At Your Service - Francis and John Brennan Religion is very important to Francis in his life. He never misses Mass, but doesn’t regard himself as a Holy Joe. He has always been impressed by people who thank God genuinely. “I feel if I died in the morning I wouldn’t have anything to worry about!” In an interview with the Irish Catholic newspaper some years ago he was not ashamed to admit that he carried his rosary beads with him always, particularly on journeys abroad. “Them and a bottle of Lourdes holy water forever in the briefcase”. He received the Rosary from John Paul II personally. He telephones his mother (90) wherever he is in the world. He regards her as a vital source of local information whenever he is travelling. He says, however, that the hotel business is the easiest way of life to lose one’s religion, such is the nature of the hours
to be worked sometimes. He always tries to facilitate staff for Mass times – if they wish to go. He values all his staff and organises a regular annual outing for them. Francis is so positive and enthusiastic about life and work that it’s difficult to imagine him having any pet hates. However, he admits to having a major aversion to the weather here, particularly in Winter. It is a major handicap for those who are here permanently. This is why he is spending Winter in the US. He also has a problem with people who dislike hard work or who abuse the system. When it comes to relaxation he is hopeless. He is married to the business 24/7. While he spends some time in the garden also, he feels he should be in the hotel during those periods. He works every day, but doesn’t regard it as work. He sleeps for about four hours each night –
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usually from 2 a.m. to 6.30. He is a non-drinker and non-smoker and is in good health, though he admits to eating a lot of red meat; in the hotel business there is usually a lot of good food around, so there is always the danger of excesses. Francis is a lover of all kinds of music. It can range from Elvis to Beethoven. Living on his own he has music on all the time. One minute it is Carolyn’s Concerto and the next it is the Beatles, the Stones or Mumford & Sons. He has a stock of over 2,000 CDs in his “bachelor pad”. He likes a good read and John McGahern and Sebastian Barry are particular favourites. Then, occasionally he will read John Grisham or similar writers. Having lived in Kerry for thirtyfive years he is reluctant to admit that he never reads the sports pages in newspapers though he reads the rest of the newspaper practically from cover
to cover. His message to young people: “Hard work never killed anybody”. Your job may not be the one you want, but work at it. He commenced his career in wash-up and these are the people he speaks to first every day. Anybody who has worked in wash-up will find most other jobs a pleasure. In terms of his hopes for the future he feels the hotel and accommodation industry has quite a bit to go. The international market is certainly up. The domestic market is in trouble. Household charges and other taxes, coupled with mortgage payments, are really eating into disposable incomes and many people can’t afford to spend a week away. Even in Kenmare the self-catering holiday market is struggling with many houses empty. It will come right in the end, but there is another tough budget coming up.
Talk of retirement is not part of his modus operandi just now. Some years ago he would have planned to bow out at 55. Now, it will probably be 90 . . . and there is a tradition of longevity in his family. The most important thing for him is to maintain good health. Certainly, if being active and working hard is the recipe for long life then Francis has it all in abundance and we will hear much more in the years ahead from this enigmatic hotelier. What sums him up best, perhaps, is another remark he made during an interview, which exposes his attention to detail: There’s a right way and a wrong way to hang a toilet roll And with pillows, the fold should always be away from the door”. He suspects that those who know him best will place a pillow and toilet roll on his coffin in the end.
House and Home - by Breda Stack, Declutter Therapist
Declutter for the New Year With reminders of the excesses of Christmas all around us, this New Year is the perfect time to declutter and lighten your load.
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ecluttering is much more than putting old items into black bags. A therapeutic process that offers many holistic and practical benefits, it helps us to cut ties with the past, accept the present and create space for the future physically, mentally and emotionally. Over the years Breda Stack gained deep insights into our complex relationships with material possessions on both a personal and professional level. In Ireland, the impulsive, consumer-driven society of the last few decades conflicts greatly with traditional values of saving and sparing. Many of us find the prospects of a clear out fearful and overwhelming and, as a result, homes are bursting at the seams with clutter. When she was creating the Declutter Therapy™ book and DVD, her goal was to produce a guide that empowers someone with the skills to declutter in a way that inspires selfunderstanding and positive change. While the principles of style, organisation and interior design are vital to the process, decluttering is more about mindset than anything else. In 2012, she founded National Declutter Day to promote three separate aspects of decluttering:
declutter to feel good, donate to charity and reuse and recycle. This yearly event encourages Irish people to routinely take stock and clear out in a way that benefits themselves, local and national causes and the environment. Here are her 5 Top Tips for gaining long-term freedom from clutter. 1. Establish what clutter is to you. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. As a rule, everything you own should be life-enhancing. 2. Become aware of how possessions affect your emotions. Your space is too precious to hold onto anything that makes you feel bad. 3.Do your bit for our beautiful countryside by reusing and recycling unwanted objects. 4.Lessen any guilt by donating to charity. You can’t change the fact that you’ve spent the money. It’s healthy to let someone else enjoy the item. 5.Trust that you’ll do the right thing. Listen to your gut and be honest with yourself. As the saying goes ‘If in doubt, throw it out’. Breda Stack, Declutter Therapist and Author from Limerick-based company LifeStyle Coach. www.lifestylecoach.ie
The Garden in February February is the 'beginning of the end' of winter. Although there is no official 'first day of spring' some people regard the first day of February as the first day of spring. In Ireland, Saint Brigid's day is the first or second of February - approximately half way between the Winter solstice and the spring Equinox. In any case, it really doesn't feel like the first day of spring, and despite the snowdrops and the crocuses which have appeared, the rush of spring energy is still a bit away. If you have damp or heavy soil, you may well have a garden with a good supply of rushes. If you do, it's simple and fun to make a Saint Brigid's cross. Check out this internet site link for excellent instructions on how to make one: http://fisheaters.com/stbrigids cross.html It takes all of five or ten minutes and is very satisfying especially for children. All you need is rushes or tough grass no other tools or materials are necessary. After spring bulbs have flowered, remember to allow
their leaves and flowers to die back naturally. This is important, as the plants will store their energy for next year's growth by putting on a growth spurt now. Flowers such as wind anemones (Anemone blanda) set seed after flowering, so the flowers should be allowed to die back. Ideally, grass around these plants should be left un-mown until late April or May. It is still the season for planting bare root trees and shrubs. Stock starts to run low as the season progresses, and there is already a Europeanwide shortage of bare root privet, laurel and hornbeam. This is probably because of the previous harsh winters, leading to higher-than-average sales of the hardiest plants as people fear losing the more tender varieties. These plants are pretty well unavailable, and the prices have gone up dramatically as stock became scarcer and scarcer. However, in the Irish context, with such a rural population and such a great landscape, we should plant native plants wherever we can: for hedgerows, traditional
species such as Holly, Hawthorn and Blackthorn. And for woodlands, other native species
such as Oak, Birch, Mountain ash and Alder. Be sure to research well before
purchasing, as trees and shrubs have different requirements in terms of site and soil.
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Travel
Rediscover the world’s lost cities Lost and found destinations? Indulge your inner adventurer with a trip to one of the world's lost cities.
Machu Picchu, Peru
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uried beneath ash and earth, overgrown, destroyed by the fury of nature, conquered and reborn… Some of the world’s most spectacular cities were lost to us for centuries — some known only in the history books and stories that endured for generations. Explorers, archaeologists and even Mother Nature herself have been working to uncover these hidden gems, sometimes preserved by the very forces that destroyed them. While many ancient cities only exist in legend, there are still some places we can recapture lost civilizations. Here are some top spots you may want to add to your travel to-do list: Pompeii and Herculaneum, Italy Modern day disaster movies have nothing on Mt. Vesuvius, the infamous volcano destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and
Herculaneum during its 79 C.E. eruption. While looters and some survivors likely visited the towns, they were never rebuilt and remained for centuries hidden beneath lava, ash and debris. Since excavations began in the 18th century, they have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Today, more of Pompeii is open to the public, but what has been revealed of Herculaneum is even better preserved. One of the most notable features in both towns is the artwork — not just sculpture and wall paintings, but fine examples of mosaics as well. Experts advise allowing at least a day to explore, and brush up on your history before you go. For more information, see Pompeiisites.org and InCampania.com. Dunwich, England Natural disasters aren’t the only way nature can decimate cities.
Pompeii, Italy
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If you want to see “Britain’s Atlantis”, you may need some scuba gear. Over the centuries, the sea gradually claimed this medieval city thanks to storms and erosion. Built on sandy terrain, its churches, fort, public buildings and homes have disappeared beneath the waves of the North Sea. Today, visitors can still stop by the small village to see the city’s remaining traces — the ruins of a 13th century Franciscan friary perched on the cliff’s edge and Leper Hospital chapel which remains in the present churchyard. The Dunwich Museum is keeper of the area’s history, but we may learn more about the city in the years ahead as explorers continue to use high-tech underwater cameras to hunt for artifacts in the sand and silt on the sea floor. For more information, visit the Dunwich Museum website. Skara Brae, Scotland Sometimes nature’s power works in our favour — like the massive storm that struck the Bay of Skaill in the Orkney Isles and revealed the first remains of Skara Brae among the dunes. Excavation — and more storms — revealed a close-knit cluster of buildings once home to farmers from 3200 to 2500 B.C.E. How did it survive to be one of Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic villages? When the community was built, the stone walled houses were buried in sand and clay up to their rooflines — likely to shield them from the elements. Today, visitors can tour the settlement, get a closer look at ancient worlds like in a reconstructed
dwelling and see artifacts at the visitor’s centre. For more information, visit Historic Scotland and OrkneyJar.com. Babylon, Iraq Decades of sanctions and war have made this ancient city “lost” once again — to foreign visitors, that is. Images of suffering and destruction might make us forget that this troubled country is rich with culture and history. While you’ve likely heard of the Hanging Gardens — one of the original Seven Wonders of the World — Babylon has many claims to fame. Settled around 2500 B.C.E., it was once centre of the Mesopotamian world and a capital city under Hammurabi. It has been conquered many times throughout the centuries, and Saddam Hussein even put his own stamp on the city in his attempts at rebuilding. While Iraq likely isn’t on your todo list, there is one tour company that ventures into the area, Babel Tours. In the future, locals hope to invest money in restoring Babylon and supporting tourism — but it could take decades before it’s safe for travellers to return. Petra, Jordan Ever wanted to travel like Indiana Jones? The rose-red caverns of Petra caught audience’s attention in the The Last Crusade. Once the capital of the Nabataeans and an important stop along ancient trade routes, the city was lost to the western world sometime after the 14th century. Legend has it that Petra remained hidden to visitors until
1812 when Swiss adventurer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt tricked his way into the heavily guarded city. What makes the city unique is that it wasn’t built — its facades were carved into the colourful sandstone. The city isn’t so much visited as experienced, starting with the kilometre long gorge known as the Siq that opens up to a view of the Treasury. Various trails hit the highlights — like the Street of Facades and Ad Deir (The Monastery) — as well as some stunning views. Visitors can even venture out at night for a candle-lit tour. For more information, visit the Jordan Tourism Board website and Petrapark.com. Taxila, Pakistan Consider it another example of lost and found… and lost again. Dating back to 600 B.C.E., this World Heritage Site was conquered and rebuilt at least three times by various invaders, including Alexander the Great. Through its tenure, it served as a hub for three ancient trade routes, and became a major centre for learning and trade. Unfortunately, the city suffered when the routes fell out of use. The Huns eventually destroyed the city in the 5th century C.E. Today, the city still shows its Persian, Greek and Asian roots in its vast network of ruins — and its three areas each cover a distinct time period. Some of the highlights include the monasteries and temples, including some fine examples of early religious art. For more information, visit the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation website.
Travel Carthage, Tunisia
Angkor, Cambodia With the remains of the former capitals of the Khmer Empire dating back to the 9th to 15th centuries, it’s no surprise experts and travellers alike consider Angkor to be one of the most important archaeological sites in SouthEast Asia. The area is home to dozens of notable sites, including Angkor Thom or “Great City” — the last of the Khmer cities. The ancient city features the Bayon, the state temple known for its many peaks, and the Terrace of Elephants. The temple complex of Angkor Wat, the largest and best preserved in the area, was once Hindu then Buddhist. Today, it’s one of Cambodia’s most popular tourist hotspots and a prime example of architecture and culture. There are many ways
Palenque, Mexico
to tour the area — including by elephant. For more information, see Angkor-visit.com and Tourism Cambodia. Carthage, Tunisia Roman history in Africa? If you know your geography and history, you know the idea isn’t so far-fetched. Trade through the Mediterranean Sea had to pass between Tunisia’s coast and Sicily, and Carthage’s location made it the ideal spot to flourish. Founded by the Phoenicians as early as the 9th century B.C.E., it soon grew into a large and powerful city only to be destroyed and rebuilt by its fierce rival, Rome, in 146 B.C.E. Now a wealthy suburb outside of Tunis, modern-day Carthage still retains its ancient mark — like the acropolis of Byrsa, the
Antonine Baths and the ancient theatre. Carthage has a long and remarkable history — worth a read before you go! For more information, see CometoTunisa.com. Palenque, Mexico Ever dreamed of discovering the ruins of a lost city in the jungle? That dream became a reality for explorers in the 18th to 19th centuries. From about 500 B.C.E. to 700 B.C.E., this Mayan city was at its peak with artistically crafted spaces and buildings. However, by the late 900s the city was conquered and abandoned — and ultimately reclaimed by the jungle.
Currently, only about 10 per cent of the city has been uncovered and restored — including the pyramid temple of Pacal Votan and El Palacio (the palace with its own astrological observatory). The rest? Still lost in the jungle, say experts. If you plan to visit, make sure to prepare for the climate and expect some challenging terrain — but the surrounding scenery will be worth it. For more information, see VisitMexico.com. Machu Picchu, Peru In the middle of a tropical forest in the Andes lies the “Lost City of the Incas”, originally built in 1400s but abandoned a century later when the Spanish conquered nearby Cuzco. Legend has it the Spaniards never found the city — it remained a mystery to all but a handful of locals until
1911 when a guide led archaeologist Hiram Bingham to its ruins. Experts still aren’t sure what the Incas used the site for, but some theories posit it was a grand estate or sacred site, and the Temple of the Sun is one of its most notable buildings. While the view is spectacular, the city itself is no less impressive with its masterful stonework buildings, walls and terraces that seem a part of the landscape itself. Unfortunately, this city could be lost to us again in the future. Restoration is ongoing, but preservation is a growing concern as half a million tourists now flock to this popular site each year and mud slides have threatened the area. For more information, visit the Peru Tourism Bureau and Sacred Sites.
Petra, Jordan
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Health
Health & Wellbeing The Benefits of Reiki positively, our lives and our health become more positive too.
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eiki is a gentle, yet powerful form of healing and the benefits are felt on all levels. As a natural healing system, it can benefit everyone, from young babies to adults and is a safe, non-invasive treatment. It can be used alongside other complementary therapies or conventional medicine. Reiki can be given on a treatment couch or sitting in a chair, therefore
making it an easy treatment to receive. Reiki helps the body to reach an inner state of harmony, physically, mentally and spiritually. As well as helping many physical ailments, it can also promote the changing of any negative mental habits, turning these into more positive and productive thought patterns. Once we begin to think more
Reiki and Stress Reduction Treatments with Reiki energy reduce stress within the body, thereby inducing a state of relaxation. The body can then be allowed to begin the healing process. While stress is not considered an illness, most people have experienced it. When stress is being felt for a prolonged period of time, then the body can begin to be affected both physically and mentally, as it weakens the immune system. In todays world many people experience stress at a level that makes them ill and unable to work. In addition, to this many people are now taking antidepressants to allow them to cope with life. However, Reiki can and does help with stress reduction, which has the added benefit of boosting the immune
system. Reiki encourages and supports positive personal choices, such as improving diet, taking more exercise, devoting time for rest or leisure activities, any may reduce the need for alcohol and tobacco. Engendering greater inner harmony and balance, regular Reiki treatments promote a calmer response to life's challenges. Reiki's gentle energy is easily adapted to most medical conditions and may be used safely by people of all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, in any situation. Being complementary, Reiki works effectively alongside orthodox healthcare and natural remedies, expanding treatment options. Reiki can enhance everyday living and regular sessions may help to promote development of a healthier, more resourceful state of being.
The physical, mental and spiritual practices of Yoga
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he term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means yoke or union. Traditionally, yoga is a method joining the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called selftranscendence or enlightenment. On the physical
level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation
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(dyana) to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. However, experts are quick to point out that yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind as its aims. Yoga has been used to alleviate problems associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraine headaches, asthma, shallow breathing, backaches,
constipation, diabetes, menopause, multiple sclerosis, varicose veins, carpal tunnel syndrome and many chronic illnesses. It also has been studied and approved for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Yoga can also provide the same benefits as any welldesigned exercise program, increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and improving those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles. Yoga has the added advantage of being a low-impact activity that uses only gravity as resistance, which makes it an excellent physical therapy routine; certain yoga postures can be safely used to strengthen and balance all parts of the body. Modern psychological studies have shown that even slight facial expressions can cause changes in the involuntary nervous system; yoga utilizes the mind/body connection. That is, yoga practice contains the central ideas that physical posture and alignment can influence a person's mood and self-esteem, and also that the mind can be used to shape and heal the body. Yoga practitioners claim that the strengthening of mind/body awareness can bring eventual improvements in all facets of a person's life.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy
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chieving altered states of consciousness can be dated back thousands of years to early cultures where chanting and dancing were used as healing rituals. Healing through the hypnotic state can even be traced back as far as the Druids who referred to the altered state as "magic sleep". However, it was not until the mid 19th Century that the current methods of capturing a patients' total concentration through eye contact and verbal suggestion were established. ven then several schools of thought were developed and when Freud decided not to use hypnosis in his field of psychoanalysis it was many years before hypnosis as a tool for healing was again taken seriously. In 1955 the British Medical Association finally approved hypnosis as a valuable technique in the world of healing. Hypnotherapy uses the power of the mind to help heal physical as well as emotional problems. It helps the patient discover the underlying emotional and psychological causes to their ailments. It differs from hypnosis in that there is more interaction between the patient and the therapist in hypnotherapy, allowing the patient to discover more about the emotional background to his or her current problems. Hypnosis is more suggestive than therapeutic. There is no doubt that our minds and bodies work together, when one is under stress, the other suffers. We have all experienced it - blushing when embarrassed, going pale with shock, having sweaty palms when nervous. These are just small instances of the way in which our minds can affect our bodies. Medical literature is now full of studies confirming that many diseases are psycho-somatic (caused in the mind) or stressrelated. Some doctors have estimated that as much as 75% of modern disorders are actually induced through stress. Fortunately, the power of the mind has also been shown to be a primary factor in healing many diseases, even cancer. It is therefore important in any physical or emotional health problem not to overlook hypnotherapy on the road back to health.
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Food and Drink
Cooking for one Take advantage of your freezer Almost everything can go in your freezer, allowing you to make the most of your resources. What you shouldn’t freeze: Eggs, canned foods and prepared salads. Some foods such as cream sauces, mayonnaise, cottage cheese and lettuce can be frozen safely, but chances are you won’t like the texture and quality later. If you’re concerned about how a dish will fare in the freezer, try freezing and thawing a small portion as a test. For more information on how long certain foods can be stored in the fridge or freezer, take a look at The Food Safety Authority’s website for further information. Remember, the sooner you freeze a food, the fresher it will be.
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re you used to cooking for crowds? Save time, money and energy with these simple strategies for small numbers. Food companies, cookbook publishers and grocery stores all seem to operate on the principle that people eat together. However, a busy schedule or change in personal circumstances means this isn’t always possible, and sometimes it can be tricky to scale down ingrained habits. Here’s how to prevent waste and save time and money when cooking for one or two: Think ahead If you’re used to cooking for a crowd, it’s time to fine-tune your meal planning skills and aim to get more mileage out of meals. After all, it isn’t much more effort to cook two chicken breasts instead of one, or twice as much rice and vegetables. You’ll save energy not turning the oven on every time, and leftovers are a healthy meal to grab on the run. Before you decide how much to make, think about your overall meal plan for the week so you won’t end up with more leftovers than you can reasonably consume.
Also, look for creative ways to use up individual foods. For instance, leftover meat can be used in wraps or sandwiches, as a pizza topping or for a protein boost in meal-sized salads. Extra vegetables can complement any meal or snack. A package of pita bread can yield pita sandwiches one day and pita pizzas the next (just use the pita in place of a pizza crust). A bottle of oil-based dressing can be used on salads (both leafy-greens and pasta varieties), to flavour stir fries and asa marinade for meat or vegetables. If you’re not used to planning ahead for a week, try a visual aid. A list, chart or calendar can help you plan your meals according to your schedule and create a grocery list. If you stick to the list, you’ll be less likely to buy impulse items or end up pitching spoiled food. Know the limits Working within the shelf-life of fresh ingredients is an important part of meal planning. How much you buy and when you buy it should be dictated by how long the food will stay fresh and how soon you plan to use it. For example,
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carrots, celery and parsnips will last twice as long in the fridge as cauliflower, peppers, cucumber and beans. Similarly, apples will endure a whole month and citrus fruits can last two weeks, but berries and cherries may only last several days. If you’re buying all these foods in one trip you’ll need to adapt your food preparation plan to use up certain ingredients first. For flexibility keep some dried, canned or frozen foods on hand. These products will last for long periods of time and can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, frozen peas and beans can be added to soup, chili and salad for extra vegetables. Dried legumes such as lentils, split peas and beans can be used as a meat substitute. If you don’t use much milk, skim milk powder is a handy alternative for cooking. Canned chicken, tuna or salmon are also staple items to keep stored. In fact, it is advisable to have something from each of the four food groups in your freezer or pantry, both for quick, balanced meals and emergency preparedness.
Invest in some small appliances Is it worth it to turn on the oven for a single piece of chicken or fish? A few small kitchen appliances can help you cut down your energy bills when cooking a small meal, such as: • A slow cooker. In addition to soups and stews, you can cook a whole chicken, vegetables and potatoes in one pot — meaning less energy used and less clean up than the alternative. • A toaster oven or convection toaster oven. If you allow for a
little extra cooking time, you can bake meats, fish and potatoes or heat single-portion dinners without using the microwave. You can also use them for quickbreads and muffins. • An indoor grill. Models such as the popular George Foreman line of grills are a low-fat alternative to frying, and they cook meat quickly. They’re also great for grilled cheese and other hot sandwiches. Small and medium sized pans are also a good investment. Pyrex baking dishes with lids can also double as storage containers. Find some new advice While many favourite recipes can be halved or scaled down, there are a number of cookbooks on preparing food for one or two people. In addition to right-sized recipes for everything from quick meals to gourmet dishes, the books contain cooking techniques and shopping advice as well as tips for freezing, storing and using up extra food. Browse your local bookstore or try the library for ideas. When in doubt, a stir fry, salad, mixed vegetable dish or soup recipe is good for “cleaning out” the fridge. Whatever the circumstances, more and more people are now cooking for just one and retailers are beginning to cater to this trend. Keep your eyes open for special products, books and advice on cooking for small numbers.
Health
Depression in later life
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djusting to becoming old and being old Most elderly people experience the same range of normal emotions, depending on circumstances and events, as they have done during other periods in their lives. Most elderly people are as satisfied with their lives as at any other age, and enjoy their retirement, their interests, their families and their friends. Despite the increased likelihood of losing a loved one or of physical illness or disability, old age is not necessarily a time of sadness and depression. The majority of older people have the resources of a lifetime of experience to face, in a positive way, the various changes that occur at this stage of their lives. However, for some older people the challenges can be great, and tremendous strain is placed on their ability to cope effectively. As a result they experience increasing distress, anxiety, demoralisation and loneliness. In some cases, increased distress is the start of mental health problems in old age. In other cases, it represents a time of increased suffering which, nonetheless, is finally dealt with constructively. Various factors influence a person’s ability to cope with stress. These include: past experience and personality, the
meaning given to current problems, their way of dealing with previous stresses, resources available to the person – both their own, and the friendship, love and support from others. There are, however, stresses that have particular association with mental health problems among the elderly especially: • Widow(er)hood • Moving house, especially moving into a nursing home • Retirement • Ill health • Loss of independence Psychologists have studied the adjustments that older people must make such as facing death, finding meaning in life despite loss of role, status or health, and facing regrets and disappointments. They have highlighted how inner conflict in the face of these changes could set the scene for significant anxiety and depression. What is depression? Depression is a disabling illness and in some cases, if undetected and untreated, can result in suicide. It is much different from the responses of grief and sorrow to the losses and changes in life, in that even the most basic everyday task is affected by a continuous and severe sadness. Those who suffer from it report
that severe depression changes life completely. The symptoms of depression are: Feelings – of sadness and or anxiety Energy – lacking in energy Sleep – over or under sleeping Thinking – sluggishly or negatively Interest – lost, in food, sex, or daily events Value – not valuing oneself Aches – headaches, chest or other pains with no physical cause Living – seeing no point in living Depression affects behaviour, relationships, emotions, motivation, thinking, sleep and other bodily functions. The person who could mix well socially suddenly becomes isolated and keeps to themselves. Everything is too much trouble and personal appearance is neglected. The capacity for enjoyment is reduced or disappears altogether. Appetite can be affected, resulting in the individual not enjoying food anymore and so losing weight. Often, sleep is disrupted and waking early in the morning may be made worse by the mood being at its lowest in the mornings. Severe depression reduces motivation and slows mind and body. Often it distorts thinking and even memories, leaving the person preoccupied with negative themes such as poor physical health, guilt, selfreproach and unworthiness. Agitation and anxiety
sometimes complicate depression and may paralyse the person’s capacity to make decisions or manifest itself in constant seeking for comfort and reassurance. There may also be more tearfulness than usual. Mania is far less common than depression in older people and often occurs in persons with a long standing bipolar disorder. If a person has experienced one or more manic episodes then they would be classified as having bipolar disorder rather than a pure depressive (unipolar) disorder. New episodes of mania in an older person may occur following a stroke. The elation in older people may be characterised less by feelings of well being and more by irritability and agitation. If an individual has 4 or more of the symptoms of depression, for 2 weeks or more, they may be suffering from a depressive episode and should consult their doctor. Symptoms and signs of late life depression It is known that ageing may heighten some features of depression and suppress others. But overall it is important to stress the similarity of depression between various age groups. Older people are often reluctant and embarrassed to describe psychological or emotional issues. Often a common feature of depression is complaints about memory difficulties that are distressing, and anxiety symptoms may dominate the clinical picture but are actually secondary to the depression. Relatives will often point to a lack of interest and motivation. Behavioural problems such as uncharacteristic hostility, frequent unexplained falls, irritability or increased alcohol use may also point to a depressive picture. Suicidal ideas should be probed, as older males have a particularly high rate of completed suicide often through indirect means, such as self-induced starvation or dehydration, or failure to take important medical drugs. Causes of depression in later life There are factors in a person’s background that constitute a risk for depression and life events which often bring it about. Against these are factors which are protective, sometimes called buffers. These include psychosocial factors, such as social support and the security of a person’s surroundings. It is usually the
interplay of these that determines whether a person develops depressive disorder, rather than one particular factor. This is why some people develop depression in the absence of an adverse life event, and why in others a major life event does not lead to a depression. It’s important to emphasise two points: Firstly, that depression in an older person after a serious life event, such as a bereavement, does not make the depression ‘understandable’ and therefore not worth treating. Secondly, becoming old in itself does not necessarily lead to the development of a depressive disorder. Networks of care Managing a depressive disorder in an older person is not simply a matter of selecting the right intervention from a range of medications and psychological treatments. Holistic care is important. Attempting to bring about a positive style of coping and adapting and good social support can aid recovery from depression. Integrating medical and social services into caring networks allows the whole range of needs of older people to be addressed. The support derived from such a network of relationships both formal and informal is invaluable in buffering the stresses of ageing. There are numerous local and national organisations ranging from active retirement groups, to national campaigning and lobbying bodies such as Friends of the Elderly or Age Action, to information resource centresadvertising services as diverse as befriending schemes, respite breaks or welfare entitlements. The voluntary sector also fills the gap left by many statutory services, but making older people aware of, and encouraging them and their families to avail of these services is crucial. If you’re looking for depression support options please call Aware National Office on tel. 01 661 7211 Age Action Ireland Ltd Tel: (01) 4756 989 Alone Tel: (01) 679 1032 Friends of the Elderly Tel: (01) 873 1855 Federation of Active Retirement Associations Tel/Fax: (01) 679 2142 Senior Help Line Tel/Fax: (046 95) 57766
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Motoring
Hints and tips when buying a used car What to look out for when buying second hand
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his is always a mine field and nothing guarantees success but there are a few things to look out for before parting with your hard earned cash. PRE-SHOPPING ADVICE The depreciation of used cars is much less than new cars and, therefore, they are a more cost effective purchase. Get your finance in place before choosing your car, this saves time as you know exactly which vehicles you can or cannot afford. Consider all different outlets such as trade-ins at new car dealerships, private sales etc., not just secondhand car dealers. However, the purchaser has more rights and safeguards when purchasing through trade rather than a private sale. Cars less than three years old which have been driven 10,000 - 15,000 annually are probably the best buys. An average annual mileage is about 10,000, so for a 3 year old car mileage between 25,000 and 35,000 would be reasonable. Anything over this could have been used for business and driven hard. GENERAL ADVICE WHEN INSPECTING VEHICLES Never buy a car without test driving is yourself. First make sure you are insured to drive it then, if possible, take it on a drive that covers a mixture of conditions i.e. fast motorway driving, slow urban driving, twisting roads and don't forget to check reverse. BODYWORK Always inspect the bodywork in good light. Look for corrosion or rust. Rust is probably the most damaging thing of all on cars over five years old. Surface blisters can be relatively harmless and easily treated but corrosion coming from the inside of the body panels is more serious. Look for rust at the top and rear of the front wings, along the side sills, below front and rear bumpers and the bottoms of the doors. Sometimes a rust blemish on the paintwork can indicate more serious corrosion underneath. Press the panel gently with your thumb. If there is a cracking noise it indicates advanced corrosion. It is usually not worth repairing rust that has perforated the bottom of doors,
the bodywork around the front and rear screen rubbers, on trailing edges of bootlids or tailgates and leading edges of bonnets and on rear wing panels. These can only be repaired expensively by specialists and subsequent painting is costly. Walk around the car and look along the doors and wings from each of the four corners. Any crash repairs will show up if they have not been well done. You will see ripples or a change in the texture of the paint if there is a lot of body filler underneath. Take a small magnet with you, it will be attracted to metal but not to plastic body filler. Look also for variations in the paint colour. Water stains in the boot, around windows, on carpets and around the sunroof opening may indicate leaks. COLLISION DAMAGE A car that has been in a collision can be dangerous, especially if its suspension and/or steering have been damaged. Examine under the bonnet for damage, creasing or replaced inner wings (unsightly welds are a give-away). Also inspect the engine bay forward panels and forward chassis legs for repairs or creases. When test driving the car the steering should be consistent with no tendency to pull either left or right. Look under the carpet between the front and back doors for signs of welding or repair in case two halves of different cars have been welded together (cut and shut), which is extremely dangerous. INSIDE THE CAR Check the odometer, if the numbers are out of line the mileage may have been altered. Look to see if the mileage corresponds with the general condition of the car. A worn brake pedal and wear marks on the gear lever indicate a car that might have done more than 60,000 miles. A worn or sagging driver's seat and carpet are other signs of high mileage. A very low mileage may indicate the car might have been left unused for long periods or used only for short journeys. Both can cause engine problems. A car that has been regularly used and serviced is a better bet. ENGINE Have a look at the general
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state of the engine. A dirty engine and surrounding area suggests that the car hasn't been well looked after and that servicing may have been neglected. Conversely, a sparkling clean engine could have been steam cleaned to disguise problems such as oil leaks etc. Before starting the engine remove the dipstick and check the colour of the oil. If it is very black the car has probably not been recently, or regularly, serviced. Also check for beige "mayonnaise" on the dipstick, a possible symptom of head gasket leakage. Heavy rattling or knocking noises shortly after start up could indicate wear of the crankshaft and big-end bearings. Listen for clattering or light knocking noises from the top of the engine which indicate camshaft wear. Turn on the ignition and open the throttle sharply. Check for black or blue smoke from the exhaust. Blue smoke comes from burning oil and shows engine wear, whereas black smoke is un-burnt fuel and has many possible causes. Check for smooth idling when warm. When test driving check the engine does not misfire but pulls strongly and cleanly.
Check there are no pinking sounds (i.e. metallic rattling sound that occurs when the throttle is open). If the car does misfire and the engine has electronic fuel or ignition control only buy it if the misfire is put right first. Finally check for oil leaks. STEERING If the steering is vague and heavy the tyres may be worn or under pressurised. Rock the steering wheel gently while watching the front wheel, there should not be any noticeable delay between steering wheel and road wheel movement. Check for wheel wobble at speed. This is often attributable to unbalanced front wheels. Steering wheel shimmy at low speeds indicated distorted wheel rims. BRAKES The brake pedal should offer good resistance and not sink most of the way to the floor when applied. If a servo is fitted, check that it works by pumping the brake pedal several times, holding the pedal down and starting the engine. You should feel the pedal creep down as it operates. The car should not swerve when the brakes are applied hard at speed. If it
does, it may have seized or leaking wheel cylinders or calipers. If the car judders when you apply the brakes this implies distorted front brake discs. Inspect discs for heavy scoring or unpolished or corroded areas, they may need renewing. Check the brake hoses under the wheel arches for cracking, chafing, swelling or leaks. BEFORE MAKING AN OFFER If the car passes your inspection and test drive here are a few more things to bear in mind before making an offer:Every car over three years old must have a NCT and, therefore, ensure the certificate is current (although this does not guarantee the car is still safe). Ask to see service and repair history and well as repair receipts. Check the mileage on the odometer tallies with service and repair receipts. Check the car's registration and chassis number matches those on the registration document. If you are buying from a trader, depending on the value of the car, it may be worth investing in a warranty. Read the warranty small print very carefully as some warranties exclude more than they cover.
Technology
A Pain in the tech
Today's technology can be a real pain. Injuries you should watch out for, and ways to solve these "technical difficulties". have a properly set up work station, complete with the right lighting to avoid both eyestrain and those oh-so-awkward positions we get into to view the screen. What about when you’re on the road, or on your living room couch? It’s easy to slack off a little when it comes to proper form. Experts warn that letting your laptop live up to its name can cause back, neck and shoulder pain as well as do a number on your wrists. If you can’t avoid it, keep it in moderation. Splint it. Maybe you need a little restraint to keep your elbow, wrist or thumb in good shape. A splint can help restrict movements and keep you from curling your body parts into odd positions that could cause stress. But talk to a health care practitioner first, as resting one part of your body could place undue stress on another.
This time it’s the grown-ups who are feeling the pain in the thumbs
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echnology enables us to do great things — but our favourite gadgets and gizmos can actually disable us too. As our use of computers, cell phones and other tech toys increases, so too does our risk for repetitive stress injuries. You may have heard some of these funny-sounding conditions in the media, but their effects are far from hilarious. Blackberry thumb: Remember the “Nintendo Thumb” of the 80s and 90s? Meet its successor. This time it’s the grown-ups who are feeling the pain in the thumbs, caused by frequent text messaging and emailing on tiny keyboards. Using our notso-dexterous thumbs for purposes for which they weren’t designed can cause tendonitis (i.e. “trigger thumb”), aggravate arthritis and can even send pain shooting all the way up the arm. Wii shoulder or “Wiiitis”: Active video games systems now make us get up and move, but the bad news is that repeating the same motions over and over again is going to hurt. Best case scenario: you’re working muscles you haven’t used in a
while, and the pain gets better with rest and regular exercise. Worst case scenario: strains and sprains that require ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications, at the least. Cell phone elbow: It’s the latest media darling, complete with warning pictures of the dreaded “ulnar claw”. Technically, the condition is called cubital tunnel syndrome, and it’s a close cousin to carpal tunnel syndrome. Both conditions are caused by pinched or compressed nerves. In this case, it’s the ulnar nerve in the elbow that’s affected, and it causes pain, numbness and tingling in the two outer most fingers. It’s caused by other things too, like sleeping with your elbow at a certain angle, but gripping the cell phone and talking for hours on end is the latest cause for worry. Just how common are these problems? While the conditions have been discussed in medical journals and there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence, there aren’t any hard numbers yet because more research is needed.
However, as the CBC reports, the general trend is that an increase in technology use also leads to an increase in these ailments. For example, as cell phones become increasingly popular — and people use them more often and for longer periods of time — doctors are seeing more cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. Don’t let the cute-sounding names deceive you — the conditions are serious enough to warrant medical attention. Add them to the growing roster of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) and other conditions such as computer vision syndrome and it’s easy to see why experts are concerned. These ailments aren’t likely to kill anyone, but left untreated they can lead to disability, surgery and persistent problems. These problems will get worse over time, so if you’re starting to see symptoms like pain, tingling and numbness, it’s time to take action. Here are some things you can do to prevent and treat tech-related troubles: Exercise daily. Perhaps we’re tired of hearing the advice, but
are we following it yet? It stands to reason that things that are kept in good shape will function better and are less prone to problems — and our joints and muscles are no exception. Think of it as a little daily maintenance. Take breaks. Doing any task over and over again is going to take its toll whether it’s typing, texting or playing a video game. The remedy? Get up, move around, stretch and do something different for a few minutes each hour. When talking on the phone, switch hands from time to time. Go hands-free. Another option for those who need to be on the phone a lot is to swap the handset for a headset. You won’t be prone to bad habits like not switching positions, balancing the phone on your shoulder or gripping your phone too hard. Go ergo. Maybe you laughed at those funny-shaped keyboards, or at people who had to have their desk set up “just so”. However, if you spend hours at a desk then it’s important to
Tidy up. Believe it or not, simply having a computer can be hazardous to your family’s health. Between 1994 and 2006, over 78,000 people in the U.S. ended up in hospitals thanks to injuries sustained from their personal computer. And we’re not talking only about repetitive strain injuries — according to a recent article on BBC News, it’s trips, bumps and falls that are to blame and dangling cords are one of the chief culprits. Pay attention. Experts warn that we shouldn’t ignore the symptoms — even if all we’re feeling is just a minor pain or a bit of tingling. As with other health concerns, little problems can turn into big ones over time. They’re much easier to address before things get too serious. One sure-fire way to treat the problems: reduce your usage or stop altogether. Of course, that’s easier said than done for many people due to our heavy reliance on our computers and tech toys (they’re called “Crackberries” for a reason). However, a little R&R for our body is likely going to be part of any recovery program. Use your technology, but don’t abuse your body.
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Health
Protecting your family when you’re not around
Where there’s a will... your estate is shared equally among them, with the children of a deceased brother or sister taking his/her share. • Nieces and nephews only: your estate is divided equally among those surviving. • Other relatives only: your estate is divided equally between the nearest equal relationship. • No relatives: your estate goes to the state.
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OME people don’t want to contemplate it . . . to them there is something “terminal” about it. However, when it’s done it provides peace of mind, particularly for business, home owners or parents with money or assets. In order to protect family and loved ones it is essential to organise your Will. By doing so, you will ensure your estate is distributed as you wish and your family may also avoid unnecessary taxes and charges. The options and format for making the Will are quite simple, once you have decided how your estate is to be divided after your death. Templates are available from many sources and there is no legal requirement to consult a solicitor. However, to ensure your Will is valid it is advisable to consult with a solicitor; it might help avoid potential pitfalls down the road. The cost of making a will usually depends on the size and complexity of your estate, but the average cost in Ireland is €120 + VAT. At all times it is advisable to complete and keep an updated a list of your assets. A very useful form “Where my possessions are kept” can be found on the Citizens Information website. It will make it easier to identify and trace your assets after you die. You should keep the list in a safe place. What happens if there is no will? If you die without making a will, the law on intestacy (Succession Act, 1965) decides what happens to your property. A will can ensure that proper arrangements are made for your
Where there is a will... As outlined earlier, one of the reasons to consult with a solicitor is to ensure your will is valid . . . some may not be aware that the Succession Act, 1965 places certain limitations on a person’s freedom to pass on property and money to whosoever they wish. dependants and that your property and money is distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights of spouses/civil partners and children. Also, most of us, after years of hard work, would like to have a say in where our money goes. It is useful, perhaps, to look at what happens when there is no will (i.e. a person dies intestate) or an invalid will: If you die intestate, this means your estate, or everything that you own, is distributed in accordance with the law by an administrator. To do this, the administrator needs permission in the form of a Grant of Representation. The intestacy rules also apply when a will has not dealt with all your possessions. In such cases, after debts and expenses have been deducted, the estate is distributed in the following way. If you are survived by: • A spouse/civil partner but no children (or grandchildren): your spouse/civil partner gets the entire estate. • A spouse/civil partner and children: your spouse/civil partner gets two-thirds of your estate and the remaining onethird is divided equally among your children. If one of your children has died, that share goes to his/her children. • Children, but no spouse/civil partner: your estate is divided equally among your children (or their children). • Parents, but no spouse/civil partner or children: your estate is divided equally between your parents or given entirely to one parent if only one survives. • Brothers and sisters only:
If you have made a will, you are called a testator (male) or testatrix (female). Such a person is said to have died 'testate'. If you die testate, then all your possessions will be distributed in the way you set out in your will. After completion of the will you must choose an executor. Choose wisely as they are entrusted to carry out your wishes. An executor can also be a beneficiary under the will. When your estate is distributed, the legal rights of your spouse/civil partner and children, if any, will be fulfilled first after any debts are paid, before any other gifts are considered. Legal rights of spouses, civil partners and children In general, you are free to dispose of your belongings or estate as you wish, but your will is subject to certain rights of spouses/civil partners and other more limited rights of children. These rights are as follows: Rights of a spouse or civil partner: If your spouse/civil partner has never renounced or given up his/her rights to your estate, and is not "unworthy to succeed" in legal terms, then that spouse/civil partner is entitled to what is called a "legal right share" of your estate. This legal right share is: • One-half of your estate if you do not have children • One-third of your estate if you do have children You can also make a bequest in your will that increases your spouse's/civil partner's legal right share, although if you do
not specify that this gift is meant to be in addition to his/her legal right share, the executor may consider it part of that share and not an extra element to it. It is possible for a spouse/civil partner to renounce his/her rights to the legal right share. This may happen in the case of a second marriage or a spouse/civil partner setting aside rights in favour of children. However, any such renunciation may be ignored in certain circumstances, for example, if there is evidence of undue influence or evidence that the spouse/civil partner did not understand what he/she was doing or did not have independent legal advice. If a couple is separated, such renounciation is usually included in a separation agreement. Divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, however, automatically ends succession rights. Cohabiting partners have no automatic legal right to each other's estates, although recent legislation has improved the position. Rights of children under a will Unlike a spouse/civil partner, children do not have any absolute right to inherit their parent's estate if the parent has made a will. Children born inside or outside marriage and adopted children all have the same rights and there are no age restrictions. However, a child may make an application to court if he/she feels that he/she has not been adequately provided for. It is important to seek legal advice before making such an application. Each case is considered individually, but it is important to remember that the legal right share of the spouse cannot be infringed in order to give the child a greater share of the estate. It can, however, reduce the entitlement of a civil partner. Requirements and format of a valid will It is possible to draw up a will yourself or you can engage the help of a solicitor. For a will to be valid the following are some key requirements: • The will must be in writing • You must be over 18 or have been or be married • You must be of sound mind • You must sign the will in the presence of two witnesses. • Your two witnesses must sign the will in your presence
• Your two witnesses cannot be people who will gain from your will. • The will must be dated.
Format: While the will does not require a set format it should include the following: • Your name and address • A Statement that says you revoke all earlier wills and codicils • A clause or section to appoint executors • How property “not dealt with in the will” should be distributed. Review of the Will It is important to review your will every few years and change, if necessary. Life is constantly changing; your financial situation or even your family may have changed. You can also change your will in the form of a memorandum or written note that is signed by you and your witnesses that refers clearly to the changes. To change your will, you can also make a separate document, called a codicil, which is like an update added to the end of your will. This document, again signed by you and your witnesses, should set out clearly and accurately the changes you want to make to your will. It is always possible for you to revoke your will. This can only be challenged if your mental capacity when you revoked your will is called into question. Inheritance Planning Of equal importance, of course, is the entire business of financial planning. Without this you could end up leaving a significant Inheritance Tax liability on your death, depending on the size of your estate, which could considerably reduce the amounts received by the beneficiaries. Inheritance tax may also be due on assets you may have given away during your lifetime, i.e. property, investments, possessions and money. There is no Inheritance tax liability when assets are passed between spouses. There are many tax reliefs available and proper inheritance planning can minimize the exposure. Farmers and business owners have generous tax reliefs when passing the farm or business to their heirs. Consequently, good independent financial advice may also be necessary when drawing up your will.
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