Central Coast, January-February 2018

Contact us for information on all services on:

1300 782 896 integratedliving.org.au

6748283aa

Offering a range of in home care and specialist health services.

vfacebook.com/seniorsnews

4 1300 880 265

Seniors

January - February, 2018

Central Coast

FREE

PAGES 4 & 5

6678989ae

7 www.seniorsnews.com.au

Pride Pathrider 130XL

02 4342 5308

3 Blackwall Rd Woy Woy mobilityhireandsales.com.au

2 Seniors Central Coast

Welcome

In this edition

Cover Story: Senior Australian of the Year .Pages 4 & 5 Wellbeing........................................................Pages 21- 24 Travel ...............................................................Pages 27-32 Live and Let’s Save................................................Page 34 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 35

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Consultant Sue Germany sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Phone: 0408 286 539 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 Head Office: 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”.

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

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

Published by News Corp Australia.

Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina.

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

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Smiling is infectious Inspiration found in all corners of Australia HAPPY New Year!

Whether cynical, hopeful or otherwise, we are at the opportune time of the year to make some resolutions that will better our lives and those around us.

To that end, I am sure you will find inspiration from our cover story which honours the people nominated in each state and territory for The Australian of the Year award (Pages 4 & 5).

Their stories profile the far-reaching effects of their work and passion to improve other people’s lives.

In South Australia, nominee Barbara Spriggs was prompted to expose poor treatment suffered by her husband in an Aged Care facility.

At a time of personal grieving, she bravely confronted the system, paving the way for

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

respectful and proper care for patients. I was so impressed with her New Year sentiments, I have shared them with you, she wrote: “As we begin 2018, let’s embrace our lives as seniors. Be proud of our achievements, take care of our bodies and minds; things I always work towards. Walk and talk often with a friend.

Say or do something nice for someone each day.

“Be prepared to speak out, it could lead to better things for others.

“Don’t underestimate the power and ability you have. Help make 2018 count. Together we can achieve great things.”

(Story page 4).

Indeed, don’t underestimate the power of a smile.

Last September we

❝

As we begin 2018, let’s embrace our lives as seniors.

Be proud of our achievements, take care of our bodies and minds; Barbara Spriggs, Australian of the Year nominee from South Australia published a simple poem about smiles, by Spike Milligan, on our Facebook site (www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews).

To date,it has achieved far-reaching effects; online views of the poem have added up to about six million and is still increasing.

But the world is a big place and for those who missed the poem, I think our first print edition in 2018 is an apt place to

share: Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin.

When he smiled I realised I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile, then I realised its worth.

A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected.

Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!

As Seniors Newspaper Editor my resolution is to keep up the stories, profiles and professional advice that entertains, informs and engages you (and, of course makes you smile).

HUNTER NURSING

People first, People always

Suite 3, 52 Pendlebury Rd, Cardiff NSW 228 Email: nursing@hunternursing.com.au Phone: (02) 4959 6711 Fax: (02) 4959 3858

6721561aa

It is now easier than ever to have HealtheCare Hunter Nursing provide the support and services YOU WANT. We look forward to hearing from you so that we can arrange a meeting with you to discuss the support you would like.

We can provide a range of flexible care options from 1 hour to 24 hours 7 days a week.

Local News

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 3

Get connected in 2018

PASSING IT ON: Long-time animal rights activist June Killington with her daughter Hazel’s rescue cat Toby. She’s delighted to have passed on her love of animals and their need to be protected.

June still fights for animal rights JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON

SIXTY-year-old grandmother-of-three June Killington faces her own battle with the debilitating Lyme disease but that hasn’t stopped her fighting for animal rights.

Her only concession is that these days she takes a folding chair to protests.

Ms Killington, who is a newcomer to the Central Coast and lives in Woy Woy, has been an animal activist for more than 30 years, protesting puppy farms, rodeos, circuses with animals and, for the past five years, the use of performing dolphins at Sea World on the Gold Coast.

“I have always had a real love and respect for animals since I was little,”

she said.

“I see them as voiceless and I speak up for them.”

Over the years, Ms Killington said, she had involved a large number of national and international celebrities in her campaigns through donations of goods to raise tens of thousands of dollars to protect animals, such as Arna, a lone circus elephant, which was able to see out her final days in the relative freedom of Western Plains Zoo. She said it was as a result of her appearance on The Bert Newton Show that the Mayor of Ballarat, in Victoria, closed down one of the largest puppy farms in Australia.

“That was very exciting,” she said.

“I had the backing of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore and it was a massive campaign.”

She’s also against

Need a

greyhound and horse racing, including the Melbourne Cup. “We need to think about what we’re doing,” she said.

“Just because ‘my father did it’ or we’ve done something in the past doesn’t mean we should still be doing it now – we were wrong then too.”

But these days, while still protesting animals forced to perform in circuses and rodeos, it is Sea World that is her focus, through her Facebook page Sea World Shut Down and Twitter @seaworldisevil.

Her emotive tag is “Sea World Australia – keeping dolphins as prisoners since the ’70s”, while the logo depicts a crying dolphin with a ball and chain on its tail and the heading “Set them free”.

“It’s about educating the public that dolphins don’t belong in swimming

pools doing tricks for dead fish,” Ms Killington said.

She argues that dolphins saved by Sea World should be rehabilitated and freed or taken to a sanctuary rather than forced to perform, something that has already been banned in a number of other countries.

She dismissed the argument that the facility’s keeping of animals was in part educational.

“What we need is to educate our children that animals have rights, have feelings and deserve respect,” she said.

“Animals are not there for our entertainment.”

While she may have been slowed by her condition, Ms Killington said she was delighted that her daughter and grandchildren have taken up the animal rights cause and, as she says, “this old granny is non-stop – I’ll never stop.”

BE CONNECTED is the new government website for older Australians, which focuses on increasing their confidence, skills and online safety.

It seems everywhere an older Australian turns there is another piece of technology to master and more requirements for them to go online to access their day-to-day information and support.

Those people who aren’t connected or aren’t trained in how to use the internet to their advantage are likely to feel more and more isolated from the broader community.

This online resource provides tools to learn the basics of using digital devices and engaging with the internet, including: ■ Being safer while online ■ Talking to or seeing family and friends who live far away ■ Finding new friends who share interests and hobbies ■ Connecting with old friends ■ Keeping up to date with what’s happening in communities and around the world ■ Shopping and selling online, safely and securely.

It will be delivered through partners that will offer in-person help and support to older Australians who are disengaged with digital technology.

HOW TO FIND A PLACE FOR HELP AND ADVICE ■ Phone the Good Things Foundation helpline on 1300 795 897.

■ Type in your postcode or suburb into the online map. Good Things Foundation Australia national director Jess Wilson said: “We are thrilled to already have 677 network partners who have joined the Be

little help

to stay living at home?

Contact us:1300

578 478

• adssihomeliving.com.au • info@adssihomeliving.com.au

Connected Network in only three months.”

Neighbourhood centres, men’s sheds and retirement villages have signed up. The target is 2000 network partners by June.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THEY AN AUTHORISED BE CONNECTED PROVIDER? ■ Phone the Good Things Foundation ■ Use the online map ■ Check if they carry the Be Connected brand on flyers, posters and appointment cards.

WHAT WILL CHANGE IN THE FUTURE ON BE CONNECTED? ■ The website will be enhanced with additional learning topics and interactive content, enabling users to continue further along their learning journey to increase their skills and confidence in using online and digital technology.

■ Resources to encourage and facilitate inter-generational learning will be rolled out. Research shows that older Australians are most comfortable learning digital skills with a family member or peer, face-to-face, so an important part of the program involves equipping and empowering family, friends and community members to guide older Australians through a Be Connected learning plan.

■ The Department of Social Services has engaged Swinburne University of Technology to undertake an evaluation of the Be Connected program.

For details go to www.beconnected. esafety.gov.au.

4 Seniors Central Coast

Feature: Australian of the Year

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Who were our Australian Tracey Johnstone

AN OUTSTANDING group of eight senior Australians were nominated from each state and territory for the 2018 Senior Australian of the Year award. We meet each of them here and find out what they want to see changed in 2018.

VIC – PROF PAUL ZIMMET AO

Dr Paul Zimmet.

The scientist and diabetes specialist has been an international leader in his field for 40 years. Paul’s work has had a profound impact on Australians with diabetes. His research studies in the 1980s predicted the current global epidemic of Type 2 diabetes, and he was instrumental in convincing governments and health organisations of the disease’s social and economic impact.

“I will maintain my

strong advocacy for increased action for prevention and early diabetes diagnosis for Australians of all ages and backgrounds. Why diabetes? Because it is one of the greatest health threats facing Australia, affecting nearly 4.5 million – about two million with diabetes and 2.5 million with pre-diabetes. I hope by example (as a cyclist and jogger) to use my age promoting healthy lifestyle messages encouraging people to live well in their older years. It will ensure Australians are well equipped, both physically and mentally, to enjoy their later decades.”

Hearing health specialist and bionics advocate Dimity Dornan has worked as a speech pathologist for more than five

decades. She has changed the lives of thousands of children and young adults through Hear and Say, which she founded 25 years ago.

Dimity has devoted her career to helping deaf children to listen and speak by training their brains to use implantable bionic technologies, like the cochlear implant. Hear and Say currently provides services for more than 900 children and their families.

“I live and work in a world where science, technology and the internet are colliding for the betterment of mankind. In 2018, I will continue to advocate for the support of Hearing across the Lifespan and also for Bionics (medical devices where medicine and engineering meet) because it affects all Australians at some time in their lives. Hearing loss is an invisible problem that can affect not only listening and speaking, but also reading, education, making friends, mental health, career and economic potential. I will address this by advocating for the national campaign ‘Break

after them all at the same time seems to be the work (in families) done mostly by the daughters.”

Glenna has written a novel, Stella and Margie, about a sandwich generation family, and although it is fiction, it is drawn from her own experience.

“It’s a new phenomenon,” she said.

“People are living longer.

They take their tablets, and medical intervention keeps people alive longer.

It’s a fact of life.

“I am 62 and a physically active and fit woman. In previous days I would have been considered an old lady.

Now I have grandchildren and a career and I am dealing with a parent still alive.”

Glenna is experiencing what countless other baby boomers are going through: visiting her elderly mother in an aged-care facility as well as taking her on outings, in between running her own busy life and forging a career, often trying to balance concern and care

for her mother with the needs of a two-year-old toddler grandson at the same time.

“Having your (elderly) mother and your grandson with you at the same time is like having two toddlers,” she said. “I have to get my mother’s walker into the boot and then you can’t fit anything else in, and then get her into the car and at the same time buckle in the grandson. It’s complicated.”

In Australia approximately one in 10 elderly parents live with their adult children, becoming reliant on the very people for whom they once cared.

This shift in relationship from carer to dependent can be a difficult one to navigate and Glenna has portrayed it in her book Stella and Margie, showing all the trials and difficulties of managing multiple needs while trying to keep herself mentally and physically well.

She has written in an honest manner about the

QLD – DR DIMITY DORNAN AO

Dr Diminity Dornan.

Our sandwich generation SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au

WHETHER you are familiar with the expression “sandwich generation” or not, you could well be part of it.

The sandwich generation is made up of people, usually in their 30s or 40s, who are caring for their parents as well as their own children.

In the case of seniors, it is people in their 60s and 70s caring for elderly parents while juggling the needs of their adult children and trying to help out as much as they can with their grandchildren.

“I am one of those families very typical of the sandwich generation,” author Glenna Thomson said. “I am 62, my mother has moved into aged care, my father has passed away, I have step-children, children and grandchildren. To look

the Sound Barrier’ to make hearing research, healthcare and well-being the 10th national health priority.”

Barbara Spriggs.

SA – BARBARA SPRIGGS

When Barbara suspected her husband Bob was being mistreated in a government-run mental health facility, she pushed for answers. She had no choice but to place Bob, who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other complex and distressing illnesses, into care at the Oakden Older Person’s Mental Health Services facility. After suspecting her husband was being physically and chemically restrained, Barb lifted the lid on a story of systematic aged care abuse and neglect.

Barb’s persistence at a time of great personal grief honours her beloved husband with a legacy of better care and respect for older people in aged-care facilities around

Australia.

“As we begin 2018, let’s embrace our lives as seniors. Be proud of our achievements, take care of our bodies and minds; things I always work towards. Walk and talk often with a friend. Say or do something nice for someone each day. Be prepared to speak out, it could lead to better things for others. Don’t underestimate the power and ability you have. Help make 2018 count.

Together we can achieve great things.”

Dr Graham Farquhar.

ACT – DR GRAHAM FARQUHAR AO

The biophysicist is one of Australia’s most eminent scientists. He has helped reshape our understanding of photosynthesis, the very basis of life on Earth.

After growing up with a Tasmanian farming family background, Graham has used his love of science to

deliver practical benefits to the agricultural sector.

In 2017, Graham became the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize – the most prestigious international award for fields not traditionally honoured with a Nobel Prize. From his long-term base at the Australian National University, Graham is tackling some of the most profound challenges facing humanity and the environment.

“I am going to become fit, cook well, re-start modern dance, write up all overdue scientific papers, spend more time with family, learn plant taxonomy, get rid of the weeds, and watch pigs flying from dawn to dusk.

But, I am committed as part of the Kyoto Prize to lecturing in San Diego and Oxford, and voluntarily within Australia, emphasising to young people the importance of creativity, of struggling for honesty, and of accepting that there will be failures along the way in any career. I will make some inroads into the pig-flying stretch goals, and accept some failures.”

BOOKS: Author Glenna Thomson has drawn on her real-life experience.

expectations put on a woman in today’s modern world, being caught between the demands of parents and children and grandchildren.

“In the book I have an 80-year-old woman, Margie, and then Stella who is 40,” Glenna said.

“They are mother and daughter-in-law living in a

big old run-down cattle property in country Victoria. I have old Margie just having surgery and needing to be looked after, and the daughter-in-law who despises her. They have to learn about each other’s lives and soften towards each other. It is honest but not sentimental,

touching on subjects of old age, loneliness, issues between parents and their adult children, real life issues.

“What transpires is not depressing, it is uplifting and a poignant reminder of women’s friendship.”

Stella and Margie, by Glenna Thomson, Bantam Australia - $32.99.

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Feature: Australian of the Year

Central Coast

Senior nominees 2018?

Kathy Guthadjaka.

NT – KATHY GUTHADJAKA

Kathy is an East Arnhem Land educator, pioneering academic and senior elder from Gäwa in north-east Arnhem Land. She is passionate about preserving traditional knowledge and sharing this with the greater global community. Gotha, as she is known, has worked as an educator since the mid-1960s. Growing up on a mission, Gotha was working as a teaching assistant when her father chose to establish homelands in a remote area of Elcho Island.

Gotha was tasked with starting a school. For the first year, Gotha taught without pay under a tarpaulin near the beach.

The school was successful, and Gotha created a bilingual educational model that delivered high attendance

and graduation rates.

“The first step in reaching my goals in the coming year is to qualify for surgery, (and for my people, there are many barriers) get listed, and find a kidney donor who matches me. Next is to receive the new kidney, finish with dialysis and return home to my grandchildren, my extended family and to Gawa homeland on Elcho Island.

“I will then be able to take part more fully in the life of my communities both at Gawa and with the women in Galiwin’ku. I will continue to work with the Northern Institute at CDU and will start again fresh working with Gawa Christian School to consolidate two-way learning and all the methods we have successfully trialled into lesson development technique that will remain to benefit generations to come.

“It may eventually benefit the broader Australian teaching community by showing how valuing students and their families can open receptivity for better

learning outcomes.”

Dr Catherine Hamlin.

NSW – DR CATHERINE HAMLIN AC

For more than 50 years, obstetrician Catherine Hamlin, now 93, has devoted herself to giving women in Africa a second chance at life. She and her late husband Dr Reginald Hamlin founded a network of six hospitals and a midwifery college in Ethiopia.

The hospitals provide free fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from horrendous and preventable childbirth injuries.

“The story of the fistula patients is a story that every Australian should hear. Childbirth should be a joyful occasion. But to these women it’s a nightmare. I want all Australians to know that they have the capacity to make a difference.

“Small acts of kindness

really do add up to big things. I have put myself in the public eye simply because I had to tell the story of the fistula patients. To be a voice for them. I will continue to do this.”

TAS – TONY SCHERER

Tony Scherer.

The Coal Valley organic farmer is a pioneer of the organic farming movement. He has promoted sustainable farming methods for more than 50 years. Tony started organic farming in California in the 1970s.

Moving to Australia in 1990, Tony introduced several organic methods, including the first machinery to convert Sudan grass into organic compost.

Tony demonstrated that organic viticulture was possible and profitable, with the winery’s pinot noir

Sister Anne gives a lifetime of love and experience to others THE Senior Australian of the Year Award recognises those Australians aged 65 and over who continue to achieve and contribute.

The award started in the International Year of Older Persons in 1999.

In 2017 the awards recognised Sister Anne Gardiner.

In 1953, as a 22-year-old member of the Daughters of Our

Lady of the Sacred Heart, Sister Anne was asked to move to Bathurst Island to live among the Tiwi people.

Sister Anne has devoted 50 of the 63 years since to enriching community, enhancing opportunity and supporting the Tiwi culture.

An advocate of peace, love, local decision-making, Tiwi language and culture,

Sister Anne has worked tirelessly to educate generations of children while establishing community groups from mother’s clubs to Little Athletics.

Since her retirement as principal of the local primary school, Sister Anne has run regular prayer meetings, founded an op shop and established a coffee shop to support her much-loved community.

Sister Anne’s labour of love is working with community members to establish the Patakajiyali museum where Tiwi history, culture and language can be preserved for future generations.

A key part of the community, Sister Anne is much loved and respected by the Tiwi people and has earned an enduring place in their hearts.

winning multiple awards.

He has helped to build Tasmania’s reputation as a world leader in this wine style, creating jobs and supporting a new industry.

“If I can accomplish anything it would be to get more people to eat food that is ready-to-eat, not shipped. For our organisation Sprout, it is to train as many farmers as we can to grow local produce and market it in their local area so that people can get fresh food.

I will also continue my presidency of the NGO, Sprout, which provides scholarships to current or future farmers. We conduct training in soil and plant health, extending growing seasons, marketing, financing, and pest and disease control.”

Kathleen Mazzella.

WA – KATHLEEN MAZZELLA OAM

Facing a radical gynaecological cancer

Seniors 5

diagnosis at the age of 39, women’s health champion Kathleen was convinced she was alone.

In her search to find someone else facing the same experience, Kath placed an ad in Woman’s Day, receiving 38 responses from women all over Australia who felt the same sense of isolation and embarrassment. Kath established the Perth-based Gynaecological Awareness Information Network.

“My desire is to reach as many people from as possible, aged 14-100, with the message of gynaecological and related sexual, mental health awareness.

“Why? Because women suffer in silence, families feel the ripple effects of the suffering and as a community, we are capable of doing more.

“We are capable of starting conversations that break down the barriers, of being more supportive when we recognise someone has a challenge in the workplace or home. I plan to continue with my International Gynaecological Awareness Day and Undies for Better Understanding campaign, but more importantly, to mobilise the community to do their part too.

“I am one person, but we are many!”

Awards reflect vision and values of Australians SINCE its inception in 1960, the Australian of the Year Award has provided a focal point for Australia Day celebrations and a forum for the recognition of outstanding achievement.

The award offers an insight into Australian identity, reflects how the nation is evolving, the role of sport in Australian culture, the impact of multiculturalism and the special status of Australia’s indigenous people.

It has also provoked

spirited debate about the fields of endeavour that are most worthy of recognition.

In this way, the awards have advanced a national conversation – they have encouraged us to consider who are the Australians that make us proud.

Debates about the Australian of the Year commonly revolve around the relative balance between sport, science and the arts. Many Australians of the Year do not fit neatly into these categories.

LUXURY COACH TRAvEL fOR EXTENDED TOURS | DAY TOURS | THEATRE PERfORmANCES | CONCERTS | EvENTS MAMMA MIA | CAPITOL THEATRE Wed 2/05/18 (Matinee)

DAY TOURS From $115.00pp

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT | CAPITOL THEATRE Wed 13/06/18 (Matinee) From $110.00pp Wed 20/06/18 (Matinee) From $110.00pp JERSEY BOYS | CAPITOL THEATRE Sun 30/09/18 (Matinee) Thu 8/11/18 (Matinee) Wed 12/12/18 (Matinee)

PO Box 546 WYONG NSW 2259

www.entertainmenttours.com.au PH: 02 4392 3049 / 02 4392 3050

$155.00pp $135.00pp $135.00pp

ANDRE RIEU | ICC SYDNEY THEATRE Wed 21/11/18 8.00pm $190.00pp

EXTENDED TOURING

ST PATRICK’S AT THE FIDDLER | LUNCH/ENTERTAINMENT Thu 15/3/18 $85.00pp BUNDANOON IS BRIGADOON | EARLY BIRD SPECIAL Sat 7/04/18 $66.00pp WINGS OvER ILLAWARRA AIR SHOW Sat 5/05/18 from $75.00pp MULLA vILLA WOLLOMBI | LUNCH/WINE TASTING Thu 10/5/18 $79.00pp vIvID ON SYDNEY HARBOUR | DINNER AND DRINKS CRUISE Thu 7/6/18 $145.00pp BYGONE BEAUTYS | TREASURED TEAPOT/HIGHTEA Tue 12/6/18 $96.00pp NEED THE PERFECT GIFT – ASK ABOUT A GIFT CERTIFICATE

2 DAY WINTER CHRISTMAS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Dep Wed 4 Jul 2018

From $389.00ppts

11 DAY BUNDABERG CAPRICORN COAST TOUR

Dep Fri 27 Jul 2018

From $2,525.00ppts

6728156ad

THEATRE

6 Seniors Central Coast

Local News

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Pain Relief Available!

Just Ask Amcal+

stream and affect your whole body while others stay where you rub them on. There are antiAs you may have heard, inflammatory ones and others medications containing codeine that cool the area or warm up and are now Prescription-Only. relax the muscles. Some are smelly and others are not. There are There are effective alternatives if you don’t want to visit your doctor “natural” ones that contain useful ingredients like Arnica, Capsicum or want to stop taking codeine. and Calendula.

Your ‘Always Available’ Amcal pharmacist is happy to discuss Supplements such as Curcumin your pain management options.

(Turmeric), Fish oil, and Glucosamine have their place too.

There are tablets you can take that will relieve pain throughout And remember: ice, heat and your whole body and not just the compression also are also very part where the pain is severe. useful to treat pain! Your Amcal Examples are Paracetamol and pharmacy stocks a range of instant non-steroidal anti-inflammatories heat and ice packs, wheat packs, such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen bandages, tapes and supports. and Diclofenac. Ask your Amcal All of the tablets and some of the pharmacist about some of the topical preparations can affect newer combinations that have medications you may already be hit the market. taking or other conditions you There are creams, ointments and have besides the pain. That’s why oils you can rub on and patches it’s important to get the right that can be applied. Some of advice and support from your these can get into your blood knowledgeable Amcal pharmacist.

Services Pain Management

Your pain is our priority Talk to your Amcal pharmacist today about the best pain treatments for your needs.

Free

Takes from 10 minutes

$

NOW 19

4

100G 99

10

$

SAVE $4.30

ea

†

% 30 OFF †

Special Offer

MAXIGESIC 12 Tablets

Patented combination of paracetamol (500mg) and ibuprofen (150mg)

AN IDEA which began 10 years ago with the sale of about 150 Christmas trees as a Rotary Club of Kariong Somersby fundraiser has branched out – excuse the pun – into a four-club effort raising more than $20,000 for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program.

That’s not to mention the other half of the funds raised from the sale of up to 1500 trees last year, which will be split pro rata between the four Rotary clubs (Kariong Somersby, Woy Woy, Erina and North Lakes-Toukely) for local projects.

Kariong Somersby club president Greg Groppenbacher is the man behind the original idea and admits that with each tree measuring 6.5-8 feet (2-2.4m) in height, it’s a big job for the 70-odd Rotarians manning the seven sale sites over two weekends, aided by

Central Coast Family Support Services staff, who run the GRG program, and some of the grandparents involved.

“They’re long days, but the nice thing about it is the Rotarians love to do it because it’s so much fun seeing the families come through and the kids, often, trying to pick out exactly which tree they want,” Greg said.

“The trees come out of Victoria and they are cut on the Wednesday or Thursday and sold on the Saturday, so they are really fresh and last a month at least.

“That’s why it’s been so successful because people come back each year to buy these big, dense, bushy trees and also to help the clubs and the grandparents’ program.”

Among other things, the program can provide counselling, enhance grandparents’ parenting practices and understanding of child

WITH OUR MEDICAL ALARMS

*

Get an alarm now and receive the January Australian Women’s Weekly FREE.*

ELMORE OIL Range

• Amcal+ Kanwal Village 02 4392 5533 • Amcal+ Toukley 02 4396 4228 • Amcal+ Wadalba 02 4393 2211 • Kanwal Medical Centre Amcal Pharmacy 02 4393 3221 • Noraville Amcal Pharmacy 02 4396 4785 • Toowoon Bay Amcal Pharmacy 02 4332 1393 †Savings calculated based on the recommended retail price as provided by the supplier and not necessarily previous in store price. *Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Offers valid from Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February 2018 or while stocks last.

6730718ab

*

Alison Houston

START 2018 FEELING SECURE AT HOME

SAVE $5

†

A tree-mendous fundraiser to help our grandparents

We have lots of options to suit your budget and needs so you can stay safe and confident in your home.

Call today on 1300 851 771 www.lifelinkresponse.com.au *This offer is valid until 31 January 2018.

behaviour, build relationship skills, and provide information about other services.

Originally backed by the State Government, which pulled its funding after just two years, the program survived when the Rotary clubs stepped in.

“It’s personally very satisfying to have started this and to see what it has become,” Greg said.

“It’s not often Rotary clubs join up and co-operate their efforts on one project like this.”

Greg also thanked council and the various businesses which allowed the clubs to sell the trees on-site, and 2GO for publicity.

“Without those people, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” he said. So, watch out next year for the Rotary clubs’ Christmas tree sale, and remember what’s involved and just who you will be helping.

Details, go to http://ccfss.org.au.

FER0563a 12/17

PRICE

†

No appointment needed

ACROSS GENERATIONS: Four Central Coast Rotary clubs sold more than 1500 Christmas trees last year to help Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and often it’s the kids that get the final say on the perfect tree.

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 7

LIMITED EDITION LUXURY BEACHSIDE APARTMENTS

NOW IS THE TIME TO DISCOVER A LIFE BEYOND DREAMS...

Bathers Beachside is the Peninsula’s newest and most prestigious waterfront development. Designed and developed by Traders in Purple with luxury living in mind, these exquisite apartments deliver an unprecedented attention to detail and finishes second to none. Perfectly positioned in a premier waterfront enclave right by the beach on Margate Parade, offering spacious living areas and large balconies encapsulating the breathtaking never-to-be-built-out Moreton Bay views.

Enjoy this superb beachside location with its magnificent blue water Moreton Bay views from the luxury of your new spacious 3 bedroom apartment featuring 2 balconies, 2 bathrooms and 2 car spaces.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LIFE. IT BEGINS HERE...

A limited number of 3 bedroom apartments will be available. Be the first to secure yours, register your interest today at bathersbeachside.com/register or call our sales team on 0477 432 432

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LIFE. IT BEGINS HERE...

Lower floor apartments available from $599,000 and the top floor sky homes with their extraordinary panoramic views offer amazing value from $899,000 With excellent sales in recent months...

Your opportunity to live in The Scarborough is quickly disappearing...

Few apartments remaining. Don’t miss out!

Call our sales team today on 0477 432 432

CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON T. 0477 432 432 OR VISIT OUR SALES AND DISPLAY CENTRE WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM AT 113 LANDSBOROUGH AVE, SCARBOROUGH tradersinpurple.com

8 Seniors Central Coast

Local News

Coast passed the baton for the joy of the Games Alison Houston

IT MAY be more of a hobble than a run, but nothing is going to stop 2017 Central Coast Citizen of the Year Lester Pearson taking part in the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay on Saturday, February 3.

Lester, currently fighting a back problem, said he felt “very honoured” and it was “very humbling” to have been chosen as one of 17 runners to carry the baton across the Coast.

The 64-year-old, best known for his role in starting up suicide prevention program Save Our Kids, said the baton’s journey through the Coast was all part of “the euphoria” of the Games.

“It’s just part of the Australian culture to enjoy being part of that great sporting moment, whether you’re a spectator, in the baton relay or an athlete,” he said.

Council director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said, as a huge international event, the baton relay gave the

Central Coast a chance to “shine on the world stage”.

Hence the baton’s route will highlight the Coast’s

❝

It’s just part of the Australian culture to enjoy being part of that great sporting moment, whether you’re a spectator, in the baton relay or an athlete. key assets, starting at 11.30am at the arts/cultural precinct at Laycock Street Theatre, moving down Mann St to an official ceremony at Central Coast Stadium, where Central Coast Council is hosting a free family fun day, before completing the final leg along the waterfront to the pool and then heading to Sydney.

This is the first time the Coast has been part of a

NO HOLDING BACK: Lester Pearson’s back problems won’t stop him taking part with 16 others in the Coast leg of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay on Saturday, February 3.

baton relay, which in this case started at London’s Buckingham Palace on March 13, 2017, and was due to travel for 288 days and 230,000km across Africa, the Caribbean, Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, including a 100-day stint through Australia to promote the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

from April 4-15.

The Coast’s family fun day will be a community-focussed picnic with live local music and other entertainment, and “geared towards the water, community, togetherness and healthy living and food, with the key goal for participants to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event”.

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Being grateful is very good for you Paul McKeon

I’M GUESSING that many of us have been making new year’s resolutions, which hopefully haven’t been abandoned yet.

Many resolutions are about improving our lives in various ways and looking for better outcomes in 2018.

I’d like to suggest that as well as looking for things that will improve our lives, we should take the time to be grateful for what we already have.

We tend not to think much about all the advantages and possessions we have.

Instead we are encouraged to focus on the things we want in the belief that having them will make us happy.

It’s easy to take for granted our relatively secure existence as we live in a free, democratic society where we are unlikely to be shot, bombed, starved or imprisoned. Millions of people don’t share our good fortune.

You may find that spending some time

thinking about all the benefits you currently have and being grateful for them will make you feel happier.

As our happiness is far more dependent on internal issues like our attitude and how we view the world than it is on external things like a new car or an overseas holiday, by regularly thinking about the good things in our lives and being grateful for them, we can change our thinking to be more positive, which will help us to be happier people.

A useful new year’s resolution would be to spend a few minutes every night sitting quietly and thinking about the good things you enjoyed that day and being grateful for them. Most of us will find the advantages we enjoy far outweigh the bad things that happen to us.

If you are planning your retirement or are in the early years of it, go to www.retirement books.com.au.

QUALITY HOME CARE SERVICES & SUPPORT Approved Home Care Provider.

Live independently in your own home.

EASY ALERT PENDANT

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR LOVED ONES.

YOUR PATH. YOUR CHOICE YOUR WAY. Our wellness approach to Home Care helps older people stay in their own homes for longer.

Living Made Easy provides the highest quality home care services and support for you to live independently in your own homes. We want you to feel well looked after – enjoying every day the way you choose. We can manage your aged care plan and local home services to maximise quality of life, independence and social interaction. Our aged care home support service is designed completely around you and your wellbeing.

Call Living Made Easy today to find your pathway to independent living.

TEL 1300 434 159 EMAIL living@livingmadeeasy.com.au WEB livingmadeeasy.com.au

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

Book your Obligation free Demonstration today

1300 699 159 24 hours - 7 days

MEDICAL ALERT!

FALL DETECTION

SAVES LIVES safeTwear®

safeTwear®

Pendant

The world's smallest - Smartest fall detection & Medical pendant

Automatic fall detection

A detected fall automatically connects to 24/7 response & monitoring centre

2 way voice communication

Speak & hear directly trough the pendant

Medical alert button

Traditional button push for Help as well as fall detection

Australia wide coverage

No longer be restricted to "at home" use, safeTwear goes with you - Everywhere - GPS/Satellite Tracking Technology so smart, yet simple to use

Pendant 24/7 response & monitoring

We are more than just a call centre, we’re a support network available at all times…

Stay connected Anywhere / Any place / Any time No lock in contracts Prepaid packages available, for a lifetime of monitoring, at one low cost…

YOU'LL NEVER BE ALONE

You, your family & friends can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with wearing your safeTwear pendant. Plus the added advantage & benefit of being connected within seconds to our professional response/monitoring centre, who will immediately get you the Help you need

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Phone : 1300 699 159 Email : care@emsas.com.au Web : www.emsas.com.au.

Limited Seniors Only Offer!

Over 65? Call 1300 699 159 You may qualify for a Free safeTwear pendant & KeySafe.

Valued at over $500 While stock lasts.

10 Seniors Central Coast

Neighbourhood News

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Community TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum).

If you would 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 February issue is February 14. Email Nicky or Chris: communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper. com.au.

TOUKLEY 50 PLUS LEISURE & LEARNING CENTRE

BARBECUE plus entertainment. Come and enjoy the day with us on Saturday, February 17 at noon for 12.30pm lunch.

The cost is $10 per person. We will have

Entertainer Brian Kelly.

Location 1 Hargraves Street, Toukley. Details phone 4396 5075.

Tickets available from club reception. For catering purposes, tickets must be purchased by Thursday, February 15.

TOUKLEY VIEW CLUB

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 guest speakers or members participation. We also have outings, friendship morning teas, soup and damper days, raffles and interesting discussions.

Come along and make new friends. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests, Education of Women and is part of The Smith Family and raises money for Learning For Life sponsorship and education of disadvantaged Australian children. Details phone Sandra on 4396 6206.

BRISBANE WATER EVENING VIEW CLUB

OUR club works for The Smith Family and holds its monthly dinner meeting in the Function Room at the Grange Hotel, Renwick Street, Wyoming on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm for 7pm. New members and visitors are most welcome. For more details, phone Valda on 4325 1688 or Helen 4367 5670.

TOUKLEY CWA

TOUKLEY CWA hold a market and coffee shop on the second Saturday of the month from 9am-2pm.

Located at 175 Main Road, Toukley. For bookings or information, phone Jean on 4334 5373.

NEWCASTLE ART SOCIETY

WE ARE having an Art Exhibition at Charlestown shopping Centre (bottom

TALENT: Newcastle Art Society exhibition: Joe Punshon Silver Palette Award 2017 winner, Africa 1, by Jenny Elks.

floor in front of David Jones department store) from January 29 to February 11. All local artists, reasonable prices so stop in and have a look and say hello. For further information, phone Karen 0404 893 855.

WYONG WRITERS

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

Meeting on the fourth Saturday of each month

from 1.30pm. Next meeting February at the Woodbury Park Community Centre, 1 Woolmers Crescent, Mardi. Details phone Mei-Ling Venning (President) on 4333 7489 or email meilingvenning @hotmail.com or go to www.wyongwriters.org.

WYONG APEX 40

THIS is a social group open to all former Apex members and their

partners from any Apex Club and are now living on the Central Coast. The group was formed in 1982 to retain the great friendships made in Apex.

We normally meet on the last Thursday each month for a dinner, at a restaurant or member’s home. If you would like to catch up with some old friends please contact Lea or Tom Dumpleton on 4393 2681 for more details.

Where design meets lifestyle…

The residences at Ingenia Lifestyle The Grange have been created to provide modern and appealing spaces.

Complimented by tree lined streets and beautiful gardens, the quality amenities let you enjoy a relaxing swim or a catchup with mates at the club house.

• Downsize and free up your cash • No entry or exit fees • No refurbishment costs • No council rates • Keep all your capital gains Come and see what stylish living looks like.

BRAND NEW HOMES FROM $339,000*

Phone Jason our Project Sales Manager on 4970 5769 for more information 4 GIMBERTS ROAD, MORISSET liveinmorisset.com.au *Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land and is correct at time of printing. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

ADVERTISEMENT

Retirement villages growing in popularity Baby boomers are the most active generation of retirees ever and they have no plans to slow down.

Abounding with energy and a zest for life, Australia’s over-55s are looking for an environment that promotes independence and provides a rewarding lifestyle.

And it is only going to become more so.

Currently, more than 200,000 retirees live in retirement villages and resorts across Australia. With a 92% occupancy rate nationally, it’s clear that Australia’s over-55s have embraced retirement village living and its many advantages. Demand for retirement housing is set to double by 2025, according to Property Council research.

Low- maintenance living and the opportunity for an expanded social life are key factors driving this trend.

A 2013 Australian National University study found retirement villages offer unique lifestyle benefits, including: Community: Residents highly value the company of compatible neighbours at the same stage of life.

Where to find the perfect retirement lifestyle Australia’s over-55s have a wealth of lifestyle options available to them. Retirement communities run the gamut from luxury resort-style developments to laid-back residential parks.

With so much variety there’s something for everyone but it can be difficult for the average person to wade through the paperwork to find their ideal situation. Sometimes, you just need to talk to a person.

That’s where the Retirement Village Expos can make a real difference. These free events are dedicated to bringing together the general public and the retirement living sector in a no-pressure, informal setting.

At the expos, retirees can meet with representatives from leading retirement housing providers, collect information and ask any questions they might have about retirement living.

Freedom: Fewer home maintenance chores leaves more time for leisure activities and socialising.

Convenience: Most villages are located close to essential facilities and services and provide reliable transport to nearby metropolitan centres.

Independence: For residents who enjoy travel, the ability to simply “lock and leave” their home at any time, safe in the knowledge that it will be taken care of in their absence, is a significant advantage.

Security: Retirement villages are perceived by residents as safe and secure environments.

Visitors are encouraged to take their time and engage in detailed conversations with village staff to gain a real insight into the life of a community as well as the rights and obligations of residents.

Moving into a retirement village is as much a lifestyle decision as a financial one and both aspects should be carefully considered.

Retirement villages offer real benefits to residents. A 2013 survey conducted by McCrindle Research found that 98 per cent of new residents were happy with their decision to move into a retirement village and would do so again, given the choice.

The survey also found that more than 90 per cent of residents experienced improved physical and emotional wellbeing following the move.

Retirement villages offer residents many benefits from physical security to eventful days spent in the company of friends but it is important to remember that the decision to move into a village is primarily a lifestyle choice. While communal life can be immensely rewarding, a few well-timed, open ended questions can quickly reveal the essential character of a retirement village. To maximise your chances of finding the perfect place, take your time and do your homework. Visit as many villages as you can to find the residential situation best-suited to your needs and pace of life. Talk to residents and staff to get a sense of a village’s atmosphere and daily life. A happy well-maintained village should be your starting point. Once you have found a few suitable options, you can narrow your choice with more specific enquiries.

As with any important decision, research is imperative and the place to start is at the Northern Sydney and Central Coast Retirement Village Expo at the Hornsby RSL, please see details below. Don’t miss this great opportunity, it could change your life.

A strong sense of community, greater physical security and low-maintenance living are among the top attractions of these communities but they are not a standard real estate proposition.

They provide special-purpose housing for the 55-and-over demographic and are governed by specific legislation that varies from state to state.

It is vital that prospective residents fully understand how retirement villages differ from other property purchases so they can enjoy the best years of their lives relaxed and worry free.

12 Seniors Central Coast

Feature Story

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

De-stigmatising death DIG below the surface of the quirky Coffin Club name and what you will find is a group of north island New Zealanders who are de-stigmatising death.

The clubs are staffed by seniors who build coffins, which can then be personalised with anything you like – TARDIS, go cart, chooks, Elvis tribute and more.

“People who want to can personalise their own going away by ordering a coffin and having it made to their specifications and then decorating it in a way that it depicts really what their life has been around or about,” club founder Katie Williams said.

That’s the simple explanation of what they are about. But Ms Williams said the clubs also promoted a lot more – laughter and love, creativity, socialisation, personal and family connections, and usefulness.

Ms Williams, 78, came up with the idea about seven years ago while she was attending a U3A meeting.

“In one of the meetings they were saying they wanted a bit more diversity within the groups and did anyone have a good idea,” she said.

“Why, oh why I stood up and said I wanted to make my own coffin I will never know.

“Dead silence followed until after the meeting when there was a queue of people to see me. They liked the idea of being in control of their own departure, doing something that meant it was them rather than just a mahogany box.”

Ms Williams had no idea where to start.

“But then I had to put

❝

Many of them use them as bookcases, coffee tables, even beds. that we aren’t chopping down trees to do it,” Ms Williams said.

“It burns readily and is very suitable for burial as well. We are trying to do the right thing, although it’s not quite eco-friendly.

It’s cheap and cheerful.”

If someone wants a completely eco-friendly coffin, they have to pay extra for that choice.

There is little money made by the not-for-profit clubs but of what is left over, a portion is donated to the local hospice and some is used for the gifts of John Doe coffins and beautifully decorated baby coffins for premature babies.

The local funeral service operators have come to terms with the competition. It wasn’t easy at first but Ms Williams said they now come to her, from time to time, to buy a coffin.

“Now I can ring them and source anything I want without them getting

QUIRKY COFFINS: Coffin Club Rotorua member Dave, with one of his “masterpieces”.

PHOTO: KATIE WILLIAMS

Coffin Club Rotorua member Ynys, 90, picks up the tools to work on a coffin build. The group’s work is shedding new light on death.

upset,” she said.

In New Zealand there are 15–20 clubs either operating or being formed and in Australia there are 21 contacts, with many of them wanting to set up a club.

“Australia has seen the light as well,” Ms Williams said.

The Rotorua group has

moved into a large workshop loaned to them by construction company Lockwood. As it’s already full of coffins, Ms Williams said if a person orders a coffin, it’s their responsibility to take them home.

“Many of them use them as bookcases, coffee tables, even

beds,” she said.

“There were two coffins made, put in the lounge and standing on their ends, in the middle was the big audio and in the bottom were speakers and in the top were wine racks.

“You will never see death and dying in a more beautiful way.”

Are you interested in

Ladie

Org.

can never be correct. So we have had quite a lot of family involvement.

“For example, we had quite a tragic death in Rotorua. We had a coffin that was ready to decorate and 20 of the family members came in and we just left them to it. We supplied anything they wanted. They painted, they lined, they cried and laughed.”

A basic coffin with six handles and lined with legally required plastic costs $NZ300.

“We use rubbish wood or MDF, which is compressed sawdust, so

s Craf

t Grou p

DOWNSIZING - or - Retirement Living

Bryan J Reid B.Health Sc, J.P.

Byran J Reid Funeral Services

HER CAVE INC.

Regina (Pre 20 www.facebook.com sident) 0415 281 9 ave.org.au /hercave/ • www.herc

Kanwal Community Hall 25 – 33 Pearce Road, Kanwal

6730860aa

Open 3 Days a Week Monday 9:30am to 2:30pm Wednesday 9:30am to 2:30pm Saturday 12 noon to 4pm

and don’t know how or where to start?....

Then call Margaret at Inspired Outcomes for some answers..

One stop shop for Seniors moving forward

Available 24Hrs / 7 Days 100% Australian owned and operated, Funeral Home offering affordable excellence in Funeral Care.

Umina: 4341 5000 | Wyong: 4351 9889 Kincumber: 4368 6657 Berkeley Vale: 4388 1817 | 1800 032 225

6720019aa

fit -Pro

For Not-

my money where my mouth was and gather little old men who could do the carpentry bits and little old ladies like myself who could decorate and run it,” she said.

“We started off in my carport and very soon it grew like topsy.”

Each club’s voluntary members gather together about once a week to use their skills and creativity “in a positive way”.

“We have lots of darling men who are ex-carpenters, joiners, builders, cabinetmakers,” Ms Williams said.

“They make the coffins.

Until recently we had the opportunity of having all our people being able to help make the coffins but we’ve had new safety legislation.

“When we look back it was a bit hazardous having gentle, sometimes disabled, fragile little ‘flowers’ tripping among the wires and saws. They have been banned but they can watch their coffin being made, from a distance. All their participation now in the coffin-making is the decoration.”

Apart from the coffin-building, a very important part of the group coming together is the social experience for many of them who live by themselves. They greet each other with recognition and the welcome personal touch of a hug.

“We care about each other,” Ms Williams said.

“It’s also an opportunity for them to talk to their family about this. So, so many families, the younger ones don’t talk about it. As far as they are concerned, nothing is ever going to happen to their mum or dad, or grandma or grandpa. And that’s not right. It’s not correct and it

6500565aj

Tracey Johnstone

Call Margaret today for a free, no obligation consultation

0448 201 884

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 13

14 Seniors Central Coast

Advertising Feature

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

STAY AT HOME

Keep your freedom with Acorn WITH a do so within a tailor-made matter of days, Acorn Stairlift rather than you can stay right weeks. where you are – A visit from keep your home, one of our keep your friendly freedom and surveyors will retain your allow you to see independence. what sets Acorn At Acorn we Stairlifts apart want to make from any other sure that you get stairlift the perfect company. stairlift solution After for your needs. assessing your Your home is a INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE: After assessing your needs, our cherished part of needs, our surveyor will instantly be able to give surveyor will your life: a place you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how instantly be to welcome your affordable an Acorn Stairlift can be. able to give you family and the peace of friends, to entertain, stop you from having a mind of knowing exactly enjoy and simply relax. fully independent how affordable an Acorn It is the perfect place lifestyle?

Stairlift can be. for you.

Acorn Stairlifts are the Acorn has always It is a simple truth first stairlift been at the forefront of that staying in your own manufacturer to be the stairlift industry. home gives you a awarded the Arthritis We have led the way wonderful feeling of Foundation’s with our design and independence.

Ease-of-Use innovation.

The freedom to move Commendation and our Acorn will always around easily and unique rail system strive to deliver our without fuss makes all means that we can fit an products with you, our the difference.

Acorn Stairlift to all customers in mind.

So, why let getting up types of staircase. and down your stairs What’s more, we can

Helping Margaret stay independent and active AFTER a lifetime of educating others, former teacher Margaret is now enjoying the freedom which comes with retirement, and has rediscovered the joy of educating herself.

A Central Coast resident, Margaret is a keen learner, attending regular writing classes and is an active participant in a local film club.

However, when Margaret’s health took a turn for the worse, she found herself in hospital, and cut off from the new-found lifestyle she was enjoying.

“After spending two months in hospital, I lost sight in one eye,” she says.

Margaret then realised she would need additional support to remain at home.

She turned to BaptistCare for assistance, whose home

INDEPENDENCE: Margaret is being helped by BaptistCare.

care team now provides her with help with her shopping, driving her around, and with work around the home. The support is enabling her to continue with daily tasks that she would be unable to do on her own.

“I’m so grateful for everything they do and their attitude towards me.

They don’t treat me like I’m a useless nong,” she said, feeling respected and understood.

The assistance provided helps her stay connected with her

community, and enables her to live independently at home.

“I think without their help I would probably be restricted to the house.

BaptistCare’s help is tremendous because it makes the difference between living and just existing.”

BaptistCare understands that maintaining independence at home looks different for everyone. Watch Margaret’s story and design your own care with YouChoose.org.au.

Regain the freedom of your home Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes once again.

• For straight or curved staircases • Indoor and outdoor lifts • Free home assessment • Fast installation

1800 870 619

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION

Home Care As Individual As You Design your package today!

1300 275 227 YouChoose.org.au

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Advertising Feature

Central Coast

Seniors 15

STAY AT HOME

Top 10 nutrition myths for mature-age busted

IN-HOME care provider Home Instead Senior Care is launching its newest resource, Nutrition for Seniors.

The resource is a guide to healthy habits for eating well in old age and was developed with respected dietitian and author Ngaire Hobbins.

“I was thrilled to be asked by Home Instead to work with them to prepare Nutrition for Seniors,” Ms Hobbins said.

“Research has found that up to 30 per cent of older people living in the community are either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

“This is not their fault, it is often a consequence of our lack of awareness that the nutrition needs of seniors are unique and eating patterns must change with age to support physical and mental capacity.

“It can also be partly a consequence of social isolation and/or reduced

physical/cognitive capacity, which is where the invaluable support of home and community care services such as Home Instead Senior Care comes to the fore.”

Below Ms Hobbins has shared the top 10 myths when it comes to nutrition for seniors: ■ Your stomach shrinks as you age – “Although your appetite may change, your stomach doesn’t shrink when you get older.”

■ Weight loss is healthy – “Unfortunately this is not the case when we are older. Instead, dieting or unintentional weight loss should be avoided in our later years. A bit of extra padding in later age is beneficial to support your body and brain in the years ahead.”

■ You need to eat less as you get older – “While your metabolism slows and your energy output decreases, food and eating is what protects

and fuels you and is your key to ageing well.”

■ You only need to eat what you feel like – “The ageing process can play tricks on our appetite and as a result, older people might eat less than their bodies really need. An outright loss of appetite is not normal and could be symptomatic of an underlying health problem. Try to eat small meals regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel like it.”

■ You should follow a low-fat diet – “Fat is an important source of calories and some seniors might need to eat a bit extra to maintain weight.

Fats found in foods such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado and oily fish are ideal.”

■ You need to eat more vegetables – “Whilst nutrient-rich vegetables continue to be essential in your diet, protein foods need to be at the centre of your plate with the

vegetables surrounding it.

Protein keeps our muscles, our immune system, our body organs and brains working and renewing minute by minute.”

■ Only drink water when you’re thirsty – “If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated and that’s a problem as neither your body nor brain can work at peak capacity.

Dehydration can bring on confusion and delirium, hampers kidney function and worsens a multitude of other conditions.”

■ Supplements are sufficient – “Most supplements promoted to help you live longer, boost memory and fight off dementia fail to live up to their claim. What’s more, many interact with common medications or just don’t work the way they would if you consumed them from food instead. You could spend a lot of money for no gain when you could do better

by simply eating.”

■ You must always eat a proper meal – “Eating three full meals a day can be a struggle if you have a loss of appetite or find cooking too difficult. Five or six small meals or well-chosen snacks can be just as beneficial.”

■ Malnutrition is a normal part of the ageing process – “Malnutrition is not normal and it’s important that you don’t dismiss the warning signs as being part of ‘old age’.”

Nutrition Australia senior nutritionist and accredited practising dietitian Aloysa Hourigan said to keep your menu simple.

“Keeping food choices both nutritious and simple and easy to prepare is the way to go,” she said.

“Getting enough of the protein-rich foods, as well as a range of foods across the other food groups, is very important to maintain your health and well-being as you age.

HELPING YOU STAY AT HOME: Home Instead Gosford owner/ director Jasmine Hopcraft provides support.

If getting to the shops and preparing meals is difficult, then think about either using the prepared meals you can buy in the supermarket or some of the nutritious home-delivered meal options.

“If you prefer to prepare your own meals, you can find some additional nutritious food ideas and healthy eating tips on Nutrition Australia’s website, www. nutritionaustralia.org.”

For more about Home Instead go to www.home instead.com.au.

Central Coast Career Opportunity We are looking for outstanding individuals to help us support Central Coast seniors to continue living independently in their own homes with high quality in-home care, companionship and support.

Are you:

We offer:

You need:

• Caring

• Opportunity to live and work on the Central Coast

• Life experience counts

• Compassionate • Reliable • Wanting a job that makes a difference?

• Casual hours, flexible day/evening/ weekend shifts • Comprehensive in-house training Opportunity to obtain your Certificate III in Individual Support while you work.

• No formal qualifications • Reliable, fully insured vehicle • Smart phone capability • Basic computer skills

RUITING EC

W NO

R

We want to work with you. Apply to become a Home Instead CAREGiver today!

HOMEINSTEAD.COM.AU

Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise is independently owned and operated. © M&S Warner 2017.

RU

W

Call 4342 3477

R EC

APPLY TODAY !

I T I N G NO

16 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

AGEING & DISABILITY SERVICES Coast Community Connections Ageing and Disability Service offers support and care services to people and their carers on the Central Coast.

As a registered Home Care provider we work with you to tailor a Home Care Package that meets individual needs and supports you to remain living in your home. Our friendly team will monitor your health and wellbeing and consult with you and/or family to modify your services as your needs and circumstances change, as well as assist you to navigate My Aged Care.

Our community connections mean we can also link you to the right additional services and supports if we are unable to deliver these directly to you. This includes leisure and social groups such as School for Seniors, Bridge Club, dance and yoga.

HOME CARE PACKAGES Social Outings & Support

Companionship

Cleaning

Clinical Care

Tidying and light cleaning for a happy and safe home

Specialist healthcare services provided by nursing services

Laundry

Allied Health Services

Washing, drying, ironing and organising of clothes

Access to podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or massage services

Meal Preparation

Home Maintenance

Assisting to prepare meals for that day or for freezing for another day

Personal Assistance

Window washing, gutter cleaning or minor household maintenance

Home ModiďŹ cations

Assistance or supervision with grooming, showering, toileting, bathing, dressing, continence and/or mobility

Modifications to assist you in and around your home including ramps, stair climbers or bathroom modifications

Lawn and Gardening

Aids and Equipment

Garden maintenance including lawn mowing, mulching and pruning

Sourcing aids to assist you with daily tasks including walkers or scooters

Coast Community Connections offers a range of services under our Home Care Packages, including

(02) 4343 1888 I coastcommunityconnections.com.au

6678532ag

Support/transport to go to appointments, shopping and social activities

Company in your home, someone to have a cuppa with or to play a game

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Local News

Get all shook up

Central Coast

Seniors 17

Central Coast Elvis Festival gives you a fix of the King Alison Houston

“ELVIS was the King of Rock and Roll for a reason.”

It may seem an unsurprising statement from the organiser of the sixth annual Central Coast Elvis Festival from February 16–18 but it was a long time coming for Sheldon Kidd, who admits he had always been a bigger Johnny O’Keefe fan.

A trip about 10 years ago to the Parkes Elvis Festival – now one of the world’s biggest Elvis Presley tribute events, last year attracting 25,000 people for its 25th anniversary (and 40 years since Elvis’s death) – changed all that.

“When you see how good his voice was, how he moved and how he acted, I think he’s got Johnny pegged,” Mr Kidd admitted.

“I can see why fans are so devoted to him.

“It was the fun of it, to see how much enjoyment

people were getting out of the event. To see what a hold he still has on people is incredible. I don’t think there will be a Justin Bieber festival in 40 years.”

Wanting to share that fun and community spirit, Mr Kidd started first the Central Coast festival and then the Newcastle event, which attracted 10,000 people in its fourth year in November.

Mr Kidd hopes the Coast event, which attracted about 4000 people last year to Davistown RSL, will be even stronger this year.

“We’re certainly not trying to compete with Parkes but what we can do is give people their Elvis fix in a smaller capacity, so you still get to hear all the hits and relive his music – it’s timeless,” he said.

Although most of the crowd will remember Elvis in his heyday, Mr Kidd said his music crossed the generations and many people made the festivals

a family affair, with children and grandchildren getting to see grandma and grandpa in their element “acting like teenagers again”.

It all begins with Elvis Night on Friday, February 16, with DJ Vinnie spinning the discs and featuring trivia questions, prizes and, of course, lots of rock ‘n’ roll dancing.

Sean Luke Spiteri, known as one of the finest Elvis tribute artists in the country and a two-time winner of the Australia’s Ultimate Elvis title, is the feature performer on Saturday.

It all wraps up with a Classic Car Show, showcasing more than 100 hot rods and classic cars on the Sunday, with market stalls for the first time this year adding another element to the day, which includes the Elvis Idol karaoke contest – another winner with crowds.

“It’s really a chance to let your hair down and have a bit of a sing if you want to,” Mr Kidd said.

While the quality of that singing goes from the talented to the “really awful”, that’s all part of the fun, with some performers choosing to dress to impress, including last year’s “Elderly Presley”.

To find out more, find them on Facebook or phone 0428 447 191.

ULTIMATE ELVIS: Sean Luke Spiteri is known as one of the finest Elvis tribute artists in the country and is the feature performer on Saturday, February 17.

Christmas to New Year Special “a helping hand to better mobility”

Green Point Shopping Village Link Road

4367 4200 Morisset Square Shopping Centre

Usually $595.00 NOW ONLY

$535.00

Newcastle Street (under Coles)

4970 5083

Providing - Scooters • Rollators • Wheelchairs Bathroom and Bedroom Aids • Daily Living Aids Hi-Lo Beds • Lift & Recline Chairs • Cushions and so much more…….

Opening Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 12:00pm Saturdays Closed Sunday and Public Holidays

6680068as

We are a caring, family owned business committed to your care and comfort

18 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

WILLS

POWERS OF ATTORNEY ENDURING GUARDIANSHIPS

RETIREMENT VILLAGE AGREEMENTS

RESIDENT ACCOMMODATION AGREEMENTS

Robert Stephen 0422 902920 robert.ccsols@optusnet.com.au

Renchia Ambrose 0431 226427 renchia.ccsols@optusnet.com.au

Robert Stephen and Renchia Ambrose are solicitors who have years of experience assisting Seniors in legal matters. Convenient parking at East Gosford shopping centre within easy walking distance of the office. Robert and Renchia are happy to visit you if you are unable to come to them.

CENTRAL COAST SOLICITORS

6747984aa

16 ADELAIDE STREET, EAST GOSFORD (Opposite the Elenora Hotel) www.centralcoastsolicitors.com (02) 4339 7466

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Entertainment

Central Coast

Seniors 19

What’s on JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON

AUSTRALIA DAY

■ THE ENTRANCE CELEBRATE Australia by the water, with the laidback guitar sounds of Ash Grunwald, the final act at The Entrance before the fireworks at 9pm on Friday, January 26.

There’s a full afternoon of activities from noon, including the official Australia Day ceremony at 1pm.

There’s a lawn games hub for the first time this year, with giant games of Jenga, chess and Twister, an ice cream-eating competition, the NSW Corps of Marines firing the original 1820 carronade canon, Ducks for Bucks raising funds for surf lifesaving, beach volleyball and more.

■ WOY WOY WOY WOY gets Australia

Day activities off to a great start with a sail past of SES craft, historical boats, outriggers, putt-putt regatta boats and Central Coast ferries down the channel from Memorial Park.

There’s market stalls, street performers, the annual duck race and lantern parade as well as a host of local musicians and Dragon, before the fireworks at 9.15pm. It all starts at 2pm, with the official ceremony at 3pm.

■ ETTALONG I KNOW there will be parties galore on January 26 but this one struck me as especially fun. It’s Aussie all the way at Ettalong Bowling Club, with live music from 1–5pm and 7–11pm, free family barefoot bowls from noon, a whip-cracking display at 2pm and thong-throwing at 2.30pm.

Go to www.ettalong bowlingclub.net.

BLUES ANGELS

THE Blues Angels are multi-instrumentalists –

EUROPEAN CLASSICS: One of Germany’s finest ensembles, Chamber Philharmonia Cologne, is performing at Christchurch Anglican Church, Gosford, on Friday, February 16, aiming to inspire as many people as possible across all generations to enjoy classical music.

from gob irons to mandolins and banjos, sax to clarinet, bass, guitar, kalimbas, washboards and percussion – and their aim is to bring authentic acoustic folk blues/ jazz/roots to the Coast.

They are at Hardy’s Bay Club on Saturday, January 27, playing everything

from jug band to jazz-infused New Orleans shake, Chicago blues to bluegrass bounce, plugged and unplugged from 7.30pm.

FEEL GOOD FEB

HERE’S one out of the box for you. Have you heard of Feel Good February? It was created a couple of

years ago to encourage us all to be a little nicer to each other and inspire people to initiate random acts of kindness for their fellow community members.

It makes you both feel good. So why not give it a go this February? And if you feel like letting us know what you’ve been up

to, drop us an email or post on our Facebook page #CCfeelgoodfeb.

THE EAGLES V CREEDENCE

THE Kings of Country Rock Tour – Eagles v Creedence is two hours of music CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Entertainment THE AUSTRALIAN TENORS

FROM PAGE 19

The Coast celebrates Australia Day with a host of events across the region.

featuring all the rock ‘n’ roll classics that defined The Eagles and CCR as 1970s superstars.

Part one is The Eagles – still the highest-selling American band in US history, with more than 120 million album sales worldwide. Then the tribute moves to hall-of-famers Creedence Clearwater Revival, with classics like Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Lookin’ Out My Back Door and Bad Moon Rising.

It’s all at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Saturday, February 3.

Tickets $55. Phone 4323 3233.

ELVIS TIMES THREE

IT’S not hard to believe that it takes three singers

to live up to one Elvis.

Truly the King, Elvis: An American Trilogy at the Art House Wyong on Wednesday, February 7, traces three distinct stages of Elvis’s life by three of the world’s leading Elvis tribute artists.

Vic Trevino Jnr embodies the rockabilly sound and raw dance moves of the young Elvis.

Gino Monopoli captures the movie years with tracks from iconic movies like GI Blues and Steve Michaels channels Elvis in that famous white jumpsuit of the 1970s.

Tickets are $65 adults or $55 concession.

Go to www.thearthouse wyong.com.au or phone 4335 1485.

THE Australian Tenors’ music spans all genres, from classical arias of the best-known operas to musical theatre such as Somewhere from West Side Story, and beautiful duets including All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, not to mention a few Aussie favourites.

Singing with the Southern Cross Orchestra, the tenors will feature support soprano Opera Australia’s Giuseppina Grech.

It’s at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Sunday, February 11, from 2–4.30pm. Phone 4323 3233. Adults $85, pensioners/concession $79.

VIVALDI, BACH, PAGANINI

IF YOU like your classical music to have a more European flavour, this is the event for you at Christchurch Anglican Church, Gosford, on Friday, February 16.

One of Germany's finest ensembles, Chamber Philharmonia Cologne, is performing classics from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to Bach, Tchaikovsky and Niccolo Paganini.

They say their objective is simple – to inspire as many people as possible

The PoinT CafÉ JaPanese Gardens

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

across all generations to enjoy classical music and their popularity is such that they give about 300 concerts a year around the globe, from small churches to international opera houses.

The concert starts at 8pm.

Tickets: adult $40, pensioner $35.

To find out more, phone the Music Centre Gosford on 4325 4900.

LOVE LANES FESTIVAL

AFTER a successful launch in 2017, Love Lanes Festival is back in Wyong CBD from 4–10pm on Saturday, February 17.

Taking its inspiration from Valentine’s Day just a few days earlier, the festival turns three of the heritage laneways in Wyong’s heart into a hub of art, culture and foodie heaven.

There’s dining under the stars, art installations on local buildings and market stalls featuring local artisans, as well as live music stages and roving entertainment, buskers and circus acts, all designed to remind us what Wyong has to offer.

More than 4500 turned out in a heatwave last year, so why not see what it’s all about?

Don’t get conned by the person at your door TRADESMEN who knock on your door offering to do maintenance work often turn out to be dodgy travelling con men. COTA Victoria shares with Seniors News some great tips on what to look out for.

BE SUSPICIOUS OF PEOPLE WHO ...

■ Knock on your door unexpectedly, offering to paint the house, work on your garden or cut trees etc ■ Offer cheap deals using words like “for today only” ■ Ask for the cash up front ■ Offer to drive you to the bank to get money to pay for the job ■ Pressure you to accept their offer ■ Say they can do the job now as another nearby has just cancelled.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF ■ If you suspect a travelling con man is knocking, then don’t answer

for Authentic Solutions

where cuisine meets culture.

Talk to me...

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.

From all day breakfast & daily lunch specials, to a fully stocked cake display made fresh onsite daily, featuring our famous Hummingbird cake, we have something to tempt everyone.

Conscious Counselling Service Majors in Career Counselling, Grief and Loss

Our latest special includes a

Two course lunch for only

$25.00!

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

Elizabeth Geyson Dip. Prof Counselling

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.

IF YOU WANT WORK DONE ON YOUR HOUSE ...

■ Shop around for the quote that is right for you ■ Use established tradespeople who provide written quotes ■ Ask for contact details of previous clients, so you can check references ■ Don’t sign any agreement until you are ready ■ Ask for the tradesman’s full name and registration or licence details (if applicable) so you can check these with their industry authority ■ Ask for the business’s number, so you can call to confirm whether the tradesman works for them.

If you know of travelling con men in your area you can report them to 1300 133 408.

Look

Younger!

NO DOWNTIME European Light Therapies facial Promote Regeneration of all skin tissue.

Healing sun damage, Pigmentation, Scarring, Redness, Sagging & Give you a natural glow.

Tightening, Lifting & Brightening.

25 years exp.

Gift Vouchers available LOOK AND fEEL fANTASTIC EVERY DAY!

Gosford Appt. only Please call me www.cityfacialist.com.au 0425 254 302 0425 254 302 6744430aa

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

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.

■ If you do speak to them, ask them to leave. If they refuse, they are breaking the law.

($20 Discount)

6707432aa

20 Seniors Central Coast

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Wellbeing

Tech help for seniors

Central Coast celebrates women and their outstanding contribution THE inaugural Central Coast Festival of Women unites the many different events celebrating women’s contribution to the community from February 23 to March 11.

Publicity officer Margaret Heathcote said it was exciting to be able to unite all these events under one umbrella.

“There are a lot of women’s groups on the Coast doing things and lots of events going on and this allows us all to come together and support each other,” she said.

Major events begin with the Business and Professional Women’s Central Coast Woman of the Year Awards on Saturday, February 24, recognising women who have achieved outstanding outcomes in their own right, empowered others to do so or been outstanding in their community.

Keynote speaker is Marcella Zemaneck, who, at 71, is patron and fundraiser for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, having lost her husband, Stan, to brain cancer just over 10 years ago.

It’s at Gosford RSL and ticket cost is $65 until January 31, then $75 a head.

The free International Women’s Day Expo on Saturday, March 3, in the

Centre Court at Erina Fair Shopping Centre from 10am–3pm, is another major event which, now in its fourth year, highlights women’s participation in all areas of the community and will address the theme “Press for Progress”.

Information stalls include BPW Central Coast, CWA of NSW, View Club, Soroptimists International Brisbane Water, Central Coast Rotary Clubs, the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, University of Newcastle, Tafe NSW – Hunter Institute and Zonta.

This year you also have the chance to see streamed coverage at UON’s Ourimbah Campus library of the prestigious All About Women conference at Sydney Opera House on Sunday, March 4, from noon–5.30pm, which this year includes guests such as Fran Lebowitz, Tarana Burke and Tracey Spicer speaking, among other things, about women in the age of Trump and the #MeToo movement.

The festival finishes on Sunday, March 11, with the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, hosted by SIBW at Terrigal’s Reef Restaurant, The Haven, at 7.45am, featuring guest speaker and 2013 Gold Walkley Award winner Joanne McCarthy, from the

GOLD: Walkley Award winner Joanne McCarthy will be the guest speaker at the Soroptimists International Brisbane Water annual International Women’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, March 11, as part of the Central Coast Festival of Women.

PHOTO: THE WALKLEY FOUNDATION

Newcastle Herald.

The Walkley Foundation acknowledges that Ms McCarthy spearheaded the Herald’s Shine the Light campaign for a Royal Commission into sexual abuse of children, interviewing about 200 victims of sexual abuse, primarily by Catholic clergy in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, many victims scarred by alcohol, drugs and depression, and uncovered 12 associated suicides or

drug overdoses.

Other Festival of Women events (with more to be announced) ■ March 6 – View Club Bateau Bay International Women’s Day lunch at the Entrance Leagues Club from 10.30am; Open Day Peninsula Women’s Health Centre, Woy Woy from noon.

■ March 7 – International Women’s Day Forum at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, 10am–noon.

■ March 8 – Annual Women’s Conference – Business in Heels Lower Central Coast at Central Coast Leagues Club from 9am; Wyong Neighbourhood Centre International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Royal Hotel Wyong ($35), 7–9am; Northern Women’s Health Centre Wyong Open Day from noon; and She Story International Women’s Day Dinner at the Entertainment Grounds.

DOES technology seem a bit intimidating to you?

Do you have a smartphone, tablet or computer that you’re not exactly sure what to do with? Do you find that instruction from family members, while well-meaning, isn’t as clear as you need it to be? Help is at hand through IT 4 Retirees Pty Ltd, a local business that provides tailored computer training for mature-aged clientele. Patient as well as tech-savvy, Central Coast trainer Sally Harrold uses easy to understand language that will demystify your devices and empower you to use them with confidence.

Group classes are eight-week courses (one hour per week) are being run in Term 1, 2018 at the following locations: ■ Gosford Anglican church ■ Foresters Beach Retirement village ■ Tarragal Glen Retirement village Want more personalised help?

We also offer one on one tuition in the privacy of your home.

Let us know what equipment you have, what you need help with, and we’ll structure support and training around your individual needs. We are skilled in Apple, Windows and Android products. They have police clearances and have been trained to deliver help in a straightforward way without using confusing jargon.

Phone Christine David on 0401 017 459.

— Advertorial

Getting to know your Windows 10 laptop

Do you have a laptop that has been upgraded to Windows 10 and not sure what has changed or perhaps you have had your computer for some time and never quite mastered it?

If so, then this 8-week course is for you.

Commencing Tuesday 30th January 2018 from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Gosford Anglican church, 3 Mann Street, Gosford Maximum of 10 people in a class | Cost is $145 (inc GST) per person

Please call Christine David on 0401-017-459 to book your spot!

6647790ag

Women to unite on Coast Alison Houston

Seniors 21

22 Seniors Central Coast

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Learn to cook, eat and enjoy Alison Houston

IF YOU’VE put on a little weight over the festive period, don’t get “sucked in by the new year fad diet and detox promotions�.

Central Coast dietitian Kerryn Boogaard, of The Wholesome Collective, says these will leave you hungry and they “are not nutritionally sound to support the overall health and wellbeing of seniors (or anyone really)!�.

Kerryn and home economist Mary Wills established The Wholesome Collective in 2015, and have developed a book – Cook, Eat and Enjoy: A Guide for Over-55s on How to Eat Well and Find Inspiration in the Kitchen.

Instead of fad diets, Kerryn advised focusing on opportunities to add more vegetables/salads to our plates, enjoy minimally processed foods and be sure to stay hydrated.

Kerryn said she found many seniors cooking for just themselves found it hard to maintain motivation, leading to skipped meals, tea and toast, or snacking on

nutrient-poor foods such as biscuits, crackers and cakes. “This leads to an inadequate intake of key nutrients such as protein, healthy fats and calcium, compromising many aspects of good health and general physical and mental wellbeing,� she said.

â??

Think about planning your meals and cooking some in bulk.

As we age, muscle mass and activity levels decline, as does our metabolism, meaning we need less kilojoules or calories, but more protein, calcium, vitamins D and B. Snacking out of habit and eating after dinner are poor eating patterns which can be changed simply by really listening to your hunger and making sure main meals are balanced.

For most seniors, that’s based on allocating a quarter of the plate to

HANDS-ON: Dietitian Kerryn Boogaard and business partner home economist Mary Wills shows a class that good food can be easy and tasty.

protein (eggs, fish or chicken), a quarter to quality carbohydrates (legumes, low GI brown rice, starchy vegetables or wholegrain bread) and half the plate to non-starchy vegetables.

Think about planning your meals and cooking some in bulk (and

freezing) so there is always something readily available, or arrange to eat with someone at least once a week, perhaps cooking for each other, and thus giving you incentive to create and enjoy food again.

As for inspiration?

That can be a real

challenge, especially if you’ve lost someone, have low energy levels, health issues or are just burnt out after many years of cooking for a family. “Cooking with others in a similar situation and learning some new methods, recipes and ingredients can really help

to spark new inspiration,�

Kerryn said.

To find out more, or to buy the book, which has 40 pages of nutrition information and more than 40 recipes especially suited to seniors, go to www.thewholesomeco. com.au or call Kerryn on 0402 208 975.

Installed in a day!

UE UNIQ OOR -FL THRU TEM SYS

Designed to make your life easier when stairs start to become too much, a Compact lift will easily fit into any home. Often chosen as an alternative to cumbersome and unattractive stair lifts, a Compact Lift will transport 2 people comfortably so you can transform your life without moving home.

Please Call: OR

A Compact lift is packed with sensors to keep everyone safe, it also plugs straight into a domestic GPO, runs very quietly and uses less energy than a toaster!

1

Open door, step in

Visit: www.compactlifts.com.au For a FREE no obligation survey or for a FREE brochure

2

Quick and easy to install Advanced safety features Small footprint Battery back up Flexible positioning options Wheelchair model available Two year guarantee Cost-effective and affordable Install in a day* 3

Close door, press up Lift moves through button to start lift floor

4

Arrive upstairs

Wellbeing

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Benefits of tai chi Ann Rickard

EARLY each morning all over the country you can see people enjoying the benefits of tai chi. It makes you feel serene even though you are not a participant.

The graceful movements of this ancient Chinese practice is carried out so slowly, there is a quiet beauty about them.

WHY IT’S GOOD FOR US

In China, it is believed that tai chi can delay ageing and prolong life, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles and tendons and aid in the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, digestive disorders, skin diseases, depression, cancer and many other illnesses.

Unfortunately there hasn’t been a good deal of scientific evidence to support these claims.

In a special study of tai chi called a

Central Coast

Seniors 23

HOW TAI CHI HELPS ❚ Enhanced balance ❚ Better flexibility ❚ More stamina ❚ Less stress, better well-being ❚ Stronger muscle strength ❚ Reduced risk of falls ❚ Lower blood pressure

meta-analysis, where many studies on one subject are reviewed, the author concludes that although there is some evidence to support the positive effects of tai chi on health, fitness and balance, many of the studies are limited by small numbers of subjects and wide variation in the type and duration of tai chi used.

Bearing these limitations in mind, here are some of the documented benefits.

BALANCE AND FALL PREVENTION

Most of the research on tai chi has been done in older individuals in the area of balance and fall prevention. This area of research is important because fall-related injuries are the leading cause of death from injury and disability among older adults.

Anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, can join in and early morning is probably the best time to enjoy it.

INNER PEACE: The graceful movements of this ancient Chinese practice are carried out so slowly, they have a quiet beauty about them.

PHOTO: NULLPLUS

Vacancies in free seven-week Stepping On falls prevention program IF YOU’RE worried about falling or know someone who is, come along to the FREE Stepping On falls prevention program, an initiative of the NSW Department of Health, presented by Adssi HomeLiving Australia.

This free seven-week program is designed for

older people who are living independently in the community and have fallen or are fearful of falling.

Participation in Stepping On gives older people the confidence to undertake their everyday activities more safely and independently, to reduce

their risk of falling.

If you’ve had a fall or are worried about falling, this free program will help you build skills, strength and confidence to prevent future falls.

Co-ordinator Fay Huckstepp said participants will learn exercises to improve

strength and balance and practical ways to reduce the risk of falling.

“The program is very practical, as well as a great way to meet new people,” she said.

The program will commence in February: ■ Wednesday, February 7 – Peninsula Village

(Peninsula Village Main Hall, 91 Pozieres Ave, Umina Beach).

Participants must meet certain criteria including: ■ 65 years and older and living at home ■ Able to walk independently or with a walking stick ■ Fearful of falling or has

fallen recently ■ This program is not suitable for people with dementia or neuromuscular conditions.

Register for the free program by phoning Adssi HomeLiving Australia on 1300 578 478.

Advertorial

$

35

from

p/wk

$

30

$

from

25

from

p/wk

32 Northlink Place, Virginia 2364 Gold Coast HWY, Mermaid Beach

6582496af

p/wk

24 Seniors Central Coast

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Let’s talk about bladder control

TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

■ Stress incontinence – occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to prevent urination.

This type of incontinence is common in women who have given birth

CARE

WHAT IS THE CAPS PROGRAM?

READY TO ASSIST: Come in and meet the friendly staff at Mega Save Chemist, who can help you with all of your incontinence needs.

or who have gone through menopause.

■ Urge incontinence – occurs because of incorrect signals being sent between the brain and bladder.

It can be described as an unstable or over-active bladder.

Risk factors for urge incontinence include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

■ Overflow incontinence – occurs when there is

❝

continence products are available from Mega Save Chemist and we can help determine which products are right for you.

Help is available, let us help you regain control.

an obstruction to the outflow of urine preventing normal emptying of the bladder.

It may also feel as though the bladder is never fully empty.

An enlarged prostate gland in men is a common cause of this.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

■ Your GP will determine the type of treatment that is suitable for you.

This will depend on the type of incontinence you have and the severity of the symptoms.

■ A large range of

Opposite Coles Ph 4365 6677

CONTINENCE AIDS PAYMENT SCHEME

You may be eligible to receive government payment to assist you with the cost of your continence products.

■ Incorrect product usage and continence management can be costly, limit independence, social interaction, well-being and result in poor health.

■ Mega Save Chemist can help ensure good continence care, which requires specialist products, correct product usage, fittings and application, and regular reviews.

■ Mega Save Chemist can be your nominated CAPS provider, where we can help you apply for the CAPS payment, manage your CAPS payment accounts (manage receipts for auditing purposes), provide professional advice on the best strategies and products to suit your needs.

■ CAPS stands for Continence Aids Payment Scheme.

■ CAPS is aimed at assisting people with permanent severe incontinence to help meet some of the costs of their condition.

■ The CAPS payment for 2016–17 was up to $572.30 annually for eligible patients.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CAPS PROGRAM

■ We can help you determine if you will be eligible for the CAPS payment.

■ We can help you submit your application to Medicare with a health report from your GP.

WE CAN PROVIDE YOUR CONTINENCE

Advertorial

Charlestown

Opposite Big W Ph 4942 5669

BUY 5 GET 6th FREE 1499

$

Tena Men Level 4

1499

$

Tena Wmn Discreet Pant Med/Large

6648309af

YOU are not alone, don’t suffer in silence.

More than 3.8 million Australians experience bladder control problems, which affect men and women of all ages.

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine.

This can range from a small dribble now and then to large floods of urine.

Urinary incontinence can be managed, treated and even cured.

Help is available, let us help you regain control.

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Profile:Johnny Young

Central Coast

Seniors 25

Johnny Young is still delighting the crowds Johnny is not ready to stop working or slow down yet Ann Rickard

“CLOSE your eyes and I’ll kiss you, tomorrow I’ll miss you.”

Who among us does not sway a little when we hear Johnny Young’s version of the lyrical Beatles song, All My Loving?

The closing song to Young Talent Time sung

by Johnny Young and his talented team of youngsters had us singing along from 1971 through 1988.

Young Talent Time, which Johnny Young produced and hosted, became part of our lives, part of our social history, and was the launching pad for many young talented teens who later became superstars.

Now 70, with nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Johnny Young might have grey/white hair, but his open cheerful face has not changed much at all.

And, as he has throughout his 50 year career in the entertainment and music industry, he is still working hard, and loving every moment of it.

“I only do the things I love to do,” he said.

“I have spent my life in music, started as a 14-year-old with my own band, had my first television show at 17, a hit record, 18 and it just

kept growing from there.”

“Growing from there” is quite an understatement from the Aussie icon and national treasure whose awards and achievements include three gold records as an artist, 1966 King of Pop, six gold records as songwriter, six TV Logie Awards, including Logie Hall of Fame and GO-SET Songwriter of the year.

Johnny still has a zest for life that he shares with others through his 2CH radio show, occasional television appearances, and hosting like-minded people on cruises, his latest sailing to the Baltic Sea next year, where he will guide passengers through the history of pop and rock from the ’60s on.

“I have the good fortune of having a variety of things to do,” he said.

“I enjoy radio and do a few television appearances, and I love hosting the cruises. I keep very good health, I was a bit

overweight there when I did breakfast radio.

“When you get up at 3am, and go home to bed it is hard to exercise, but I decided before I turned 70 I would lose 10kg and I did. I don’t do much forceful exercise, but I go for walks, park my car a few blocks from where I am going, force myself to walk. Being healthy starts with being healthy in the head and I am happy in my head.”

He certainly sounds happy during our interview, but there have been rough times during Johnny’s lifetime and long career, the worst when he lost his

son Craig to cancer three years ago.

“That was a rough period,” Johnny said.

“Craig had a great life, a useful life, he was a clever boy, we did a lot of things together. I am lucky in that regard to have had that.”

Taking a year off to grieve still did not slow Johnny down. During the grieving

process, he went to university and studied script writing.

“Grief and tragedy are part of living,” he said.

“I am not a victim to it, but I am subject to it. I have shed many tears but I have had to stay afloat to be there for my children and grandchildren.

“I have two beautiful daughters who have given me between them a bunch of delightful young people.

“It’s fascinating to watch them grow. In more ways it is better to be a grandfather than it is to be a father.

“You learn some stuff along the way. I have a great relationship with my grandchildren, we are a tight-knit family.”

Although he has no intentions of stopping work or even slowing down, Johnny said he is not silly enough to overdo it.

“I’m not crazy, I make myself rest,” he

said.

“I go on these cruises each year (as host), and I hang out with the folks. I do it every year. This is my third year in a row.

“The first year we went to Graceland, took a Mississippi steamer. We take listeners to my radio program but we invite anybody who wants to come along.

“Last year we went on the Queen Mary from Liverpool to New York, took the Queen Mary to Southampton, did the Beatles’ story.”

It might be a cliche to say ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’, but it is a cliche Johnny Young is happy to live by.

“You can apply that to everything, your body and your brain, keep it active read interesting things, don’t get caught up in the rubbish, see things that interest you, don’t let your brain go to sleep on you. All those things apply to me, that’s how I keep going. Let’s inspire each other,” he said.

“Being a mate to your mate is one way, inspire your friends to do good and healthy things.”

Then almost as an after-thought, Johnny says: “do some bird watching”.

Your local travel agent will give you full details if you want to join Johnny Young on his Baltic cruise.

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

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

6729615aw

ENTERTAINMENT: Johnny Young still has a zest for life that he enjoys with others.

26 Seniors Central Coast

Finance

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Money

Get off to a healthy financial start right from the get-go of 2018. They are easy to do and could make a huge difference to your life.

KNOW THE RULES

FINANCE TONY KAYE AS WITH any new year, there are never any certainties about what lies ahead, especially when it comes to investment markets.

We can expect more financial volatility heading into 2018, especially as markets react to geopolitical events and economic moves, such as rising interest rates in the US and Europe, which could spur more increases here in Australia.

In reality, all of these things are out of our control. But there are many things you can do personally to get off to a healthy financial start,

A really important but often overlooked step for seniors is to understand what your financial entitlements and obligations actually are.

For example, if you are fully retired, are you aware of the rules around how much extra income you can earn before any Age Pension you receive is affected? Do you know how much you can have in assets outside of your family home before your pension is reduced? Do you know what your required age-based pension draw-down rate is for this financial year?

Also, are you up to speed with the new home downsizing measures

taking effect from July 1?

It’s worth spending time familiarising yourself with all the rules and you can do this online through resources such as the Federal Government’s Money Smart or Department of Human Resources websites.

REVIEW YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

This, of course, can be done at any time and should be done regularly.

But the new year is a logical time to review and reassess your short, medium and long-term financial goals.

What are your plans and what do you need to do to achieve them?

If you don’t do this already, start recording your income and expenses so you can keep track of your outgoings

and, potentially, identify areas where you can save money each month.

This may involve cutting back on spending in certain areas or looking around for better deals, for example, by changing energy, insurance or telecommunications providers.

Knowing what you can do over the short term will feed into your medium and longer-term financial goals and put you on the right path towards achieving them.

TUNE UP YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

Whether you’re still working or fully retired, the key to a good financial future is keeping your investment portfolio in good shape.

What does that mean?

Put simply, you want to make your money last as long as possible. That means ensuring you don’t have all your financial eggs in one basket, so you can benefit from both growth and income opportunities.

A lot comes down to your investment time horizon and risk profile.

Many seniors err on the side of caution, avoiding putting their funds into the share market, for example, to reduce risk.

Yet there are many lower-risk areas of the market that generate good returns. Indeed, more seniors are using low-cost listed exchange-traded fund products to generate growth and regular income. But before leaping into any investments, do your research and seek professional financial

advice if needed.

BE REALISTIC AT ALL TIMES

Mainly thanks to advances in medicine, many Australians are living to ripe old ages.

That’s fantastic but it presents all of us with financial challenges.

Making our money last longer is paramount and so is having a good standard of living in retirement.

It’s a juggling act and the key is to be realistic about what you can actually achieve financially. Start 2018 by managing your own financial expectations.

Tony Kaye is the editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by listed financial services company InvestSMART. www.investsmart.com.au

Your memory matters Confident and expert medical care for memory loss, dementia, migraine and other brain disorders

Have you planned ahead?

• Specialists in neurology and geriatric medicine

By planning ahead you remain in control of critical life decisions

• Neuropsychology testing and Occupational therapy

Specialist staff from our Newcastle branch regularly hold Planning Ahead Days where you can make or update your Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship documents in the following areas: • Erina • Raymond Terrace • Toronto • Salamander Bay • Singleton • Gosford • Woy Woy • Muswellbrook • Toukley • Kurri Kurri

9900 5500

www.sydcog.com.au

• • • • •

marriage separation or divorce retirement buying or selling a house welcoming children or grandchildren into your family • a beneficiary or executor named in your Will has died.

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

6733649aa

Sydney Cognitive, Level 6, 53 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060

Situations where you may want to update your Planning Ahead documents include:

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

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 27

Travel

Top 10 rooftop bars Ann Rickard

IF SLOWLY sipping a martini and taking in views is your idea of a good time, check out these 10 favourite sky-high spots.

■ PRAGUE THE contained, intimate rooftop bar at the Hotel U Prince in Prague’s Old Town overlooks the historic square and surrounding handsome buildings.

Early summer evenings on the roof make a good start for a big night out in Prague.

■ SHANGHAI WITH a view of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, Sir Elly’s Terrace Bar at the Peninsula Hotel is a pinch-me-amI-really-here? bar. With

its slick timber and orange/red furnishing, it’s the epitome of casual sophistication.

■ SINGAPORE TOO many to choose from in this sophisticated city and the Marina Bay Sands has two sky bars that will have you dizzy even before you’ve taken a sip. However Lantern at the Fullerton Bay Hotel is a favourite with locals.

A Passion Sling cocktail and a basket of truffle fries go down well. The night views of dazzling Marina Bay Sands calls for a selfie.

■ BRISBANE THE Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges Hotel, Southbank, might not qualify as one of the

highest rooftop bars in the world, we admit it’s a balcony bar, but with its night-time, glowing poolside ambience, it’s a perfect end-of-day pit stop after exploring the city. Take your mates and share cocktails by the jug, soak up the alcohol with a plate of charcuterie.

■ BANGKOK THE SkyBar on top of the Lebua State Tower is the mother of all rooftop bars and certainly one of the highest. Suspended on a precipice over the humming city, the circular bar propels out into the sky and is illuminated at night to change colour from fluorescent pink to lime green.

■ HANOI THIS one is so new we haven’t had a chance to try it yet but it’s on our list. The Twilight Sky bar on the roof of the newly opened La Siesta Central Hotel in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter has a 270-degree outlook over the city and unobstructed views of Hoan Kiem Lake. We are promised hand-crafted signature cocktails and fine wines while mellow DJ beats bring their own laid-back vibe to the whole package. Can’t wait to go.

■ LUCERNE EVERYWHERE in Switzerland is a view but from the 360 Roof Top Bar in Lucerne you are high above the rooftops

with panoramic vistas and the whole of Lucerne at your whim.

With mountains galore all over this small and spectacular country, a city rooftop bar makes for a lively change.

■ KUALA LUMPUR TALK about on top of the world. SkyBar on level 33 of the Trader’s Hotel in this bustling city makes you feel you’ve arrived. The cosy cabana booths and long blue pool are great but it is the views of the Petronas Twin Towers that steal the show way up there.

■ MELBOURNE OKAY, we concede it might not be one of the highest or most trendy rooftop bars and it

doesn’t even have a bar or barman but the garden space on top of the Fraser Place Hotel in the city gives wide views of Melbourne’s skyline and – here’s the really good bit – guests can take their own tipple.

■ HONG KONG FELIX Bar, on top of the Peninsular hotel, is known by every Hong Kong local. It is small and crowded and has spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows of the Victoria Harbour skyline. But it is the men’s room that causes all the talk.

Behind the urinals is glass through which you look down on Victoria Harbour as you pee.

Lucky fellas.

PRINCESS CRUISE MONTH Exclusive bonus offers available at The Travellers Hut Kincumber Offer ends 28 February 2018.

SHANGHAI to SYDNEY

NEW ZEALAND

TASMANIA

SYDNEY TO SYDNEY

SYDNEY TO SYDNEY

24 August 2018 - 22 nights

27 September 2018 - 13 nights

18 November 2018 - 6 nights

INTERIOR $ 3430 BALCONY $ 4590 SUITE $ 4990

INTERIOR $ 2395 BALCONY $ 3095 SUITE $ 3495

INTERIOR $ 1345 BALCONY $ 1595 SUITE $ 1795

BONUS TRAVELLERS HUT ONBOARD CREDITS ON ALL SAILINGS All prices per person twin share, subject to availability and conditions apply.

More offers available call us at The Travellers Hut for details.

Shop 6 39 Avoca Drive Kincumber - travellershut.com.au - mail@thetravellershut.com.au

43 63 1699

28 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

A Singapore food fling A journey through fabulous flowers, foliage and fodder Vanessa Horstman

SINGAPORE is often the logical stopover on a long journey.

But the tiny island country is worth more than a few hours in the airport. It is a nation that strives to live up to its potential.

It doesn’t do anything by halves – not even the weather. It’s either hot or really hot, never cold. The people are polite and helpful.

The streets are clean and besides getting a whiff of the pungent durian fruit, there are no smells redolent of sewage and raw food spoiling from being out in the sun too long that is a familiar sensation when travelling in Asian countries.

But the two things closest to my heart and that Singapore excels in are food and flowers.

FOOD

Across the island there are 38 Michelin-starred restaurants – 30 with a

one-star rating, seven that feature two stars and one three-star establishment.

It is also the first South-East Asian country and the fourth in wider Asia to be rated by the Michelin Guide.

■ LAU PA SAT Tucked in the heart of the financial district, Lau Pa Sat is an unassuming heritage-listed building. In a sea of skyscrapers and unusual architecture, Lau Pa Sat is a colonial gem – fretted metal work, columns and soaring arches – but inside the labyrinthine octagonal building is a hawker centre, offering cheap and cheerful cuisine.

When the businessmen have packed up their briefcases and headed home for the night, the street comes alive.

The road blocks come out, along with hundreds of folding tables, plastic chairs and vendors claiming their satay is the best in town.

Flames dance high in the night while smells of

flame-cooked meat hang in the air and the burble of voices brings the street to life.

With a plate full of meat on a stick, coolish Tiger beer and 20 gyozas for the bargain price of $10, we feasted.

■ ACCORHOTELS SINGAPORE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL This was the reason I was in Singapore. Hotel chain AccorHotels looked at its collection of 40 restaurants and bars across the island and devised a plan to showcase the talent of its 100-plus chefs.

A nine-day food festival was born, offering “culinary creations, master classes and delicious drinks”, as AccorHotels Asia Pacific chief operating officer Michael Issenberg said.

The culmination of the festival was the Super Sunday Brunch on Sentosa Island – a human-made luxury playground where Singaporeans go to relax.

Billed as the “most extravagant spread that you will ever experience”, the brunch lived up to its

hype.

I’ve yet to meet a cheese or charcuterie board I didn’t like and this one put all others to shame.

The variety of cheeses from sharp and firm to pungent and veined to practically liquid form was impressive, as was the selection of cured meat.

There was an endless supply of salmon, smoked tuna, prawns, crabs and lobsters, drawing the eye with a collection of orange and red hues that would rival a Dulux paint chart.

Out on the patio there was a barbecue cooking up whole suckling pigs and what looked like the entire hindquarters of a side of wagyu beef.

Curries and the iconic chilli crab and seafood spaghetti laksa dishes were on offer, as were Peking duck pancakes.

But the show-stopper was dessert.

It was not just a table laden with sugary and chocolatey confections but an entire room.

I was like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

With a chocolatier on

staff, the after-dinner creations were a work of art and it seemed sacrilegious to cut into some of the immaculately presented cakes.

The Super Sunday Brunch will set you back $230 for the non-alcoholic option and $268–$288 with champagne.

■ RACINES On the fifth floor of the Sofitel Singapore City Centre, the restaurant and hotel only opened in the first week of October.

Meaning “roots” in French, Racines showcases its French and Chinese culinary roots – but don’t mistake it for a fusion restaurant. There are distinct Chinese and French dishes on the menu.

■ JAAN JAAN restaurant is a study in theatre.

The hen’s egg with caviar, mushrooms and cheese-crusted brioche comes as a closed earthenware egg that is opened in front of you with a waft of smokiness.

It’s the runny eggs and toast soldiers of childhood taken to a new level of elegance.

GARDENS

Within the heart of Singapore is a sprawling oasis of greenery.

Gardens by the Bay is three distinct garden districts that combine to make a stunning tribute to horticulture.

The Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway are visible on the skyline, strikingly lit up at night for a light and sound show.

The vertical gardens are more than just visual wonders – 11 of the 18 Supertrees are embedded with green technologies such as photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy.

A short stroll from the Supertrees are two massive glass domes, home to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world, according to the 2015 Guinness World Records.

It’s as big as 75 Olympic swimming pools and has a vast number of flower displays from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.

Next door is the Cloud Forest. A mountain of

Puttingg Fun into Coach Holidays

5 Day Black Opal Lightning Ridge Departing Thursday 26th April

10 Day Discover Adelaide Departing Saturday 26th May

20 Day Alaska & the Yukon Private Escorted Tour

Narrandera & Mildura before 5 nights in Adelaide.

Explore the Adelaide Hills, visit the Big Rocking Horse, the National Motor Museum and the quaint village of Hahndorf. Visit the residence of Sir Hans Heysen and enjoy a luncheon cruise along the Adelaide River. Visit Carrick Hill and explore the Barossa Valley, the Whispering Wall and Kapunda. Your journey home will take you into Broken Hill and Nyngan.

Departing Friday 8th June

Designed just for It’s Easy Tours this holiday explores the real Alaska & Yukon. Flying Sydney to Los Angeles 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 Tour Price: $950.00 per person twin share Tour Price: $2450.00 per person twin share 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 10 Day Gippsland Gold & Lakes 20 Day Outback Highway Top of the World Highway in the heart of the Klondike.

“Australia’s Longest Shortcut” Travel on board the White Pass V Yukon Rail, one of the Departing Wednesday 2nd May most spectacular rail journeys and travel the Marine A holiday exploring some of the hidden corners of Victoria.

Departing Friday 31st August Highway Ferry to Haines Crossing and Valdez through Including the Yarra Ranges National Park, Healesville Sanctuary This unique holiday travels through some of the most Prince William Sound and onto Seward. and the Latrobe Valley. Explore the historic town of Walhalla remote areas of Australia: Outback Queensland, the Red and ride the Goldfields Rail. Visit Wilsons Promontory and cruise Centre, Kings Canyon and Uluru. From Uluru head west Tour Price: $13250.00 per person twin the Gippsland Lakes. There is so much to see and do on this joining part of the Gunbarrel Highway constructed by Len share plus, international airfares.

Beadell and his crew. Visit Docker River, Warakurna and holiday.

Warburton. Explore the Gwalia Mine, Kalgoorlie and Perth.

Tour price: $2545.00 per person twin share Tour Price: $7333.00 per person twin share For detailed including return airfare from Perth itineraries including our 2018 Holiday Guide & latest Day Tours call us Holiday Inclusions 02 4325 8000 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 breakfasts, all entry fees, attractions, sightseeing and cruises as per each itinerary.

It’s Easy Tours Shop 5A Gosford Central Plaza/153 Mann Street GOSFORD NSW 2250 Telephone: 02 4325 8000 Explore the Warrumbungle National Park, visit Siding Springs Observatory. Spend overnight in Coonabarabran and two nights in Lightning Ridge. Visit the Walk in Mine, the Castle, the Bottle House and explore the Chambers of the Black Hand. Go in search of that rare black opal. Overnight in Narrabri on your return.

6641322ah

02 4325 8000

FREE home pick-up & Return fo r our holida y 3 days & ove r

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Travel

Central Coast

Seniors 29

Escape the winter blues

FOOD THEATRICS: Hen’s egg meal from JAAN, Singapore.

greenery ensconced in swirling mists, the show piece being a 35m indoor waterfall (again the world’s tallest).

Walkways wind around

the mountain, with the tourists walking along the paths like ants on an anthill.

There’s an elevator to the top and near-flat paths

PHOTO: NICHOLAS EE

and escalators for the journey down, making it easy to traverse for all abilities.

The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are open

9am–9pm daily, entry is $28.

The writer was a guest of AccorHotels and Brisbane Airport Corporation.

IMMERSE yourself in an experience of a lifetime.

Our 11-Day Bundaberg and Capricorn Tour travels the unique stretch of coastline that encapsulates all the beauty of Queensland beaches, offering breathtaking views with the bonus of serenity and tranquillity.

Enjoy the golden days and balmy moonlit evenings, with brilliant sunsets and scents of the tropics.

Queensland – beautiful one day, perfect the next – is on show through the towns of Kingaroy and Maryborough, visit the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery, see the bull statues in Rockhampton and explore the Capricorn Coast.

Experience Great Keppel Island and all its beauty.

Our journey continues through Queensland to Mt Morgan, Mt Hay, Miles, Goondiwindi and enjoy a fabulous cotton tour, then on to Moree for our final night and a dip

in the artesian baths.

Join us on this fantastic tour, discover new places, meet new people and make lifelong friends.

Departing July 27, 2018, our value-packed tour is for the over-55s, be it in a travel club or as an individual traveller.

We’ll get you there in comfort, we make all of the arrangements and you get to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience in style on board a Coastal Liner Touring Five-Star Luxury Touring Coach.

When you travel with Coastal Liner Touring, you’re aboard the region’s premier coach company. We are committed to providing value for money as well as first-class touring experiences.

For our latest theatre packages, day tours and extended tours refer to page 5.

For details phone us on 4392 3050 or 4392 3049 or go to www.coastalliner.com. au or www.entertain menttours.com.au.

Advertorial

South of France 13 Day Cruise

Lyon > Marseille from

$5,795*pp all-inclusive

SAVE up to $4,000* per couple

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WORLD Enjoy exciting itineraries and great value offers

The wonderful South of France will set your senses ablaze, offering a myriad of flavours, scents and experiences during your cruise.

Enjoy Scenic Culinaire, our on board cooking school, featuring a dedicated cooking station, fresh local produce and instruction from your on board chef.

CRUISE ONLY

Beaune

Chalon-sur-Saône Mâcon Beaujolais

12

France

OFFER*

Lyon

Tournon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Avignon

Tarascon Arles

FRAC

Provençal villages

Marseille

helloworld Erina (Fountain Plaza) 02 4365 2337 helloworld Erina Fair (Oppoosite Target) 02 4367 7410 helloworld Kincumber (Shopping Centre) 02 4369 0093 *Conditions apply. Prices and offers are based on per person, on selected departures, twin share in AUD, are strictly limited and subject to availability until sold out. For new bookings only. First non-refundable deposit of $3,000pp is due within 7 days of booking. Cruise Only offer: Price is cruise only, fl ights not included. Cruise Only discount is the value of $2,000 pp and the save up to value is based on this discount. Price and offers based on Category E Suite (no balcony) FRAC191018.1 For full terms and conditions visit scenic.com.au/passport and scenic.com.au/terms. Price valid as of 16/01/18 and ends 31/3/18. Scenic ABN 85 002 715 602.

30 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Road Runner Tours keep doing it better and better See the best places in the country with top tour guides THERE’S no need to choose between a holiday by the sea or going inland, because Road Runner Tours delivers both.

We’ve always said if you’re going to do it, do it right, and this is why our tours have been so successful after 20 years

Glenelg, South Australia.

on the Coast.

Our travel catalogues are filled with a variety of extended tours to places you may have never thought of visiting and if you prefer day trips or are interested in seeing a live Sydney theatre show, you can read all about them

PHOTO: TOURISM AUSTRA

on our website www.roadrunnertours. com.au.

With all our extended tours we include home pick-ups on the Central Coast and design them for as much or as little time as you need to enjoy seeing the best places to visit, all while keeping that recovery time to recoup for your next day’s outing.

So for something different, why not discover the magic of South Australia on our Adelaide and Surrounds tour.

This trip is a 10-day getaway departing the Central Coast, which will take in some of Australia’s iconic landscapes traversing through the Blue Mountains, staying at West Wyalong and seeing some of our real Central NSW countryside such as Mildura, which is often referred to as the “Mediterranean in the Outback”.

Go on a guided tour of the 19th century copper town on Burra, including

SIMPLY STUNNING: One of the beautiful Murray River sunsets.

the Cornish cottages.

You get to unwind and enjoy the beach-side town of Glenelg with a four-night stay, visiting the Fleurieu Peninsula to see Victor Harbour, Yankalilla and the historical town of Strathalbyn.

Other places of interest will be Old Mildura Homestead, Orange

World, Whispering Wall, Cedars, Hahndorf and the National Motor Museum.

Travel home via Swan Hill, Deniliquin, Jerilderie and Wagga Wagga.

Something for everyone.

■ 10-day Adelaide and Surrounds departing March 19, 2018, $2517 per person twin share,

$2982 single.

To find out more about our Adelaide and Surrounds tour, or any of our other trips, phone us today on 4353 9050 or visit our website www.roadrunnertours. com.au and download our itineraries.

Advertorial

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 31

HISTORY AND HERITAGE TOURS 2018 There is no better time to join me on one of my 2018 tours., whether my Battlefield History Tour to the historical areas of the Greece and Crete 1941 Campaign, the High Veld of the Boer War Campaign in South Africa, the WW2 airfields of the UK where we also attend a couple of airshows, Vietnam, Guadalcanal in the Solomons or, with me on my History and Heritage Railway Tour of the UK for many days travelling through the glorious English countryside onboard various Historic Steam Trains. Travelling in those heritage carriages where the sound of the whistle and the smoke drifting past the window evokes memories of a bygone age, Steam Train Travel.

BATTLE OF GREECE AND CRETE COMMEMORATIVE TOUR

BOMBER COMMAND IN THE UK TOUR

Sunday 8 April – Thursday 26 April

Thursday 5 July – Tuesday 17 July

Join Col. Graham Fleeton and Dr. Elena Sulioti, travelling around Greece & Crete to see first-hand the sites of ANZAC military significance including key areas of engagement, war graves and a special invitation to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Athens.

Also included are tours of significant sites of Ancient Greece - Athens, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

Honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian Airmen in World War II, this tour visits many of the airfields that the RAAF flew from in the UK. Also included are visits to air museums such as Cosford, Coningsby, Shuttleworth and Hendon plus two unforgettable air shows, RNAS at Yeovilton and the Flying Legends Air Show at Duxford.

52ND ANNIVERSARY

Battle of Long Tan and the Cu Chi Tunnels

VIETNAM – TUNNEL Rats Tour

Sunday 13 MAY – Monday 21 May

On 8th January 1966, Operation CRIMP was launched in South Vietnam. Involved was the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment with 3 Field Troop Engineers attached (1 RAR Group).

The mission was to find and destroy the Viet Cong HQ, thought to be located within the ‘Iron Triangle’ some 40km north of Saigon. As fate would have it, 1 RAR Group found themselves located in the same area as the Viet Cong HQ where they soon discovered the Cu Chi Tunnels, after which they were entered and searched and ‘The Tunnel Rats’ were born.

Battlefield History Tours invites you to join Colonel Sandy McGregor MC as he leads this special Memorial Tour to Vietnam to commemorate the 52nd Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and the discovery of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

GUADALCANAL

SOLOMON ISLANDS 76TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Sunday 5 August – Friday 10 August

Join Col John Howells as he leads a tour to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the Allies first major offensive against the Imperial Japanese Army.

The actions started on 7th August 1942 and were led by the US 1st and elements of the 2nd Marine Divisions with a great many battles, both on the islands and at sea, ensuing the Japanese were forced to evacuate after defeat in most actions. Australia fought side-by-side with the USA in the campaign at sea with the HMAS Canberra, HMAS Australia and HMAS Hobart as part of the screening force. HMAS Canberra was lost on 9th August in the battle of Savo Island with 84 Souls lost.

This commemorative tour is a must for anyone with a connection to this pivotal point of World War II

Tuesday 17 July - Tuesday 31 July

Immerse yourself in the age of steam, visiting many of the greatest heritage railways the UK has to offer. The tour not only includes experiences on some of the great lines and famous engines but also visits to a number of heritage sites, museums, restoration centres.

This special Tour has been planned and developed following many requests from Steam Train enthusiasts.

MONASH – ADVANCE TO VICTORY TOUR Wednesday 26 September – Monday 8 October “I would name Sir John Monash as the best general on the western front in Europe.” - Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery Follow in the footsteps of Gen. Sir John Monash on the 100th Anniversary of the final Australian actions on the Western Front and understand what made him such a great leader, his troops so successful and earned him such respect.

For more information or to register please call 1300 450 436 or visit www.battlefieldhistorytours.com.au

6748273aa

UK HERITAGE RAIL TOUR

32 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

The Beauty of Fraser Island I’M IN the middle of a nine-hour Seinfeld binge, except this fast volley of jokes is being delivered live from the world’s biggest sand island by Peter Meyer, a perfectly lanky Aussie who mixes decades of bush study with keen human observation.

He also tends to giggle like a girl, and usually at his own jokes. He’s never had anyone attacked by a dingo – but he did have a German passenger bitten by a duck.

Cue the sniggers from a bus full of curious first-timers to Fraser Island who range in age from 35 to 70 years old.

The whole bus is laughing, a good thing as it takes our minds off the violent motions as we rock and roll along the tinder dry sand waiting for the tyres to find traction with the loamy road below. It’s our third attempt to get up a steep hill, the last climb before hitting the beach.

“We haven’t had rain for six or seven weeks and the roads are tough,” says Meyer, a Fraser Island guide with 22-years’ experience, explaining the wonders of this stunning place; that’s three years short of the 25 years the island has just clocked up as a world-heritage listed site.

Meyer knows more about this place than just about anyone else and he’s got my vote for world’s best guide for negotiating the deeply grooved tracks in a vehicle that looks like it should be deployed for the first Mars expedition.

“I’ve done it 10,000 times. They say to be an expert you have to do something 10,000 times, so this must be my Mozart Concerto.”

Snigger. Snigger.

While the tracks are

tough right now, they are not as bad as the big dry of 2013 when eight months without a drop of rain saw many bogged bush bashers.

Like the dad with three kids who had been stuck on a hill since early morning waiting for Fraser Island’s tow truck. That’s a big problem when you have 700km of tracks, no street signs, and intermittent phone reception. The rookie four-wheel roadie didn’t

❝

God must have been a German. He thought of everything when he made the ‘roo’. know where he was, and Meyer lets us know that the $250 per hour rescue would have paid the mortgage on an Ascott mansion.

“He was suspiciously relaxed,” says Meyer who came across the bogged car late in the afternoon.

“He was either on Valium.

Or at the point of snapping.”

Looking around it’s hard to believe anyone could snap in such a candy-coloured tour that goes to pristine backdrops. There’s 75 Mile Beach, an endless (well, not quite, it’s 75 miles to be exact) tract of pure white sandy highway best tackled at 80km/h, the cinnamon toned Maheno ship wreck, pretty Ely Creek, Central Station with its towering capsicum green trees and Lake Mackenzie, the blue-eyed girl of the island.

Easily as memorable as the locations is the congo line of pink-skinned blokes the bus passes as we whizz up the beach highway: their deck chairs

It’s Good to Share

SIMPLY STUNNING: World Heritage Listed Wilderness – Fraser Island.

Peter Meyer, Ranger at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

PHOTO: MATT RAIMONDO

are lined up in front of monster 4WDs, eyes are on the ocean and the ritual Aussie salute is sent to all who pass.

That’s a two-finger tribute accompanied by a slight nod of the head, while the right hand connects with a fresh-from-the-esky stubby. This is not fishing.

It’s secret men’s business for the newly retired.

Along the tour we learn much about the island’s wildlife, such as the banksia fruit once described by an Irish tourist as “a big, hairy

potato thing”.

The banksia formed an important part in the diet of the original Bucha owners of the land, who dunked its flowers in water for a sweet beverage and ate the nuts – popped out after the heat of a fire rages through the island – for protein hits.

The island also has over 75 species of mammals but no kangaroos, wombats or platypus; a sad thing given Meyer holds kangaroos up as being the most perfectly

engineered animal for the Australian environment.

“You would swear they (kangaroos) were built by a German. They run on two legs, bounce like a ball, can smell rain and can produce two different types of milk for different aged babies.”

“God must have been a German. He thought of everything when he made the ‘roo’.”

Our focus diverts to one of Fraser Island’s icons: the skeleton of the Maheno shipwreck, deeply beached on the eastern side of the island since 1935.

The story goes that on its final journey to an Osaka shipbreaker, the former WW1 floating hospital was hit by a huge storm that snapped its 17-cm towline. With no propeller and no towboat, the Maheno drifted for days before washing up on Fraser Island where it is now the pin-up for postcards sent back home.

PHOTO: NATHAN MCNEIL

Of course, we all want to know about that other Fraser Island icon, the dingo. Somewhat notorious and a whole lot feared, Meyer reminds us that there are only 160 to 190 resident dingoes on the whole island and 90 per cent of these are harmless.

The other 10 per cent have been fed by humans and have come to expect tucker from a two-legged pantry.

“As pups, they are cute.

They all have white paws, wet noses, and signs that say ‘feed me’.” said Meyer. “Don’t do it.”

Still, he has some comic words of wisdom if you come across an assailing dog.

“Don’t run from them.

Stand your ground, be aggressive and yell abuse, like ‘your mother is a chihuahua’.”

Snigger, snigger.

On reflection, Meyer is kind of crazy, and is possibly more Kramer than Seinfeld.

Submit your photos, stories, events and notices online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page.

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

6729615bk

Shelley Winkel

Central Coast

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 33

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

SENIORS’ Newspaper seeks to reflect ageing in our modern world through stories that inform, entertain and engage us in the conversations that matter to us.

Our regular TalknThoughts section provides an area to publish topical viewpoints and speak out on the issues that affect older adults.

There’s no doubt that our generation is in the process of experiencing

radical changes in areas such as health, longevity, communications and education.

Our aim is talk about these changes, what they mean for us and how they can provide purpose rather than confusion at our stage of life.

It’s just a slogan, but I tend to agree with the saying “60 is the new 50” it generally depicts a more accurate version of our enhanced proclivity to live a longer, active and creative life.

It’s a great trajectory, however, on the flip side, living longer, brings in a whole new set challenges, including housing, finances and extended working lives.

Last year, Seniors newspaper spoke with our

Age Discrimination Minister Dr Kay Patterson AO, she outlined a clear set of goals to achieve during her term of office.

The goals included addressing the problems of Elder Abuse (in response to a report by the Law Reform Commission of Australia), Homelessness and Older Women and Willingness to Work together with age discrimination in the workplace.

Throughout 2016 and 2017 Seniors Newspapers has published numerous articles detailing the situations and some practical solutions that are either on the way, or under discussion.

On this subject, Dr

Patterson told Seniors Newspapers: “I think you need a range of solutions because someone at 55 will have very different needs of someone who is 65.

“I would like to form a council of women who see this as a major issue and could invest into a property fund so that a person who has a bit of super can buy some equity so her rent is doable on the pension then years down the track.

“Women who have been working have all sorts of resources; they have networks, and when the time comes they may be able to use them.”

In 2018, we intend to keep our focus on this

issue.

We have also spoken with the experts in creative ageing, healthy ageing and profiled their initiatives.

Women such as Dr Maggie Haertsch and Margret Meagher have initiated research and programs employing the arts to enhance older lives.

Late last year we published a story on the report from the Benevolent Society, The Drivers of Ageism.

The research aims to drive a positive change in economic, social, health and civic participation outcomes through a national long-term advocacy campaign (EveryAGE counts) tackling ageism and its

Share your thoughts

Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews .com.au

impact, overall it sought to reveal the things we fear from ageing and older people.

We at Seniors Newspaper support The Benevolent Society call for "a radically different conversation about ageing."

What are the directions you would like to governments move towards?

Please email me: Gail.Forrer@ seniors newspaper.com.au.

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

Reviews

Relationships can grow and change

STELLA and Margie is a beautifully written novel that reveals love and duty, acceptance and reconciliation, and of a touching friendship that crosses the generations.

It’s about two very different women – a generation apart – thrown together by circumstance, who slowly come to love and understand one another.

Stella and her mother-in-law, Margie,

are polar opposites.

Stella is kind, compassionate and chaotic.

Margie is prickly, demanding and a stickler for convention.

Stella has exciting dreams for the future.

Margie has only bitter memories of the past.

When Margie needs help recovering from a major operation, Stella offers her a place to stay.

With no other options, Margie returns to the family farm where for decades, until Stella’s arrival, she was in charge.

Margie has never made life easy for her daughter-in-law, and that’s not going to change now she’s been made a guest in her former home.

But as the dry summer turns to a beautiful autumn, the two women gradually

A sensational crime in The Chalk Man

BOOKS: Get ready to enjoy reading the next global crime thriller sensation.

THRILLERS as good as The Chalk Man come along once every few years.

Prepare for the next global crime thriller sensation.

Looking back, it all started on the day of the fair and the terrible accident.

When 12-year-old Eddie first met the Chalk Man. It was the Chalk Man who gave Eddie the idea for the drawings: a way to leave secret messages between his group of friends.

And it was fun, to start with, until the figures led them to the body of a

young girl.

That was 30 years ago and Ed thought the past was behind him.

Then he receives a letter containing just two things: a piece of chalk, and a drawing of a stick figure. As history begins to repeat itself, Ed realises the game was never over.

Everyone has secrets.

Everyone is guilty of something. And children are not always innocent.

Published by Penguin, C.J. Tudor’s The Chalk Man is available in paperback, hardback and ebook.

RRP starts at $32.99.

form an unlikely bond, as the ambitions, secrets and tragedies that have shaped their lives are slowly uncovered.

Glenna Thomson lives on a cattle property and vividly portrays her experiences on the farm, and in her extensive garden, in her writing.

Before moving to the country she developed a career in overseas aid and business. Stella and Margie is her second

novel.

Glenna is available to media ahead of release, please do not hesitate to contact me with any requests.

Published by Penguin Random, Stella and Margie is available in paperback and ebook this month.

RRP is $32.99.

Reviewer recommendation 8/10

Intrigue, suspense and scandal SARAH Vaughan’s new book, Anatomy of a Scandal, is a disarming, provocative psychological drama that explores the extent to which our demons haunt us.

There’s a high-profile marriage thrust into the spotlight. A wife, determined to keep her family safe, must face a prosecutor who believes justice has been a long time coming.

A scandal that will rock Westminster. And the women caught at the heart of it.

It’s an incisive and

suspenseful novel that will get readers talking.

Vaughan read English

at Oxford and went on to become a journalist.

She spent 11 years at the Guardian as a news reporter, health correspondent and political correspondent, then left to freelance and began writing fiction.

Her debut novel, The Art of Baking Blind, published by Hodder and Stoughton, St Martin’s Press, and in seven other languages, was the result.

Published by Simon and Schuster, Anatomy of a Scandal is available in hardback and e-book.

RRP $29.99.

34 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Let’s save Fresh summer cooking TASTY: Vietnamese chicken and noodle salad is healthy, fresh and very easy to make.

Good food safety tips Tracey Johnstone

WHILE you are devising your New Year’s Resolutions, add to the list changing your habits in the kitchen to help avoid getting ill from cross contamination between fresh and raw foods.

CSIRO senior food microbiologist Cathy Moir points out that her advice for changing kitchen habits applies to every senior, including men over 70 who are known to have a slightly higher incidence of food-borne disease.

Cathy has some great tips for improving food handling habits and for what foods to be wary of as we get older.

CLEAN

■ Clean the area before preparing food.

■ Wash your hands before starting. Try washing your hands with soapy water.

CHILL

■ Make sure any food that should be chilled, is chilled.

■ Don’t leave the milk and cheese out on the bench.

■ If you have prepared a ham and cheese

sandwich, put the leftovers back in the fridge before you sit down and eat.

■ Any perishable food that has been out of the fridge for two hours can generally be put back in the fridge or eaten. But if it’s been left out for more than four hours, throw it out.

COOK

■ Mince, hamburger meat, sausages and similar need to be cooked right through.

■ Steak can be cooked and eaten rare.

■ Use a meat thermometer to check your cooked meat. Aim for 75 degrees for cooked and for reheated leftovers. To test chicken, put the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.

SEPARATE

■ Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.

■ Defrost frozen meat in the fridge, and in a container or on a plate so the meat juices can be captured.

■ Use different coloured cutting boards for different foods.

For more go to www.foodsafety.asn.au.

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN SUMMER is when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Making salads with beautiful fresh ingredients can be healthy for you as well as minimising your time in the kitchen.

If you have space available on your window sill to grow herbs, you can freshen up your food very simply and be cost effective at the same time.

Mint and coriander can be used in many salads and in rice paper rolls of course which are easy to make and can be a filling, healthy meal.

One of the easiest dishes you can make is Vietnamese noodle salad with lots of herbs and good quality protein with an abundance of green.

You can use shredded chicken, mince or fresh prawns – it’s up to you.

You can whip up a chicken and noodle salad in less than 10 minutes or a refreshing Asian-style soup or a coleslaw to go with barbecued skewers or steak.

Pan-fried salmon with smashed potatoes with a rocket salad is also an easy fresh healthy meal.

Experiment and try different flavours.

You might be surprised at how wonderful a fresh salad can be.

For more recipes, go to www.seniorsnews. com.au.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN AND NOODLE SALAD

A salad that has it all. It’s sweet, sour, salty, fresh, fragrant and best of all easy. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup lime juice 2 tbls fish sauce 1 tbls caster sugar 1 long red chilli, finely chopped 200g rice stick noodles 1 tbls vegetable oil 2 spring onions, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 400g chicken mince 100g mushrooms 1/2 small iceberg lettuce, coarsely shredded 2 carrots, finely grated 1 small cucumber cut into small batons 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts, 2 tablespoons chopped

roasted peanuts METHOD Combine juice, fish sauce, sugar and chilli in a jug. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Cook noodles following packet directions. Cool under cold running water.

Drain.

Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Stir-fry chicken mince, onion, garlic and mushrooms for 3-4 minutes or until cooked.

Meanwhile, divide noodles, salad, carrots, mint and sprouts into four bowls.

Top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with peanuts. Drizzle over dressing.

You can also replace chicken and mushroom mixture with fresh prawns or shredded chicken which is even easier to prepare.

Be an enviro conscious shopper BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN IF YOU are becoming more environmentally aware by taking your own reusable bags to buy your groceries, then well done!

Plastic bags take years to decompose and are an enormous harm to our environment.

There are so many stores that give you the option to support a charity for a small donation and take a calico or jute bag instead.

Supermarkets also sell the reusable bags.

Anything we can do now to make the switch from plastic, is a step forward to care for our planet in the future.

If you’re like me, you just have to remember to take the bags in with you before you get to the checkout!

Like anything new, it takes a little bit of getting used to but before long, we will wonder why it took so long to get with the program and say no to plastic.

There are a variety of options in many colours and sizes to choose from. ★Waterproof and reusable

BAN THE PLASTIC: Find a eco-friendly alternative for your shopping needs, like a jeep, cart or a reusable bag.

eco-friendly bags to carry. ★Foldable shopping cart trolley bags custom-made to fit across the supermarket trolley. ★Custom shopping bags with wheels that you can pull along. ★Reusable good quality

foldable shopping tote. ★Polyester trolley bag. ★Foldable waterproof cold goods storage bags. ★Jute hessian bag. ★Shopping trolley jeep. ★Two-tier wire basket to fit in a cart.

Happy Shopping

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

Your Station, Your Music

6744952aa

‘40s

Puzzles

Friday, January 26, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

15/1

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 fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

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

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

E C H U B E L

R O S E N I R

D

G E

M E

B L U E

I B U M N

H I N E D E W

P I O C T S

A S T D H A T E

G L S E T A

V E L W V E S

D S H A T I

U R C S E P H

R M A P X

E S H V A N

S T E H B O S

A A N E T R

C H O K E M R

N C A K I

G A V E I N

O G L O O L

O P A N A I

C O H T I G

I D E N A G L

U A O M N U

I I M E N T

A

Central Coast

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 6. Unadulterated (6) 7. Rubbish heap (6) 10. Theft (7) 11. Advice (5) 12. Suspended (4) 13. False (5) 16. Any two-legged creature (5) 17. Stylish (4) 20. Death notices (abbr) (5) 21. Competitor (7) 22. Wages (6) 23. Do without (6)

Down 1. Be in charge (4,3,5) 2. Trials, tests (3,4) 3. Beginning (5) 4. Nauseous (7) 5. Skilled (5) 8. Announcement (12) 9. Something surprising or revealing (3,6) 14. Crevice (7) 15. Devalue (7) 18. Undulating (5) 19. Wooden seat (5)

1

2

3

4

6

5

7

8

9 10

11

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

TRIO

Seniors 35

21

22

23

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

SUDOKU

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

WORD GO ROUND

TRIO: trE

MELON, NAMELY, OrIENtS, PLAStErS, QUALIFIEr.

Good 17 Very Good 24 Excellent 29+

ALPHAGRAMS

E L S E

S E E N

E N L A R G E D

L E S S

E G O N R U T C A R E R F R A F T M I R S T I A T I O T E E N A M D U A E R R R A K

B E D

QUIZ

B D A E D A D P O E L L G O O F R G O Y L M E A E C Y D I R H O R A G E D R I S I N G T R U E S E N U P S A EW

A R A B G A L A

8 LETTERS DEPLOYED DILATION ENLARGED GARGOYLE GRAFFITI POSTCARD RECHARGE UPRISING

1. Which film franchise has been in the top 3 for box office success in Australia for each of the past 3 years (20152017)?

2. Which children’s tV show had a masked hero seeking justice in America’s wild west?

3. What is the American term for a drawing pin?

4. Malpensa international airport is in which country?

5. How is Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de Perles also known?

6. Who replaced President Nixon after Watergate?

7. Which green vegetable consists of clusters of unopened flower buds?

8. Queen’s albums A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races were named after films by which American comedians?

A B E T

D U A L

4 LETTERS ABED ABET AGED ARAB AURA CRAM DALE DIRE DUAL

6 LETTERS BADEGG RENAME RETELL TENDER

QUIZ

T U B E

Solution opposite

5 LETTERS ABHOR ENTER FLAIR MEANS RAFTS RESTS

S T A R

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

EDEN ELSE ERRS GALA GOOF LACY LESS LOOM MARK MIRE RAKE RATE SATE SEEN SEND SERF STAB STAR TRIO TRUE TUBA TUBE YOGI

1. Star Wars, 2. The Lone Ranger, 3. Thumbtack, 4. Italy (Milan), 5. The Pearl Fishers, 6. Gerald Ford, 7. Broccoli, 8. The Marx Brothers.

3 LETTERS ADO ARE BED EWE GOB NUN OUR PAW RUE SAG TIE USE

WORDFIT

WORDFIT

WA

S T H T E M E A I M E T H K E R D E A L

510

N E

LEMON LAYMEN STONIER STAPLERS IRAQI FUEL

O A D G A G K E I N D I N C L O M L I N A G

TODAY

G

SUDOKU

V E L C W H V E S T I O N P A N C A I A U R C H I S E E P H E W A D A N E B T R U E O G G L O O S E L T

E T

S N

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.

JIGGERED D G A S H A V E I I N T R O S E S H E N I R V A N U A O M N I B U M N U I S T E P H O C T B O S S R E C H U M A P X B E L

WORD GO ROUND

QUICK CROSSWORD

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

Across: 6. Arrant 7. Midden 10. Larceny 11. Input 12. Hung 13. Bogus 16. Biped 17. Chic 20. Obits 21. Entrant 22. Salary 23. Forego.

Down: 1. Call the shots 2. Dry runs 3. Onset 4. Bilious 5. Adept 8. Notification 9. Eye opener 14. Fissure 15. Cheapen 18. Hilly 19. Stool.

ALPHAGRAMS

agent ages angst gannet gate gean gene genet gent gets gnat gnaw gnawn gnaws nags negate negates NEWSAGENT sage sang sewage snag stag stage swag swage tags tang tangs twang twangs wage wages wags

K

36 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Friday, January 26, 2018

Retirement living has a new address

Only 20 mins to the Central Coast!

Stage 1now selling from $485,000*

(*Average price for Stage 1 is $536,280)

Come and see the regions’ newest lifestyle village.

Now there is a refreshing new option for retirees looking to enjoy a better and more fulďŹ lling lifestyle. Catalina Lake Macquarie is unlike any other retirement village you will have seen, and is a breath of fresh air thanks to its world class community facilities, contemporary style residences and ground level disability friendly home designs.

More like a resort than a retirement village, Catalina will provide you with the simpler, yet enriched lifestyle you have been searching for. Stage 1 is now selling with off the plan discounts and premium park side lots available if you move quickly.

Catalina Lake Macquarie is a family and pet friendly village so why not bring everyone down for a look at the site of the best new village in the region.

DISPLAY SUITE Open 7 days 10am – 4pm

1300 927 786

48-68 Deaves Road, Cooranbong Call Kelsie Crowe 0417 153 139 or 1300 927 786 enquiries@yarrumliving.com.au

catalinavillage.com.au