomi. He can’t ignore an outcast in trouble, but to find her he must venture back into the community where he has never belonged, a place where the powerful are protected. In this shocking thriller, Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late.

THIS engaging and entertaining mystery novel has all the elements of a great story: enigmatic boy who emerged from the woods with no memory of his past, family love and loss, murder and kidnapping, covert military surveillance, money and power, lawyers and legalese , rich and powerful people. The main character is a very strong, intelligent womaniser and ex-military loner with James Bond characteristics. All the characters and their relationships are well drawn. It’s all a bit far fetched but, hey, this is written entertainment. I found this novel to be a great page turner and recommend it as an excellent holiday read. 8/10

THE author introduces a quirky character, Wilde, before his story starts, and promotes Hester Crimstein from previous books, to star in this mystery.

A pleasure to read a crime story not centred on murder. The plot is well crafted and includes family secrets, corruption and blackmail in politics, touches on bullying and abuse of teenagers, and seeks justice for all.

There is no hero detective, the crime is solved by a quirky, talented loner and a TV criminal lawyer. Enough red herrings and twists to keep the reader interested. Not Coben’s best but a good story and a very easy read.

AUTHOR Harlan Coben is No.7 on the list of 23 top crime thriller authors to read in 2022 – he has published 33 books, seven of them picked up by Netflix. With stats like that I eagerly opened The Boy from the Woods expecting to be captivated. Not so! I found the plot disjointed due to the number of characters including a few high school students, a middle-aged TV host/attorney acting like a lovesick teenager, political intrigue due to damaging tapes and the hero Wilde who tries to solve everything.

I’ll admit that the ending was surprising with the likelihood of a sequel or Netflix movie in the future.

I won’t give up on Harlan Coben but this was a disappointing read for me although according to reviews on his website, many enjoyed it. Hopefully the next Harlan novel I read will restore my enthusiasm!

JAN KENT

TONY HARRINGTON

JO BOURKE

JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT

With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn

1. Which punctuation mark has the same name as a human body part?

2. In the TV show Millionaire Hot Seat, by how much does the prize money fall after the first wrong answer?

3. Which continent is west of the Maldives?

4. Which star sign begins in late November?

5. On an analogue clock with Arabic numerals, how many 1s are used?

6. In beach volleyball, how many players does each team have on the court?

7. What is the demonym for a person from Norway?

8. Colloquially, what food item is a “toastie”?

9. What was the nationality of physicist Isaac Newton?

10. What colour is pure bicarb soda?

11. Which word is closest in meaning to “dearth”: sincerity, scarcity, darkness?

12. What is the process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy?

13. A liger is a cross between a tiger and what other animal?

14. With which Olympic sport was Forbes Carlile associated?

15. What are the usual two colours of the spots on a Dalmatian dog?

16. Who became host of The Chase Australia in July 2021?

17. What was the main occupation of the character Biggles created by author W. E. Johns?

18. What was the given name of the main character in the book Fifty Shades of Grey?

19. In what country did Red Tulip chocolates originate?

20. How many 100kg people would weigh a tonne?

16.LarryEmdur;17.Pilot;18.Christian;19.Australia;20.Ten.

9.English;10.White;11.Scarcity;12.Photosynthesis;13.Lion;14.Swimming;15.Blackorbrown;

1.Colon;2.$750,000;3.Africa;4.Sagittarius;5.Five;6.Two;7.Norwegian;8.Toastedsandwich;

Planning ahead for all the right reasons

There is no doubt that like most other things, cremations will increase in cost as the years roll on, but did you know that you can actually secure your cremation at today’s prices with a guaranteed Cremation Deed.

It’s a very simple, secure way of saving on a portion of your overall funeral costs and it doesn’t matter whether your service is held in your local church or our beautiful chapel, as all you’re locking in is the cremation.

And should you want to go one step further, you can even select your memorial at the same time. Great Northern has acres of beautiful gardens, featuring commemorative rose bushes, streams, green lawns and memorial walls, all surrounded by natural bushland.

ACROSS

1 Monkeys take refuge in hold of ship(6)

5 Account provided in picture is tranquil(7)

9 Eccentric Melburnian unsettled a valued figure(8,6)

11 One docked next to cargo area of ship is waiting(2,4)

12 Time worthless people’s racing horses(8)

14 Chopper turned back before end of system test(4)

15 Formation of alert enemy is uncomplicated(10)

18 Pretty big old friend, with skill, knocked back brewed lager(5,5)

19 Printed words and letters from pertinent extract(4)

22 Teen’s fondness for veal?(4,4)

24 Fisherman, for example, re-tied traces(6)

26 Con, following mistakes found in number, is very frightened(6-8)

27 Sitting outside entrance to dispensary under the influence of downers(7)

28 Pompous fool is last to accept help(6)

DOWN

2 Emergency equipment hot-headed coach needed in court(5,4)

3 Old emu confused study unit(6)

4 A number of customers in greengrocers spill the beans(4)

5 Page about one long and formidable religious journey(10)

6 Numbering on tunic replaced before start of game(8)

7

Say the wrong thing about roughage(5)

8 Short positive response elevated a respectful act(7)

10 Drink that’s acceptable in church(4)

13 Foolhardy lad is following five inside new deli(3-7)

16 A number of students sent pedant up with skill(9)

17 Severely criticises modified laws used in fight(5,3)

18 Animates old scenes for audience(7)

20 Conservative report short on substance primarily(4)

21 Copper, within reason, curtailed political meeting(6)

23 Centrepiece of blue and red was attractive(5)

25 Unlimited force exhibited by a killer whale?(4)

WORDFIND

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

Aim:

must

Good

words: Very good

words: Excellent

and

the

1 to 9 once each.

ACROSS

1 Police officer (3)

3 Responsiveness (11)

9 Erected once more (7)

10 Word formed by letters of another (7)

11 Armed forces (8)

12 Dove-like bird (6)

14 Televisions (abbr) (3)

15 Of, or relating to, Palestine (11)

17 Differing strikingly (11)

19 Hearing organ (3)

20 Its capital is Moscow (6)

21 Force (8)

Decorate food with other food (7)

Sickening (7)

26 Reminding one of something (11)

27 Used a seat (3)

DOWN

1 Pertaining to colour (9)

2 Small smooth stones (7)

Rapid (5)

Ecologist (10)

Modern Persia (4)

6 Forming a mental image of (9)

7 Resident of Tel Aviv (7)

8 Arab state (5)

13 Aid (10)

15 Divide into parts (9)

16 Compass direction (9)

18 Quack medicine (7)

19 Absorb, immerse (7)

20 Tennis player Federer (5)

22 Kick out (tenants) (5)

Therefore (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

WORDSTEP

No.

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.