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The great value of you

INDEX 3 4 5 8 12 16 17 21 27 31 33 35

News - Proud ageing advocate News - Act your age in workplace News - A divine diary of song News - Dorrigo’s favourite son News - Radio drama comedy legend What’s on Community group guide Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Money Puzzles

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Entertainment, art and music

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Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor HOW much do you value yourself?

Are you guilty of age-discrimination against yourself?

In 2017, Australia’s Benevolent Society launched its EveryAGE Counts campaign which is underpinned by a research program that found ageism damages lives and prevents older people from participating fully in society.

Due to the numerous social implications of our increased lifespan, the lifestyle of contemporary older Australians is vastly different from previous generations.

In this edition, 72-year-old entertainer Normie Rowe talks about his role as an advocate of ageing and his mission to change the conversation around ageing.

In general, he believes there is a negative attitude to older Australians.

“When you turn 60 your working life is over. It’s time to hang up the tools. You’re not of value any more,” he told Seniors News.

However, we must also change conversations around the perception of ourselves.

This is emphasised by our story on former four-star general Stanley McChrystal, who left the military and re-invented himself as a

workplace leadership consultant.

The change was not all easy for McChrystal and today he speaks of his experience and shares tips on how to be your best self. For instance, he suggests ‘reverse mentoring’ as a way to learn from the younger generation, keep up with modern changes while updating your own life.

If you are not ready “to hang up your tools”, rather you would like to “hang in there”, You might even gain inspiration from the vivacious and gifted 61-year-old Elena Kats-Chernin, whose great talent is shared with us via the work Opera Australia has commissioned from her.

Besides personalities, we share a refreshing armchair tour of Iceland with our favourite senior travellers, Yvonne and John Gardiner.

I trust this edition gives you plenty of reasons to value and enjoy this third stage of life.

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1800 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast 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.

Your wellbeing and healthy living

National Seniors backs 17th Australian Masters Games THEMED “Better with Age – Vintage 2019”, the Australian Masters Games offer an “exceptional opportunity to showcase a healthier, more connected future for older Australians,” says National Seniors chief executive Professor John McCallum.

“Activity – physical, social and cognitive – is acknowledged as being key to longevity,” Prof McCallum said. “As one of the largest participation

events in the Australian sporting landscape, the Games ticks all those boxes and offers an incredible opportunity for older Australians to show that age is no barrier to sporting achievement.”

With events ranging from archery to figure skating, athletics, softball, and even dragon boat racing, the only criteria to compete is that you must meet the minimum age requirement, which for

most sports on the bill is 30+ years.

For National Seniors, the foremost consumer lobby group for older Australians, the partnership represents an ongoing commitment to supporting healthier, more active ageing.

“Staying connected and active is an important way to support independence, physical and mental wellbeing and generally get the most out of later life,” Prof McCallum said.

“While not everyone will be Masters Games-fit, it’s important for people of all ages to find ways to move and connect – for your health as well as your happiness.

“You don’t even need to pick up a racquet or kick a ball – volunteering at events or supporting sports clubs is a great way to stay engaged and active.”

Prof John McCallum from National Seniors.

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Proud ageing advocate Normie Rowe looks to change the conversation Tracey Johnstone NORMIE Rowe is heading down the road when he stops in front of a 70-ish woman resplendent in her gym gear, berating her for having her face in her phone and not looking where she is walking.

“I pull over to the left of the footpath before I look at the device,” he says.

The exchange highlights the passionate approach to life of the outspoken 72-year-old entertainer, who then completes his regular 45-minute workout before launching into an empathic discussion on how he is trying to change the conversation around older Australians.

Rowe is proudly and loudly advocating for ageing Australians to be respected.

“I really think Australian society has gone completely the wrong way,” Rowe said. “(They say) when you turn 60 your working life is

over. It’s time to hang up the tools. You’re not of value anymore.

“It’s really frustrating to me to see all these people who take umbrage at minorities being lampooned and are very happy to lampoon people over 60.”

He uses the example of television news show The Project which he said constantly laughed at older people.

“These people will never achieve most of the things that the older people have achieved in this country,” he adds.

“I am not talking about those in their 60s. I am talking about those getting into their 80s and 90s who had to try and make do through the Second World War and perhaps The Depression.

“Everyone seems to have it easy today. I just admire some of these people who have slogged away constantly at what they do.”

Rowe finds remaining in

LOUD AND PROUD: Ageing advocate and rocker Normie Rowe warns not to waste a “national resource”. the entertainment industry opens doors and enables him to be heard above the crowd of dissenters.

His message to them is that they are wasting a vital national resource.

“These are people who have gathered

knowledge,” he said. “Not everybody is running around in a demented state or with Alzheimer’s or can’t move their bodies because of arthritis.

There’s this wealth.”

Rowe continues to support a whole range of charitable organisations

such as Soldier On and Variety. He is also talking ageing and attitude as a supporter of Grey Matters Live.

“One of the favourite things I like to do at the end of a show is to talk to the people in the audience,” he said.

“I will sign autographs, have photos taken and maybe sell a few CDs or not.”

Rowe wants to be the last person who leaves the foyer after spending time with his audience.

The voice of the ageing rocker still resounds strongly.

“It’s actually better than it’s ever been. I really still love performing,” he said.

“Over the last 10 years I have started playing the electric guitar on stage...I think I have bought about six guitars.”

Rowe jokes about being retired, but has plenty more to say about respecting older Australians.

He has shows to do and a newly released single, Compulsory Hero, which will be on a album, ISH Reimagined, to be released later this year.

“Life isn’t about being the most pristine corpse in the cemetery,” he said.

“Life is about broadsiding up to the grave, completely worn out. I don’t want to be the prettiest person in the cemetery. Every wrinkle I’ve got, I earned.”

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Act your age in workplace Tracey Johnstone STANLEY McChrystal has been on the very edge of life in dangerous, indeed often deadly, situations and has come out of it with a purpose of sharing his experiences to improve leadership in workplaces.

The retired four-star US military general did it tough in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the commander of US and International Security Assistance Forces Afghanistan and commander of the USA’s military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command.

Mr McChrystal resigned from the military in 2010, well before his designated retirement age.

“I had been in the army for 34 years as an officer and four years at West Point,” he said.

“I was commanding in Afghanistan and a magazine article came out in Rolling Stone from a

freelance writer, and it was titled The Runaway General, which you get from the title, it’s not a good thing.

“It portrayed my command team as dismissive of our own administration, senior leadership, and all. I don’t think it was an accurate depiction, but it doesn’t matter.

“It created a furore and so I offered my resignation to President Obama because generals aren’t supposed to create furores for the President’s desk.”

Without any hobbies, other than his two granddaughters who live next door to him, and with a keen interest in working in teams, he started up the McChrystal Group leadership consultancy.

Speaking to Seniors News at the recent AMP Amplify Festival in Sydney, Mr McChrystal talked passionately about how mature age workers can be part of workplace change.

“I don’t think you should have the idea that you should step away because you are a certain age,” he said.

“You may want to slow down a bit. You may want to spend more time doing other things. But, I think you can decide what your value-add is.

“If you decide where your contribution is, without trying to pretend you have to be the king or the CEO; it requires you to take a little bit of your ego and back off.

“Be part of the team, but not so insecure that you have to have the answer for every question, because you don’t.”

With so many mature-age workers dealing with evolving workplace environments and their role within them, Mr McChrystal, now 64, said the melding of the generations within the workplace was incredibly important.

“What we provide is experience, and a lot of the time that is scar

SHARING KNOWLEDGE: Retired four-star US general and leadership expert, Stanley McChrystal.

Photo: Graham Jepson tissue and perspective,” he said.

Through reverse mentoring, Mr McChrystal discovered by asking what works and willingly listening, the younger generation didn’t resent his asking, in fact they seemed to like being asked. During Mr McChrystal’s time in Iraq and Afghanistan, he found the equipment and tactics had changed, and “information technology had revolutionised the

way we did business”.

“I didn’t know what my small units on the ground did because I had never done that,” he said.

“I had no direct experience. So, it was preposterous for me to say here’s how you need to operate. What we did was reverse mentoring.

“I would go down to them and ask what works and why does that work that way.”

His initial concern was whether it was

appropriate for a leader to ask for guidance, but Mr McChrystal found they didn’t resent him asking.

“Letting people teach you is the most effective leadership tool,” he added.

Sharing your knowledge can be effective if put in the context of a personal experience rather than telling or directing.

“The idea that we have a hard retirement age is something I don’t believe in,” he said.

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Pictures and Coloured Pencils

While I was visiting with my mother over the weekend, I noticed that she had a colouring book and pencils beside her bed. Being aware of this growing trend, I questioned her as to the reasons why she enjoyed this activity and she explained that it enabled her to clear her mind of the day’s events and therefore sleep better throughout the night.

So with this in mind, I thought that I would investigate this increasingly popular activity not really expecting to find any research or studies that could provide information on how this can benefit an individual. I was definitely wrong.

Art therapy has been widely used throughout many years to help relax and quite the mind.

Recently, research articles indicated that persons over the age of 65 who engage in such creative activities had better overall health, fewer visits to the doctor and take less medication. It is thought that while you draw and colour you brain is releasing a hormone called ‘serotonin’ which assists in areas involving mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive functions such as memory and learning.

Art therapy is being used to assist people who are suffering with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It allows them to reconnect with memories by expressing their thoughts and feelings with colours and pictures. It also helps calm and settle by assisting to refocus thoughts and behaviours.

The benefits have demonstrated an overall improvement in emotional and physical well-being.

So while you may be reflecting on those colouring lessons you had back in school, a few tips to help you enjoy this new endeavour: • Make time to colour for a few minutes each day – another healthy habit to enjoy • Have fun and don’t judge – if you are trying to make it perfect you will not gain the benefits from this activity • You don’t need to finish and it doesn’t matter if you colour outside the lines (just don’t tell the teacher) A quote from George Bernard Shaw tends to sum this all up….

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

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A divine diary of song Cathartic delivers songs of life stories EVERYONE has their own little story and, after several years of telling other people’s, award-winning entertainer Catherine Alcorn is bringing her own to the Glasshouse at Port Macquarie on September 7.

And according to Catherine it’s Cathartic – literally in this case, a clever play on her own name and a chance to tell of her journey from a kid growing up in the 1980s and 1990s to teacher, personal assistant, television producer and her meteoric rise up the cabaret and music ladder to, well, the middle.

“It is my first time ever performing on the Glasshouse stage as myself,” she laughed.

She has been there before and it’s a venue she admits she loves and can’t wait to come back to. And it seems the feeling is mutual.

Catherine won the

STORY-TIME: Catherine Alcorn and some of her band members in their performance Cathartic, which focuses on the singer’s own life. hearts of Glasshouse audiences with performances of The Divine Miss Bette and Go Your Own Way: The Story of Christine McVie in the past but, after a break to start a family, she is ready

to bring this show to Port.

Cathartic is a cabaret confessional of sorts, a chance for Catherine to tell her own stories with the help of a three-piece band and against a background of unique

acoustic rearrangements of songs by everyone from Blondie to Beyonce.

It also shows her range, with music from a variety of genres from jazz, blues, rock ’n’ roll and country – think Led Zeppelin

rubbing shoulders with Miss Celie’s Blues (chosen to highlight a story from when Catherine worked for a famous actress – but you will have to go to see who that was) and Beyonce and all with

a strong story element.

Catherine will deliver a night of laughs and maybe even bring you to tears with her torch songs.

Glasshouse: September 7, from 7.30pm.

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Keen for the long drives

Travelling couple keep an eye on the white ball

Tania Phillips

HAVING A BALL: John and Lee Daley like nothing more than hitting the road with their caravan and seeing the sights of Australia.

Photo: Contributed

RETIREMENT doesn’t mean sitting in a house staring at four walls for ever, according to Yamba couple John and Lee Daley.

In fact, the only four walls John and Lee see on a regular basis are the walls inside their caravan as they head off again on one of their golfing adventures around Australia and NSW. The pair, now in their 70s, are part of a growing group of over 55s who spend a lot of the year following the NSW Veterans’ Golf tour.

They will spend a rare couple of weeks home now to run the Yamba Veterans’ Week of Golf – John is the director, and he, Lee and treasurer Jenny Muir form the organising committee for the event to be held from August 11-16.

“Yamba Veterans’ Week of Golf attracts in the vicinity of 220 golfers and another 20-30 non-playing wives and husbands to the district,” Lee said.

“That’s 250 people in the Clarence Valley for a week, keeping caravan parks and the golf club busy.

“Wednesday is a day off – a chance for them to take a trip around or go shopping.”

While attending the week of golf, players can take in the many sightseeing attractions in the Clarence Valley.

Highlilghts include visiting the nearby townships of Maclean, Iluka, Lawrence, Brushgrove and Ulmarra.

“Yamba Golf and Country Club, situated in the centre of town, is unique as you can walk from your accommodation to the course which is rare these days,” Lee said.

The golf course offers a

challenging layout of undulating fairways, strategic bunker placements and greens that contain subtle breaks and contours.

This is a special year for the Yamba event, which is part of a North Coast circuit that allows golfers to move from town to town up the Coast from Newcastle through to the Queensland border.

“This is our 20th annual event,” Lee said, adding they hoped to make it something special.

The week starts with a meet and greet on the Sunday and then events on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, culminating with a dinner and presentation on the Friday night.

Following the North Coast events, the golf action turns to the west with events from Mudgee, Dubbo out to Broken Hill, down to the Murray and back across the Riverina.

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Dorrigo’s favourite son

Country singer remembered through Musical Memories Tania Phillips BUDDY Williams will once again become Dorrigo’s favourite son in September, thanks to a day of celebration put on by the Dorrigo Historical Society.

“Last September, hundreds of Buddy’s fans celebrated what would have been Buddy’s 100th birthday with a concert in the Dorrigo Showground pavilion,” historical society spokesman Georgie Frogley said.

“We decided to continue celebrating his life again this year with a Musical Memories afternoon in the Megan Hall on September 8.”

The day will start with a barbecue, hosted by members of Coffs Harbour radio station 2 Air FM, as a fundraiser to help keep the station operating.

“So, no need to bring lunch but try the sausage sandwiches and egg and bacon rolls,” Georgie said.

Then sit back and enjoy an entertaining afternoon program.

Local Woolgoolga icon Trevor Day heads the entertainment line-up, with Wauchope’s Marcia Wells adding her country talent to the list.

“Marcia was recently presented in Dubbo with the Dusty Boot award for her contribution to country music,” Georgie said.

Organisers are still looking for more entertainers for the day.

“No payment, just applause,” Georgie said, explaining it was as much about getting the community together to have a fun time and exhibit some of that good old-fashioned country hospitality as it was about celebrating Buddy’s birthday.

“As the afternoon progresses, there will be time for a cuppa and a sharing of some good old country cooking so everyone is asked to contribute to the table.”

LOCAL HISTORY: The plaque unveiled at Dorrigo last year.

Tea and coffee will be supplied.

“A pot luck dinner will be held as the sun sets over Megan... that sounds like a good line for a song,” Georgie said.

“So, a contribution of a dish for the pot luck dinner table Megan-style is all we ask of you.

“Put September 8 on your calendar and plan to join us as we present a

variety afternoon in memory of Aussie legend Dorrigo’s adopted son Buddy Williams.”

To find out more about the event and maybe look at

becoming part of the Historical Society or to be part of the entertainment for the afternoon, phone Georgie on (02) 6657 2120 or/and 0411 439 048.

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Commissioner protects our most vulnerable ‘‘ ADULTS with disability and older people on the Coffs Coast now have a powerful advocate in their corner with the appointment of Robert Fitzgerald AM as NSW’s first Ageing and Disability Commissioner.

The commissioner began work on July 1, tasked with protecting adults with disability and older people from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the strong, independent body would provide support and referral services for local families as well as raise awareness through education programs.

“The commissioner will be given the power to initiate investigations, compel information from individuals or

Disability Services Gareth Ward said it marked an important milestone in the state’s history.

“Never before has our state had a body specifically tasked with investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disability and older people,” Mr Ward said.

“The NSW Government is committed to protecting the vulnerable. We won’t just talk about what can be done – we are delivering real reform that will change lives for the better.”

tasked with protecting adults with disability and older people from abuse,

organisations, as well as apply for and execute search warrants with the assistance of police,” Mr Singh said.

“The commissioner will also have the capacity to help our local community detect cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation through education and awareness programs.”

Multiple public inquiries have highlighted opportunities for

Robert Fitzgerald government to strengthen safeguards for adults with disability and older people.

Minister for Families, Communities and

To get in touch with the Commissioner’s Helpline, phone 1800 628 221 (business hours Monday to Friday) or go to www.ageingdisability commission.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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The end of train travels Tania Phillips IN A shed on a farm above the town of Dorrigo there’s another world – a world of towns, trains and imagination.

This is the world Bill Baggett has created over the past 14 years since coming to Dorrigo to retire and now he’s about to leave it all behind.

“We have just put our farm up for sale – we are hoping that whoever buys it will take the railway with it,” Bill said.

“It took me a year and half just to build the purpose-built 40 foot by 60 foot shed. The track is 1000ft long – one of the longest in Australia.”

While the train layout is worth a substantial amount of money, Bill said he was happy to just let it

go as part of the farm, though after putting so much effort you can’t blame him for hoping it will go to someone who wants it and will continue to build and enjoy it.

It was actually trains that made Bill and his wife choose Dorrigo for their retirement in the first place, leaving a photography business behind in Queanbeyan.

A train enthusiast from his youth, he didn’t really start building model railways properly until the ’70s and ’80s when a posting to Malaysia in the Armed Forces allowed him to buy model trains in Hong Kong.

His life-long interest in trains also put him in touch with other train lovers around Australia and he joined the Dorrigo Railway Museum while

TRAIN ENTHUSIAST: Bill Baggett and his amazing constructions. still living down south.

“In 2000 we retired and decided to come up to Dorrigo for the trains – the big ones and the little ones,” he laughed.

“My mate, who I had

been working on trains with down in Queanbeyan, had already come up here. We’ve been modelling together since 2000.”

Now in their 70s, he

and his wife are moving into town and downsizing – but don’t think that means the end of Bill’s love affair with trains.

He’s hoping to find somewhere big enough so

he can build another track, surrounding miniature industries and towns and continue to enjoy his hobby – just probably not quite so big this time.

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Comedy legend’s radio drama Tania Phillips WRITER, actor and comedian Michael Veitch, 56, has finally caught up to himself.

After playing men in their 50s and 60s back in the D-Gen and Fast Forward years of his 20s, Veitch is still playing middle-aged men 30 years later – but with a lot less make-up.

The talented Melbourne writer is heading to Coffs Harbour on August 9 for a

laugh-out-loud comedy set in the world of live old-time radio dramas, with Veitch playing a comedy legend to Simon Oats’ matinee idol rogue and dashing former Squadron Leader Tony “The Ace” Hamilton.

Veitch said that while there were performances out there where actors just performed old radio scripts, this started as that but developed into so much more.

“Mystery in The Air is a two-handed comedy all

set in the 1940s in the mythical Melbourne Radio station 2UK,” he said.

“It is great fun, we wrote it over the course of a few months.

“We built it and built it up until it was quite long and pared it back to the bare bones.”

The show sees the lives of both men fall apart in the commercial breaks of two radio plays they do over two weeks.

He said one of the plays used within the play is a “schlocky 1940s play

originally written as a vehicle for Peter Lorre” while the other is “Flash Gordon”.

The end result is a fast-paced hour of Veitch and Oats playing their main characters in the commercial breaks and coming back with “a thousand voices” during the plays.

The pair have been touring Mystery In The Air for the past 18 months with a lot of success and sold out seasons in Brisbane and around the

coastal areas earlier this year.

A show like this would be enough to keep most people pretty busy, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg for Veitch.

He is also on his way up to Byron to debut his latest book due out late this month and to run script writing for television workshops.

He also has another one-man play on the go – based on his book from last year, Hell Ship – The Journey of The

Ticonderoga – the story of the efforts of a young Scottish doctor and passengers including a young woman from Mull (Veitch’s great-greatgrandparents James William Henry Veitch and Annie Morrison) to save the passengers from an outbreak of typhus.

For further information about Mystery In The Air or to purchase tickets, please phone the Coffs Harbour Jetty Theatre on (02) 6648 4930.

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COVER STORY

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

Inspiration comes from

This dynamic, gifted woman is known for her extraordinary output of work and brilliant musical compositions Tracey Johnstone ELENA Kats-Chernin AO is bringing to the Opera Australia stage this month the bold life of an iconic Australian artist in the opera Whiteley.

Seniors News spoke to Kats-Chernin on the eve of the world premiere of Whiteley.

It’s late in the evening in Sydney. She has been home from rehearsal for about an hour and already 40 pages of the 800-page orchestral score have been edited. There are another two scenes to be reviewed before the end of the night.

The kitchen table is strewn with hand-written sketches and drafts. She has to push them away to find a corner to eat.

Once the Whiteley opera work is complete, Kats-Chernin will put all the paper in boxes. But then there is another opera waiting to be written.

She’s in bed by 2am then back at work from 5.30am before heading to the rehearsal well before it starts at 10.30am.

There’s always a lot for her to do before and after each rehearsal.

“I am like a machine; I need to work. I make sure I do exercise,” the 61-year-old said.

She uses weights at home each morning and does something, even simple exercises, for about 10 minutes which forces her to engage her muscles.

Kats-Chernin is also mindful of what she eats which includes lots of

healthy food and no sugar.

“Says she who has just had a chocolate,” Kats-Chernin said jokingly.

“But that’s OK because somebody gave it to me and it’s dark chocolate which I like.”

As to using her gym memberships, she admitted: “At the moment I don’t have time because of rehearsals”.

Born in Russia, the child prodigy started playing the piano when she was four and was composing at five.

“I just sat down and played,” she said.

‘‘

He was an iconic artist, interesting, quirky, genius, flawed “I could play anything I saw. I couldn’t read the words, but I could read the music.”

Her music-loving parents didn’t know what had hit them.

“They did everything for me to have good lessons,” she said.

“They got me special teachers because I was very far advanced immediately, so I was bored at normal music school.”

The family moved to Australia in 1975 and Kats-Chernin started at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music.

Her resume is simply

MAKING MUSIC: Whiteley opera composer Elena Kats-Chernin.

Brett Whiteley’s The Balcony 2. outstanding. She has created a huge range of pieces for symphony orchestras across

Photos: Contributed

Australia and overseas and composed pieces for television and film. How many?

Photo: Prudence Upton

Brett Whiteley’s self portrait.

“If only I knew,” she said.

“Sometimes I don’t even remember what I

wrote. Sometimes people will say ‘you know you wrote that piece and it went like this’ and I will

Share the Good News

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Visit seniorsnews.com.au today!

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

COVER STORY

15

the bold and beautiful FAST FACTS

Whiteley’s Opera House.

“It sounds crazy but when working on something so big I need another outlet, something else to write.”

Does she ever think about anything else? “No” is the emphatic answer.

“I am thinking about it all the time because there is always a project. I am always thinking about it because it’s in my blood until something has premiered, and even afterwards I still think I could have done this differently.”

If she’s not composing, Kats-Chernin said her alternative was to clean

Justin Fleming to honour and share the tumultuous story of Brett Whiteley.

“It’s a great subject and inspiring in many ways and very multi-layered,” she said.

“He was an iconic artist, Australian, interesting, quirky, genius, flawed; lots and lots of extreme character features which are inspiring to compose.

“I don’t want to write about somebody who is a goody two-shoes who does beautiful pastels or something.”

It’s been an 18-month project for the Sydney resident. As soon as Fleming’s libretto was in her hands in December 2017, Kats-Chernin started work on the Whiteley score.

She has crafted the score to deal with several themes and changes in pace from conversations, to aria, to the singer or

Elena Kats-Chernin. singers talking to the audience, to them talking to each other.

Woven into the final product are the complexities of fitting the librettist’s work and the voices along with the orchestra and digital backgrounds that make up the complete show.

Whiteley is on at the Sydney Opera House until July 30. More info: opera.org.au.

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have completely forgotten how it went,” Kats-Chernin said.

“I will recover it immediately I hear it, but I forget as every year I write about five hours of music, sometimes more.”

And that is after she has written several versions to find just the right score.

“This year alone I have written a piano concerto for Tamara-Anna Cislowska, called Lebewohl, a piano quartet, a piece for the ACO called A Knock One Night, and many more things.

the house.

“And I don’t want to do that.”

The only time she really takes off is when she visits her grandchildren.

“But, don’t do that very often. For that I wish I had more time because that is very enjoyable,” she said.

There’s no planned date when Kats-Chernin will stop composing.

“There are composers who compose when they are 100. As long as my brain works,” she said.

“I think I will compose as long as I can. It’s another reason why I work every single day.

“I just think ‘who knows what will hit me tomorrow’ so I need to finish what I am doing and I try every day to send something away to my copyist in case something happens and I don’t wake up.”

The prolific and highly acclaimed composer partnered with librettist

Photos: Contributed

Elena Kats-Chernin has created works in nearly every genre including commissions for Ensemble Modern, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, the Adelaide, Tasmanian, Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Swedish Chamber Orchestra and the North Carolina Symphony.

In 2000, she collaborated with leading Australian choreographer Meryl Tankard on Deep Sea Dreaming which was broadcast worldwide as part of the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Her awards include 1996 – Classical Music Awards – Best Composition by an Australian Composer; 2004 Helpmann Awards – Best Original Score; and 2014 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award – joint winner.

She has been the Composer in Residence for the Melbourne and Queensland Symphony Orchestras.

Her first QSO symphony, Symphonia Eluvium for organ, choir and orchestra, commemorated the devastating Queensland floods of January 2011.

PHONE 02 6653 1577 Rebecca O’connor as Tina Turner. August 24 - tickets just $25 Waves Café:

Open from 10am till late each day

EMAIL: info@sawtellrsl.com.au M @ ADDRESS: 38-40 First Avenue Sawtell

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JULY, 2019// SENIORS the gallery space at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery on August 3 and 10 from 10-11am. Rhonda will lead the public through a sound and pictorial method known as ASLA – Accelerated Second Language Acquisition techniques.

Rhonda is an Aboriginal woman with strong family and cultural ties to the Gathang Birpai and Dhanggati Language Nations.

What's on

HEADING ELSEWHERE

THE Elsewhere exhibition features new works created by the celebrated Australian artists Wendy Sharpe and Bernard Ollis during their recent travels through Syria, Iran, Egypt, Morocco and Central Asia.

Wendy Sharpe and Bernard Ollis create art in response to humanity.

During their extensive journeys, they created sketchbooks, drawings and paintings to record conversations and chance meetings with people from all walks of life. On view at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery until September 29 (closed Mondays). Entry is free.

COFFS QUILTERS AND NEEDLECRAFT INC QUILT AND CRAFT SHOW

QUILTS and hand-crafted items, mostly fibrecrafts, will be on show at the Norm Jordan Pavillion, Coffs Harbour on Saturday, August 10 from 10am-4pm. The Quilt and

CARAVAN AND CAMPING SHOW

AUSSIE ARTISTS: Wendy Sharpe, Uzbekistan Scroll 2017, gouache on paper from the exhibition currently on at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie.

Craft Show will feature trading stalls from both crafters and retailers and morning and afternoon teas plus light luncheons will be on offer.

The Coffs Quilters and Needlecraft Inc meets each Thursday at Cavenbah Hall. 9am-noon to enjoy and learn all needlecrafts. Annual fee $20. Weekly fee $4.

SALTWATER FRESHWATER ARTS THIS exhibition will be on display at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery from 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday until September 14. A celebration of Aboriginal arts and culture from the

Mid North Coast: the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations that make up the Saltwater Freshwater region.

The exhibition includes the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal art award and a display of contemporary cultural objects, plus extensive public programs such as storytelling, weaving and language workshops.

IPAD AND BISCUITS

MAKE a booking and come along to the latest in Coffs Harbour Council’s series of free group learning sessions, iPads Learning Circle at Coffs

Harbour Library on July 30 from 10am-noon. Join up with other iPad users to discover various free and paid online storage options for your documents and photos like iCloud, Dropbox, One drive, Google Drive etc.

Bring along your own device or borrow one of theirs and they will work through all things iPad apps.

IMMERSE IN THE LOCAL ABORIGINAL LANGUAGE

BECOME immersed in local Aboriginal Gathang language with Birpai Elder Rhonda Radley in a series of allocated sessions in

The Mid North Coast Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show one of the the Mid North Coast’s leading outdoor events will be held at Wauchope Showground from August 9-11.

With over 165 exhibitors, loads of entertainment for the whole family, 4WD display, camp oven cooking, reptile show, bike show and so much more. Phone (02) 6769 4132.

CLARENCE VALLEY CAMP OVEN FESTIVAL

THE Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival is a feast for the senses on August 16-18. The tastes, the smells, the sights, the sounds, the wonderful feeling of sitting around a camp fire with good food,

good people and good yarns. Come along and enjoy great entertainment, music, street theatre, bush poetry and a variety of working displays including blacksmiths and vintage engines. There’s markets, traditional dance, dog obedience trials, kids activities and more. The Saturday Night Bush Dance is always a highlight and of course there’s the camp oven cooking, demonstrations and competitions.

Armidale Rd, Nymboida.

Phone (02) 6649 4155.

Camping and cabin accommodation available, open campfires permitted.

GLENREAGH TIMBER FESTIVAL

WOODCHOP will again be a feature of the Glenreagh Timber Festival. Other events include: sheepdog trial demos, blacksmithing, post splitting, sleeper cutting and timber crafting will again be included held in Glenreagh from August 13-14. The huge market stall gathering will hold interests for the whole family. Food and drink outlets will be available around the ground, and lots of entertainment for adults and children. Car parking will be plentiful and free on the grounds.

Hello from SCCA …

Brand New Luxury Coastal Retirement Living

Dear Readers, At Sawtell Catholic Care we are keenly aware of the vital role a clear vision and mission play in our organisation’s ability to co -create a quality life experience for every resident. To this end, our vision and mission have recently been reinvigorated, with input and consultation from our community.

Inclusive communities are formed by willing people, generously and intentionally committing themselves to each other for the common good, and showing respect for each other.

Our Vision is for an inclusive community of Christian care. We build and maintain that through our people. People are central to our existence. It is for people that we are in existence. It is through people that we serve our community and the individuals that come to us for care and a connection to a new lifestyle.

Until next month.

Michael Darragh CEO Sawtell Catholic Care

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Our Mission is to care, and actively serve our community with Christian compassion. For over twenty five years, this has been the case at Sawtell Catholic Care, expressed by our motto “We Care”.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

17

Community group guide

WE welcome your community notes please email to: editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au with your pictures.

THE GYPSY ART GROUP

WE WELCOME new members to our weekly art group. Our activities include, art journals, altered books, printmaking, book-binding, collage, watercolour, acrylic, Chinese contemporary art and much more. Come and join us. Art grows when it is shared. We meet each Thursday from 9-11.30am at the Toormina Guide Hall, Minorie Drive, Toormina (opp. library and Aldi).

Just $6 each week. Phone Marion on 0419 660 283.

PORT MACQUARIE & DISTRICTS FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

WE WILL be holding a one day seminar as part of National Family History Month. Guest presenter Kerry Farmer has been teaching family history since 1997. With degrees in both science and the arts, she is a member of the Education Committee of the Society of

Australian Genealogists, and a regular speaker at conferences and other events. Kerry is also the Director of Australian Studies for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Kerry will cover three topics: Convicts from trial to freedom; Lesser known Scottish Resources; A case study using both DNA and traditional resources. On Saturday, August 17 at the CC Mac Adams Music Centre, Gordon St, Port Macquarie (parking at front with wheelchair access) from 9.30am-3pm. Cost: members $25, non-members $30 (includes morning tea).

Registration by August 14.

Bookings essential on 0475 132 804, go to pmdfhs.org.au or find us on Facebook.

PORT MACQUARIE SENIOR CITIZENS FACILITY

NEW linedancing beginners class on Fridays, from 9.30-10.30am, starts

August 2. Dancing in its many forms, including linedancing New Vogue, Rock and Roll and Ballroom, continues to flourish at our facility at 43 Munster Street, Port Macquarie. Seniors interested in linedancing are welcome to learn the basics. Gillian is an experienced and patient teacher and will introduce you to the basic moves and dance styles of linedancing using a range of music genres including country, classic rock, pop and contemporary hits.

Everyone is welcome, from absolute beginners to those who have recently joined or just need a refresher.

Come for one, a few, or all six lessons. The beginners’ class will give you the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence, from even the first lesson, to stay and enjoy the Improver’s classes run by Liz are held on Wednesdays from 1-2.30pm and Fridays from 10am-noon.

This class, like many of the activities held at the centre, is just $2 for members (annual fee is $10 then $5 thereafter) or $5 for non-members, which includes a cuppa and biscuits.

Wear comfortable clothes and stable shoes.

Phone Gillian on

Community notes

STITCHED UP: An amazing display of embroidery spanning 50 years by the Jacaranda Embroidery Group who are planning a special exhibition to coincide with the 2019 Jacaranda Festival.

0411 456 414 or the centre on (02) 6583 7149.

JACARANDA EMBROIDERY GROUP INC.

WE WILL celebrate our 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee this year, and is currently planning a special exhibition to coincide with the 2019 Jacaranda Festival. The exhibition will be held at the Christchurch Cathedral Hall, Duke Street, Grafton from Saturday, October 26 to Saturday, November 2 from 10am-5pm daily. The

venue is opposite Grafton Shoppingworld and is wheelchair accessible.

Entry cost is $4, with all proceeds going to local charities.

A feature of this exhibition will be a display of Goldwork Embroidery worked by our current members.

Efforts also are being made to contact former members with a view of including some of their work in the exhibition.

Convenor: Cindy Smythe, phone (02) 6643 3124.

Exhibition Co-ordinator: Val Hayward, phone (02) 6642 3010.

PROBUS CLUBS

Coffs City WE ADVISE that our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 24, then on Wednesday, August 28 at the Cavanbah Centre Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour at 9.45am for 10am. The guest speaker will be Vince Carroll speaking on Let’s Give Parkinsons the Heave Ho. Morning tea will follow the guest speaker. This club is a friendly mixed gender club and visitors and new members welcome.

Phone Brian on (02) 5619 2484.

Edinburgh Castle to be recreated in Sydney Edinburgh.

The Tattoo has a proud history beginning in 1950 as part of the Edinburgh International Festival; an event that was created, first and foremost, to support the services and arts charities.

The tattoo has only ever left Edinburgh Castle four times.

The show is 90 minutes of breath-taking performances from the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments and military and civilian performers from elsewhere in the UK and

SHOW TIME: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be performing at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, in October. around the world.

The cast involves up to 1400 performers.

With its unique blend of music, ceremony,

entertainment and theatre set against the backdrop of a floodlit Edinburgh Castle, the tattoo is a vivid and intensely emotional display and unfailingly enthrals audience members, symbolising the event that everyone holds dear in their heart.

Four shows only – from Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 19 – at the ANZ Stadium, Sydney.

To book: phone 13 28 49, visit any Ticketek outlet or go to edinburghtattoo sydney.com.au/tickets.

David Helfgott

Joseph Tawadros (with James Tawadros) Ensemble Q • Wilson*Zwartz*Dewhurst*Stuart Suzanne Sherrington and Lachlan Wilkins • Acacia Quartet Bellingen Youth Orchestra • The Academy • A Chorus of Choirs

26-29 September

FULL PROGRAM AND TICKETS ONLINE AT

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THE brooding, magnificent Castle is an unbeatable backdrop to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

A 1:1 scale Edinburgh Castle has been built to stage the 2019 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo spectacular.

The replica castle is a massive 29 metres high and 80 metres across, complete with the figures of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce standing guard over proceedings.

This beautifully designed set is so lifelike, it will transport the audience back to

Live events staged at 1000 seat historic heritage theatre with wonderfuL acoustics, air conditioning, comfortabLe seating and superb Line of sight.

Home

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an afternoon at the proms

the mccLymonts

tenori

saturday 27th JuLy 2019

saturday 3rd august 2019

sunday 27th october 2019

thursday 31st october 2019

friday 22nd november 2019

of the

Big Live Shows

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NEWS

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

NEWS

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WELLBEING

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

Step out with support Footwear facts to ensure you are wearing the right shoe BRAND INSIGHTS

AS WE get older our feet health changes – so the choices of our footwear should also change.

Podiatry Australia ambassador Charlotte Bodell said we should be thinking about support, comfort, the weight of the shoes, affordability and removable foot bed if you are wearing orthotics.

It’s also important you understand what foot problems you have, such as diabetic neuropathy, and whether you can bend down to tie shoelaces, before buying shoes.

If you have just come out of surgery, then you may need to wear slip-on shoes.

“Good slip-on shoes are Propet and Skechers,” Ms Bodell suggests.

“When you are looking at good shoes, you need to look at motion control, if it’s breathable, lightweight material and has cushioning or support for the foot,” she adds.

“Motion control is the amount of stability the shoe can provide when you are walking.”

If you are over pronate and the mid-foot drops, the vernacular bone can sometimes protrude.

“If that is prominent there can be a lot rubbing and a lot of hard skin can form on that bony area.

So, you need to make sure it is cushioned as well,” Ms Bodell said.

Breathability is important if you prone to fungus or tinea.

If you have bunions, you need to ensure the shoe is wide enough and

HAPPY FEET: When you are looking at good shoes, you need to look at motion control, if it’s breathable, lightweight material, comfortable and has cushioning or support for the foot.

Photo: Branimir76

flexible in the forefoot.

The fat pad gets reduced over the years particularly if you have been on your feet for most of your working life.

“The fat pad moves away from the bony areas and then causes calluses,” Ms Bodell said when explaining why cushioning is an important consideration.

■ At home Wearing a slip-on shoe with a Velcro strap to help to secure the foot is the best option.

But, if you still want to wear a slip-on, then make sure the outsole is non-slip.

‘‘

Motion control is the amount of stability the shoe can provide when you are walking.

It can help to also have a heel of about 1cm on your indoor shoes.

“That will help the ankle joint get into a neutral position and put less pressure on the knees and lower back,” she said.

■ Out and about Ecco, Hush Puppies, Skechers and Zierra – all of them good leather shoes which are wide,

deep and with a stable heel cup.

“If you get the heel cup of a shoe and you hold it in your hand so you are looking at the toes, mid-foot and heel,” Ms Bodell said.

“Then put your finger on the heel counter and press it in. If you can move it and it’s soft, then it’s not good as it’s not

holding your heel in position. You want it quite firm.”

For an orthopaedic shoe, Ms Bodell recommends Dr Comfort, Propet and Orthofeet.

■ On the go The material of the outsole is key to a good walking shoe.

“You don’t want a hard, stiff shoe,” she said.

“The only part of the foot that is supposed to move is the mid-foot where the arches move a little, little bit, but the ball of your foot moves the most because you need to able to propulse off when you are walking.”

Velcro-top trainers from New Balance, Brooks Dyad and Saucony are options.

The Hoka One shoe offers a lace-up shoe with a thicker cushioning and is good for when you are recovering from a foot injury.

■ Getting fit help Your podiatrist or GP can provide a contact for your local orthotist who can come to you to help you work out what is the best shoe style and fit to suit your foot health.

For more information on footwear, go to podiatry.org.au.

Port Podiatry Clinic

Sarah Hemsley and Noesja Hyland

Nail Surgery, Biomechanics and Orthotics And Diabetes/Vascular Foot Assessments, General Foot Care

Phone: (02) 6583 1601

7019749aa

90 Lord St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

21

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

Lights of Iceland

A dazzling experience PAGES 24-25

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JULY, 2019// SENIORS over 36 years’ experience in the travel industry, The 13-day tour if you want to travel in the safety of a group. The tour meets in Brisbane before travelling on the Spirit of Queensland to Cairns.

Along the way spend three-nights at the gorgeous Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, three nights in paradise at The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and three nights at the luxurious Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. Tour cost is from $3580 per person. Info: sealink.com.au or phone (08) 8202 8608.

TRAVEL BRIEFS

CRUISE WITH THE WINEMAKERS

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line’s Meet the Winemaker returns in the 2019/2020 season. Wine enthusiasts will meet winemakers and other experts through seminars and activities including open-forum discussions, meet-and-greets, intimate wine tastings and wine-paired dinners, interactive cooking demonstrations and educational sessions.

Each cruise features vintages chosen by experts and on board for the exclusive events.

Wine experiences range from US$19.95 to US$60 per person plus tax, and gratuity. Info: phone Norwegian Cruise on 1300 255 200 or visit ncl.com.

TOUR WHITE CLIFFS AND OPAL FIELDS

THE desert landscape of White Cliffs disguises the value that lies hidden underground; it’s one of the richest opal fields on earth. Experience the local’s way of life with a two-night stay in the Underground Dugout Motel. Enjoy a rich touring experience through the silver city of Broken Hill, overlook Cobar’s first gold mine and visit Coonabarabran’s Crystal Kingdom. The All Australian Journeys tour goes for six days, and departs both Brisbane and The Hunter. Costs start at $2599 per person. Info: phone 1300 631 383 or visit aaj.com.au.

GO OFF-TRAIN ON GREAT SOUTHERN TOUR

GREAT Southern’s new immersive Off Train Excursions including wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, visiting the 12 Apostles, lunch with a view from Melbourne’s Eureka Skydeck followed by a laneways tour, Canberra’s War Memorial and Parliament House, exploring the wilderness of the Grampians and beachside dining. There will be 16 departures from Adelaide for Brisbane, starting in December.

Fares start at $1649 per person for Gold Single accommodation, $1829 per person for Gold Twin and $3899 per person for Platinum. Info: journeybeyondrail. com.au/journeys/ great-southern.

SUITE SALE ON REGENT CRUISES

REGENT Seven Seas Cruises have an offer of up to 55 per cent off 2019 sailings to the turquoise shores, glistening sunset

YULETIDE MARKET RIVER CRUISE

TRAIN TRAVEL: Great Southern has launched a range of off-train excursions. horizons and rugged landscapes of some of the world’s most unique destinations including the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Asia, Alaska, and the South Pacific. Check out Alaska: Seward to Vancouver, August 14-21, save 55 per cent; The Baltics: Oslo to Stockholm, August 20-30, save 25 per cent; Mediterranean: Athens to Barcelona, October 16-26, save 30 per cent; Asia: Singapore to Singapore, December 6-20, save 47 per cent; South Pacific: Los Angeles to Papeete, December 5-23, save 46 per cent. Info: RSSC.com or phone 1300 455 200 or contact your preferred travel agent.

CANADA, ALASKA, USA WITH SCENIC

THE 2020 Canada, Alaska and USA Scenic brochure is out with great value offers.

One night stops have been removed wherever possible in favour of longer stays at each destination point Included is New Scenic Enrich options have been added, including a visit to one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves in Jasper, and an incredible wildlife walk with local nature experts. Scenic is offering until 30 September 2019 partner flights included, fly Premium Economy from $2595 per person, fly Business Class from $5995 per person, book now and pay in full by September 30 to secure an additional discount of $600 per couple for all tours of 19 days or longer or discount of $300 per couple for tours of 9-18 days (conditions apply).

Info: scenic.com.au or phone 138 128.

WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

THE ways to travel in Egypt are many and varied

from camels to feluccas, luxury cruise ships to dahabiyas and safari jeeps. Bunnik Tours’ small group guided and indpendent tours has 30 Egypt and Middle East 2020 experiences to choose from. Experience more than UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites across six countries and 35 cities. Info: bunniktours.com.au/ Egypt-MiddleEast-Tours.

GO BOATING IN HOLLAND

THE canals and cycling paths that run throughout Holland paint an iconic picture of this stunning country. There are over 269 waterways in Holland so why try exploring them by water and by land with a Le Boat cruise. They will customise the perfect itinerary and offer plenty of pre-paid extras to choose from which include prepayment of the engine hours fee, collision damage waiver (CDW), boat cleaning and bicycle rental (one). Prices start from $1759 boat only (aboard a single cabin budget boat for one week). Info: Leboat.com.au/boating -holidays/netherlands/ holland

SMALL GROUP TOURING IN THE USA

BACK-Roads Touring has announced new small-groups tours to North America, with seven itineraries on offer for 2020. The new itineraries include Classic California Coast, A Taste of Northern California, Canyons of the Southwest, Heart of the Deep South, Historic America: Freedom and the Civil War, and Charming New England. Some of the highlights of the new tours include the historic Mt Washington Cog Railway, a tantalising food tour of

New Orleans’ French Quarter and walking in the footsteps of the soldiers who served in the American Civil War at the Gettysburg Battlefield.

Info: backroadstouring.com.

MAKE IT A WEEKEND IN MAITLAND

JUST two hours from Sydney and 40 minutes from Newcastle, the Maitland region has a rich history, emerging food scene, thriving arts community, boutique accommodation and is packed events calendar.

The Maitland Aroma Festival is August 10-11.

The warm aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, rich melted chocolate and decadent dishes descend on Maitland during this festival. The riverside come alive, allowing rugged up visitors to enjoy some of the most indulgent products from across the entire Hunter Region and beyond as local entertainers take to the stage to create a light, celebratory atmosphere.

Info: mymaitland.com.au/ whats-on/maitlandaroma.

ESCAPE THIS CHRISTMAS

ALBATROSS Tours has 12 Christmas European small-group tours to choose from, all departing mid-December. There are tours to Slovenia, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.They usually start with a few nights in one of Europe’s grand historic cities before escaping to snow clad mountains and celebrating Christmas between three and six-nights nights in nostalgic, charming hotels. The tour groups explore local picturesque towns and villages, Christmas Markets, ancient monasteries and fairytale castles. Info:

www.albatrosstours .com.au.

SOLO IN GREECE

EXPERIENCE Greece on a solo-only tour for ages 40 and over with Encounter Tours.

Departing Thessaloniki for nine-day tour, travel to Athens along the way discovering the highlights and not so well known but delightful stops including Meteora, Delphi and more. There’s in-depth discovery of Athens and a day out on the island of Hydra. Arriving into Athens enjoy a three-night stay with highlights including a gastronomic walking tour with a grazing luncheon, an visit to the Acropolis, along with dinner admiring the night time view to the Acropolis. The land cost is $4775 in a single room, less $300 for early bookings. Info: encountertravel.com.au.

DRIVE IN LUXURY

EXPLORE the UK in a Bentley, follow the French countryside in a luxury convertible, or get your adrenaline pumping on the German Autobahn in a speedy sports coupe.

Driveaway have a wide range of high-end vehicles with the choice of brands such as Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes, Porsche, Range Rover and more to choose from in various locations worldwide. Info: driveaway.com.au or phone 1300 363 500.

QUEENSLAND ESCORTED TOUR

SEALINK is offering its Follow the Winter Sun in Queensland escorted tour departing September 22.

Explore Queensland’s countryside by train, travelling along the picturesque coastline and enjoying island stopovers along the way. Escorted by Shirley Tamm who has

EUROPEAN river cruise line Riviera Travel has a new Yuletide market sailing on the Danube, with solo travellers not having to pay single supplements in selected cabins. The six-day Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets will sail on November 30.

Travelling from Budapest to Vienna and back passengers will immersed in the traditional, storybook charm of Christmas markets with their twinkling lights, colourful decorations, baked gingerbread, hot mulled wine, handcrafted nutcrackers and alluring gifts to buy loved ones.

Info: phone Cruise Traveller 1800 507 777, or go to rivieratravel.com.au.

QANTAS FREQUENT FLYERS PROGRAM OVERHAULED

THE Qantas Frequent Flyers program is being updated with the changes to rolled out the next 12 months. They will include adding more than one million extra reward seats available annually on Qantas and new partner airlines, slashing carrier charges which are the additional costs associated with flights booked with points by up to 50 per cent on international bookings, changing the points required for reward seats on domestic and international flights including an up to 10 per cent reduction in the number of points required for international economy Classic Reward seats, increasing the points required for upgrades and Classic Reward seats in premium cabins to better reflect the value of this premium experience, creating a new tiered Points Club program to better reward members who earn most of their points through on-the-ground transactions and introducing Lifetime Platinum status.,

23

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

The Ghan Station.

at

Darwin

The Ghan Explorer departs from Darwin, March and October.

‘‘

AWESOME: At first sight, the 900 metal snake metres of The Ghan stretching away from the Darwin train station is awe inspiring.

The isolated outback town of Coober Pedy has long been on my bucket list...

An epic Aussie rail journey Kerry Heaney IT’S A trip that will take you from one side of the continent to the other through Australia’s red heart in absolute comfort all the way.

From first sight, the 900 metal snake metres of The Ghan stretching away from the Darwin train station is awe inspiring.

When your cabin is in carriage Q, it is also a long walk. Luckily, The Ghan offers transport to your carriage if you prefer.

That’s just one of the many thoughtful gestures that make travelling on this iconic journey a real pleasure.

The Ghan Explorer is a

four-day and three-night trip that departs each week from Darwin between March and October.

It heads out on a 2979km journey through Australia’s rugged outback, stopping to offer passengers experiences along the way.

I boarded the train with my iPad loaded with plenty of books and Netflix shows, ready to relax in my seat and watch the world roll by.

At the end, I realised I need not have bothered as sitting in the cabin was last on the list of top train activities.

From day one and the first stop at Katherine, to cruising up Nitmiluk Gorge

to view the stunning red cliffs silhouetted against the bright blue sky, the options were many, varied and all included in the journey.

With options for activity levels, the tours took passengers to see destinations well away from the train stops via buses.

From sedate to more adventurous, including an optional flight over Uluru, passengers have plenty of choices to see the outback their way.

There is also no chance that you will starve on this trip.

The elegant Queen Adelaide dining car is full of old-fashioned charm and warm hospitality while

the meals and wines are included in the fare.

As the train traverses the country, the menu reflects the region with crocodile sausages in Darwin, kangaroo in Alice Springs and Barossa gammon (ham) in Adelaide.

Feeling peckish between meals? The lounge car is the place to go for a cappuccino and morning tea or pre-dinner drink.

Day two on the journey sees the train pull in for a full day at Alice Springs.

Passengers head off on buses to explore the town and surrounds and finish with a starlit evening meal at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

It’s an outback barbecue with a rollicking local band that has many dancing the night away.

The isolated outback town of Coober Pedy has long been on my bucket list, and I was not disappointed by this quirky underground treasure.

The lunar-like landscape of the opal minefields, the spacious underground houses, the magnificence of Breakaway Conservation Park and the famed dog fence left me with lasting impressions.

Back on the train for the overnight journey into Adelaide, I enjoyed sharing memories with new-found friends over

dinner and drifting off to sleep with the gentle rock of the rails.

As The Ghan heads into its 90th year, it certainly deserves a place on every Australian’s bucket list as a unique way to explore the heartland of Australia.

See more of Kerry’s journeys at www. eatdrinkandbekerry.net.

Top tips ■ Pack light because storage is limited ■ Choose comfortable clothes for weather conditions ■ If you prefer your own company or want dinner for two rather than a shared table, choose an 8-8.30pm dining time ■ Internet is sketchy, so download before you go.

Australian sensory tours for the sight impaired TRAVLLERS with sight loss can now visit iconic east coast tourism sites regularly with accessible adventures that eliminate sightseeing and deliver experiences using other senses.

Sensory short breaks is a new product launched

by Cocky Guides, Australia’s first tactile and sensory tour operator for the blind and low vision community. The company offers sensory short breaks that range from two to four days.

The tours start from

Sydney, butassistance can be given with inquiries from people living in other locations. If, for example, a traveller is from from Brisbane, a guide can be sent to meet them and assist with getting them to Cairns for the start of that tour.

Destinations include Port Douglas, Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Canberra, Snowy Mountains, Melbourne, Lake Mountain, Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula.

Sydney-sider Katie Best

a recent traveller and low vision community member, had a great time on a sensory short break to Port Douglas with Cocky Guides.

“I have just had the best holiday in ages,” she said. “I honestly didn’t want it to end. The activities were fantastic, and the support was amazing. I am now counting down to my next adventure.”

Details & costs: 1300 657 640 or go to cockyguides.com.au.

SENSORY TOURS: Indigenous Guide demonstrating the plating of a leaf for two travellers.

Photo: Peter Killick

24

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

The lagoon, Jokulsarlon, had an ethereal beauty about it at twilight.

NATURE’S GREATNESS: Gullfoss, a waterfall in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland.

Photos: Yvonne Gardiner

Nowhere else on earth

Our travelling retirees John and Yvonne Gardiner take their journeys to another level when they walk through the snow, ice, caves and waterfalls of Iceland

ICELAND has the most dramatic scenery of any country I’ve visited. Its diversity of attractions is breathtaking.

Raging waterfalls, soaring geysers, snow-capped mountains, stunted birch trees, vast glaciers and a picture-perfect coastline make this big island entirely unforgettable.

It’s not a place where I’d like to drive, as the weather can change quickly, producing dangerous icy conditions and gale-force winds. Far better to book one of the many expert tours led by knowledgeable guides.

In nine days, my travelling companion and I had time to complete the Golden Circle tour, seeing a host of major tourist sites, plus overnight stays on the south and west coasts.

Hunting for the northern lights (or aurora borealis) was thrown in at every available opportunity.

Expect to stay up late, or be woken during the night, if you’re keen to see this most spectacular of the world’s wonders.

The nighttime tours

Dramatic scenery is everywhere you look in Iceland. included a cup of warming hot chocolate, which was very welcome when the temperature dipped below

zero and we’d been outside the bus for a good hour gazing at the sky.

Trust me, when that

coloured light dances across the sky, the experience is worth all the discomfort.

Iceland, known as “the land of ice and fire”, is a destination that offers any number of energetic

25

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

This famous fountain geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 6-10 minutes.

A supremely graceful waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, on the south coast of Iceland.

Jokulsarlon, also known as the glacier lagoon, is one of the most awe-inspiring and popular places in Iceland.

The Saga Museum in Reykjavik reveals the island’s Viking heritage.

like land of fire and ice

Sapphire blue ice caves vary in size and shape, and change daily. adventures.

As a senior with a dodgy back, I was hesitant to visit the blue

ice cave.

As it turned out, the trip wasn’t as strenuous as I’d imagined, requiring a

speedy ride in a super-jeep across the glacier – accompanied by the rousing AC/DC hit

Highway to Hell – then a slow walk across the ice wearing crampons, and short climbs up and down

steps at the cave.

It’s no wonder the unique and other-worldly Icelandic landscapes have been the backdrop to countless TV series and movies, including Game of Thrones, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Star Wars, Tomb Raider, Thor and Noah.

Many scenes in two James Bond movies were shot in Iceland, taking in amazing snowboarding and an epic car chase across the frozen glacier lagoon, meandering between giant blue icebergs.

The lagoon, Jokulsarlon, had an ethereal beauty about it at twilight.

Dozens of slowly melting icebergs jutted out of the river, with the glacier in the background and the sea in front.

Afterwards we drove through miles and miles of snow and moss-covered lava, punctuated by high mountains and glaciers, wide rivers, brown grasslands and small settlements.

Our west coast tour guide, Christian, was a

rock-loving bikie with leather waistcoat and long, grey hair.

He showed his six passengers sputtering geysers, an isolated church, towering waterfalls, a lava cave, and yet more stunning scenery.

In November the capital, Reykjavik, was a delightful scene of pre-Christmas sparkle.

A plethora of toy trolls of all shapes and sizes populated the shelves among the souvenirs.

A visit to the Saga Museum gave us a fascinating insight into the island’s heritage, beginning with the Viking settlers, in a series of tableaux containing wax figures.

A rare treat before we caught the plane out of Iceland was a few hours’ dip in the fabulous Blue Lagoon, a gigantic thermal heated pool complete with bar and restaurant.

Said to contain healing qualities, the lagoon was a perfect finale to a captivating journey through an amazing country.

26

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

Pretty postcards from Paris DON’T MISS

Graeme Wilson PARIS is renowned as the city of love – and on both my visits I’ve fallen head over heels.

The object of my desire hasn’t been a beguiling French beauty, but the city itself.

Whenever I visit a new destination, my priority is to get out and explore by foot, and Paris is the perfect place to wander in wonderment.

Day and night, its streets are filled with unexpected treats around every corner, with its rich history evident wherever you roam, be it from Montmartre to the Marais or Bastille to Belleville.

And if you’re not up for a walk, there’s always the option to jump on board and take in the sights from the comfort of one of the many vessels gliding up and down the Seine.

I’m not a student of architecture, but more than once during my treasured time in the city I have found myself staring at a charming building of unknown origin just marvelling at its exquisite design.

❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚

DELICIOUS: JulesVerne Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower will help make you feel special on your birthday.

Photo: Graeme Wilson

When it comes to iconic landmarks, Paris shines bright – with the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur and Louvre featuring in literally millions of annual holiday selfies by visitors from across the world.

And around-the-clock restoration efforts are bringing legendary Notre Dame back to life after the devastating fire that destroyed its roof and famous spire earlier this year.

The arts in their varying

forms are proudly celebrated in Paris, and any refinement I possess owes much to cultural beacons such as the Opera Bastille and Musee d’Orsay.

On my latest visit, I declined queuing for

hours for a fleeting glimpse of da Vinci’s Mona Lisa at the Louvre, but instead put that time to good use at the Picasso Museum where I gained new appreciation for the unique work of the Spanish master.

Eiffel Tower Arc de Triomphe Sacre-Coeur Louvre Picasso Museum

If the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach, then that goes a long way to explaining my deep affection for Paris.

The myriad patisseries and boulangeries have played a key role in fuelling the dawn-to-dusk sampling of all the city has to offer this latter-day Antipodean explorer, and no visit is complete without a little people-watching over a coffee and croissant at a corner cafe.

I’m a little less comfortable in fine-dining environments, but a milestone birthday treat sampling the culinary pleasures of the Jules Verne restaurant high up in the Eiffel Tower is etched in my memory.

Such memories of Paris will live with me forever with these photos a lasting reminder of my love affair with the city.

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

27

7 ways to control anger LEARNING to control your anger before it takes control of you is the first step in combating other issues, such as family and domestic violence.

Being angry can give us the energy to deal with difficult and sometimes threatening situations so it’s important to be able to feel anger occasionally, says director of Psychological Services at Wesley Hospital Kogarah, Dr John Kearney.

His tips for managing anger are: Early warning signs Anger often escalates rapidly; you can lose your temper before you are even aware of it. There are physiological and cognitive changes that occur as you become angrier, such as getting hot in the face and a faster heartbeat. By recognising these changes as they occur, it

will become easier to manage your anger before it gets out of hand.

The triggers Acknowledging what triggers your anger can help you avoid it in the future and allow you to identify what you should do to change your reaction in a particular situation. .

Reduce tension When angry, your heart and blood pressure increase and blood flow is redirected towards the major muscle groups. To reduce bodily tension, do muscle relaxation exercises by slowly tensing and relaxing each muscle group in the body, or take part in physical exertion such as cycling or running.

Know when to withdraw When you realise you are becoming very angry or are in danger of losing control, the best thing to do is to walk away from

Wellbeing

MANAGE ANGER: These tips will support successful long-term management of anger. the situation. Doing so will prevent you from saying things that you might regret or from becoming potentially violent, such as threatening someone near you by slapping, shoving or pushing.

Use distraction strategies Your thoughts become narrow when angry, resulting in illogical thinking. You can resolve

Seeking volunteers for dementia study THE new StepUp for Dementia Research service is seeking volunteers willing to help shape the future and success of dementia research.

StepUp is an innovative online matching method of connecting people with dementia and researchers.

This ground-breaking approach will help deal with one of the biggest challenges for researchers; finding and keeping research participants.

The service aims to better outcomes for people with dementia. It will fast-track more effective and inclusive dementia research across Australia.

A volunteer’s input now will greatly benefit generations to come as authorities come to terms with dealing with this condition that is the second-highest cause of death in

this by diverting your attention to the environment around you and concentrating on something nearby in detail, or by counting your breaths.

Challenge angry thoughts When angry thoughts arise, ask yourself a series of questions that challenge the truth and reasoning behind your

thoughts. For example, if you begin thinking negatively of your spouse leaving dirty dishes in the sink, or being stuck in an unpleasant social situation, ask yourself how logical, realistic or useful it is to think that way.

Avoid spreading anger through social media Before you post an angry tweet or publish an

Photo: Tuned_In

enraged Facebook story, make sure it is not a product of your irrational thoughts. Anger spreads more virally than other emotions – so people are more likely to react, getting yourself or someone else in trouble.

The consequences of exploiting anger on social media can be dire, from loss of a job to even criminal charges.

WINTER IS

NOT TO BE SNE EEZEDAT If you’re over 65, getting the flu can lead to serious problems. A free flu shot specially designed for people aged 65 years and over is available to provide better protection.

DEMENTIA RESEARCH: Join an innovative program connecting people with dementia and researchers.

Photo: Zoran Zeremski

Australia.

Go to dementiaresearch.org.au.

From there you will be connected with any studies that suit your situation.

Info: phone 1800 7837 123.

Book ahead for your free flu shot

Wash hands properly

Cough into your elbow

Stay away from others who are sick

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WELLBEING

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

Choosing the right shoe Tracey Johnstone AS WE get older, our foot health changes so the choices of our footwear should also change.

Podiatry Australia ambassador Charlotte Bodell says we should be thinking about support, comfort, the weight of the shoes, affordability, and removable foot bed if wearing orthotics.

It’s also important you understand what foot problems you have and whether you can bend down to tie shoelaces, before buying shoes.

If you have just come out of surgery, then you may need to wear slip-on shoes. “Good slip-on shoes are Propet and Skechers,” Ms Bodell said.

“When you are looking at good shoes, you need to look at motion control, if it’s breathable, lightweight material and has cushioning or support for the foot,” she said.

“Motion control is the amount of stability the shoe can provide when you are walking.”

If you over-pronate and the mid-foot drops, the vernacular bone can sometimes protrude.

“If that is prominent there can be a lot rubbing and a lot of hard skin can form on that bony area.

So, you need to make sure it is cushioned as well,” Ms Bodell said.

Breathability is critical if you are prone to fungus or tinea.

If you have bunions, you need to ensure the shoe is wide enough and flexible in the forefoot.

The fat pad gets reduced over the years, particularly if you have been on your feet for most of your working life.

“The fat pad moves away from the bony areas and then causes

BEST FOOT FORWARD: It might be time for you to change your shoe choices to suit the changes in your feet. calluses,” Ms Bodell said, explaining why cushioning is important.

At home Wearing a slip-on shoe with a Velcro strap to help to secure the foot is the best option. But, if you still want to wear a slip-on, then make sure the outsole is non-slip.

It can help to also have a heel of about 1cm on your indoor shoes. “That will help the ankle joint get into a neutral position and put less pressure on the knees and lower back,” Ms Bodell said.

Out and about Ecco, Hush Puppies, Skechers and Zierra – all have good leather shoes which are wide, deep and

with a stable heel cup.

“Get the heel cup of a shoe and you hold it in your hand so you are looking at the toes, mid-foot and heel,” Ms Bodell said. “Then put your finger on the heel counter and press it in. If you can move it and it’s soft, then it’s not good as it’s not holding your heel in position. You want it quite firm.”

For an orthopaedic shoe, Ms Bodell recommends Dr Comfort, Propet and Orthofeet.

On the go The material of the outsole is key to a good walking shoe.

“You don’t want a hard, stiff shoe,” she said. “The

only part of the foot that is supposed to move is the mid-foot, where the arches move a little, little bit, but the ball of your foot moves the most because you need to able to propulse off when you are walking.”

Velcro-top trainers from New Balance, Brooks and Saucony are options. The Hoka One shoe offers a lace-up option with a thicker cushioning and is good when recovering from a foot injury.

Help with fitting Your podiatrist or GP can recommend a local orthotist who can come to you to work out what is the best shoe style and fit.

Be Treated Like Family

A proper fit ensures healthy and safe activity.

Photo: NickyLloyd

RESPITE WELCOME

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We welcome you to call us anytime to find out more about our services.

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Ph: 02 6642 3255

Photo: Dean Mitchell

hallprior.com.au

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

WELLBEING

29

Quality care and support Connecting with the community with caring staff and environment

BRAND INSIGHTS CARING for people is something that comes naturally for Leah Kelly, Director of Just Better Care Mid North Coast.

“Ever since I started working in patient services in the local hospital when I was in high school, there was this natural sense of belonging in a caring environment,” Leah said.

Fast forward to 2019 and Leah now owns and operates Just Better Care Mid North Coast, an Aged Care and Disability provider on the Mid North Coast.

For Leah this was the cultivation of many years working in community care.

“I actually started with Just Better Care in 2005 when it opened its first office.”

From there it has grown into 35 offices around Australia.

“For seven years my role was working with

these 35 local offices, providing support on how to provide quality in-home support and care.”

Throughout her career, Leah identifies that there is one theme that always stands out – “quality care is a combination of staff that have a passion for caring and always go above and beyond their job description, and a local office that connects with the community, which enables clients to make the most out of life”.

What does Leah love most about providing in-home care? The people!

“The stories we listen to from our customers and staff make this the best job anyone could ask for,” she said.

“It’s also about making a difference in people’s lives. We have many customers with little or no family support, and we are often the only point of contact that they have in their community.

“This really highlights the importance of

recruiting quality staff, but also that we at Just Better Care have a natural flair for listening and caring.”

Leah will pass on her knowledge by presenting a number of seminars on the Mid North Coast, to educate the community around in-home care in August and September.

These seminars were developed based on the fact that many people starting their journey in in-home aged care have little understanding of the process.

“We had a stall at Seniors Week and there was this overwhelming response of confusion because of a lack of understanding.”

After a huge amount of positive feedback, Leah has decided to expand these seminars in more local areas.

For seminar info in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Laurieton area, phone Leah on (02) 6590 1060 or email mailmnc@just bettercare.com.

COMMUNITY CARE: Leah Kelly, Director of Just Better Care Mid North Coast.

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30

FEATURE

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

DENTAL WEEK

Discussing some common gum disease questions If gingivitis persists periodontitis sometimes develops.

The part of the gum that seals to the tooth is weakened and spaces form between the tooth and the gum.

These spaces are called periodontal pockets.

Without treatment periodontitis leads to irreversible bone loss.

Teeth can become loose and maybe lost.

Is gum disease common?

Gum disease affects most people at some time during their life.

Can gum disease be cured?

“Gingivitis is reversible though often this requires professional help.

Sometimes it can be achieved with an oral hygiene routine at home and sometimes it can’t,” Dr Pushkarev said.

“Once bone is lost it cannot currently be

effectively replaced, however periodontal disease can be stabilised and we can usually stop further gum recession and bone loss.”

What are some of the signs of gum disease?

■ Swollen, sore or bleeding gums or gums that are shrinking away from your teeth ■ Bleeding which may take time to settle when you brush or floss ■ Loose teeth (you should contact your dental professional immediately as this can be a sign of more advanced gum disease)

While it’s important to watch out for warning signs, only a dental professional can diagnose gum disease and recommend a treatment plan to reverse or stabilise it (that’s one reason why routine dental visits are important).

DENTAL PROFESSIONAL: Dr Oleg Pushkarev from Fresh Dental Care.

7023622ab

IN AUSTRALIA, advanced gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults.

What is gum disease?

‘Gum disease’ and ‘periodontal disease’ are names given to a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the gums, the deeper connective tissues and the jawbone, which support and protect the teeth.

There are two stages of gum disease: early gum disease (gingivitis), and more advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

Gingivitis is the inflammation that occurs when dental plaque builds up on the teeth near where they join the gums.

It may be reversed through proper oral hygiene.

Dr Pushkarev explains that if you’re dealing with gingivitis, “this stage hasn’t yet affected the bone”.

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

31

Aveo recipes taste better BRAND INSIGHTS YOU may have heard that food in retirement and aged care communities is not very good.

So had leading retirement and aged care community operator Aveo, which is determined to change the industry standards for all senior Australians.

Aveo has been working with Nutrition Professionals Australia to set new standards in the kitchen so its residents enjoy meals that not only taste great, but meet their changing needs as they age.

“We understand that food plays an important part in helping to maintain independence and bringing friends and family together,” an Aveo spokesperson said.

“That’s why, at Aveo, residents come together over good food in our dining rooms, surrounded by a feeling of wellbeing.

“We want older

Delicious lamb korma.

Australians to feel empowered by good food and be inspired to cook simple and healthy meals at home.”

Aveo has taken its mission one step further by asking its executive chef John Casey and Nutritional Professionals Australia to work together to create the Live Life Cook cookbook to meet the idea that eating well should be easy and that with the right preparation it can be.

Live Life Cook features more than 50 simple recipes, beautiful photos of finished dishes and

Living

easy-to-find ingredients.

It draws on the 30 years of experience of John Casey, who began his professional career as as chef at one of Melbourne’s iconic five-star hotels.

He has since gone on to successfully represent Australia at the Culinary Olympics in Germany, where he was awarded a gold medal.

He has worked with chefs such as Stephanie Alexander and elite athletes such as Cathy Freeman and nurtured a passion for innovation in food quality and nutrition.

Full of cooking tips and tricks, delicious and nutritious recipes, Live Life Cook will empower the country’s active seniors to keep cooking well into the future.

The perfect gift for family members and friends is available now for $29.95.

To purchase a copy, go to aveo.com.au/food/ aveo-cookbook.

HEALTHY MEALS AT HOME: Enjoy a tasty freekah pomegranate kale salad from the Aveo cook book.

A WISER way to approach dementia A WISER way to provide dementia support is flourishing, thanks largely to the work of a Hannam Vale woman.

Jade Sinclair has been at the forefront of re-defining how to provide effective assistance to people living with cognitive impairment and those that care for them.

She’s been a major player in the adaptation in Australia of Montessori-based support for dementia.

Thanks to her work with Mid-North Coast not-for-profit Omnicare Alliance, Jade has helped transform the lives of many living with the condition and their loved ones.

The 35-year-old has driven The WISER Approach, which focuses on recognising, accommodating and incorporating the interests, abilities, background and needs of individuals into their daily routines.

Her Omnicare role involves developing and delivering WISER professional and carer training and education programs.

“I’ve worked in the aged care sector almost all my adult life,” Jade explains.

‘‘

What we’ve done is taken a more holistic approach to dementia support.

“I reached the point a few years ago where I was so disillusioned with the lack of dignity afforded to elderly residents, that I said to myself: “Either this changes, or I’m going to quit this kind of work and go make coffees instead.”

Thankfully, Jade’s iron-clad determination, compassion and initiative has remained within the sector, because the level of influence her work has had since reaching that professional crossroads has been impressive and invaluable.

Her professional renaissance began when she attended a three-day conference in Queensland, where she was immersed in Montessori principles.

This was the lightbulb moment when she realised there was a better way to support people living with dementia.

Jade undertook a

Diploma of Community Services Coordination and a Student of the Year Award earned her a scholarship for a trip to Japan to observe how residential facilities supported aged people living with the condition.

“The first week was at a centre in rural Japan. The second week was in a similar place in Yokohama,” she said.

“It was a culture shock for me, but in a way the language barrier showed me you don’t need to verbalise to be able to engage.”

Jade took on the Montessori Champion role at Hastings District Respite Care – now part of Omnicare – and was encouraged to apply her learning into a new initiative, which came to be known as The WISER (wellness, innovation, support, enablement, research) Approach.

She was mentored and encouraged by senior

colleagues Julie Dunn and Margaret Allen, who both had a wealth of experience and expertise from their respective backgrounds.

“What we’ve done is taken a more holistic approach to dementia support,” Jade explains.

“We’ve examined the roles of the primary carer and the support worker, so there’s a coordinated approach to ensuring the individual living with dementia maximises their independence and ability to keep learning.

“It’s vital they engage in activities that have purpose and meaning in their lives.

“Through carer and staff training, WISER helps to unlock emotional intelligence, with guidance on strategies to help create supportive environments that allow the person living with dementia to achieve.”

For more information, go to omnicare.org.au/aged -dementia/montessori.

WISER APPROACH: Omnicare Alliance’s Jade Sinclair has helped transform lives like Doris, pictured with Cyril (right).

32

LIVING

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

Hampton style of living BRAND INSIGHTS IF YOU’RE looking for a great over 55s lifestyle community to become a part of, add The Links South West Rocks to your short list.

South West Rock’s purpose built over 55s lifestyle community is selling fast, with level home sites, slab on ground steel framed architecturally designed homes.

Constructed with Hebel cladding in the Hampton style theme.

Meticulously planned and designed right next door to the South West Rocks Country Club, which boasts a magnificent 18-hole golf course, bowls green, multi-million dollar clubhouse with restaurants, bars and pokies, with something for everyone.

Jump in your buggy and take the walking track right to the ninth hole!

And that’s just the start!

The Links community will have access to their own $4 million clubhouse,

LUXURIOUS LIVING: The Links South West Rocks is and over 55s lifestyle community. croquet court, indoor heated pool, outdoor heated pool, chipping and putting greens, men’s shed, bowling greens, caravan charging stations and storage.

Located an easy

seven-minute drive from the South West Rocks town centre and local beaches, The Links is an exclusive over 55s lifestyle community in a resort style setting.

Check it out today.

MASTER PLANNED ESTATE ■ Finest-quality infrastructure including NBN ■ Unique setting, amid nature itself and sounds of the distant ocean

■ Quiet location well off the main road, yet so close to everything ■ Pathways and buggy and cycle tracks with direct access to the golf club ■ Meandering

park-lands, playgrounds The Links over 55s Lifestyle Community is located a lazy three minutes from the South West Rocks town centre and even less to supermarket shopping at Coles, primary schools and variety of shops, medical centres and the beach.

It really is a haven of tranquillity yet handy to everything.

Release 1 is selling fast, don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase your very own luxurious Hampton style house in our community.

Our display home will commence construction September/October and should be readily available for walk through before 2020.

Our display office is located at 251-253 Gregory Street, South West Rocks.

Feel free to drop in and speak with our team. Or if you’d like to book an appointment, email sales@seaspirit lifestyle.com.au or phone 0436 024 129.

Therapy in colour WHILE I was visiting with my mother over the weekend, I noticed that she had a colouring book and pencils beside her bed.

Being aware of this growing trend, I questioned her as to the reasons why she enjoyed this activity and she explained that it enabled her to clear her mind of the day’s events and therefore sleep better throughout the night.

So with this in mind, I thought that I would investigate this increasingly popular activity not really expecting to find any research or studies that could provide information on how this can benefit an individual. I was wrong.

Art therapy has been widely used throughout many years to help relax and quite the mind.

Recently, research articles indicated that persons over the age of 65 who engage in such creative activities had better overall health, fewer visits to the doctor and take less medication.

It is thought that while you draw and

colour you brain is releasing a hormone called serotonin which assists in areas involving mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive functions such as memory and learning.

Art therapy is being used to assist people who are suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

It allows them to reconnect with memories by expressing their thoughts and feelings with colours and pictures.

It also helps calm and settle by assisting to refocus thoughts and behaviours.

A few tips to help you enjoy this new endeavour: Make time to colour for a few minutes each day; have fun and don’t judge; you don’t need to finish and it doesn’t matter if you colour outside the lines.

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

— George Bernard Shaw Supplied by Clarence Valley Council

BEDDING FOR THE AGEING: Amanda and Wayne Rosen, along with their team members at Harvey Norman, have over 100 years experience and knowledge of mattresses.

You’re encouraged to come lay around BUYING the correct mattress for your needs can be daunting.

Here at Harvey Norman our team members have over a 100 years experience and knowledge of mattresses.

It is very important to select the correct mattress for the mind, body and soul.

As we age our pressure points are closer to the surface and if we choose the wrong mattress, you will toss and turn all night.

Why should you buy an

Australian Made mattress? The answer is simple.

Australian companies are continually investing in Australia by driving innovation of products that lead the way in the worldwide mattress industry.

This means Australian consumers, get the most advanced sleeping products available – locally made to the highest Australian standards and they support other local

industries.

Come in and have a chat with our bedding team members.

We need to know about you, whether you may have arthritis, sore back, shoulders etc, these need to be discussed at time of choosing the correct feel mattress for you.

Are you a hot sleeper?

Do you toss and turn?

How long do you sleep for now? Does your partner snore? Do they disturb you when they toss and turn or get up? Do you

need extra space in bed for grandkids or Rover?

It’s important to tell us of any issues you are having currently.

We look forward to seeing you.

Come in store, spend the time picking the correct mattress, you will not regret it.

Visit Amanda and Wayne Rosen at the Harvey Norman Homebase Centre, Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour. Phone (02) 6653 0300.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

33

In the dark about super?

Paul Clitheroe MORE than half of Australians have no idea about a shake-up of superannuation that’s due to kick in from July 1.

The clock is ticking towards the end of the financial year.

That matters because from July 1, more than three million Australians may be affected when default life insurance is switched off in super accounts that have been inactive for 16 months.

This change is part of the Protecting Your Super package aimed at preventing unnecessary or unwanted erosion of super savings by life insurance premiums.

It does this by ending cover for super accounts where there have been no contributions for 16 months or more.

More than 85 per cent of Australians have life insurance through their super fund.

Yet a new study by industry body ASFA found 53 per cent are unaware

of the upcoming change to life cover held in super.

Also, one third of Australians rarely or never read correspondence from their super fund.

Not surprisingly, one in four have no idea what their super savings are worth, and 44 per cent don’t know what insurance – if any – they have through super.

While holding life insurance through a super fund can provide an important safety net for your family if the worst should happen, paying multiple premiums out of different accounts doesn’t make sense.

Premiums come out of your super savings, so they can eat away at your retirement nest egg.

Paying several lots of premiums may provide no real benefit if you already have adequate cover in place through your main fund or if you have life insurance outside of super.

The key is to check your super before July 1

Money

SUPER MATTERS: From July 1, default life insurance is being switched off in super accounts that have been inactive for 16 months.

Photo: Squaredpixels to see if you have life cover in place, and be sure you have the right level of insurance for your circumstances.

You can elect to keep your cover in place even if the fund is inactive, and sometimes there can be good reasons to do

this, for example, if you have a pre-existing medical condition that would make it hard to get life insurance outside of super.

This can also be a cue to tidy up your super by rolling any small balances, or accounts

that have been sitting idle, into your main fund.

It’s a great way to save on fees and keep track of your super as well as cutting back on unnecessary insurance premiums.

The super industry has launched a new website:

timetocheck.com.au.

Paul Clitheroe is Chairman of InvestSMART, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Deeming rates do not reflect interest reality ESTIMATES that over half a million pensioners are being severely short-changed by the current deeming rate have led to demands for urgent action.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said the past four years had seen a “pensioner tax by stealth” because the last time the deeming rate was adjusted was in early 2015.

This was despite the fact there had been five official interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank since then, meaning the deeming rate of 3.25 per cent for those with assets over $51,200 was far removed from the current cash rate of one per cent.

Deeming rates are used to calculate how much some pensioners are estimated to be earning on their financial investments, with their age pension reduced accordingly.

But Mr Henschke said interest rates on invested cash were “out of whack” with the deeming rate by over two per cent, meaning the government was stripping pensioners of financial entitlements.

“It’s quite a simple process,” he said.

“If you take a little bit of

TRUE INTEREST: A new system is required to more accurately reflect changing interest rates. money off a lot of people, you make a lot of money.”

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston said this week the government was reviewing the deeming rate, but Mr Henschke predicted it would be “too little, too late”.

He said it was unlikely the government would cut the rate to bring it fully in line with the cash rate, meaning pensioners would continue to be disadvantaged.

“We wait with interest to see what Minister Ruston will do when she

finally lowers the deeming rate,” he said.

“And the millions of older Australians and their families affected by that change will judge her and the Coalition by the amount it changes.”

Mr Henschke said it was also time to take

Photo: Kritchanut

politics out of the pension and set up an independent body to establish what the deeming rate should be and also what the pension should be.

Both major parties had been in government during the period since

2010 when the deeming discrepancy had worsened.

“It’s time to take it out of the hands of politicians where it’s open to misuse, where increases to age pension are achieved by short-changing retirees on the deeming rate,” he said.

“If you’ve got hundreds of thousands of people being affected by this, you make hundreds of millions of dollars.”

He said both parties had been guilty of the same rort, with a graph of the two interest rates showing the distance growing wider apart “like a great big mouth opening to take money off pensioners”.

“The game’s up. It has to stop,” Mr Henschke said.

“The Reserve Bank has to be given the power to set the deeming rate in Australia.”

Many pensioners put their money into a bank account because they want some security, but Mr Henschke said the disparity in rates meant that very action was the reason they were losing some of their pension.

“That is a tax on every pensioner’s bank account.

Isn’t that just an appalling situation,” he said.

34

REVIEWS

JULY, 2019// SENIORS

Daughter’s tale shines spotlight

Heartfelt, tragic and humorous POW story

The forgotten aviator with a story to tell

AUSTRALIAN author Mary Garden shares the personal, soulful story of her father in the newly released book Sundowner of the Skies: The story of Oscar Garden, The Forgotten Aviator.

She knew little about her father’s life as an aviator until she starting digging into his amazing flying adventures where she discovered his tumultuous childhood in north Scotland, the ghosts of his past which he could not escape.

It turns out he was a famous long-distance aviator who soared through any sky but crash-landed the one-way journey of his life on earth.

She approaches the book with the same disregard for self-preservation that saw her father fly to Australia from London in 1930 in a second hand plane with only 39 flying hours under his belt.

In the early morning of October 16, 1930, Garden taxied his tiny Gipsy Moth across London’s Croydon aerodrome and with a wave of his hand to the only person there to farewell him, took off.

He was to fly that plane to Australia, which was sheer madness as he only had a mere 39 flying hours under his belt.

When he landed at Wyndham 18 days later, no one was expecting him.

Diggers warts and all account

However, his flight – the third fastest after veteran aviators Bert Hinkler and Charles Kingsford Smith – captured the world’s imagination.

With a lack of fanfare, he had given the impression he had just set out on a short

pleasure trip, instead of the most formidable feat in aerial navigation.

The press dubbed him Sundowner of the Skies.

Unlike most of his contemporaries who died in crashes, Oscar survived and went on to a career in commercial aviation.

He ended up as Chief Pilot of Tasman Empire Airways, the forerunner of Air New Zealand, but left suddenly in 1947.

He never flew a plane again.

Released by New Holland Publishers, RRP $29.99.

FROM recruitment and training and the battlegrounds of Palestine, North Africa, Thailand, Burma and beyond, these are the highly individual stories of Australia’s World War II diggers told in their own voices – warts and all.

With a reputation for being hard to discipline, generosity to their comrades, frankness and sticking it up any sign of pomposity, Australian soldiers were a wild and irreverent lot, even in the worst of circumstances during World War II. In Larrikins in Khaki, author Tim Bowden has collected compelling and vivid stories of individual soldiers whose memoirs were mostly self-published and who told of their experiences with scant regard for literary pretensions and military niceties.

Most of these men had little tolerance for military order and discipline, and NCOs and officers who were hopeless at their jobs were made aware of it.

They laughed their way through the worst of it by taking the mickey out of one another and their superiors.

THE Diggers of Colditz is a classic and dramatic prisoner of ware tale about escaping from the inescapable.

Colditz Castle was Nazi Germany’s infamous ‘escape-proof’ wartime prison, where hundreds of the most determined and resourceful Allied prisoners were sent.

Despite having more guards than inmates, Australian Lieutenant Jack Champ and other prisoners tirelessly carried out their campaign to escape from the massive floodlit stronghold... by any means necessary.

In this riveting account – by turns humorous, heartfelt and tragic – historian Colin Burgess and Lieutenant Jack Champ tell the story from the point of view of the prisoners themselves.

Their story is about 20 Australians, who made Colditz Castle their ‘home’, and the plans they made that were so crazy that some even achieved the seemingly impossible – escape!

Published by Simon & Schuster.

Available now.

RRP $35.

Published by Allen & Unwin, RRP $32.99.

Ghosts of the Past brings a true story to life TONY Park’s new novel Ghosts of the Past brings to life the forgotten, but fascinating true story of a young Australian who at 24 took up arms against a brutal colonial power in the early 1900s in a remote corner of Africa.

The book is based on the story of Edward Lionel Presgrave, an Australian who fought in the Boer War in South Africa, but stayed on after the war and made a quasi-legal living as a cattle and horse trader.

In 1904, two years after the fight against the Boers ended, another conflict

broke out across the border in German South West Africa when the local indigenous people rose up against their colonial overlords.

“Edward Presgrave ran horses and guns to the Nama rebels and at some point he joined the fight, tying himself to a charismatic guerrilla leader, Jakob Morengo, known to the Germans as ‘the Black Napoleon’ due to his tactical genius,” Park said.

“By the time Presgrave joined the war the Germans had borrowed a tactic pioneered by the British in

the Boer War and rounded up innocent Nama and Herero women and children and interned them in concentration camps.

“In an eerie portent of what was to come some three decades later under the Nazis, tens of thousands of prisoners were beaten, starved and worked to death on construction project and subjected to inhumane medical experiments in the camps.

“We don’t know exactly why Presgrave joined Jakob Morengo in his war against the Germans, but we do

know he was a thorn in their side.

“A price of 3000 Marks was put on his head and Presgrave was eventually lured into an ambush by a couple of Afrikaner spies working for the Germans, and killed.”

The fictitious version of Presgrave, war-weary Australian Sergeant Cyril Blake is drawn into the rebellion by his love for two different women and a quest for a missing treasure based on another true story.

Published by Pan Macmillan, RRP $32.99.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2019

PUZZLES

JIGGERED

15/7

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.

I N S

O R Y E U L

T

P O R P O S E

L C E D

V E R

B O V E R

C R E

T U L R

I

E F U M B U R S W S A K E H E A I M P R A T

D I S

I

T S U

A O T S

Down 1. Short-handed (12) 2. Step by step (7) 3. Tier (5) 4. Apt (7) 5. Trite (5) 8. Improvements (12) 9. Attacker (9) 14. Wedded (7) 15. Adored (7) 18. Flavour (5) 19. Wrinkled (5)

Across 6. Usual (6) 7. Conclusion (6) 10. Never ceasing (7) 11. Instruct (5) 12. Kill (4) 13. Steam bath (5) 16. Premature (5) 17. In this place (4) 20. Aptitude (5) 21. Foul-smelling (7) 22. Speckled (6) 23. Spurn (6)

1

2

I

R I U N N N Y

L I S L F

N A M

G A T O A R F

B L E E R T E

R A B E

D I S R E O S M

O S H N S E

I E A T B

C A R O T B

B L I E T E

H F A R L A

3

4

6

8

9 10

11

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

TRIO

5

7

I

O I P E N A

O S

QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

U

EXTRA, FEASTS, GLEANED, HEATHERS, IMMEDIATE.

ALPHAGRAMS SUDOKU

JIGGERED

TRIO: SER

Across: 6. Normal 7. Finale 10. Endless 11. Teach 12. Slay 13.

Sauna 16. Early 17. Here 20. Flair 21. Noisome 22. Dotted 23.

Reject.

Down: 1. Understaffed 2. Gradual 3. Layer 4. Fitting 5. Banal 8.

Enhancements 9. Assailant 14. Married 15. Beloved 18. Taste 19.

Lined.

QUICK CROSSWORD

QUIZ 1. What type of insect is a green grocer?

2. Yuri Gagarin was the first Russian in space. Who later became the first American in space?

3. “The ants are my friends” are misheard lyrics from which Bob Dylan song?

4. The US state of Maryland was named after the wife of which English king?

5. What is a water moccasin?

6. With which team did Scottish driver Jim Clark spend all his racing career: Lotus, McLaren or Ferrari?

7. Which complaint was the Jacuzzi originally developed to help?

8. What in your body are affected by phlebitis: kidneys, veins or eyes?

A T O M

S H I E S

S U L T A N

E L D R I O A MO A R D W O B A P A Y E T A D C U E O R MO A U L L H U N T E R C Y N I C D A T A

WORDFIT

K E B R A E B T R O A P C T T I M U M

I T S D I T S L E A C H Y G O O L E N T A I D E S L L P A R E L C OM A N O B I O O T E D NW E D E N D

QUIZ

1. Cicada, 2. Alan Shepard. 3.

Blowin’ in the Wind, 4.Charles I, 5. A snake, 6. Lotus, 7.

Arthritis, 8. Veins.

7 LETTERS ACROBAT APPAREL DOORWAY OPTIMUM PAYROLL RETRACT

R O B B E R Y

4 LETTERS ATOM COMA COOL DATA HELD HOTS IDLY KITS LAID LENT

5 LETTERS AIDES ARRAY ASSET AURAL CURIO CUTIN CYNIC DOPED EDITS EMBED KEBAB LILAC SAMOA SCONE SHIES UNWED

6 LETTERS BLEACH DYNAMO HUNTER METEOR MOOTED ROOTED STAGED SULTAN

T

Solution opposite

G O O

LIMA MEND NONE NULL THUD TIED

D

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

3 LETTERS ACT ALP ANT BAT EMU ERA GOO OBI OIL OWN TIE WEB

O S C A H N S E T R A B O V E T O R E F U L E I W E A B L I C E

WORDFIT

G A O A R T S K E A O T S

TODAY Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 21+

I T S U N L A M L I E T E H A R L A I N N Y

C T

E D I I S T S U R O B P E R A F T E R U E N

C

T N

TAXER SAFEST A LEGEND HER HASTE ITEM AIMED

D I S C R E R O S M O S I I O P E N I N A R P R P O S V L E R M B L E A R T

U O

S R

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.

B U A I M L I S F F U S H E

WORD GO ROUND

WORD GO ROUND

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.

concur concurs cons CONSTRUCT corn cornu cost count counts court courts crocus crust curt cuts occur occurs scorn scour scout scut stucco torc unco

ALPHAGRAMS

36

MID NORTH COAST

JULY, 2019// SENIORS