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2 Seniors Central Coast

Welcome

In this edition

Feature Story: Marian Keyes ..........................Pages 4&5 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 14-15 Travel & Cruising feature ..............................Pages 25-31 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 39

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany sue.germany@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 $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Central Coast Seniors”.

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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, November 27, 2017

So many ways so many days WELCOME to our November edition.

This month our pages are jam-packed with super personalities, starting with the awesome Rhonda Burchmore, whose long legs are still scrapping the stage ceilings around Australia. When you have people dancing like Rhonda, singing like Rhonda and showing up like Rhonda, then you have to believe that age really is just a number.

While Rhonda is dancing, internationally acclaimed author Marian Keyes is writing about her view from life now that she is in her 50s. The same as her books, Marian is open, honest and insightful. This glass-half-full person has faced a lot in her life, including alcoholism (she has been sober for 24 years) and depression, which she has also overcome, no doubt, along with her natural literary ability, it is these

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

experiences that allow her to look into the lives of others, identify the nuances, differences and idiosyncrasies and weave them into hugely appealing stories. In this interview, Keyes is upfront about what she sees as the real agenda for older people – hope you enjoy the read on pages 4&5.

That marvellous movie The Marigold Hotel captured the colourful picture of retirees who, for a myriad of reasons, have chosen to retire overseas. In this edition, our journalists speak to people who are both

working or retiring overseas and through their conversations reveal the motivation behind their choices. Not so long ago, this sort of retirement would seem a far-fetched thought for most of the population, but these days fast communication such as internet, has indeed

❝

These days fast communication such as internet, has indeed turned the world into a global village turned the world into a global village, where next door neighbours could not only be around the corner,

but across the ocean.

Certainly, the vast majority of people who are presently retired or planning to be in the near future, are looking at a world full of options that were not available to our parents.

One lady who had recognised the changed circumstances of contemporary ageing is Queensland’s 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford. After a lifetime working as a professional in the wellness industry, she has created a retreat where people can consciously examine ageing. Through workshops and guidance, she makes it possible to recognise alternative routes on the ageing journey.

There’s plenty of more reading on all sorts of topics, I hope you can take your time and enjoy the stories. Cheers Gail

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Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Cover Story: Rhonda Burchmore

Central Coast

Seniors 3

Rhonda, still ABBAsolutely fabulous at 57

Delightful entertainer talks about staying young Ann Rickard

THOSE flawless long legs were a gift from God, but everything else about legendary entertainer Rhonda Burchmore is a case of hard work and balanced living.

Touring Australia with her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show alongside co-star Lara Mulcahy, Rhonda is a picture of health and vitality that belies her 57-year age.

“I started clocking off how old I was when I got to 30,” she laughed. “It is how you age and feel that works.”

Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter.

“My daughter keeps me on my toes. I love hanging out with her, and I love working professionally with young people in the band,” she said.

“Some of the band members are so young I have had to introduce them to ABBA.” The ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show is not a tribute show, rather a fun party showcasing all the iconic ABBA songs along with plenty of humour and a storyline.

It requires Rhonda to slither into a skintight gold jumpsuit that leaves nowhere to hide.

“I can’t have fish and chips

Need a

before I get into that suit,” she laughed. “I don’t know what (ABBA) were thinking in the ’70s with those jumpsuits, but doing the show is a joyful thing for me now.”

At 182cm tall, Rhonda is long and sleek, a delightful contrast to her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous co-star Lara Mulcahy, a small bundle of Rubenesque curves.

“We are like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito,” Rhonda said.

“We don’t care. We are a certain age and proud to get into our Lyrca and spread the old girl-power message. Lara is very voluptuous and as short as I am tall.

“I think that is part of the joy we bring – the message that you can be fabulous at any age, get out and have a good time. We have the audiences up singing and dancing.”

Obviously, the high-energy performance requires a good level of fitness, which Rhonda works into her daily routine.

“I have two standard poodles I walk every day,” she said. “I don’t ever sit idle too long. I am not one of those ladies who does lunch – not that there is anything wrong with that, it is just not me.

“I am much better creating a project or running around. The only time I sit down is for dinner, or a movie or a bit of telly at night. I’m active all the time. I pine for those times when I can

strip off all the make-up and the bling and go for long walks. It revitalises me.”

Even though Rhonda appears to live a life of showbiz glamour, entertaining and attending parties, she emphasises the need to keep mind as well as body at peak performance as you age.

“I am like everyone else, I go through bad times.

Everyone experiences loss and sadness, but you can’t dwell. Sometimes I could roll up in a big ball and die and dwell in sadness.

“That is one of the reasons I am doing the (ABBA-Solutely Fabulous) show. It is my outlet to go out and entertain, to enjoy life.

“People ask me when I will retire and I say retirement is not a word in my vocabulary. I will not stop, there is no reason.”

As for those famous long legs, Rhonda laughs off rumours they are insured for a million dollars.

“They are not,” she said.

“That’s a myth. What use is a pair of legs if everything else falls apart?”

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GOLDEN GIRL: Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter.

PHOTO: JOHN MCRAE

4 Seniors Central Coast

Feature Story: Marian Keyes

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Keyes talks about the Happiness, sadness, divorce, kids, parents, finding love ...

Alison Houston

BEST-SELLING author Marian Keyes has never been afraid to tackle life and its issues head-on.

And while her protagonists may be slightly older, that is just as true in her latest novel The Break.

“When I started writing at 30, I was writing about people in their 20s. Now I’m in my 50s, I’m writing about people in their 40s because, of course, as I get older my concerns are going to change entirely – the way I view things and the things that are affecting the people around me,” Marian said.

She hinted that menopause, with its associated anxiety, sleeplessness and questioning of life for many, would play a part in her forthcoming novel.

“The whole issue of menopause has not been written about to my satisfaction. It’s infuriating that these women are not treated

with any compassion,” she said.

“I want to write about that honestly, so people say, ‘Oh, thank God, it’s not just me!’”

The Break deals with a couple in their 40s who are facing their own mortality, fading love and attempting to rediscover themselves as individuals.

After 22 years of her own marriage, Marian said she believed change was inevitable, but keeping the lines of communication open was the key to remaining happy together.

“I think if you’re with any person for any length of time, you are going to live through serial relationships. That crazy love of the early days isn’t sustainable.

“But you’ve got to keep making sure you’re on the same page, or at least communicating.

“It’s easy to get lazy in a relationship and just think the other person will always be there.

“You have to keep

connected with who you are, and who they are, and what your unique bond is.”

In The Break, Amy is gobsmacked when her husband of 18 years, Hugh, who has been grieving the loss of his father and a close friend, announces he needs six months to go off alone and “find himself” – and he doesn’t rule out sexual encounters.

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sort of sappy martyr,” Marian said.

She wanted to create a realistic portrait of life in those years when you become “almost viscerally aware of your own mortality”.

She also wanted to challenge the idea that “people of a certain age no longer have sex”.

“It annoys me that, especially for women, people believe when they get to a certain age that they are just sexless – that’s codswallop!” she said.

While she admits some people are quite happy for that area of their lives to diminish, some are still excited by the idea of being found sexually attractive. “Why shouldn’t they? And no one, especially young people, has any right to pass judgment.”

Marian said while she had always found it “mortifying” to write sex scenes, it was no more difficult for older characters, and she wanted to ensure they could enjoy “properly

Marian admits it was hard work to write so that Hugh remained a likeable and sympathetic character to readers, and show that Amy was not without her flaws.

“I was so bored of reading about midlife crises where the man was painted as a complete arsehole without any sort of sympathetic features and the woman was some

raunchy sex” too.

“I was very much making a statement,” she said.

In The Break, Amy discovers that she has lost herself in her marriage and family, something Marian said happens all too often.

“Especially now for ‘the sandwich generation’ – people who have the worry of elderly parents with illness as well as the demands of children.

“Life is hard, work is hard and money is short and often it’s easy for women to come last.”

As is characteristic of Marian’s novels, Amy and Hugh do not operate in a vacuum, but are surrounded by family … however dysfunctional. In The Break, that includes Amy’s father who has dementia, something Marian has personal experience of.

“Dad has Alzheimer’s and the hardest part was when it began,” she said.

“It’s really frightening when you realise it’s happening. My family’s response was to go into denial, but now that it’s full-blown, it’s become

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Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Feature Story: Marian Keyes

Central Coast

big issues

normalised – he’s still Dad.” Again, Marian hopes that by dealing directly with the subject, it may open conversations about not just those experiencing the disease but their carers, and their need for greater government support.

“It’s ridiculous that spouses and kids are just expected to be able to take care of these people,” she said, hailing her mother as a superwoman.

“It’s awfully hard work.

It’s like child care in reverse, but it’s different because they can be really obstreperous, and of course they are fully grown.”

Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years.

She said while she felt alcoholism was “just very much a part of my story”, something she understood was an illness, not of her choosing and would not be shamed for, when

depression hit, she did feel ashamed.

It brought her to the lowest of lows, terrified of the world and spending hours each day considering how she would kill herself.

“Society is very quick to blame the person with

❝

Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years. depression, as if they caused it themselves, or it’s just self-pity. But this is something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.”

She said it took her a long time to realise that depression, too, was a disease and that how she was feeling was not her fault.

“Even with cancer,

people talk about people’s ‘battle with cancer’, and if they die, it’s as if they didn’t battle hard enough.

It makes me so angry that the onus is being put on the sufferer – not only are they ill, but they are responsible for their own cure.”

As a result of her illness, it’s been 11 years since Marian was last in Australia, but she said “from the word go, from my first book, people in Australia understood, they got it.”

She believes this is due to the similarities between the Australian and Irish personalities.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she said. “Humour is important to us and we have the ability to laugh at ourselves and at misfortune.”

And that, of course, is a characteristic of Marian’s books, that even – or perhaps especially – when dealing with the darkest subjects, there is always humour not too far away.

If you are battling depression, call Lifeline 13 1114 24 hours a day.

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WE’RE A LOT ALIKE: Marian Keyes has just completed a promotional tour for her 13th book The Break, but says Australians have ‘got her’ from the start because, like the Irish, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. PHOTO on page 4 taken in 2006 on Australian book tour.

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Local Story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Keep the bank open!

Toukley residents protest Commonwealth Bank closure Alison Houston

WHICH bank branch will be next to close?

That’s what Toukley Senior Citizens want everyone to ask themselves as they battle the closure of their local Commonwealth Bank branch on December 1, even as the bank boasts after-tax profits of almost $10 billion.

About 1000 people have signed prepared letters to Commonwealth CEO Ian Narev, and a petition is also circulating protesting the closure – one of reportedly 38 branches axed this year by the big four banks nationwide.

Member for Dobell Emma McBride joined Toukley Senior Citizens Club members at the bank recently to support their campaign to save the local branch.

She has also asked the Commonwealth to sit down with her and community representatives to

discuss the issue.

“The Commonwealth Bank declared a full-year, after-tax profit of $9.93 billion this year, a 7.6 per cent rise,” Emma said.

“Their profits are extraordinary and yet they are cutting local branches which provide services to their customers.”

Local resident Robyn Storrier, 63, who lives with her 83-year-old mother, is helping spread the word for Senior Citizens Club members.

She said elderly residents like her mother were physically unable to stand for long periods in queues at the post office (which has no seating) to do their transactions, as the Commonwealth proposes customers wanting face-to-face local service should do.

Other options suggested by the bank include driving to The Entrance, a very busy centre with little disabled parking and a long walk from the bank, or Lake

WHICH BANK IS NEXT? Member for Dobell Emma McBride joins Toukley Senior Citizens members at the Commonwealth Bank recently to support their campaign to save the local branch.

Haven, where Robyn said the parking is “like dodgems” and neither she nor her mother felt safe.

This argument was upheld by a resident in his 20s, who said he didn’t even like trying to find a park in these busy centres.

And, of course, many elderly residents no longer drive anyway.

Robyn said many of the residents in this traditional retirement area still used passbooks.

They didn’t have debit cards, never mind using the internet to do their banking, and many did not have the short-term

memory to learn this new skill.

There was also the safety concern of the frail aged withdrawing or depositing money at ATMs on the street.

“The aged are becoming isolated and discriminated against,” Robyn said.

Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said she was disappointed by the planned closure and that: “In a thriving community like Toukley, a major bank sees dollars, not community service.

“With an ageing population on the Coast, we all need to work

together to ensure we deliver the services our community need, want and value.”

She said she saw the council’s role as fighting for its community and she would take their concerns straight to the bank.

“I do hope they listen,” she said.

The call to save the bank has also been supported by Member for Wyong and spokesman for the Central Coast David Harris, who said: “The big four banks make billions of dollars in profit every year and they have a social responsibility to provide services to communities like Toukley that have an older population.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said: “I believe it is incumbent on the Commonwealth to ensure its less able, mobile or IT-savvy customers are not left behind”.

But despite all this, a Commonwealth Bank spokeswoman was clear that the decision was final and the closure would go

ahead despite the protest, of which the bank was aware.

She said the bank regularly “reviewed its footprint”, opening and closing branches as a result, and understood that “some members of the community may be disappointed and inconvenienced” by the Toukley decision.

Over the past five years, she said, “we’ve seen a 35 per cent decline in the number of transactions at our Toukley branch” and argued that 28 per cent of customers who did transactions at Toukley also used Lake Haven.

Residents can join the campaign to save the Toukley branch by signing the petition at Toukley Senior Citizens, 1 Hargraves St (opposite Coles).

Anyone dependent on their local bank branch, including Toukley, is also encouraged to go to the @SaveCommBankToukley Facebook page, download, sign and send off the letter protesting Commonwealth Bank branch closures.

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Local Story

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 7

Teen mentoring program calls for volunteers

The major skill needed is to be a good listener Alison Houston

DO YOU have one or two hours each week for just 10 weeks to help improve a teenager’s life?

That’s the goal of Central Coast Secondary Schools Mentoring, an in-school program providing students in Years 9 and 10 with supportive one-on-one mentoring to plan for their next step in education, training or employment.

Warren Stewart is in his second year as a mentor, having retired to the Central Coast and set himself the target of “serving the community”.

He had just walked in from “helping a young man with his HSC exam” when Seniors News first tracked him down.

This isn’t part of the mentoring program, but another of Warren’s volunteer positions. He’s also a JP, works on the

fundraising side of CCSSM (which gets no government funding), and is establishing business links so CCSSM participants can take part in industry visits.

At nearly 70 years old, Warren said he is “full of fire”, and would love every Year 9-10 student on the Central Coast to have a mentor if it were possible.

There are currently six schools involved in the program and just 45 mentors, explaining the plea for new volunteers.

“Most of us are retired, and on that basis bring a wealth of experience that no-one else can provide, not even their parents or teachers,” Warren said.

“We’re talking to 15-16-year-olds and there’s no agenda, no judgement or criteria – we’re complete neutrals just there to hear what they want to say.

“Often they will discuss

things with us that Mum and Dad or the teachers may not know about.”

Over the years, that has included one student revealing they lived under a bridge, and another that they had to regularly go to the Salvos for food parcels.

While there are no statistics to prove the program’s achievements, Warren said anecdotal examples included potential drop-outs deciding to go on to Year 11 and 12 – he’s had three of those, students with better life skills, greater self-confidence, better behaviour, attitude and respect, reduced school absenteeism, and students who have been helped to prepare resumes that led to jobs.

And the fact some former mentees go out of their way to say hello when they bump into Warren at the shopping centre, he

LIFE MENTOR: Warren Stewart with one of the students who successfully completed the last round of CCSSM mentoring.

PHOTO: ALISON HOUSTON

reckons, says a lot in itself.

“It’s not a case of convincing them to go on, or to come to school, it’s a case of putting alternative cases for them to consider,” Warren said.

“I say to the kids, if you want me to help you, I can’t. If you want to help yourself, I can give you a

wealth of information.

“It’s all about life skills – we’re not educators.”

No qualifications are needed to be a mentor, apart from being a good listener. Training is provided and volunteers need a police check and a Working with Children number (costs reimbursed). The six high

schools currently taking part are Woy Woy, Erina, Narara, Kincumber, Tumbi Umbi and Berkeley Vale (where mentoring has run for almost 20 years).

The next training session is in February 2018. For information call Carlie Wells on 4388 1899 or carlie.wells @det.nsw.edu.au.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

What are you doing later on?

LOOKS like it’s time to start some Olympic-style training.

I say that because it appears this generation of older adults is facing a long run into the future.

Last month, I presented a small selection of scientific advances made in the longevity industry.

From all accounts, ongoing discoveries in this area are well on the way to providing us with extra years.

This month, the Australian Bureau of Statistics shared more information relating to the subject of longevity.

The report noted: “In the past 125 years to 2015, life expectancy in Australia increased by 33.2 years for males and 33.7 years for females.”

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

Which poses the question: How will we occupy these extra years?

There’s no point looking to our parents for an example.

The generation before us basically followed a path of retiring at 65 years old and not living much longer after that.

Not so these days.

Our job is to not only live for a couple of more decades, but also to provide ways and means to do it with dignity, self-respect and joy.

However, if we don’t have the superannuation funds to match, it’s time to seek out other options.

In this edition we have published a couple of lifestyle scenarios chosen by people in their 60s.

One option is to keep working and never, ever quit.

Another alternative is to live in a cheaper country and, according to the people we have interviewed, this expat lifestyle holds a lot advantages.

However, both of these options – a lifelong working life and overseas living – also require society to acknowledge, accept and incorporate corresponding legislation in terms of visas and taxations to fit the

changing circumstances.

This includes the serious issue of age discrimination in the workplace. As more older adults seek employment, so do claims of discrimination rise.

One of my job-seeking friends tells me that on numerous occasions, after emailing her resume to a prospective employer (where her age is not mentioned), she obtains a face-to-face interview, where her age (57) is obvious, and she never hears back.

Of course, that’s only one story, but from what I hear, it is indicative of what many older people experience.

Certainly, research completed by the Benevolent Society

provides definite evidence of ageism, but also ways it can be addressed.

Additionally, Human Rights and Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson has made workplace age discrimination a priority.

Recently, parliament decided against major changes to the rules and regulations governing people overseas receiving pensions.

However, from January 1, 2018, there are changes to the Pension Supplement for people who live overseas or travel outside Australia for more than six weeks.

Share housing, intergenerational living and the tiny homes movements add another

dimension to the changing lifestyle of the older Australian.

Again, we need government to see the value of supporting these kinds of alternative housing.

Finally, our story with Marlene Rutherford and her workshops on consciously ageing is, again, something that is totally unique but I believe necessary as we address a new world order.

As American social anthropologist and author Mary Bateson Clark advises – do not juggle all the things you have to do in life, instead put some thought in and compose rather than juggle.

Indeed, time to start training for the new years ahead.

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

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10 Seniors Central Coast

Community News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Hakea Grove introduces its new memory care unit – Topaz HAKEA Grove has opened a purpose-built memory care dementia unit.

Inspired by the Hogewey model, the new memory care unit will be based on rekindling residents’ past memories and familiarities.

The unit, Topaz, has been designed to provide a safe environment that includes dementia-specific leisure and well-being activities for residents living with dementia with an emphasis on sensory care including visual props, gentle massages, pet therapy, music, movies, grooming, scent stimulation, sunshine and fresh air.

Since individuals with dementia may easily become stressed or confused, a special emphasis has been placed on promoting relaxation and well-being.

This has been done by creating a place where residents can gather, such as our lounge room, that has lifelike murals on the walls and allows for lots of natural light.

The design of the unit allows residents to wander freely both inside

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and out through to the secure courtyard area.

An interactive space has been developed to include memory triggers such as mailboxes, a tool station, gates, vegetable garden, shop fronts, a baby nursery and kitchenette, allowing residents to interact and slip comfortably back to the part of their lives they remember best.

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Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

Living

A fresh start overseas Alison Houston

IMAGINE cutting your living costs not by 25 or even 50 per cent but by a whopping 70 per cent.

Impossible you say?

Certainly in Australia it would be, and that’s precisely why so many Aussies, like former Brisbanites Michael and Vivien Cullen, are choosing to retire overseas.

It was early 2015 when they made the move to Thailand and Michael has just celebrated his 60th birthday there with absolutely no regrets.

Having sold up in Australia, the couple bought their new home in Hua Hin, a coastal resort 200km south of Bangkok, for just $140,000.

Monthly utilities are

$100 and monthly food and grocery shopping $500. Michael says they also eat out several times a week, with tasty fresh meals for about $4 in local eateries, or in more traditional cafes and restaurants $6–$10 for a main meal.

If, like me, you are questioning the availability and quality of health care, Michael again has reassurances.

There are two international-standard US-university training hospitals in Hua Hin and seeing an Englishspeaking doctor for a GP-style consultation (including any required medication) typically costs no more than $20.

Michael said that ironically, it was while on a plane to Europe for a

NEW LIFE: Michael and Vivien Cullen have no regrets about selling up in Australia and starting a new life in Thailand.

long-saved for holiday that the pair came across a magazine article about others their age who had not just enjoyed a quick escape but were starting new lives overseas.

“I suppose it was the desire not to have to work,

to be stuck on that treadmill for, in my case, another 10 years,” the former businessman and teacher said.

He started reading about other people’s adventures living overseas on the International Living Australia website, and discovered it was a real possibility – the only question was, where would they go?

After considering, and even visiting South America, they decided it was too far from home and looked towards Asia, where they had previously enjoyed some travel, and specifically Thailand.

“This has given us a much more affordable and comfortable life than we could have had back home.”

If they had retired in Australia, which he doubts they could have afforded, Michael said they might be “doing the Grey Nomad thing” but would constantly have been looking at the cost of petrol, food and checking how far they could afford to go.

The pair is on a retirement visa (multi-entry and renewably annually), which means they are not allowed to work at all, but they also have friends who have moved on a business visa and are setting up a food tour business.

His advice for others looking to escape the rat race, the high cost of living and push their dollar further, is to do their research, both formal and informal, such as reading

websites and blogs of others living in the area you are interested in, visiting or possibly house-sitting.

As yet, Michael and Vivien haven’t returned to Australia, even for a visit, and Michael says he can’t see them ever moving back permanently, but perhaps Vivien best sums up their experience.

“What I didn’t expect, and can’t even begin to put a price on, is the thrill of being immersed in a country where everyday life feels so fresh and new,” she said.

To read more of Michael and Vivien’s adventures go to their website www.retiredaussiesinasia. com or check out more overseas possibilities at https://international living.com/au/.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

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Living

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Retirement in Malaysia

Seniors 13

Cheryl’s top pick for lifestyle and adventure Tracey Johnstone

RETIRING overseas wasn’t on Australian Cheryl Fankhauser’s bucket list, but after travelling and working in Asia for several years the decision to retire in Malaysia was easily made.

“I couldn’t imagine myself coming back to Australia,” Cheryl, 64, said. “Number one because of the expense and number two I have had 10 friends die within the last four years, so I am slowly losing my circle of friends in Tweed – so I thought, ‘Why not stay in Asia?’ ” The former Tweed Heads resident and nurse has been in Georgetown for about 18 months. Prior to settling permanently in Malaysia, Cheryl taught English at the Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Bengbu City, China, for 10 years.

Choosing not to continue working and

living in China was really driven by her age.

“It was definitely not the right place to retire in,” Cheryl said.

“It’s difficult to retire there. It’s very hard to get a visa, especially for Australians.

“And the weather – I was in an area where it snowed and we had four or five months of winter.

“There was also the language problem with no one speaking English, and I really got fed up with that after a while, so it was easier to come to a place where everyone speaks English and the food is fantastic.”

Before making her final decision on where to retire, Cheryl looked hard at both Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, visiting both of them often.

“KL was too big, Malacca was too far away and Georgetown is just perfect,” she said.

Cheryl has chosen to live in the suburbs in a

low-rise apartment building on Penang Island, where there are 750,000 residents, including a large expat community.

International Living this year named Malaysia as the best place for Australians to retire to in 2018, describing the country in just the same way as Cheryl did – friendly, with almost every imaginable service available, a low cost of living and a vibrant cultural life made up of Chinese, Islamists, Indians and expats.

Cheryl also notes that the medical support available is good quality and eminently affordable.

However, the aged care facilities are still very new.

“Supported accommodation is very new. It’s just happening now,” Cheryl said.

“There are a couple of places that some European expats are about to open.

“There is nursing home

OVERSEAS RETIREMENT: Georgetown resident, originally from Tweed Heads, Cheryl Fankhauser.

facilities, but there isn’t much in between leaving your home and the nursing home, and that’s what some expats are looking at opening.”

She expects these facilities will be targeted at the expat community, as she still sees in Asia an attitude of “families caring for families”.

Many expats go back to their original home if they

need in-home care, but for those who stay, Cheryl said it was very cheap to employ a 24-hour in-home carer.

Keeping active and connected is Cheryl’s way of staving off any ageing health issues.

She does water aerobics and Malay classes twice a week, is one of the founding members of the art

society, attends lots of community events and festivals, and eats well.

For her 65th birthday, she is tossing up between three months in Europe or a facelift, which will cost about $AU1000.

While she still owns a home in Australia, which is her superannuation, she plans to stay put.

“I can’t see myself living anywhere else.”

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14 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Wellbeing

Pathways to new age Gail Forrer

HOW do you feel about getting older? Good, bad, indifferent.

For 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford, the time arrived to examine her own feelings about ageing after seeing her father end up in a nursing home and knowing he had never wanted to be in one.

Marlene, a mother of four and grandmother of five, started her career as a psychiatric nurse, going on to gain a post-graduate qualification. She furthered her career in health with courses in alternative medicine including qualifications in reflexology.

❝

Marlene Rutherford is inspiring people to acknowledge the wisdom and greatness of age Her background in wellness has provided a solid foundation to begin a conscious examination of ageing. Right from the start she became aware of certain repetitive phrases.

“I noticed I kept hearing comments like, ‘It’s a bugger getting old’,” she said.

“Of course, we get old and things don’t work the same as they use to – but there are other things we can do.”

The key, she thought, to

The key, she thought, to finding the things we can do, was in having an awareness of what was possible...

finding the things we can do, was in gaining an understanding of what was possible and that meant finding out who you wanted to be, identifying your beliefs about death and learning how to construct a new path.

“We are pioneers of this new age and our wisdom is so needed, let’s not tuck ourselves away to age quietly, let’s bring ourselves fully into the light as elders and manifest our greatness to help shape family, community and society,” she said.

To that end, Marlene has created her Ageing Consciously, Step up as an Elder in your Community weekend

retreats.

Within the retreat, exercises explore the areas of work, creativity, spirituality, and community. How to find your own “conscious ageing rhythm” and how to look afresh to recreate yourself.

Additionally, Marlene said she delved into questions such as: ■ If I need help as I age what is my vision for how I want to approach this spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically?

■ What facilitates compassionate and mindful discussions about our own end of life plans as well as for those we love?

Retreats are held in comfortable accommodation in Brisbane and the Gold Coast hinterland.

For more, go to joyfulawakenings.com.au.

CONSCIOUS AGEING: Marlene Rutherford helps find a unique path.

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Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 15

The Rose Lady is still losing herself in art Helen Davis is recognised for her original painting style Alison Houston

AT 84 years old, painter Helen Davies reckons she just wants to live the quiet life and paint.

But it seems she’s just too darned talented to melt into the background as she desires. Helen is part of the Artastic group at the Kincumber Living Choice Retirement Village, which exhibited the works of 18 local members over the weekend, including up to 50 of Helen’s paintings, and her charity raffle piece worth $800.

“She’s phenomenal; she just paints all day,” said close friend and fellow Artastic member Beth Miller. “She’s very prolific.”

FORGET YOUR TROUBLES: Helen Davies still loves floral painting.

PHOTO: ELIZABETH GOFF

One of Helen Davies’ art works.

And while best known for her nature pieces of Monet-like serenity, Beth said Helen had recently begun incorporating figures, including children on a beach, into her work.

“She’s always thinking

PHOTO: ELIZABETH GOFF

outside the box,” Beth said, adding that Helen had wonderful copies of Renoir and Degas’ pieces in her home, “possibly better than the originals, because the mediums today are so much better

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Asked about her involvement in the Artastic exhibit, Helen said she had joined the art group “thinking I’d just sit in the background and go quietly about my work, but it didn’t happen that way!”

“It’s just a lovely hobby that you lose yourself in,” Helen said. “You get away from all your troubles when you paint.

“It keeps me alive!”

Never a professional artist as such, Helen had always loved painting and became famous on the Coast as The Rose Lady, over 20 years of teaching China painting.

That too began almost by accident, when Helen displayed some pieces in the post office at Killarney Vale, someone admired them and came looking

for classes, and word spread.

Helen’s history on the Coast goes back a long way. She and her late husband Gordon moved up from Sydney and bought a caravan park at Gorokin on Tuggerah Lakes. When they sold up there, they ran a motel at Toukley, from which Helen began running her China-painting classes in a top-floor “studio”, and then The Fernery in Matcham Valley, where her classes became a five-day-a-week operation, with people coming from as far as Newcastle to learn the skill.

These days, she said, she’s put the China painting aside in favour of acrylic paintings, but it’s still the flowers that rule her heart.

“I love floral painting,” Helen said. “When I look at a painting, I like to say ‘I’d love to be there; it’s so beautiful and quiet .”

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16 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

STAY AT HOME

Help for independent living My Aged Care assistance can help you to stay in your home Andrew Heaven, Wealth Partners

Q: My mother is 86, a widow and living at home.

I am concerned about her welfare. What form of assistance is she entitled to and who should we contact for help?

A: Access to home care packages is initiated via My Aged Care and the Department of Human Services. The program provides services to assist individuals to remain at home for as long as possible by providing flexibility in the way support and care services are provided.

To be eligible for an HCP, your mum must be assessed by the Aged Care Assessments Team.

The ACAT will then prepare a letter confirming eligibility for an HCP and detail the level of care your mum is approved for.

The level of subsidy available depends on what level of support your mum is deemed to require.

This may include transport for shopping and appointments, social support by way of companionship, domestic assistance for household tasks, personal care for bathing or dressing, food services such as help with preparation or delivery of meals, and home modifications.

Services can be tailored based on needs and the

MONEY: What form of assistance is my parent entitled to and who should we contact for help?

funding available. HCP can’t be used as a general source of income for day-to-day expenses but is a subsidy paid to HCP providers.

The providers can charge administration and management fees in addition to the service.

Consumers can choose

which provider they work with, and transfer unspent amounts from one provider to another. When accepting an HCP, the recipient may be asked to pay a range of fees towards the cost of their care.

A basic daily care fee is negotiated between the

recipient and the provider.

The maximum daily care fee is capped at 17.5% of the maximum single Age Pension rate. Currently the cap rate is $10.17 per day.

Depending on your mum’s income, an income-tested fee may apply.

Your mum will be required to submit an Aged Care Fees Income Assessment form (SA456) to the Department of Human Services to determine her applicable fees.

Further information can be found at myagedcare.gov.au.

Q&A with The Coach first appeared on website wealthpartners.net.au.

Any general advice in this article doesn’t take account of your personal objectives, financial situation and needs.

Go to www.seniors news.com.au for the full article.

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Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

STAY AT HOME

10 helpful carer tips FOR seven years Queensland resident James McCutcheon has cared for his wife of 61 years, learning many valuable lessons along the way about the carer role and Alzheimer’s.

“I took it on as a natural thing,” the 86-year-old said.

“I loved the woman so I decided to care for her until I couldn’t any longer.”

His wife Beverley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after two years of James struggling with the gradual changes in her.

In March he finally moved her into a high-care facility.

James shares his 11 hard-learnt tips from his experience of caring for Beverley.

1. Get a good GP

“The first one I had was terrible and didn’t recognise the fact, kept saying it was old age,” James said.

“Beverley wouldn’t let me go with her at the time until I forced the issue.”

James knew something was wrong when Beverley kept asking the same question “every five minutes”.

“I thought, that’s the first sign,” James said.

He changed GPs quite quickly.

2. Find an even better geriatrician The first geriatrician James found very offhand, with no bedside manner and “mucked up tablets”.

3. Enduring Power of Attorney This must be obtained for everyone and done early on.

As Beverley didn’t have

CARING: James McCutcheon and his wife Beverley.

PHOTO: PATRICK WOODS

one, James approached everybody he could think of to help, but as they considered Beverley not capable of understanding the document, nothing could be done.

It was only when he obtained a form from the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“I finally went to court just this year and was granted administration,” he said.

4. Check out rest homes early

Look over rest homes to find a few that you are comfortable with and then register with them.

5. Join a carers group Do this early. “You can learn a lot of information from carers,” James said.

6. Approach the aged care assistance team Get an assessment done as soon as there is a diagnosis.

“There are packages available from the government,” James said.

apparel.

11. Carers allowance This allowance is available through Centrelink.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

■ When you are feeling depressed or angry, “remember it’s not the person, it’s the disease,” James counsels.

■ Go walking. James walks with a group that steps out around the local area early in the morning.

■ Find an activity that gives you pleasure. He is a painter of 40 years.

■ Allocate a time each week for you to do something just for you.

James had Monday morning locked in as his time to paint.

■ Find social activities. “I think you have to be socially active because if you don’t, you will tend to vegetate and sit and watch TV all the time,” James said.

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“You can then get a provider, and there are lots of them around now, and they look after you with people coming to help you, or you want a day off.”

7. Day care Find out about day care options through a provider.

8. Respite “It’s a necessity to have respite as it’s a 24/7 job,” James recommends.

“You get a bit jaded and it’s very hard with what comes out of their minds and how they act.”

Your provider can advise on your respite options.

9. Friendship Talked to My Aged Care about the closest friendship group which is where you can meet with others socially and learn a lot about dementia.

10. Incontinence allowance There is an allowance to cover some of the costs of incontinence

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A loving husband shares what he learnt as his wife’s carer

I T I N G NO

18 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

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HABIT 4. PRACTISE MEDITATION OR MINDFULNESS The practice goes back thousands of years, but recent studies have shown some pretty amazing benefits to meditation.

Meditation has been shown that it can increase your overall happiness and sense of well-being, decrease anxiety and fear, lower stress hormones and more.

HABIT 5. SET GOALS

Having goals can give you a sense of purpose and has been shown to increase well-being.

On top of that, each time you set and achieve a goal, your brain releases dopamine “the neurochemicals of happiness”.

Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care, Central Coast NSW.

The PoinT CafÉ JaPanese Gardens where cuisine meets culture.

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Our latest special includes a

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Mention this ad and receive a complimentary glass of house wine or soft drink.

A day at the Gardens can include as much or as little as you wish.

Tour the Japanese Gardens with your bus group, take in a gallery exhibition with a friend or celebrate a fabulous occasion in the café.

With ample parking, easy walks and wheelchair accessibility, the Japanese Gardens is accessible to all.

“Bookings taken until December 31, 2017 for reservations no later than March 2018”.

Call the café to book a table today on 0243 248 099.

To make a booking for a larger group Call 1300 714 332 and let us take all of the stress out of planning your next group event.

6691442ab

Regain the freedom of your home

Set amongst the Gosford Regional Art Gallery and overlooking the tranquil Japanese Gardens Gosford, The Point Café is the perfect spot to host your next social or sporting group, birthday celebration, tour group or family event.

Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

STAY AT HOME

A walk in my shoes

MP determined to further health initiatives see the Coast become a dementia-and-agedfriendly community.”

Emma will be hosting the Walk in My Shoes carers conference on December 13 at Mingara Recreation Club.

The conference runs from 9am-1pm, and consists of workshops from NDIS, Dementia Australia, Carers NSW, Candles Cancer Support Group, Younger Onset Dementia Social Support, Centrelink, My Aged Care, Health Direct Australia and more.

Expert presenters include The Wholesome Collective cooking demonstration, providing food and nutrition advice, and members of the Dementia-friendly Kiama project team.

“Carers are the unsung

heroes of our community.

We need to recognise what they do for others,” says Emma.

“Every day I talk to people who are caring for someone.”

“Whether it is helping someone get ready for the day, or getting in and out of the car for a medical appointment, or sharing a meal, being a carer is demanding.”

“My hope is that through this conference people will meet other carers who have walked in their shoes, to share their experience and support one another.

“It’s also an opportunity to talk to agencies and service providers so they can link in with the support that they need.”

For Emma, improving health and well-being for

SHARING AND CARING: MP Emma McBride is working towards improved health services.

people on the Central Coast was the driving force behind her decision to become a Member of Parliament and she says she is determined to use her role to progress health initiatives locally.

“We have an ageing population. By 2075, a quarter of Australians will be aged over 65 and

dementia is the single greatest disability for people in this age group,” says Emma.

“I’ve been working with the team that successfully launched the dementia-friendly community initiative in Kiama.

“There are practical ways to change

communities so everyone belongs. I’m keen for the Central Coast to be one of the first in Australia to become dementia and aged friendly.”

RSVP to the Walk in My Shoes conference is essential by phoning Emma’s office on 4353 0127 or book online at emmamcbride.com.au.

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MORE than 30,000 people on the Central Coast care for someone, and Dobell MP Emma McBride is one of them.

She says her experience caring for her father, who was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Dementia at 63 years of age, has opened her eyes to the challenges carers face.

“I trained as a pharmacist and worked in health for 20 years but before helping to care for my dad there were things that were invisible to me,” says Emma.

“Helping my mum care for Dad has given me an insight in to some of the challenges that carers face and the real need for support, particularly respite.

“It’s also inspired me to

20 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

!

W O N K O BO

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DOBELL

Emma McBride MP presents

s e o h s y m n i k l Wa

9am OPENING CEREMONY Emma McBride MP

CARERS

9:15am KEYNOTE SPEECH First Steps to Dementia-Friendly Australia Speakers: Nick Guggisberg and Dennis Frost No longer are people with dementia willing to live, empty lives. The good news is there are plenty of examples of how to make our society more dementia-friendly.

CONFERENC

A dementia-friendly community will recognise the need for a person with dementia to continue their lives and to participate in the community in activities.

PRE-CONFERENCE AREA

SHOWROOM

TASMAN

Open 8:30am-1pm The Dementia Journey

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

CONCURRENT

10am - 10:45am NDIS panel Q & A

10am - 10:4 Recharge Y

NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE AGENCY The NDIS will be explained. We will hear what it means to the residents of the Central Coast. A video will be shown about an experience with the NDIS. Following this is a question and answer session. A panel of experts will be available to answer all your questions.

DEMENTIA AU The culmination and Carers prog If you are seekin to our Recharg with other men

YOUNGER ONSET DEMENTIA SOCIAL SUPPORT CENTRAL COAST (YODSS) In this snapshot of the Dementia Journey you will be able to follow the steps from first symptoms, diagnosis and what to do next e.g. getting your legal affairs in order, making a bucket list, preserving your memories for your family, the importance of socialising and keeping connected. Plus information on the best aids like trackers, bidets, fiddle quilts, specialised cutlery, what to cook, who to call when you need help, when to call in services, and hints to make life easier. Then lastly information on endcare, palliative care and organising a funeral.

10:45am - 11:15am My Aged Care / Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) CARER SUPPORT SERVICES Access Carer Support services available through My Aged Care. This program contributes funding towards a range of respite services such as Flexible Respite, Centre-Based Respite and Cottage Respite.

CHSP has access to emergency respite services provided under Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, the National Carer Counselling Program and Carer Information Support Service.

Available 8:30am-1pm Virtual Reality DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA Develop a better understanding of dementia from the perspective of person with dementia and their carer through Dementia Australia’s Educational Dementia Immersive Experience, EDIE™.

This serious games technology uses VR Gear (Virtual Reality goggles) to allow users to explore a moment in time as Edie, who has a diagnosis of dementia.

Users will face the difficulties experienced by Edie as he undertakes simple activities of daily living.

12pm - 1pm Cooking & Nutrition for the Time-Poor THE WHOLESOME COLLECTIVE An interactive cooking and nutrition presentation providing important education around food, nutrition and cooking, targeting the particular needs of carers.

We have worked extensively in the area of providing evidenced-based nutrition advice for elderly community members, including those living with dementia and their carers.

The cooking demonstration and nutrition commentary will cover two main meals and a snack with a copy of the recipes supplied to all participants.

Register by 29 Nov

WED 13 DEC MINGARA TICKETS: 4353 0127 EMMAMCBRIDE.COM.AU

EMMA MCBRIDE MP Federal Member For Dobell Suite 204, 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259 emma.mcbride.mp@aph.gov.au

I

I

(02) 4353 0127

mcbrideemma

I

emmamcbride.com.au

10:45am - 1 Walk Like a

CANDLES CAN Men make up a in Australia. Man themselves and in caring roles a Focusing on m topics such a stereotypes and journey of a loc

11:15am - 11 Continuing

DEMENTIA AU Impact of grie acceptance of of calm. Many supporting the person who ha to grief experie a broad spiritua related loss the the diagnosis manage this? A be relating our (and dying) wit

Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

S

CE

Seniors 21

Walk in my shoes

N ROOM 1

TASMAN ROOM 2/3

T SESSIONS

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

45am Your Batteries

10am - 10:45am Payments and Carers

(for Male Carers)

STRALIA n of recognised and evaluated Wellness grams,designed just for men. ng to find that extra spark, come along ge Your Batteries workshop. Network n in caring roles.

11:15am a Man (for Male Carers)

NCER SUPPORT GROUP approx. 44.5% of the 1.2 million carers any remain hidden and unrecognised by d health and social services, putting men at risk of reduced health and wellbeing. male and hidden male carers, covering as men’s health, masculinity, gender d social structures including the personal cal male carer with lived experience.

1:45am Bonds

STRALIA ef – emotions experienced and how loss may eventually bring some sense y cultures have developed customs e continuing presence & role of the s died. How can we apply this thinking enced in our culture? Should we include ality into our experience? In dementiae grief is present in some form once has been made. How do people As a dementia-specific counsellor I will discussion to the experience of living th dementia.

CENTRELINK - FINANCIAL INFORMATION SERVICE An education and information service to assist people to make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for their current and future financial needs. Independent, free and confidential.

Providing information on Carer Payments available in the community, the qualifications for eligibility, how the income and assets tests work and more.

10:45am - 11:15am Carer Gateway – Support for carers HEALTHDIRECT AUSTRALIA Practical ways Carer Gateway makes a difference to the lives of carers and how to use it as a support resource throughout the care journey – from starting to care for someone while navigating complex legal and financial issues, through to respite care and coping when caring ends.

Delegates will gain a better understanding of what services are available to support regional carers, how to connect carers and those they care for to services and information most likely to help during the caring journey.

11:15am - 11:45am Caring in times of transition CARERS NSW Developed as a result of carers over 65 requesting a specific focus on preparing the person they care for transitioning into residential aged care and the emotional impact in the decision making process. It also includes a section on preparation and the emotions and activities involved with end of life.

With more than 30,000 people on the Central Coast caring for someone each day, it is vital our carers feel supported.

That’s why I am delighted to provide this Carers Conference.

I hope to see you there.

Emma

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22 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

STAY AT HOME

Adventurers at heart MEET Robert and Darcy – two free spirits with a shared sense of adventure.

The couple have always enjoyed travelling and seeing new places.

Robert spent his career as a ship’s captain and working with boats and Darcy would often join him on his journeys on the seas.

But recent changes left the pair feeling isolated and with a sense their world was shrinking.

Robert had stopped driving, and Darcy was finding it difficult to manage the housework due to acute arthritis and chronic pain.

Determined to hold onto their freedom, Robert and Darcy decided to seek help.

BaptistCare was able to help them maintain contact with community groups and assist with household chores and transport.

“Our care facilitator is marvellous,” the couple say. “She’s not only our

Stay safely in your own home WHEN it comes to making the decision to stay at home for as long as you can, one of the challenges people face is understanding how

MORE FREEDOM: Darcy and Robert decided to seek help from BaptistCare.

care facilitator, she’s our friend, too.

“We’re now happier and healthier, and we have someone else to help us if we need it.

And if we’re not well, we can book transport.”

Darcy says getting help with the housework has given her more time and energy that she’s happily putting towards spending time with family.

So, what’s their advice to others?

“Receiving care

doesn’t have to feel like you’re losing independence,” the pair say.

Wise words from two adventurers who are now enjoying life again.

At BaptistCare, we know everyone’s different.

That’s why creating tailored solutions is a big part of the care we provide.

Design your home care package today. Go to YouChoose.org.au or call 1300 275 227.

SAFETY: The safeTwear device has a two-way voice communication that allows us to talk to and hear the customer even if they are in the shower, the garden or visiting family and friends.

they will deal with the increased possibility of falls and health issues.

Technology is moving fast in this area with a wide range of medical alert systems now available for purchase for a wide range of budgets.

Emergency Medical Services’ Paul Joseph said their devices were linked to a team of trained professionals that linked their clients’ health history directly to the ambulance.

Mr Joseph said key points to look for in a device were freedom (to wear and use the system anywhere), fall detection, long battery life, quality speaker clarity and volume with directional microphone, GPS tracking and photo identification sharing ability.

Mr Joseph said they ranged from $1 to $3 a day.

“Emergency Medical

KEEPING SAFE: A safeTwear medical alert pendant.

Services offers a free device and a variety of packages on a pre-paid basis. Discounts apply for certain age groups and/or people with certain health issues.

“The safeTcare team will take direction from the customer and it may end in simply a call to family member or friend.

“People should also understand these days calling an ambulance does not mean they will be automatically taken to hospital.”

Book an obligation-free demo, call 1300 699 159.

integratedliving are proud to support ‘The Central Coast Carers Conference’. We offer a range of services for older Australians, people living with a disability and their carers.

Services include:

Home Care As Individual As You Design your package today!

1300 275 227 YouChoose.org.au

•

Domestic Assistance •

Respite for Carers

•

Personal Care

•

Day Centres

•

Social Support

•

Home and Garden Maintenance

Come and visit our team at the conference and see how we can help carers and their families on the Central Coast.

Contact us for information on all services on:

1300 782 896 integratedliving.org.au

integratedliving are a registered NDIS provider.

24 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

AGEING & DISABILITY SERVICES Coast Community Connections operates two Vacation Care programs at Gosford and Woy Woy on the Central Coast.

Children are supervised and cared for by experienced and trained staff who are committed to providing high quality care as well as giving children a holistic excursion experience during holiday periods.

Each school holidays, Coast Community Connections develop vacation care programs that provide an array of different activities from indoor and creative activities to excursions and day outings.

Peninsula

Gosford

children`s services

children`s services

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 VACATION CARE PROGRAM HOURS 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM WEEKDAYS

DATE

ACTIVITY

Monday 18th December – Tuesday 19th December –

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 VACATION CARE PROGRAM HOURS 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

DATE

ACTIVITY

Intencity & Wamberal Park Ettalong Movies & Umina Park Wednesday 20th December – Tick Tocks Playground Thursday 21st December – Inflatable World & Gosford Park Friday 22nd December – Candy Cane Christmas Party Service Closed Monday 25th December 2017 to Monday 8th January 2018 Monday 8th January – Club Umina Tuesday 9th January – Inflatable Waterslides Wednesday 10th January – Pizza Inn & Gosford Park Thursday 11th January – Clip and Climb Friday 12th January – Slam Factory Monday 12th January – Time Zone & Long Jetty Park Tuesday 13th January – Inhouse Water Day Wednesday 14th January – Ettalong Movies & Umina Park Thursday 15th January – Reptile Park Friday 16th January – Bateau Bay Bowling & Umina Park Monday 22nd January – Monkey Mania Tuesday 23rd January – Wannabees Wednesday 24th January – Disco at Everglades Thursday 25th January – Hunter Valley Ice Skating Friday 26th January – Service Closed Public Holiday Monday 29th January – Flip out & Gosford Park

Monday 18th December – Art Barn Plaster Painting Tuesday 19th December – Awezone Trampoline Park Wednesday 20th December – Ettalong Movies Thursday 21st December – Inflatable World Friday 22nd December – Splash, Splash Water Day Service Closed Monday 25th December 2017 to Monday 8th January 2018 Monday 8th January – Reptile Park Tuesday 9th January – Inflatable Waterslides Wednesday 10th January – Create Collective Thursday 11th January – Wannabees Friday 12th January – Clip and Climb Monday 12th January – Niagara Park Stadium Tuesday 13th January – Monkey Mania Wednesday 14th January – Laser Blast Thursday 15th January – Slam Factory Friday 16th January – Hunter Valley Ice Skating Monday 22nd January – Time Zone Tuesday 23rd January – Alinta Gymnastics Wednesday 24th January – Disco At Everglades Thursday 25th January – Maitland Goal Friday 26th January – Service Closed Public Holiday Monday 29th January – Bateau Bay Bowling

This Service is closed from Monday 25 December 2017 to Friday - 5 January 2018.

This Service is closed from Monday 25 December 2017 to Monday 8 January 2018

Booking times are Tuesday & Wednesday 6:30 am – 6:30 pm.

Fees must be paid at time of booking to secure your child’s position.

Booking times are Monday and Tuesday 6:30 am – 6:30 pm.

Fees must be paid at time of booking to secure your child’s position.

54-60 Faunce Street West, Gosford (Vacation Care is located in E block)

Further sessions to be confirmed. Visit our website or call our office for more details.

Coast Community Connections is a funded provider of the Community Home Support Program.

6678532ae

(02) 4343 1888 I coastcommunityconnections.com.au

Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 25

Travel

INSIDE: CRUISING SPECIAL

Why take a tour with a guide?

TRAVEL author Ann Rickard has been hosting small-group tours in Provence for 13 years.

She has also been on many a trip herself where tour guides have hosted her. She gives us some of the advantages and disadvantages for seniors when it comes to holidaying independently or with a tour group.

ADVANTAGES

■ Local knowledge UNLESS you are a fanatic about research before you travel, you will probably miss many a highlight and relevant information. A local guide will take you to all the important sites and ensure you don’t miss anything.

■ Safety SOME countries and

destinations should never be considered without a tour guide, on safari for example (you preferably want one with a stun-gun), or in India where just leaving your hotel is a journey into chaos. A tour guide will not let you venture into dangerous parts of any town or city either, and this is a big one for seniors’ safety.

■ Jumping the queue A GOOD tour guide will have access to pre-booked tickets that you, as a free-spirited traveller, will not. This is especially welcome at crowded and popular museums, cathedrals or sites where the queues extend for several kilometres. Skipping the queues is a big advantage for seniors.

■ Saving time

ALL travellers have experienced the frustration of wasting time looking for that famous landmark, site, icon. Many an argument has sprung between couples over a map and a confused expression. A guide will get you there effortlessly and take all the responsibility. A guide will also know places or sites to avoid during rush times, saving you hours of frustration.

■ No driving DRIVING in foreign countries on the other side of the road is stressful for everyone, let alone the nervous senior.

Anyone who has driven in Rome or navigated the multiple lanes around the Arc de Triomphe will tell you horror stories. A guide and driver will move you

43 63 1699

Shop 6 39 Avoca Drive Kincumber (next to Bendigo Bank)

MAJESTIC PRINCESS - Cruising to Sydney in 2018

smoothly through even the most frenzied city and get you as close as possible to the destination.

DISADVANTAGES

■ Too much structure A STRUCTURED tour means you are locked in.

You will not be able to visit that delightful trattoria, bistro or patisserie you passed on your way to a famous landmark, no chance of going back to discover those tempting markets you passed on the bus – you have an itinerary to stick to. You will never know what you have missed.

■ Other people GROUPS mean there will always be someone annoying (never you, of course). It is impossible to love everyone in a group and there will be

occasions when you must grit your teeth and bite your tongue or end up in an argument.

■ Trapped into buying IN POORER countries you will often find your tour guide taking you to his brother’s carpet shop or his cousin’s souvenir store where you will be stuck and hassled to buy something you don’t want.

■ Too much information WHILE tour guides will give you inside knowledge about that fresco in a cathedral or the carvings on a temple, they can often be too long-winded for most travellers, who want only the minimum information. Trying to pay attention to every small fact and historic date is difficult… especially for the senior who finds standing in one spot

exhausting.

■ Way too much to do MANY tours have their guests up at dawn and into a big bus to complete a busy full day’s itinerary before a hotel dinner (again structured) and then bed. Too much travel means you won’t remember half of what you see or do, will not be able to take your time and soak up the atmosphere, let alone immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals.

Ann hosts groups of eight on her Provence tours, with a large house as a base from where she does day trips, allowing for plenty of free time around the pool with a glass of French wine and flexibility for shopping.

More information at www.annrickard.com.

MAJESTIC PRINCESS DIAMOND PRINCESS Shanghai to Sydney

24 AUGUST 2018 - 22 NIGHTS

JAPAN - Tokyo round trip 8 OCTOBER 2018 - 8 NIGHTS

Inside Cabin from AUD $3299

Inside Cabin from AUD $1824

Balcony Cabin from AUD$4519

Obstructed Ocean View Cabin from AUD $1939

On board credit AUD $ 42.50

On board credit AUD $ 192.50

Mini - Suite from AUD $4899 On board credit AUD $ 192.50

On board credit USD $ 37.50

On board credit USD $ 37.50

Balcony Cabin from AUD $2839 On board credit USD $ 87.50

Ask about our Travellers Hut Majestic Princess select sailings from Sydney, starting September 2018.

7 Departures to choose from.

Call the team at The Travellers Hut for full details on 43 63 1699.

Ask about our Pre and Post Japan accommodation options Contact The Travellers Hut.

All prices per person twin share Subject to availability.

All prices per person twin share Subject to availability.

Return Airfare from $ 940 Sydney to Sydney

26 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

CRUISING

Learn the ways of cruising CRUISING is a special universe in the galaxy of travel.

Boarding a ship on holiday is like moving to a foreign village, with strange customs to be learned, new rules to be observed and a cast of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers to share your days.

Prepare for the journey with these handy survival tips.

■ If you’ve already booked a berth aboard something called Crystal Serenity, or Carnival Ecstasy, or Enchantment of the Seas, you’ve probably twigged that cruise companies love extravagant language. The industry comes with its own flowery prose designed to dazzle prospective passengers. Hence even the most basic windowless cabins are billed as staterooms, as if a minor royal might have stayed there just before you, and butlers, let’s be frank, are often little more than glorified room

attendants. As with so much in life it’s actions, not words, that matter.

As long as your butler brings Champagne to your cabin on command, let them call themselves whatever they like.

■ There are few areas of 21st century life where dress standards still matter as much as they do on a ship.

Several operators have loosened their bow ties and ditched formal nights in a late acknowledgement that hardly anyone these days gets about in tuxedos and organza gowns. But it’s still a minefield navigating the spectrum of dress codes from daywear and

cocktail to informal, smart casual, elegant casual or “stylish separates”.

This is a parallel universe where denim is, bizarrely, banned after 6pm on many ships.

Always check company websites for detailed fashion tips, or risk social death at sea.

■ Even on the surest ship and calmest oceans, having the ground shift constantly beneath the feet can make novice cruisers queasy.

Pills and patches help ease the upset; some cruisers swear by ginger, others by bananas. Allow a day or two for the middle ear to settle and the sea legs to kick in, except if

you’re heading to Antarctica.

As always with travel, the most amazing destinations are the hardest to reach and expeditioners must brave 48 hours of the wild Drake Passage crossing before feasting their (slightly bleary) eyes on the White Continent.

■ For those who really can’t stomach being at sea, there’s always river cruising. It offers all the fun of being afloat and none of the nausea.

■ Dining at sea is a series of never-ending indulgences, a place where it’s possible to fill your face from 5am breakfast buffets to midnight feasts via detours to pizza stands, burger bars and 24/7 room service.

Celebrity-chef restaurants are all the rage right now and, while you’ve got more chance of spotting a mermaid than you have of seeing Thomas Keller or Luke

Mangan manning the stoves, you can expect their branded menus to be a cut above the ordinary.

■ It is not humanly possible to take part in every activity offered on board. All major cruise lines offer dozens of diversions for on-board entertainment. Cunard ships, for example, offer almost 100 daily events, ranging from watercolour classes and bridge tournaments to film screenings and Latin dance, to keep passengers busy during long stints afloat on round-the-world and transatlantic sailings.

Due to the sheer availability of options, you will do things at sea that you never imagined yourself doing on land.

It might be wailing through late-night karaoke in the nightclub, catching a “Broadway-style” show or a craps class in the casino. Don’t hold back.

Just go with the flow.

■ No matter how grand a ship’s claims of

connectivity at sea, and no matter how “state of the art” their latest technology might be, outside major ports the on-board Wi-Fi will often be woeful. Brace yourself for late ’90s-era connectivity as websites fail to load, emails abort and disappear middelivery and Facebook remains a distant dream.

The only thing you can do to cover yourself is make sure internet access is included in your ticket price. At least that way you won’t be charged for all those hours spent staring at the spinning wheel of despair.

■ Cruising holidays can leave you looking years younger. Partly this is due to the stress-free lifestyle and invigorating sea air, but often it’s the result of shrewd investments at the on-board spa. With everything from teeth whitening to skin peels and Botox now on offer, it’s the ideal opportunity for a makeover.

Telephone:

02 4325 8000 Departing Sunday 4th February 2018 Flying via Melbourne to picturesque King Island 4 nights at the King Island Wilderness Retreat All Meals and daily tours including King Island Cheese. So much to see and do on this uniquely beautiful island.

Tour price from: $2950.00 per person twin share 4 Day Barrington Tops Departing Thursday 8th March 2018 Venture to Gloucester for a 3 nights stay Explore Barrington Tops National Park carved out of an ancient Volcano rising to over 1500 metres and down to world heritage listed tropical rainforest visit Thunderbolts Lookout, Blue Pols and the

20 Day Outback Highway

Extended holidays for 2018 include:

“Australia’s Longest Shortcut”

5 Days Black Opal - Lightning Ridge Departing Thursday 26th April 10 Day Gippsland Gold & Lakes Departing Wednesday 2nd May Including Healsville, Walhalla Goldfields, Wilsons Promontory & Lakes Entrance 10 Day Adelaide Discovery Departing Saturday 26th May 12 Day Airlie Beach & The Whitsunday Departing Friday 8th June

Departing Friday 31st August This unique holiday travels through some of the most remote areas of Australia. Including Roma, Blackhall and Winton, the outback town of Boulia home to the Min Min centre.

Visit Mt Isa, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs before discovering the beauty of Kings Canyon and Uluru. From Uluru we head west joining part of the Gunbarrel Highway constructed by Len Beadell and his crew. Travel through outback Aboriginal settlement, visit Docker River, Warakurna and Warburton. Cross the junction of the Heather and Gunbarrel Highways to arrive in Laverton the explore the Gwalia Mine. From here it is onto Kalgoorlie before arriving in Perth for the conclusion of this great adventure.

Tour Price: $7333.00 per person twin share including return airfare from Perth.

20 Day Alaska & the Yukon Private Escorted Tour

included along with daily sightseeing tours around the area.

Departing Friday 8th June Designed just for It’s Easy Tours this holiday explores the real Alaska & Yukon. Flying Sydney to Los Angeles for overnight then fly into Anchorage to be greeted by our personal guide. Visit Denali National Park, ride the Alaska Rail and explore the gateway to the Arctic in the city of Fairbanks.

Travel north through Deadhorse to Barrow for overnight in the Eskimo Village. Travel the Dalton Highway to Coldfoot and cross the Arctic Circle. Journey along the Alaska Highway to the small village of Tok. Visit Dawson City and Chicken as we travel the Top of the World Highway in the heart of the Klondike. Travel on board the White Pass Yukon Rail, one of the most spectacular rail journeys and travel the Marine Highway Ferry to Haines Crossing and Valdez through Prince William Sound and onto Seward. A truly spectacular holiday, call for a full tour itinerary.

Tour Price: $1395.00 per person twin share

Tour Price: $13250.00 per person twin share plus international airfares.

Dingo Gate. Many more surprises in this tour.

Tour Price: $795.00 per person twin share 6 Day Easter in Dorrigo Departing Thursday 29th March 2018 Enjoy a 5 night stay at the Lookout Mountain Retreat Situated on 16 acres and perched on the edge of the Dorrigo Plateau. All meals

Call for our latest Day Tours & 2018 holiday book.

Holiday inclusions: Home pick-up for Central Coast & Newcastle Passengers, 5 star coach travel with professional and informative coach captain / guide.

Quality motel accommodation, 2 course dinners, full cooked breakfast and all entry fees, attractions and cruises as per each itinerary Shop 5A Gosford Central Plaza | 153 Mann Street GOSFORD 2250 Telephone: 02 4325 8000 | Dublet D Pty Ltd t/a It’s Easy Tours ABN 93 165 847 316

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5 Day King Island

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Travel

Central Coast

Seniors 27

CRUISING

Set sail with Rembrandt and see the glory of the Arctic Cruise the Arctic on the classic topsail schooner, Rembrandt

AN ARCTIC cruise is the best way to relive the glory days of exploration and discovery under sail aboard a classic gaff-rigged, three-masted, topsail schooner through Quest Tours. In July next year, the magnificent 56m, 33-berth Rembrandt van Rijn sets sail from Svalbard en route to Greenland over 18 days, with plenty of time to absorb the splendour of the Arctic at the best time of year.

“Our voyage is timed to experience the best of the Arctic, polar bears on Svalbard, hopefully the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) plus the option to experience sled dog mushing on an Icelandic glacier,” tour leader and award-winning photographer, Ron Hunter of Quest Tours said.

“The spectacular Arctic light show is on an 11-year cycle and we’re about to close this cycle for another decade, so it could be the best chance for many of us to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.”

Whilst wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, it is expected to see polar bears as we sail around Spitsbergen, for here there are 3000 polar bears, the biggest concentration in the world, in fact there are more bears than people here. We also expect to see walrus, icebergs, glaciers, seals, muskox, reindeer, orcas, belugas, birdlife and whales, as well experiencing Inuit culture.

Prior to the 18-day Arctic cruise, we visit Oslo, Flam, Bergen with fjord

Icebergs are stunning to see.

Polar Bears are abundant in Spitsbergen.

MAGNIFICENT: Rembrandt van Rijn sets sail from Svalbard en route to Greenland over 18 days, with plenty of time to absorb the splendour of the Arctic at the best time of year.

train and boat tours, then Longyearbyen, Ittoqqortoormiit and Constable Pynt.

The Rembrandt van Rijn cruise is just part of the

29-day Arctic itinerary that Quest Tours has put together. The tour departs Sydney on July 21, 2018 flying to Oslo.

For more information,

phone Quest Tours on (02) 6554 7478 or 0409 466 958 or go to www.QuestTours.com.au or email info@QuestTours. com.au.

July is the best time of year to see stunning views on this trip .

28 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

CRUISING

Cruise with a difference

These are special trips that focus on exotic and cultural PEREGRINE Adventures has released its latest European brochure, with the introduction of brand new destinations and new small ship cruising charters among the highlights of the 2018 program.

The new brochure offers unique European itineraries from the Moors to Transylvania and Central Europe to the Canary Islands, and incorporates iconic cultural events in Scotland and Morocco.

The Australian-owned travel company has earmarked Romania as the next European hot spot, with a brand new itinerary taking in Bran Castle in Brasov, the pristine forests outside Viscri, and offering the chance to stay in an 18th-century guesthouse owned by a real-life Count.

Priced from $3415*, the 11-day Secrets of

Romania tour has a number of departures in June and September 2018 and includes a visit to Transfagarasan Rd, dubbed ‘the greatest road in the world’ by Top Gear.

In response to holidaymakers’ desire to get away from the masses, Peregrine’s small-group trips are now even more intimate, with 20 new small ship cruising charters added to the 2018 calendar.

The inaugural charters will include eight-day cruises from Lisbon to Malaga, around Iceland’s Wild West Coast, Croatia’s Central Coast and the Hidden Gems of Greece.

Cruises run from May to October and are priced from $2735* per person twin share.

Peregrine’s Limited Edition range for 2018 includes an 18-day tour of the UNESCO-recognised Fes Festival of World

ANCIENT DISCOVERIES: Moors and Christians Festival Alhambra palace.

Sacred Music in Morocco, priced from $3215* per person twin share.

Peregrine will become the first operator offering a dedicated tour experience when the music festival gets under way in May next year.

Other highlights include

the14-day Scottish Highland Games tour, which is regularly attended by the Royal family and priced from $5995* per person twin share.

Also the 12-day Moors and Christians Festival in Spain, which offers the

chance to take part in parades, battle reconstructions and military marches, from $6560* per person twin share.

Train buffs will enjoy the 10-day Alpine Railway Journey, which lets travellers experience the

romance of the railway through Italy, Switzerland and Germany, priced from $5530* a person twin share.

Meanwhile, Peregrine Adventures will continue to offer its 11-day Greek Island Odyssey, a staple of the annual European line-up, starting from $5770* a person twin share.

“Europe has always been a hot destination for the Peregrine traveller and now we have incorporated unique historical experiences and festivals into our new trips to cater for specific interests,” Peregrine Adventures general manager Robyn Nixon said.

“In 2018 we have also lowered the group size on our trips from 16 to just 12 people, which allows us to create special, intimate moments with local people.”

For more about the tours on offer, visit peregrineadventures. com. *conditions apply

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Travel

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 29

CRUISING

Insure for a good time International medical care can be a very expensive cost

reported.

The researchers found 70 per cent of these cruise travellers were exposing themselves to significant risk because they believed there was less chance of losing their luggage than on a flight, or that their voyage would be cancelled or delayed.

Other key findings of the survey of cruise travellers were: ■ 37 per cent of those aged 65 and over bought travel insurance policies that might not adequately cover them.

■ 65 year olds and over had a better than average understanding of travel insurance, but a large proportion thought it covered cruises as standard, leading to under-insurance or non-insurance.

■ More than a third of them believed travel insurance was less important for cruises than

CRUISING: Many cruise travellers mistakenly believe Medicare or their private health insurer will cover any medical expenses.

other overseas holidays because cruise ships have doctor to treat passengers if they get sick.

Understand Insurance spokesman Campbell Fuller said: “Unfortunately, 53 per cent of cruise ship passengers and cruise intenders in the next two years believe they can rely

A dental kit to fit into your travel packing

WHAT’S in the first aid kit?

We all love to travel and explore with family or friends.

Despite many hours of careful planning and preparation, things can and do go wrong. So a well-equipped first aid kit is a wise investment.

The most frustrating and unexpected problems which occur are usually tooth related.

A dental check-up before leaving is a good idea, but even though everything looks OK dental problems can still occur while away.

Currently available first aid kits only deal with a range of medical problems lacking any effective means of dealing with dental problems (apart from pain-killers).

Dental problems won’t kill you but how annoying if a tooth or filling breaks away leaving a sharp, jagged edge and there is always the possibility of toothache.

How many holidays are ruined by dental problems?

Blu Tack and chewing gum don’t work so how long can you survive on

on medical care on board their ship, and that if they fall critically ill the Australian Government will pay for their care and their evacuation back home.

“That is not the case.

Medical treatment, hospital stays and medical evacuations back home can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Too often, Australia’s consular officials in foreign ports have to help ill or injured passengers who are either not insured or have not bought the right insurance cover.

“When cruise passengers book a trip, they should make sure they buy travel insurance that covers them for their cruise, and for all

destinations they intend to go.

“Travellers who have pre-existing medical conditions should also let their insurer know beforehand.”

Did you know: ■ A day in an international hospital can cost $10,000 and payment is often required prior to admission.

6706692ac

BY 2020, close to two million Australians will be packing for a cruise, but they won’t necessarily have the correct travel insurance. Recent research proves almost half of those holiday makers won’t be taking out travel insurance or won’t take out the correct type to cover them when on a cruise ship and at their destinations.

Also revealed was that during the time on board, many travellers mistakenly believe Medicare or their private health insurer will cover any medical expenses.

“Nearly a third incorrectly assumed the Federal Government would pay if they needed to be medically evacuated from a cruise ship,” the Quantum Market Research’s Understand Insurance and smartraveller.gov.au survey researchers

HAVE A

DENTIST TIST

WITH Y YOU WHErEVEr YOU gO BE PREPARED: Dentist In A Box, the go anywhere dental emergency kit that is the best gift you can give your family and friends for Christmas.

pain-killers?

These problems occur without warning, anywhere, anytime.

Skilled help may not be that easy to find wherever you are. Can you imagine trying to find a dentist for you or your family “out of hours”, away from home or unable to speak the language?

Why isn’t a first aid kit for dental emergencies available?

Dentist In A Box products launched more than 20 years ago are Australian-made kits which assume no dental

or medical knowledge.

About the size of a CD case the kits provide clear, concise instructions and materials to temporarily deal with unexpected dental problems anytime, anywhere until you can see a dentist.

Dentist In A Box the go anywhere dental emergency kit the best gift you can give your family and friends for Christmas.

Order now by credit card by phoning 1300 THE KIT (1300 843 548) or visit dentistinabox.com.au.

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Keep a kit on hand to make sure you’ree safe and comfortabble while you’re waiting for dental care.

Size of a CD case 160mm wide x 150 high

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30 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

10 Tuscan towns to put on your bucket list Ann Rickard

HILL-TOP towns, endless sunshine, renowned wines, sublime food, undulating hills, haystacks, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees…Tuscany is the essence of Italy. Travel writer Ann Rickard says If you plan well it is possible to visit many of the iconic towns in one unforgettable Tuscan adventure.

FLORENCE

THE big one of all them all. A must for its art, treasures, culture, history and architecture.

But the summer queues outside the Uffizi Gallery mean a three-hour wait.

Best go off-season if you have no tolerance for long lines.

LUCCA

AN HOUR’S train ride from Florence, this

sedate walled-town exudes history and refinement – it is birthplace of Puccini after all. Walk or cycle the five kilometres on top of its walls and then stroll the lively Via Fillungo for the designer shops and restaurants.

SIENA

YOUR jaw may drop at first sight of Siena’s magnificent Piazza del Campo with its tilted floor fanning out to surrounding buildings and the soaring Torre del Mangia (tower). Hang out in one of the cafes along the permitre of this most celebrated of all the world’s medieval squares – and just watch.

VOLTERRA

A SMALL town dating back to Etruscan times, mostly overlooked for the more popular San Gimignano. Plenty of tall

tourists as the cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo.

MONTALCINO

medieval Manhattan.

Only 14 of the 72 original towers built in the 14th century remain, but they are visible from far away.

FAMOUS for its Brunello red wine, this surprisingly small walled-town will welcome you for wine tastings on every corner.

Wine is king, don’t try to resist as you walk the cobbled streets. After your fill of wine, stop at one of the many restaurants with panoramic views over Val d’Orcia National Park.

Drink a glass of Brunello with your pasta.

PARMA

PIENZA

FULL OF WONDER: San Gimignano has 14 medievel towers.

towers to gaze up to, evocative Roman theatre ruins, a crowning fortress, an Etruscan museum and stately palaces surrounding the elegant Piazza dei Priori, all make Volterra worth leaving the well-trodden Tuscan track.

SAN GIMIGNANO

THE full wonder of San Gimignano hits you as you round a final bend in the winding country road and gaze up to its 14 towers rising like a mini

YES, it isn’t quite in Tuscany, but close enough and home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the famous prosciutto. Giant wheels of cheese in varying ages and enormous legs of prosciutto sit splendidly in deli’s all over the city and attract as many

TINY, and not so well known, but worth a visit.

Inside the walls, narrow streets are flanked by handsome buildings. A stroll along the Corso il Rossellino pretty much does the entire town, but it’s a great base to explore the nearby wineries.

MONTEPULCIANO

LUXURY shops on the Via di Voltaia nel Corso sell leather bags, exquisite shoes, fine jewellery and beautiful antiques. If you can get past the gauntlet of shops, the panoramic views over Tuscan country-side are breath-sapping. Have lunch at Osteria di Bacco on the Via di Gracciano nel Corso and try the nettle gnocchi with white truffle.

PISA

DON’T need to say much about this one, other than you simply must take a selfie of you trying to prop up the tower. Pisa is great fun, but crowded, so best to have your fill of the tower first, and then explore the narrow back streets.

You need a car in Tuscany, and parking outside the walled-towns can be tight but worth it.

Enjoy a five-day My Country tour for over-55s first-class touring experiences.

Don’t miss out on the spectacular scenery, fresh, clean country air and open spaces on this tour of Gunnedah, Tamworth and Nundle.

The region’s beauty is said to have inspired much of Dorothea Mackellar’s poetry.

The modern country town of Gunnedah lies on the gentle sloping terrain on the southern side of the Namoi River valley.

The district has

booming wheat, cotton and cattle industries, and the town’s large wild koala population has led to Gunnedah’s self-proclaimed title of the “koala capital of the world”.

All roads then lead to Tamworth for Australia’s largest music festival.

Tamworth is known as the “country music capital of Australia” and the home of the Golden Guitars – the Academy Awards of country music.

You will have a full day

Norway Greenland Iceland

Luxury Safaris Photographic Tours Small Group Maximum 18

Gunnedah.

Coastal Liner Touring will get you there in comfort. We make all the arrangements and you get to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience in comfort and style on board a five-star luxury touring coach.

For more information phone the tour co-ordinators on 4392 3050 or 4392 3049. Go to: coastalliner.com.au or entertainmenttours .com.au.

Partner flies FREE to Europe return, if booked before end Nov ’17 for July/Aug ‘18

Arctic Odyssey

South Africa

to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Country Music Festival.

There are more than 600 buskers in Peel St alone, providing a diverse range of entertainment all day.

The main street is a vibrant, pretty place with a boulevard atmosphere where you relax under the trees and watch the passing parade.

Overnight accommodation is at the Mackellar Motel in

Botswana

Traditional Camping Safaris Small Group Maximum 12

Tonga

Swimming with Humpback Whales Small Group Maximum 8

NSW Travel Agent 2TA10493 6692202aa

EXPLORE AND ENJOY: Coastal Liner Touring is the hassle-free, no-fuss option in coach touring.

THIS tour package – one of the value-packed tours for over 55s travel clubs and individual travellers – includes a full day at the Country Music Festival, with the tour departing January 24, 2018.

When you travel with Coastal Liner Touring, you’re aboard the region’s premier coach company.

We have a simple philosophy – “explore, enjoy, experience” – and we are 100% committed to providing value for money, as well as

Ph: 02 6554 7478

info@QuestTours.com.au

Travel

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Host a group tour with Travel Team experts AFTER nineteen years, we are the hosted group tour specialists for over 50s. We know what you want from your travel experience, and tailor it accordingly.

Travel Team offers group tours that are hosted from start to finish, so you’re travelling with a host from go to whoa. This means you aren’t on any long-haul flights alone, and there’s always an experienced host to help you out with any problems that may arise, giving you a level of safety and peace of mind you simply don’t get when you go it alone.

Because we organise our group tours many months (if not years) in advance, we get the best possible prices. Our pre-register service allows you to lock in a great value deal. In many cases, you’ll save hundreds of dollars by booking early!

Our hosts are very experienced travellers with a wealth of insider knowledge about the

2018 TOURS

TRAVEL IN STYLE: Travel Team offers group tours that are hosted from start to finish so you can relax and enjoy.

destinations you’re travelling to, so you get the most out of each and every place you visit.

Our hosted group tours are a great option for solo travellers, as you can enjoy the company of others and travel safely to destinations to which you otherwise may not have felt confident travelling.

It’s our 20th birthday next year, and we’ve chartered a five-star

Europe river cruise ship for you to join us in the celebrations!

Just imagine travelling in Europe in Spring, as all the flowers burst into life.

You’ll be in The Netherlands when the tulips are on full display, then we will be cruising through Germany to Switzerland, visiting the beautiful Black Forest, where you’ll enjoy the world famous cuckoo clocks. For details: travelteam.com.au.

HALF of all Australian men have felt disconnected or lonely in the past six months and crave more physical interactions and experiences, according to a study conducted by Tourism NT, in the lead-up to the third season of Million Dollar Fish, on now until February 28, 2018.

The research also revealed that more than three-quarters of Aussie males think their mates spend more time connecting with them online than they do in person as a result of social media, and given the option they would prefer to spend more time enjoying face-to-face interaction.

Relationship counsellor Melissa Ferrari explains that our busy lifestyles, combined with an increased reliance on technology and social media, have significantly changed the way we bond and communicate with others, leaving many of us feeling

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Seniors 31

Aussie blokes in need of ‘reel’ connections

HOOKED: Million Dollar Fish ambassador and cricketing legend Matthew Hayden agrees that holidaying and fishing are great ways to bring people together. PHOTO: HELEN ORR

isolated and distant from friends and family.

“Maintaining healthy relationships and sharing life experiences with others is a vital part of being a well-rounded person that experiences happiness through the joy of connecting with others. It contributes and plays a key role to our individual health and well-being, so it’s concerning to see so many Aussie blokes are feeling that they are losing touch and missing

DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS

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out on those important real-life interactions,” Melissa added.

When asked how they would like to connect with their mates, Aussie men ranked holidaying (41%), watching live sport (28%) and fishing (11%) as their top choices for spending quality time together.

Other suggested activities included watching TV (9%), texting (6%) and shopping (5%).

For more: www.million dollarfish.com.au .

1800 072 535

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Call 1300 729 938 or visit murrayprincess.com.au

32 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

YOUR CLUBS

Ourimbah RSL is your gateway to a variety of entertainment Seniors have great choice in dining and entertainment

VALUE FOR SENIORS: Central Coast clubs offer delicious meals and entertainment in a casual environment for members and guests.

win prizes from the membership kiosk, along with fantastic discounts throughout the Club.

Members Cash Grab occurs on the last Wednesday of every month – where members have the opportunity to win $2000 cash.

If that very lucky

member isn’t in the club, then the race is on for four more members with the closest badge number to win $500 each. Members are also gifted a $5 bar voucher, and $12 kitchen voucher for their birthday, more than covering the cost of your yearly membership. Exciting

events in December include Tuesday Tunes (December 12) – our very own cabaret show; Christmas ham raffles occurring every Thursday from November 23 right up until Christmas; our Bonanza Toy Raffle (December 15), not to mention the fantastic live

and free entertainment every Saturday night.

‘The Kitchen’ at Ourimbah RSL has been cooking up a storm, featuring a mouth-watering main menu, and delicious specials every day of the week. Twelve-dollar meals are available between

Sunday and Friday.

Saturday lunch features a very special Seniors Lunch deal at only $14 – for either grilled or battered barramundi. For inquiries about upcoming events, call 4362 1104 or go email functions@ ourimbahrsl.com.

ENTRÉE

KING PRAW NS (3) with bacon choucroute tarragon & , pineapple salsa SUMMER VE GETABLE TERRIN with prunes , pecans, a fresh oran ge & pomegrana te salad

DESSERT

HOUSE MAD E PLUM PUDDING steamed w ith vanilla crème pat & port snap CHOCOLAT E with sour ch DELICE er peanut butte ry gel, r crumble

THREE COUR

SE $95 // Mem bers $80

TWO COUR

$65 // Mem SE bers $55 entree + m ain or main + de ssert

6723523aa

MAINS

HONEY GLAZ with chicke ED TURKEY n baby carro fat stuffing, ts & fresh ch erry MINESTRON E with crispy PASTA BAKE potato & hi nts of truffle

CHRISTMA S LUNCH

OURIMBAH RLS is on the Central Coast, conveniently situated only two minutes from the M1 and just 15 minutes from the heart of Gosford. It hosts a variety of events through the week to keep you entertained; Bingo is hosted at Wednesday lunch, and on Thursday evenings, Trivia is on a Tuesday night, Texas Hold’em Poker is featured on a Tuesday and Friday evenings and, of course, meat raffles occur Friday evenings, plus a Super Sunday raffle held on the last Sunday of the month.

Ourimbah RSL has excellent benefits for their members, including exclusive entry to weekly promotions, bonus members’ draws, instant

2 Hely He y Street, West Gosford, nsw 2250 Phone: (02) 4324 6266 email: settlers@laundy.com.au

Website: www.thesettlerstavern.com.au Mon-Satt 10 10am - 12am | Sun 10am - 10pm p

Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 33

YOUR CLUBS

VIEW CLUBS ■ BRISBANE WATER EVENING

WORKING for the Smith Family, we hold our monthly dinner meeting in the function room at the Grange Hotel, Renwick St, Wyoming on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm for 7pm. New members and visitors are most welcome. For more information call Valda on 4325 1688 or Helen 4367 5670.

■ HALEKULANI

WE SUPPORT The Smith Family. We had our

Christmas party on November 17 with excellent raffles, lucky door prizes and entertainment. The club meets at Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi.

Members and guests are most welcome. Come along and join in the fun.

For more information call 4396 5631.

■ TOUKLEY

WE MEET on the second Friday of the month at Club Toukley RSL at 10.30am. We have lucky door prizes,raffles and lunch followed by entertainment. We also have outings, friendship morning teas, soup and damper days, raffles and interesting discussions.

Come along and make new friends. VIEW is a valued member of the Smith Family and raises money for learning support and education of disadvantaged children of Australia. For more details, call Sandra on 4396 6206.

WYONG WRITERS

LOCAL writers meet monthly to encourage and develop their writing skills.

Meeting on the fourth Saturday of each month at 1.30pm. There will not be

your entertainment gateway...

SING SING SING EXHIBITION

BRISBANE Water Historical Society’s upcoming temporary exhibition is a charming collection of photographic images on loan from the Local History Collection of Central Coast Council.

The ‘Sing Sing Sing’ exhibition is an extension of the current travelling display touring the libraries recently, and will visit us this summer. The images are from Gosford Leagues Club back in the ’60s and ’70s. The museum is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-3pm.

The exhibition runs December 2-February 28 at Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum, 25-27 Henry Kendall St, West Gosford. Call 4325 2270 or www.henrykendall cottage.org.au.

02 4362 1104 INFO@OURIMBAHRSL.COM 6-20 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, OURIMBAH

coming up in december...

SAT 2 SUN 3 SAT 9 TUES 12 SAT 16 SUN 17 SAT 23 SAT 30

a meeting held in December. We meet at Woodbury Park Community Centre, 1 Woolmers Crs, Mardi. Call Mei-Ling Venning, president, on 4333 7489 or email meilingvenning @hotmail.com or go to www.wyongwriters.org.

Mr James Band Social Rock and Roll Dance The Georgia Project Tuesday Tunes All Star Duo Sunday Afternoon Blues Jam Swingshift - Cold Chisel Tribute Slam Tango

NTS! E V E S TMA CHRIS

SUPER SUNDAY RAFFLE

club vouchers, meat trays, christmas themed prizes 25TH NOV

HAM RAFFLES

over 40 to be won weekly...

23RD NOV 30TH NOV 7TH DEC 14TH DEC 21ST DEC

BONANZA TOY RAFFLE

Two chefs cook up four businesses out of one WHEN chefs Nick Eady and partner Jan Turner decided it was time to go out on their own, they went all out, and instead of creating just one business, they created four.

Together, the pair are both the brains and the brawn behind Tukka Time Catering, which, as well as providing fresh meals to predominantly retirement homes, runs the Waterford Café at Kincumber’s Waterford Retirement Village, carries out functions for community groups and retirement villages and, most recently, has added a range of smaller frozen meals called Jan’s Gourmet Meals.

“We see the product from the start to the finish,” Nick said.

“We are right there in the kitchen, so we know exactly what’s going into each food tray, and I do the deliveries, so everyone knows who they are dealing with – it’s really good personal

SIDE BY SIDE: Chefs Nick Eady and Jan Turner are Tukka Time Catering.

customer service.”

Jan said the fact that the fresh menu changed weekly kept them both on their toes and interested.

Nick did his training in the UK in the early 1980s, in hotels in the Midlands and a hospital in London before wandering the globe backpacking.

Starting out in Sydney, he worked at the ANA Hotel, Mona Vale Hospital and Spotless Catering before switching tack slightly and entering kitchen design.

When Tarragal Glen and Manor Retirement Village at Erina needed kitchens for the serviced apartments, Nick was the

man and the Central Coast became his new home.

With the building of Erina’s Wood Glen Retirement Village in the early 2000s, Nick saw a business opportunity, leased the cafe and began cooking and delivering fresh meals to residents.

“We hoped it would grow, but you never know.

It was a big gamble on our part.”

The gamble paid off so well that they outgrew their original kitchens and moved to Kincumber, and now deliver between 450 and 600 fresh meals and 100 frozen meals each week, as well as running the café four days a week and doing functions.

The meals are made on Tuesdays and Thursdays and delivered ‘blast chilled’ fresh, or frozen Wednesdays and Fridays from The Entrance to West Gosford and down to Woy Woy. Call 0414 721 357 or 0420 969 357, or go to tukkatimecatering.com.

s a m t s Chri

Monster Ham Raffle November 22, 29 December 6, 13 & 20 Over $4000 in hams, porks & turkeys each week Tickets on sale 5.30pm. Draws from 7pm

s a m t s i Chr

6691449aa

THE Central Coast Seniors Newspaper would like to offer the Central Coast clubs and community groups the opportunity to submit notices of your neighbourhood news. If you would also like to submit a photo, please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice, bright setting. The deadline for the December issue is December 8.

You can email your notices to Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com. au.

Toy Raffle

Sunday December 3 & 17 $1500 in toys up for grabs each week!

Tickets on sale 3.30pm.

Draws from 4.40pm *This replaces the Sunday raffle

15TH DEC

(02) 4323 2311 • 26 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250

34 Seniors Central Coast

Local Story

Don’t eat Christmas lunch alone

What’s on

Join our St Patrick’s community and others liking some company! Come along at:

GIVE A LITTLE

11.30 on December 25 St Patricks Hall Victoria Street East Gosford

COAST Shelter will house 150 men, women and children on Christmas Day. The Shelter provides more than 150 meals each day, and donations at Christmas can make this a day to remember for people of all ages doing it tough. Contributions go towards items for Christmas Day celebrations and gifts for clients staying in refuges this Christmas. You can also donate unwrapped gifts to the centre at 346 Mann St, North Gosford, until December 11. Phone 4325 3540 or go to coatshelter.org.au to help.

If you would like to come please book by phoning 43251042 or 43220250

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

JUDY Nunn has been part of Australian culture as an actress and author for decades, and on Wednesday, November 29, she will talk about her 14th novel, Sanctuary, at The Hive at Erina Fair.

Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. The book is inspired by a visit many years ago to the Houtman Abrolhos, a chain of 122 islands off the coast of Geraldton, in Western Australia. A free event, but bookings are essential on Eventbrite or contact Erina Library.

LIGHTING THE TREE

IT DOESN’T matter how old you are, lighting the Christmas tree – whether it’s your own or the community tree – is always magic. At The Entrance, it’s traditionally a family event, this year listed for Friday, December 1 at Memorial Park.

Unfortunately, no more details were available at time of print, so keep an eye out for more.

CHRISTMAS FAIR THE Central Coast

JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON Christmas Fair at Mt Penang Gardens is celebrating its 10th year on Sunday, December 3.

Forget the hustle of the shops for a day and, for a gold coin donation, enjoy the Coast’s largest free outdoor Christmas shopping experience in a relaxing environment on the water with plenty of free parking, free live music all day, kids’ zones, rides, licensed bars and more from 9am-2pm.

Entry is through Kangoo Rd only. Phone 0416 097 707 or find them on Facebook.

WYONG CAROLS

WHILE you’re feeling Christmassy, also on Sunday, December 3, why not head to the Wyong Town Centre Christmas Carols from 5.30-9.15pm at Wyong Park. Again, this is a free event, this time presented by Bendigo Community Bank Wyong, and supported by council, the local chamber of commerce and local businesses. Bring your chair or rug and enjoy the music, a Rotary sausage sizzle and market stalls.

Phone 4351 1762.

KIBBLE MARKETS

THURSDAY, December 7 is the last monthly Kibble Markets for this year, running from 9am-2pm at Kibble Park. The aim is to allow workers in the Gosford CBD to enjoy a weekday market during their lunch break, with everything from fresh produce to cakes, gifts, crafts and buskers, while

UNFORGETTABLE: The New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra brings you all your classic Christmas favourites at a special Morning Melodies Christmas celebration at Laycock Street Community Theatre from 11am on Wednesday, December 13.

giving visitors a chance to see what the area offers.

Phone 4322 7726.

TWILIGHT MARKETS

AVOCA, meanwhile, wants to lure you with the magic of twilight, with its markets under the trees at Heazlett Park on Saturday, December 9 from 5-9pm. This is described as “an intimate pop-up night under the trees of the village with festoon lights, Christmas stalls, great live music and a bar!” Sounds like a pretty nice night out.

DRYSDALE EXHIBIT

GOSFORD Regional Art Gallery pays tribute to Sir Russell Drysdale’s Central Coast years from December 9-February 4 with a display of the work he produced in his studio at Bouddi Farm, Killcare, where he moved in 1966.

His realistic vision of the outback’s brown and golden hues, ordinary people and places, revolutionised art in the 1940s, breaking away from English pastoralist influences and paving the way to modern Australian painting. Phone 4304 7550.

MOUNTAIN BLUES

BLUES on the Mountain presents 19-Twenty on Saturday, December 9.

Doors open at 6pm for this night of live blues and roots among the gum trees at Mangrove Mountain Heritage Hall.

Hailed as one of the country’s best live acts, they’ve played at 23 festivals in 2017 alone and toured Australia eight times over the years, as well as playing Europe and the UK. Tickets $25 adults. Profits go towards upkeep and restoration of the hall and Fairview Homestead. Phone 0405 416 289 or find them on Facebook.

CHRISTMAS RAGTIME

THE New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra is set to get you in a festive mood with a special Morning Melodies Christmas celebration at Laycock Street Community Theatre from 11am on Wednesday, December 13. Includes complimentary morning tea beforehand at 10am.

Tickets are $13. Phone 4323 3233.

Technology help for SeniorS Give a gift that really helps

Your loved ones may have the latest tech gadgets, but do they know how to use them?

Give them a gift certificate for a session from the trainers at IT 4 Retirees, and they’ll love you for taking the stress, intimidation and frustration out of using their phones, tablets and computers.

IT 4 Retirees Pty Ltd provides technology training tailored specifically for seniors. They can address the recipient’s individual needs in easy to understand language that will demystify the devices and empower the trainee to use them with confidence.

Apple iPad &/or iPhone A5 manual for only $40* 1-hour private lesson = $110 Discounted 5-hour bundle = $450

To purchase your Gift Certificate, please call Christine David on 0401-017-459 or email chris@it4retirees.com.au *plus postage & handling

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IT 4 Retirees trainers have police clearances and will deliver help in a straight-forward, jargon-free way whether seniors want to learn about emails, online shopping & banking, Skype, backups, social media, managing photos and much more.

Central Coast

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 35

Money

The energy of finance The link between sport and managing money IF YOUR golf clubs have been under wraps or your tennis racquet has been tucked away for some time, it could be worth dusting them off.

Research by AMP found Australians who play sport regularly are 64 per cent more likely to achieve their financial goals than those who don’t.

With the weather warming up, plenty of us will be thinking about getting in better shape.

That can mean heading outdoors for a round of golf, a dip in the ocean or just kicking a ball around the local oval with the kids.

The health benefits of physical activity are well documented, but AMP’s study also found a clear link between our sportiness and the way we

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE manage our money.

According to the survey, playing sport on a regular basis makes us more likely to think about our long term financial wellbeing.

As a guide, people who frequently play sport are 66 per cent more likely to make extra contributions to their super fund, and more than twice as likely to own an investment property as less active people.

If you ride a bike or play netball, take a bow – the AMP survey found you’re likely to be among the

nation’s most financially savvy thinkers.

Cricketers are most likely to have a financial advisor, and golfers top the league table for personal savings – with one in three having more than $50,000 in savings.

When you think about it, these results aren’t all that surprising. Keen sports people often achieve success by setting personal or team-based goals.

So it’s a natural step to set goals in other areas of life like money management.

A number of overseas studies confirm AMP’s findings that physical and financial health often go hand-in-hand. One group of US researchers explained the link, saying that people who make

HOLE IN ONE: Keen sports people often achieve success by setting personal or team-based goals which helps with money management.

healthy choices today to enjoy good health tomorrow, are also more likely to regularly put money aside to achieve greater financial security in the future.

I freely admit I’m no sports scientist, but it’s

fair to say there’s another link between physical health and fiscal fitness – both can be achieved when you make it part of a regular routine.

Getting physically fit involves taking the time to exercise regularly. It may

not happen overnight but your fitness should improve over time.

The same applies to financial security.

It’s all about developing and sticking to good money habits – like using a budget to gain control of your cash, spending less than you earn, and saving and investing for the long term.

It’s not hard and it delivers great results without working up a sweat. If you’re sure where to start with your financial wellbeing, take a look at the MoneySmart website for sensible tips on managing your money.

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.

If you think you have been ‘Overcharged’ or ‘Ripped Off’ With Excessive Legal Fees by your Lawyer, you probably have been!

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Contact us for a free legal costs assessment by our ‘COSTS WIZARD’.

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You can also book an appointment Monday – Friday in our Newcastle branch, 158 King Street, Newcastle.

For further information contact 1300 723 124 or start online at www.tag.nsw.gov.au

36 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Camera tells stories of 25 years of Coast Shelter

Transformation and rehabilitation has occurred in this space Alison Houston

THERE are hundreds of stories from 25 years of Coast Shelter, but freelance photographer and journalist Noel Fisher has captured 42 of them to provide an insight into the life-changing work carried out daily.

Noel, from NC Images, volunteered his time and talents for the project, Partnerships Ending Hardships, which began in April and has resulted in both a printed book and a 20-piece art exhibition at Gosford Regional Art Gallery until November 29.

The exhibition images were chosen by staff at Coast Shelter, as best representing its work, broadly summed up by its motto of restoring hope to those who are in need.

They are the pictures and stories of past and present clients, and the volunteers who help them.

Noel, a respected

ON THE MEND: Kath was suffering mental health issues and was extremely underweight when she came to Coast Shelter for support.

PHOTO: NOEL FISHER

photographer of 30 years, completed a journalism course at Macleay College Sydney last year and interviewed his subjects as well.

“It was a really inspiring project,” Noel said. “They are quite amazing people with quite amazing

stories.

“For many people, they had been pretty successful and one life event turned everything around and they found themselves out on the street with three kids, a dog and a cat.”

Others told of remarkable transformations from a life in prostitution and/or addiction to drugs, or homelessness due to domestic violence, to finding hope, new jobs, homes and life paths.

Noel told of one woman, a victim of domestic violence, who had gone to the shelter because she feared her partner would endanger any family or friends she turned to. Now a firefighter, she attributes Coast Shelter with giving her the confidence to turn her life around.

A number of the shelter’s volunteers, he said, are people who have themselves been helped

by it over the years, and want to give back.

One elderly gentleman still remembered being homeless for a short time in the 1960s, when he travelled to Adelaide for a job which didn’t materialise, and he was forced to sleep rough on the riverbank. He apparently vowed from that time to always help those in need, and goes to Coast Shelter almost every day to lend a hand.

Noel was pleased to be part of the project, which he hoped would help people realise how little they know about what others have gone through, as they pass them on the street, and not be so quick to judge.

The book will be on sale at the exhibition and at venues around the coast for $19.95, with all proceeds going to the Shelter.

Details: call the gallery on 4346 1257 or go to www.coastshelter.org.au.

INSPIRED: Freelance photographer Noel Fisher has captured images and stories for the Partnerships Ending Hardships exhibit and bookmarking 25 years of Coast Shelter’s work.

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Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Reviews

Bewitching Zanzibar Wife

Maggie Beer’s recipes for life

MAGGIE Beer’s Recipe for Life is so much more than a cookbook.

She has teamed up with world leading Alzheimer’s researcher Professor Ralph Martins to fight one of the most debilitating diseases of our times.

“To have a healthy old age you must act now, whether you are 30 or 50,” Maggie said.

“I have two great passions – sharing my love of cooking delicious simple food and improving the health and nutrition of older people.

“I hope this cookbook does both but it’s not for ‘old’ people, it’s for you.

“These are my recipes for every day, for everybody, full of deep flavours and beautiful ingredients that will nourish you and your family.

“Nobody wants to eat worthy food that tastes like cardboard.

“For me, food without flavour is unthinkable!

And so is the notion of restricting whole food groups.

“This is not a diet book – it’s a way of life.”

Based on the latest scientific research,

The humble great Aussie shed

Maggie has created more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health.

More than a million Australians are affected every day by Alzheimer’s or its impact on their family but the good news is that you can eat well to age well, from this moment on.

The proceeds from

NOW OPEN SATURDAYS!

Maggie’s Recipe for Life will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Published by Simon & Schuster, Recipe for Life is available in bookshops and in ebook now.

RRP $39.99

SERVICES General X-Ray CT Ultrasound Interventional Procedures

ONE of Australia’s best-loved celebrities Scott Cam raises a toast in stories, anecdotes and photographs to an enduring Australian icon, the (not so humble) backyard shed. He loves his sheds so much, he has two of them. He loves spending time in them, sometimes doing absolutely zip; just having a beer, looking around, turning random things on and off, sanding a bit of timber for no reason. And it got him to thinking...“There are thousands of people around with a love of sheds like me, and plenty of their sheds are better than mine,” Scott said.

You’ll be inspired by the owners’ fascinating stories, and by the stunning images of their pride and joy and you might even join Scotty on his mission to make sheds great, make them essential, and make them loved again.

Published by Murdoch Books, Scotty’s Top Aussie Sheds is available in bookshops. RRP $35.

THE Zanzibar Wife is a bewitching novel of clashing cultures and conflicting beliefs, of secrets and revelations, of mystery and magic, by the author of the international bestseller The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul.

Set both in Oman and on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, The Zanzibar Wife is the story of three different women, each at a turning point in her life...

Oman. The ancient land of frankincense, wind-swept deserts, craggy mountaintops and turquoise seas. A place where tales of evil spirits and eerie phenomena abound.

Into this magical nation come three remarkable women, each facing a crossroad in her life.

As the three women journey together across this weird and wonderful land, they are forced to confront their darkest fears and their deepest wishes. Because here in Oman, things aren’t always what they appear to be.

Published by Penguin, Deborah Rodriguez’s The Zanibar Wife is available in bookshops and ebook.

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LOCATION Mariners Centre of Excellence Suite G04, Ground Floor 1 Bryant Drive Tuggerah NSW 2259

A guide to living longer

EVERY day we’re bombarded by often-contradictory advice on what to do to keep ourselves healthy.

The Longevity List is a witty and instructive guide to help us sort the medical fact from health industry hot air – to help us live a long and healthy life.

Professor Merlin Thomas runs a research unit within Monash University and frequently travels the world lecturing on health-related matters. In his new book he looks at each item on the “longevity list” in turn, analysing why it’s come to be considered a health priority, and giving his scientifically backed verdict on how much attention we really need to pay to it.

This is the one-stop checklist to living a life that might just see you reach your 100th birthday and beyond!

Available from www.exisle publishing.com.au and stores. RRP $34.99.

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38 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Let’s save

Have fun recycling

THE dates for National Recycling Week 2017 were Monday, November 13, to Sunday, November 19, but of course it’s good to encourage recycling at any time of the year.

There are many ways to donate, trade and exchange – to give your unwanted items a new home, or to get new things that doesn’t cost the earth. Some of the ways you can get into good recycling habits are: Exchanging: Charity op shops can resell your unwanted items, and the profits go towards the charity’s aims. Remember to ask them what types of items they accept.

Reuse and recycling events: Events are a fun way to reduce, reuse or recycle. They help to get people motivated

FOOD STORAGE: If you want to keep using plastic containers, make sure they are not cracked or scratched.

Why plastic is not always so fantastic

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN together, have a good time and meet other people in their community. Recycling and reuse events can be held between a group of friends or work colleagues, schools or neighbourhood areas.

Swap parties: Hold a party with a group of friends, at your work or publicly to swap certain items, from clothes to toys, DVDs to sports equipment. Planet Ark’s Swap Guide makes it easy to host your own party.

Second-hand Saturday: Neighbourhood-wide garage sales organised

Tracey Johnstone

THERE are alternatives to using plastic containers in GO GREEN: National Recycling Week 2017 was November 13–19, the kitchen, but if you but all year round is ideal. have to use them, then be aware of how long to keep for the same day, often Buying and selling: There them and how to get rid of old ones. arranged by the local are many easy options to Deakin University council. You could arrange buy and sell your preloved plastics expert Dr Trevor one for your street. goods from a local to Thornton suggests we No-waste Wednesday: wider level. Listings can look at what our This is a day at work or be placed in your local grandparents used to do. school where you all classifieds or community “I think we should go minimise the waste you websites. back to doing what our discard from lunch. Bring For more information: grandparents did. Go have reusable containers and www.recycling a look in their cupboard recycle cans and bottles. week.planetark.org. and replicate it,” he said.

The best choice for food storage is glass or ceramic containers. They can last for a very long time and are easy to keep clean.

Add one that has an airtight lid and you have a super storage choice.

While it probably won’t be possible to recycle these types of containers, at least they can be used over and over again for many years to come.

You can also replace clear film-wrap, which can’t be recycled, with reusable food covers, which can be purchased KEEP IT SIMPLE: Marinated prawns are an easy addition to any from supermarkets and meal. online.

Since most homes have hard, it’s just all about jars of mustard and plastic containers Dr preparation sauces to go on the table, Thornton suggests we use Using condiments are or make your own. them wisely and recycle always a great way to jazz Recipes at www.seniors where possible. up a meal, so buy a few news.com.au.

His top tip is to watch

Tasty ideas to get your BBQ on!

IT’S time to clean up the barbie and get ready for outdoor entertaining.

Barbecuing is an easy way to entertain and socialise at the same time.

Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a salad or dessert to simplify the day. That way you can enjoy yourself as well.

The humble snag is a must-do when you have a few people over – it’s cost-effective and there are so many flavours available.

Marinating your meat, seafood or vegetable selection can also make a simple meal delicious.

Honey soy marinade is easy and makes chicken

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN wings a taste sensation at a very affordable cost, and the kids love them.

Haloumi is also a great alternative on the barbie, only takes a minute or two to cook and will be very well received – your vegetarian visitors will love you for it. Or why not try partially cooked corn on the cob finished off on the barbie?

Cooking a barbecue really doesn’t need to be

out for containers that are scratched or cracked.

“It’s also about how you care for them. I always find that handwashing will preserve them a little bit more than putting some of your plastics in the dishwasher,” Dr Thornton said.

Washing them in the same way you would wash your cups and mugs is suitable Dr Thornton suggested.

When it comes to getting rid of old plastic containers, most of them can be put in the council recycling bin.

“Ice cream and margarine containers, bottles, even plastic toys, can be recycled,” Dr Thornton said.

However, if you are using old plastic containers, at least ones you have had for many years, you need to be wary of leaching from them.

It’s called the precautionary principle when it comes to what to use and for how long.

“If you don’t know or think it might be harmful, then don’t do it,” Dr Thornton said.

“Plastics are useful, they’re cheap, but at the end of the day they have a higher impact on the environment and a negative impact on health as well.”

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Puzzles

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

6/11

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square ts in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you nd it helpful.

After completing the rst 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

V E

S E A

M A K W H E R

S E C M A P S

I T Y T S C H

S C

A R T L E I O N

B C R A O R

H S P M P

T I I M M C

A S S S M A

R A R E W I T

T A E A R E

R C E R A

I

L O N Y

S T H N A T

R M A D E S S

S E T E I D C

S U E M E L A

D E Z E F A

R N E D I I

L A Y R S C I

D E A S T

C H E D A O

E V C L A E

E N S S T

I

I

N N E

Central Coast

QUICK CRoSSwoRD Across 1. Comprehend (10) 7. Majestic (5) 8. Bewilders (7) 10. Laughs (8) 11. Knoll (4) 13. Charm (6) 15. Debacle (6) 17. Debauched party (4) 18. Numerous (8) 21. Spread from (7) 22. Anticipate (5) 23. Qualities (10)

Down 1. Provocation (colloq) (5) 2. Grand (8) 3. Symbol (6) 4. Doubtful (4) 5. Adds up (7) 6. Decipher (5,1,4) 9. Outline (10) 12. Divert (8) 14. Beauty contest (7) 16. Excellent (6) 19. Strategies (5) 20. Even-handed (4)

1

2

3

Seniors 39

4

5

6 7

8

9

10

11 12

13

14

15 16

17

18

19

20 21

22

TRIO

Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?

SUDOKU

23

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

KEEPS, LOWERS, MARBLES, NIGHTCAP, ORIENTATE.

Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 28+

WORD GO ROUND

TRIO: UNC

L S

R T E O N S E A C E D O M D E S E T I C

490

Z Y

T A L T I V R E A Y S H A R P A S S S E A D

TODAY

L

PEEKS ROWELS RAMBLES PATCHING ONE ATTIRE

L A Y S R H S C I N A N R S I N C E E C R A R I T E T W I T C H R H N E D S I I M P E V A C L A S S E M

E F

U T

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, e.g. he burns with anger.

SUDOKU

JIGGERED

B D E C R A Z E R F A O S U E D E A M E L A S T I T I I M M E N S S T C A S E C T M E A R A P S E L M A K W I O N Y H E R

woRD Go RoUND

QUICK CROSSWORD

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ve-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

Across: 1. Appreciate 7. Regal 8. Baffles 10. Chortles 11. Hill 13. Appeal 15. Fiasco 17. Orgy 18. Multiple 21. Emanate 22. Await 23. Attributes.

Down: 1. Aggro 2. Palatial 3. Emblem 4. Iffy 5. Tallies 6. Crack a code 9. Silhouette 12. Distract 14. Pageant 16. Superb 19. Plans 20. Fair.

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fell fells felt ue ute uty fuel fuels full fullest fulls fully left lefty lest lets lust lusty lute lutes lutz self sell style sully tell tells tulle yell yells zestful ZESTFULLY

F

ALPHAGRAMS

93.3FM The Home of Hits and Memories Enjoy a huge range of the greatest music of all time.

Radio Five-O-Plus is the community station broadcasting all your favourite tunes from 1945 to 1985 – 24 hours a day!

Volunteers are always welcome at 93.3FM. Call 02 4325 1950 to register your interest or email us on info@fiveoplus.com.au

‘50s

‘60s

‘70s

‘80s

Radio Five-O-Plus

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40 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Would you like a companion to visit you once a week or fortnight?

Share in an activity you love, such as playing cards, going for walks, chatting over a cup of tea and much more.

HOC5127_1711

If you are a recipient of a Home Care Package and living in your own home, we can connect you to a community visitor.

Call Wesley Community Visitors Scheme to get connected

(02) 4915 3685

wesleymission.org.au