SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE, VOL 17

Editor’s Note

A wise Afrikaans lady once said to me that the bush “jou brein uitspoel” (rinses your brain out) – I can’t think of a better description.

In this issue we honour those who are guarding our natural heritage; be it through education, tourism or conservation.

A burden of responsibility also lies with each of us to make sure our children and grandchildren can enjoy what we might too often take for granted. Enjoy “A Wild Life” by Andrew Anderson and “The Kruger National Park” by Dallas Gilbert.

We hope you also enjoy our “Kersfees” poem, bringing in a bit of Afrikaans, and

exercise your Christmas Carol general knowledge in “Name that Christmas Carol.” I am definitely going to try the recipe for a sugar and gluten free Christmas pudding!

From the Senior Living team, we wish all our readers a blessed Christmas!

To subscribe to our mailing list to receive the digital copy of Senior Living Magazine please go to www.seniorlivingmag.co.za, click on the HOME tab, scroll to the bottom, fill in your first name, last name and email address, then click on the SUBSCRIBE button.

The views expressed in SENIOR LIVING are not necessarily those of the Editor, Senior Living, or its advertisers. Publication of advertising material does not imply any endorsement in respect of goods or services described therein. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this magazine, SENIOR LIVING cannot accept responsibility for any bona fide errors therein. Copyright of material (including photographs) published in this magazine is vested with SENIOR LIVING and the authors/originators of the material, and may not be reproduced without permission.

Natalie Gilbert

Discounts and Offers

Please confirm all discounts beforehand, as they are subject to change, and notify us of any discounts that you encounter for the benefit of the readership.

*PC = Pensioner’s card required *LC =

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday

• Avondale Spar: 5% discount (not on promotions), loyalty card required (bring ID and ID photo)

Monday

• Village Yard, 41 Howick: 10% discount

Tuesday

• Makro: 5% discount on food products, up to 10% discount on general products, pensioner’s card required

• SuperSpar Richden’s Village: 5% discount

• Knowles SuperSpar: 5% discount, pensioner’s card required

• Caversham Glen Pick n Pay: 5% discount, double points on promotional items, pensioner’s card required

• Merrivale SuperSpar: 5% discount on tea and cake, Spar card required

• Parklane SuperSpar: 5% discount on all purchases

• Greendale SuperSpar: 5% discount, loyalty card holders

• Hilton Quarry Centre Spar: 5% discount, free delivery in Hilton

• Waste Centre Fabrics, 670 Umgeni

Road, Durban: 10% discount

• Blackwoods Nursery : 10% discount for seniors (from age 65)

• Village Feeds in Hilton: 10% discount

• Superspar Glenwood, Durban: 5% discount (not on promotion lines) and market day specials; grocery deliveries or pick-and-collect available.

Wednesday

• Musgrave Pick n Pay: double Smart Shopper points

• Game: 10% discount on the first R1500, excluding cell phones

• Clicks: Double e-bucks and double Club Card points for over 60s

• Builders Express Pinetown: 10% discount, loyalty card required

Thursday

• Merrivale SuperSpar: 5% discount on tea and sandwiches, Spar card required

• Greendale SuperSpar: 5% discount, loyalty card holders

• Hilton Quarry Centre Spar: 5% discount, free delivery in Hilton

• Tanglewood Nursery Hilton –Pensioners’ Day Every Thursday: pensioners receive a 20% discount on all plants.

Every Day

• Bargain Books, Hillcrest: 10% discount.

Andrew AndersonA Wild Life!

Andrew Anderson always wanted to be a game ranger. “My brothers had pin-ups of girls and cars. For me it was wildlife.”

In rural Zimbabwe, his “Huckleberry Finn” childhood consisted of the family smallholding, Hwange National Park, fishing on the Zambezi, and boarding school.

Authoring the first Wilderness Management Plan for the Umfolozi Wilderness area was a personal highlight.

After studying, Andrew joined the Natal Parks Board at 19 and spent 11 years living his dream as a game ranger in the Umfolozi, where he met his wife Susi, a veterinary nurse. Full of youthful zeal for conservation, he excelled and transformed the Wilderness Trail operation from a government-subsidised entity to an independently profitable business. Authoring the first Wilderness Management Plan for the Umfolozi Wilderness area was a personal highlight. Introducing the first guided commercial night drives in any “national” park, was another.

Andrew then faced a decision; stay in the Trails Division, with no prospect of promotion, or pusue Conservation Management. He chose Conservation, and became Section Ranger of the Southern Corridor Section of Umfolozi Game Reserve. Again, he excelled, but by 1996 politics within formal conservation had become unbearable. For a man with a fire in his heart for conservation, the bureaucracy was too much and life was too short.

Reflecting on his career and the amazing experiences in Umfolozi, he realized sharing the “gospel” of conservation was his calling and ministry.

This was the origin of the African Insight Academy.

Armed with a business plan and an unsecured bank loan, the Academy was launched. The plan was simple – build a business that could privately fund conservation education. Susi backed him by returning to veterinary nursing and learning bookkeeping by night.

What do you do when you’re past 55, and have lost a third of your pension in under a year? Give thanks to God that you’re alive, that He has a purpose for your life, then pick yourself up, and start again.

Over 25 years they built up a business that provided conservation based experiential learning for students of all ages. To date over 12,000 students have been on field trips that use wildlife and authentic cultural experiences to inspire and empower. At its peak the business employed thirty staff dedicated to creating young leaders.

But relying as it did on travel, Covid-19 was a disaster for the Academy. Andrew and Susi poured everything into keeping the team employed, but as lockdown stretched on, liquidation became inevitable.

Andrew is building the same business, better; paying close attention to both local schools and the international clients that stuck with him. They’ve also attracted the attention of local and international organizations who recognise that our children will one day be the custodians of our planet’s natural splendour. How can they do that if they’re not exposed to it from an early age?

Through these strategic partnerships, African Insight Academy is on a mission to inspire and empower the next generation of conservation-conscious, global citizens.

africaninsightacademy.co.za

Email: info@africaninsight.co.za

Over 25 years they built up a business that provided conservation based experiential learning...

What do you do when you’re past 55, and have lost a third of your pension in under a year?

Collector’s Corner

With Daryl Kriel from Kensington Bond

My Father worked in Asia and was given these two vases. What are they, and what do you think they’re worth? - Des

wasn’t made for sale, but to be gifted to Emperors, Shoguns and other Nobility, making it rare and desirable. Most early pieces are in museums and private collections. It was only in the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) that it became available for sale and export.

Your vases are Japanese Nabeshima ware. Originating in Feudal Japan in the 17th Century, Nabeshima refers to the clan who first produced it near the town of Arita. This high-quality porcelain

Your vases are signed “Modern” pieces, which are still made using the authentic technique and style. At auction they should fetch between R3000 – R5000 each.

If anyone has anything interesting to sell or value, give Daryl from Kensington Bond Auctioneers a call on 033 330 3185 or 082 297 1117.

It was only in the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) that it became available for sale and export.

How Do I Download an App?

You’ve heard friends and family talking about this-or-that really useful app on their phones, but how do you join the party and start using apps too?

Here is a step-by-step guide to download the apps you want, from your Midlands favourite geeks, the digital ninjas of AppCity and My Midlands App.

Step 1: Open your Google Play if you have an Android phone, or your Apple App Store app if you have an iPhone.

Step 2: Search for the app you want to download, using the search bar at the top.

Step 3: Click on the correct search result.

Step 4: Read about the app and click the “Get” or “Install” button to start the download.

Step 5: Once the app has been downloaded click “Open”.

Step

What’s Your Christmas Wish?

Sadly, Christmas for many is simply a time when they expect to get something.

And it’s a short hop from just expecting something to feeling entitled to something. Entitlement is the scourge of our time and crops up anywhere you care to look.

I live on an estate where the distance between the entrance and the houses is considerable. Residents are encouraged to give employees a lift, if possible, which isn’t always the case. This doesn’t discourage a particular employee from marching into the road, arms held high, and obstructing traffic to demand a lift. I fear the day when wills collide.

frequently disappointment, usually with the investment manager.

Feeling entitled to a particular lifestyle in retirement is a dangerous, but common, mindset. It’s often felt that a particular income level is deserved, no matter what the resources available are. When this attitude confronts reality, the result is

I grew up with the adage “you cut your clothing to suit your cloth” which is very relevant to retirement planning; probably the most crucial planning we will ever engage in. With so much at stake, the guidance of a financial professional can make all the difference.

We have helped many people plan their transition into retirement, often starting with a hard conversation (I’ve had many a wife in tears), followed by some realistic planning and tough adjustments. But we have also had some real successes from those starting conversations.

So instead of wishing this Christmas, why not start planning instead?

Feeling entitled to a particular lifestyle in retirement is a dangerous, but common, mindset.

With so much at stake, the guidance of a financial professional can make all the difference.

Harvard House

The Kruger National Park

A Place of Treasured Memories.

In the North-East of South Africa lies a stretch of land approximately two million hectares in size, affectionately known as the Kruger National Park; a diverse wilderness, ranging from mixed woodland, and thorn thickets, to open savannah grasslands.

I use the word “affectionally” because for many South Africans and Internationals it’s a place of fond recollection, a refuge in memory from the stresses of daily life. From the moment you step out of your vehicle into the shimmering lowveld heat and chorus of Cicada’s, you enter an otherworldly place where time doesn’t seem to matter.

On arrival at one of the guest camps and entering a thatched rondavel with its familiar idiosyncrasies, it dawns on you again how far you are from the daily treadmill. Here, just like the wildlife, it feels natural to nap in the heat of the afternoon, before heading out on a sunset drive.

Years ago, at Kruger, I remember being in bed by seven each evening, not just because of the soothing night sounds of the Hyena, the Fiery Necked Night Jar and the Scops Owl, but because removed from TV, emails, messages and all the world’s dilemmas - I simply could.

Here, the mournful Black Cuckoo‘s song - “I’m so sad” - vies with the haunting calls of the Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, and the graceful Impala’s easy manner assures you wordlessly that everything is going to be all right.

...it’s a place of fond recollection, a refuge in memory from the stresses of daily life.

Article by Dallas Gilbert - Oakleigh Funeral Home.

Sugar Free Christmas Pud!

‘Tis the season to over-indulge, but this sugar-free, glutenfree, guilt-free recipe lets you enjoy the full flavour of Christmas, with none of the regret!

Ingredients

• 100 g / 1 cup almond flour

• 1 egg

• 100 g / ½ cup shredded carrot

• 50 g / ¼ cup blueberries, frozen

• 50 g / ¼ cup cherries, frozen

• 10 g small handful crushed walnuts

• 2 tablespoons butter melted

• 1 tablespoon double heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cacao powder

unsweetened

• 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener or more to taste

• 2 teaspoons mixed spice/ pumpkin spice

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• Orange zest from ½ orange

• Optional: glug of brandy and/ or your choice of dried fruit, chopped

• Double heavy cream, to serve

Instructions

1. Shred the carrot by blitzing in a food processor or grating.

2. Chop the fruit (I used frozen

blueberries and cherries) and add to the carrots. The carrot and fruit combined should fill 1 US measuring cup.

3. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.

4. Melt the butter.

5. Add the melted butter and all remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir until combined. If you wish, add a glug of Brandy. Adjust sweetener if needed.

6. Grease a pyrex glass bowl with butter and pour in the Christmas pudding batter.

7. Bake for 20mins at 180 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, microwave for 6 – 10 minutes.

Turn out upside down onto a plate and serve with thick cream.

Serves 4-8 (depending on serving size!)

Tel: 033 342 3234

Email: laikathedietitian@gmail.com

My Journey as the Executrix of my Late Father’s Estate

In March 2018, my father passed away suddenly. On top of the shock and heartbreak, I became the Executrix of his estate and stepped “into his shoes” to conclude all his earthly affairs.

Fortunately, he was a very organized man and we knew where his Will and important documents were kept. I gathered a wonderful team of professionals around me (an attorney, accountant and financial advisor) who advised me step-by-step and helped handle the legalities, the Liquidation and Distribution Account, and the dispersal of his assets.

had not been so organized. How much more painful would the process have been if I’d had to search for every bit of information, or if I didn’t have access to his emails? How would I have known who his different service providers were if he hadn’t listed them?

I soon realized how little the average person knows about what is involved in winding up an estate. I also faced the apparent heartlessness of slow and apathetic service providers.

There were many days when I wondered how I would have coped if my dad

My advice, to any adult, is to get your affairs in order. Gather your Will and important documents in a safe place and let loved ones know where they are kept. Speak openly with family about your mortality, while you’re able to. By being prepared you can save them a lot of time, energy and emotional pain. I’m eternally grateful that Dad did this for me.

Desrae Coventry desrae@estatefilepreparation.co.za www.estatefilepreparation.co.za

Fortunately, he was a very organized man and we knew where his Will and important documents were kept.

By being prepared you can save them a lot of time, energy and emotional pain. I’m eternally grateful that Dad did this for me.

Be In Charge of Your Retirement Future With Clarendon

Group’s Retirement

South African Garden Birds

Send us your photos of common garden birds and you may see them published in one of our upcoming issues! Photos can be submitted to editor@seniorlivingmag.co.za

Black-Collared Barbet – characterised by the black collar and red face as well as their synchronized duet; one bird giving “two”, the other “puddle” making up “two-puddle, twopuddle …” Birds living in densely wooded habitats rely on sound to communicate, but thick vegetation dampen and distort calls, so these birds use loud, repeated notes and simple structures. As we know, Barbets love our fruit trees, especially figs, but also eat insects and nectar. Black-Collared Barbets have “zygodactyl” feet - two forward and two backward toes - for climbing and clinging to vertical branches. Honeyguides lay their eggs in the Black-Collared Barbets nest where the newly hatched chicks kill the host chicks.

Red-Chested Cuckoo – the only Southern Africa cuckoo with a rufous breast, it’s monotonous “pietmy-vrou” call is easily recognised this time of year. The Red-Chested Cuckoo is a generalist “brood parasite” laying its eggs in the nests of at least 15 species, including Robin-Chats, Chats, Thrushes and Flycatchers. Their eggshells are thick so they can be safely laid in a matter of seconds while the host bird is away, and their incubation period is short so that they hatch before nestmates, giving them an advantage. Red-Chested Cuckoos breed in both northern and southern Africa then converge to spend the non-breeding season in the tropics. Their main diet is hairy caterpillars - so there is your trade-off for putting up with their endless calls.

Name That Christmas Carol!

1.

2.

Part 2: Choose Your Lifestyle

Research suggests that the foremost reason people move to a Retirement Village is for the security.

But security is not just physical. It is also about wellbeing and belonging. We feel most secure when we know the people around us; that they are looking out for us, and that, as neighbours, we have each other’s backs.

Belonging and wellbeing also grow from a sense of purpose; knowledge that we make a difference and still have a role to play. Holding onto this can be one of our greatest challenges as our children become independent, move away, and we eventually retire.

to maintenance projects, serve on the Board to represent residents’ interests and ensure the longevity of the organisation. But when opportunities for travel arise, they but still enjoy the freedom to “lock up and go.”

The value of moving to a smaller Retirement Village is the real sense of community. In Marian Villa for example, residents play an active role in organising events, group outings and exercises. They contribute a lifetime’s expertise

Choosing a Retirement Village is not just about the size of the rooms or the style of the finishings. It’s ultimately about whether you can find meaning there – if it’s a place you can continue to grow. In Marian Villa, after a few years, you will find the community has become family.

But security is not just physical. It is also about wellbeing and belonging.

Choosing a Retirement Village is not just about the size of the rooms or the style of the finishings.

Jo-Anne Stevens-O’Conor Marian Villa

Cut-flower Food Recipe

What joy to have your flowers last longer! Simply snip the flower stems at an angle, taking off about 2cm (the angled cut increases surface area for more absorption) and remove any leaves that sit below the waterline.

• 2 tbsp white sugar

• 2 tbsp white vinegar

• Half a tsp household bleach

• Stir ingredients into 2L of tepid water

• Add flowers!

Left-over mixture can be kept in the fridge. Change water once a week and retrim ends. The sugar feeds the flowers, the household bleach kills germs, and the vinegar increases acidity for better absorption.

The recipe works well for garden and commercially grown flowers; from delicate roses to bold proteas!

For more florist information, go to www.flowersfromhowick.com

Puzzle Corner

Sponsored by:

SUDOKU

Source: www.websudoku.com

A Multi Sudoku is a 2-in-1 Sudoku. Normal Sudoku rules apply to each 9x9 grid. Complete each grid so that every row across, every column down and every 3x3 box is filled with the numbers 1 to 9.

Across

1. Kind of porridge made from coarsely ground Indian corn (4)

3. Having had salt, pepper, herbs or spices added (8)

9. Comfort someone at a time of grief or disappointment (7)

10. Micro-organisms that produce diseases (5)

11. White lily held sacred by Egyptians (5)

12. Paved outdoor area adjoining a house (7)

13. Free from legal, social or political restrictions (11)

18. Capital and largest city of Wales (7)

20. Public square in a built-up area (5)

22. Alternative healing technique where energy flows from the therapist to the patient (5)

23. Largest city of Kenya; a centre for tourist safaris (7)

24. Supplied with fluid in order to maintain a healthy balance (8)

25. Unexpected obstacle (4)

Down

1. Large Italian island in the Mediterranean (6)

2. French impressionist painter (1840-1926) (5)

4. This barrier will shock you! (8,5)

5. Sweet substance obtained chiefly from cane and beet (5)

6. Give a spoken or written account (7)

7. American animator and film producer; full name Walter Elias __ (6)

8. Substance that causes injury, illness or death of a living organism (6)

14. Joined in matrimony (7)

15. Young foreign person who helps with childcare (2,4)

16. Burn the surface of something with flame or heat (6)

17. Walking up and down, slowly and with measured tread (6)

19. Spanish clubbing island (5)

21. Decorate with ornaments (5)

Kersfees

Kersfees op die plaas van vammelewe

Iets waarna ons kinders die heel jaar strewe

Van heinde en verre het familie kom kuier

Die lang jaar is verby, dis tyd om te luier

Ooms en tannies, neefs en niggies

Almal verwonderd om kersboom se liggies

Presente vir almal word uitgedeel

Om ons liefde vir mekaar, só te verseël

En dan die Kersmaal op tafel bedien

Sowat van keuses, het kindsoog nie gesien

Bees, vark, skaap en hoender, en groente

En dan poeding ook, ‘n Hemelse gedoente!

Maar dan is dit Oupa, wat Boeke vat

Met sombere stem, vertel hy ons wat

Kersfees beteken, vir algar van ons hier

Ons Koning is gebore, dít is wat ons vier

En Hy kom weer, laat dit jou nie ontglip

Die lewe is meer as ‘n OK Lucky Dip

Jy kan seker maak van jou Ewige Present

As jy vandag na Jesus, jou hele hart wend.

© Pine Pienaar

Brenda van Niekerk is this month’s winner of R500 sponsored by Oakleigh Life, for her funny, true-life story!

I asked my daughter and her husband to take me to have my eyes tested. When I left the Spec Savers examining room my daughter asked me the the verdict, and I told her the optician’s diagnosis. She nodded, went over to her husband, who is a keen sailor, and told him I had “catamarans.”

He asked her, quite seriously, if they were ocean-going, or ordinary ones. She told

Comic Relief Gold and Silver Picker

From childhood I enjoyed collecting coins, stamps and antiques. Later, I discovered the world of gold and silver and remember the small Kruger Rand my family clubbed together to buy me for my birthday.

I never imagined that this interest of 25 years would turn into a career of collecting, meeting amazing people, and hearing the history behind their treasured items.

At Gold and Silver Pickers, we buy gold, silver, vintage costume jewellery, coins, banknotes, antiques, collectables,

him they were definitely ocean going. He then asked how big they were. When she had no idea, he took her outside, pointed at the building, and said that’s how big catamarans usually were – how big were mine?

My daughter stood there, dumbfounded, until he finally said, “My dear, I think you mean cataracts”.

stamps, vintage watches, precious stones and war memorabilia.

We’re prepared to travel to clients, offer several payment options and only collect valuables once payments reflect in your account. We also volunteer free evaluations for charities that have been donated collectables.

Come find out why our clients trust us as the best dealers around!

Deon Landman

Jokes Corner

Something Fast

A woman, shortly before Christmas, told her husband that she would like something able to go from 0 to 100 in more or less 4 seconds ... it goes without saying that she wanted a new car. The husband was a bit of a cheapskate. So for Christmas, the woman received a scale!

Train Set

Mason says to his mother: You can delete the train set from my Christmas wish list.

Mother: Why is that?

Mason: Yesterday, I found one in the closet.

The 4 stages of life:

1. You believe in Santa Claus

2. You don’t believe in Santa Claus

3. You dress up as Santa Claus

4. You look like Santa Claus

One Liners:

• What do get if you cross a duck and Santa? A Christmas Quacker.

• How many reindeer does it take to change a light bulb? Eight! One to screw in the light bulb and seven to hold Rudolph down!

Source: www.jokes4us.com

Skin Care Tips

• A well-balanced diet is always the foundation of skin health.

• Build on that with regular cleansing and moisturising.

• As you mature, use more hydrating products to replace natural moisture.

• Exfoliate 2 – 3 time weekly to encourage your skin to regenerate.

• Before going out, apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.

• Remember, skin isn’t the same everywhere! Neck, eyes, cheeks etc. might each require different care.

• Facial serums have powerful ingredients that target specific skin needs.

• Professional treatments go a step further and have higher concentrations that work wonders in the hands of a trained specialist.

• As with anything, consulting a Professional is a great way to find out what you are missing. Treat yourself and find out what your skin loves!

By Kirst Swindon (Beautician) Tel: 076 835 8919

Good skin care is about enhancing the basics with a few touches of expert magic. Make sure you check out these tips to see what you can add to your routine.

Competition Corner

To enter all of the Senior Living competitions, simply send a WhatsApp with the word HELLO to 072 632 6023 and we’ll reply with a list of links.

Select the competition’s link given, and enter each competition as per the individual competition instructions. Where applicable, winners will be drawn on the 16th of January 2023 and winners will be notified via email/phone, and announced on our website.

1. Win a R500 gift voucher, courtesy of Oakleigh Funeral Home, by finding the Snowman hiding in the magazine. To enter, go to the link provided via WhatsApp, then fill in your name and contact details, use the word SNOWMAN as the COMPETITION KEYWORD, and the page number and location of the snowman for the COMPETITION ANSWER.

2. Win a R300 Blackwoods voucher, courtesy of Blackwoods Nursery. To enter, go to the link provided via WhatsApp, then fill in your name and contact details, use the word BLACKWOODS as the COMPETITION KEYWORD.

3. Win a family portrait canvas, courtesy of Bespoke Canvas. To enter, go to the link provided via WhatsApp, then fill in your name and contact details, use the word BESPOKE as the COMPETITION KEYWORD.

We are always looking for funny, true-life snippets to share with our readers. Share yours, and if we print it, you will be rewarded with R500 cash (courtesy of Oakleigh Life). Submit your original story to editor@seniorlivingmag.co.za (use COMIC RELIEF as your subject line). See page 42 for this issue’s winning funny, true-life story!