Coffs & Clarence, December 2018 by seniors

December 2018 - January 2019

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Merry Christmas to you

INDEX 3 News - Jill’s built a big, rich life 4 Cover Story - Tony Bonner 14 Community group guide 15 Talk n Thoughts 19 Wanderlust 27 Wellbeing 36 What’s on 39 Puzzles

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor IT’S seems such a long time ago when the mention of a whole year ahead felt like an eternity, but these days I know I’m not alone when I say that every Christmas seems to come around faster than the last one! Just a couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with my second grandchild, a healthy little girl. I feel there is absolutely nothing that could be a better Christmas gift than the safe delivery of this little one. But I will also be spending time with my other grandchild, five-year-old Maryam who has reached the age of pondering team activities. “GG (stands for Grandma Gail), she says looking up at me with her big brown eyes: ‘What can we do today’?” Fortunately, thanks to a number of community groups who answered our call-out for ideas, I have a list that will keep both of us busy. I hope it gives you some ideas too. This year we have filled many pages sharing the latest news on activities for the mind and body. On that line, I’m happy to say at age 61, I have completed nearly five years of part-time study and gained a Masters of Arts in

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Literature (research). I now happily join a fast-growing list of people in my age group who have completed post-grad study. I’m one of those people that find study more natural that exercise! But I’m naming 2019 as my active body year – so watch out for plenty of physical exercise stories. Christmas is time for friends, families and community. I’d like say Merry Christmas to our community of Seniors Newspaper readers, to our advertisers, to all those who contribute community notes and articles, to the great people who have let us interview and write stories about their lives and to my talented work colleagues. Gail PS: If you wish to have events published for the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival, please email the details to us by January 11.

General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 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 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.

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Cross that bridge once and you are in forever THE card game bridge is a popular pastime played worldwide reports Richard Levy, president of the Nambucca Valley Bridge Club. It’s a game that needs to be learnt, but as Richard explains, but once you have the basics it can be enjoyed from the first time you play. Teams ■ Four people, sitting around a table, play together using one pack of cards. Each person is on the same side as their opposite number – they

are partners. ■ If you imagine a compass, north plays with south and east plays with west. ■ A normal pack of 52 cards is dealt out one at a time to each player so that all players have 13 cards each. ■ Each player then arranges their cards into the four suits. First ‘stage’ of the game ■ The first is bidding (sometimes called the auction) where each player takes it in turn to describe their hand to

GAME SKILLS: Once you have the basics of bridge, it can be enjoyed from the first time you play. their partner so that they can work out how many of the thirteen possible tricks it would be sensible to attempt. ■ The bidding uses a

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special language of only 16 words so precision is needed and communication vital. ■ A ‘trick’ is made up of one card from each player – aces high. ■ As with all auctions, the bidding ends when three players in a row ‘no bid’ and so one player becomes declarer – that person has to play the cards and make the number of tricks that they have bid in the auction. ■ Their opponents have to stop them getting these tricks.

■ So, if you bid to make eight out of 13 tricks, your opponents can stop you by getting six. Second stage is the play of the cards ■ This only involves three of the four players – the fourth, or dummy, who is declarer’s partner lays their cards face up on the table for their partner to play. ■ The dummy plays no further part in the game and is then free to simply sit back and offer moral support. Who wins?

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The game is scored in relation to the number of tricks taken and the highest score at the end of the game wins. At the Nambucca Bridge Club, duplicate bridge is played – everyone plays the same cards and their results are compared to other players holding the same cards and whoever does best on each hand wins. Training course information: phone Richard Levy on 0415 418 645.

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Jill’s built a big, rich life Tania Phillips

JILL Nash turns 80 in the next month and she figures it might be time to retire, again, if she can find the time. At the moment Jill has plenty of irons in the fire, including being convener of Arts In Health at the Macksville and Coffs Harbour Hospitals which are currently under construction. But then, being busy is nothing new for Jill who came to the Coffs District in 2004. “Initially my son lived here and worked for the local Health Department (and is still here 20 years later),” she said. Jill initially retired to the south of Sydney but soon found herself drawn further north. Though retirement had been her intention, the floods that damaged the Sawtell Cinema soon saw her fully engaged in her new community, forming the Friends Of Sawtell

Cinema to help the then owners get the business back on its feet. When the business closed three years later because the owners couldn’t afford to convert it into a digital cinema, she stepped in again heading up a consortium of 20 investors to bring it back to life and up-to-date. For Jill it was a no-brainer getting involved in the cinema – it was an industry she was well acquainted with – having worked at the Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney from 72 to 80 (in the time of Gillian Armstrong and some of the now big names of the Australian film industry). “It was absolutely amazing,” Jill admitted. Before that Jill worked in TV News in England. Her love of the industry has been passed on to her family with her son working for the ABC while her daughter is a cinematographer.

At 64 she went back to university for a degree in Politics and International Studies through UNE, graduating the month before her 70th birthday. “Part of my studies led me to go Vietnam to teach English,” she said. Further trips followed to Nepal (just after the earthquake), Ecuador and Tanzania. In recent times Jill has been running a Planning for Later Life course for U3A. And she is now working with NSW Health in a role on integrating art and art spaces into the new hospitals but with that role ending, she was thinking it was time to retire. However, with her 80th birthday fast approaching there is a new role looming with NSW Health and of course she would like to finish her memoir (not for publication but for her children and grandchildren). Yes, retirement doesn’t seem to really be in Jill’s vocabulary.

BUSY SCHEDULE: Jill Nash is proof retirement doesn’t always stick.

The season for giving, not scam takers

SCAM ALERT: Scammers are ready to take advantage of the festive season.

THE pressure to find that last-minute Christmas present or holiday deal could knock you into the ever-waiting hands of scammers according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Scamwatch has issued a warning for consumers to be on the lookout for dodgy deals ahead of the Christmas celebrations. ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard reminded shoppers that Christmas was indeed the season for giving – just not to

scammers. “Scammers will take advantage of special days or major events like Christmas,” she said. Here are three common holiday season scams people should look out for: ■ Online shopping scams: Scammers will set up fake online stores or post goods for sale in buy-swap-sell groups or online classified sites to trick people into buying items that don’t exist. This scam has cost

Australians nearly $3 million in 2018, with more than 8700 reports. ■ Travel scams: Scammers trick people into believing they’ve won a holiday or scored a really good deal on a travel package, like a cruise. Unfortunately the prize or the cheap accommodation are phony. In 2018, nearly $135,000 has been lost to this scam. ■ Parcel delivery scams: Scammers may ask you to print off a label, do a survey, claim a prize or

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COVER STORY

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Digging deep

Bonner’s life rates high on satisfaction, just not happiness

A BIG LIFE: Tony Bonner looks back at history and future dreams.

Photo: Tracey Johnstone

Tracey Johnstone TONY Bonner is sitting on a bench on the balcony of his beloved Manly Life Saving Club. In the background the ocean waves crash. A group of novice surfboard riders tentatively head out under the watchful eye of an instructor. The Norfolk Pines sway in the gentle breeze. Horns honk, running bare feet slap on the pathway below. All is seemingly very everyday. For this internationally recognised actor, it’s his normal. It’s his safety zone. There, he is king of the club – immediate past-president for the fourth time, newly minted Life Member, grandson of the first club president, and still active patrol man. It’s where he comes every day he is at home. More than 50 years of acting, directing, singing, dancing, coaching, teaching and mentoring isn’t enough. Bonner is still looking for happiness in his life. He has travelled the world, worked alongside the likes of Kirk Douglas, Roger Moore, Tom

Selleck, Tony Curtis and Paul Hogan. He will also be forever remembered for stint as the helicopter pilot in the iconic Australian television series Skippy which went to air 50 years ago this year. Some readers will remember when Cosmopolitan boldly launched its male centrefold series in 1972 with Burt Reynolds in America and then Bonner in Australia. “I thought it was great and always have,” Bonner said. Last year’s awarding of an Australian Medal remains one of his Bonner’s fondest life moments. He has received many peer awards, but to also be recognised publicly for his entertainment industry roles, along with his contribution to lifesaving and to several high-profile charities; there has been nothing more precious to him. Bonner’s most recent work was as a feature actor in the Australian crime thriller film Landfall which is due in cinemas this month.

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We often see articles discussing loneliness and depression however more often we scan over these stories believing this does not relevant to us. Have you ever heard of the saying ‘”I can be in a room full of people and still feel all alone” Recently a gentleman came up to me and enquired about the services that can be provided in a home care service. This gentleman said “all I need is a little lovin’. Home care packages in general offer a large range of services all designed to maintain ones own independence within the home. However it isn’t often that we reflect upon the need for a service that could dispel loneliness. Having someone to share a story with, have a cup of tea with on the back porch or even discuss a local news story that we have a passion about. A recent article in “The Grey Nomad Times” highlighted an issue surrounding travelling solo. This story, although positive, discussed one of the major disadvantages indicating the one of the major downfall was not having anyone to share the memories with. Loneliness and depression within our senior population is a major health issue and it does not necessarily need to be the result of a significant life event such as the loss of a partner. It can lead to a serous decline in physical health and wellbeing. Social support within a home care service is a very important aspect and it often gets over looked when trying to decide what service goals you want to achieve within your program. Linking people who share common interests and experiences can also be achieved with a little pre-planning and community awareness. Having a locally based care support service, you will find this could be easier than you think. So next time you think that having a cuppa and a chat is not important just remember ‘We all deserve a little lovin’. 6882043ae

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COVER STORY

to get to Tony Bonner Unlike America, Bonner says there are less and less roles in Australia open to veteran actors. “Once you hit 50 you kind of start to become invisible,” Bonner said. “ But for Bonner, he has two more films “in the air”, awarded writer and journalist Matthew Condon is working on Bonner’s biography and Katie Rae is painting his portrait for next year’s Archibald Prize. Even with all that to Bonner’s credit, it just seems that still isn’t enough. Bonner’s slight tilt of the head to the left and a gentle creasing of the brow introduces the intense side of the still

very handsome, single, 75-year-old. That intensity is a product of his tempestuous life journey and its outcomes. Bonner ran away from a violent home scene just after he had turned 14. “I caught a daylight train to Melbourne, rented a little room in east Melbourne, and started,” Bonner said. He battled alcoholism from the age of 14 through to 46. “I danced with the devil back then,” Bonner added. He put down the booze and the cigarettes, once and for all. His work improved. His relationships improved.

Tony says he has been ‘knocked around a bit’, but he has survived.

Beatties the

“It’s only been pluses,” he said. Next year Bonner will proudly mark 30 years of staying dry. “If there is such a thing as miracles in the life, and I believe there is, I am one,” he said. About 14 years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Bonner has since then mentored both men diagnosed with the disease and their partners about the experience, reminding them, “your life is more important that your erection”. So, will he know when he has found his happiness? “I don’t know; I’m sure there will be a feeling that

says to me, this is what you have missed all your life,” he said. A slight lowering of the direct gaze. His tense shoulders ease ever so slightly. The corners of his mouth give way to a gentle, loving smile. The pall over Bonner’s life lifts as he talks about his family; his greatest personal pride. Bonner’s continuing strong relationship with his ex-wife, Nola Clark, and enduring connection with his three daughters and their children are what he says have kept him alive. Living long enough to become a greatgrandfather is absolutely

Actor Tony Bonner AM as Jerry King on the set of the television series Skippy, The Bush Kangaroo.

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FROM LEFT: Tony Bonner was the first Australian centrefold for the Cosmopolitan magazine, published in 1972; young Tony (as flight ranger Jerry King) with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo; and Tony with actor Shawn Brack in Travis Bain’s new thriller movie Landfall, in cinemas from this month. at the top of Bonner’s list for the future. “To even say that from someone who didn’t think he would get past the age of 20 because of the way I was living; for me to still be here at 75 and to think, holy crap, there is a distinct possibility you are going to be a greatgrandfather; to me it’s nearly incomprehensible,” he said. Bonner started the day with a swim in the ocean at first light. By the end of the day he has turned his mind to hosting a

fundraising function at the surf club, before heading off to coach aspiring actors and continue his charity work for The Smith Family, Bravehearts, the Variety Club and the Wesley Mission suicide prevention program. “It’s in my nature,” he said. “I have been blessed to have been in a battle and knocked around a bit, and survived. I get great pleasure if I can be of assistance to someone; if I can put a hand out, then I am really blessed.”

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Life-saving opportunity Funding increases capacity of local club and facilities

Tanya Phillips THE Coffs Harbour Rugby League Football Club has welcomed a government grant that will allow them to not only buy lifesaving technology but also train members in how to use it. Club secretary manager Jody Dahl said it would “mean a lot” to the organisation to have a defibrillator as part of the Local Sport Defibrillator Program. Under the program Boambee Soccer Club, the Leagues Club and the Coffs Harbour Rifle Club all received NSW Government funding to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator. Ms Dahl said it was important for the Leagues Club, which celebrated it’s 25th birthday earlier this month, to have a defibrillator available. “We have an age group that ranges from our under fives right through to our patron who is 92,” she said.

Ms Dahl said the club was also a hub for other local groups including the U3A and Probus who used the facilities. “We also have a big membership of retired people,” she said. Up to 1500 people use the League Club’s grounds and facilities from Monday to Thursday each week and she said you never knew when such equipment would come in handy. The club is expected to take possession of the new machine in the new year and the grant would allow for training to be conducted for up to 25 people. Ms Dahl said those trained would include staff and officials as well as members of groups that use the club so someone trained in the use of the machine is always on hand. Retiring member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said the grants were part of the four-year Local Sport Defibrillator

NEW EQUIPMENT: The Boambee Soccer Club, the Leagues Club and the Coffs Harbour Rifle Club all received NSW Government funding to purchase a defibrillator. Photo: Tyson Yates Program rolled out across the state. “Sport is a vital part of our community’s social fabric and we need to make sport as safe as possible,” Mr Fraser said.

“Having access to a defibrillator in the first eight minutes after a cardiac arrest is vital to give people the best chances of survival so I recommend all the clubs

in our area to apply to this grant program.” Clubs receive 50 per cent towards the funding and maintenance of a defibrillator.

The program remains open for applications until May 2019. For more information on the program, go to sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs /grants/defibrillator.

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Showcase of the quirky Once a year collectors show their favourite things at fair

FOR some people there’s nothing more fun than putting together a collection of their favourite things be it Teddy’s, Tea Cups or memorabilia from their favourite television show. There is a place for people like that (and let’s face it most people have a collection of some kind) – it’s the Coffs Harbour Collectors Club. Every year in May the club holds its annual collectors fair. “The Club always welcomes new members and will greatly appreciate extra helpers for the Annual Fair,” club president Terrie Beckhouse said. “The popular two-day Collectors Fair is the main function and focus of club. “This event offers fantastic exhibitions of private collections for the public to enjoy as well as attracting lots of stall

holders from far afield to entice us with their unusual wares. “All funds raised from the Fair benefits local charities.” Then club meets monthly at their ‘TARDIS’ at the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds. “It is an opportunity to meet like minded people, discuss your own collection and enjoy the array of members’ collections which include radios, clocks, Venetian glass, buttons, brooches, miniature shoes, dolls, teddys, egg cups, lamps, railway memorabilia, cranberry glass, Olympic memorabilia and bottles,” Terrie explained. This year’s event, from May 25-26, marks the 23rd Annual Collectors Fair in Coffs Harbour. The Coffs Collectors Club meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Info: Terrie on 0412 106 243 or fair secretary Ingrid Gardiner 0409 860 637.

FANCY FAIR: The Coffs Collectors Club members prepare to showcase their collections.

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Tania Phillips

NEWS

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Sewing into the field of art Tania Phillips WHEN you think drawing, a sewing machine is not the first piece of equipment you think of. However for Newcastle artist Meredith Woolnough, a sewing machine is her main tool of the trade. Meredith, who is part of the third Tamworth Textile Triennial Open House Exhibition, will be in Coffs Harbour on January 19-20 to present an artist tour on the Saturday and then teach her special form of sculptural embroidery on the Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The talented artist, who has been perfecting her craft for the past 12 years, said she fell into after needing something to major in during her university degree. “I spent a good year learning about it, that was 12 years ago,” Meredith, a mother of a young toddler laughed. What Meredith learned was how to use soluble material as a base to create art – using her sewing machine to draw the picture on the fabric

Example work.

creative

which is then washed away. It obviously fired her imagination as an artist because her university major is now her life and her work is displayed in more and more galleries. And it seems she is keep to pass on her love for this form of machine embroidery. She will take part in an artist tour at the gallery from 10.30am on January 18 before conducting her work shop over the next day and a half. The technique-based workshop explores the unique embroidery processes that Meredith uses in her artworks and students can expect to create their own free-standing embroidered bowl. The cost for the two-day

SCULPTURAL EMBROIDERY: Meredith Woolnough at work. workshop will be $145 per person. ❚ To book your ticket please go to Eventbrite-

Meredith-Woolnough. For more information on this BYO sewing machine event and on

Meredith head to her website meredith woolnough.com.au, or for the site of the workshop

The A, B and C of Mercedes-Benz. Owning a new Mercedes-Benz can be as straight forward as A B C. A. Meet Lachlan, he is a Mercedes-Benz Certified Sales Consultant at Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast. B. Lachlan is professional, courteous and knows just about everything there is to know about Mercedes-Benz vehicles. C. You know that you will get the right advice and friendly service from Lachlan, before and after you have purchased your new Mercedes-Benz.

Make an appointment with Lachlan on 0402 214 323 for your personalised test drive and demonstration of our new A-Class, B-Class or C-Class motor vehicles today.

Mercedes-Benz Coﬀs Coast 4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel 1800 693 876 www.mbcoffscoast.com.au

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GENERAL

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

LIFE IN RETIREMENT: This is a Christmas present for over 50s that can make a real difference in the life of the person you give it to.

Presents for the over 50s

IF YOU really want to enjoy life in retirement it’s important to consider a range of lifestyle issues. That’s why we have published the most comprehensive range of retirement planning books in Australia. One or more of these books would be a great Christmas present for anyone over 50 (including yourself). Here’s what they cover-

How to stay Healthy, Active and Sharp in Retirement. We are not condemned to an inevitable future of declining physical and mental capacity. The medical experts who wrote chapters in this book have stated that it’s possible to delay and sometimes avoid many of the common effects of ageing. If you’d like to enjoy a

better quality of life in your 50s, 60s and 70s, this book shows you how. Three big super funds are using this book. A Holistic Guide to a Happy Retirement Helps you to get an understanding about what life in retirement is really like. It covers handling change, your health, your finances, relationships, your mind and emotions

issues that couples need to manage. This book provides some very useful information in an area which is largely ignored by the retirement industry and contains lots of advice you won’t get from a financial planner. How your Relationship can thrive in Retirement You can have financial security but if your important relationships

aren’t good, you’re unlikely to be very happy in the years ahead. This book focusses on the issues that mature adults need to manage in retirement and gives practical, easy to follow advice.

They can be purchased on our website, go to retirementbooks.com.au.

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and future work. It has been purchased by three big superannuation funds for their retiring members and these funds wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t very good. How to be Happy, Retired and Single Is the singles version of A Holistic Guide to a Happy Retirement. Retirement for singles is quite different to the

Christmas is a time when many people go home to be with family and friends. Others leave home to visit relatives in far flung places. Unfortunately, those less

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mobile are often forgotten. They are the hidden ones. At Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged, we are conscious of the various needs of residents and family. ‘We Care’ means that we try to accompany families as they balance competing demands, and residents as they seek to celebrate this season appropriately. Families are a welcome and integral part of our community, as are our many friends and visitors. Together ‘we care’, especially at this time of sharing and giving. In these weeks before Christmas, groups have been visiting Mater Christi to share the Christmas story through carols, stories and celebrations. We are blessed with many groups wishing to share their life and hope. This culminates in the SCCA Christmas Carols, which bring together residents and staff of Marian Grove, Mater Christi, their families and

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From the big picture to the smallest details,“we care”

you and your family this Christmas.

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May blessings, peace and joy be with

Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Elizabeth Dunn at the studio, photograph by Rhett Hammerton, courtesy of Sabbia Gallery

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL GALLERY JANUARY–JUNE 2019

1 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH NEW YEAR, NEW WORK OPENING NIGHT FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2019, 6–8PM

Featuring 50 local artists, New Year: New Work reveals the vitality and diversity of the Coﬀs Coast arts community. Each artist had free rein to do as they want with a 50 x 50 square piece of plywood.

CO.LAB.ARTS: WORK IN PROCESS

EXHIBITION LAUNCH SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY, 2019, 4–6PM

A painter, a photographer and an arts therapist come together to work collaboratively; leading to an engaging, multimodal installation of photographs, working journals, paintings and sculptures by the three women involved: Ruth Ackary, Jay Black and Karlee Rawkins.

8 MARCH – 4 MAY GERRY WEDD: KITSCHEN MAN \

10 MAY – 13 JULY CLAY STORIES CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS CERAMICS FROM REMOTE AUSTRALIA

JAMFACTORY ICON

OPENING NIGHT FRIDAY 8 MARCH 6–8PM

OPENING NIGHT FRIDAY 10 MAY 2019, 6–8PM

An exhibition of Gerry Wedd’s hand-built ceramics that brim with a dry wit; from the humorous to the darkly disturbing, exploring history, politics, surﬁng, music and popular culture. A JamFactory touring exhibition, assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Gerry Wedd, ‘Midget’ jar, 2016, coil built, Terracotta, coloured slip, decoration, 1120°C, 420 x 270mm photograph by Andrew Cowen

Clay Stories is a signiﬁcant survey exhibition of contemporary artworks in ceramics created by Indigenous artists in remote parts of regional Australia.

RIPPED OFF GERRY’S BEEN DOING IT FOR YEARS … IT’S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE ELSE GOT IN ON THE ACT

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Four artists, who also happen to surf, respond to the extraordinary archive of Australia’s pioneering surf photographer John Witzig. Featuring Jon Campbell, Robert Moore, Gerry Wedd and Ozzie Wright, plus new work by John Witzig.

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.

VIEW CLUBS

Grafton WE RECENTLY celebrated at the Grafton District Services Club on Tuesday, November 27, amid brightly decorated tables. Members were also decorated in their fancy Christmassy regalia. This was the final meeting for 2018. Two aspiring VIEW Club members, Barbara Franks and Merrill Trill, accompanied by Norma Melino, cut the yummy, homemade, richly adorned Christmas cake, which was then shared around to members. The lucky door prizes went to Barbara Franks, Suzanne Gibson and Sue Perry. The raffle prize went to Diane Moran. Following the much savoured Christmas lunch, the club Treasurer and Delegate, Helen Cachel, read pieces from the club ‘Thought Book’ chosen for their Christmas theme. The

next social outing will be at Ulmarra Hotel on Thursday, January 17, with an eye to visiting the quaint little village shops. Any members not already on the list, please contact Helen Smith to arrange car pooling. The first meeting for 2019 will be held at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street on Tuesday, February 26 from 10.30am. If you truly believe that supporting a child’s education is the best way to help break the cycle of disadvantage, then VIEW Club is for you. The impact of this will have a lasting effect on those we help and for generations to come. So come along and make new friends and renew the old ones, by simply enjoying a meal with entertainment, mostly by an interesting and motivated guest speaker. You are warmly invited to come along and join us for the first meeting for 2019. Phone Vorna on (02) 6642 4719 for catering purposes.

U3A

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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS: Aspiring Grafton VIEW club members Barbara Franks and Merrille Trill, accompanied by Norma Melino (centre), cut the Christmas cake. members and $75 for new members. We are holding the enrolment morning to assist those current and new members who want personal help to pay membership and enrol, as well as providing an opportunity to meet some of the tutors and class facilitators. In 2019 Coffs Harbour U3A has nearly 50 classes to choose from. You can view these on line now at coffs.u3anet.org.au. Just press courses button. Membership can be paid online now, but enrolment in classes cannot take place until Jan 9, 2019. Enrolment can be online or face to face at Cavanbah. It promises to be another exciting year for U3A where learning is fun and of course no exams. Some of our new classes include Surfs Up, Geology, Spanish for Beginners, Writing Life Stories. French Book Discussion Group. Many of our favourite classes are returning such as Art (two classes) Current Affairs,

Philosophy, French, German, Italian, Scottish and line dancing and the movie group. Enrol early as spaces in classes are limited. You can ring the tutor to see if their group is for you. Phone 0410 083 502 or 0432 016 069.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

WITH last bus trips to Eungai Creek Buffalo and annual picnic to Brooms Head, now finalised and annual Christmas luncheon recently held, Grafton Senior Citizens group is now having a Festive Season recess from mid December. Activities will resume week commencing January 21, 2019. With no meeting in January, our first meeting is on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The first bus trip to Daniel O’Donnell stage show is on Sunday, March 3. New members welcome in new year, inquiries with publicity officer Sandra on (02) 6642 7720. ■ Extra things to do over Christmas and New Year

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Toormina Library All members of the Summer Reading Club are invited to join us at Toormina Library for a fun craft morning. You can come along and make your own Curious Aussie Creatures. We will have Gumnuts, Banksia Men, Seed pods and other twigs and leaves and things for you to use. We’ll supply everything you’ll need. No tickets required but space is limited so please book ahead. Info: coffs.library@chcc. nsw.gov.au or (02) 6648 4900. Harry Bailey Memorial Library All members of the Summer Reading Club are invited to join us at Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Coffs Harbour for a Stop Motion Animation workshop. You can come along and make your own Vegemation! (think Soup Opera). We will have all sorts of fruit and vegetables lots of embellishments for you to use to be curious and creative. You can create your curious vege creatures, and then – using the Library iPads, put together a series of images to create your own Vegemation – Animation sequence. We’ll supply everything you’ll need, and we will show you how to make your short video – no prior experience needed. We will also present certificates to SRC to all participants present and hold the lucky draw to distribute prizes valued at $300. No tickets required but space is limited so please advance book. Info: coffs.library@chcc.nsw. gov.au or (02) 6648 4900. Knitters and crocheters Coffs Harbour Library welcomes all knitters and

crocheters to come together and share their love for their craft at our regular Yarn & Yak morning. No need to book – just come along with your needles and hooks and connect with like-minded people. Info: library on (02) 6648 4900 or emailcoffs.library@chcc. nsw.gov.au. Surf’s Up Exhibition Just in time for summer and the holidays is the Surf’s Up Exhibition at the National Cartoon Gallery @ the Bunker, Coffs Harbour. Running from December 7 to February 3, 2019 and featuring a great collection of surfing-related cartoons, original artworks on loan from local artists, with children’s activities organised for our young visitors. To complement all this, there will be items of historical relevance on loan from the Coffs Harbour Surf Club and from members of the community for the duration of the exhibition. Given Coffs Harbour’s strong surfing culture, many aspects of the surfing community are covered with this child and family-friendly exhibition, combining a fun, educational, and community focus. Surf’s Up is open every day 10am-4pm (closed Christmas Day) with admission only $5 adults; $3 children U16; Friends of the Bunker and kids under five free. 1 John Champion Way, (off Racecourse Roundabout), Coffs Harbour, (02) 6651 7343. Email info@bunkercartoon gallery.com.au or visit bunkercartoongallery. com.au/event/surfs-up, facebook.com/events.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

New method to monitor driving Gail Forrer Group Editor FOR many people realising it’s time to let go of a driver’s license can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Often the ability to drive has meant the freedom to travel when and where you like, no need to rely on other people or deal with public transport. It’s recognition that your body and mind are still fine tuned enough to handle the roads without danger to yourself or others. If you don’t come to terms with ageing (poorer eyesight, less hearing, perhaps some frailty or memory loss) and make your own choice to relinquish your licence, it may mean you have had to concede to the wishes

of people younger (perhaps ones that you may not even feel are wiser) than you and that can be difficult. So it’s heartening to see that modern technology has been employed which can assist with the driving experience. For instance a federally funded project has developed a new Virtual Reality Driving Simulator for Older Drivers targeting people between 70 and 80 years of age. This project is now being trialled in the Inverell district of northern New South Wales and aims to check the driving skills of senior Australians and improve road safety. Called Hector VR, it is touted as a groundbreaking innovation, to enable Australian seniors to live longer, better lives as they are supported to maintain their proficiency on the road. It can also be used to test driving skills and

make the decision to keep driving or not. Developed by aged care provider McLean Care in partnership with Deakin University’s School of Engineering, the trial uses emerging interactive virtual reality, linked with smart sensor technology. The driving simulator is contained in the shell of a Holden Captiva vehicle, to increase the sense of reality for drivers. “Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times and heart rate to assess their responses to a variety of situations that can arise when driving,” Member for New England Barnaby Joyce told the National Seniors. “In addition to helping older drivers maintain and test their skills, Hector VR is designed to help those with medical conditions, such as dementia and who can no longer drive, to re-live the driving experience. “The virtual driving

Talk 'n' thoughts

scenarios are modelled on the township of Inverell, including important local buildings, major shopping centres, retail outlets and landmarks, to make the user’s experience as realistic as possible. “The simulator includes differing road environments and realistic scenarios such as country driving and various levels of traffic.” Development of the virtual reality driving simulator was funded through the government’s $34 million Dementia and Aged Care Services grants scheme, which is promoting innovation across the country. * The Federal Government funded $726,000 towards the project. * Info sourced from NationalSeniors: https://nationalseniors. com.au/news/latest/ high-tech-boost-to-road -safety-for-seniors

DRIVER SAFETY: New technology can help us identify the state of our capacity to keep driving.

‘‘

Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4 is in libraries and online now.

Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4 editor Colleen Parker.

The right age to write

Tracey Johnstone

Authors explore life through books

THE NSW Seniors Card Short Story Competition reveals the hidden talent of the state’s older writers who have shared their stories on ageing positively. Of the more than 200 submissions received through the competition website, 100 stories were selected and published in the annual Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4 which was launched by the NSW Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies. “This book is a wonderful example of talent, experience and wisdom of seniors who are living their lives among us,” Minister Davies said. “It’s wonderful this book gives a platform to our community to share their story.” Two stories that caught the minister’s eye were Julie Davis’ On the Three-Twenty-Four and Pam Reynolds’ Maybe the Best is Yet to Be. “Julie wrote, ‘Four

carriages. Bummer. It’ll be packed, standing room only to Wollongong’,” Minister Davies read out. “It’s a wonderful story of your experience; very sad and very revealing story about the challenges we as a society still face with ageism, ageist attitudes and with aged discrimination.” Mrs Davis, 79, collects her short story ideas from the people she meets and sees on the Wollongong to city train. “It’s not an autobiographical story; bits of it are, but it is fiction,” a delighted Mrs Davis said. “When I submitted it, I thought they will just think it’s a bit of a rant because everybody is complaining about the trains down our way.” “The postscript to this story is our government has now expanded that train service to eight carriages,” the minister added.

Parker said. “Lots of Australian idiosyncrasies included kids and billycarts, bush life, immigration, assimilation, war facts, friendships and fatalities, family research and pilgrimages.” In the lead up to finalising their stories, writers were given the opportunity to participate in free writing workshops held in the major regions across NSW. It’s the ultimate prize to be published There are no winners for this writing competition other than the joy of authors seeing their efforts being published. There is however something for everyone in the Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4 book Mrs Parker promises. Loan copies of Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4 are in libraries across NSW. The book can also be downloaded for free from seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

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Pam Reynolds’ story delves into starting retirement and what it is all about. “I asked many retired people what they did all day, but I never go a very satisfactory answer. Most were “so busy” and life as “pretty good”, but they never actually told me how. It was all very vague and unsettling,” Mrs Reynolds writes early on in her short story. “It’s wonderful to see how well you have (now) adapted and embraced retirement,” Minister Davies added. Never too old, never too late The stories cover a wide selection of positive ageing themes. The creative headings also caught the eye of the editor, Colleen Parker of the NSW branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers – Recycled Teenager, Hello You! and Dogs and Dongles. “The book is a montage of our social history,” Mrs

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Stories from NSW seniors Dogs and Dongels MERE children, the sales staff in the computer store raised pierced eyebrows when Shirley and I entered. ‘How can I help?’ asked a boy child. ‘Show us your dongles,’ said Shirley. We were beginners at laptop lingo … dongles ended the day’s excursion. ‘It would be more fun vacuuming the ceiling,’ Shirley grumbled when she arrived at my house for coffee. ‘We were going shopping, not computer shopping.’ My daughter who is now my MOM – my Monitor of Madness, phoned then, cutting through the coolness. ‘I’ll pop over later,’ she said, meaning she’d inspect my fridge for vegetables and my coffee cups for stains. ‘How were the sardine sandwiches I left last week?’ The sardine sandwiches were mutating into a fuzz farm on the fridge shelf. ‘I’m about to go computer shopping.’ ‘I’ll come with you,’ she said, ‘but not today…’ ‘Shirley’s coming…’ ‘Don’t take Shirley computer shopping please Mum, anyone but Shirley. I’ll come now.’ Daughter’s voice buzzed round my kitchen via the best mobile reception I’ve ever had. Dog crept behind the sofa to howl. Shirley mimed the pair of us driving away very fast so I settled Dog on the sofa with the TV, binned the sardine sandwiches and we left in Shirley’s car. We’d not cleared the street before we saw my daughter’s car heading our way. ‘Keep your head down,’ Shirley ordered while she kept her foot down and raced away to the mall. ‘We’ll start with coffee

since I didn’t get any at your place.’ Soon we were laughing and kicking off sandals to compare bunions as only old, old friends can. We agreed that if Shirley slogged around electronic stores with me, I’d consider joining her hiking trip to Utah. ‘It’ll cost a bomb. What if we break a leg?’ I asked. ‘Stay home then,’ she said, ‘but don’t show me your photos.’ Shirley popped the unused little sugar packets from her coffee and mine into her bag, as is her habit. ‘I pay the same for coffee if I put sugar in it or not,’ she reasoned. It always took her the best part of a day and fifty-six little packets of sugar to make a cake. Soon we were mastering gigabytes and watching laptops fold themselves inside out and upside down into tablets. They displayed, Shirley noted, more muscle memory than her physiotherapist. Weight was important, it being a concept we could understand and a word we could spell, so Shirley worked her way along a line of laptops lifting one in each hand. At the end of the row where the laptops ran out and a line of shiny phones began, she paused. Sales Boy pounced. ‘Are you after a phone?’ ‘Perhaps,’ said Shirley. ‘We’re going away.’ ‘Where to? What might you need?’ he asked. ‘YOU-TA,’ she said, and he blushed. ‘You-ta, Utah in the USA. We’ll need excellent communication.’ For me to have Wi-Fi and for Shirl’s camera to talk to phones and laptops we’d need dongles it seemed. Sales Boy suggested we return the

next day or the next – any day but today – and speak to Maurice, the doyen of dongles. He walked us to the exit where the security guard poked at sugar packets in Shirley’s bag. ‘You’ll get sticky fingers,’ Shirley warned him. With Utah in mind we eschewed escalators for stairs and climbed to another store where sales children were younger than Shirley’s phone. A boy plugged in cords and thingummies. He proclaimed Shirl’s phone too old for new tricks and he seized mine, introducing it to the laptops, speakers and thingummies on his shelf. They all talked to each other apparently, saying who knows what. When Sales Child was called away Shirley prodded my phone where it lay cosying up to its new-age friends. ‘Where are you?’ My daughter’s voice called like magic through all the laptop and Bluetooth speakers along the row. ‘Wow,’ cooed Shirley, slapping my hands away from the phone when I moved to unplug it. ‘I let myself in. Your dog has been sick on the sofa,’ announced the speakers to the whole store. Sales children stopped shuffling DVDs to listen. ‘Sardines on cushions. He’s ransacked the garbage.’ The sales children gathered round. Shirley raised an arm gesturing for quiet, glowing with the wonder of it all. ‘Dog’s GONE. I’m driving the streets searching.’ ‘Ohh,’ went the crowd. When my daughter broadcast that she’d missed a midday appointment with a blast of liquid nitrogen to remove warts, I ripped her from the shelf. Shirl and I decided there was no need to

mention the mall or computers or warts to my daughter. Instead I phoned her and said I’d been for a long walk. ‘I’m afraid I’ll get my story muddled,’ I told Shirley. ‘Make it an exercise in neuroplasticity,’ said Shirley. ‘Fact and fiction on different pathways.’ She stopped her car three blocks from my place to let me walk home in case my daughter was lurking and spotted the car. Howls filled the air. ‘That’s Dog,’ said Shirley. And it was. He’d squeezed through a high picket fence to croon at a Newfoundland on heat. ‘Come,’ I hissed through the pickets. ‘Come Dog.’ Dog wouldn’t leave the Newfoundland. Shirley locked her car and joined me with about a year’s stash of sugar packets. She laid sugar under the fence and when Dog came close for a sniff we reached through and squeezed him out through the pickets. Shirley offered to drive us home. Back at the car we spied Shirl’s keys – locked inside. No way would I carry Dog home after he’d had a sardine sandwich and sicky attack and Newfoundland so Shirl and I walked the three blocks backwards, opening 18 sugar packets between us and sprinkling them in his path. And throughout this exercise in agility and problem-solving and balance, our bunions crunched on the sugar. Utah would be a piece of cake.

Joanne Ruppin’s Dogs and Dongles was first published in the Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4. Loan copies of the book are in libraries across NSW. The book can also be downloaded for free from seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

On the Three Twenty-Four ...

FOUR carriages. Bummer. It’ll be packed, standing room only to Wollongong. No matter. Nothing can diminish the euphoria Hazel feels after a visit to the Art Gallery. Happens every time – the experience of communing with artists through their works. She leaves the gallery invigorated, restored and ready to take on the world. Today is no different. They squeeze into the only two spaces available, hands grasping vertical poles and feet spread to maintain balance. Either side of them seated passengers avoid eye contact, wriggle self-consciously and focus on their devices. Two young Asian men rise, gesture a hand each towards their vacated seats. Larry and Hazel smile, gracious in their thanks. “You people shouldn’t travel in peak hour,” rasps a loud male voice through the crowd of standing bodies. “What’re ya doin’ anyway? Old geezers should keep orf trains until workers are in their offices or’ve gone home.” Silence. Hazel places a plump soft hand on Larry’s tense knee. Fear of confrontation spreads like an electric current through the compartment. Who will be galvanised enough to respond? Should someone call the guard? The speaker is hidden from the view of Larry and Hazel who decide by osmosis not to react. Opposite, unseen by Larry and Hazel and next to Raspy Voice sit Bob

and Heather, silver hair and lined faces marking them too as targets of his rancour. Hazel fills the silence with an unspoken reply: I’ll tell you what we’ve been doing – I’ve been to Artexpress. Awesome senior school artworks. Each Thursday Larry returns to his former workplace as a consultant. Lunches with colleagues. What the disgruntled speaker cannot see is Larry’s kindly demeanour. A tall man, shoulders slightly rounded. His head and face smooth, eyes conveying empathy. Hazel, deceptively docile, nestles her plumpness beside her husband. Skilled in social work, she feels able to handle any dysfunctional person, any confrontation. Perhaps not today with no back-up. Her elation melds into the subdued mood of the carriage. Then a woman’s raised voice: “Yeah. No oldies on trains until nine or after three”. Nothing. Not a sound. Hazel whispers to Larry, “So what happened to encouraging older people to stay in work. What …” Larry leans close, “Shh. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

everyone has a story inside of themselves FROM PAGE 17 They sound drunk. Keep out of it.” The mass of commuters, like flotsam on a pond, shifts and shuffles to make way for luggage and travellers boarding at Wolli Creek, the airport link. Someone stands for the young woman with toddler in a stroller. She sighs a thank-you as bodies separate to make way for her. Larry smiles and wriggles his fingers towards the child who

swivels his head to stare into a trousered leg beside him. The protesters seem to have been muted by the mass of bodies around them. The crowd thins at Hurstville as suburban passengers alight. “They’re the ones that shouldn’t be on this train,” Bob whispers to Heather. Four of those standing, those without luggage, move to the body of the carriage. The protesters become visible to Larry and Hazel. An unkempt

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couple slumped against each other, eyes closed. Bob and Hazel beside them smile across at their fellow seniors. Larry raises his eyebrows and shrugs his shoulders. Hazel grimaces then returns their smiles. An inner clock wakens the dozing couple before Sutherland where they rise and shuffle their way to the exit. Raspy Voice mumbles: “Catch an earlier train next time, old timers.” And you catch a city train, mutters Hazel to herself. Like a slowly deflating balloon the atmosphere in the compartment relaxes. Two of those with luggage take vacated seats, four remain standing, their attention devoted to smartphones. “Copped a serve there mate,” Bob looks at Larry. “Yes, first time that’s happened.” Larry is pleased to hear his own voice.

“Don’t I know you?” Heather leans forward. “You walk your dog on Woonona beach, a daxie.” “And you have the barking beagle.” “Right,” chuckles Heather. “Actually…” Larry’s eyes roll as Hazel, re-invigorated, launches her “What do you think about asking council to change the southern half of the beach to a green zone? Give the dogs a place to run, leash free.” “Great idea. Would legitimise what’s already happening,” Bob chortles. The child in the stroller stirs, falls back to sleep. “I’ve already written to council and had a reply. Policy is to be reviewed later in the year and they’ll seek community input. “Have to keep an eye on council’s website and Facebook page. That’s the tricky part.’ Fellow passengers add ‘Good on you.’ And ‘Need you older guys to keep tabs on things.’

Hazel could name many millennials active in social issues. But that doesn’t mean we bow out, she thinks, amid continuing friendly banter. The train has reached Thirroul where both older couples alight. During the 18-minute wait for their connecting service the chatter continues. Larry and Bob compare notes on their respective Men’s Sheds. Heather answers Hazel’s query on her volunteer job in aged care. “It’s one-on-one stuff. There are heaps of people not as active as we are, but their brains remain alert and curious.” “And don’t you think that’s the key … to the notion of ageing positively, I mean? Maintaining your curiosity?” “Yes definitely… and that’s what we focus on. Taking someone to a gallery exhibition, a concert, to a garden show, whatever, helping with family history

research. “I take my laptop on some visits and we google away. Sometimes we take a train to the city. It’s really an easy outing if you choose your times.” “Oh, I love the trip usually. Plenty of reading time, especially in the quiet carriage.” The connecting all-stations service arrives. The conversation continues to Woonona where Larry and Hazel leave the train. “See you on the beach,” calls Heather. On the drive home Larry says: “You haven’t said anything about your gallery visit.” “Inspiring, as usual. Tell you more over dinner,” Hazel replies. This story first published in the Seniors’ Stories, Volume 4. Loan copies of the book are in libraries across NSW. The book can also be downloaded for free from seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

‘‘

Like a slowly deflating balloon the atmosphere in the compartment relaxes

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Cruise into new cultures And taste the difference

Call Simes Bros Coaches now to join our Around the Bend Travel Club! Day trips, musicals, shorter tours and much more. Beautiful Bright A fantastic, historical road trip from Northern NSW to Bright in Victoria 14-22 May (9 Days, 8 Nights)

$2,475.00 per person twin share

Darwin to Perth tour inclusions

Flights to Darwin and return from Perth Airport, hotel and airport coach transfers, entry fees to most attractions, National Park fees, all breakfasts OUR NORTH-WEST WILDERNESS THE KIMBERLEY & PILBARA and dinners and some 21 days/20 nights 21st August-10th lunches September 2019

From $8,995.00 pp twin share

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Wa Wildﬂower tour inclusions

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Airport transfers, flight from Brisbane to Perth, flight from Adelaide to Gold Coast, 15 nights motel style accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, most lunches, travel in luxury, airconditioned coach, WA Wildflower Tour entry fee to most 16 days/15 nights attractions experienced 29th September-14th October 2019 driver & tour leader

$5,995.00 per person twin share

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

See the extraordinary India THE majestic jewel of India, the Taj Mahal, the legendary Bengal tiger and the remote, sacred river of Brahmaputra combine as highlights of a new river cruise tour to India in 2019. Departing Australia on December 9, 2019, the tour package offers two nights in Delhi, a night in Agra and two nights in the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur, which, together, form India’s popular ‘Golden Triangle’. The on-land itinerary takes travellers on daily excursions that include the iconic Taj Mahal at sunset, the Palace of the Winds – the Hawa Mahal, the formidable forts of Rajasthan and an authentic Indian dinner with a local family in Jaipur. Travellers then board ARC’s boutique, 46-guest river ship, MV Mahabaahu, for a seven-night journey from Neamati Ghat to Guwahati on one of India’s great rivers, the Brahmaputra, in the mystical, culturally intact state of Assam, a rich, green land of valleys located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The cruise features aromatic Indian cuisine, complimentary excursions and activities such as morning yoga and visits to

WORLD WONDER: Create never-to-be-forgotten memories at the Taj Mahal. remote tribal villages. Other highlights include sacred monasteries, tea plantations, ancient palaces and bonfires on deserted river islands at night. The Brahmaputra River also boasts views of the 7000m-high Himalayas. Assam is home to the greatest population of single-horned rhinos in the world which are

A Bengal tiger in the wild.

protected in wildlife sanctuaries that harbour other rare animals like Bengal tigers and wild water buffalo. Assam also provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. The Taj Mahal and Tigers cruise tour is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these animals in their natural environment.

"A cruise on the Brahmaputra River offers Australians an exclusive and exotic new adventure far off the beaten tourist trail," ARC chairman Sanjay Basu said. "Accommodation in Assam is also very limited so a journey aboard the MV Mahabaahu offers the best, easiest and most secure way to explore the region."

Released by Cruise Traveller in partnership with Indian river cruise company, Adventure Resorts and Cruises (ARC), the 12-night Taj Mahal and Tigers package in December, 2019, links a five-night tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with a seven-night cruise on the sacred Brahmaputra River in Assam. Assam is a culturally

intact region in far-north-east India that sees few tourists but boasts so much wildlife it is known as the ‘Serengeti of India’. Cruise Traveller and ARC are offering an early-bird discount of up to $2230 per couple on the Taj Mahal and Tigers tour if booked by April 30, 2019. Including international return flights with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth plus domestic flights in India. The 12-night land and river cruise package is available from $6495 per person, twin-share, in a riverview stateroom - a saving of $764 including the early-bird discount. The fare in a suite is from $7555 per person, twin-share – a saving of $1115 including the early-bird discount. The early-bird discounts are only available if booked before April 30, 2019, and are subject to availability. To book the Taj Mahal and Tigers fly/cruise/tour package, visit www. cruisetraveller.com.au/ TajMahal or phone Cruise Traveller on 1800 507 777.

The MV Mahabaahu sails along the big rivers of India.

Photos: Contributed

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Tasmania in the summer of bubbles, music and the arts

SOME of the best food, wine, visual and sensory entertainment is on offer in Tasmania during this summer. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Hobart: December 26, 2018-January 1, 2019 The fleet blow into Hobart from December 27, weather permitting. Be at the Hobart Race Village at Constitution Dock to welcome the salt-laden sailors as they cross the line after travelling 628 nautical miles from Sydney. Wander the docks after the race and listen to the fascinating race stories – watch and listen on as the yachties debrief and recall tales (tall and otherwise) of the open ocean. More information at rolexsydneyhobart.com. Taste of Tasmania, Hobart – December 28-January 3, 2019 Celebrate the way Tasmania eats, drinks and socialises at the 30th annual festival. What began as a small waterfront festival within easy reach of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race finish line to feed and entertain the sailors has morphed into the largest food festival in Australia. This year there is a curated culinary kitchen program featuring the best food talent in Tasmania presenting workshops, masterclasses and tastings, as well as more than 100 stallholders open from 11am-11pm daily and a vibrant program of live music across four stages. Entry is free (except for the ticketed New Year’s Eve party) and tickets to the events are selling fast.

RELAX: The Falls Music and Arts Festival is held from December 29-Jaunary 1 each year on a beautiful farm nestled on the Tasmanian east coast near Maria Island and Hell Fire Bluff at Marion Bay.

Tasmania has a wide selection of wines for visitors to taste during their summer visit.

With over 70 stallholders, the festival event features exclusive collaborations and free family activities.

More information at thetasteoftasmania. com.au. Falls Music and Arts Festival, Marion Bay – December 29-January 1, 2019 The 26th annual festival line up includes international acts Chvrches, Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals, Toto and Dizzee Rascal, and home-grown heroes Vance

tickets at the website fallsfestival.com. Hobart International Tennis, Hobart – January 6-12, 2019 This is Tasmania’s premier international women’s sporting event and a lead in tournament for players to fine-tune their preparations ahead of Melbourne’s Australian Open. Having hosted some of

Joy, Flight Facilities and Amy Shark. Head along to The Village, a family-friendly space with circus shows, kid’s comedians, face painting, yoga sessions, treasure hunts and more. The beach is a short stroll away and there are plenty of food and drink options to keep the foodies entertained too. More information and

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a 628 nautical mile race described as one of the most gruelling ocean races.

the biggest names in tennis like Serena Williams, Dinara Safina and Australian number one Sam Stosur, the tournament promises top on court action as well as premium food trucks with fantastic local fare, a beer garden and the chance to win a meet and greet with the women’s singles champion post-match.

More information at hobartinternational. com.au. Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet – January 11-13, 2019 Into folk music? Head to the 37th annual Cygnet Folk Festival to enjoy more than 100 acts in the picturesque town of Cygnet, an hour south of Hobart in the Huon Valley. This is Tasmania’s leading celebration of folk and world music, dance, poetry, performance art, food and culture and is highly regarded by musicians and festival-goers from all over Australia and overseas. The competition to get on stage is fierce and the punters are the beneficiaries. In 2019 enjoy musical performances as well as workshops, dances and market stalls. Tickets at cygnet folkfestival.org/tickets. Mona Foma Launceston – January 13-20, 2019 Mona Foma is back for another year of mayhem, this time based in Launceston. Mona’s summer festival will welcome artists from Australia and overseas such as Courtney Barnett, Neneh Cherry and Underworld, who will perform alongside a program of arts trails, morning meditations and of course, the famous onesie party. Australian artist and designer Adele Varcoe has teamed up with Finnish clothing label Self-Assembly to create over 2000 DIY onesies (no sewing machines required) for the event. Tickets at monafoma.net.au.

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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Drive toward the Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines

A MAGICAL WORLD: Beautiful view of Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo: Nikolay Tsuguliev

Live the travel dream This month we profile destinations and experiences 40 to 36 as we count down the 2018 list of the World’s Best Journeys which we hope will inspire you to live life to the full.

THE top 50 bucket list has been selected by Flight Network and over 500 top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers and editors. There are travel experiences to suit different styles and budgets.

DRIVE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

❚ CRUISING along the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast harmoniously connects rugged landscapes with unique people, many of who still speak Irish Gaelic. Skirting around the coastline, expansive views and traditional villages captivate drivers along the route from the

Northern Headlands down to the Havan Coast. The road opens up as you steer toward the Surf Coast and the wildness of the seaboard captivates with red-gold beaches. Continue driving south towards the Bay Coast to discover crystal coves and islands perfect for swimming, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Ride to Cliff Coast and immerse yourself Ireland’s music capital, spending the day listening to live bands in local pubs. Drive toward the magnificent Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines extending far out in the ocean before stopping for an overnight

stay on the Haven Coast to dine on artisan fare. Getting there: Choose a small but sturdy rental vehicle when arriving at the airport. All of the major airports in the country whether it be Dublin, Shannon or Cork will get you close to the Wild Atlantic Way, but the closest is Shannon Airport with accessible road links to a number of counties along road and is less than an hour from the Cliffs of Moher. For drivers who decide to start their tour at its southernmost point, Cork Airport is just a 20 mile trip.

CRUISE THE MEKONG RIVER

❚ THE Mekong River is one

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of the most fascinating on the planet. It starts in the Tibetan plateau and snake its way through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It has been an important medium for transporting people and goods for thousands of years and today is an important international trade route. Cruise from the very end of the river north through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta area up into Cambodia’s capital city, where it meets that Tonle Sap and travels through the Cambodian countryside. The scenery is unmatchable and the journey unforgettable. Travellers will transfer

from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho Port to board an incredible teak ship that has been specifically built to cruise the Mekong River. Visit local artisan villages, the Gao Giong bird sanctuary, a beautiful Taoist temple and Koh Okhna Tey, otherwise known as silk island. Explore Con Phuoc Island, Koh Trong Island and Phnom Penh, visiting the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and the Killing Fields and Genocide museum. The journey ends in Siem Reap staring at the famous Angkor Wat monuments. Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Black sand beach,Waianapanapa State Park. Maui, Hawaii.

Photo: 7Michael

The epic Irish Landscape and seascape along Ireland’s The Wild Atlantic Way. International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the departing airport.

TAKE THE ROAD TO HANA DRIVE

❚ NAVIGATING curves near crashing waves of the Pacific and stopping for tide pool swims beneath waterfalls attracts drivers to a single stretch of Hawaiian coastline. Unrivaled as the top attraction on the lush island of Maui, the Road to Hana drive winds along the 52-mile stretch of coastline from Pa’ia town to the community of Hana. If you’re able to lease a convertible, you’ll have panoramic views of the surf and scenery. Drive from the town of Kahului in central Maui and head towards Hana through the surf town Pa’ia on Maui’s north shore. Tour Maliko Bay before heading to Twin Falls to cool off in one of its natural pools and waterfalls. Drive up to Honomanu Bay Lookout and stop for a walk on the beach before steering towards the Keanae Peninsula lined with vibrant hibiscus and jagged lava rocks. Reaching the Koolau Forest Reserve, park the car and explore Wai anapanapa State Park where tide pools turn red several times a year due to the arrival of shrimp. Follow the signs to Wailua Falls and awe at the waterfalls cascading over the mountains before ending the drive with a stop Waimoku Falls to gaze up at its magnificent 400 foot waterfall.

Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam. Getting there: Kahului Airport is east of the Kahului CDP on the island of Maui and is the main airport servicing Maui. You can also fly into Honolulu International Airport on Oahu before commuting to Maui on a brief, 30-minute flight. Major car rental companies are at the airport or you can take a taxi or shuttle bus and lease a cruising vehicle like a convertible. There is also daily ferry service to and from the nearby island of Lanai.

HIKE THE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

❚ REACHING a cumulative 10,000m of descent and ascent, the Tour de Mont Blanc’s 170km hike is a

trekker’s dream with plenty of hotels and mountain huts along the way for taking in the landscape to its fullest with very little gear. Set out in Chamonix, France, for an 11-day hike towards Les Houches to photo chamois, deer, and eagles during the excursion. Continue ascending to Les Contamines and take in the mountain resort vibe and renowned cuisine. Hike onward to Les Chapieux, a small hamlet on the tour inhabited by shepherds and their flocks. Refuge Elisabetta is next on the route providing a comfortable overnight stay for walkers. Trek to the resort of Courmayeur and take a

Photo: AND-ONE

ride on the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car and peer at peaks of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. Spend some time at La Vachey, the seasonal inn and restaurant, before hiking to La Fouly to scale winding trails of its mountain peaks. Walk to Champex and take in the culture of the Swiss village. Hike to Trient and take a detour to explore Trent Glacier before continuing to Tre le Champ, down on the valley floor and walk along the crystal stream. Returning to Chamonix, be sure to take a ride on the city’s world-class cable car and get a bird’s eye view of the Mont Blanc massif.

Getting there: You can hike alone or benefit from a mountain guide’s experience. Several guide companies are available when you arrive in Chamonix. The most direct way is to fly into Geneva Cointrin International Airport. Once there, you can take an airport transport to Chamonix or hire a car. Another option is to take the Eurostar or TGV train from Paris or Lyon and connect on local train onto Saint Gervais Les Bains where you can pick up the Mont Blanc Express Train into Chamonix.

MOTORCYCLE FROM HO CHI MINH TO HANOI

❚ TRAVEL from Vietnam’s

Photo: upthebanner

coast to the highlands with the wind blowing in your face and your heart pumping with excitement the entire way. There is no better way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi than on a motorcycle, zooming past some incredible scenery. This 2770km ride is equal parts of beach and mountain, giving travellers the chance to be totally immersed in the beauty of Vietnam. The ride is an unforgettable. Weave through highlands, mountains and along coast lines, gazing at magnificent undeveloped beaches, stopping in lonely villages and visiting cultural sites like the Ninh Hoa Salt Fields, Imperial City in Hue, and Vinh Moc Tunnels. Spend time exploring cities, lazing on beaches and sampling regional Vietnamese cuisine. Snap photos of beautiful French colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and the Long Son Pagoda. Wander around Hoi An’s old town, explore the Tràng An Scenic Complex and ride the Vinpearl Cable Car. Visit must-sees and find hidden gems, but most importantly, enjoy the ride! Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Check the dates of the 6-day Vietnamese New year before booking your flights to try to avoid motorcycling from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi at this time. The roads will be congested with locals much more dangerous to be on.

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Top tips for fishing round the Snowy Mountains Find out the easiest ways to catch Trout in the lakes Nige Webster THE NSW high country is a personal favourite of mine and I’ve spent years of my life fishing here. If you enjoy freshwater trout fishing then this is one of the premier places in the country to travel to. Lakes Tantangara, Eucumbene and Jindabyne are regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout and Atlantic salmon; they also support a self-sustaining population of brown trout. The rivers that run into these lakes are all well known for fabulous fishing within season. These rivers are closed to fishing during the spawn run of June to October, but the lakes are open year-round. There is a lot of accommodation up here in the way of hotels, motels and caravan parks.

SKILLED RELAXTION: Fishing on Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains

Photos: Destination NSW

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Mid-winter sees the area overrun with ski enthusiasts and expenses rise, so best times of year to travel here include September to May

Mid-winter sees the area overrun with ski enthusiasts and expenses rise, so best times of year to travel here include September to May. I often stay in places like Jindabyne, Kalkite, Old Adaminaby, Providence Portal and the like. My favourite place to stay is Rydges Horizons in Jindabyne which has a beautiful view over the lake. The easiest ways to catch a trout in the lakes is to bait fish – scrub

Nige Webster. worms, mudeyes, yabbies, powerbait – off the banks or troll a lure behind a boat. Two to 4kg rods with six to 10lb breaking strain lines will cover most bases. There are many lures which will catch fish in the lakes: winged Tasmanian Devils, bibbed hardbodies that imitate trout and dive between one and three metres will work well. Getting lures deeper

beneath downriggers is also popular. Trolling attractors with baits behind them is deadly when the weather is really good. Sight fishing the dams with a fly rod or casting streamer flies early, late in the day or at night during summer are proven ways to catch trout on a fly rod. The rivers are simply stunning and walking them with a fishing rod is a treat. Check regulations

ABOVE: Boat on Lake Eucumbene, Snowy Mountains. but most rivers are lure and fly only and closed at times. Next month I will take you on a Darwin fishing trip. Nige Webster works for AFN Fishing & Outdoors and presents and produces The Fishing Show on 7Mate.

Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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Dordogne walk.

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The village climbs up a cliff face and is a pilgrimage destination

The beautiful village of Beaulier-su..

MEDIEVAL MAGIC: Dordogne, village of Carennac.

On Foot, walking France

ON FOOT Holidays has announced a new walking route in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwest France, their fourth in the country. The new, self-guided, inn-to-inn walk follows the Dordogne River through classic French countryside and medieval villages and is ideal for Australians looking to experience a taste of quintessential France. On Foot Holidays has designed the Dordogne route so walkers can feel

like a local as they take in the less-travelled byways and backwaters of the Middle Dordogne landscapes and the unique flavour of the Dordogne Valley. Beginning in the medieval city of Beaulieu sur Dordogne, the seven-night walk takes travellers through the Dordogne Valley’s country meadows and picturesque villages as guests stay in traditional inns and hotels along the riverside, experiencing local life and

authentic French cuisine. After four days of walking among the hills and quaint villages above the charming countryside, the route heads over the limestone plateau to the striking village of Rocamadour. The village climbs up a cliff face and is a pilgrimage destination that sees over one million people visit each year. The journey comes to an end alongside the Ouysse river, a tributary of the Dordogne, at a

Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate the end of the walk. The seven-night walking holiday is graded medium with up to five and a half hours of walking each day (shortening options usually offered). Including seven nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, four evening meals and all luggage transfers – meaning travellers simply carry a day pack – the route costs from £1060 per person, twin-share (approximately

A$1869 depending on exchange rates). Shorter six, five and four-night options are also available. Payments can be made by via Earthport FX transfer, a system which offers Australians the convenience of paying for walks in Australian dollars at a local bank, saving transfer charges and credit card fees. The Dordogne inn-to-inn walk is available from May 2019. On Foot Holidays offers

33 self-guided walking tours across Europe. Accommodation and information packs are provided for all the routes and optional guides are available on select itineraries. Walkers select their departure dates, luggage is transferred between inns each day and all routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays.

Visit onfootholidays.co.uk for more information.

Smithy and wife have found the right way to show the outback EVER since he was eight years old, Alan ‘Smithy’ Smith has known the Australian outback is unique to the world. Way ahead of his time, he held a deep love for the outback and would spend days wandering into the bush from his home in Blackall, Central West Queensland. “As a child whenever we had visitors, I would take them out to some amazing places,” he said. “Sometimes the visitors were blown away with the simple things, the bush, the petrified wood, the stories about what the families had done in developing the land, the pioneer shearers. “My family owned a soft drink factory for 34 years in Blackall.

“I was always engaged in different parts of the community and there was an amazing mix of characters in the community. Lots of stories to tell.” By the time he was 21, Smithy knew he had to share his love of the bush and his prodigious knowledge with others and start a small tour company. That was 30 years ago in 1988 before our outback had much of a profile. “There were not the visitors that there are now,” he said. “I started with a billy made from a three-litre juice tin, a camp oven, a troop carrier, photocopied brochures and an answering machine. I traded in my little 4WD

BORN IN THE BUSH: Alan ‘Smithy’ Smith was a natural to lead outback tours. and convinced the bank to lend me $28,000.” That was the beginning of Outback Aussie Tours. Surviving in a remote marginal area was tough but Smithy had the confidence, in-depth knowledge and as many

stories as there are stars in the sky. “Looking back, I realised I pushed (tour guests) them too hard, I was so eager to share,” he said. “I had no idea what the market could bear. Some

of the people did not care for a swag or to be driven all over the place. “I learnt and developed smaller packages, one was to drive to Longreach, collect wood on the way, light a fire, boil a billy, give them a cup of tea while I mixed the damper, throw the damper in the camp oven, take people to look for petrified wood, come back and have tea and damper. That worked well.” Now Smithy, with his wife Sue, runs short break packages from Longreach, Charleville and Brisbane to iconic destinations including Winton, Birdsville, Corner Country, Gulf Savannah and Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“Now it is a lot of fun, but I worked hard in the beginning, juggled three jobs, a cleaning business, packing supermarket shelves,” Smithy said. “I had to survive and buy new equipment. Then the grey nomad market started coming. Then the Midlander train twice a week. Three decades later, with the outback now a major tourism destination, Smithy can say he was one of the pioneer tourism operations. He has many return guests and made countless friendsfrom backpackers to the senior community, around the world. To find out more, go to outbackaussietours. com.au.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Staring down the demon of dementia

Wellbeing

Sarah shares her secret on organising her life

Alison Houston

EYE OF THE STORM: Sarah Ashton earned a standing ovation as she told how she has organised her life to cope with dementia and to help others do the same.

Photo: NADINE FISHER

“SOME days the Devil whispers, ‘You are not strong enough to withstand the storm’ ... and some days I get up and say, ‘Today, I am the storm’.” The closing words to Sarah Ashton’s presentation on the lived experience of dementia earned her a standing ovation at the 10th International Arts and Health Conference last month. Sarah, from Port Macquarie, was one of several speakers with the courage to share their mental health struggles to help others better understand their condition. None sought or engendered pity, instead displaying their incredible inner strength to not just cope and reclaim control of their own lives but actively work to help others. “My life got turned upside down the moment I got this diagnosis,” Sarah acknowledged. But she has discovered ways to manage what she calls “the everyday frustrations”. All her bills, for example

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She has diaries everywhere detailing her appointments and what she needs to do. are on auto payment. Sarah has diaries everywhere detailing her appointments and what she needs to do. She has clocks and calendars everywhere “in case I want to check what day I think it is today”. Sarah keeps busy socialising, as a member of various groups, doing advocacy work including Joining the Dots for Dementia, taking part in research, doing art and craft, listening to music and caring for her pets and her garden. Recently she won the Impromptu section of her Toastmasters International area speaking competition and will compete at the District competition next March. Looking after your diet,

walking or exercising every day, engaging in intellectual exercises such as puzzles, brain training, games and reading were also important. Legal paperwork, she urged, must be put in order as soon as you receive a diagnosis, so you are still considered legally competent to truly know your wishes. That included a professionally written will, advanced care directive and power of attorney, all with “meat and bite” as to where you want to live, and what is to happen to the assets if your home has to be sold if you need higher level care. But Sarah admitted the challenge of dealing with aspects of dementia and “pretending to be a functional adult” was exhausting. “No one is immune,” she said. Still, Sarah said, she has hope because “hope opens people’s eyes”. For information on Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia go to dementia.org.au or phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

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Bye bye dry eyes DRY eye, which is common to older people, can be caused by any number of things so just popping some eye drops in your eyes won’t necessarily be the best treatment choice. Optometry Australia’s resident optometrist Sophie Koh said there are probably underlying issues causing this condition. “It might be some lid disease or inflammation that needs to be treated,” she said. “The tear glands within your lid might be blocked or inflamed.” Other causes could be dietary and systemic health problems such as Sjogren’s or auto-immune disease, thyroid, diabetes or acne rosacea, for example. An optometrist will talk to a senior about these possible contributing factors plus look at the home and work environments, diet, general health, prolonged exposure to eye irritants and even eye trauma. Dry eye occurs when insufficient tears are produced. Those tears keep the eye lubricated. Every time you blink a thin film of tears are swept over the eye surface. The tears should remain in tack between blinks. If your eye doesn’t produce enough tears to keep the eye surface moist or the tears don’t stay on the eyes long enough, this can result in the eyeball surface becoming damaged. Crusting on eyelids Blepharitis, as it is known, is common in seniors. It is characterised by a chronic inflammation of the eyelids.

The eyes will feel irritated and crusting of your eyelid and lashes can occur. “If seniors wake up in the morning and their eyes are stuck together or itchy or have what we call sleep in the eye, that is crusting,” Ms Koh said. This happens when the eye is unable to flush away the grit that accumulates around the eye while we are sleeping. Get professional advice While using across the counter eye drops seems a simple solution, they won’t fix the underlying problem. The eyelids may need cleaning, or blocked glands cleared by an optometrist, or there may be other health and environmental issues causing dry eyes. It really is best to visit the optometrist in the first instance before trying any self-medication strategies. Applying a hot compress or hot towel on the eyelid is another way the optometrist may suggest for getting the tear glands working better. Self-medication Some options are: ■ Eye drops, gels or ointments to lubricate the surface of the eye ■ Wash and gently massage your eyelids while in a warm shower ■ Increase the humidity in the air at home and work by placing bowls of water around the room to evaporate ■ Check with your GP if your medications have side effects that include dry eyes ■ Practice blinking more often, especially when in front of a computer

EYE HEALTH: When your arms aren’t long enough to read the print, it’s probably time to get your eyes checked by an optometrist. Photo: gpointstudio

Save your sight with top advice GOOD eye health starts with precaution before a sight problem or refractive error is revealed which can significantly impact on your quality of life. This means getting your eye health tested by your local optometrist every 12 months from the time you hit 60. From the age of 65 you are eligible for a full Medicare rebate for the cost of an annual test. Many eye conditions associated with ageing aren’t immediately obvious to the person. They can sneak up without causing early pain or symptoms and become obvious once damage to the eye has occurred. When up to 90 per cent of blindness in Australia is avoidable or treatable if detected early, it’s a strong argument for staying on top of your eye health. As we age we are prone to presbyopia, or old eye. This is where the clear lens inside the eye

better value. better service. better care.

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becomes less flexible and less able to change its shape. Optometry Australia’s chief clinical officer Luke Arundel said this can cause difficulties with focusing up close such as when you are reading small print. “It’s very common for people 40 or 45 onwards,” Mr Arundel said. Where to start Each time you meet with your optometrist, you need to tell them what regular medications you are taking and what visual tasks you are doing. “When we prescribe glasses, particularly glasses for close work, the distance that you want to hold your reading material at is very important to us,” Mr Arundel said. “If you are playing bridge and want to look at cards that on a table that is 70cm away, you may need a different prescription from if you

want to lie in bed and hold a book 30cm away.” You need to also detail your hobbies, crafts, what type of computer screen you use – a PC or iPad, for example – your sports and recreation activities, and whether you want to wear glasses or contact lenses. With this knowledge the optometrist can tailor your visual solution. The next step is to discuss what type of glasses you want: bifocal which has the top half for distance and a small bottom segment for reading, multifocal or varied focal lens which has the distance at the top with an intermediate zone which might be for computers and a reading zone at the bottom, or separate glasses for reading and distance. “With multifocals, the way that the lens’s are designed, there is often a little bit of distortion in the periphery,” Mr Arundel said. “Not everyone gets

used to multifocals or bifocals; possibly as low as one in 30 might. Typically, it’s something that would be covered by an adaption warranty. So, if a patient doesn’t get used to them, often it will be changed at no charge for changing to one pair for distance and one for reading.” Pharmacy glasses This option is often suitable to people who have perfect distance vision, but there are few people who find these magnifier glasses accurately suit their reading distance needs. “The way they are made is that the optical centre of the lens is randomly selected,” Mr Arundel said. These glasses can be a good emergency option, but Mr Arundel said using these glasses shouldn’t stop you have having your eyes tested every year to ensure there are no significant vision problems arising.

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

WELLBEING

Lift for eye’s droopy lids

Examinations point to proper help

Tracey Johnstone HAVE you ever wondered why you have dropping skin about your eyes? Wondered if there is anything you can do about it? Ophthalmologist Dr Elizabeth Livingstone has some advice to help you find a solution. Droopy eyelids are a condition where ageing skin comes down over the eye which may obstruct a person’s vision. This often occurs at the corner of an eye which will impact more on your side vision than your direct vision and which can have a significant impact on your vision, including when driving. Dr Livingstone, who works with elderly patients in her Livingstone Clinics at the Gold Coast and Sydney, says some of the reasons for droopy eyelids are: ■ As we age the skin above the eye can becomes less elastic and stretches. The skin can then rest on your eyelashes, making them feel heavy ■ Having a lot of fat tissue under the skin ■ Some medical

conditions including thyroid disease, and those that cause fluid retention ■ Atrophy, or allergies, which causes lots of swelling of the eyelids early in life ■ Senile ptosis, which is where the ageing muscle in the top lid stretches, causing the eyelid not to open properly ■ Having a genetic disposition Surgery is an option for dealing with droopy eyelids, but Dr Livingstone cautions against having it before you have an essential eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. “We need to make sure your eyesight is good,” Dr Livingstone said. “You may need a field examination done. “Ideally you would get a referral from your GP or optometrist for an ophthalmologist.” If you object to the way your eyelids look, cosmetic, plastic, ENT and ophthalmologist surgeons can rectify the condition. But the cost of this surgery isn’t covered by Medicare and can be expensive. “The satisfaction of the

patient is a lot harder to achieve because they are younger and more critical,” Dr Livingstone said. “They are not getting it just for the eyelids, they are looking at it from every point of their face, from all directions, and tend to notice differences after the surgery more than before.” Because of that, medical indemnity for that sort of procedure is much higher. “For the elderly patients, they just want to see better – and if they look better they are so happy.” To rectify a skin problem, the surgery is similar to a cosmetic treatment. “If it’s skin and fat, again it’s pretty much the same surgery but just a bit more involved,” Dr Livingstone said. “But if you are starting to get stretching of the muscle and the drooping of the top eyelid margins so it’s coming down over the pupil, then it belongs in the domain of the ophthalmologist. “That operation requires relocating the muscle and stitching down onto the eyelid.”

PROBLEM: The eye of a woman showing a drooping eyelid.

Photo: ElFlacodelNorte

Three top tips to deal with cramping leg muscles way to get relief from a cramp and help avoid cramps occurring in the first place ■ Pre-stretch your calf muscles before you go to bed. Try this stretch – keep your feet flat on the floor, then carefully lean forward and touch a wall

■ Keep well hydrated, particularly during the hotter months He said there is no real evidence that taking magnesium or salt is useful unless you have an electrolyte issue. “They appear to be more prevalent in

diabetics and can be more prevalent in hypertension and venous insufficiency. “Cramps have been linked diuretics, aerosol beta agonists and some statins which in some people does cause lower leg weakness.”

TThe the Meals On Wheels team wish Seniors News readers a very safe and Merry Christmas. We are not closed for long, o only.. December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1. See you Soon.

GRAFTON Westward Park Bacon Street, Grafton | ✆ Call 6642 3879

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can last for anywhere between seconds and a few minutes. Sitting for long periods with your knee bent can also bring on a cramp. Some tips for managing cramps are: ■ During the day stretch the leg muscles out is one

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SORE LEGS NO MORE: Managing pain

CRAMPS are fairly common among older Australians – almost 50 per cent of us suffer the often incredibly painful spasming of the muscles. They are an involuntary and painful contraction of a skeletal muscle which

WELLBEING

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Out of the sky and into SES Tania Phillips

EVER READY: SES Coffs Coast Regional Local Commander Bill Roffey is ready for summer.

THE holiday season is upon us and while everyone is preparing to wind down at work and take a break, spare a thought for the SES volunteers. For the men and women of the State Emergency Service the next few months could potentially be one of the busiest times of the year but despite being on call 24-7, Coffs Coast Regional Local Commander Bill Roffey wouldn’t have it any other way. Bill, who celebrated his

72nd birthday this month, joined the SES 14 years ago when he couldn’t imagine “retiring” after a career in the military and business world. “Back in 2004 the tail-end of a cyclone came through Emerald Beach where I was living and did a fair bit of damage – I saw a lot of people in orange,” he said. “At the time I was running my own business and I had time to help out. I went to Woolgoolga to try and join but they didn’t have SES and my nearest was Coffs Harbour.” The rest, as they say, is history and Bill not only joined but rose up through

the ranks. He is now local commander for the Coffs Coast Region which stretches from Corindi to Urunga and out to Dorrigo. For Bill it is all about helping the community but more than that it’s about keeping his brain active. With his Newspaperman grandfather working almost to the end and his electrical engineer father doing the same, Bill was never going to be someone to sit down and put his feet up. “Must be in my genes,” he laughed. “It is all about keeping yourself active and motivated. I have no desire to just sit down in a

chair until I start dribbling and die.” As local commander coming into storm season and possible accidents on the Pacific Highway, Bill knows there might not be a lot of chances to put his feet up much over Christmas. However, Bill said there were plenty of things people could do to make the job easier for the SES and make your house safer, including cleaning out the gutters and removing suspect trees. To help get ready for storm season or to find out about volunteering, go to ses.nsw.gov.au/.

Six tips to keep the home safe BEING burgled is traumatic for anyone, but perhaps even more so for the senior who will most likely have great sentiment attached to many of their belongings. Surprisingly, most thieves aren’t interested in stealing your TV or surround-sound system – they want only small items they can carry in luggage stolen from your home. Most interesting of all is the paperwork sitting on your study desk and any files inside – that’s valuable information they can sell. Even with just your name and address they can clone your identity and sell your credit details to the highest bidder. It will be a nightmare for you to sort out – if they get passports, bank cards and drivers’ licences then all the better. The festive season is prime time for thieves, with so many homeowners locking up and taking off on holiday. Natasha Morgan, home security expert and

founder of My Home Watch Australia, gives us these tips – most we already know but some we had not thought of. Always be security aware. 1. Get those ladders off the walls A ladder resting against your house or wall is a welcome sign for any thieves to enter your premises. It offers them a quick and very easy way to crawl through your second-storey window. Tip: Keep all windows and doors locked when you go out of the house – and that includes those in the upper floors. If you own a ladder, make sure to hide it in your garage or outdoor shed after use. 2. Don’t let newspapers, junk mail or mail pile up Stacked unread mail and newspapers sitting on the driveway are a dead giveaway nobody’s home. Tip: Before going on holiday, arrange to have your mail collected by a trusted service. 3. Secure rubbish bins Thieves say they often survey the contents of

rubbish bins to determine the type of people in their target house – and if they have money. Looking at your rubbish is like browsing a catalogue of the things you own. Did you just buy a new smart TV? The box will most likely show up in the trash for the thieves to see. Tip: Never leave boxes of newly purchased items on the footpath for everyone to see. 4. Trim your hedges and move possible hiding spots Tall hedges, overgrown bushes and life-size garden ornaments are a great place for intruders to hide while they case your home. The bushier your plants, the better it is for them to peek into the window to see what’s inside, or just study the comings and goings of the people in your household. When they figure out the pattern in your schedule, it will be easier for burglars to plot a plan and escape.

Tip: Trim your bushes and trees regularly so they don’t create hiding spots for thieves. Another thing that might help is to install a motion-detector lighting system near windows and doors. 5. Don’t broadcast your activities on social media So, you’re going to Thailand and you want everyone to know how excited you are. The burglar will be, too. When you brag about your trip on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and similar channels, the burglar might not find value in your post but he or she will certainly love the fact that nobody’s home. Tip: Stop announcing where you are going to go and for how long you will be away. It might be tempting to keep posting updates of where you are in real-time but that can also be a signal for intruders that it’s time. While you might only be connected to friends on social media, you never really know who’s watching.

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: Don’t let newspapers, junk mail or mail pile up in the letterbox or on the driveway. Arrange to have it collected by trusted family or friends. 6. Make your home look alive The more alive your household looks, the lower the likelihood it will be a burglar’s next target. Thieves are called so because they don’t want to be seen while they do their thing. If your home seems like somebody’s

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inside, they may not enter. Burglars say they often observe houses where the lights have been off for at least two days. That’s the signal to enter. Tip: There are plenty of affordable smart home security systems that will help make it look like somebody’s home.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

WELLBEING

Clarifying TV audio for those with hearing loss BRAND INSIGHTS HEARING Specialists have developed a new wireless headset specifically for those with hearing loss to clarify television audio. The headset was developed following extensive hearing assessments of over 1000 people with hearing loss who struggle to hear the TV clearly. Hearing specialist Don Hudson says the TV Voice Pro headset will deliver better clarity for TV audio than even the world’s best hearing aids. This comes down to the fact that the original audio for TV is often highly inconsistent. “The clarity of the TV audio itself is often highly variable, as many channels differ dramatically in the clarity of the dialogue, and the volume is often changing too. We know as hearing specialists that hearing aids find it hard to correct this problem, as the originating problem is how the audio has been mixed for each TV program.” The new wireless TV Voice Pro headset overcomes this problem by altering the original TV audio. The adjustment to the TV audio puts a deliberate focus on speech frequencies to clarify TV dialogue for the user. “The TV Voice Pro headset automatically recalibrates the TV audio to focus on speech frequencies, so the user can hear the dialogue clearly. With adequate volume control function, it will work to clarify TV audio for those with any level of hearing loss.” The wireless TV Voice

LISTEN UP: The TV Voice Pro system is guaranteed to connect in under two minutes to any TV in Australia. Pro headset weighs just 70 grams and allows wearers to listen to television at their own preferred volume without affecting the volume for others in the room. It uses RF transmission

to allow wireless use from anywhere in the house, up to 20 metres. The TV Voice Pro system is guaranteed to connect in under two minutes to any TV in Australia.

It is a rechargeable device and no batteries are required. The purchase price is $349. TV Voice Pro comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. To order, phone

1300 300 446 or order online, go to TvVoicePro.com.au. TV Voice pro is currently offering free express courier deliver for all pre-Christmas orders.

Take a look at driving safety DO YOU fear serious injury on the road caused by distracted drivers? Well, perhaps it’s time to take a look in the mirror. A new report – Distraction and Older Drivers – has revealed ageing baby boomers are likely to become distracted on the road as technology continues to meld with the driving experience. “While traditionally viewed as a younger driver issue, distracted driving among the older driver cohort is predicted to increase as future generations of older drivers drive more often, and for longer, and embrace technology in increasing numbers,” the report suggested. Although the report found older drivers ranked second (one task every 84 seconds) for drivers who engaged most frequently in secondary tasks, it also found they travelled further and were more likely to be distracted talking to a passenger. And counting in loss of hearing, deteriorating eyesight and problems driving at night, the report indicates that older drivers are “at greater risk of crash involvement and crash-related trauma”. Distraction and Older Drivers was published in the Australian Road Safety Journal.

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BRAND INSIGHTS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Imagine the perfect retirement

Decision to downsize means ability to travel

WE CAUGHT up with retirees Kerryn and Len Moss three months after their move into Fairways Gardens, Macksville. Where did you move from and why Fairway Gardens? We lived on a five-acre property in Scott’s Head. We wanted to downsize to eliminate home maintenance and to travel around Australia in our new caravan. After checking out several villages, Fairway Gardens was the obvious choice because of its fantastic location, minimal maintenance and cost. Tell us about your brand-new unit? It was such an easy transition into our light, bright and airy duplex. It has two bedrooms and is spacious enough to host our sons and their families when they visit. We have a nice covered courtyard. It’s our barbecue area with a garden. Safety is not an issue here because it’s a gated community.

SITUATED in the heart of the beautiful mid-north coast, Macleay Valley Village will offer the resort-style retirement you deserve. Thompson Health Care’s magnificent Stage 1 build will feature 56 luxury villas, each cleverly designed to offer single-level living. Features include a master bedroom with ensuite, large main bathroom, double garage, gourmet kitchen and spacious living areas. With two bedrooms plus a flexi-room, ideal for an office or sitting room, there’s plenty of room for visiting family and friends. Of course the perfect retirement means time for relaxing, so each villa’s spacious courtyard or terrace will provide the idyllic place to unwind with a glass of wine or read a book. At the heart of the Village, the Country Club will offer an array of recreational and lifestyle options for residents in a welcoming community atmosphere. Outside you’ll enjoy landscaped gardens and grounds overlooking the stunning Macleay River Valley and distant hills. Situated in Fredrickton,

LIVING LIFE: Kerryn and Len Moss enjoying the facilities and community lifestyle at Fairways Gardens, Macksville. What facilities do you enjoy at Fairway Gardens? We have the occasional hit on the tennis court. The golf course is just a stroll away at Macksville Country Club, in fact we will have a direct pathway from here to there built soon. What do you appreciate most about living at Fairway Gardens? Every staff member that we come into contact with cannot do enough to help. From the maintenance boys to

office people, everyone is so happy and obliging. What’s next? We are planning our next trip in the caravan to explore the South Coast. We can take off in our caravan all the time now. It’s great not having to worry about the place while we are away. Fairway Gardens display home open: Wed-Sun, 10am-3pm. NVC Group, 14 Upper Warrell Creek Rd, Macksville. Phone 02 6598 5000 or email admin@nvcl.org.au.

Heated Indoor Swimming Pool Gymnasium All Weather Tennis Court Café

DESIGN OPTIONS: Multi Storey, Dual Occupancy, Single Level, Stand Alone, Open Plan Designs • Close to Hospital • Public Transport • 2 minutes to shops

Prices Start from $425000

A great place to maintain an active lifestyle adjacent to the Macksville Country Club.

Fairway Gardens Contact 02 6598 5000 www.fairwaygardens.com.au

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years experience in retirement and aged care. Proprietor Douglas Thomspon AM said: “we are proud to bring such an outstanding new era of independent living to this beautiful area and look forward to welcoming residents from mid-2019.” Located at 80 - 114 Macleay St, Frederickton. Phone 02 6561 0900 or email macleayvh@thc.net.au.

Good people, good places

FACILITIES INCLUDE: Modern Luxury Low Maintenance 2 or 3 Bedrooms Gated Community Private Yards

Macleay Valley Village is conveniently located to many of the towns and centres in the district. This first-class build will cater to independent residents over 55 looking for outstanding quality in their home and located directly next door to our premium aged-care home you will have peace of mind for every stage of life. Thompson Health Care is a family-owned company with over 40

Clarence Village

Brand New Luxury Coastal Retirement Living

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RELAX: Meet new friends in the living room or family for a cappuccino in the coffee shop. Photo: Alexey Tulenkov

Coming in 2019: Another 20 quality aged care places opening at Dougherty Villa

6643 2377 www.clarencevillage.com.au

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Amazing work recognised THE founder of Celebrating Ageing, Dr Catherine Barrett was named a finalist for one of the most prestigious awards of its kind Australia - the 2018 Human Rights medal After a long nursing career and with a goal to make older people visible, safe and receive the respect and dignity they deserve, Dr Barrett established Celebrate Ageing. The organisation raises awareness through events, educational services and other programs to draw attention to issues such as elder abuse, sexual assault, dementia, ageism and the media, aged-care facilities and more. Dr Barrett is also a national and international leader in the rights of older people. She has also worked extensively with the ageing LGBTI+ communities. The Human Rights judging panel evaluated over 70 nominations from around the country to identify an impressive list of finalists. “It is without a doubt that these finalists, along with their supporters, peers and colleagues, have driven remarkable and lasting change to the lives of thousands of individuals of all backgrounds,” Commission President Rosalind Croucher said. “Such achievements must be celebrated and acknowledged and what better way to do this than with the Human Rights Awards and of course, the highly coveted Human Rights Medal,” she said. Other finalists were: Antoinette Braybrook Armed with little more

HUMAN RIGHTS MEDAL FINALISTS: (top left to right) Dr Barri Phatarfod, Father Rod Bower, Antoinette Braybrook, (bottom left to right) The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC, Chrissie Foster and Catherine Barrett. than a mobile phone, a laptop and a modest grant, Antoinette established Djirra (then called the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Service Victoria) in 2002. She remains the CEO of the organisation and is the national convenor of the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Forum – which she campaigned to establish. Through her leadership and vision, Antoinette played a key role in the establishment of culturally appropriate legal services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families experiencing violence. Dr Barri Phatarfod Dr Phatarfod founded Doctors 4 Refugees five years ago, with the goal of helping asylum

Father Rod Bower outside Gosford Anglican Church. seekers and refugees access quality medical care, both on and offshore. Currently the membership is over 700 with more than 100 of these doctors including specialists actively reviewing the medical records and management of over 400 asylum seekers and refugees. Dr Phatarfod and her group challenged the

Australian Border Force Act and its contentious Secrecy provisions, which were eventually removed. Dr Phatarfod was last year recognised by Amnesty as one of Australia’s top human rights defenders. Father Rod Bower The venerable Father Rod Bower is an Anglican priest and Rector of Gosford where he has served for 19 years and

Archdeacon of the Central Coast. The ambassador for the Refugee Council of Australia is also an advocate for a broad range of social justice issues, including marriage equality. Despite attacks on himself and his parish, Father Bower has refused to be silenced and is well-known for the thought-provoking signs outside his church that promote equality, justice and human rights for all. The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC and Chrissie Foster Justice McClellan led the five-year Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It was unprecedented in Australian history in terms of length, size or complexity and led to the Prime Minister’s National

Apology to Victims and Survivors in October 2018. Justice McClellan demonstrated remarkable compassion and leadership in the conduct of these hearings. Chrissie Foster has long campaigned for justice for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Two of Mrs Foster’s daughters were sexually abused by a Catholic priest - one has since passed away. With dignity, grace and strength, Mrs Foster and her family have publicly held institutions to account in the hope that history will not repeat itself. ■ The winner of the 2018 Human Rights Medal was The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC and Chrissie Foster.

LIVING

Living Tracey Johnstone WE HAVE reached out to some of the many clubs that contribute their monthly news to Seniors News to share their great ideas for grandkid and great-grandkid holiday activity ideas.

PROBUS CLUB OF BURLEIGH WATERS

Grandchildren can use their imagination to create some wonders, such as: ■ Christmas bells from egg cartons – cut out the raised bell-shaped parts. ■ Christmas pom pom balls using polystyrene balls, wire and art flowers, bows and ribbons. ■ Decorate pine cones using spray paint and glitter. ■ Lanterns – make from coloured paper. ■ Christmas decorations – create stars and other shapes from coloured cardboard. ■ Cooking is so much fun – gingerbread people, Christmas trees, chocolate fudge squares, chocolate or apricot balls, muesli bar squares (these can all be made in a

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Ideas for busy kids microwave). ■ Make your own gifts such as lavender-filled pillows about 8cm square, plus allowance for seam. ■ Also, make ribbons and bows for dressing up other gifts. ■ Christmas table – make napkins and design your own centrepiece. ■ Christmas bon bons – use toilet roll, paper towel centres, coloured paper and ribbon.

HERVEY BAY VIEW CLUB

For grandparents to share some activity with the grandchildren, all it takes is a bit of imagination and simple everyday items. To start, all you need is some white cardboard, scissors, glue, pencil, coloured texta pens, old Christmas cards and you are under way. Let the kids use their own imagination and ideas. If able, let them cut out pictures from the old cards and glue onto the blank cardboard cards, use their own words and writing to and from inside the card and enjoy their

CRAFTWORKERS: Bev Cornwell, Edna Down, Heather Ramm, Lyn Smith, Glenda Reinke, Robyn Busk and Mary Pape from the Hervey Bay VIEW Club Committee. display of pride at having made the card themselves. Decorations for the Christmas tree can be made the same way... bells and more from silver or gold paper.

U3A TWIN TOWNS, TUGUN ■ Creating a cubby from cardboard boxes. ■ Make a Christmas tree from a tree branch, painting it white and hanging it with decorations made by the kids. ■ Cook coconut ice or fudge and make little boxes to hold it – give it as a gift. ■ Go on a walk and get the children to draw what they saw while out, and

accompany it with a short description. ■ Make a book out of folded A4 paper and write a sentence or two on each page with an accompanying drawing. ■ Make up bubble mixture and have fun blowing bubbles. ■ Make a kite with lots of colours and streamers and fly it. ■ Press some flowers. ■ Create a diorama, which is a fun way to build an exciting scene in a small space.

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY VIEW CLUB

View clubs struggle each year to make enough library bags for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life

students who are unable to make their own. These are easy enough for grandparents to teach their grandchildren how to make; all you need is some bright and interesting (for young ones) material. Doing this activity can help the grandkids feel that they are helping those in less fortunate circumstances. For more information on what sizes for the bags, phone Janet on 0448 845 303 or Gillian on (07) 5496 9474.

PROBUS CLUB OF COFFS CITY

Some great activites seniors can share with youngsters include: ■ Cooking. ■ Puzzles. ■ Memory games. ■ Reading children’s stories. ■ Charades.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Our grandmothers suggest: ■ At home – cooking, especially pikelets; French knitting; colouring-in; making Christmas

decorations and cards; making pasta necklaces, button pictures and wooden spoon dolls. ■ Out of the home – join in the local shopping centre activities including painting of plaster moulds, magic sand and tie-dyeing; check out the activities at the local library.

TOOWOOMBA MEN’S SHED

■ Spend time with the grandkids as they cycle around the local park. ■ Get them to take you to a local historical site and ask them to guide you around the site and tell you all about it. ■ Visit your nearest library. ■ Make cards from pieces of paper, cardboard, stamps and anything else you have stored in your craft room or box. ■ Visit the local museum and National Trust locations to see their current exhibitions. ■ Show the grandkids how to fix little things around the house like pumping up bike tyres.

Join the Festivities

NSW Seniors Festival 2019

From February 13 to 24, it’s NSW Seniors Festival! February 13 to 24 is the NSW Seniors Festival! In honour of the celebration, we will be publishing In honour of the celebration, we will be publishingall allthe the exciting events and news about Seniors Festival in our exciting events and news in our January papers. January papers. Be sure to check out Seniors in print or online for Be sure toso check print orof online coverage you out canSeniors get the in most out your for Seniors coverage so you can get the most out of your Seniors Festival experience. Festival experience.

Grab our January edition or visit seniorsnews.com.au For all advertising queries contact Sue Germany: M 0408 286 539 E sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au If you have an event to share with our readers, contact: E editor@seniorsnewspapers.com.au 6729615hp

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

How much retirement money is enough? Multiple opinions surround a comfortable living

Tony Kaye THERE’S an old joke that if you ask three economists for their views on the economy, you are likely to get at least four answers. To an extent, the same variance in views appears to be the case when it comes to answering the question: how much money does one need to live a comfortable retirement? Or more to the point, do most Australians have enough funds to last them

through their life? The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia calculates that to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $640,000. Such balances would generate $42,950 per annum for a single, and $60,604 for couples, according to ASFA, which assumes the retirees own their own home outright and are relatively healthy. Yet, how much is needed to be comfortable in retirement does depend on who you ask. A new study by the public policy think tank Grattan Institute suggests that the conventional wisdom that Australians don’t save enough for retirement is wrong, and that the vast majority of current and future retirees are likely to be financially comfortable. Grattan says its modelling shows that,

even after allowing for inflation, most workers can expect a retirement income of at least 91 per cent of their pre-retirement income. Furthermore, it says that through a combination of the Age Pension and their compulsory superannuation savings, many low-income earners will actually get a pay rise when they retire. “Australians tend to spend less after they retire, and even less into old age,” according to the study’s authors, John Daley and Brendan Coates. “Their medical costs increase, but are largely covered by the taxpayer. “Many retirees are net savers, and current retirees often leave a legacy almost as large as their nest egg on the day they retired.” They note that loosening the Age Pension assets test could boost retirement incomes for around 20 per cent of

Money

‘‘

Australians tend to spend less after they retire, and even less into old age. retirees, rising to more than 70 per cent of retirees in the future. This would also deal with anomalies in the system, where some people who save $100 while working increase their total retirement income by less than $100 in real terms. But the institute has hit a raw nerve with Industry Super Australia (ISA), the umbrella organisation for industry superannuation funds, in suggesting that the legislated plan to increase compulsory superannuation contributions from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent should be scrapped. Grattan said because it believes most Australians will be comfortable in

retirement, there is no need to boost retirement incomes across the board. In addition, it states that superannuation tax breaks and age-based tax breaks should be reduced to ensure the retirement incomes system does not become an excessive burden on future budgets and endanger funding for aged care and health. However, the ISA says Grattan’s modelling showing the current 9.5 per cent Superannuation Guarantee levy will deliver adequate incomes for future retirees is “deeply flawed”. ISA says the research’s flaws include assuming that everyone can top up

their super with extra voluntary contributions; that workers have a continuous, uninterrupted 37-year working life and contributions; and that living standards in retirement shouldn’t keep pace with the rest of the community. Ultimately, most Australians will want to have created a sizeable nest egg for their retirement to ensure they can have a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. But how much we should have saved for retirement depends on who you ask. With average life expectancies continuing to rise, one thing is indisputable: the professional number crunchers will need to keep revising up their estimates as many of us have longer lives. Tony Kaye is the editor of listed financial services group InvestSMART and Eureka Report.

Property Vs Shares – The Great Debate

Why are shares so popular? • They have historically outperformed all other assets classes over the long term. • Shares can provide long-term capital growth as well as a strong and growing income stream. • They can be bought with as little as $1,000

•There are significant tax

advantages when investing in companies that pay franked dividends. The benefits of property:

• It can provide tax benefits via depreciation and deductions on the costs and general upkeep of the property, if the property is being used to produce income.

Everyone will have their own opinion as to which investment secure, long-term investment. strategy is best. For many Australians, property • It is a solid, tangible asset that ownership is a rite of passage. is considered medium risk (in However, shares can never be overlooked as a convenient, contrast to shares which can tax effective long term solution be considered ‘higher risk’). to generate income and wealth. • It can ‘pay itself off ’ when If you would like to consider • Property can be a fairly

the rent covers the loan repayments (except if the investment is negatively geared).

which investment strategy is right for you, call the team at Morgans on 02 6651 5700 to arrange on obligation free meeting.

FINANCIAL ADVISORS • Financial Planning • Superannuation • Stockbroking • Personal Insurance Neil Cole AR 000259352

Simon Callaghan AR 001009438

Andrew Cragg AR 000243232

Ph 6651 5700

Suite 5/38 Park Ave Coffs Harbour www.morgans.com.au/coffsharbour

Morgans Financial Limited A.B.N. 49 010 669 726 AFSL 235410. A Participant of ASX Group

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Many investors swear by share investing. Many investors prefer investing in direct property. What is best for you? The answer depends on your personal investment needs and objectives and, importantly, which strategy you are comfortable with.

In times of crisis, you can give

where it’s needed most

Please donate now 1 3 S A LV O S | S A LV O S . O R G . A U

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS market held on the first Saturday of the year hosted by Lions in the main street of the town from 8am to 1pm 5 January. Thousands of people descend to this riverside village for the event. River Street is closed to traffic and the street is filled with over 80 market stalls, second hand car boot sales, entertainment, kids activities and much more!

What's on

Tania Phillips

CHILDREN’S BOTANIC GARDEN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

DO YOU have the grandchildren these holidays? Looking for something to keep them occupied? Why not try the children’s activities in the Botanic garden. Events include Discovery walks, games and crafts, run from 10am to 11am with entry a gold coin donation. They will run Monday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 9 and again January 7 and 16. Bookings essential via sue.mcentyre@chcc. nsw.gov.au or phone Rick Ackland on 0408 472 551.

2019 SCREENWAVE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

THE Screenwave International Film Festival is back for 2019! Coffs Coast’s heart of film brings with it a bolder and wider film program than ever before, as well as special guests, film

YAMBA OCEAN SWIM FAMILY FUN: The grand-kids can join the Brooms Beach Boat Races at Brooms Head on New Year’s Day from 8am-4pm at Ocean Road, Brooms Head Beach. Photo: Debrah Novak culture events, and the Nextwave of young regional filmmakers. The festival runs January 10-25 across screening locations on the Coffs Coast, including the Jetty Theatre and Bellingen Mem Hall. Its world-class program of more than 50 films will cover world cinema, documentary, Australian cinema, call of the surf, women of action, and short film finalists.

SCULPTURAL EMBROIDERY

JOIN Meredith Woolnough for an artist tour of the Tamworth Triennial Textiles Exhibition at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery on Saturday morning from 10.30-11.30am. Meredith will then proceed to Nesting Needles at Coramba from 1.304.30pm she will introduce the students to a

workshop on Sculptural Embroidery. On Sunday, she will host a full-day workshop with students from 9.30am- 4.30pm to create their own unique piece of sculptural embroidery. This technique-based workshop explores the unique embroidery processes that Meredith uses in her artworks. The cost for the two-day workshop will be $145 per person. Bookings, go to Eventbrite-MeredithWoolnough.

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

NEWCASTLE Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars is Australia’s largest free outdoor cinema program and is returning to Grafton on February 1. The event starts at 5.30pm with a fantastic line-up of family friendly entertainment

and activities before the blockbuster movie Paddington Two screens at sundown. Go to newcastlepermanent. com.au/cinema.

BROOMS HEAD FAMILY FUN DAY

DUST off the excesses of the night before and join in with some family fun at Brooms Head on New Year’s Day from 8am-4pm at Ocean Road, Brooms Head Beach. There are a multitude of races including sprints, distance, family relay, beach boat races, sandbag races, water carrying tug-of-war and the only place in Australia where you can compete at tossing a broom head in Brooms Head. There are market stalls through the park with food and refreshments available. Gold coin donation. This event is run in

collaboration with Wires, Gulmarrad Bush Fire Brigade, Lions and Lower Clarence Rugby League Club.

YAMBA TWILIGHT STREET MARKETS

THE annual markets are held on New Year’s Day from 4-8pm. Coldstream Street, Yamba is closed to traffic for the event. There are plenty of market stalls featuring Rotary’s Chocolate Wheel. Fossick among the jewellery, clothing, arts and craft, purchase hot and cold foods, buy fresh produce and gourmet products, and cool down with a drink. There is jumping castle for the kids, fairy floss, sno-cones and a sausage sizzle.

MACLEAN MACMARKET

THE Maclean MacMarket is an annual

A TRADITIONAL Christmas holidays swim on the NSW North Coast, this swim offers a beautiful location with terrific beaches. Excellent way to get oneself feeling good again after Christmas indulgences. Held on January 6 with several different course. Go to oceanfit.com. au/event/yambaocean-swim.

FAMILY FUN DAY

FUN for the family at Rotary Club of Yamba’s Annual Family Fun Day on January 12 from 11am. Come down to Main Beach early and watch Steve Machel’s sand design take shape using nothing more than sand, water, bucket, a butter knife and brush. There is a barbecue sausage sizzle and steak burgers held by Rotary and the beach kiosk is always open. Entry fee is per team with all money going to Yamba Rotary for use on local projects.

Big stars produce the big laughs Kim Lewis and Russell Newman will be joined by Midday Show maestro Geoff Harvey on piano as they share hilarious stories of growing old. Senior Moments is described as a “deliciously funny and fresh collection of comic senior moments, scenes and songs, with hilarious sketches and

wonderfully witty songs performed by some legendary show business seniors”. “It’s a seriously silly show for otherwise sensible seniors.” The 90 minute show will tour theatres is Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Canberra, and regionally on the Gold

Coast (February 27 to March 2), Newcastle, Wollongong, Caloundra, Port Macquarie (March 15-16), Wyong (February 2) and more. Tickets start at $55 and are on sale now, go to seniormoments show.com.au for more information.

Win a double pass to see

Cold Pursuit

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow country Colorado, COLD PURSUIT is a pulsepounding revenge thriller with a unique look that will excite filmgoers the world over. Quiet family man and hard-working snowplow driver Nels is the lifeblood of a glitzy resort town in the Rocky Mountains because he is the one who keeps the winter roads clear. He and his wife live in a comfortable cabin away from the tourists. The town has just awarded him “Citizen of the Year.” But Nels has to leave his quiet mountain life when his son is murdered by a powerful drug lord. As a man who has nothing to lose he is stoked by a drive for vengeance. This unlikely hero

uses his hunting skills and transforms from an ordinary man into a skilled killer as he sets out to dismantle the cartel. Nels’ actions ignite a turf war between a manically unpredictable gangster known as Viking and a Native American gang boss. Justice is served in one final spectacular confrontation that will leave (almost) no-one unscathed. Want to see the movie? We have 5 double passes to give away! To be in the draw, just fill in our form online at www.seniorsnews.com.au/ competitions

^Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 03/12/18-10/1/19. Competition drawn 2pm 14/1/19 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors February Edition 2019. Total prize value $200.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Gold Coast and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. NSW Permit Number LTPM/18/03133

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The cast of Senior Moments get into the Christmas spirit ahead of a busy touring schedule for their comedy revue.

OPEN up the wallet and do yourself a favour this Christmas by giving the gift of laughter. The cast and crew of the hilarious comedy revue Senior Moments have announced they’ll be at it again from February 2019 with a 17 show tour across Australia. Actors John Wood, Max Gillies, Benita Collings,

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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You of course want to get your car looking its best inside and out before a potential sale. One tip you might have forgotten: ensure that your radiator and windscreen washer reservoir are topped up.

This tip brought to you by www.finda.com.au

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Reflections from an Australian reporter

O’Brien’s life in historical context Tracey Johnstone

I CAN remember growing into social and political awareness at the hands of journalist Kerry O’Brien. He was at the dinner table with my parents and then myself for almost 30 years that Kerry reported for the ABC on This Day Tonight, Four Corners and 7.30. Kerry’s recently released A Memoir sits on top of my pile of books that I have been quietly and carefully collecting over the last three months in preparation for a few weeks of summer holiday reading. It’s a thick book, but my initial review of it indicates it is going to be well worth taking the time to read it as the veteran journalist takes me on a journey through his experiences of living and working during Australia’s social, political, media and cultural evolution from the 40s through to 2015. Throughout his 50-year career, Kerry has borne witness to significant changes to it Australia’s political landscape and the processes in which is reported. “We are certainly in a different era of journalism than the one I grew up in, in many ways,” Kerry said. “The fundamentals of journalism are absolutely still the same, but the trappings have changed massively and the means of delivery have changed massively.” When he started working in television in the ’60s the newsroom waited three or four days for the film of major events to reach Australia. The digital storm, as Kerry describes it, has turned television into an instantaneous medium. “The second thing is where print always saw itself, in my early years, as the superior news medium, these days it is scrambling to keep up and we are converging on each other,” Kerry said. “It’s only a matter of time, and not far away

NEWS LEGEND: Kerry O'Brien, political journalist and author writes his own story (inset). before we are fundamentally using exactly the same means of delivery. “In other words, we will be sharing common spaces and not just one space because there will be many means of delivery. “I guess the days of hard copy newspapers are all but gone.” These changes are driving a reduction in journalism staff, but no decrease in the workload. “That is having an impact on the quality of news,” Kerry said. The other key change in journalism Kerry notes is the 24-hour news cycle which has impacted on political reporting. “It’s this kind of blind desire to fill the digital space simply because it is there whether you have something worth

reporting, something worth analysing, or not,” he said. “So, we have wall-to-wall mountain of words that sometimes has something to offer, and often doesn’t. “And we have politicians who feel compelled to be available when they are asked, no matter how frequently and regardless of whether they have got something to say, or not, because they worry that if they don’t fill the space, somebody on the other side of politics will fill it for them. “The overall quality, I think, has plummeted in many ways.” But Kerry remains a strong advocate for the ABC arguing that now, more than ever, as the social and political landscape changes

dramatically, Australia needs the public broadcasting service. “Yet, here we are, watching the place being hit from one side to the other with a wall of hostility from the government, constant attacks from Rupert Murdoch who happens to own 70 per cent of the print output of the country as well as television influence and radio,” Kerry said. “Although I know from personal experience the ABC has been an enormously resilient institution, you can’t simply assume that it can continue with its resilience and can continue just battle on regardless no matter what harpoons are being thrown at it.” The young, carrot-top boy who spent his

formative years in the small town of Brisbane and once dreamt of being a jackaroo, came to interview some of the world’s most influential decision-makers and to drive hard Australia’s understanding of the political changes occurring around them. His decision to chronicle his journey and that of his family, including their Irish heritage, has been made possible by drawing on his published articles and spending countless hours reading transcripts and

watching his interviews which he rarely watched once recorded, and from going through his extensive collection of notebooks and diaries. “I have been able to take the interviews and look at what John Howard was telling us in response to the questions, compare it with what we now know of those events like East Timor, Iraq, kids overboard, the boarding of the Tampa, gun control laws, the Wik Native Title judgement, the Stolen Generation reports, John Howard’s kind of obsession with the wars and the waterfront dispute, and I think new patterns emerge which I think might help in the next round of interpretation of that part of history,” Kerry said. While former prime minister Paul Keating said in his 2015 Sydney Opera House interview with Kerry O’Brien, “anyone who is any good never wrote about themselves”, while discussing the motivation to chronicle his life, Kerry neatly side-steps this comment by claiming he believed Mr Keating was referring to politicians at the time, not to someone like Kerry. “The biggest motivator (for me) really was the realisation that simply the accident of the different places I worked in my 50-year journey through journalism, I had a ringside seat for many, many milestone moments in post-war history, not just within Australia, but globally,” he said. “I was standing on the steps of Parliament House when Gough came out to make his famous utterance about Kerr’s cur. “I then followed, for Four Corners, Whitlam through that campaign while a colleague, Alan Hogan, followed Malcolm Fraser. “I have very vivid memories of that event and the election that followed.” Kerry’s book encapsulates this and many other significant milestones and offers a fascinating personal insight, with a few cheeky side observations, while keeping true to the historical facts. Published by Allen & Unwin, Kerry O’Brien, A Memoir is in bookshops now. RRP$44.99.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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

8 9

10 11 12

13 14 15

17 18

Across 1 Who (Guy ____) was recruited as a spy while at Cambridge University? (7) 4 What abdominal pain commonly distresses babies? (5) 7 What former measure of land equals a quarter of an acre? (4) 8 In which English county are the Poldark novels set? (8) 10 Which is the only group to write and produce six consecutive number one singles in the US? (3,3,4) 12 What glazed cotton fabric is used for curtains? (6) 13 What did British Honduras change its name to? (6) 15 Which Germanic musical instrument resembles a bugle with valves? (10) 18 Soft black sticks of what are used in drawing? (8) 19 France is part of which ancient region of Europe? (4) 20 Which city is the chief port and commercial centre of the United Arab Emirates? (5) 21 What is a metal support for logs in a ﬁreplace? (7)

PUZZLES

Down 1 What type of hat did TV’s Frank Spencer favour? (5) 2 What was Zimbabwe formerly called? (8) 3 What dead animal might be kept in a bathroom? (6) 4 Which fairytale was first recorded by the Greek historian Strabo in the first century BC? (10) 5 What open watercourse conveys water to a mill? (4) 6 What scented water is named after a German city? (7) 9 Which Italian (Bernardo ___) directed the films Last Tango in Paris and The Last Emperor? (10) 11 What creature in Greek mythology had the head of a bull and the body of a man? (8) 12 “If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air” begins a Patti Page song about which part of Massachusetts? (4,3) 14 Which large lizard has a species that regularly ventures into the sea? (6) 16 What are toothbrush bristles usually made of? (5) 17 Which siblings (Charles and Mary ___) wrote Tales from Shakespeare in 1807? (4)

15/12

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

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

O I

H P

S N

T 20

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

BLEAT NEURAL MOVED IT SWEATIER PHONEY LOX

SOLUTIONS

W H I N E

N E S T S

ALPHAGRAMS: TABLE, UNREAL, VOMITED, WEARIEST, XYLOPHONE. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Abut 8. Inexorable 9. Deceased 10. Lack 12. Morphs 14. Spying 15. Status 17. Fidget 18. Edge 19. Epithets 21. Concerning 22. Each. Down: 2. Barefooted 3. Tire 4. Feasts 5. Hordes 6. Parleyed 7. Peak 11. Concentric 13. Patience 16. Spears 17. Frigid 18. Etch 20. Huge.

R T

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 20 Very Good 28 Excellent 34

O T H E R

605

U R

L I P P Y

WORD GO ROUND

SUDOKU

5x5

B L A S T

P Y

C L

Down 2. Unshod (10) 3. Fatigue (4) 4. Banquets (6) 5. Multitudes (6) 6. Discussed (8) 7. Summit (4) 11. Having a common centre (10) 13. Forbearance (8) 16. Impales (6) 17. Icy (6) 18. Carve (4) 20. Immense (4)

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Burgess. 4 Colic. 7 Rood. 8 Cornwall. 10 The Bee Gees. 12 Chintz. 13 Belize. 15 Flugelhorn. 18 Charcoal. 19 Gaul. 20 Dubai. 21 Andiron. Down: 1 Beret. 2 Rhodesia. 3 Sponge. 4 Cinderella. 5 Leat. 6 Cologne. 9 Bertolucci. 11 Minotaur. 12 Cape Cod. 14 Iguana. 16 Nylon. 17 Lamb.

Across 1. Share a boundary (4) 8. Remorseless (10) 9. Dead (8) 10. Deﬁciency (4) 12. Transforms (6) 14. Snooping (6) 15. Standing (6) 17. Move restlessly (6) 18. Margin (4) 19. Curses (8) 21. Worrying (10) 22. Every one or thing (4)

WORD GO ROUND

clop clot clout cloy colt copy corrupt CORRUPTLY coup court courtly coypu crop croup croupy lorry lory lour lout outcry plot ploy poly port portly poult poultry pour pout pouty ropy rort rout tolu torc torr tour troy typo tyro your

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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Singapore for garden LoverS

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grand european Tour

$3985 20 day Tour dep. June 3 & aug 12 $8195 25 day Tour dep. aug 9

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi Flying Singapore Airlines into Singapore. plus a flight within Vietnam. 18 day coach & air tour Extensive touring including Gardens by the Bay of Vietnam. No extra charge for having a single room. with Rhapsody Light Show, Botanical Gardens, european aLpine advenTure National Orchid Garden, the Horticultural Park & $5965 17 day Tour dep. July 13 Chinese & Japanese Gardens. Flying Singapore Airlines into Munich & out of vieTnam & Cambodia Zurich. 13 day tour of the Alpine areas of alpine areas of Germany, Austria, Italy & Switzerland. advenTure Tour 2 days Singapore.

Flying Singapore Airlines into London & out of Paris. 22 days touring western & central Europe visiting England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & France. 2 night Singapore stopover.

Flying Singapore Airlines into Hanoi & out of Siem european WaTerWayS – Reap. 19 day tour of Vietnam off the beaten track. auSTria To The bLaCk Sea 4 day tour of Cambodia including Angkor Wat. $6995 18 day Tour dep. July 23 baLTiCS, ruSSia & SCandinavia Flying Qatar Airlines into Munich & out of Bucharest. 11 day cruise from Austria to the Black Sea visiting $5995 3 Week Tour dep. may 1 Flying Thai into Copenhagen & out of Stockholm. Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria & 17 day tour of northern Europe. 2 day Bangkok Romania. Stopovers in Munich & Bucharest.

Sri Lanka (CeyLon)

$2995 8 day Tour dep. feb 28

$4825 24 day Tour dep. mar 5

briTiSh iSLeS

SCandinavia & The arCTiC CirCLe

$8975 4 Week Tour dep. may 19

$6995 3 Week Tour dep. aug 2

stopover.

WeST Canada Tour WiTh aLaSkan CruiSe. $6975 22 day Tour dep. Sep 2 Flying Air Canada into Vancouver. 12 day tour of western Canada & the Rockies. 8 day Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage in a modern ocean liner.

$4645 16 day Tour dep. Sep 2 & Sep 28 Flying Singapore Airlines into Colombo. 14 day coach & rail tour of Sri Lanka. First class accommodation. All meals

greeCe & The greek iSLandS $6780 17 day Tour dep. Sep 5 Flying Emirates into Athens. 12 day tour of Greece & the Greek Islands including a cruise to Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, Santorini & Ephesus. 3 nights Dubai. 4 star accommodation.

Spain, porTugaL & moroCCo

Flying Singapore Airlines into London. 3 week tour Flying Qantas & Finnair into Helsinki & out of Oslo. $5785 3 Week Tour dep. oct 2 of England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales. 4 nights 17 day tour of Finland, Lapland, the Arctic Circle Flying Emirates into Madrid. 16 day tour of Spain, Portugal & Morocco. 2 days Dubai. London, 2 nights Singapore. 4 star accommodation. & Norway. Stopovers in Thailand & Hong Kong. The prices listed mainly include return air fares from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane, airport taxes & fuel levies, tipping, good twin share accom., many meals, all transfers, Australian tour leader & local tour guides.

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