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IN THIS EDITION Feature: David & Kristin Williamson .....................page 3 Wellbeing ................................................................. page 8 Seniors Week feature.................................... pages 11-29 Travel ............................................................... page 33-35 Puzzles ....................................................................page 37 What’s on ................................................................page 39

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $36.30 for one year (11 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Central Coast Seniors”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications.

Published by News Regional Media. (ABN 73 064 061 794).

Printed by News Regional Media, Yandina.

Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

The celebration of our wonderful self

HELLO readers and welcome to a jam-packed edition of useful, practical and entertaining articles.

Because of the nature of my job, not a day passes when I do not read a varied number of accounts that have contributed to someone’s 100th birthday. When they’re asked to share their secret of longevity, they often talk about eating, drinking or exercise habits.

If you have an appetite for daily news, then you might have picked up on some too; for instance one centenarian shared her secret of throwing down a daily dose of Scotch, another bacon, another chocolate.

I won’t keep going because there is a commonality amongst these factors – that is, they’re just the things health experts tell us to give up, or at least devour in moderation.

The only explanation I can think of is that these long-living humans consider daily

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

consumption low on the moderate intake scale.

However, in the maintenance of healthy ageing there is another factor that reaps great rewards and that is happy relationships - with family, friends, community.

This month our front page features David and Kristin Williamson.

This year they celebrate 45 years of marriage, an ever-extending line-up of grandchildren and artistic pursuits.

I have featured David and Kristin for two reasons, one because they are a couple of very happy people who consistently volunteer much of their time and expertise to Australia’s creative community and their own close-knit family.

Secondly, because

Valentine’s Day was celebrated this month, that makes February the month of love. Although our readership is united under the banner of Seniors, I realise the uniqueness of each reader and in this issue as we always do, I have endeavoured to reflect our diverse audience with a varied range of relationship stories.

Certainly, David and Kristin exude the happiness factor, but they are far from alone. In this edition we feature the volunteers who work in museums and other worthy foundations.

In common with all these people is their desire to reach out beyond their home and support others, in the process they reap the benefits of new friendships, knowledge and the feeling of contributing to the wider community.

But, at times, for some of us, no matter what the motivation, it can be a little difficult to reach out

Diving in for 42 years ON SUNDAY, October 26, 1975, at the Gosford Olympic Pool, a number of Second World War diggers and returned Vietnam veterans from around the Gosford area met to form the Gosford District Diggers Swimming Club.

Those present at the meeting were Denis Allen, Ben Barnett, Trevor Blay, Bert Bull, Syd Gibson, Don Gover, Bill Hunter, Dugald MacColl, Gordon Martin, Ralph Mortimer, Larry O’Haiher, Neil Roff, Philip Tremethick and Ron Wilson.

Unfortunately none of these members are still alive in 2017.

At this meeting Syd Gibson put the motion that the Gosford District Diggers Swimming Club be formed. This motion was seconded by Doug McCall. The club’s first office bearers were president Neil Roff,

SWIMMERS ARE GRINNERS: Gosford Five Ways Carnival held at the Gosford Olympic Pool on November 1, 2015, with the Gosford RSL Diggers swimming team in lane two.

secretary/treasurer Ron Wilson, club captain Bill Hunter and the handicappers were Don Gover and Phil Tremethick.

The club held its first swim on Sunday, November 16, 1975. The Gosford District Diggers Swimming Club affiliated with the Gosford RSL in 1978 and are now called the Gosford RSL Diggers Swimming Club.

The Gosford District Diggers Swimming Club

foundation members also made sure the club was affiliated with the AIF Swimming Association of Australia.

The foundation members were Stuart Adair, Allen Allard, Chris Armstrong, Les Arndell, Graeme Baker, Paul Bezrouchko, Phil Bible, Keith Brooks, Ken Butt, Bruce Cowley, Peter Dann, Barry Davidson, Doug Flaherty, Athol Frewin, Bob Godding, Brian Gregory, Ross

Grond, Bob Gunn, Geoff Grinter, Terry Henstock, Jim Hurley, Peter Martin, Pat Matthews, Ken Mathieson, John McQueen, Bob Potts, Ed Semmens, Bruce Tilley, Ron Tuddenham, Brian Walshe and Stan Willis.

Sadly only four of these members – Peter Dann, Jim Hurley, John McQueen and Ed Semmens – are still with us. John and Ed are still swimming with the best of us.

From that Sunday and every Sunday for the past 42 years, the tradition continues. From 8.30–10am we compete over 100m, 50m and 30m events plus relays.

It’s on for young and old.

We swim for fitness, fun, friendship and competition. Every swimmer is given a handicap time for each of the events, which ensures that on their day anyone can be a winner.

After the day’s events

and explore what’s available. This month we feature the annual Seniors Festival (week), where community groups and national initiatives such as Telstra’s Tech Savvy lessons, are highlighted in such way you really have the opportunity to try new experiences. The huge amount of events showcased between March 3–12 is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons.

In this edition, we endeavoured to ensure we have listed as many events as possible in the Seniors Festival Week calendar. It’s a simple guide to what’s on in your area, so I trust it can as act as an easy-to-read and efficient calendar as you navigate your way through this week.

Positve ageing could be called a ‘buzz phrase” at the moment. But it really does underpin the foundation of an active and healthy older age.

Stay happy, stay kind and always be curious.

are completed, the swimmers get together for refreshments and a yarn.

Each year we take part in the AIF carnivals and regular swimming meets with AIF and RSL swimming clubs from across New South Wales.

They are great fun and always worth travelling all over the state to attend.

Recent events have been held in Albury, Cobar, Castle Hill, Forbes, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, Seven Hills, The Entrance and Tuggerah.

In November 2015 we held the Five Ways Carnival at the Gosford Olympic Pool, where five AIF clubs – Cobar, Gosford, Forbes, Malabar and Nelson Bay – competed.

A photo taken of the Gosford team from the event included Noel Radburn, John McQueen, Jon Stevens, Peter Gould, Don Miller, Chris Durbridge, Dave Ferrington, Peter Ray, John Sherrington, Paul Munns, Cliff Deane and Rob Lewis.

The Gosford RSL Diggers Swimming Club is always looking for more swimmers to join in each Sunday. Phone Rob Lewis on 0412 443 053 or Paul Nixon 0407 007 340 to find out more.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 3

When David sang My Funny Valentine Jim Fagan

DAVID Williamson is 75 this month. He’s at the age when he could be putting his feet up at his ocean front home at Sunshine Beach, Queensland, and enjoying the fruits of a career spanning nearly 50 years as Australia’s lauded, and leading, international playwright.

He certainly has enough grandchildren to play with.

He and his author/ journalist wife Kristin have just come home from California where they welcomed their 12th into the world.

But no, David is busier than he has ever been.

He is currently adapting Rupert, his 2013 play about Rupert Murdoch, for US cable television. It is a six part miniseries and he

Forty-five years of marriage and a new play coming right up has finished part one. He also has a Hollywood movie in development but he wants to keep it under wraps for now.

His new play Odd Man Out opened in Sydney last month and Noosa Long Weekend festival director, Ian Mackellar, is bringing it to Noosa (Queensland) in March as a publicity and fundraising precursor to the festival.

“I’ve had a very lucky life,” he told Seniors when we called to wish him a happy 75th which is on February 24.

“I’m one of those rare playwrights who gets just about every play he writes produced. I get such a kick out of constructing something, seeing it come to life with good actors and then the big buzz of watching the audience

react.”

And even after household name productions like Don’s Party, The Club, The Removalists, Travelling North and 25 screenplays for hugely successful movies like Phar Lap and Gallipoli and Emerald City the need for the “buzz” is clearly still there.

David went to high school in Bairnsdale Victoria and attributes his career path to a teacher, Alan McLeod. “He brought Shakespeare to life for me. The basic human emotions of love, hate, revenge, ambition, all of these things are timeless,” he said.

“He steered me to being a playwright by making drama seem interesting, relevant and a real exploration of human nature which it is.

“I started by writing some university material in the 60s and, oh my goodness, there you go, I’m still going.”

Twelve years ago he developed a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

“I had them both and they seemed to alternate.

It was stress related. I was working too hard and I went from being a four cylinder car to a three cylinder car,” he said.

“I went on effective medication and I was able to live with it. The fibrillation still reappears from time to time but I have a new lease of life now.

The work hasn’t ceased and, fortunately, audiences are still coming in numbers.”

David described how he and Kristin met during rehearsals for The

Removalist at La Mama Theatre in Melbourne.

“I was looking for a replacement lead actor and suddenly this gorgeous woman turned up. The problem was we were both married to other people at the time.

“We’ve been together 45 years and I’ve just dropped her off in Hastings St to have lunch and go shopping with two of the grandkids.

Something must have been right about it.”

David believes romance is “important in your life.

“Kristin would feel very bereft if I didn’t find some good red roses on Valentine’s Day. It’s been a bit of a scramble sometimes but I’ve always managed it.

It’s part of our calendar and I try and take her out for a nice dinner.”

The interview ended just as Kristin arrived

❝

Kristin would feel very bereft if I didn’t find some good red roses on Valentine’s Day. home. I mentioned Valentine’s Day and she recalled how she and David were in a Chinese restaurant in Umina on the NSW coast.

“There was an electric organ and David started playing and singing My Funny Valentine.

“Our teenage children were mortified but the restaurant people applauded.

Our friend, actor John Bell, who was with us, was astonished.

“He hadn’t seen the exhibitionist side of the quiet playwright before that night.”

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ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL: David and Kristin Williamson in Los Angeles in December celebrating the birth of their 12th grandchild with family and friends, and above, David and Kristin with grandchildren in Sydney last Christmas.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

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4 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Magnetism of the Muscial Gosford Music Society celebrates 70 years of history Alison Houston

BY THE time you turn 70, you tend to have racked up quite a few tales along the way. So it is with the Gosford Musical Society.

Now with more than 600 members and producing five shows a year – three senior and two junior – GMS has achieved an enviable record over the past 15 years or so of an average 92% audience at its shows.

And with budgets for each show ranging from about $100,000 up to the mighty Phantom of the Opera at $220,000, not to mention a host of talent, it’s little wonder GMS has an incredibly strong following.

Who better to ask about how it all came about than GMS historian and director of 13 of its shows, not to mention cast member of about 60 including the upcoming production of Evita, Darryl Davis.

Originally from Ohio, the drama and history teacher has been with the group for more than 35 years and traced its history from humble beginnings in the Valencia Theatre, with their first performance of the Pirates of Penzance in April 1948.

"We’ve certainly come a long way in costumes over the years," Darryl laughed, looking at photos from the time.

"They used to hire all their costumes and sets from Sydney, and for one of the performances in 1949 the sets didn’t turn up, so they put a note in the program for Act 2 saying due to lack of sets, Act 2 will look remarkably like Act 1!"

But, of course, the show must go on. And that wasn’t the only hardship for the group.

The Valencia didn’t have any dressing rooms. The ladies dressed in a narrow space behind stage, while the men dressed in a tent pitched at the back door, and had to have a lookout so their entrance wasn’t missed … although it occasionally was.

Today, GMS makes all the sets and costumes themselves, and they’ve had some big names pass through their number, including Julia Morris and Sonia Kruger, whose careers both started there.

Darryl remembers Sonia’s first role came about when the then-choreographer at 19 had to jump into the lead role of Damn Yankees because the star had to be hospitalised two weeks out from the performance. Looks like she enjoyed her taste of stardom!

Ben Stephens, of Ten Tenors fame, also returned from the group’s European tour to play the part of the Phantom in 2014.

Over the years GMS, which has called the Laycock Street Theatre home for about 30 years, has had a number of venues, including the chicken shed at the showgrounds from about 1964-75. Darryl said it was hardly the ideal venue, with no stage, no seating and situated next to the railway line, so audiences could hear the trains being shunted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

TRADITION CONTINUES: Kasey Mckenzie and Tyson Almond star in Gosford Musical Society's production of Evita.

PHOTO: TROY SNOOK

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 5

MAJOR SHOWS: Phantom of the Opera (left) and stars of the Pirates of Penzance team up for a photo in the early days. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

When Darryl joined the group in 1980, they called Gosford High home, before raising money ($450,000) and gaining government funding to build at Laycock Street. It was a huge effort, Darry said, but one that had paid huge dividends.

GMS now has a dedicated rehearsal space, "the Shed", where they can also do

all their set building, and a properly sprung dance floor in the Mirror Room. They’ve also bought a costume shop which boasts two floors worth of costumes which they use and rent to other groups and private individuals, with their own team of costume designers and makers for each show, at a budget of $20,000 to $30,000 per show.

Part of GMS’s success, Darryl said, was down to the spirit of the Central Coast.

"Gosford is a city these days, but it’s still more like a big country town and we’ve had a lot of loyalty from people," he said.

The area also benefits from a number of professional actors, singers and dancers choosing to retire to the Coast and

they still have talents coming from Sydney to audition for parts alongside the homegrown talents.

And you never know where those talents will be hiding. Darryl tells of the male star of Hairspray who the director "discovered" joking with customers in Coles, and asked to

audition.

With recent shows having included the blockbuster Wicked, Peter Allen’s story in The Music Man, the Addams Family, Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde and Footloose, Darryl said one of the hardest things for a society was choosing what shows to do each

year, and waiting for amateur rights to be released.

They are currently anxiously awaiting rights to Mama Mia and Priscilla, but meanwhile, will start their 70th year celebrations by presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita from March 3–18.

Telling the story of Argentina’s spiritual leader Eva Peron, the musical gained fame from the movie starring Madonna, but Darryl said GMS had a strong crew to do it justice, including director Gareth Davis, musical director Ben Ross, choreography by long-term GMS performer Amanda Woodbine, and Kasey McKenzie in the lead role as Eva. Book online at www.gosford.nsw.gov. au/theatres, phone 4323 3233 or Google Laycock Street Theatre.

6 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Those ol’ time blues Band members share 50 years of memories at Girrakool Fest

By Alison Houston

JILL Tweedie was just a 14-year-old kid from Ryde when she became the original singer with blues band the Foreday Riders in 1967.

Fifty years on, the Terrigal resident is back to celebrate when the band plays at the second Girrakool Blues Festival and BBQ at Mt Penang Gardens on March 4–5.

The band, kept together throughout the decades by its founding brothers Ron and Jeff King, has earned the moniker of Sydney’s “University of the Blues” as a result of all the talented people who have cut their performing teeth in its ever-changing line-up, including solo guitarist Ray Beadle.

Other band members have been with them since the 1980s and ’90s, with current frontman Shane Pacey, best known from the Bondi Cigars, with them for the past 10 years.

“The thing with blues

bands is members do tend to play with different bands and do come and go – it’s just part of the blues,” Jill said.

She still plays with the band a couple of times a year and said it was always wonderful to get back on stage with them.

And, of course, there’s the shared memories after 50 years together.

Jill was about five years younger than the rest of the band when her brother, then the base player, introduced her to it.

Their first ongoing gig was at John Huey’s Wine Bar in The Rocks.

“I wasn’t allowed to even be in there in those days, being under-age, but the boys looked after me and the police, who had a station right nearby, just told me to ‘disappear’ whenever they came in so I wouldn’t get into trouble,” Jill laughed.

Jill has continued her music, playing locally in a trio called HipSister. And although she didn’t

STILL RIDING HIGH: Jill Tweedie will sing with the Foreday Riders again as they celebrate their 50th anniversary at the Girrakool Blues Festival.

appear at last year’s Girrakool, she was part of the very impressed audience.

This year she’s looking forward to seeing local boys Grizzlee Train and

Queensland’s Hat Fitz and Cara, with Hat Fitz “a whiz on guitar, mandolin, you name it”.

That’s just the start of a national and international line-up of 20 bands, which

includes New Orleans’ Hot 8 Brass Band and Eugene Hideaway Bridges (think BB King).

Gates open at 10am Saturday and Sunday, with the first band from

11.30am, finishing at 10pm Saturday and 6.30pm Sunday. Go to girrakoolblues.com.au.

Tickets are 15% off before the day and start from $46.75 for adults.

She Story launches a more positive world

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Suzy Miller and Tiffany Doman want women to think and act more supportively.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Paralympian andcharity founder Liesl Tesch.

NSW Law Society president Pauline Wright.

Country music star Gina Jeffreys.

CHANGING the way women think and talk about each other and becoming a more supportive society seems like a mighty task in today’s world of judgment, competitiveness and emphasis on the superficial.

But armed with a passion and commitment that shines through when you talk to them, Suzy Miller and Tiffany Doman are sowing the seeds to do just that with their new project She Story, which launches, appropriately, on International Women’s Day. “It’s about bringing women together, breaking down barriers and embracing each other, rather than tearing each other down,” Suzy said.

“Everyone’s got a story to tell, and a story that will inspire someone else. It’s not just about younger women, business women or successful women, it’s about everyone.”

She Story will launch with a breakfast at Mingara Recreation Club

on March 8.

“I know we can learn a lot from older people’s lives and experiences, and they can learn a lot from our younger people as well,” said Suzy, who has a background in youth programs as well as corporate leadership.

In fact, it was through a Youth Frontiers program that Suzy and Tiffany met, found themselves to be kindred spirits, and from October went to work on She Story.

Suzy admits it’s been a 24/7 commitment over the past few months, but said “that’s easy when it’s something you’re really passionate about”.

And the pair have attracted some big names to the cause, with country music star Gina Jeffreys, Paralympian and Sport Matters charity founder Liesl Tesch, and NSW Law Society president and founder of the Central Coast’s 5 Lands Walk cultural campaign Pauline Wright all guest speakers at the breakfast.

But there is more to the event than just listening to inspiring

presenters. Suzy and Tiffany are keen for attendees to mingle and get to know each other.

They hope to run up to three events each year, and for men to become involved in championing the women in their lives as well.

“We are making little judgements about people every day. We don’t even think about it. So it’s about each individual making a decision to change our negative behaviour and our way of thinking, dropping our guard, not seeing each other as threats and instead being open to each other,” Suzy said.

What: She Story International Women’s Day Breakfast When: Wednesday, March 8 from 7.45-11am Where: Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi Guests: Gina Jeffreys, Liesl Tesch AM and Pauline Wright Tickets: $65 includes breakfast, entertainment and prize draw.

Go to the website www.shestory.com.au for more information.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Future friend named Pepper

Seniors 7

A whole new world of services and support is at our doorstep

SHAPED like a human and capable of recognising human emotions, the cutely named Pepper is the newest innovation in aged care technology.

Japanese company SoftBank Robotics has developed the pint-sized robot to provide day-today companionship and support.

Pepper can already recognise joy, sadness, anger and surprise. Using its cameras located in its head, Pepper can

interpret a smile, frown, tone of voice as well as verbal and some body language.

For the news junkies, Pepper comes connected to the internet so it can keep you up to date with news, weather and more.

Further enhancements are on the way by researchers at the UK’s University of Bedfordshire and Middlesex University.

Capabilities of the robot will include: ■ communicating

CAN I HELP YOU? The robot Pepper is the newest innovation in aged care technology.

through speech and gestures.

■ moving independently.

■ assisting an individual in performing everyday tasks (helping with to-do lists, keeping track of bills, suggesting menu plans).

■ providing healthrelated assistance

(reminding an individual to take their medication, do their physical exercise, or raise the alarm in emergencies).

■ providing easy access to technology (internet, video calls, smart appliances for home automation).

■ providing entertainment (reading

aloud, playing music and games).

Dr Chris Papadopoulos, principal lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, will test and evaluate the robots’ impact upon care home clients’ health and wellbeing.

“The project is truly ground-breaking,” Dr Papadopoulos said.

PHOTO: SOFTBANK ROBOTICS

“Building culturally aware Pepper robots that can autonomously re-configure their interactions to match the culture, customs and etiquette of the person they’re caring, means that they are more likely to be accepted by elderly clients.”

New book addresses unique issues faced by the single older adult WHEN we look at most of the promotional literature produced by the retirement industry, we see lots of pictures and stories of attractive couples on cruise ships, at parties and walking along beaches.

When was the last time you saw a picture showing a single retired person in any of these situations? Many single retirees complain they feel invisible. It’s as if the

TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON whole idea of life in retirement is only about couples having a good time.

The reality is there are currently more than one million single people

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The reality is there are currently more than one million single people over 50 in Australia and the numbers are growing fast.

over 50 in Australia and the numbers are growing fast.

While singles have the distinct advantage of not having to compromise with a partner when deciding what to do and where to go, they generally have to manage a range of issues that are quite different to those facing couples.

These include having to pay the dreaded “singles supplement”

when travelling, having to fund living expenses out of one income and having only one salary going into superannuation.

Not only do singles have to make all their decisions on their own, there is virtually no assistance or information that can help them prepare for the transition from full-time work to some form of retirement.

We decided to offer some assistance to this

group and have put together a book that covers most of the issues single people are likely to face in retirement. It’s titled How to be Happy, Retired and Single.

This book covers a range of issues, including finances, housing, travel, managing change, retirement planning and emotional issues.

Visit www.mylife change.com.au.

Come On Let’s Do The Google This March Tune in, turn on and tap into next month’s technology edition.

This March, we’re sharing dozens of user-friendly tips to start or further your use of computers, cameras or phones.

There’s so much available to enhance our lives, from new communication techniques to medical devices and very clever cameras.

Pick up your free copy of the March edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

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Get savvy and join the tech talk this March in Seniors Newspapers.

8 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Wellbeing ACTIVE AGEING

WEIGHT-bearing and resistance exercises are the answer to helping your bones get stronger.

Osteoporosis Australia exercise specialists say hopping and jumping, and progressive resistance training such as lifting weights in the gym, are the most effective exercises for improving and preserving bone strength throughout life.

Other exercises that involve the feet making impact with the ground such as running and jumping, tennis and dancing are all good for bones.

OA’s Professor Belinda Beck recommends regular exercise that raises the heart rate is important for reducing the risk of common lifestyle

diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

“But we know that aerobic exercise on its own makes little or no difference to bones,” Prof Beck said.

❝

.. .hopping and jumping, and progressive resistance training such as lifting weights in the gym, are the most effective exercises . . .

“Bones need to be stressed in very specific ways in order to get stronger.”

To get successfully active, you should: ■ Be regular – exercise for about 30 minutes, at least three times a week.

■ Exercise intensity should increase gradually over time – the amount of weight used, degree of exercise difficulty, height of jumps, and so on, must increase or vary over time to challenge the bones and muscles.

■ Routines should be varied rather than repetition.

■ Exercises should be performed in short, intensive bursts.

■ Regular short bouts of weight-bearing exercise separated by several hours are better than one long session.

■ Lifting weights quickly is more effective for

improving muscle function than lifting them slowly.

■ Rapid, short bursts of movement such as jumping or skipping are more effective than slow movements.

Exercise specialists recommend that before

HEALTH HELP: Strengthen your bones using regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises. PHOTO: OSTEOPOROSIS AUSTRALIA

anyone starts exercising, particularly those people who have osteoporosis or already had a fracture, a qualified exercise

Staying together with fur friends

PET SUPPORT: PAPA president Jan Phillips with Kirsty and Mintie.

PHOTO: DI JOHNSTONE

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KEEPING older Australians and their pets together is the goal of the national lobby group Pets and Positive Ageing, which is the first of its kind.

The voluntary organisation is a specialised advocacy group that is helping find ways for domestic pets to stay with their elderly owners at home or in retirement villages, in hostels, at independent living units and in low-care areas of nursing.

President Jan Phillips said the organisation realised from very early days that pets and aging was a national issue.

Since 2012 it has confronted and challenged the issues surrounding when older Australians need to move to supported accommodation and the vexing problem of what to do with their pets, which can at times stop people from making the choice of moving to more suitable accommodation.

Ms Phillips said PAPA continually engages with several animal welfare and in-home pet support programs across Australia, providing them access to a resource-rich

website and pet-friendly accommodation information flyers and organising events on pets and positive aging issues.

Its community consultations have led PAPA to offer “practical initiatives such as promotion of support services in other states, holding public forums on key issues, talking to key senior groups and service providers and mentoring community organisations looking to emulate the PAPA programs,” Ms Phillips said.

The group’s newest campaign is focused on pet support becoming one of the standard services offered to home and community care clients within home care packages.

Other PAPA projects on the table for 2017 are developing advice on end-of-life for pets, promoting the use of emergency or home alone contact cards and opening discussions on taking dogs into public places and onto public transport.

For more information, go to www.petsand positiveageing.com.

This is the first story in a series on Pets and Positive Ageing.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

From little things big things grow FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

However, a look at the price of rentals and the realisation that her pension wouldn’t even cover a one-bedroom apartment, meant she had to consider alternative housing styles.

“I remembered the share houses from my youth and decided to check Gumtree. I found most were seeking younger people.

“Luckily, I did eventually find a flatmate of similar

❝

grown to 60 members and has several adverts for people seeking and places to share.

You can search for and join Seniors Share Houses Gold Coast, Seniors Share Houses Sunshine Coast and Seniors Connect on Facebook.

■ Anglicare North Coast Anglicare CEO Estelle Graham said the North Coast area reached from Port Macquarie to the Queensland border and while on the surface this area represented a sunny holiday destination, there was a problem with affordable housing.

Ms Graham said high rental costs were exacerbated by increased

GR8CLEAN is a (not for profit) specialist cleaning service for Ballina, Alstonville, Lismore and Byron Bay residents.

age and interests and we became close friends.”

Linda’s career background was in community development and with that knowledge she took a further step and created a specific space just for seniors to advertise when seeking or offering share accommodation.

“You may wonder ‘why Facebook?’, because it might not be considered senior-friendly,” she said.

“However, it is free to use, has the capacity to reach many people, and libraries and community groups are now offering courses in the use of social media.”

Linda’s Facebook site Seniors Share Houses Gold Coast has been running for about 18 months and she told me it had helped many find their perfect flatmate (and friend).

“There are currently 550 members and growing,” she said.

This month, due to its success, she has developed a similar Sunshine Coast group. In a little over a week Seniors Share Houses Sunshine Coast had

demand from the influx of road construction workers, and homes, formerly permanent rentals, reassigned to the Airbnb pool.

She also pointed to research by Sandy Darab and Yvonne Hartman from the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University, Lismore, and their studies on the housing situation

of older women in the Northern Rivers area.

In an article for **ProBono (16/11/2016) the researchers said they had found a “massive problem”. They went on to describe the issue as “a sleeping giant”.

In an effort to generate affordable housing funds, Ms Graham said in December last year, Anglicare North Coast launched the Gr8Cleaning business. GR8CLEAN is a specialist cleaning service for Ballina, Alstonville, Lismore and Byron Bay residents. It does specialised work such as air conditioner cleaning and pressure cleaning of houses/offices, driveways and footpaths.

The not-for-profit is run by qualified and trained Anglicare North Coast employees and all profits from GR8CLEAN help Anglicare North Coast continue to provide vital services.

■ **Extract from ProBono article: Hartman says they found that baby boomers, as they come to retirement, are really finding it difficult.

“As they come to the end of their working lives and because of their backgrounds with women’s role as carer, and the way it was structured in the last

PRACTICAL WORK: Anglicare North Coast CEO Estelle Graham is behind a business to support affordable housing.

century, women tend to come to the end of their working lives without the same financial resources as men, due to gender inequality in wages etc.,” Hartman said.

“Even women when they divorce, and get a very good settlement with the house, most of them can’t actually maintain it or keep the payments up and many lose their home and end up renting and that just becomes untenable when they only have a pension to rely on.

Additionally, she says many of the women won’t seek help until they are in a “very, very bad

situation” because “they are ashamed that they don’t have anywhere to live and are reluctant to go to service providers until they’re in a bad way”.

GR8CLEAN Visit the website gr8clean.com.au or call (02) 6642 4345. *https://probono australia.com.au/ news/2016/11/ homelessness-olderaustralian-womensleeping-giant/ (16/11/2016)

HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.

What’s

Going On?

Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community? Share your story online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page. Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

CR115679AG-5

FIVE months ago I published the first of these stories in Seniors Newspaper ‘Talk n thoughts’ section, and I have since noted there is plenty of talk going on with Australian committees, working groups, governments and private interests.

On the other hand some not-for-profit building companies such as Brisbane Housing Company or the Tiny Homes Foundation are flat out with fundraising and building appropriate housing. I have also published a story on Sydney’s Paramatta Council, which is taking a look at alternative housing models through a house sharing initiative.

However, right now demand far outweighs available accommodation, and as the older demographic increases so does the urgency of this issue.

Nevertheless, in a decent society there are always people who, rather than sticking their head in the sand, raise their hand and take solid initiatives in the quest for affordable housing for the older person.

Here, I introduce you to Linda Mina, whose own experience led her to set up an online housing site, and Anglicare North Coast NSW chief executive officer Estelle Graham, leader of a group who has gone to work to raise affordable housing construction funds.

■ House sharers Gold Coast resident, 68-year-old Linda Mina, has set up Facebook groups to help older people find share housing. She said her inspiration for creating the Seniors Share Houses Facebook groups evolved from personal experience.

“At 60, due to ill health, I retired. My children had moved out and I was left with a mortgage struggling to make ends meet,” she said.

“I decided the only way to afford any sort of life was to sell my house and rent.”

10 Seniors Central Coast

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

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Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Even heroes need a break sometimes

Seniors 11

With 70 years of award winning experience in residential and in-home care, we know what goes into being a full time carer.

Award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

12 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Time for something new THIS year the theme of the 2017 Seniors Festival (formerly NSW Seniors Week) is “Inclusive Communities”.

There’s always room in life for new experiences, in this edition, we encourage you to check out our Seniors calendar, pick something normally outside your comfort zone and take the opportunity to try something out of the norm. Have you ever thought about a certain creative project, a

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

sporting activity, alternative health or technology, you would like to know more about?

Seniors Week is all about welcoming you to fresh experiences, now’s the time to put your thoughts

into action and feel the excitement of fresh discoveries.

The value and meaning of the Senior’s Week theme, Inclusive Communities, lies in realising its opposite, which is, isolation and exclusion. Inclusive Communities promote choice, support and of course, inclusion. In particular at this time of year, the government supports these options through investment in social infrastructure and

social capital, in this case much of the support is channelled through to local, grassroots groups who take the opportunity to extend and share their knowledge, entertainment and friendship during the 2017 Seniors Festival period.

The numerous and diverse range of events held during the 10-day NSW Seniors Festival , between Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 12, is an initiative to bring all

seniors together to embrace and celebrate this marvellous age.

Besides, providing some great entertainment, it is hoped various events reflect some of the festival week’s message which include: Empowering our demographic to stay connected and contribute to our communities; To live active and healthy lives with improved physical and mental wellbeing; Bring together

local community organisations to produce multicultural, intergenerational or lifestyle events for senior community members; Harness opportunities for seniors to continue to participate in activities outside the festival and encourage opportunities for seniors to continue to learn.

Go on, don’t hold back, have a go and enrich your life.

Enjoy, Gail

Creative techniques to improve your wellbeing THE Whiddon Group’s Director of Research and Creative Ageing Expert, Karn Nelson, shares her insights on the links between creativity and wellbeing, and tips on how to use these techniques at home.

At Whiddon, we use the term creative ageing broadly to include arts and crafts, music and song, dance, theatre, animal therapy, storytelling, writing, cooking and gardening.

The reason it works is that creative expression engages many different parts of the brain, and it is enjoyable, which means that you are more likely to keep on doing it.

Neuroscience confirms that our brain’s capacity for creative expressions does not diminish with age, in fact, it can grow.

We’ve found that getting people involved in creative activities and groups is a highly effective way of tackling social isolation and loneliness, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving capability and cognition. Our trial of HenPower, a creative ageing and socialengagement program based around keeping and caring for chooks has resulted in much-improved

FRIENDS: Resident Aub says having Priscilla to look after helps him stay motivated to be active and spend more time outside.

Keeping company with feathered friends during activities.

PHOTOS: KERRY WILSON

quality of life for the residents that get very involved. For one resident, Aub, having chickens in the home gave added purpose to his day and helped him regain a previous level of physical activity by giving him a reason to spend time outside and walk around.

Our tips for healthy ageing: ■ Get creative – You don’t need to be ‘naturally’ creative. Anyone can get involved in and enjoy creative activities – music, singing, art, mandala meditation, puzzles, even gardening and cooking involve creative expression. These activities build confidence and can have a big impact on positivity, wellbeing

could be finding new interests or maintaining existing hobbies, going to social groups and events, caring for a family pet, going on outings with family and friends, or even having a meaningful

and happiness.

■ Stay connected – Loneliness and social isolation can have huge impacts on health, engagement and wellbeing. Find ways to connect with people,

❝

Anyone can get involved and enjoy creative activities – music, singing, art, mandala meditation, puzzles, even gardening and cooking... places, interests and things that matter to you and encourage family and friends to do the same.

It’s important to understand that being social and keeping connected looks a little different for everyone; it

conversation with someone.

■ Be physically active – Keeping active is important at all ages and exercise is beneficial for both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Having a reason to keep

The perfect match

active or spend time outside in the garden, as we saw in our HenPower trial, helps with the motivation for this.

This could be going for a walk to catch up with family or friends, spending time in the garden, walking a pet or going for a swim.

■ Exercise your mind – Brain training is a hot topic and we frequently hear about activities to keep the brain active.

Whiddon offers a program called Chat, Stories & Tea, a social program that uses non-medication based approaches to slow cognitive decline.

Techniques from the program can also be used at home to help engage a family member or friend –

use plenty of sensory stimuli, such as music, pictures, things to hold and play with to help encourage conversation and memories to flow.

Avoid asking direct questions, as this can be intimidating and instead use imagination to encourage conversation to build confidence.

■ Find meaningful activities – Participating in meaningful activities helps us feel positive, purposeful and accomplished.

These activities may change as we grow older and it’s important to help a family member find what’s meaningful and enjoyable for them – pursuing an old hobby, or finding a new one, volunteering, mentoring others and finding ways to give back.

Caring for another being or living thing, human, animal or plant can have an enormous impact on feeling that we are contributing and valued, which is why pet therapy is so powerful.

To find out more about Whiddon’s award-winning aged care services and creative ageing programs visit www.whiddon.com.au or chat to us on 1300 738 388.

At Whiddon, we pride ourselves on our wonderful qualified and dedicated staff always going the extra mile to support our clients at home, living fuller and more independent lives for longer.

Award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

Calendar of events FRIDAY, MARCH 3

★Gentle Exercise 8.30am VENUE: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Free. ★Spinning Demonstration 10am LOCAL spinner Dianne Davis will be running a free spinning demonstration. All are encouraged to attend.

Venue: Toukley Library.

Free (and morning tea). ★Grandma Moses 2016 Selected Artists GET MOVING: Happy gentle exercise at the Show Opening Peninsula Leisure Centre.

10-11am ENJOY this opportunity to see a selection of works by the artists museum during NSW Seniors Festival. who won or entered the popular over Browse the exhibits, learn something 50s Grandma Moses Art Competition in 2016. The works may inspire you to enter new, reflect on the past and be entertained. Groups welcome. Open this year’s competition. Bookings daily ecept Sundays 9.30am-4.30pm. essential: 4304 7065. Free (includes Free. Port Macquarie Museum, 22 morning tea). The Foyer, Erina Library.

Clarence St, Port Macquarie. Contact: ★Art Therapy Workshop Debbie Sommers – Port Macquarie 10am-noon Museum on (02) 6583 1108 or email USE tile, shells, old jewellery, buttons or pmmuseum@bigpond.com or trinkets to create your very own mosaic www.portmuseum.org.au/events. photo frame. Materials supplied. ★Cessnock City Seniors Festival 2017 Bookings essential: 4350 1580. Free.

WITH over 40 events and activities there Venue: Bateau Bay Library is something for everyone at the ★Accommodation Options for Older Cessnock Seniors Festival. Get moving Australians at aqua aerobics classes, find your mojo 10am-noon at a motivation seminar or visit one of BOOKINGS essential: 4304 7555. Free. the local open days or concerts. March Venue: Woy Woy Library 3: 9am-2pm, March 18: 10am-2pm. ★Central Coast Seniors Festival Short Cessnock LGA. Free. Contact: Jo Miller Films Session 2017 from Cessnock City Council on 11am-noon (02) 4993 4258. Email: jo.miller@ FOLLOWING a short talk, enjoy morning cessnock.nsw.gov.au or www.cessnock. tea and watch a series of eight short nsw.gov.au. films, as selected by a representation of the over 50’s community. Bookings SUNDAY, MARCH 5 essential: https://central_coast_ ★“The Grove” Tea Dance seniors_short_film_ 4-7pm session_2017.eventbrite. com.au. Free.

VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and (and morning tea) Venue: The Hub, Erina Learning Centre. New Vogue, Latin and ★Aqua Fitness Modern. Contact: 0410 281 500. Cost 11am $5 (includes light supper).

VENUE: Gosford Pool ★Tai Chi MONDAY, MARCH 6 11.15am ★Fitness VENUE: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Free.

8-9.15am ★Aqua Fitness TERRIGAL 50+ Leisure and Learning 12.30pm Centre. Free.

VENUE: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Free. ★Chess ★Aged Care Fees and Charges 9-11am 1.30-3.30pm ETTALONG 50+ Leisure and Learning VENUE: Woy Woy Library. Bookings Centre. Free (includes morning tea). essential: 4304 7555. Free. ★Knit and Knatter 9am-noon FRIDAY, MARCH 3 TO VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning SATURDAY, MARCH 11 OPEN House at Port Macquarie Museum. tea). ★Indoor Bowls Free entry to our multi-award winning

9am-noon Venue: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Bay Audio Hearing Tests 9am-3pm BAY Audio Hearing Experts are providing free hearing checks to all seniors during the Seniors Festival 2017. The hearing check will be conducted by specialist staff who will explain the results of your hearing check with you. No appointments are necessary, just turn up on the day.

Free. Venue: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. ★High Tea and I.T. 10-11am VENUE: Erina Library (includes morning tea). ★Cupcake Decorating Class 10am-noon VENUE: Gosford Library. Bookings essential: 4304 7555. Free. ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Kariong Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Woy Woy Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Aqua Fitness 12.30pm VENUE: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Free. ★Table Tennis 1.30-3.30pm GOSFORD 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes afternoon tea).

MONDAY, MARCH 6 – FRIDAY, MARCH 10

★“Get Started” Health and Fitness Assessments VARIOUS times Venue: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Part of the Senior Strength Program. Bookings essential: 4325 8123. Free.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

★Yoga 8-9am VENUE: Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free. ★Aqua Fitness 8.30am VENUE: Gosford Pool. Free. ★Toukley Senior Citizens Centre Information Day and light lunch 9am-1pm AT TOUKLEY Senior Citizens Centre in the Club Auditorium located at 1 Hargraves St, Toukley. Phone 4396 5075. Free (includes light lunch/fruit platter). Over 17 tables will be manned from local businesses displaying what is available to our senior community. Interesting talks will be given

Coral Allan, 98 thrill-seeker

throughout the day including the Orca Whales, Community Fire Safety, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Management. A great day is planned, so do come along. ★Indoor Bowls 9am-noon VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Darts 9am-noon VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Indoor Bowls 9.30am-12.30pm VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Long Jetty Senior Citizens Centre Open Day 10am VENUE: Long Jetty Senior Citizens Centre. Includes darts, computers, Zumba Gold, Colouring in Company, Tai Chi and a free morning tea. Free. ★Stand Up Paddle or Canoeing/Kayaking 10am-noon WANTING to try something new? Choose between a two-hour session of Stand Up Paddle (limited numbers) or canoe/kayaking. Avoca Lagoon.

Bookings essential: 4362 3184. Cost $15. ★Jewellery Making Workshop 10am-12.30pm VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Kits cost from $3-$12 (includes morning tea). ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Umina Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Introduction to iPad Workshop 10.30-11.30am VENUE: Kincumber Library. Bookings essential: 4304 7641. Free. ★Understanding your Pension 10.30-11.30am VENUE: Woy Woy Library. Bookings essential: 4304 7555. Free. ★Scrabble 1-3.45pm VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes afternoon tea). ★Tech Taste Sessions SESSION times: 10am and 1pm CURIOUS about computers, iPads and tablets, and what you can do on them?

Come along to a presentation and hear about some useful courses – Windows 10, manipulating photos, Office, Word Pad, problem solving, email, internet and creating cards. Free (includes morning tea). Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

At Whiddon, we pride ourselves on our wonderful qualified and dedicated staff always going the extra mile to support our clients at home, living fuller and more independent lives for longer.

Award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

14 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Calendar of events FROM PAGE 13

Centre. ★Aqua Zumba 6.15pm VENUE: Gosford Pool.

Free. ★Yoga 7.30pm PENINSULA Leisure Centre. Free. ★Dance In 7.30-10.30pm VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. New Vogue, Latin and Modern – includes a lesson and KEEP DANICNG: Head to Gosford 50+ Leisure and social dance. Contact: Learning Centre. PHOTO: WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD 0412 493 435. Free to all over 50. ★Mingara Recreation Club inform and inspire you. A NSW Seniors 2.30pm Card or another form of identification is a MINGARA Celebrates Seniors Week with requirement of entry to the expo. The this free cabaret show! Enjoy an expo is open to everyone to attend. afternoon of cabaret entertainment March 7, 9am-4pm and Marc h8, starring Wayne Cornell with special 9am-4pm. International Convention guests Chris De Havilland Centre Sydney, Exhibition Hall 4, 14 (impressionist), Leigh Archer (vocalist) Darling Dr, Sydney. and a five piece band. Doors open 2pm, show starts 2.30pm in the The Show WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH Room. Tickets are free and available ★The Art House Central Coast Council from the welcome desk.

Seniors Festival Concert 10am-12.30pm TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, PERFORMANCES by Joe Zappia, Encore, Taylah Harrington and Ella Powell.

MARCH 7 & 8 Bookings essential on 4335 1485. Free ★PREMIER’S GALA CONCERTS (includes morning tea).

THE PREMIER’S Gala Concerts are a ★Alison Homestead Free Buffet popular free event for seniors, produced Breakfast by the NSW Government.

8-10am For 34 years, the Premier’s Gala TO CELEBRATE Seniors Week and Concerts have been delivering International Women’s Day a free buffet high-quality, free Australian variety breakfast will be held at Alison concerts, featuring Australia’s best and Homestead. Listen to some amazing upcoming musical theatre and recording guest speakers talk about their life artists.

The 2017 Premier’s Gala Concerts will be growing up in the area, while you enjoy breakfast. Afterwards, those wishing to held at the new International Convention Centre Theatre, Darling Harbour. Concert tour the Museum may do so at their leisure. Volunteers will also be available dates and times are: March 7 – 11am to discuss how you can become involved and 2.15pm. March 8 – 11am and with the Museum and the on-site Men’s 2.15pm.

Shed. Bookings essential: 4352 1886 or Tickets available from participating NSW Ticketek outlets or 1300 130 613. Online info@alisonhomestead.com.au. Free. ★Green Living Bus Tour bookings: www.ticketek.com.au/ nswseniorsweek.

9am-3pm ★2017 EXPO PICK up at Central Coast Council Office, JOIN US at the 2017 NSW Seniors Gosford. Learn about council’s Water and Festival Expo. It’s a free event right next Waste Management by visiting a number door to the Premiers Gala Concerts so of council facilities. Please wear you can enjoy both occasions on the appropriate walking shoes, and a hat. same day. The expo will give you a Bookings essential by March 1: glimpse into the latest trends and 4325 8175. Free (includes morning tea innovations in wellness, health, lifestyle, and lunch). technology, education, travel and more. ★Indoor Bowls With over 50 exhibitors on the day, there 9am-noon will be plenty of giveaways, great show VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and bargains and interactive sessions to Learning Centre. Free (includes morning

tea). ★Indoor Bowls 9.30-11.30am TERRIGAL 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free. ★Seniors Fair 10am-12.30pm VENUE: Umina Library. Free. ★Seniors Cricket Match 10am-3.30pm AN ENJOYABLE day for both players and spectators. All players and officials must register with Gordon Ives on 4341 1126 prior to the day. Free. Alan Davidson Oval, Wyoming. Note: venue and time may change at any time due to ground and weather conditions. ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Kincumber Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Yoga 10.30am VENUE: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Free. ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Woy Woy Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Active and Healthy Talk 11.30am-12.30pm INFORMATION regarding the Central Coast Local Health District’s upcoming courses on the Active and Healthy Group which is a support, education and activity group for older people recovering from depression and/or anxiety. Free.

Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. ★Aqua Fitness 12.30pm VENUE: Peninsula Leisure Centre. Free. ★Scrabble 12.45-3.45pm VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Line Dancing 1-4pm VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes afternoon tea). ★Yoga Nidra for Seniors 2pm VENUE: Kincumber Library. Bookings essential: 4304 7641. Free. ★CPR Awareness for Seniors 2pm PENINSULA Leisure Centre. Free ★Rolling in the clay 12.30-3pm INTRODUCTION to the art of ceramics through a series of demonstrations, including wheel throwing, hand building and glazing followed by an opportunity to make your own ceramic pieces under guidance. The afternoon will also include a tour of the Central Coast potters Workshop and an afternoon tea.

Spring chicken?

Bookings: Recommended. Central Coast Potters Workshop, 10A Russell Drysdale St, East Gosford. Free. Contact: Denise Allen – Central Coast Potters Society on (02) 4324 5343 or email deniseallen@westnet.com .au or www.ccpotters.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

★Australian Museum 9.30am-5pm In celebration of its 190th anniversary, the Australian Museum welcomes Seniors to enjoy free access to the entire Museum and its exhibitions, including Spider – Alive and Deadly and The Scott Sisters. This stimulating day features engaging talks, behind the scenes tours, as well as unique performances and workshops. For more information and to register for tickets, visit www.australianmuseum.net.au/event /seniors-day. Free. ★Darts 9-11.30am VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Indoor Bowls 9am-noon VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning tea). ★Variety Social 10am-1.30pm VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Enjoy entertainment and morning tea with a performance by ‘Wild Honey’. Free (includes morning tea). ★Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre Concert 10am-noon PERFORMANCES by Chris Anthony as Klassic Black, and Sheryl Sharky as Elvis. Includes a two course luncheon.

Ticket entry only. Tickets available at Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre: 4384 5152. Cost $15 (includes two-course lunch) Session times: 10am, 11am and noon. Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. ★One-on-one Session: Introduction to “Find my Past” VENUE: Kariong Library. Bookings essential: 4325 8155. Free. ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Umina Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Grandparents’ Story Time and morning tea 10.30am VENUE: Kincumber Library. Free (includes morning tea). ★Mahjong 12.30-4pm VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free (includes morning

At Whiddon we believe in caring for the whole person. It means ensuring that the older people we support can still enjoy doing the things that matter to them.

70 years of award winning residential care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 15

Calendar of events tea). ★Seniors Week Photography Competition Presentation Evening 6pm VENUE: Kincumber Library. Free. ★Aqua Fitness 6.30pm VENUE: Gosford Pool.

Free. ★Seniors’ Happy Days 10am-2pm Come along and enjoy a delicious morning tea and lunch prepared by our cooks. Be MAKING A SPLASH: Seniors enjoying the benefits entertained by local of Aqua fitness classes. multicultural dance groups and musicians while you eat.

Bookings: Essential.

John Gebhardt Centre, VENUE: Ettalong 50+ Leisure and 2a Platt St (Ex Bowling Club at the Learning Centre. Free (includes Waratah Park across the Waratah Train Station), Waratah. Wheelchair Accessible afternoon tea).

Toilets. Cost: $10 pp. Contact: Brittney SUNDAY, MARCH 12 Hoggs – Ethnic Communities Council of ★Round and Round the Garden Newcastle & Hunter Region on WRINKLIES Theatre Company is a new (02) 4960 8248 or email theatrical group intent on performing office@eccnewcastle.org.au or plays that make you feel good. Their first www.eccnewcastle.org.au. production is “Round and Round the Garden” which is one of the ingeniously FRIDAY, MARCH 10 funny trilogy of Alan Ayckbourn. ★Bay Audio Hearing Tests Bookings: 4304 7550. Cost $10.

9am-3pm Gosford Regional Gallery, Edogawa BAY Audio Hearing Experts are providing Gardens. free hearing checks to all seniors during the Seniors Festival 2017. The hearing TUESDAY, MARCH 14 check will be conducted by specialist ★Safety for Seniors staff who will explain the results of your hearing check with you. No appointments 10:30am-12pm SENIOR Constable Rachel Scott, from are necessary, just turn up on the day.

Brisbane Water Command, will be Free. Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning speaking about personal safety in your Centre. home, when out and about, as well as ★Indoor Bowls how to recognise and avoid scams.

9.30am-12.30pm Everyone is encouraged to come along.

VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and Bookings: 4304 7065. Free (includes Learning Centre. Free (includes morning morning tea). Woy Woy Library. tea). ★Grandparents’ Story Time and SATURDAY, MARCH 18 morning tea ★Toukley Senior Citizens BBQ Lunch 10.30am with Entertainment VENUE: Kincumber Library. Free Noon (includes morning tea).

ENJOY a barbecue lunch and raffles, with ★Aqua Fitness entertainment by David Lang with his 11am “Neil Diamond Tribute”. Tickets available VENUE: Gosford Pool. Free. at Toukley Senior Citizens Centre. Phone: ★Tai Chi 4396 5075. Cost $12.50 per person.

1-2pm Toukley Senior Citizens Centre.

VENUE: Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre. Free.

MONDAY, MARCH 20 ★Table Tennis ★Years Ahead Driver Program 1.30-3.30pm 10-11am VENUE: Gosford 50+ Leisure and A REPRESENTATIVE from the NRMA will Learning Centre. Free (includes talk about pedestrian and driver safety afternoon tea). for seniors. Contact: 4304 7222. Free. ★Line Dancing Ettalong 50+ Leisure and Learning 12.30-4pm

Centre.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

★Eastern Suburbs of Sydney Bus Trip 8.30am-4.30pm DEPARTS outside Terrigal Sands, Duffy Rd, Terrigal at 8:30am sharp. Enjoy morning tea at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, then: Bondi Junction, North Randwick, Maroubra and Double Bay. Explore Sydney’s well known beaches - Bondi, Bronte and Coogee. Drive through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and then onto Rushcutters Bay, Darling Point, Double Bay, Point Piper, Rose Bay and Vaucluse. Stop at Watsons Bay to visit The Gap, then continue to Dover Heights, Bronte, Clovelly, Randwick and Kensington. Stop for lunch at The Juniors Kingsford, then head home through the city, across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Bookings essential: 4384 5152. Cost $56 (incl. 2 course lunch at Juniors Kingsford and luxury travel with commentary). Terrigal 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre.

CESSNOCK AREA FRIDAY, MARCH 3

★Tai Chi 10am-noon THE longevity exercise. Morning tea available after class. Class run by Cessnock City U3A at the Northend Hall, Church St, Cessnock. Free. Contact: 4990 7943. ★Come and try Croquet 10am-noon JOIN us for a fun filled morning. Croquet equipment and instruction supplied.

Morning tea provided. Bookings Essential. Cessnock Croquet Club, Calvary Retirement Community Grounds.

Free. Contact: 4990 5640 or 4990 4622. ★The Weatherman 10-11am GAVIN Morris is recognisable as the NBN weatherman, and has twice climbed Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro, for charity. Gavin will speak at Kurri Kurri Library about his life and adventures. Morning tea is included.

Kurri Kurri Library. Free. Contact: 4937 1638.

■ Elders Afternoon Tea 2-3.30pm BLACK Creek Aboriginal Corporation invites you to attend our afternoon tea to celebrate Seniors Week. Everyone is welcome. Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. Free. Contact: 0422 574 972.

■ Kurri Kurri Historical Photo Exhibition 9-11am Sat, 9am-7pm Tue 9am-5pm Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri. A FASCINATING collection of historical photos of the local area from the Tidy Towns Heritage Collection. This exhibition will run throughout Seniors

Alex is 90 and still growing

Festival. Kurri Kurri Library. Free.

Contact: 4937 2603.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

★Sir Edgeworth David Museum 11am-4pm TRAVEL back in time at this marvellous local history museum, depicting all aspects of life in the Hunter. The museum also hosts the largest local history library in the Hunter Valley.

Biscuits, tea and coffee available on request. Kurri Kurri High School Grounds Deakin St. Free. Contact: 4937 4418.

MONDAY, MARCH 6

★Aqua Aerobics 9.30am session, 10.30am session A FUN and easy way to shape up and improve your overall health. Suitable for all levels of fitness and swimming ability.

All you need is your swimmers and a smile! There will be two sessions, each running for 1 hour. Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre Free with Seniors Card. Contact: 4937 1362. ★Cessnock Men’s Shed and Community Garden 9.30am-2pm COME and visit us at our Open Day! There will be woodworking, metal working and horticultural activities. Pizza from 10am to 1pm. Call us if directions are needed. Calvary Retirement Community Grounds. Gold coin donation for pizza. Contact: 4990 1198. ★Introduction to the Internet WANT to learn to surf? Come along to this (very) basic internet class, where you can watch, learn and ask as many questions as you like. Sessions will be held at Kurri Kurri and Cessnock Libraries. 10-11am – Kurri Kurri Library – phone 4937 1638. 2-3pm at the Cessnock Library. Phone 4993 4399.

Free. ★Petanque 10.30am FUNNY name, great game! Come and try a game enjoyed by people all over the world. Easy to learn and no experience needed. Morning tea available. Run by Cessnock City U3A. Potters Brewery, Wine Country Dr, Nulkaba. Free. Phone: 4990 7943.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

■ Newcastle Museum Outreach - Toys!

10am-noon DID you have a favourite toy or game you played when you were young? Share your stories and memories with toys and games from the Museum’s handling collection. Everyone welcome, if you still have any of your treasured toys, bring them along! They’d love to be shown to everyone. Calvary Retirement Community Grounds. Free. Contact: Kristin Smith on CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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16 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Calendar of events FROM PAGE 15

4993 9000. ★Writing Workshop Join author Keith Whelan as he guides you through the creative writing process. Sessions will be held at Kurri Kurri and Cessnock Libraries. 10am-2pm at Kurri Kurri Library.

Phone 4937 1638.

2-4pm at Cessnock Library. Phone 4993 4399. Free. ★Walking Basketball 10am-noon FUN AND GAMES: Learn about computers Get active! Come and including animation, programs and coding. try this great new sport, a gentle, walking pace version of the fast and furious to get involved. Projects and equipment game we all know! All on display. Morning tea available. Men’s equipment supplied, and no previous Shed behind Kurri Kurri Community experience needed. Soft soled shoes preferred. Cessnock Toyota Stadium, 101 Centre, Lang St. Free. Contact: 4937 2742.

Mt View Rd. Free. Contact: 4990 1295. ★Aqua Aerobics ★Seniors Choir Concert 9.30am session, 10.30am session 10.30-11.30am JOIN us in the pool for a wonderful A wonderful musical morning! Our workout! All you need is your swimmers program includes selections from two all-time favourite musicals, ‘My Fair Lady’ and a smile! There will be two sessions, each running for one hour. Kurri Kurri and ‘Carousel’. Come and enjoy!

Aquatic Centre. Free with Seniors Card.

Morning tea will be provided by the Contact: 4937 1362.

Samaritans. Cessnock Performing Arts ★Computer Coding Centre. Free. Contact: 4990 7134.

10-11am ■ Cessnock Gem and Mineral Club WANT to learn to talk to computers? A 1-4pm hands-on introduction to coding, the Join us for a creative afternoon! Hands language of computer programming. on workshops and demonstrations of Learn to write simple code that is turned stonework, opal carving, faceting, into programs and animation. Cessnock jewellery making, chain maile, polymer Library. Free. Contact: 4993 4399. and epoxy clay and lost wax casting.

Devonshire tea provided. Cessnock Gem ■ Sing-A-Long Clubhouse, Stephen St, Cessnock. Free. 10.30am-1.30pm JOIN us for an old fashioned sing-a-long!

Contact: 0407 781 371.

Old time favourites from the 40s to the ■ Young at Art 70s. Light lunch provided. Please RSVP 4-5.30pm

by March 7 for catering purposes. Black THE Cessnock Regional Art Gallery’s Hill Uniting Church, Black Hill. Cost $5. junior art class invites you to a fun and Contact: 0457 111 984. creative afternoon at the easel. All art supplies supplied. Afternoon tea available. Cessnock Regional Art Gallery. THURSDAY, MARCH 9 Uniting Church Art Group Free. Contact: 4991 6619.

9am-1pm EVER wanted to try your hand at WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 watercolours or acrylics? This friendly, ★Kurri Kurri Men’s Shed Open Day relaxed group of like-minded people 9.30am-1.30pm welcome you to come and discover your COME and see the fantastic projects artistic side. Morning tea provided and happening at the shed, and find out how

artworks available for sale. Uniting Church Hall, Cumberland St, Cessnock.

Free. Contact: 4938 0273. ★Ukulele Lessons 10-11am DISCOVER the joys of the ukulele at this introductory hands-on workshop, run by the Hope Valley Creative Academy. There will be a limited number of ukuleles available to borrow on the day, or bring along your own. 10-11am at Kurri Kurri Library. Contact: 4937 1638. 1-2pm at Cessnock Library. Contact: 4993 4399.

Free. ★Aqua Aerobics 9.30 session and 10.30 session TONE up and have a laugh with this fun low impact excerise. All you need is a your swimmers and a smile! There will be two sessions, each running for one hour.

Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre. FREE with Seniors Card. Contact: 4937 1362.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

★Hope Valley Church Morning Tea 10am COME and join us for a scrumptious morning tea in the Front Room at Hope Valley Church. Here at Hope Valley we would love to honour and serve the seniors of our town. Entertainment by Ronald Jackson. 169 Vincent St, Cessnock. Cost: $5 Contact: 4991 1603. ★Richmond Vale Railway Museum 10am-2pm COME and meet the volunteers at the Railway and Mining Museum, see our maintenance and preservation projects, and find out how to get involved.

Refreshments will be available. 262 Leggetts Dr, Kurri Kurri. Free. Contact: 4001 0197. ★Tai Chi 10am-noon COME and try a session of this ancient healing art, a moving meditation that helps improve physical and emotional well-being. Morning tea available after class. Class run by Cessnock City U3A. Northend Hall, Church St, Cessnock.

Free. Contact: 4990 7943. ★Old Brush Studio 10am-2pm JOIN us for a wonderful morning of music and bush poetry in this magical bushland setting. Please bring a hat, water and wear shoes suitable for walking. If you are driving yourself to the studios please bring a blanket or fold up chair. A barbecue lunch will be provided by the Cessnock Lions Club. Bookings

essential. Old Brush Studio, 187 Lieberts Lane, Brunkerville. Free.

Contact: 4993 4258. In the event of wet weather the event will be postponed. If this occurs, phone 4993 4258.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

★Seniors EXPO and Vintage Car Display 10am-2pm A GREAT opportunity to talk to local services, agencies and organisations.

Find information, ideas and inspiration for ageing well. Information stalls and food available. A collection of Vintage cars will also be on display. Calvary Retirement Community Grounds. Free.

Contact: Kristin Smith on 4993 9000.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

★Sir Edgeworth David Museum 11am-4pm COME and visit for a tour and a chat. The museum houses a fascinating collection of displays, photos, objects and library depicting all aspects of life in the Hunter.

Biscuits, tea and coffee available on request. Kurri Kurri High School Grounds, Deakin St. Free. Contact: 4937 4418.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

★CPAC Concert JOIN us at CPAC for a free concert. Sure to be a festival highlight. Please contact CPAC for concert details or visit www. cessnockperformingarts.com.au to find the most up to date information.

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. Free.

Contact: 4990 7134.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

★Rugby League Noon A GREAT afternoon of football hosted by the Cessnock Goannas. Country Rugby League U16 and U18 championships, Rd3 Newcastle Rebels v Central Coast, Rd6 Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters, U16 Harold Matthews and U18 SG Ball. Cessnock Toyota Stadium Free with Seniors Card. Contact: 4990 4990. ★Cessnock Harmony Day 10am-2pm CELEBRATE diversity and inclusion! A fabulous day of music, dance, performance and community. Stalls, children’s activities, food and more. TAFE Park. Free. Contact: 4993 4258. * DISCLAIMER: Please note that while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, all events are subject to change and we do not accept responsibility for this.

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Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Life expectancy changes aging SOMETHING has changed in Australia, making it possible for more people to live to be 100 years old.

Better education in health behaviours and avoiding habits that damage the body, controlling smoking, more control of vascular risk factors, improvement in medical treatments and survival rates for some cancers have all impacted on life span, which the University of New South Wales Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing Scientia Professor Perrmider Sachdev said had almost doubled over the last century.

“Life expectancy at birth is now closer to 90,” he said.

“By the middle of the century there will probably be about 40,000 Australians who have

LONGEVITY: We are living longer, with a life expectancy at birth closer to 90.

reached 100.”

Those living to 90 or older often tend to use fewer health resources, which means they are not putting extra strain on Australia’s health system.

“We see they are often quite healthy until a very late age,” Prof Sachdev said.

There is no definitive

answer as to whether this improvement in life span can continue or even increase.

There is, however, proof of what is making a difference in life span now.

The longest living person documented was a 122-year-old French woman but Prof Sachdev said in this

sort of extreme longevity there were genetic factors.

“Having a family history of long-lived individuals does go in your favour,” he said.

Another contributing factor was a plant-based diet supplemented by meat but not as a major part of the diet.

“There is also some evidence that people living at high altitudes have longevity but I don’t think that is consistent,” Prof Sachdev said.

In the four regions where there were recorded an excess number of centenarians – Italy’s Sardinia, Japan’s Okinawa, Greece’s Icarus and a place in Costa Rica – Prof Sachdev suggested less pollution, less technology, more manual labour and a fish-based diet may be contributing factors.

Seniors 17

Hunter Nursing helping you to get what you want

HEALTH Care Community – Hunter Nursing has been providing nursing and home care services to residents of Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lower Hunter since 1983.

Our reputation for clinical excellence is just one reason why we stand out from the crowd.

It is now easier than ever to have us provide the support and services that you want helping you keep well and stay safe in your own home.

Having you in the driver’s seat alongside our qualified professional teams, enables us to build your best package of care together.

■ Comprehensive assessment, care planning ■ Wound care, medication, continence, diabetes, palliative care ■ Allied health services – physiotherapy, occupational therapy ■ Management of neurological conditions such as MS, MND ■ Complex care – spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke ■ Case management ■ Assistance with daily activities – personal care, domestic assistance ■ Transport to appointments, shopping, socialisation ■ Companion care, respite services Phone (02) 4959 6711.

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It is now easier than ever to have Healthe Care Hunter Nursing provide the support and services YOU WANT. We look forward to meeting with you and discussing how we can tailor care or support to meet your needs at the Seniors EXPO.

18 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Meet the festival Tracey Johnstone

AN ECLECTIC group of five ambassadors is encouraging all New South Wales seniors to do more together in March during the NSW Seniors Festival.

Robina Beard OAM, Reverend Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Kumar Pereira, Graham Ross and Aunty Sandra Lee are inspiring festival ambassadors, who have been drawn from all sections of the community.

Each of them shares with us what they are looking forward to most in their lives.

ROBINA BEARD OAM

FITNESS: Robina Beard OAM. PHOTOS: NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL

Ms Beard was Madge the manicurist in the Palmolive dish-washing liquid television commercial of the 1970s.

“What I’m looking forward to is being able to teach lots of people in my exercise classes and my tap dancing class to have a great joy of life, to love dancing and to get to

Kumar Pereira is known for his time on MasterChef.

know their bodies and keep looking after them,” she said.

REV DOROTHY MCRAE-MCMAHON

Rev McRae-McMahon has worked in international aid and community development.

In 1997 she came out as a lesbian and led a successful campaign to have homosexual ministers accepted in the Uniting Church.

“The thing I look forward to most in my life is working with volunteers,

Aunty Sandra Lee is passionate about preserving and celebrating Aboriginal culture.

especially for the free local paper, which we produce, the South Sydney Herald, for the inner city of Sydney,” she said.

KUMAR PEREIRA

Mr Pereira became a household name in Australia in 2011 thanks to MasterChef.

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Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

ambassadors GRAHAM ROSS VMM

Mr Ross has been sharing his tips and passion for gardening for 50 years.

He started the Garden Clinic radio show on 2GB and then joined the television series Better Homes and Gardens in 1995.

“I am looking forward to growing something I can eat and, even better, share,” he said.

AUNTY SANDRA LEE

Graham Ross loves to share his knowledge and passion for gardening.

He volunteers, teaching the disadvantaged and seniors with disability to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals.

“I am looking forward to teaching even more people, particularly the seniors, to do the same,” he said.

Aunty Sandra is a Boorooberongal, Darug elder and traditional owner, who was born in Blacktown and is passionate about preserving the heritage and culture of the Darug people for all Australians to share.

“My people have been here for thousands of years,” she said.

“What I would like to do next year is to work with the Aboriginal people in Blacktown, Mt Druitt and help them to trace their families back as far as they can go.”

The ambassadors are tasked with encouraging seniors to participate in the festival.

Festival spokesperson Lee Huuskes said, “They will do this primarily through promoting the campaign’s key messages and its values through the media and sharing their skills, experiences, stories and tips.”

He expects festival visitors will get the chance to enjoy the company of the ambassadors at a number of events.

The 59th NSW Seniors Festival is on from March 3–12.

Across the state there will be a range of art, music, entertainment, recreation, sport and health events that encompass this year’s themes of staying connected, contributing to the community, living active and healthy lives, getting involved in multicultural, intergeneration and lifestyle events and continuing to learn.

Reverend Dorothy McRae-McMahon works with volunteers.

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20 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Get-together and make new friends

Celebrating the diversity of our older generation throughout the Central Coast NSW SENIORS Festival is the largest event for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

Previously known as Seniors Week, NSW Seniors Festival now extends beyond one week, with celebrations from Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 12 2017.

Now in its 59th year, the event celebrates you and your contribution to family,

friends, workplaces and the community.

It also provides opportunities to get together, make new friends, and to promote and celebrate the diversity of older people on the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council has put together a calendar of events throughout March.

There is something for everyone.

Choose from the

many activities, including art, entertainment, sport, concerts, music, demonstrations, workshops, day trips, health and fitness, and technical classes.

Many events are free or at discounted rates.

For a full list of events visit: www.centralcoast. nsw.gov.au/seniors festival2017 Let’s do more together!

STEP UP: Start walking 10,000 steps or more every day to kick-start changing your life habits.

Dump weight gain with four easy habits JUST four good habits stand between you and the battle of the bulge.

These habits are easy to follow, healthy behaviours.

You just need to make the choice to change to them.

■ Eat a breakfast ■ Limit takeaway food to no more than once per week ■ Take at least 10,000 steps every day ■ Watch no more than two hours of television per day Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania lead researcher, Dr Kylie Smith, said the study also showed that it’s never too late to change.

While the research was conducted on men and women aged between 26 and 36, the outcomes could apply to any age group.

Skipping breakfast as well as the type of foods consumed, was found to be associated with weight gain.

“A study of middle aged adults found those who consumed a higher percentage of their daily energy intake at breakfast

had lower weight gain during the mean follow-up period of 3.7 years” the study reported.

Eating takeaway food more than twice a week was also linked to weight gain as it associated with poorer diet quality.

How often do we find ourselves in front of the television, for hours on

❝

Dr Kylie Smith said the study also showed that it’s never too late to change. end and with a packet of chips or biscuits at our elbow?

So it’s not surprising that the researchers found television viewing may be linked to weight gain through unhealthy consumption of snacks while watching and increased exposure to advertising of unhealthy products.

“Food advertising can prime automatic eating behaviours and promote eating of products other

than those being advertised.

“Television advertisements have also been reported to increase desire to eat among overweight and obese individuals, but not healthy weight individuals.

“Distracted eating is also a possibility, where individuals over-consume because they are not paying attention to what they are eating,” the report concluded.

“We found the recommendation of walking 10,000 steps per day was the least likely to be met,” Dr Smith said.

Since walking is easiest of any activity to do at any time of the day, it’s surprising to read it’s the lowest priority habit practised within the study group “But, the differences were really small, so all behaviours tended to have quite similar effect on weight gain,” she added.

The trick it appears is not to pick and choose which habits suits you, but to apply all four, simple and healthy habits to your daily regime.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Remain independent AT THE Aged Care Store, we specialise in providing daily living aids to help you or your loved one stay independent for longer.

We carry the most popular and trusted brands in aged care living to ensure that you will find exactly what you are looking for.

“I was having a cup of tea with a neighbour, who is managing pretty alright for an 80-year-old male.

But what I noticed as he sipped on his tea was that his hand was shaking.

“It was at that point that I realised, I had overfilled the cup with hot liquid, but most importantly, he needed to use both hands to steady the cup, before it landed in his lap!

“I started to think ‘what if he was trying to make himself a cup of tea?’

How would he pour the hot water from the kettle into the cup, especially given he was struggling to even lift his cup to his mouth?

“Like me I bet that you

hadn’t even thought about this! I’m also guessing that you might not even be aware that two handled mugs exist. Genius right?

“Two handles for each hand, protecting each hand from the hot mug, also providing extra strength to lift the mug.

What about a kettle tipper stand?

“Great gadget, no need to lift a hot kettle. Two very simple tools that can make a simple task simple again.”

The range of aids includes: ■ Daily Living Aids Here at the Aged Care Store we aim to make your life easier. Our Daily Living Aids make tasks like making a cup of tea easy again.

Take a look at our kettle tipper and dignity mug!

Just two products that could make your day better.

■ Mobility Range We have a variety of options to make sure you

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■ Exercise and Therapy Range To help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Everyone should have the chance to remain independent in the comfort of their own home.

Live freely without worry with dependable aged care products. Visit www.agedcarestore. com.au for more details.

GOOD CARE: Live freely without worry at any age.

PHOTO: CATHY YEULET

Vintage collectables could be your cash cow IF YOU are trying to work out what to do with the old items you have hidden around the home high in the garage, low in the cupboard or tucked in the back of a drawer, why not turn them into cash.

WHAT’S TRENDING ?

Avid collector Jeremy Pollard said the following items were trending strongly: ■ Cyclopes bikes circa 1970s.

They are so popular they are hard to find as people have started big collections of them.

Actually, he said anything out of the ’70s was collectable, including vintage skateboards, Dragster push bikes and surfboards.

■ GT Falcon and Monaros These cars were sold for about $3500 when they first came out. Now they can go for up to $500,000 and they don’t need to be in mint condition.

Everyone loves barn finds, even if it’s rusty and covered in dust. Mr Pollard said sometimes this can make it more valuable as

it is original.

Mr Pollard currently has on his garage floor a 1952 Cadillac, a 1930s Willys Roadster, a 1948 Bedford ute, an Austin Healy Sprite, all of them “on the build”.

■ Baked enamel signs These are very popular but be wary of what you buy as there are a lot reproductions around that look original.

■ Vinyl records They have made a huge resurgence. There are even shops popping up that only sell vinyl records.

■ Scallywags These knitted toys, previously called golliwogs, are still popular, with a lot of sentimental value attached.

■ Coin-operated rides The machines are very hard to find, Mr Pollard said.

He has owned many of them over the years and still has two left in his garage, including an early Australian kangaroo ride.

HOW IS AN ITEM VALUED? The value is driven by the market and the

condition of the item.

“These days originality is huge,” Mr Pollard said.

“The big word is patina, which is the original condition.

It might have a bit of rust and the original paint it came in.

“The other word is ratty, particularly for cars.”

To work out an item’s value, the best thing to do is go online where just about everything is listed.

“You can compare your items with similar ones to work out what to charge or pay,” he said.

HOW TO BUY AND SELL ITEMS As there are few true vintage shops around, most collectors attend swap meets and go online. After spending years burning fuel driving long distances to check out a possible collectable, nowadays you do it from your lounge room using the internet.

Mr Pollard said eBay was the most popular but you have to pay a fee to sell and often items were up for bidding, not just for sale.

At the Aged Care Store we specialise in providing daily living aids to help you or your loved one stay independent for longer.

We carry the most popular and trusted brands in aged care living to ensure that you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Check out our: • Daily Living Aids - Here at the Aged Care Store we aim to make your life easier! Our Daily Living Aids make tasks like making a cup of tea easy again. Take a look at our kettle tipper and dignity mug! Just two products that could make your day better.

• Mobility Range we have a variety of options to make sure you can get out about and remain an active member within the community; • Patient Care Range if you are providing in-home care this range will make care at home just that little bit easier for you; • Orthotics Range to keep your feet comfortable; • Braces and Supports to ensure that you have no excuse to remain active. If you are suffering from Arthritis we also have a range of suitable supports to help ease some pain; • Exercise & Therapy Range to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Everyone should have the chance to remain independent in the comfort of their own home!

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www.agedcarestore.com.au

22 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Achieve a life balance with correct exercise HOW good is your balance? Do you have problems when you stand up, walk, turn around or climb stairs?

There are many changes that happen to our bodies as we get older but there are things we can do to help ourselves.

Being active regularly is one of the best ways to boost your odds of aging well, help keep your muscles strong, joints mobile and maintain good balance and strength.

If you’re over 65 and exercising regularly, give yourself a pat on the back.

If not, it’s never too late to start.

There are many reasons why we become more inactive with age. It may be due to helping family, health problems, weight or pain issues, or worries

about falling.

Or perhaps you think exercising simply isn’t for you.

But as you grow older, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever.

Getting moving can help boost your energy, protect your heart and manage symptoms of illness or pain as helps to maintain your independence.

Exercise is also good for your mind, mood, memory and sleep.

Including balance and strength exercises will also lower your risk of falling.

Reaping the rewards of exercise doesn’t have to involve strenuous workouts. It’s about adding more movement and activity to your life, even in small ways.

GET ACTIVE: Exercise is good for your mind, mood, memory and sleep.

PHOTO: GRADY REESE

Debunking the myths Myth 1: I’m too old to start exercising.

Fact: You’re never too old.

If you’ve never exercised before or it’s been a while, begin with gentle activities and build up from there.

Being active in 10–15 minute slots during the day also works well.

Myth 2: Exercise puts me at risk of falling.

Fact: Exercises that improve your balance and increase your strength

(tai chi, group exercises, strength training or home-based specific exercises) can lower your risk of having a fall.

Myth 3: I’m too weak or have too many aches and pains.

Fact: Getting moving can help you manage pain and improve your strength and self-confidence.

Many people find that regular activity not only helps stem the decline in strength and balance that comes with age but actually improves it.

Active Over 50™ If you’re looking for a way to kick-start some activity, check out the Active Over 50™ program.

For more information, visit Central Coast Local Health Districts’ Health Promotion website

www.healthpromotion. com.au. On the website you can download a copy of the Active Over 50™ timetable and find out what you need to do before attending a class, or phone the Health Promotion Service on 4320 9700.

Active & Healthy If Active Over 50™ doesn’t tickle your fancy, then try NSW Health’s Active & Healthy website www.activeandhealthy. nsw.gov.au.

The Active & Healthy website provides a searchable online database for physical activity programs in your area.

Simply enter your location and the distance you’re willing to travel and “Bob’s your uncle” – up comes a list of programs.

Moving right to stay upright

As we grow older we lose muscle strength and balance.

The more active we remain, the better the chance we have of keeping; • Our muscles strong • Joints mobile and • Maintaining our balance.

Staying active can help reduce the risk of a fall and assist in keeping our independence.

Strength and balance exercises can be done in a class or at home. Information on how to do exercises at home is included in the free information pack.

For an information pack and a free pass to an Active over 50 class ring the Health Promotion Service on: 4320 9700 or visit healthpromotion.com.au To find more exercise programs in your local area, visit: www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

Innovative insurance product for over 50s FUTUREWELL Independence Insurance is excited to announce the launch of a new insurance product specifically designed to cater for the care needs of Australians aged 50 and over.

It is the first insurance product in Australia designed specifically to enable older claimants to receive cash benefits that can pay for care while they are alive.

Usually products for this target group such as funeral insurance plans will pay only upon death.

This new product offers consumers a viable alternative or supplement to existing funeral policies.

FutureWell Independence Insurance was developed by Future Well Insurance Pty Ltd and

it is issued by AIA Australia.

The insurance helps provide policy holders with the financial freedom to make choices about care solutions and other related costs, in the event of a chronic health condition caused by sickness or accident, or a defined accidental serious injury.

The product also offers a death benefit to help clear final expenses.

It is estimated that more than 8 million people in Australia are aged over 50 years, and while Australians are living longer than in previous generations, the infrastructure is unprepared for the repercussions: “Australians now have to look at a range of

❝

FutureWell Independent Insurance offers claimants the financial freedom to spend their benefits on the most suitable care solutions for them.

STRESS FREE: Discover financial freedom and care solutions.

options if they wish to have choice, control and flexibility on services specific to ageing,” explains Grant Thomas,

managing director at Future Well.

Research conducted by FutureWell in 2016 found that many Australians are

worried about the physical, social, logistical and financial impacts of caring for themselves or ageing loved ones.

Besides wanting to receive care in their own home, remaining independent and not becoming a burden on their partner and family, one of the key concerns mentioned is the desire to be in control of their care plan.

“FutureWell Independent Insurance

offers claimants the financial freedom to spend their benefits on the most suitable care solutions for them.

This could be in-home care such as domestic support, personal care or home nursing, home modifications, or mobility equipment – really anything they wish,” said Mr Thomas.

Australians interested in FutureWell Independence Insurance can apply over the phone, if they are aged between 50 and 69 years.

Once the policy is in place, if they continue to pay their premiums, they can hold the policy for the rest of their lives.

To find out more information, website: www.futurewell.com.au or phone 02 8222 6140.

FutureWell Independence Insurance A new insurance product designed to help pay for care if you suffer a chronic sickness or injury and you can’t look after yourself. ✓ Apply between 50 – 69 years ✓ Covered for life, subject to premiums being maintained ✓ Stay at home longer ✓ Help pay for care

Call 1800 50 70 70 to learn more or visit futurewell.com.au/seniors FutureWell Independence Insurance is distributed by Future Well Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 46 613 222 110) an Authorised Representative of Peakbound Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 93 610 565 207, AFSL 488 411) and issued by AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861, AFSL 230 043). This is general information only. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement available at futurewell.com.au in deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold FutureWell Independence Insurance.

Terms and conditions apply.

6538288ac

24 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Celebrate with MOW TO CELEBRATE NSW Seniors Festival this year, Meals on Wheels Central Coast is hosting two community restaurant ‘open days’, offering local seniors a chance to experience the organisation’s Community Restaurants for free.

Guests will enjoy a nutritious two-course lunch, morning and afternoon tea, as well as entertainment and a range of social activities at Meals on Wheels’ Bateau Bay restaurant on either Tuesday, March 7 or Thursday, March 9.

They will have the opportunity to make new friends and learn about the various services that are available to them through Meals on Wheels Central Coast.

“Our clients have a fantastic time in the community restaurants and benefit greatly from the social interaction which the restaurants offer. I am very pleased that we can open up our doors so that others are

able to experience the restaurants for themselves,” Meals on Wheels Central Coast’s Community Restaurant Co-ordinator Lorraine Gosbee said.

Meals on Wheels Central Coast has provided nutritious meals and social support to local seniors since 1967.

The organisation runs four weekly community restaurants: two at Bateau Bay, one at West Gosford and one at Woy Woy. The ‘open days’ are funded by a small grant from the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, and are available to local residents aged 65 years or over who are not existing clients of Meals on Wheels.

To make a booking or for further details, phone Lorraine on 4357 8444 or 0427 026 229.

There are limited places available and return transport can be arranged at an additional cost.

Proudly serving the Central Coast community for 50 years

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(02) 4357 8444

www.ccmow.com.au

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP: Home Instead Senior Care (HISC) owner-director Jasmine Hopcraft is happy to team up with Meals on Wheels.

Staying at home just got a whole lot easier THE Meals on Wheels motto is “more than just a meal” and having teamed up with Home Instead Senior Care (HISC) from this month means it can really deliver on that promise.

After training in January, the program kicked off in February, and HISC owner-director Jasmine Hopcraft said they had received 10 referrals within the first 10 days.

Here’s how it works.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) has more than 400 volunteers visiting over 600 clients on the Central Coast.

Often when they visit homes, they notice people really need a little extra help, whether it’s domestic issues such as cleaning, changing beds, more socialisation or even help for medical issues such as dementia.

They want to do something to help, but what?

Now, Jasmine said, the volunteer’s next step is easy. They let clients know there is a homecare company that can help get them support and, if the client agrees, they call Meals on Wheels

HAPPY AT HOME: The new partnership between HISC and Meals on Wheels helps keep people in their own homes, where over 90% of older Aussies want to be. PHOTO: DAVID RADLER

headquarters, who pass on the details to HISC and its 75 qualified caregivers.

HISC contacts the client and organises a free care consultation, which takes about an hour.

“Basically we are advocates for them to navigate through the various options of care available to them,” Jasmine said.

“Often people are reluctant to ask for help, or don’t know what’s available, so we can put suggestions to them of services offered by a

private company like ourselves or help refer them to government services through the My Aged Care website.”

HISC has been on the Coast now for almost five years, in Australia since 2005 and worldwide since 1994. Its services include home help, personal care, transport, 24-hour care, dementia, palliative and respite care.

Phone HISC on (02) 4342 3477 or go to www.gosford.homeinstead .com.au or phone MOW on (02) 4357 8444 or visit www.ccmow.com.au.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 25

A chance to inspect at Ingenia

INGENIA Lifestyle Chain Valley Bay will throw open its doors to locals looking to downsize and prepare themselves for 2017, hosting its Open Day on Saturday, March 4 from 10am-2pm.

Guests have the chance to see first-hand the benefits of downsizing into a lifestyle-focused land lease community, where you can own a brand new home from $270,000, and lease the land.

Project Sales Manager Jason Webb said now was an opportune time to tour the community, inspect the display homes on offer and mingle with current

Ingenia Lifestyle Chain Valley Bay residents, Dennis and Helen McNeil, enjoying their downsized home.

residents.

“The recent pension changes are forcing some to consider new housing

options like land lease communities, to be able to pursue a financially stable lifestyle based on independence, health and well-being,” Jason said.

“Whether you’re ready to downsize now or just starting your research, our Open Day provides downsizers an opportunity to tour our display homes and experience our great community spirit.”

Ingenia Lifestyle Chain Valley Bay residents Helen and Dennis McNeil downsized to their new home earlier this year and are enjoying the benefits of active community living.

“We absolutely love living in our new home and

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: Come and see the beautiful display homes on our Open Day Saturday, March 4 at the Ingenia Lifestyle Chain Valley Bay.

are amazed at how close the community is to the water,” Helen said.

“When we came to one of the Open Days, we knew straight away that this is the place where we want to live.

“The environment is so relaxing.

“The view of Lake Macquarie is unbelievable but the homes are affordable. We think it is

almost too good to be true – it’s a million-dollar view that we could afford!”

The demand for land lease communities comes at a crucial time as many senior Australian’s are investigating options to free up equity to maintain financial freedom and the lifestyle they desire.

“This ensures a much more affordable entry price point and means

Join us for our

Open Day Saturday 4 March 10am to 2pm

Brand new homes now available from $270,000 Lifestyle living for over 55s • Come along and inspect the two display homes in our beautiful over 55s lifestyle community • Enjoy a sausage sizzle and light refreshments • View our new community clubhouse, swimming pool and facilities • Meet the residents and staff

Phone Jason on 0458 018 332 for more information 132 Findlay Avenue, Chain Valley Bay www.liveinchainvalleybay.com.au *Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land and is correct at time of printing. Terms and conditions apply.

new residents are often able to free up a substantial amount of equity raised in the sale of their previous home,” Jason said.

■ For more information on downsizing, visit Ingenia Lifestyle Chain Valley Bay’s Open Day on Saturday, March 4 at 132 Findley Ave, Chain Valley Bay or phone Jason Webb on 0458 018 332.

26 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Speaking two or more languages good for brain Tracey Johnstone

USING more than two languages throughout your life will help delay the onset of aging and dementia.

Unfortunately this advice only applies to those people who have used a second language throughout their life.

Linguist Dr Ana Ines Ansaldo, of the University of Montreal’s school of

Say hello (and hola, aloha, bonjour or ciao) to cognitive health audiology and speech-language pathology, has found years of bilingualism changes how the brain carries out tasks that require concentrating on one piece of information without becoming distracted by other information.

This makes the brain more efficient and

economical with its resources.

To arrive at this finding, they asked two groups of seniors – one of monolinguals and one of bilinguals – to focus on the colour of an object while ignoring the position of the object.

The researchers noticed the monolingual brain used a number of

regions to do a task.

However for bilinguals, the result was quite different.

“After years of daily practice managing interference between two languages, bilinguals become experts at selecting relevant information and ignoring information that can distract from a task,”

Dr Ansaldo said.

So it appears bilinguals have more centralised and specialised functional connections, which save resources compared to the multiple and more diverse brain areas allocated by monolinguals to accomplish the same task.

Bilinguals also achieve the same result by not using the brain’s frontal regions, which are vulnerable to aging.

This may explain why the brains of bilinguals are better equipped at staving off the signs of cognitive aging or dementia.

The study was published in the Journal of Neurolinguistics.

Hyperbaric treatment boosts cancer recovery

GRAFTON’S Brian, 69, credits treatment at the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine in Brisbane with saving his life.

Brian was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate tumour in August 2009. The surgery worked, until his PSA levels rose at the end of the year and he underwent eight weeks of radiation.

All was well until January 2014, when he experienced blood clots and blood in his urine, plus a constant pressure on his bladder and the need to go to the toilet frequently, and he knew something was wrong.

Brian and his wife researched potential solutions. Their internet search led them to the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine.

Patients are treated with 100% pure oxygen in

a chamber set to an increased atmospheric pressure designed to boost oxygen levels in the blood stream and help with healing.

Two weeks into treatment, Brian said he still had some bleeding

❝

Patients are treated with 100% pure oxygen in a chamber set to an increased atmospheric pressure and issues of frequency – then disaster hit. He collapsed from blood loss at his hotel near the centre and was rushed into emergency. A

urologist was called, who diagnosed a ruptured blood vessel in his bladder. Surgery to seal off the area was performed and Brian restarted his hyperbaric treatment.Brian underwent 39 “dives” in the chamber post-operation, during which time his bleed decreased and eventually stopped.

“I doubt I would be alive today if it wasn’t for the treatment,” Brian said.

Now, in 2017, Brian’s again fighting prostate cancer. Despite the challenges, Brian said he is hopeful about the future and thankful for the extra time and quality of life hyperbaric treatment has given him.

For more information: wesleyhyperbaric.com.au

HAPPY PATIENT: A grateful Brian during his treatment.

hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats •non-healing and infected wounds ulcers

•diabetic ulcers (prevention of amputation)

•anaerobic Bacterial infections

•radiation injury (bleeding, urgency from the bladder or bowel, dry mouth and radiation burns)

•Bone infections (osteomyelitis) •osteoradionecrosis (orn)

little to no out of pocket expense

travel subsidies available for nsW residents

treatments covered by most major health funds

Call our experts today on 07 3371 6033

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Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 27

Here’s the good news SENIORS are the winners with new home care reforms. Government changes to home care packages means consumers now choose their provider of choice.

As of February 27, seniors of the Central Coast will have significantly more choice about the care they receive at home and who delivers it through changes to government subsidised home care packages.

Rather than allocating funding to registered home care providers, home care packages offering services to keep older people living independently in their own home (such as personal care, domestic assistance and social support) will be assigned directly to individuals who can then

choose the provider they feel best meets their needs.

Allocating funding directly to an individual means they are now free to ‘shop around’ to determine who they would like to deliver their services, not simply a provider who has a package available. It also frees consumers who are not happy with their current provider to be able to change providers easily.

This is good news for the 2000 residents aged 65 years and over on the Central Coast who already receive services under a home care package, and the growing number of residents who may be eligible in the future.

Leading local home care provider, Sue Mann Nursing & Community Care managing director

Andrew Mann says the changes are a great outcome for seniors of the Central Coast.

"Independence, choice and control are all very important for people as they age and working through the options for care is a big decision.

Providing consumers and their families with choice means they are in control of choosing the provider that delivers services in their home."

The government changes are also good news for existing providers who have had waiting lists.

"We welcome the changes as the reforms enable us to offer our services to an even greater number of older people. We have had waiting lists for all our package levels on the

OPTIONS: With changes to home care support it is now your choice to choose your provider.

Central Coast, so we are very happy we can now provide our high-quality service to those residents who have been waiting to be serviced by us".

Sue Mann Nursing & Community Care is the leading home care provider on the Central Coast having provided

quality care to seniors all over the Coast for more than 30 years. With a qualified and experienced team that you can trust, Sue Mann’s offers personalised care by people who care, supporting people to live independently at home for as long as possible.

If you’re considering home care, contact myagedcare, either via the website at www.myagedcare.com.au or call 1800 200 422.

Sue Mann Nursing & Community Care: 1300 241 300, www.suemann.com.au.

Trust is everything to me Sue Mann’s care is always welcome in my home ‘The most important thing for me when it comes to my care is someone I can trust – and I can do that with Sue Mann. They are wonderful with all the details and you feel their genuine kindness which I think comes from being a family business. And they know how to make a real cup of tea!’

• shopping and errands • help with doing your favourite things

Phone 1300 241 300 www.suemann.com.au

CENTRAL COAST | LAKE MACQUARIE NEWCASTLE | SYDNEY

Personalised care by people who care

GBD16-SMNCC-0550

Call the friendly Sue Mann team and experience trustworthy and reliable in-home care: • specialist nursing • help around the home with meals and cleaning • getting up and ready for the day

28 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Keeping family together WOULD you move to a retirement village if you knew your pet couldn’t join you?

At RetireAustralia’s four Central Coast communities, well-behaved family pets are welcome to join their owners when they make the decision to downsize.

“Isolation is a huge issue for many retirees, especially once they’re removed from the in-built social networks that are created through working or raising a family,” Glengara Retirement Village manager Andrew Glover said.

“For this reason, we foster friendship and social connection between our residents but also place a high value on existing relationships between residents and their pets.”

Glengara Retirement Village residents Nick and Jan Pearce would never have met if it weren’t for their two Jack Russell terriers, so when they retired in 2012 finding a

home that suited the entire family was a priority.

“Our villa is perfect for us because it has no stairs, a lovely big back garden and an area where we can throw the ball for our dogs,” Jan said.

“It’s also a very secure village, which means that we can go out at night to visit our friends in the village or take Bailey for a walk. She absolutely loves the place and I love to tell people how pet-friendly it is here.”

For those who can no longer care for their pets due to health issues or a change in circumstance, Tarragal Glen Retirement Village has made it possible to continue to reap the benefits of pet companionship through fortnightly therapy dog visits.

“Because Tarragal Manor residents live in apartments and have higher-care needs, they are not permitted to have pets but we wanted to ensure that they can still enjoy the benefits, such

PET FRIENDLY: Glengara Retirement Village residents, Jan and Nick Pearce at their Central Coast villa.

as lowered blood pressure, stress reduction and increased

RETIRE AMONGST FRIENDS Retirement is best enjoyed in the company of those you care about. Whether you make new friends in our villages or bring your four-legged pals along with you, RetireAustralia helps friendships to flourish.

Pet-friendly and welcoming, our four Central Coast villages encourage you to live life to the fullest with the added benefits of companionship, support and peace of mind.

Call us any time to arrange an appointment and find out more!

FINAL BRAND NEW VILLAS SELLING NOW!

self-esteem,” activities coordinator Eira Steane said.

“Molly, our therapy dog, is a joy to have around, it’s wonderful to see the

positive impact her visit has on the residents.” retireaustralia.com.au.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 29

Showgirls opera act SONGS from Stage and Screen is the brand new show from The 7 Sopranos.

The 50s has never been so fun.

The 7 Sopranos take you back in time to the era of Hollywood glamour as they throw off their classic opera gowns for 50s pin up looks, with their upcoming Australian show dedicated to well-known popular hits.

Living up to their reputations as the “showgirls of opera”, The 7 Sopranos’ new show draws upon classic songs such as I Got Rhythm, Big Spender and Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend in a deliciously cheeky show celebrating sisterhood, the power of transformation, and flirtatious fluttering petticoats.

It is 1956.

Radio broadcasters predict that television will be the death of radio.

For five years the voices of Australia’s favourite singing group The 7 Sopranos have seduced audiences across Australia.

The race is now on to transform from radio stars to TV stars.

Will they succeed?

In a triumph of beautifully blended harmonies, incredible musicianship and spine tingling arrangements from acclaimed composers such as Rogers and Hammerstein, Gershwin and Mancini, The 7 Sopranos will intoxicate the senses and seduce the mind with a stage show unlike any other.

So, channel your inner

Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe or Rita Hayworth as you are transported into a world of nylons, killer heels and eye-popping lipstick!

Founded by creative director Tarita Botsman, POPCORN is the second album based around their new show following their 2013 self titled album, The 7 Sopranos, which reached number two on the ARIA charts.

The 7 Sopranos perform their new show at The Art House Wyong, the Central Coast’s largest performing arts’ centre, on Wednesday, April 5 at 7.30pm.

■ Tickets are available from The Art House directly on (02) 4335 1485 or online at www.thearthouse wyong.com.au.

NEW SHOW: The 7 Sopranos perform their show Songs from Stage and Screen at The Arthouse in April.

The Art House Wyong Presents

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM Take a trip back in time to 1956.

With beautiful blended harmonies, incredible musicianship, and spine-tingling arrangements from acclaimed composers such as Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gershwin, and Mancini the sopranos have captured the hearts of a nation.

Channel your inner Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe or Judy Garland and let The 7 Sopranos take you on a journey of spine tingling songs and memories.

$49 ADULT $42 CONC. $35 UNDER 30 $25 CHILD BOOKINGS 02 4335 1485

www.thearthousewyong.com.au

30 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 31

Live and let’s save

Love don’t cost a thing...

Valentine’s Day is just one day, but it makes February the month of love. Perhaps this is the month you add the extra onto ordinary and do the little things that can make such a difference to an everyday relationship all year long. Indeed, we can all keep the fire burning in our relationship without using a “Day” as the main reason to indulge, so if you would like to show your appreciation for your one and only, here are some less expensive and more personal ideas for any day of the year.

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN ★DANCE CLASS THERE are local classes available to learn how to salsa, samba or tango to name a few.

Ignite some passion and fun and reconnect with your partner, this could be a new experience.

Some restaurants have free learn to dance classes available too.

★LOVE PACK MAKE a list of some of your partner’s favourite things and put together a love pack that not only shows that you know what they like but you know that they will appreciate and use the items.

Some suggestions can be pamper products, alcohol, favourite cheeses and sweets. ★TAKE A DRIVE GRAB a picnic basket filled with goodies and a blanket or fold-up chairs and drive to a special location.

Switch off from the

world and wine and dine at a local park or scenic lookout and enjoy your day together. ★COOKING CLASS LOOK at what cooking schools or restaurants have to offer in your area and cook a meal together.

This then gives you the opportunity to sit back and appreciate your creation and each other, over a drink and a chat. ★GET ACTIVE It’s important to stay healthy and exercise, so do it together. Go for an early morning ride, swim or take a walk at sunset.

The way to bake a Persian Love Cake Servings 16 people, prep time 15 minutes, cook 60 minutes.

Ingredients 3 cups almond meal, blanched; 1/2 cup desiccated coconut; 1 & 1/2 cups coconut sugar; 1/2 cup (120g) butter, softened; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup sheep’s

milk yogurt; 4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped; 1 cup creme fraiche, thick cream or yogurt for serving.

Instructions You will need a 23-25cm springform cake tin for this recipe.

Preheat oven to 160C (fan-forced), butter a 23-25cm springform cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper, in a large bowl combine the almond meal, desiccated coconut, coconut sugar, butter and salt and mix until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spoon half

of the mixture into the cake tin and gently press it evenly over the base.

Add the eggs, yogurt and spices to the almond mixture and beat until well combined. Pour over the base and smooth the top. Bake the cake for 60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Add cream/yogurt to serve.

Creating with love THE ABILITY to cook is a lovable trait in a person, whether it’s home-made pasta or just making a really yummy piece of cheese on toast.

There is quite simply no restaurant in the world that will light you up in the eyes of a significant other in the same way as a meal you’ve prepared yourself.

With this in mind, I have put together a few ideas for a fail-safe homespun romantic meal!

The “home made is always better” rule applies to most things in our romantic lives.

I have designed a menu that will be truly special and simple with minimal time in the kitchen.

The first thing to do is set the mood.

Buy some nice wine or special drink, nip out into the garden and pick some fresh flowers or foliage, light the candles and turn on some soft music.

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN Now get out your best glassware and crockery and set the table.

You’re ready.

Simple Prawn Cocktails are easy and can be made ahead of time. I like to use a glass for serving this dish or you can use a small bowl.

Oven-baked Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is easy as it can cook while you’re having your entrée, just ensure all your preparation is done beforehand.

If you have room for dessert, Toblerone Mousse is such an easy way to impress, always a delight and not too heavy.

Finish with a good coffee and some beautiful

SILKY SMOOTH: Delicious Toblerone mousse.

home-made chocolates.

PRAWN COCKTAILS

■ 12 fresh cooked prawns ■ Iceberg lettuce ■ 1 mango sliced – optional ■ 1 avocado sliced – optional ■ Lemon juice Cocktail sauce Make your own with 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

Just mix ingredients

together and taste then adjust accordingly.

Slice lettuce and place in serving dish add prawns, layer mango and avocado and squeeze lemon juice over salad then drizzle with dressing and serve.

OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM RISOTTO

■ 50g unsalted butter ■ 1 large onion, finely

LOVE: Show it with a little extra care and attention.

chopped ■ 500g chicken mince ■ 2 cups (440g) arborio rice ■ 1 cup white wine ■ 1L liquid chicken stock ■ 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan, plus extra to serve ■ 100g sliced mushrooms ■ Few sprigs of thyme ■ 3 slices chopped bacon ■ 1 cup rocket leaves ■ Olive oil, to drizzle ■ Salt and pepper to season Step 1 Preheat oven to 170°C and place a five-litre ovenproof dish in to heat.

Step 2 Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.

Add bacon, brown then add chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Add mushrooms and cook until starts to colour, then add the rice and cook, stirring for one minute.

Add wine and stock and bring to boil, then add thyme. Pour everything into the preheated dish.

Cover tightly with a lid or foil and place in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove and give everything a good stir,

then cover again and return to the oven for a further 15 minutes.

By this time all liquid should have been absorbed. If not, return to the oven uncovered for a further five minutes.

Step 3 Remove and add parmesan, rocket and basil, and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with extra parmesan and drizzle with olive oil.

TOBLERONE MOUSSE

■ 2 x 110g Toblerone chocolate (or milk chocolate if you prefer) melted ■ 2 cups of beaten cream ■ 2 eggs separated Melt chocolate, cool slightly, add egg yolks one at a time and mix, then add cream.

Beat egg whites until stiff then fold though chocolate mix.

Grab a piping bag or plastic bag and cut corner off so you can pipe into glasses.

Chill overnight.

Garnish with a raspberry or flaked chocolate.

32 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Finance

Strategies counter change Tracey Johnstone

THE changes to the aged pension asset test are driving pensioners towards looking for innovative ways to protect themselves from losing out as the tests come into play.

Financial planner Liam Shorte of Verante Pty Ltd, says the feedback from within the community is the changes are hitting middle-income earners who believe this Federal Government cost-saving measure should be applied to companies and people with more wealth, not them.

“There is a lot of bad feeling among the people who have been affected, basically because a lot of them planned their retirements around what they could expect from the aged pension plus their

own money,” Mr Shorte said.

“It’s such a huge difference. For every $1000 you reduce your assessable assets by, you can get $78 extra pension per year. That’s a 7.8% return if you can use the $1000 to improve your wealth rather than give it away,” he said.

STRATEGIES

Mr Shorte offered the following strategies to help pensioners through the aged pension assets test maze: ■ Contribute to superannuation in the name of a spouse if they are under age pension age. Putting $50,000 in superannuation could increase your single pension by nearly $4000 per year until your spouse qualifies for the age pension.

■ Purchase funeral bonds as a person is allowed to invest up to $12,250 into funeral bonds to cover funeral costs and the investment is asset test exempt. For a couple both taking up the maximum funeral bond, it could provide an increased age pension of $1911 per year.

■ Making improvements to the principal home – funds spent on home improvements and renovations are not assessed against your pension. For example, spending $12,000 on a solar system will pay back over 10 to 15 years, but also mean up to $938 extra in pension income each year per person.

■ Review the value of motor cars, caravans, trailers, bikes, contents and personal effects.

■ Look to pay for the big cruise or overseas trip in

advance – ask for a discount for doing so or an upgrade.

Improve your income Charge board and lodging – some people in bigger homes are looking to make up for the loss in age pension by renting out a room.

You could say rent out a room and charge $150 per week for the room which includes breakfast.

Centrelink’s default position is that 50% of that $120 per week is treated as additional income (about $3900 per year). The remaining 50% is assumed by Centrelink as required to cover costs such as utilities, food, etc. If the costs were higher than the 50%, then a submission to Centrelink could see that 50/50 standard approach being adjusted.

If you are an

asset-based part-pensioner, the additional $3900 does not further impact your pension.

Lower Centrelink assessments are available where more meals, etc, are offered.

Gifting This is not something I recommend often as it seems a bit silly to give away capital to get some income. However, if you have planned to help family, then maybe you should think about transferring the money early.

The allowable gifting limit for both singles and couples is $10,000 per financial year, limited to $30,000 per five financial years.

If the total of gifts made in a financial year exceeds $10,000 the excess will be assessed as a

deprived asset for five years from the date of the gift and will be subject to Centrelink’s means test.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Mr Shorte says he gives clients some strategies to think about and then he sends them to a Centrelink financial information service officer.

“They help people make the most of the system, but they can’t give advice,” Mr Shorte said.

“We get them to go to Centrelink to run (the strategies) past them to see if they are possible in their situation. Centrelink may refer back to us to implement the strategy.”

Mr Shorte encourages pensioners to try to use all the services for their situation.

Beware pitfalls of reverse loans THE latest round of figures showing rising home values in almost all our state capitals highlights how mean many Australian retirees could have a valuable resource. at their fingertips.

Older Australians, who may not have enjoyed the benefits of employer-paid super for their entire working life, can face the prospect of a lean retirement. However, one area where over-50s often have an advantage over their younger counterparts is home ownership For senior Australians home equity can be a source of retirement income.

It’s all thanks to the availability of reverse mortgages – a financial product that allows home owners, usually aged 60-plus, to draw on home equity with loan funds secured by their home.

No repayments are necessary with a reverse mortgage, at least while you live in the place.

Interest charges and fees are added to the loan balance with the total to be repaid when the property is sold or the

CHOICES: For retirees finding it tough to meet the cost of living, a reverse mortgage may be worth considering.

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE last borrower has passed away.

It’s an option for asset-rich, cash-poor seniors to boost retirement cash. But reverse mortgages do have downsides.

In its January 2017 star-rating report on reverse mortgages, research group Canstar found the average interest rate applicable to these loans is 6.25%.

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No repayments are necessary with a reverse mortgage , at least while you live in the place.

That’s around 2% more than you could pay on a standard home loan, and the mounting interest charge raises questions about how a reverse mortgage can impact

home equity over time.

Let me start by saying that Anyone considering a reverse mortgage should look for a ‘no negative equity’ guarantee. This means you will never owe more on the loan than the value of your home.

That said, Canstar found that after 20 years, a loan for $90,000 representing 15% of a

property’s value, could end up costing a total of $349,431 including the initial borrowing. Over 30 years, the loan cost including principal, could blow out to $662,131.

These figures may seem alarming, and they are based on current interest rates, which are at record lows. On the plus side, it’s a

reasonable bet your property will rise in value over the next 20-30 years. The big unknown is whether the capital growth will outstrip the loan’s interest rate.

For some retireesfinding it tough to meet the cost of living, a reverse mortgage may be worth considering but it is an area where good

legal and financial advice is essential. especially if you plan to leave a reasonable estate.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Travel

Seniors 33

Travellin’ North MARY VALLEY: A NEW SPOT FOR A SEMI-CENTENNIAL

Hip. Hip. Hooray. The Sunshine Coast turns 50 this year and the birthday surprises are rolling in.

Move aside Montville and Maleny, Mary Valley – a hill or two (or three) north and 35 minutes west of Noosa – is quietly inching up our hot list. The valley is home to a handful of tiny towns with fancy names like Imbil and Amamoor, a towering Hoop Pine State Forest with trees that cast a fairy tale quality over bush walkers below, a river made for platypus spotting and a sprinkling of country quaint B&Bs. Brew is in the heart of this region and we recommend The Blue & White Teapot at Amamoor for a cup of leaf tea in their magical garden or nip east to Pomona's Bonsai Brewhouse and taste craft beer made out the back of the town's original bakery.

TOOWOOMBA, TAPPED BY THE WAGNER WAND

Toowoomba has a fairy

Godmother and her name is Wagner. In one masterful wave of the Wagner wand (the Wagner family is the force behind the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport), Australia's second largest regional city has stirred from its rural rest into a hip haunt dotted with funky eateries, a shiny new shopping centre and a new hot spot for Sydney visitors. Yes, there's still heritage homes spilling on to graceful streets but now you can get a bustling food scene combined with Melbourne style laneways (complete with Melbourne style graffiti). Check out the Walton Stores precinct, head to Full of Life Organics for the best chai latte in Southern Queensland Country or meander around more than 55 street art murals.

PALM BEACH: A NEW GAME FAVOURITE

South of the revamped Pacific Fair and the rejuvenated Burleigh Beach lies Palm Beach, a seven-kilometre long suburb and of the newest coastal foodie precincts.

Three new outlets have joined the already popular Jimmy Hendrix-inspired Hendrixx Espresso and American barbecue-style eatery, Lester and Earl.

Experience The Collective, a 300-seat co-operative dining space with five restaurants, made up of Mexican, Italian, American, Asian and modern Australian

Moreton Island.

PHOTO: YES

cuisines, and two grand bar areas. A post office transformed, The Collective's rustic décor and rooftop bar take on a city-slicker appearance, underpinned by a laid-back beachside ambiance. Meanwhile Balboa Italian has a modern influence menu to mirror its industrial glam interior. Think exposed brick paired with grand chandeliers, a glass charcuterie cabinet, a wood-fired pizza oven and aromas that demand salivation. The restaurant seats 120 diners over two-stories and brags dough balls smeared in Nutella. More Grand Designs-worthy décor can be seen at 8th Ave Terrace where beach views come with alfresco dining.

restaurants, wi-fi connection and the 24/7 service once associated with the original branded property; in its place is a communal kitchen and a do-it-yourself attitude.

Guests need to bring their own food (pre-order with Whitsundays Provisioning) and cook their own meals. Thankfully, there is a licensed bar at the resort, so the main holiday staples are taken care of.

Those not into self-service vacays, should check out the Heart Hotel & Gallery in the heart of Airlie Beach.

Built in a Queenslanderstyle with high-pitched roofs, spacious verandas, and timber cladding, this five-star hotel has butler service to rooms.

Opening rates from $200–$325 per night.

LONG ON ISLAND, SHORT ON MONEY

MISSION BEACH

Glamping is so old fashioned now that Palm Bay Resort on Long Island in the Whitsundays has introduced a save and splurge getaway that we think travellers will take to like the proverbial duck.

Gone are the table d'hote

Mission has always been on the cusp of the next best thing, but a couple of climactic setbacks snookered this town back into the shadows. No longer. Aside from the classic travel staples like the nearby Paronella Park, Tully River Rafting, and

Ingan Tours, local girl Nancy Lowe has launched a new dive tour on the 60-foot Sea Goddess (formerly a Hayman Island luxury transfer vessel) to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Beaver Cay and Eddie Reef. Here you can see the reef in its natural state: no pontoon, no semi-sub, no roped-off areas and at one site, a bommie as big as a boat.

THE REAL POT OF GOLD

Rainbow Beach. It's the seaside town that time forgot. With a population that barely scrapes 1100, this ridiculously cute beach village is a hot spot for those yearning for a holiday of yesteryear. Hire a whole beach house or stay in the very stylish beachfront Plantation Resort or Oceans Palm Resort. Just make sure you save time for sand tobogganing the dunes of the Carlo Sandblow, 4WD along the sandy highway and a spot of skydiving.

THERE'S MORE TO MORETON

There's so much more to Moreton Island than feeding dolphins and exploring wrecks. Take a Bear Grylls-style adventure to this untouched paradise, where 48 hours of beachfront accommodation is cheaper than your weekly caffeine addiction. A short 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane's doorstep, here you can

unpack your campsite a stone's throw from the white silica sand and blue ombre water, and BYO footy, snorkel kit, fishing rod and cricket set. Set aside time for a sunset from the sand dunes. The journey up is tough – but still less heart pumping than the seven second sand surf back down. If epic 4WD quests are your kind of thing, take the path less travelled and follow 420km of sealed island track.

WINE NOT HEAD FOR THE HILLS

It's the coldest Queensland town in winter, but Stanthorpe is a mecca for local-grown produce. From cherries to apples and olives, this quaint town of 4200 is a picnic lover's dream. First stop: Stanthorpe Cheese, the highest dairy farm above sea level in Queensland at 925 metres, where each one of their artisan cheeses are produced by one herd of pure-bred Jersey cows.

Stock up on fresh fruit, like your own hand-picked apples from Sutton's Farm, before gathering remaining essentials at Sam's Fruit Shop.

Australia's highest wine region is the Granite Belt, where six five-star wineries (as awarded by expert James Halliday) provide the finest drops in Queensland. The next steps go as follows: taste the range, buy a bottle (or three) and park yourself amongst the vines for a hillside picnic.

Join Us Online Get online to find your news, your way.

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

CR115679AH-6

FED up with the “no vacancy” signs that popped up around Queensland this summer? Then you need to read this list. We've scoured the state, looked under and around the tourism giants and found eight simmering holiday hotspots that we think will trend right into 2017.

34 Seniors Central Coast

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Everyone should see Italy once in their life Ann Rickard

ITALY is one of the countries on the bucket lists of so many travellers – even though it has suffered a number of heartbreaking disasters lately.

But intrepid seniors do not let a potential calamity of nature turn them off their travel plans, do they?

Everyone should see Italy just once if it is possible within time and budget restraints.

The first time you visit Rome and set eyes on the coliseum will be in your memory forever.

The same goes for St Peter’s. Even if the Trevi Fountain is packed with tourists, and it will be, and you will find it hard to snap a selfie without a dozen others in the background, and you will, it won’t take away from the spine-tingling thrill that you are there, right there at this world famous landmark.

The first time I entered the Plazza del Campo, the historic centre of Siena in Tuscany, I experienced a feeling of mouth slack.

My jaw dropped considerably, not quite to the ground, but it definitely dropped as I took in the sight of arguably Europe’s most renowned medieval square.

The breathtaking architecture of the shell-shaped piazza, the soaring Torre del Mangia, that slender tower rising from the square, the Fonta Gaia, the fountain that first brought water to the square, halted me on the spot.

Our Siena visit was just days before the famous Palio di Siena, the bare-back horse race around the periphery of the piazza where thousands of people cram into every centimetre of space on the ground and hang off the surrounding balconies to watch and

PICTURE-POSTCARD: The view of the famous Amalfi Coast with beautiful Gulf of Salerno, Campania, Italy.

PHOTO: BLUEJAYPHOTO

cheer.

There was much ceremony and colour during our pre-Palio visit, many celebrations with groups of young men draped in brilliant colours, carrying flags, beating drums.

We sat at one of the cafes around the edge of the square for aperitvo and tried to keep our jaws from gaping too much at the splendour of it.

The first time on the Amalfi Coast was another jaw-dropping experience.

The huddled towns of Positano and Amalfi clinging to the cliffs, the death-defying ride on the local buses around the hairpin bends of the coastal mountains that plunge to the sea, it was all so thrilling, despite the hundreds of steps up and down to the beach allowed us to eat and drink more.

There is always a positive side.

The Cinque Terra was another first that offered a buzz beyond words as we walked along the cliff faces to each of the five villages, wondering if we had the stamina to walk on to the next.

We did, but only after fortifying gin and tonics.

Even though it took an entire day and there was much climbing and puffing

and cursing along the Cinque Terra towards the last town of Monterosso, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of all our travels.

Now if I am fortunate to visit the Cinque Terra again, I would take the train or boat between villages – a much more senior-friendly option.

Florence is another Italian joy never to be forgotten.

Ensure you reserve your tickets before you go to the Uffizi Gallery in the Piazza della Signoria and avoid the endless queue.

It is worth it just to stand before Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.

The same ticket-savvy rule applies to the Accademia Gallery where you will stand beneath a naked David and hold your breath in enthralment.

Stay as long as time and money will permit.

You will want to get the most out of every minute in this brilliant land.

the

CRUISE & TRAVEL

AUTHORITY

An invitation Please join us for our Travel Expo on Tuesday 14th March. It’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle with representatives from some fantastic travel companies. We’d love to see you there, so don’t forget to RSVP. Please feel free to invite your friends or family. Refreshments and canapés will be served.

Where: Terrigal Surf Club, Esplanade, Terrigal, NSW 2260 When: from 6pm RSVP: By Friday 10th March tel 02 4384 0400 or email centralcoast@ttagroup.com.au

We know.

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Celebrity cruising

travel

Central Coast

Seniors 35

Meet fashion forward New Yorker Iris Apfel

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At 95, Iris is a jet-setting celebrity known for her individual style and joyful flair.

Featured in cutting-edge style campaigns documentary featuring fashion, creativity and her soaring free spirit.

“I’ve lived quite a life of fashion and can’t wait to experience style at sea,” Ms Apfel said.

“I look forward to being inspired by the elegance and glamour of the occasion and life onboard, especially the formal nights on my voyage across the Atlantic.”

Transatlantic Fashion

Week 2017 will also feature designer Julien Macdonald OBE, fashion historian Colin McDowell MBE and consultant to the international fashion industry Gail Sackloff OBE as well as top models from Storm Model Management.

The unique fashion voyage invites guests to enjoy the glamour of Queen Mary 2, while being treated to seven days of runway shows, dinners and exclusive unveilings before sailing into New York for Fashion Week.

Fares on Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Fashion Week voyage departing Southampton on August 31, 2017 start from $1949* per person twin share. For more details visit www.cunard.com phone 132 441 or see a travel agent. *subject to availability, conditions apply.

FASHION ROYALTY: Iris Apfel joins Transatlantic Fashion Week from August 31 to September 7.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Discover the ancient Sicily with an expert

TRAVELLERS wanting to delve deeper into the colourful history of Sicily can uncover the ancient island’s fascinating past and its wonderful culture on a special 14-day adventure with cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels in May. Departing Catania on May 14, 2017, the Exploring Sicily tour takes in Sicily’s remarkable history and magnificent scenery while allowing plenty of time to explore the island’s meandering streets and colourful piazzas, and sample its celebrated wine.

Catering to only a handful of guests, the tour is escorted by experts in culture and history.

It begins in the ancient city of Syracuse with a journey up the beautiful Anapo Valley to the World Heritage Site of Pantalica, an enormous late Bronze Age necropolis.

Over the following days, guests will be able to enjoy visits to archaeological sites and

explore the remains of ancient cities throughout Sicily.

You will discover the famous Greek theatre and ruins of the Syracuse Archaeological Park and the temple-crowned cities of Selinunte and Agrigento.

❝

Enjoy visits to archaeological sites and explore the remains of ancient cities throughout Sicily, including the famous Greek theatre and ruins of the Syracruse Archaeolofical Park The tour also includes a boat ride visit to the ancient island city of Motya and a guided walk among the woodlands,

Holiday Inclusions Home pick-up and return for Central Coast & Newcastle Passengers, Quality motel accommodation, cooked breakfast and two course dinner each day, 5 star toilet equipped coach travel with experienced and informative coach captain/guide.

lava fields and craters of Mount Etna, led by an expert volcanologist.

Between adventures, guests will be able to sample some of Sicily’s exquisite cuisine, with visits to specially chosen restaurants.

Wineries and local trattorias showcasing the best of the island’s epicurean offerings are also part of the itinerary.

■ THE Exploring Sicily tour is priced from £4350 (approx A$7070) per person twin share, including most meals, all accommodation, all activities and excursions with expert guides, ground transport and airport transfers.

Specialising in small-group expeditions, Peter Sommer Travels offers more than 20 different expert-led tours and gulet cruises.

■ Details, bookings.

Contact Peter Sommer Travels on 0011 44 1600 888 220, email info@ petersommer.com or visit the website www. petersommer.com.

11 Day Outback & Opals Departing 31st July Visiting Lightning Ridge, White Cliffs Tibooburra, Cameron Corner & Broken Hill Tour Price: $2240.00 per person twin

Tropical Cairns & Cooktown 10 Day Air/Coach/Air

Thursday 23rd March 2017 CareFlight Base $63.00 Visit the Sydney Base of CareFlight to hear their history, training and day to day operation of this most important service.

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Wednesday 22nd March Gilbert & Sullivan Forever Starring Andrew O’Keefe $80.00 pp Wednesday 26th April Lonnie Lee & The Leeman $80.00 pp Theatre Tours - Includes morning tea, A reserve seating & coach travel Tuesday 2nd May The Bodyguard Sydney Lyric Theatre $110.00 pp Tuesday 26th September My Fair Lady-Capitol Theatre $110.00 pp

Buttai Barn Thursday 11th May Mothers Day lunch & entertainment $75.00 pp Tuesday 16th May Patsy Cline Show luncheon $75.00 pp Wednesday 14th June Diva Fever lunch & entertainment $75.00 pp Wednesday 26th July Bush Christmas in Winter lunch & entertainment $75.00 pp Thursday 11th May Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute $91.00 pp Lunch at Doyles on the Beach Restaurant, Watsons Bay.

Includes return economy airfare, 7 nights in Cairns, 1 night Cooktown and 1 night Cape Tribulation. Visit Port Douglas, Atherton Tablelands Kuranda, the Daintree, and the Great Barrier Reef. Ride the Kuranda Rail and Skyway, visit Paronella Park, explore Cooktown, cruise the Daintree River and cruiser to the Outer Reef. Departing 5th August 2017 Tour Price $3690.00 per person twin Many more day tours, short breaks and extended coach holidays available for further information and booking contact our office. please make this in italics Shop 5a, Gosford Central Plaza 153 Mann Street, GOSFORD NSW 2250 Email: info@easytourstravel.com.au Telephone: (02) 4325 8000 Local Call: 1300 364 036

6459872aa

LUXURY cruise brand Cunard has announced fashion royalty Iris Apfel will join its line-up of fashion icons set to sail onboard Queen Mary 2 for the cruise line’s second annual Transatlantic Fashion Week from August 31 to September 7.

At 95, Iris is a jet-setting celebrity known for her individual style and joyful flair.

Featured in cutting-edge style campaigns for Macy’s, MAC, Kate Spade, Swarovski and other big-name brands, Iris has become renowned for her signature look of bold round glasses, oversized bangles and necklaces and rich, flamboyant, colourful garments.

Over the course of Transatlantic Fashion Week, Iris will be presenting a Q&A session and will introduce a showing of Iris, a

36 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

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6363895aa

puzzles

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au 1

2

3

4

5

6

Across 5/8 Who said “Money can’t buy you happiness but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery”?

(5,8) 9 Used in computing, what number system has a base of 8? (5) 10 Using linseed oil, pigments, rosin and pine flour, what did Frederick Walton invent in 1860? (8) 11 What is the capital of Belarus? (5) 14 What drilling tool is held in a brace? (3) 16 Which short-lived republic broke away from Nigeria 1967 to 1970? (6) 17 What is anti-aircraft fire also called? (3-3) 18 What is the abbreviation for trinitrotoluene?

(1,1,1) 20 Formed in 1791, what was the Berlin SingAkademie? (5) 24 In what ornamental needlework are pieces of fabric attached to another? (8) 25 What is a promontory more commonly called?

(5) 26 What is used for sharpening a writing quill? (8) 27 Which Chicago tower was the world’s tallest building from 1973 to 1996? (5)

7

8 9 10 11 12

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17 18

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24 25 26 27

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

Down 1 What is a young salmon? (5) 2 What, striking on steel, produced an igniting spark in early guns? (5) 3 Which orchestral instrument is tuned an octave above the cello? (5) 4 Which lively 1960s dance shares a name with a Central-African people? (6) 6 What Japanese form of pinball is enjoyed in noisy parlours there? (8) 7 What bag is carried on a soldier’s or hiker’s back?

(8) 12/13 Who won a Bafta in 1990 for her role in the film Dangerous Liaisons? (8,8) 14 What type of creature is a serotine? (3) 15 What is to make an intricate type of looped cotton lace using a hand shuttle? (3) 19 Which Scottish mathematician (John ___) invented logarithms? (6) 21 What is the flat bladelike projection at the end of the arm of an anchor? (5) 22 Reaching a length of 18m or more, what is the world’s largest invertebrate? (5) 23 How many eclipses, lunar and solar, are possible in a single year? (5)

ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

13 16

A

17

18

22

GK CROSSWORD

S E N D S

Across: 1. Aura 3. Lynchpin 9. Recants 10. Noise 11. Supernatural 14.

Opt 16. Aloft 17. Eye 18. Police states 21. Among 22. Odorous 23. Badlyoff 24. Thus.

Down: 1. Abrasion 2. Recap 4. Yes 5. Consultation 6. Primate 7. Need 8.

Increasingly 12. Arose 13. Persists 15. Twofold 19. Tooth 20. Daub 22.

Oaf.

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: HATED, IGNORE, JOSTLED, KANGAROO, LIBERATES.

Solution opposite

QUICK CROSSWORD

Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

T H R E W

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 23 Very Good 31 Excellent 39

DOUBLE CROSS

SUDOKU

5x5 A T O N E

H L

Down 1. Scratch (8) 2. Review (5) 4. Affirmative (3) 5. Conference (12) 6. Ape (7) 7. Require (4) 8. More and more (12) 12. Got up (5) 13. Perseveres (8) 15. Doubly (7) 19. Molar (5) 20. Smear (4) 22. Lout (3)

Across: 5/8 Spike Milligan, 9 Octal, 10 Linoleum, 11 Minsk, 14 Bit, 16 Biafra, 17 Ack-ack, 18 TNT, 20 Choir, 24 Appliqué, 25 Bluff, 26 Penknife, 27 Sears.

Down: 1 Smolt, 2 Flint, 3 Viola, 4 Watusi, 6 Pachinko, 7 Knapsack, 12/13 Michelle Pfeiffer, 14 Bat, 15 Tat, 19 Napier, 21 Fluke, 22 Squid, 23 Seven.

411

24

WORD GO ROUND

D

S

SOLUTIONS

WORD GO ROUND

C U

E

acid acidly acrid acridly arid aridly auld card cardy chad chard child clad crud curd curdy daily dairy dial diarchy diary dray drily dual ducal duchy duly dural hard hardily hardly hardy hydra HYDRAULIC hydric idly idyl lady laid laird lard lardy laud lucid lurid raid yard

A R

I Y

DEATH REGION OLD JETS OAK ORGAN BLEARIEST

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

23

Across 1. Atmosphere (4) 3. Person vital to an operation (8) 9. Retracts (7) 10. Sound (5) 11. Paranormal (12) 14. Choose (3) 16. In the air (5) 17. Look at (3) 18. Totalitarian regimes (6,6) 21. In the midst of (5) 22. Strong-smelling (7) 23. In financial trouble (5-3) 24. As a result (4)

N E

S

20 21

O I

19

S H

L I C I T

15

A I

12

14

4/2

5x5

F 11

Seniors 37

F L A P S

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

Central Coast

I D E A L I S T R S P I D E R

N I R H E M I P Y I E L E R E

D R A U G H T S K H E A T E D

U E S R I N U J Y O R A R N Q

S T E M S R A C O U S T I C S

T K K Q L H T A G E S I M W T

R E P L A C E E A U S T E R E

I C O H T X Y V V F P P N D T

O A T M E A L G C H E E T A H

U U P I Y B I T O J C E C W O

S N O W S T O R M C T E A M S

N Z U A C J N D P N A P O Y C

S C R E A M K C O N C E R T O

A S R Y M V U N S C L V T C P

T H I R S T P B E V E R A G E

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

I N D U S R T D E R A S E U M A L E G I S H I S I T U A T S C Y O H U S P E E R S A T I D E T R I E C E S R E D

T R I O U S E A N P O T P O L M W S L A T E C A T L I O T E R G A C O M U H S P E C T T E E A M E N T R A M T E T H O S

S C U R E C A M N C P O N A C E O R T C O

B S E V L E R T A G P E A T H R I R M S T

38 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES HELLO readers, would you like to promote your club or group and let your community know what’s going on with your members for free.

You can also submit a photo but please ensure the quality is at least 180dpi and of peoples faces and nice and bright.

Club Notices deadline for the next issue is March 18.

Send your notices and enquiries to Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au.

We look forward to hearing from you.

WYONG TOASTMASTERS

TOASTMASTERS are a group of people who train and are training members to improve their skills and confidence needed to express themselves in any situation.

Whatever their position or time in life, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way to gain great communication skills.

By learning to effectively formulate and express ideas, a new world of possibilities will open. Members become more persuasive and confident. Clubs are open to men and women over the age of 18 years. There are many Toastmasters Clubs on the Central Coast.

For further information, contact Wyong Toastmasters president Ken on 0410 101 579 or area director Carol on 0415 158 733.

VIEW CLUBS

VIEW Clubs of Australia is a valued part of The Smith Family and we are proud to support disadvantaged children with their education through their Learning for Life Programme.

■ BRISBANE WATER EVENING

HOLDS its monthly dinner meeting in the Function Room at the Grange Hotel, Renwick St, Wyoming. Every fourth Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm for 7pm.

New members and visitors are most welcome. Contact Valda on 4325 1688 or Helen 4367 5670.

MERRY MEMBERS: The Halekulani VIEW club had much to celebrate during the festive season last Christmas.

Long Jetty Seniors Club members, Betty Brown and Denis Bray inspect some freshly picked produce.

PHOTO: RON WARE

■ HALEKULANI

OUR CLUB is planning an exciting year for 2017.

We have interesting guest speakers booked also our program officers have some wonderful outings planned for our friendship days. Our club meets on the third Friday of each month at Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi.

New members and guests are warmly welcomed and further information can be obtained by contacting Chris on 4396 5631.

PROBUS CLUBS ■ WYONG

WE HAVE changed our meeting venue to the Wyong Golf Club for the present, while the Wyong RSL Club undergoes renovations. Our meetings remain on the forth Monday of every month, starting at 10am.

We would be delighted to welcome new members to our club, for fun, friendship and fellowship.

For details contact John on 0149 985 627 or Trish on 0409 225 321.

■ GOROKAN MIXED

THE club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Toukley RSL at 9.30am.

For details phone Phil Crowther on 4392 1884.

WYONG TUESDAY DISCUSSION GROUP THIS is a friendly, informative group that meets every Tuesday in room 5, Wyong

VOCAL GROUP: The Wyong Toastmaster members.

Neighbourhood Centre, Rankin Crt, Wyong. We regularly have a guest speaker, and morning tea.

At a cost of $4 for the morning. We would like boost our numbers and meet new people, so if you would like to join us call Anne on 4353 5177 or Heather on 4352 1713.

TOUKLEY AND DISTRICT ART SOCIETY

THE Toukley and Districts Art Society, in our home at the Federation Gallery and Information Centre, Wallarah Rd, Gorokan just before Toukley Bridge, is a showcase for the Wyong Shire Art scene.

On display are paintings in oil, acrylics, watercolour and pastel, along with porcelain, pottery, hand-painted silk, wood work, craft work, jewellery and original cards.

Our current bi-monthly exhibition runs from January 30 until March 27.

General meetings are held on the first Monday of each month starting at 10am at the gallery. We hold abstract painting classes on the second Thursday of every month from 1–4pm.

Cost is $5, everyone welcome. Our Academy Painting mornings with Peter Tassell are held every Wednesday from 9.30am–12.30pm.

We now have a lovely coffee shop within the gallery, open every day between 10am–3pm, so come in and have a coffee or tea and browse around the gallery.

All the artwork is by the society’s local members and are all for sale at reasonable prices. Come in and meet the artists.

The gallery is open daily from Monday to Sunday 10am–4pm.

Entry is free, a donation is welcome.

For more details call the Gallery on 4392 4666 or visit the website: www.toukleyartgallery. com.au.

LONG JETTY SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB (INC)

THE Long Jetty Seniors Club has its own community garden adjacent to the kitchen.

The volunteer kitchen staff walk out the kitchen door and pick fresh salad vegetables and herbs as they need them.

Fresh and delicious.

BYTES on Friday: Every Friday the computer room and the adjacent lounge turn into a computer cafe' where you can spend a couple of hours with other like minded enthusiasts to exchange computer wisdom and have a cuppa in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

All members are welcome. Open for business Fridays from 12pm.

Call Long Jetty Senior Club for more information 4332 5522.

LONG JETTY OVER 50’S CLUB

COME and enjoy a game of table tennis or bowls or join the walking group.

If you prefer indoor

Probus Club of Wyong had a wonderful lunch on Australia Day at the Point Cafe, (Japanese Gardens) East Gosford.

exercise our groups include gentle exercise group, tai chi, line dancing, Zumba Gold or dancing.

If you are new to an activity there are plenty of members who would be happy to show you the ropes.

The club is located at 6 Thompson St, Long Jetty. Call 4332 5522 for details.

Membership for 2017 is open at a cost of $5.50 per year.

FREE MATURE AGE GROUP SESSIONS

CENTRAL Coast Disability Network is hosting a series of free group sessions for community members over 65 years.

Build friendships, gain useful tools for mindful living and learn more about the services near you that can improve your quality of life.

Starting in February.

Arrive 9am for 9.15am start concluding at 11.30am at Central Coast Disability Network, 29 Webb St, East Gosford.

For bookings phone 4349 3700 to reserve your spot.

POINT CLARE COMMUNITY HALL AND WYOMING COMMUNITY CENTRE

WILL play host to a number of Free Green Living workshops this year, brought to you by Central Coast Council.

Here's what's taking place at Point Clare Community Hall in March: ★Compost and Worm Farming on Saturday, March 11 at 9am–12pm.

Point Clare Community Hall, 49 Brisbane Water Dr, Point Clare.

This workshop covers all the tips and tricks for successful composting and worm farming and demonstrates how easy and fun both are to do.

A free compost bin or worm farm will be given to each attending household on completion of the workshop. ★No Dig Gardening on Saturday, March 11 at 12.30–3.30pm. Point Clare Community Hall, 49 Brisbane Water Dr, Point Clare.

No dig gardens can be established anywhere, even on concrete surfaces.

These gardens are a quick and effective way to create healthy, productive and water efficient gardens.

And here's what's on offer at Wyoming Community Centre in April: ★Compost and Worm Farming on Saturday, April 1 at 9–11.30am. Wyoming Community Centre, 147 Maiden's Brush Rd, Wyoming. This workshop covers all the tips and tricks for successful composting and worm farming and demonstrates how easy and fun both are to do.

A free compost bin or worm farm will be given to each attending household on completion of the workshop. ★Chemical Free Cleaning on Saturday, April1 at 12–2.30pm.

Wyoming Community Centre, 147 Maiden's Brush Rd, Wyoming.

How many different sprays and poisons do you use in your house?

This workshop will cover natural chemical free and effective alternatives to commercial cleaning products.

A small Chemical Free Cleaning Kit will be given to all participants.

Bookings are essential for all of these events.

To book or to find out more information, please visit our website: gosford.nsw.gov.au/ greenliving or contact the council's environmental education officer.

Phone: 4325 8222.

Central Coast

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 39

What’s on Alison’s top01` entertainment tips in your area this month

JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON ★6. IF YOU remember the fun of a real community fair, head to Wadalba Community School grounds for the P&C’s second annual Wadalba Markets on March 12 from 10am–2.30pm.

There will be more than 65 stalls, show bags and rides, a petting farm, local student performers, arts, crafts, food and fairy floss.

All funds raised go to the school for equipment, resources and capital projects. Entry is free. ★7. CALLING all ocean lovers – the Ocean Film Festival 2017 is on at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on Friday, March 24, from 7–10pm.

This awe-inspiring selection of short films features footage taken both above and below the water and celebrates the ocean and the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who spend their days in it.

Adult tickets are $30.50. Go to www.avocabeach picturetheatre.com.au. ★8. IT’S A week late for St Patrick’s Day but get your Irish spirit going at the Laycock St Community Theatre on March 24 with Dublin-born John MacNally, an Australian favourite for decades.

Adult tickets cost $65.

Phone 4343 0111. ★9.WHO doesn’t remember Engelbert Humperdinck, if only for

WORK OF ART: Megan Seres, Scarlett as Colonial Girl, winner of the 2016 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, showing at Gosford Regional Gallery.

his name? He sold more than 150 million albums over 50 years. On Tuesday, March 28, award-winning entertainer Milko Foucault-Larche will bring the songs of the King of Romance to life at the Ettalong Diggers in Englebert ... The Way it Used to Be. Tickets start from $8 for members. ★10. WHEN’S the last time you just got out and enjoyed a good walk? Try the Skillion at Terrigal.

Make it up the hill to enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding coastline. But it is a bit of a workout, so if you’re not that fit, walk around the Haven instead.

Seniors News

GOLDEN VIEWS: The Skillion, Terrigal, makes a stunning walk.

If you like what you’re reading, why not advertise here?

We’d love to share your stories and promote your business to readers just like you. This is the perfect opportunity to share what your business has to offer to those who are most interested. Don’t miss your chance to reach our readers!

Embracing Ageing

BOOK THIS SPACE!

PHOTO: RHYS POPE

To find out more about advertising ors Northern NNSW and in Senio s Coffs and Clarence Seniors call media sales consultant Sue Germany 0 880 265 or get in touch at on 1300 Sue.Gerrmany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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★1. FOR the past 28 years, the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize has encouraged the best from portrait artists. You can catch this great exhibition until April 2 at Gosford Regional Gallery. ★2. IF YOU love your sport, you can’t go past the Mariners playing Melbourne City at Central Coast Stadium Gosford in round 22 of soccer’s A League on Sunday, March 5. Kick-off is at 5pm. ★3. DUSTY Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black were the Women of the ’60s whose music, along with other artists of the era, the talented Gina Hogan will bring back to the stage in Morning Melodies at the Laycock St Community Theatre on Wednesday, March 8.

Complimentary morning tea at 10am, with performance from 11am.

Phone 4323 3233.

Tickets start from $13. ★4. GRAB your picnic rug for your last chance to enjoy Garden Summer Sounds on Sunday, March 19, from 4–7pm at the Japanese Gardens, East Gosford.

There’s live music, craft beers and plenty of delicious food. ★5. LET’S face it, there’s only one Johnny Cash – or is there?

After an 18-month lay-off following their fourth national tour in November 2015 to rave reviews, Daniel Thompson and Stuie French’s Johnny Cash: The Concert comes to the Art House at Wyong on Saturday, March 11.

It’s $65 for tickets to see the Man in Black.

Phone 4335 1485.

40 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

is now providing Home Care Services to the Central Coast At Living Care you can choose from a range of care and services that are provided to you in the comfort of your home.

Our staff understand that you value your independence and will support you, so that you can continue to live an enjoyable life.

20+ services are available to you either short term or long term, including: Wellness services - fitness and therapy Hairdressing and nail care Meal preparation Information and referral to support services Medication prompting Light housework and laundry assistance Transport Lawn and garden services Shopping - assisted/unassisted Personal and clinical care Pastoral care Social support

If you would like to find out more please give one of our Customer Care Representatives a call on or visit www.livingcare.org.au Living Care is a ministry of Fresh Hope (Churches of Christ in NSW), working as a not for profit Christian organisation supporting local communities.