Coffs & Clarence, November-December 2017 by seniors

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Welcome

In this edition

Feature Story: Marian Keyes .................................Page 5 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 10-11 Travel & Cruising feature ..............................Pages 21-26 Puzzles.....................................................................Page 31

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Heidi Birdsall heidi.birdsall@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina.

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

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So many ways so many days WELCOME to our November edition. This month our pages are jam-packed with super personalities, starting with the awesome Rhonda Burchmore, whose long legs are still scrapping the stage ceilings around Australia. When you have people dancing like Rhonda, singing like Rhonda and showing up like Rhonda, then you have to believe that age really is just a number. While Rhonda is dancing, internationally acclaimed author Marian Keyes is writing about her view from life now that she is in her 50s. The same as her books, Marian is open, honest and insightful. This glass-half-full person has faced a lot in her life, including alcoholism (she has been sober for 24 years) and depression, which she has also overcome, no doubt, along with her natural literary ability, it is these

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

experiences that allow her to look into the lives of others, identify the nuances, differences and idiosyncrasies and weave them into hugely appealing stories. In this interview, Keyes is upfront about what she sees as the real agenda for older people – hope you enjoy the read on page 5. That marvellous movie The Marigold Hotel captured the colourful picture of retirees who, for a myriad of reasons, have chosen to retire overseas. In this edition, our journalists speak to people who are both working or retiring overseas and through

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

❝

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

Certainly, the vast majority of people who are presently retired or planning to be in the near future, are looking at a world full of options that were not available to our parents. One lady who had recognised the changed circumstances of contemporary ageing is Queensland’s 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford. After a lifetime working as a professional in the wellness industry, she has created a retreat where people can consciously examine ageing. Through workshops and guidance, she makes it possible to recognise alternative routes on the ageing journey. There’s plenty of more reading on all sorts of topics, I hope you can take your time and enjoy the stories. Cheers Gail

A promise of comedy now and forever THE Coast Comedy Players is a new, not-for-profit community theatre group for the Coffs coast region. Joining the ranks of other successful local theatre groups like CHATS and the Coffs Musical Comedy Company, The Coast Comedy Players is bringing a variety of comedy shows and farcical plays to both the Jetty Memorial Theatre stage and other regional venues. “In the light of all the doom and gloom in today’s modern world, we

FOR LAUGHS: Actors Lyn Crossley (as Dallie Bates) and Allan Green (as Ollie Butler) sharing a loving moment in Companion Planting. PHOTO: PENNY DENNIS

felt there was room for an amateur acting troupe in

the region whose focus is now and will always be comedy,” the group’s founder Penny Dennis said. With that in mind, the Players’ first production will be Companion Planting!, a rom-com farce set in a retirement village, which takes to stages in Coffs, Bellingen, Woolgoolga and Nambucca in February next year. “Rehearsals are underway,” Penny said. “And already we are having a lot of fun with these very unique,

hilarious characters. We think audiences will have a good laugh at their antics – really cheer them up.” The troupe has just been granted not-for-profit status with its incorporation as a community arts association and, as such, aims to encourage locals from all backgrounds to become involved. If you would like to know more, call or text Penny on 0407 396 038 or visit the Facebook Page: The Coast Comedy Players for all the latest production news.

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Cover Story: Rhonda Burchmore

Coffs and Clarence

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Rhonda, still ABBAsolutely fabulous at 57

Delightful entertainer talks about staying young Ann Rickard

THOSE flawless long legs were a gift from God, but everything else about legendary entertainer Rhonda Burchmore is a case of hard work and balanced living. Touring Australia with her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show alongside co-star Lara Mulcahy, Rhonda is a picture of health and vitality that belies her 57-year age. “I started clocking off how old I was when I got to 30,” she laughed. “It is how you age and feel that works.” Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter. “My daughter keeps me on my toes. I love hanging out with her, and I love working professionally with young people in the band,” she said. “Some of the band members are so young I have had to introduce them to ABBA.” The ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show is not a tribute show, rather a fun party showcasing all the iconic ABBA songs along with plenty of humour and a storyline. It requires Rhonda to slither into a skintight gold jumpsuit that leaves nowhere to hide. “I can’t have fish and chips

before I get into that suit,” she laughed. “I don’t know what (ABBA) were thinking in the ’70s with those jumpsuits, but doing the show is a joyful thing for me now.” At 182cm tall, Rhonda is long and sleek, a delightful contrast to her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous co-star Lara Mulcahy, a small bundle of Rubenesque curves. “We are like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito,” Rhonda said. “We don’t care. We are a certain age and proud to get into our Lyrca and spread the old girl-power message. Lara is very voluptuous and as short as I am tall. “I think that is part of the joy we bring – the message that you can be fabulous at any age, get out and have a good time. We have the audiences up singing and dancing.” Obviously, the high-energy performance requires a good level of fitness, which Rhonda works into her daily routine. “I have two standard poodles I walk every day,” she said. “I don’t ever sit idle too long. I am not one of those ladies who does lunch – not that there is anything wrong with that, it is just not me. “I am much better creating a project or running around. The only time I sit down is for dinner, or a movie or a bit of telly at night. I’m active all the time. I pine for those times when I can

strip off all the make-up and the bling and go for long walks. It revitalises me.” Even though Rhonda appears to live a life of showbiz glamour, entertaining and attending parties, she emphasises the need to keep mind as well as body at peak performance as you age. “I am like everyone else, I go through bad times. Everyone experiences loss and sadness, but you can’t dwell. Sometimes I could roll up in a big ball and die and dwell in sadness. “That is one of the reasons I am doing the (ABBA-Solutely Fabulous) show. It is my outlet to go out and entertain, to enjoy life. “People ask me when I will retire and I say retirement is not a word in my vocabulary. I will not stop, there is no reason.” As for those famous long legs, Rhonda laughs off rumours they are insured for a million dollars. “They are not,” she said. “That’s a myth. What use is a pair of legs if everything else falls apart?” Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy More details online at www.rhonda burchmore.com.

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

4 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Local Story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Generations keep active and learn the art of peace Japanese self-defence style has many benefits Belinda Scott

COLIN Hill is 74, his grandson Shane ‘Shano’ Dwyer is 17, and every week they send each other head over heels as they practise aikido, the Japanese “art of peace”. Colin said he was attracted to aikido as part of keeping active rather than for its self-defence benefits. “I’m a pretty quiet sort,” Colin said. “A friend was doing it and I just wanted to get into something. “It’s mainly if people attack you, you know how to defend yourself.” He has been doing aikido for 19 years and was a 2nd dan before he changed styles.

He joined sensei Kevin Andrews’ Woolgoolga class just over a year ago and said because of the different style involved, he was back to being a beginner at aikikai aikido. His grandson joined him six months ago and Colin said Shano was enjoying it so much he would like to work out every night Colin has macular degeneration and no longer drives. Instead he walks and rides his bicycle. He said in addition to these forms of activity, aikikai aikido’s stretching, rolling and harmonious movements helped him with his asthma and emphysema as well as some back problems. “It helps me a lot with

my breathing,” Colin said. “I used to swim every day, but it was getting so I couldn’t regulate my breathing when I was swimming.” Colin said even if his chest felt tight at the beginning of an aikido session, he could feel his breathing improve as he began rolling and flipping and it had solved his back problem. It has even helped him cope with accidents. When a car clipped his bicycle from behind when he was cycling, a bystander, who happened to be his son-in-law, said he saw Colin instinctively drop into a roll, which cushioned his fall. Colin, a retired technician, said some

SHARED HISTORY: Shane ‘Shano’ Dwyer is the grandson of Colin Hill. PHOTOS: BELINDA SCOTT

Colin tosses Shano on the aikido mat.

other martial arts styles were ‘a young man’s game’ but aikido allowed men and women of all ages to participate. “You don’t need

strength” Colin said. “I weigh 70kg and I’m only five feet five tall. You use the other person’s strength and movement. “If I can do it, anyone

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can.” Colin’s sensei, Kevin Andrews, who has been practising this original aikido style from Tokyo for 38 years and teaching it for 30, said while it was based on ancient and lethal Japanese fighting arts, today it was used purely for protection. That said, anyone who attacks an aikido exponent is likely to find themselves surprised and if they persist, probably floored. He said aikido exponents, like some musical instruments, improve with age.

Feature Story: Marian Keyes

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 5

Marian Keyes tackles big issues with humour Happiness, sadness, divorce, kids, parents, finding love... Alison Houston

BEST-SELLING author Marian Keyes has never been afraid to tackle life and its issues head-on. And while her protagonists may be slightly older, that is just as true in her latest novel The Break. “When I started writing at 30, I was writing about people in their 20s. Now I’m in my 50s, I’m writing about people in their 40s because, of course, as I get older my concerns are going to change entirely – the way I view things and the things that are affecting the people around me,” Marian said. She hinted that menopause, with its associated anxiety, sleeplessness and questioning of life for many, would play a part in her forthcoming novel. “The whole issue of menopause has not been written about to my satisfaction. It’s infuriating that these women are not treated with any compassion,” she said. “I want to write about that honestly so people say ‘oh, thank God, it’s not just me!’.” The Break deals with a couple in their 40s who are facing their own mortality, fading love and attempting to rediscover themselves as individuals. After 22 years of her own marriage, Marian said she believed change was inevitable, but keeping the lines of communication open was the key to remaining happy together.

“I think if you’re with any person for any length of time, you are going to live through serial relationships. That crazy love of the early days isn’t sustainable. “But you’ve got to keep making sure you’re on the same page, or at least communicating. “It’s easy to get lazy in a relationship and just think the other person will always be there. “You have to keep connected with who you are, and who they are, and what your unique bond is.” In The Break, Amy is gobsmacked when her husband of 18 years, Hugh, who has been grieving the loss of his father and a close friend, announces he needs six months to go off alone and “find himself” – and he doesn’t rule out sexual encounters. Marian admits it was hard work to write so that Hugh remained a likeable and sympathetic character to readers, and show that Amy was not without her flaws.

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

“I was so bored of reading about mid-life crises where the man was painted as a complete ***hole, without any sort of sympathetic features and the woman was some sort of sappy martyr,” Marian said. She wanted to create a realistic portrait of life in those years when you become “almost viscerally aware of your own mortality”. She also wanted to challenge the idea that “people of a certain age no longer have sex”. “It annoys me that especially for women, people believe when they get to a certain age that they are just sexless – that’s codswallop!” she said. While she admits some people are quite happy for that area of their lives to diminish, for those who are still excited by the idea of being found sexually attractive “why shouldn’t they? And

no-one, especially young people, has any right to pass judgment”. Marian said while she had always found it “mortifying” to write sex scenes, it was no more difficult for older characters, and she wanted to ensure they could enjoy “properly raunchy sex” too. “I was very much making a statement,” she said. In The Break, Amy discovers that she has lost herself in her marriage and family, something Marian said happens all too often. “Especially now for ‘the sandwich generation’ – people who have the worry of elderly parents with illness as well as the demands of children. “Life is hard, work is hard and money is short and often it’s easy for women to come last.” As is characteristic of Marian’s novels, Amy and Hugh do not operate in a

vacuum, but are surrounded by family … however dysfunctional. That includes Amy’s father who has dementia, something Marian has personal experience of. “Dad has Alzheimer’s and the hardest part was when it began,” she said. “It’s really frightening when you realise it’s happening. “My family’s response was to go into denial, but now that it’s full blown, it’s become normalised – he’s still Dad.” Again, Marian hopes that by dealing directly with the subject, it may open conversations about not just those experiencing the disease but their carers, and their need for greater government support. “It’s ridiculous that spouses and kids are just expected to be able to take care of these people,” she said, hailing her mother as a superwoman. “It’s awfully hard work. It’s like child care in reverse, but it’s different because they can be really obstreperous, and of course they are fully grown.” Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years. She said while she felt alcoholism was “just very much a part of my story”, something she understood was an illness, not of her choosing and would not be be shamed for, when she was hit by depression hit, she did feel ashamed. It brought her to the

lowest of lows, terrified of the world and spending hours each day considering how she would kill herself. “Society is very quick to blame the person with depression, as if they caused it themselves, or it’s just self-pity. “But this is something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy…” She said it took her a long time to realise that depression too was a disease and that how she was feeling was not her fault. “Even with cancer, people talk about people’s ‘battle with cancer’, and if they die, it’s as if they didn’t battle hard enough. It makes me so angry that the onus is being put on the sufferer – not only are they ill, but they are responsible for their own cure.” As a result of her illness, it’s been 11 years since Marian was last in Australia, but she said “from the word go, from my first book, people in Australia understood, they ‘got it’.” She believes this is due to the similarities between the Australian and Irish personalities. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she said. “Humour is important to us and we have the ability to laugh at ourselves and at misfortune.” And that, of course, is a characteristic of Marian’s books, that even, or perhaps especially, dealing with the darkest subjects, there is always humour not too far away. If you are battling depression, call Lifeline 13 11 14 24-hours a day.

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6 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Mature-Age Employment

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Finally a job in Vietnam Radical rethink on work and ageing must be long overdue Yvonne Gardiner

LIVING on the Newstart allowance for the next five years held no appeal for Alan Williams, of Wollongong NSW. He wanted a proper job. At 62, he set out to find a position with decent pay that would suit his management experience and build up his savings for retirement. He didn’t expect to have to go overseas to work, but a job search in Australia proved fruitless. “I’ve worked for myself most of my life. I was looking for the more senior roles, general management,” Alan said. “I’d been looking for two and a half months. “I went through about 1000 applications and broke it down to the ones where I had the best chance. “I applied for 22 jobs the first month and got down to two interviews. “I was a one-in-four chance in the first job. The other job it was me or the other person and the

other person got it.” Alan had taken steps to prepare for fulltime work while acting as carer for his wife for the past nine years, completing a university course on governance. “I need mentally to get back in the workforce – I’m healthy and I’m strong,” he said. Finally, he has secured a position in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as the chief executive officer of a dental implant centre for foreign tourists – overseeing a 100-strong workforce. Alan is “ecstatic” to have a job, although he would have preferred to stay in Australia, where his wife is receiving care for dementia. “Initially the plans are for 12 months in Vietnam. I’ve got three trips lined up to come back,” he said. “In Vietnam, they haven’t lost that respect for people with age. “They still respect that older people have a wealth of knowledge and

LOOKING ABROAD: Alan Williams, 62, has taken up a management role in Vietnam after a fruitless job search in Australia. PHOTO: THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY

will pass it on to younger people.” As a result of recent research, The Benevolent Society plans to run a campaign next year addressing the social and policy impacts of ageism. To be called EveryAGE Counts, the campaign will aim to drive conversations

and a national agenda for older Australians, including a federal minister for older Australians. The society’s executive director of strategic engagement, research and advocacy, Dr Kirsty Nowlan, says our society needs a radical rethink of attitudes towards getting

older, because we perceive older people as frail, less involved in life, confused and non-productive. Alan says interviewing panels for jobs should include an older person “to bring perspective”. Broadcaster Jane Caro says older people have

difficulty getting a job and are usually the first workers retrenched when a company is struggling. “There is a negative assumption about getting older,” she said. “It’s a great thing to get older … an achievement. “You have a kind of confidence that you don’t have when you’re young.” Tackling ageism Our fears about ageing prevent us from ageing well, but those fears are based on falsehoods. This was the major finding from research by Australia’s first charity, The Benevolent Society. The national online survey of more than 1400 people across all age groups asked respondents to describe how Australia would be different if ageism was tackled. They said Australia would have: ■ Greater empathy and compassion. ■ More knowledge transferred through the generations. ■ More tolerance, respect and acceptance. ■ Happier, stronger and more connected communities.

Clarence Care + Support for Seniors Positive ageing in the Clarence Valley • Aged care • Home Care Packages • Short term Restorative Care • NDIS services • Shopping • Personal Care • Home from hospital support

Coping with Grief over the Festive Season.

Christmas time is routinely one of the busiest times of the year. We can be bombarded with social invitations and gatherings, family expectations and visits, harmonious tunes and colourful stories of Christmas trials past and present, not to mention the holiday season bargain hunting, glitter and tinsel. For some, this can be a time of fun and expectation. Catching up with loved ones and friends and sharing the magic that has always been associated with the season. For others, Christmas can represent a major challenge especially if family is missing or not close by. Empty chairs, missing faces and silent voices can dispirit the best of us. For this reason it is especially important to take care of yourself and those around you who may also have experienced a significant loss or change. While some people are able to happily carry on, others prefer to keep busy to distract themselves; many can withdraw amongst their own memories and reflections. No matter which category you may find yourself in it is important to remember there is no right or wrong way to act or feel. Looking after yourself during this time is especially important. So take some rest, plan your time and accept help from others. Accept those invitations to join in festivities and know it is OK to remember those you have lost.

New Service available.

Clarence Care + Support is now registered to provide services to our veterans. This is wonderful news in that we can now take referrals from DVA assessment services to offer domestic assistance, personal care, respite, Home and Garden maintenance and social support to those eligible for DVA services. ‘I think this is great for our community, veterans and their families and for our staff to be able to provide quality services to our veteran’s now’, said the Manager Kerry Little. ‘We look forward to meeting them and assisting them to live well at home.’

We offer Home Care Packages, Short term restorative care and other basic level services to support older people at home. To receive any of these types of services you need to be registered with My Aged Care 1800 200 422 who will arrange for an assessor to come visit to assist with accessing services. You can then choose the service you wish to provide that service. If you need any assistance with this process please give our customer service team a call on 6645 0400. 6687093ad

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 7

8 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Personality

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

She’s bold & beautiful Kerrie-Anne bares her life behind the golden girl image Ann Rickard

AUSTRALIA’S Queen of Television, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, is as glowing and beautiful today at age 64 as she was 10, even 20 years ago. While most Australians feel they know Kerri-Anne due to her appearance in our lounge rooms for 50 years, her newly released book, A Bold Life, tells us otherwise. Behind the glamour of a public life is a private woman and a survivor, and for the first time Kerri-Anne has opened up about some of the pain and trials she has faced and overcome during her long and jam-packed career. She holds nothing back, giving us detailed information of an abusive first marriage in New York, which ended after she pointed a gun at her violent husband. She talks honestly about her very brief flirt with cocaine during the ’70s New York party

scene, her struggles and triumphs throughout five decades of Australian television (much of it live), and of the pain of losing a baby in pregnancy. She even speaks honestly and openly about the cosmetic procedures she has had. But throughout the book – with its behind-the-scenes peeks, racy revelations and titillating insights – is an enduring love story between Kerri-Anne and her husband of 33 years, John Kennerley, now a quadriplegic after a freak accident in 2016. “It was John’s suggestion that I tell everything,” Kerri-Anne said. “I have never felt the need to talk about my life previously. In all the interviews I’ve done, it has been all about other people, their stories, what they needed to say, but John told me to do it (the book) right and reveal everything, not to be selective.” Starting with her

childhood in Sandgate in Brisbane, Kerri-Anne details her life from the first stirrings of passion as a young teenager to ‘be on television’ to her multiple achievements in the fickle and male-dominated television industry, through to some of the most iconic moments in Australian television history, and to finally being inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame. Ask her how she keeps her stunning looks and youthful figure, Kerri-Anne is informative but obviously does not want to dwell on the subject. “I must admit you get to a stage where you have to focus and concentrate (on diet and exercise.) Every time you overindulge you must pull back, eat a little less. If you gain weight it ages you. People hate to hear that, but it is true.” Kerri-Anne devotes an entire chapter in A Bold Life to her cosmetic procedures and she is proud and happy to pass

on her experiences to others who might be considering their own ‘refreshment’ journey. “I had the enhancements done for myself, not for anybody else,” she said. “I did it because I woke up in the morning looking tired when I was not. I did very light things and I am happy with that. I didn’t ask anyone about it. I just did it for me. I won’t let people criticise me for that.

Anyone who wants to have enhancements should do it for themselves.” In her long career, Kerri-Anne has interviewed politicians (she got Peter Costello to do the Macarena and Kevin Rudd the rumba) and endless visiting celebrities. She has been pushed into swimming pools, covered major events all over the world, had pies thrown in her face, endured the best of high times and the worst of lows. She says she has loved every moment of her work and considers it a privilege. “So many people have made a mark,” she said. “Standouts include (the late) Robin Williams, you just had to let him take over, a genius. Lisa Minelli is a star performer. She would limp into the

studio (because of bad health) but as soon as the spotlight was on her she would rise. Will Smith was delightful, charming beyond belief… so many really interesting characters.” Since her beloved husband’s terrible accident in 2016, Kerri-Anne’s life has changed and she accepts that it will never be the same again. “We have got ourselves into a nice rhythm now,” she said. “It is important to let things settle, get organised. (John’s care) does take a lot of organising. I have had to redecorate the whole house. I’m only half way through it. “It is an unfortunate fact of life that we don’t like change. Change is hard. You must work your way through it. As Charles Darwin said: ‘It’s not the strongest or most intelligent of the species that survives, it’s the one most adaptable to change.’ ”

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Seniors 9

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10 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Wellbeing

Pathways to new age Aqua q Fitness Tips p

Marlene Rutherford is inspiring people to acknowledge the wisdom and greatness of age Gail Forrer

Strengthen and condition your body in a pleasant water environment which supports muscles and joints while providing a full body workout. Stay motivated with great music in a friendly, welcoming group fitness class and finish off your class stretched and stress free. Exercises are designed for all fitness levels are tailored to the beginner or advanced. Try an Aqua Fitness class at any Lane 4 Aquatic Centre - you will find it the perfect way to commence a fitness program, regain mobility or enhance a healthy, active lifestyle.

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HOW do you feel about getting older? Good, bad, indifferent. For 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford, the time arrived to examine her own feelings about ageing after seeing her father end up in a nursing home and knowing he had never wanted to be in one. Marlene, a mother of four and grandmother of five, started her career as a psychiatric nurse, going on to gain a post-graduate qualification. She furthered her career in health with courses in alternative medicine including qualifications in reflexology. Her background in wellness has provided a solid foundation to begin a conscious examination of ageing. Right from the start she became aware of certain repetitive phrases.

CONSCIOUS AGEING: Marlene Rutherford helps find a unique path.

“I noticed I kept hearing comments like, ‘It’s a bugger getting old’,” she said. “Of course, we get old and things don’t work the same as they use to – but there are other things we can do.” The key, she thought, to finding the things we can do, was in gaining an understanding of what was possible and that meant finding out who you wanted to be, identifying your beliefs about death and learning how to construct a new path. “We are pioneers of this new age and our wisdom is so needed, let’s not

tuck ourselves away to age quietly, let’s bring ourselves fully into the light as elders and manifest our greatness to help shape family, community and society,” she said. To that end, Marlene has created her Ageing Consciously, Step up as an Elder in your Community weekend retreats. Within the retreat, exercises explore the areas of work, creativity, spirituality, and community. How to find your own “conscious ageing rhythm” and how to look afresh to recreate

yourself. Additionally, Marlene said she delved into questions such as: ■ If I need help as I age what is my vision for how I want to approach this spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically? ■ What facilitates compassionate and mindful discussions about our own end of life plans as well as for those we love? Retreats are held in comfortable accommodation in Brisbane and the Gold Coast hinterland. For more, go to joyfulawakenings.com.au.

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Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Retirement in Malaysia

Seniors 11

Cheryl’s top pick for lifestyle and adventure Tracey Johnstone

RETIRING overseas wasn’t on Australian Cheryl Fankhauser’s bucket list, but after travelling and working in Asia for several years the decision to retire in Malaysia was easily made. “I couldn’t imagine myself coming back to Australia,” Cheryl, 64, said. “Number one because of the expense and number two I have had 10 friends die within the last four years, so I am slowly losing my circle of friends in Tweed – so I thought, ‘Why not stay in Asia?’ ” The former Tweed Heads resident and nurse has been in Georgetown for about 18 months. Prior to settling permanently in Malaysia, Cheryl taught English at the Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Bengbu City, China, for 10 years. Choosing not to

continue working and living in China was really driven by her age. “It was definitely not the right place to retire in,” Cheryl said. “It’s difficult to retire there. It’s very hard to get a visa, especially for Australians. “And the weather – I was in an area where it snowed and we had four or five months of winter. “There was also the language problem with no one speaking English, and I really got fed up with that after a while, so it was easier to come to a place where everyone speaks English and the food is fantastic.” Before making her final decision on where to retire, Cheryl looked hard at both Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, visiting both of them often. “KL was too big, Malacca was too far away and Georgetown is just perfect,” she said. Cheryl has chosen to

live in the suburbs in a low-rise apartment building on Penang Island, where there are 750,000 residents, including a large expat community. International Living this year named Malaysia as the best place for Australians to retire to in 2018, describing the country in just the same way as Cheryl did – friendly, with almost every imaginable service available, a low cost of living and a vibrant cultural life made up of Chinese, Islamists, Indians and expats. Cheryl also notes that the medical support available is good quality and eminently affordable. However, the aged care facilities are still very new. “Supported accommodation is very new. It’s just happening now,” Cheryl said. “There are a couple of places that some European expats are about to open.

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

“There is nursing home facilities, but there isn’t much in between leaving your home and the nursing home, and that’s what some expats are looking at opening.” She expects these facilities will be targeted at the expat community, as she still sees in Asia an attitude of “families caring for families”. Many expats go back to their original home if they

need in-home care, but for those who stay, Cheryl said it was very cheap to employ a 24-hour in-home carer. Keeping active and connected is Cheryl’s way of staving off any ageing health issues. She does water aerobics and Malay classes twice a week, is one of the founding members of the art society, attends lots of

community events and festivals, and eats well. For her 65th birthday, she is tossing up between three months in Europe or a facelift, which will cost about $AU1000. While she still owns a home in Australia, which is her superannuation, she plans to stay put. “I can’t see myself living anywhere else.”

Solar rebates are set to decrease

Australian households and businesses continue to embrace solar energy at a rapid pace in a bid to avoid rising electricity costs. The STC delivers real upfront savings to Aussies moving towards renewable energy and is not to be confused with the feed it tariff that is an ongoing discount determined by your electricity retailer (that’s a story for another day). So just what is an STC and why do you need them right now? Understanding the federal STC rebate The federal government currently offers a financial incentive designed to encourage Australian homes, businesses and community groups to take up solar in a bid to meet our renewable energy target by 2030. This incentive comes in the form of an STC (small scale technology certificate) which is applied directly to the solar system at the time of installation. As the end user, you do not need to pay up front or claim any money back, you are not out of pocket, the incentive is built in to your upfront cost of your solar system.

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Under the government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme (RET), the current STC calculation will reduce again at the end of the year and will do so each year until it is phased out in 2030, so if you’ve been considering solar, now is the time to act. Today, the STC incentive for a 6.6kW system is just shy of $4,200.00, fast forward to January and the annualisation of the STC scheme has come into effect and this will have dropped significantly to around $3,890.00, dependant on the STC value, that’s a difference of $400 in a matter of months. Act Now To secure the current STC price, it’s worth that noting your solar system must be installed and operational before the 31st of December, taking into account that solar just doesn’t happen overnight. By the time you’ve signed your contract, its then over to the supply authority to apply for a grid connect, and this can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, and then there’s installation and finally operation. From the time you sign, to the time your STC’s take effect, you will need to allow a period of eight weeks, so don’t delay, ACT NOW and save yourself some serious money before the December 31st deadline. We are genuinely passionate about the benefits of quality energy solutions designed to deliver you real savings. If you’re ready to take control of your energy future, and you’re looking for honest, trustworthy advice from your local energy contractor, call SAE Group today on 1300 18 20 50. To ﬁnd out more visit www.saegroup.com.au

1300 18 20 50 • www.saegroup.com.au *Net meter changeover not included. Does not include export limitation required by Essential Energy. Price based on Community First Credit Union Green Loan. Current interest rate 6.21%pa. Based on a repayment period of five years. Credit eligibility, criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Rate is current as at 27/09/2017 and subject to change without notice. Electrical License Numbers: QLD:72250 NSW:227526C. Air conditioning license Number: Arc Tick: L061221

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Living

A fresh start overseas IMAGINE cutting your living costs not by 25 or even 50 per cent but by a whopping 70 per cent. Impossible you say? Certainly in Australia it would be, and that’s precisely why so many Aussies, like former Brisbanites Michael and Vivien Cullen, are choosing to retire overseas. It was early 2015 when they made the move to Thailand and Michael has just celebrated his 60th birthday there with absolutely no regrets. Having sold up in Australia, the couple bought their new home in Hua Hin, a coastal resort 200km south of Bangkok, for just $140,000. Monthly utilities are

$100 and monthly food and grocery shopping $500. Michael says they also eat out several times a week, with tasty fresh meals for about $4 in local eateries, or in more traditional cafes and restaurants $6–$10 for a main meal. If, like me, you are questioning the availability and quality of health care, Michael again has reassurances. There are two international-standard US-university training hospitals in Hua Hin and seeing an Englishspeaking doctor for a GP-style consultation (including any required medication) typically costs no more than $20. Michael said that ironically, it was while on a plane to Europe for a

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

long-saved for holiday that the pair came across a magazine article about others their age who had not just enjoyed a quick escape but were starting new lives overseas. “I suppose it was the desire not to have to work,

to be stuck on that treadmill for, in my case, another 10 years,” the former businessman and teacher said. He started reading about other people’s adventures living overseas on the International Living Australia website, and discovered it was a real possibility – the only question was, where would they go? After considering, and even visiting South America, they decided it was too far from home and looked towards Asia, where they had previously enjoyed some travel, and specifically Thailand. “This has given us a much more affordable and comfortable life than we could have had back home.”

If they had retired in Australia, which he doubts they could have afforded, Michael said they might be “doing the Grey Nomad thing” but would constantly have been looking at the cost of petrol, food and checking how far they could afford to go. The pair is on a retirement visa (multi-entry and renewably annually), which means they are not allowed to work at all, but they also have friends who have moved on a business visa and are setting up a food tour business. His advice for others looking to escape the rat race, the high cost of living and push their dollar further, is to do their research, both formal and informal, such as reading

websites and blogs of others living in the area you are interested in, visiting or possibly house-sitting. As yet, Michael and Vivien haven’t returned to Australia, even for a visit, and Michael says he can’t see them ever moving back permanently, but perhaps Vivien best sums up their experience. “What I didn’t expect, and can’t even begin to put a price on, is the thrill of being immersed in a country where everyday life feels so fresh and new,” she said. To read more of Michael and Vivien’s adventures go to their website www.retiredaussiesinasia. com or check out more overseas possibilities at https://international living.com/au/.

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Alison Houston

present

COMPANION PLANTING! When reality TV gardening guru, Perry Potts meets the residents of the Swift Valley Retirement Village, what could possibly go wrong? Oh, that’s right… EVERYTHING! Come and enjoy this hilarious, romantic new farce from the coast’s own, Penny Dennis

DATES and VENUES Fri 9 Feb 7.30pm at Nambucca Community Arts Centre Sat 10 Feb 7.30pm at Woolgoolga Diggers Club Sun 11 Feb 2pm at Bellingen Memorial Hall Fri 16 Feb 7.30pm at Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Sat 17 Feb 2pm at Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Sat 17 Feb 7.30pm at Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Sun 18 Feb 2pm at Nambucca Heads Bowls Club Fri 23 Feb 7.30pm at Coramba Hall, Orara Valley Sat 24 Feb 7.30pm Bellingen Memorial Hall Sun 25 Feb 2pm at Woolgoolga Diggers Club

TICKETS $20 Adult $15 Concession/Student $15per person Groups of 10+ • Jetty Memorial Theatre and for Coffs, Coramba and Bellingen at www.jettytheatre.com.au (+$2 booking fee) • Helloworld Travel, Nambucca Heads 6568 6455 • Nambucca Bowls Club 6568 6132 • Woolgoolga Diggers 6654 1234

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Living

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 13

Tips for caravanning

Harmonious ideas to spend 24 hours under the same roof

TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON so decide whether you are seeking exclusive time together, or a broader social experience. 5. Patience: Life on the road brings your partner’s idiosyncrasies into high relief. Does your partner need to pack a suitcase and a snakebite kit for a short walk? Patience and tolerance of your partner’s quirks will be more important than ever. 6. Respite: Take a holiday from your holiday occasionally. Long journeys are challenging, and it’s important to take weekends or days off. Plan something completely different on your time off. 7. Romance: Camping can be as romantic as you choose to make it. Take time to soak up

KEEPING CALM: Caravanning can be most enjoyable if you have some tools to help you through the challenging times on the road. PHOTO: RACHEL VERCOE

spectacular sunsets or sleep under the stars. Spend time talking and sharing. 8. Humour: Don’t forget to pack your sense of

humour. You’ll make mistakes, plans will go awry, you’ll get frustrated with each another, so a sense of humour is essential.

These tips come from people who know a lot about caravanning – the Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia.

You’ll find lots more useful information and advice in a huge range of articles on its website. Visit www.retirement books.com.au.

THE KING OF TALKBACK RADIO JOHN LAWS ON 2HC AND 2GF With over sixty years of commercial broadcast experience, John Laws asks the hard questions – and cuts through the political spin. For unmissable news, information, entertainment and talkback, Australia relies on John Laws.

Don’t miss the host who calls it like he sees it. Listen every weekday from 9am – midday.

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Clarence Valley 1206 AM | 103.9 FM www.radio2gf.com.au

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TRAVELLING with your partner can be a great experience or it can cause domestic friction as you both spend a lot of time together in small spaces. Here are eight tips that should help make your next caravanning trip more fun 1. Expectations: Set the expectations of your travelling adventure together before you go. Communicating your feelings will ensure those expectations have the best chance of being met. 2. Planning: The ‘dreaming and scheming’ phase of an adventure is almost as fun as the real thing, so plan your trip together. Read books, pore over maps and talk to seasoned caravanners. 3. Space: Caravanning together doesn’t mean constant companionship. Decide together how much time you would like to spend apart during your trip. 4. Sociability: You’ll have the chance to befriend new people on the road,

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Community THE Coffs & Clarence Seniors Newspaper would like to offer clubs and community groups the opportunity to submit notices of your neighbourhood news. If you would also like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. The deadline for the December issue is December 8. You can email your notices to Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com. au.

Garry Sambrook is awarded his 2 AIR FM life membership.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

SCARY SENIOR: Patricia Rentsch, of Ingenia Gardens Coffs Harbour, celebrates Halloween.

December 1, is expected to be a great function, with more than 120 already booked. These are in addition to regular weekly activities and monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month. Special activities and bus trips for 2018 are now being planned, with the first day trip to Bellingen and Dorrigo in February, on sale at the November meeting. The extended tour to the Mudgee area in September, will go on sale at the December meeting. The AGM will be held with the general meeting at 10am Tuesday, February 13. Nominations for the committee can now be

It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of 2017. At SCCA it’s been a busy, exciting and satisfying year. The community partnerships we’ve built have been fruitful, for example our last cohort of Novaskill students have recently graduated, resulting in some fantastic new job - ready care team members. Trials of gamification exercises with our residents to create health and wellbeing and prevent falls in conjunction with Southern Cross University received great positive feedback and our Creative Ageing, Arts in Health Initiative based around digital storytelling continues to flourish and grow. Watch this space for some exciting announcements in 2018! Our independent living village Marian Grove celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year for pretty much the whole month of September, and we announced plans for growing our community in the last issue of the SCCA “In Touch” Magazine. Visit our website www.scca.net.au to keep up with the latest.

RESIDENTS at Ingenia Gardens Coffs Harbour recently celebrated Halloween. On Friday, December 22, residents will have a Christmas party. Tim Pike will entertain and a buffet

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COFFS COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

THE Coffs Coast Community Radio, 2 AIR FM 107.9 recently held its annual general meeting. The following members were elected to the committee of management: president

Richard Moore; secretary Elsie Langford; and vicepresident/treasurer John Sercombe. General committee members elected were John Bambey, Ken Capps, John Greene and Garry Sambrook. There was a good roll-up of members present to witness Trisha Ryan, a long-time treasurer and Garry Sambrook, the station technical guru – being awarded life membership of the station. 2 AIR FM 107.9 – where good music stands the test of time.

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2018 will see SCCA continuing to expand, innovate and grow. But one thing will never change; the commitment to that original vision and mission which has become our touchstone - “We Care.” See you next month! Michelle

INGENIA GARDENS COFFS HARBOUR

Trish Ryan is awarded her life membership of the station.

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made. Annual fees, now $10, are due and should be paid prior to the AGM. Note there is no meeting in January. New members are always welcome. All inquiries should be made at seniors rooms, at monthly meeting, or any Thursday morning, or call publicity officer, Sandra on 6642 7720.

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GRAFTON Senior Citizens have continued their busy year with a recent bus trip to Madura Tea near Murwillumbah. The final bus trip for the year was the annual picnic to Evans Head. The Christmas luncheon, to be held at the racecourse upstairs function room on

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 15

STAY AT HOME

Help for independent living

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

Q: My mother is 86, a widow and living at home. I am concerned about her welfare. What form of assistance is she entitled to and who should we contact for help? A: Access to home care packages is initiated via My Aged Care and the Department of Human Services. The program provides services to assist individuals to remain at home for as long as possible by providing flexibility in the way support and care services are provided. To be eligible for an HCP, your mum must be assessed by the Aged Care Assessments Team. The ACAT will then prepare a letter confirming eligibility for an HCP and detail the level of care your mum is approved for. The level of subsidy available depends on what level of support your mum is deemed to require. This may include transport for shopping and appointments, social support by way of

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

companionship, domestic assistance for household tasks, personal care for bathing or dressing, food services such as help with preparation or delivery of meals, and home modifications. Services can be tailored based on needs and the funding available. HCP can’t be used as a general source of income for

day-to-day expenses but is a subsidy paid to HCP providers. The providers can charge administration and management fees in addition to the service. Consumers can choose which provider they work with, and transfer unspent amounts from one provider to another. When accepting an HCP, the

recipient may be asked to pay a range of fees towards the cost of their care. A basic daily care fee is negotiated between the recipient and the provider. The maximum daily care fee is capped at 17.5% of the maximum single Age Pension rate. Currently the cap rate is $10.17 per day.

Depending on your mum’s income, an income-tested fee may apply. Your mum will be required to submit an Aged Care Fees Income Assessment form (SA456) to the Department of Human Services to determine her applicable fees. Further information can

be found at myagedcare.gov.au. Q&A with The Coach first appeared on website wealthpartners.net.au. Any general advice in this article doesn’t take account of your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. Go to www.seniors news.com.au for the full article.

Stay safely in your own home with wearable alert system KEEPING SAFE: A safeTwear medical alert pendant gives you peace of mind.

WHEN it comes to making the decision to stay at home for as long as you can, one of the challenges people face is understanding how they will deal with the increased possibility of

falls and health issues. Technology is moving fast in this area with a wide range of medical alert systems now available for purchase for a wide range of budgets. Emergency Medical

Services’ Paul Joseph said their devices were linked to a team of trained professionals that linked their client’s health history direct to the ambulance. Mr Joseph said key

points to look for in a device were freedom (to wear and use the system anywhere), fall detection, long battery life, quality speaker clarity and volume with directional microphone, GPS

tracking and photo identification sharing ability. Mr Joseph said they ranged from $1 to $3 a day. Book an obligation-free demo on 1300 699 159. ADVERTORIAL

Legal | Advocacy | Education Your rights. Your voice. Seniors Rights Service provides free and confidential legal advice, aged care advocacy and community education.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

STAY AT HOME

The top five habits of happy ageing people

HAPPY, positive, optimistic thinking not only makes your life more enjoyable and fulfilling, it can have a big influence on your health and well-being. Benefits may include: ■ Increased life span ■ Lower rates of depression ■ Lower levels of distress ■ Better psychological and physical well-being An interesting study found that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of ageing, lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions of ageing.

HABIT 1. DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Interesting things start happening when you identify what you’re grateful for. Your brain starts activating and

producing powerful neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which many have called “the neurochemicals of happiness”.

HABIT 2. FOCUS ON FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS Not only will it make you happier it could help you live longer.

HABIT 3. EXERCISE REGULARLY

Not only is exercise good for your body and your health over the long term, it can have an immediate boost on your mood and well-being by increasing serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters. you find it difficult to leave the house, there are many options that will leave you feeling great.

HABIT 4. PRACTISE MEDITATION OR MINDFULNESS The practice goes back thousands of years, but recent studies have shown some pretty amazing benefits to meditation. Meditation has been shown that it can increase your overall happiness and sense of well-being, decrease anxiety and fear, lower stress hormones and more.

HABIT 5. SET GOALS

Having goals can give you a sense of purpose and has been shown to increase well-being. On top of that, each time you set and achieve a goal, your brain releases dopamine “the neurochemicals of happiness”. Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care, Central Coast NSW.

Easy access for moving around in your home WITH a tailor-made Acorn Stairlift you can stay right where you are, keep your home, keep your freedom and retain your independence. At Acorn we want to make sure you get the perfect stairlift solution for your needs. Your home is a cherished part of your life: a place to welcome your family and friends, to entertain, enjoy and simply relax. It is the perfect place for you. It is a simple truth that staying in your own home gives you a wonderful feeling of independence. The freedom to move around easily and without fuss makes all the difference. So, why let getting up and down your stairs stop you from having a fully independent lifestyle? Acorn Stairlifts is the first stairlift

INDUSTRY LEADERS: Acorn is at the forefront of the stairlift industry.

manufacturer to be awarded the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-ofUse Commendation and our unique rail system means we can fit an Acorn Stairlift to all types of staircases. What’s more, we can do so within a matter of days rather than weeks. A visit from one of our friendly surveyors will allow you to see what sets Acorn Stairlifts apart from any other stairlift company. After assessing your

needs, our surveyor will instantly be able to give you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how affordable an Acorn Stairlift can be. Acorn has always been at the forefront of the stairlift industry. We have led the way with our design and innovation. Acorn will always strive to deliver our products with you, our customers, in mind. ADVERTORIAL

Regain the freedom of your home Have you planned ahead? By planning ahead you remain in control of critical life decisions Specialist staff from our Lismore branch regularly hold Planning Ahead Days where you can make or update your Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship documents in the following areas: • Coffs Harbour • Tweed Heads • Grafton

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Situations where you may want to update your Planning Ahead documents include: • marriage • separation or divorce • retirement • buying or selling a house • welcoming children or grandchildren into your family • a beneficiary or executor named in your Will has died.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

STAY STAYAT ATHOME HOME

Questions to ask when looking for help at home WE’RE sharing a list of top questions to ask to help you choose the home care provider that’s right for you. How does the home care organisation staff their home care services? Do they use their own staff or agency staff? Will you have the same people caring for you and visiting your home each week? What do they charge for their hourly rates? Many providers have different rates based on the different types of services and these rates affect what you pay for the services you receive. For example, the hourly rate for care with a registered nurse may be different to the hourly rate for housework or for assisted transport. Will you be charged an exit fee? How much will it be? Home care providers

are now able to charge an “exit fee” if they wish to. They are required to publish their maximum exit fee amount but there is no cap on exit fees and the amount differs greatly between providers so it’s important to ask about exit fee amounts. What types and range of services does the organisation offer and are they the services you need? Does the provider offer what you’re looking for to help you live safely at home? Do they offer any additional services, like social programs and outings, wellbeing and healthy ageing programs? Do they offer case management? What does it cost? What does it include? Are there different levels of case management involved to suit your preferences and needs?

SUIT YOUR NEEDS: Talk to providers about how they use case management and ask them how it could support you to achieve your goal of living at home. PHOTO: KERRY WILSON

Talk to providers about how they use case management and ask them how it could support

you to achieve your goal of living at home. This article is published on YourLife, a website run

by The Whiddon Group providing information, practical suggestions and inspiring stories about

healthy ageing and aged care. Visit: whiddon.com. au/yourlife. ADVERTORIAL

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Anne, Bill and their family have peace of mind knowing they’re living safely in the home they love, with all the support they need.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

STAY AT HOME

10 helpful carer tips A loving husband shares what he learnt as his wife’s carer Tracey Johnstone

FOR seven years Queensland resident James McCutcheon has cared for his wife of 61 years, learning many valuable lessons along the way about the carer role and Alzheimer’s. “I took it on as a natural thing,” the 86-year-old said. “I loved the woman so I decided to care for her until I couldn’t any longer.” His wife Beverley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after two years of James struggling with the gradual changes in her. In March he finally moved her into a high-care facility. James shares his 11 hard-learnt tips from his experience of caring for Beverley. 1. Get a good GP

“The first one I had was terrible and didn’t recognise the fact, kept saying it was old age,” James said. “Beverley wouldn’t let me go with her at the time until I forced the issue.” James knew something was wrong when Beverley kept asking the same question “every five minutes”. “I thought, that’s the first sign,” James said. He changed GPs quite quickly. 2. Find an even better geriatrician The first geriatrician James found very offhand, with no bedside manner and “mucked up tablets”. 3. Enduring Power of Attorney This must be obtained for everyone and done early on. As Beverley didn’t have

CARING: James McCutcheon and his wife Beverley. PHOTO: PATRICK WOODS

one, James approached everybody he could think of to help, but as they considered Beverley not capable of understanding the document, nothing could be done. It was only when he obtained a form from the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. “I finally went to court just this year and was granted administration,” he said. 4. Check out rest homes early

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LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

■ When you are feeling depressed or angry, “remember it’s not the person, it’s the disease,” James counsels. ■ Go walking. James walks with a group that steps out around the local area early in the morning. ■ Find an activity that gives you pleasure. He is a painter of 40 years. ■ Allocate a time each week for you to do something just for you. James had Monday morning locked in as his time to paint. ■ Find social activities. “I think you have to be socially active because if you don’t, you will tend to vegetate and sit and watch TV all the time,” James said.

The person-centred approach to home care

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Look over rest homes to find a few that you are comfortable with and then register with them. 5. Join a carers group Do this early. “You can learn a lot of information from carers,” James said. 6. Approach the aged care assistance team Get an assessment done as soon as there is a diagnosis. “There are packages available from the government,” James said.

“You can then get a provider, and there are lots of them around now, and they look after you with people coming to help you, or you want a day off.” 7. Day care Find out about day care options through a provider. 8. Respite “It’s a necessity to have respite as it’s a 24/7 job,” James recommends. “You get a bit jaded and it’s very hard with what comes out of their minds and how they act.” Your provider can advise on your respite options. 9. Friendship Talked to My Aged Care about the closest friendship group which is where you can meet with others socially and learn a lot about dementia. 10. Incontinence allowance There is an allowance to cover some of the costs of incontinence

■ Help you stay in your own home ■ Give you choice and flexibility in the way your care and services are provided to you at home. Under a Home Care package we can provide a range of support services, but not limited to: ■ Health and well-being including nursing, allied health and other clinical

AT HOME: NSW Home Support Service has been delivering home support solutions for over a quarter of a century. PHOTO: ALEXRATHS

services, basic home maintenance, home aids and equipment; ■ Personal care – such as help with showering, dressing and mobility; ■ Care co-ordination and case management; ■ Home help and maintenance – support with domestic activities, including meal preparation, garden and general home maintenance to keep your home and surroundings safe; ■ Social outings – keeping you connected with family and friends and your community; ■ Transport to

appointments with your GP or allied health; ■ Massage/reflexology; ■ Podiatry; and ■ Group activities.

❝

Enable your lifestyle with choice, control and flexibility. For more information on Home Care packages and support, contact NSW Home Support Services 1300 770 118 or visit nswhomesupport services.com.au.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

Money

SMF bill shock ahead ❝

It can come as quite a shock when the ATO takes a large chunk of your super if you aren’t prepared for it.

Monica Rule

SOME people are not aware there may be tax payable when they transfer money from a retail or industry superannuation fund into their self-managed super fund. They may face problems with the Australian Taxation Office if tax is not paid on the money received by the SMSF. The way it works is that superannuation funds in Australia are either taxed funds or untaxed funds. Most government funds are untaxed and most retail and industry funds are taxed. The difference between the two is the timing of when tax is paid on contributions and investment earnings received by the fund and benefits paid by the fund. Some super funds also have taxed schemes and

SUPERANNUATION: Be tax-aware when rolling over to a SMSF fund.

untaxed schemes for their members. As you may gather, this is a difficult area. The key issue to understand is that concessional (pre-tax) contributions – such as employer contributions, salary sacrificed contributions and personal contributions – where tax deduction is claimed on the contributions, when received by an SMSF, will attract 15 per cent tax.

An SMSF also pays a maximum of 15 per cent tax on investment earnings. This money is recorded as a taxable component in an SMSF’s financial records. Then when a superannuation benefit is paid from an SMSF, this money will be shown as a taxable component and may attract tax for recipients aged under 60 depending on the amount of the money. On the other hand, an

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

untaxed super fund does not pay any tax on these contributions or investment earnings received by the fund. As there was no tax paid, the money is recorded as an untaxed component in the fund’s financial records. Then when a superannuation benefit is paid from the untaxed super fund, this money is shown as an untaxed component and will attract tax for recipients of any age.

Good sports good with money

IF YOUR golf clubs have been under wraps or your tennis racquet has been tucked away for some time, it could be worth dusting them off. Research by AMP found Australians who play sport regularly are 64% more likely to achieve their financial goals than those who don’t. With the weather warming up, plenty of us will be thinking about getting in better shape. That can mean heading outdoors for a round of golf, a dip in the ocean or just kicking a ball around the local oval with the kids. The health benefits of physical activity are well documented, but AMP’s study also found a clear link between our sportiness and the way we manage our money. According to the survey, playing sport on a regular basis makes us more likely to think about our

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE long-term financial well-being. As a guide, people who frequently play sport are 66% more likely to make extra contributions to their super fund, and more than twice as likely to own an investment property as less active people. If you ride a bike or play netball, take a bow – the AMP survey found you’re likely to be among the nation’s most financially savvy thinkers. Cricketers are most likely to have a financial advisor, and golfers top the league table for personal savings – with one in three having more than $50,000 in savings. When you think about it, these results aren’t all

that surprising. Keen sports-people often achieve success by setting personal or team-based goals. So it’s a natural step to set goals in other areas of life, like money management. A number of overseas studies confirm AMP’s findings that physical and financial health often go hand-in-hand. One group of US researchers explained the link, saying that people who make healthy choices today to enjoy good health tomorrow, are also more likely to regularly put money aside to achieve greater financial security in the future. I freely admit I’m no sports scientist, but it’s fair to say there’s another link between physical health and fiscal fitness – both can be achieved when you make it part of a regular routine. Getting physically fit

involves taking the time to exercise regularly. It may not happen overnight but your fitness should improve over time. The same applies to financial security. It’s all about developing and sticking to good money habits – like using a budget to gain control of your cash, spending less than you earn, and saving and investing for the long term. It’s not hard and it delivers great results without working up a sweat. If you’re not sure where to start with your financial well-being, take a look at the MoneySmart website for sensible tips on managing your money. Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Now, when money is rolled over or transferred from an untaxed super fund into an SMSF, the rolled-over money will contain an untaxed component. The untaxed fund will pay tax at a flat rate of 49 per cent (the top marginal tax rate plus Medicare levy) on the untaxed component that exceeds $1.445 million (the untaxed plan cap for the

2017-financial year). The untaxed component, which has attracted the 49 per cent tax, will be included as a tax-free component when it is rolled into the SMSF. The SMSF will pay tax at 15 per cent on the untaxed component for amounts up to $1.445m. It is important to understand what sort of fund you are rolling money out of. It can come as quite a shock when the ATO takes a large chunk of your super if you aren’t prepared for it. Monica Rule is an SMSF specialist and author of The Self Managed Super Handbook. For the full story, go to www.seniorsnews.com. au.

It’s All About The Income Stupid! Bill Clinton famously used the catchphrase it’s the economy, stupid in his 1992 presidential campaign. Well as ﬁnancial planners we understand that income matters and with interest rates at all-time lows combined with recent reductions in the Age Pension, retirees are being squeezed from all sides. We believe that it is these retirees that are the forgotten ones here as the Reserve Bank is only concerned with those that borrow and not those that save. With term deposit rates so low we are constantly meeting with people faced with the conundrum of eating into capital simply to maintain their cost of living. And whilst you can sustain that for a period of time at some point reality hits and you are forced to do something different. Income is out there, however, you need to be careful where you get it because like anything in life if it looks too good to be true then it probably is’. So what is the solution? Come in and talk to us as everyone’s situation is different and deserves individual attention.

Brett Martin Principal / Authorised Representative

6 Earl St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone: 02 6651 2000

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Be tax-aware when rolling over to a SMSF fund

20 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

What are you doing later? Society is challenged to adapt to the new era of life longevity

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

LOOKS like it’s time to start some Olympic-style training. I say that because it appears this generation of older adults is facing a long run into the future. Last month, I presented a small selection of scientific advances made in the longevity industry. From all accounts, ongoing discoveries in this area are well on the way to providing us with extra years. This month, the Australian Bureau of Statistics shared more information relating to the

subject of longevity. The report noted: “In the past 125 years to 2015, life expectancy in Australia increased by 33.2 years for males and 33.7 years for females.” Which poses the question: How will we occupy these extra years? How will you afford these extra y7ears. There’s no point looking to our parents for an example.The generation before us basically followed a path of retiring at 65 years old and not living much longer after that.Not so these days. Our job is to not only live for a couple of more decades, but also to provide ways and means to do it with dignity, self-respect and joy. However, if we don’t have the superannuation funds to match, it’s time

FEMALE LIFE EXPECTANCY

WHAT TO DO: The possibility of a long life will need to be considered for future planning as our life expectancy increases.

to seek out some other options. In this edition we have published a couple of lifestyle scenarios chosen by people in their 60s. One option is to keep working and never, ever quit. Another alternative is to live in a cheaper country and, according to the people we have interviewed, this expat lifestyle holds a lot advantages. However, both of these options – a lifelong working life and overseas living – also require society to acknowledge, accept and incorporate corresponding legislation in terms of visas and taxations to fit the changing circumstances. This includes the serious issue of age discrimination in the workplace. As more older adults seek employment, so do claims of discrimination rise.

One of my job-seeking friends tells me that on numerous occasions, after emailing her resume to a prospective employer (where her age is not mentioned), she obtains a face-to-face interview, where her age (57) is obvious, and she never hears back. Of course, that’s only one story, but from what I hear, it is indicative of what many older people experience. Certainly, research completed by the Benevolent Society provides definite evidence of ageism, but also ways it can be addressed (P6). Additionally, Human Rights and Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson has made workplace age discrimination a priority. Recently, parliament decided against major changes to the rules and regulations governing people overseas receiving

Australian females have had the highest life expectancy ever recorded in Australia, according to the latest figures released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “Female life expectancy increased to 84.6 years in 2016 and is now the sixth highest in the world. Japan tops the list with 86.4 years,” Beidar Cho, ABS director of demography, said. Male life expectancy remained steady at 80.4 years, with only two other countries in the world having higher male life expectancy: Iceland at 80.6 years and Switzerland at 80.5 years. The Australian Capital Territory recorded the highest male life expectancy of all states and territories (81.3 years), followed by Victoria (81.2 years), New South Wales and South Australia (both 80.4 years), Western Australia (80.3 years), Queensland (80.1 years) and Tasmania (78.8 years). The Australian Capital Territory had the highest female life expectancy (85.2 years), followed by Western Australia (84.8 years), Victoria (84.7 years), New South Wales (84.6 years), Queensland and South Australia (both 84.5 years) and Tasmania (82.9 years). The Northern Territory had the lowest life expectancy for both males (75.6 years) and females (78.7 years). “This reflects a major shift in causes of death from infectious diseases to chronic diseases,” Ms Cho said. Further details are available at: www.abs.gov.au/ ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3302.0.55.001. State, territory and sub-state information is also available for free download from the ABS website www.abs.gov.au. pensions. However, from January 1, 2018, there are changes to the Pension Supplement for people who live overseas or travel outside Australia for more than six weeks. Share housing, intergenerational living and the tiny homes movements add another dimension to the changing lifestyle of the older Australian. Again, we need government to see the value of supporting these kinds of alternative housing.

Finally, our story with Marlene Rutherford and her workshops on consciously ageing is, again, something that is totally unique but I believe necessary as we address a new world order. As American social anthropologist and author Mary Bateson Clark so wisely advises – do not juggle all the things you have to do in life, instead put some thought in and compose rather than juggle. Indeed, time to start training for the new years ahead.

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

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Travel

INSIDE: CRUISING SPECIAL

Why take a tour with a guide? TRAVEL author Ann Rickard has been hosting small-group tours in Provence for 13 years. She has also been on many a trip herself where tour guides have hosted her. She gives us some of the advantages and disadvantages for seniors when it comes to holidaying independently or with a tour group.

ADVANTAGES

ALL travellers have experienced the frustration of wasting time looking for that famous landmark, site, icon. Many an argument has sprung between couples over a map and a confused expression. A guide will get you there effortlessly and take all the responsibility. A guide will also know places or sites to avoid during rush times, saving you hours of frustration. ■ No driving DRIVING in foreign countries on the other side of the road is stressful for everyone, let alone the nervous senior. Anyone who has driven in Rome or navigated the multiple lanes around the Arc de Triomphe will tell you horror stories. A guide and driver will move you

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

DISADVANTAGES

■ Too much structure A STRUCTURED tour means you are locked in. You will not be able to visit that delightful trattoria, bistro or patisserie you passed on your way to a famous landmark, no chance of going back to discover those tempting markets you passed on the bus – you have an itinerary to stick to. You will never know what you have missed. ■ Other people GROUPS mean there will always be someone annoying (never you, of course). It is impossible to love everyone in a group and there will be

occasions when you must grit your teeth and bite your tongue or end up in an argument. ■ Trapped into buying IN POORER countries you will often find your tour guide taking you to his brother’s carpet shop or his cousin’s souvenir store where you will be stuck and hassled to buy something you don’t want. ■ Too much information WHILE tour guides will give you inside knowledge about that fresco in a cathedral or the carvings on a temple, they can often be too long-winded for most travellers, who want only the minimum information. Trying to pay attention to every small fact and historic date is difficult… especially for the senior who finds standing in one spot

exhausting. ■ Way too much to do MANY tours have their guests up at dawn and into a big bus to complete a busy full day’s itinerary before a hotel dinner (again structured) and then bed. Too much travel means you won’t remember half of what you see or do, will not be able to take your time and soak up the atmosphere, let alone immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals. Ann hosts groups of eight on her Provence tours, with a large house as a base from where she does day trips, allowing for plenty of free time around the pool with a glass of French wine and flexibility for shopping. More information at www.annrickard.com.

6499426ae

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

destinations should never be considered without a tour guide, on safari for example (you preferably want one with a stun-gun), or in India where just leaving your hotel is a journey into chaos. A tour guide will not let you venture into dangerous parts of any town or city either, and this is a big one for seniors’ safety. ■ Jumping the queue A GOOD tour guide will have access to pre-booked tickets that you, as a free-spirited traveller, will not. This is especially welcome at crowded and popular museums, cathedrals or sites where the queues extend for several kilometres. Skipping the queues is a big advantage for seniors. ■ Saving time

China with Yangtze Cruise

thailanD at leisure

european alpine tour

$3655 15 Day tour Dep. apr 24 & sep 4.

$2680 2 week tour Dep. mar 14

$5845 17 Day tour Dep July 14

Flying Singapore Airlines into Munich & out of Zurich. 13 day Alpine tour of Germany, Flying China Eastern Airlines into Shanghai & out of Beijing, plus 3 flights within China. Flying Singapore Airlines into Bangkok. 6 nights Bangkok, 4 nights beach resort, Austria, Italy, Italy & Switzerland. 2 day Singapore stopover. 2 nights Rose Garden Resort, 1 night River Kwai. Includes 4 night first class Yangtze cruise.

Vietnam explorer $2625 15 Day tour Dep. mar 12 & may 9

CanaDian roCkies & alaskan Cruise $6585 22 Day tour Dep. may 7 Flying Air Canada into Vancouver. 12 day tour of western Canada & the Rockies.

singapore garDen FestiVal $2970 8 Day tour

Dep. July 18

Flying Singapore Airlines into Singapore. Extensive touring program including Singapore Garden Festival, Rhapsody Light Show & the spectacular Gardens by the Bay.

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi plus 2 flights within Vietnam. 8 day Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage in a modern ocean liner. 4 nights Saigon, 4 nights Hoi An, 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Halong Bay with cruise.

sCanDinaVia & the arCtiC CirCle

Vietnam & CamboDia aDVenture

$6995 3 week tour Dep. aug 3

$4875 24 Day tour Dep. mar 8 & sep 6

aCross ameriCa

$7295 29 Day tour Dep. may 8 Flying Qantas into New Your & out of Los Angeles. 25 day coach tour right across U.S.A.,

Flying Singapore Airlines into Hanoi & out of Siem Reap plus 2 flights within Vietnam. including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion & Grand Canyon National Parks. 19 day Vietnam tour “off the beaten track”. 4 day Cambodia tour with Angkor Wat.

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.

Flying Qantas & Finnair into Helsinki & out of Oslo. 16 day tour of Finland, Lapland, the Arctic Circle & Norway. Stopovers in Bangkok & Hong Kong.

2 days Anaheim.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents Travel Accreditation Number: A1038

22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

CRUISING

Top 10 reasons you should visit the bottom of the world

WITH so many global destinations overflowing with tourists and high price-tags, there are precious places at the very bottom of the world that remain awe-inspiringly undisturbed as nature created them. Patagonia and Antarctica are two of the last thresholds in the travel world to be explored, and to mark the release of its first hosted cruise tour to Patagonia and Antarctica, Contours Travel – Australia’s longest-running tour operator in South America – has outlined the top 10 reasons to make the bottom of the world number one on the bucket list of must-visit destinations. 1. BEAT THE QUEUE With the travel industry rife with talk of over-tourism and lining up for hours just to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa or Michelangelo, Patagonia and Antarctica attract far less visitors in summer, with the only congestion coming from bulging colonies of penguins and seals. You won’t see selfie sticks among the icebergs, nor will you be jostling crowds to capture shots of their natural beauty. And the small expedition ships that explore the region carry just a fraction of passengers on mega liners, so that’s another plus. 2. DID SOMEONE SAY DAYLIGHT SAVING? Well, it might not be called that exactly, but when you visit the lower half of the southern hemisphere in summer, it’s all daylight, baby.

FABULOUS DESTINATION: Going on an Antarctica voyage is a top bucket list must-do.

During summer, Antarctica is on the side of Earth tilted toward the sun and is in constant sunlight, meaning you get dinners with a view, and as much exploring time as your heart desires. 3. EASY ACCESS Unlike years gone by where getting to Patagonia or Antarctica was an enormous feat, especially with flights, it’s now a piece of cake to reach these destinations. There are regular direct flights to Santiago, Chile, from Sydney, and now also from Melbourne. 4. YOU DON’T HAVE TO ROUGH IT Do you envisage cold hostels and dirty campsites are the only accommodation in this area? That’s certainly not the case anymore. It might’ve once been the domain of backpackers and nature enthusiasts, but for those who like to travel in style and comfort (and warmth!), you’ll have plenty of four- and five-star options to choose from. That means premium meals, luxury accommodation and a

comfortable staff-to-traveller ratio, every step of the way. 5. PICK UP A FEW TRICKS You might not expect expert guides or pro photographers accompanying your tour of the Louvre, but when you head to the bottom of the world, it’s definitely on the list. From photographers running workshops on how best to snap glaciers and penguins to educational experiences with Patagonian locals, tours in these destinations don’t do things by halves. 6. BRAGGING RIGHTS Every man and his dog these days has a photo of themselves ‘pushing’ the Leaning Tower of Pisa or claims to have ventured “off the beaten track”. Well, you can’t really get any more ‘off the beaten track’ than some of the areas in Patagonia and Antarctica, with Contours Travel guests taken to spectacular ‘secret’ places few visitors know exist. These destinations are undeniably unique and will certainly give you an edge

over everyone else’s shots of a European summer or their toes in some sand. 7. IT’S TRULY ONE-OF-A-KIND Everyone always touts their tours or destinations as being original and special – and they are – but there’s just something incredibly humbling about visiting the very ends of the Earth. They’re isolated, serene, completely open and natural, and give you an experience you can’t replicate anywhere else. If you’re a travel junkie seeking truly defining travel moments, this is one of them. 8. GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Whether you’re visiting the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii or the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, they both have one thing in common: you can’t get too close. And it’s the same for most travel experiences these days. Tourists have poked and prodded so much that fences, barriers and closed doors have popped up where they never used to be.

But not in Antarctica or Patagonia. Here, you have the chance to get up close to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier – even trek on and through it, see migrating penguins, and hike amongst the rocky spires of Torres del Paine National Park. In Antarctica, the zodiac cruising will get you even closer to the floating icebergs and wildlife than you thought possible. 9. YOU CAN (ACTUALLY) SWITCH OFF It’s a blessing and a curse really, but that internet connection for your phone is a luxury at the bottom of the world. We’re not talking about your hotel room or expedition ship, but the mountains, national parks, ice cliffs and glaciers aren’t exactly Wi-Fi friendly. This means you can disconnect from the rest of the world and unplug, giving you the chance to really appreciate the breathtaking scenery around you. 10. MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK For most people, the idea of doing a Patagonia/Antarctica adventure is something pushed to retirement when they’re (hopefully) loaded up with spare cash. But this doesn’t have to be the case. With more flights making the region more accessible and affordable, the bottom of the world is open for anyone. And not only that, accommodation in Latin America is even more affordable and luxurious in comparison to Europe or North America. And while there are five-star lodges

throughout Patagonia, you can also sleep under one million stars in deluxe camps or glamping tents nestled in the wilderness.

HOW TO SEE IT ALL

* Contours Travel has just released its first its first hosted cruise tour to Patagonia and Antarctica, with two departures slated for the summer of 2018 and 2019. The 29-day Antarctica and Patagonia tour takes Australians to the vineyards, national parks and glaciers of Patagonia before boarding expedition ship, Akademik Ioffe, for a 12-night round-trip voyage where guests can take part in onshore camping, trekking, zodiac cruising, photography workshops and wildlife watching. The tour stops off in Buenos Aires for two nights to explore the city and Iguazu Falls, before returning to Australia. Including flights from Australia, the tour is priced from $27,850 per person, twin-share, from Sydney and Melbourne, with connections available from other cities. Fares also include flights in South America, accommodation, 64 meals, touring and sightseeing, and the services of hosts and guides. Contours Travel has two departure dates, October 28, 2018, and February 22, 2019. Direct link to the tour: www.contourstravel.com .au/tours/antarctica-andpatagonia. Call Contours Travel on 1300 135 391 or visit the website: www.contours travel.com.au.

Totall Country

Peter on Johnst

Mo n Nig day 7-1 hts 0p m

6609826af

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Travel

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 23

CRUISING

CRUISE SHIP: P&O's Pacific Jewel anchors off Mooloolaba on a beautiful and perfect winter's day. PHOTO: JOHN MCCUTCHEON

Learn the ways of cruising CRUISING is a special universe in the galaxy of travel. Boarding a ship on holiday is like moving to a foreign village, with strange customs to be learned, new rules to be observed and a cast of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers to share your days. Prepare for the journey with these handy survival tips. ■ If you’ve already booked a berth aboard something called Crystal Serenity, or Carnival Ecstasy, or Enchantment of the Seas, you’ve probably twigged that cruise companies love extravagant language. The industry comes with its own flowery prose designed to dazzle prospective passengers. Hence even the most basic windowless cabins are billed as staterooms, as if a minor royal might have stayed there just before you, and butlers, let’s be

frank, are often little more than glorified room attendants. As with so much in life it’s actions, not words, that matter. As long as your butler brings Champagne to your cabin on command, let them call themselves whatever they like. ■ There are few areas of 21st century life where dress standards still matter as much as they do on a ship. Several operators have loosened their bow ties and ditched formal nights in a late acknowledgement that hardly anyone these days gets about in tuxedos and organza gowns. But it’s still a minefield navigating the spectrum of dress codes from daywear and cocktail to informal, smart casual, elegant casual or “stylish separates”. This is a parallel universe where denim is, bizarrely, banned after 6pm on many ships. Always check company websites for

detailed fashion tips, or risk social death at sea. ■ Even on the surest ship and calmest oceans, having the ground shift constantly beneath the feet can make novice cruisers queasy. Pills and patches help ease the upset; some cruisers swear by ginger, others by bananas. Allow a day or two for the middle ear to settle and the sea legs to kick in, except if you’re heading to Antarctica. As always with travel, the most amazing destinations are the hardest to reach and expeditioners must brave 48 hours of the wild Drake Passage crossing before feasting their (slightly bleary) eyes on the White Continent. ■ For those who really can’t stomach being at sea, there’s always river cruising. It offers all the fun of being afloat and none of the nausea.

■ Dining at sea is a series of never-ending indulgences, a place where it’s possible to fill your face from 5am breakfast buffets to midnight feasts via detours to pizza stands, burger bars and 24/7 room service. Celebrity-chef restaurants are all the rage right now and, while you’ve got more chance of spotting a mermaid than you have of seeing Thomas Keller or Luke Mangan manning the stoves, you can expect their branded menus to be a cut above the ordinary. ■ It is not humanly possible to take part in every activity offered on board. All major cruise lines offer dozens of diversions for on-board entertainment. Cunard ships, for example, offer almost 100 daily events, ranging from watercolour classes and bridge tournaments to film screenings and Latin

dance, to keep passengers busy during long stints afloat on round-the-world and transatlantic sailings. Due to the sheer availability of options, you will do things at sea that you never imagined yourself doing on land. It might be wailing through late-night karaoke in the nightclub, catching a “Broadway-style” show or a craps class in the casino. Don’t hold back. Just go with the flow. ■ No matter how grand a ship’s claims of connectivity at sea, and no matter how “state of the art” their latest technology might be, outside major ports the on-board Wi-Fi will often be woeful. Brace yourself for late ’90s-era connectivity as websites fail to load, emails abort and disappear middelivery and Facebook remains a distant dream. The only thing you can do

to cover yourself is make sure internet access is included in your ticket price. At least that way you won’t be charged for all those hours spent staring at the spinning wheel of despair. ■ Cruising holidays can leave you looking years younger. Partly this is due to the stress-free lifestyle and invigorating sea air, but often it’s the result of shrewd investments at the on-board spa. With everything from teeth whitening to skin peels and Botox now on offer, it’s the ideal opportunity for a makeover. ■ Of all the many compelling reasons why cruising holidays now lure more than a million Australians to explore the world’s seas and rivers each year, they usually have less to do with ice cream flavours and craft classes than with the rare pleasures of seeing our world from the water.

Hosted group tour with Travel Team AFTER 19 years, we are the hosted group tour specialists for over 50s. We know what you want from your travel experience, and tailor it accordingly. Travel Team offers group tours that are hosted from start to finish. This means there’s always an experienced host to help you, giving you a level of safety and peace of mind you simply don’t get when you go it alone. Because we organise our group tours in

advance, we get the best possible prices. Our pre-register service allows you to lock in a great value deal. In many cases, you’ll save hundreds of dollars by booking early. Our hosts are very experienced travellers with a wealth of insider knowledge about the destinations you’re travelling to, so you get the most out of each and every place you visit. Our hosted group tours are a great option for solo travellers, as

you can enjoy the company of others and travel safely to destinations you otherwise may not have felt confident travelling to. It’s our 20th birthday next year, and we’ve chartered a five-star Europe river cruise ship for you to join us for the celebrations. Just imagine travelling in Europe in spring, as all the flowers burst into life. For more details visit travelteam.com.au.

17 Day 5 Star Luxury European River Cruise From $6,554pp • Departs 28 March 2018 1800 300 999 travelteam.com.au *Based on a 25% saving on a Cabin Upgrade from Category 1 to 6. Normally a $1400 upgrade cost. For bookings until 30 Nov, 2017 the upgrade to Category 6 is only $1000, saving $400 which is a 28.5% discount.

24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

CRUISING

Your own style of travel A dental kit to fit into your travel packing APT way. You’ll enjoy a wealth of choice you simply won’t find with anyone else. You’ll determine where, when and for how long you’d like to go. With an all-inclusive range of sightseeing, APT offers you the most immersive exploration of Europe. Designed exclusively for APT guests, Signature Experiences are exclusive or unique events designed to deepen your experience, taking you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. From chefs’ tables to authentic Italian fare and casual snacks, APT’s European river ships present a wide range of dining experiences. Plus, each is included as part of their all-inclusive on-board lifestyle, so you can relax knowing you won’t have to take care of the bill.

Experience Europe’s acclaimed wine regions during their special Wine Series cruises. You will enjoy tastings of superb wine, while you embark on excursions to wineries and vineyards that are not normally open to the public. Given the expertise, insight and experience APT has gained over more than 20 years on Europe’s waterways, there’s no better company to take travellers on a dream European cruise than APT. And given the abundance of choice and the amazing value available now – for a limited time – there’s never been a better time to book. If you’re planning a holiday to Europe in 2018 call the team at Helloworld Coffs Harbour, located in Park Beach Plaza. For more information call 6652 6766.

WHAT’S in the first aid kit? We all love to travel and explore with family or friends. Despite many hours of careful planning and preparation, things can and do go wrong. So a well-equipped first aid kit is a wise investment. The most frustrating and unexpected problems that occur are usually tooth related. A dental check-up before leaving is a good idea, but even though everything looks OK, dental problems can still occur while away. Currently available first aid kits only deal with a range of medical problems, lacking any effective means of dealing with dental problems (apart from painkillers). Dental problems won’t kill you but how annoying if a tooth or filling breaks away leaving a sharp, jagged edge and there is always the possibility of

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

toothache. How many holidays are ruined by dental problems? Blu Tack and chewing gum don’t work so how long can you survive on painkillers? These problems occur without warning, anywhere, any time. Skilled help may not be that easy to find wherever you are. Can you imagine trying to find a dentist for you

or your family out of hours, away from home or unable to speak the language? Why isn’t a first aid kit for dental emergencies available? Dentist In A Box products, launched more than 20 years ago, are Australian-made kits which assume no dental or medical knowledge. About the size of a CD case, the kits provide clear, concise instructions and materials to temporarily deal with unexpected dental problems any time, anywhere until you can see a dentist. Dentist In A Box – the go-anywhere dental emergency kit – is the best gift you can give your family and friends for Christmas. Order now by credit card by phoning 1300 THE KIT (1300 843 548) or visit dentistinabox.com.au. ADVERTORIAL 6706692ac

EXPERIENCE centuries of history, legend and enchantment as you discover Europe with APT. From cruising along tranquil estuaries and mighty rivers to traversing storybook scenery by land and rail, APT has left no course uncharted in creating its range of unforgettable European journeys. Whether it’s from the comfort of a luxurious river ship, travelling in an intimate small group or exploring by coach or rail, APT delivers the best of Europe. Each destination presents a remarkable new encounter at every turn, as you explore a land steeped in history and cultural diversity. In 2018, APT will make it easier to match your style of travel to your personal interests. APT offers a number of ways to explore Europe, all of which bear the award-winning hallmarks of travel the

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Travel

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 25

CRUISING

Icebergs are stunning to see.

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

Polar bears are abundant in Spitsbergen.

Set sail with Rembrandt and view the glory of the Arctic Cruise the Arctic on the classic topsail schooner, Rembrandt Lights) plus the option to experience sled dog mushing on an Icelandic glacier,” tour leader and award-winning photographer, Ron Hunter of Quest Tours said. “The spectacular Arctic light show is on an 11-year cycle and we’re about to close this cycle for another decade, so it could be the best chance for many of us to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.” Whilst wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, it is expected to see polar bears as we sail around Spitsbergen, for here there are 3000 polar

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

bears, the biggest concentration in the

world, in fact there are more bears than people

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

Arctic Odyssey Norway Greenland Iceland

South Africa

Luxury Safaris Photographic Tours Small Group Maximum 18

here. We also expect to see walrus, icebergs,

Botswana

Traditional Camping Safaris Small Group Maximum 12

Tonga

Swimming with Humpback Whales Small Group Maximum 8

NSW Travel Agent 2TA10493 6692202aa

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

glaciers, seals, muskox, reindeer, orcas, belugas, birdlife and whales, as well experiencing Inuit culture. Prior to the 18-day Arctic cruise, we visit Oslo, Flam, Bergen with fjord train and boat tours, then Longyearbyen, Ittoqqortoormiit and Constable Pynt. The Rembrandt van Rijn cruise is just part of the 29-day Arctic itinerary that Quest Tours has put together. The tour departs Sydney on July 21, 2018 flying to Oslo. For more information, phone Quest Tours on (02) 6554 7478 or 0409 466 958 or go to www.QuestTours.com.au or email info@QuestTours. com.au.

Ph: 02 6554 7478

info@QuestTours.com.au

26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

10 Tuscan towns to put on your bucket list Ann Rickard

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

FLORENCE

THE big one of all them all. A must for its art, treasures, culture, history and architecture. But the summer queues outside the Uffizi Gallery mean a three-hour wait. Best go off-season if you have no tolerance for long lines.

LUCCA

AN HOUR’S train ride from Florence, this

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

SIENA

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

VOLTERRA

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

tourists as the cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo.

MONTALCINO

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

FAMOUS for its Brunello red wine, this surprisingly small walled-town will welcome you for wine tastings on every corner. Wine is king, don’t try to resist as you walk the cobbled streets. After your fill of wine, stop at one of the many restaurants with panoramic views over Val d’Orcia National Park. Drink a glass of Brunello with your pasta.

PARMA

PIENZA

FULL OF WONDER: San Gimignano has 14 medievel towers.

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

SAN GIMIGNANO

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

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

TINY, and not so well known, but worth a visit. Inside the walls, narrow streets are flanked by handsome buildings. A stroll along the Corso il Rossellino pretty much does the entire town, but it’s a great base to explore the nearby wineries.

MONTEPULCIANO

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

PISA

DON’T need to say much about this one, other than you simply must take a selfie of you trying to prop up the tower. Pisa is great fun, but crowded, so best to have your fill of the tower first, and then explore the narrow back streets. You need a car in Tuscany, and parking outside the walled-towns can be tight but worth it.

Travel happily by following these eight top tips DO YOU spend long hours and even days planning your next trip only to find once it’s over you feel let down? Turn your holiday into an experience you want to remember by using these travel tips from Jaime Kurtz, of USC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Centre: 1. Get advice from those who’ve gone before you ■ Ask others about their experiences in the same place at the same time of year. 2. Mix up destinations

2018 TOURS

and experiences ■ On a holiday, it’s good to linger and to relax – but not too much. ■ Move around and mix up our experiences. If we don’t, we may spend two of our three weeks on Maui pining for something different or even wishing we were back at home. 3. Minimise choices ■ If you’re a maximiser, you may be worried about making the most of your experiences while also having strong fears of

missing out. ■ It might help maximisers to limit their holiday choices so that making decisions becomes less fraught. ■ Going to a small town with few options might be better than going to a big city with lots. 4. Consider your own personality ■ Are you more extroverted or introverted? Do you like novelty and adventure or comfort and stability? These factors can help

you decide whether or not you might want a beach vacation in Cancun – where relaxation and socialising are primary – or a solo hike in the alps where adventure and isolation are key. ■ However, we shouldn’t neglect the importance of challenge, meaning getting a little out of our comfort zone. 5. Don’t let cost worry ruin your trip ■ Spending money can be stressful, and there’s no getting around that

DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS

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6 DAY 1770 CAPTAIN COOK FESTIVAL

travelling can be expensive. ■ It makes sense to consider buying prepaid holiday plans, where costs are up-front. 6. Plan for some uncertainty, doses of awe and flow ■ To keep things fresh, it’s good to leave some uncertainty in your plans. ■ You may think a spa holiday is what you really need, but it’s usually best to mix it up with some exploration of new things. 7. Choose immersion

and connection ■ It is often more satisfying to aim for immersive experiences, like avoiding restaurants catering to tourists or luxury chain hotels. 8. Take time to savour experiences ■ Being mindfully present for any experience can heighten our sense of enjoyment when we are travelling. ■ Put your phone away for large parts of your trip. Story first published: greatergood.berkeley.edu

1800 072 535

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___________________________ Mail to: Down Under Coach Tours, PO Box 149, Maryborough Q 4650 or Email details to: info@downundercoachtours.com.au WBS0917

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

What’s on

ABORIGINAL ART OF THE CLARENCE VALLEY

CLOUDLIBRARY ETC.

WOOLGOOLGA Library is the venue for introduction to cloudLibrary, eBooks and eAudio from 2pm-4pm on Monday, November 27. Bring your library card, password and digital device and find out about the newly launched cloudLibrary e-lending service. Phone 6648 4900.

THE NINTH CHAPTER

TENTH anniversary Grafton show for the band, back at their heritage town to celebrate 10 years of music. See them at Roche’s Family Hotel, Grafton on December 1. Supported on the night by the soulful and talented Kealy Day from 8.30pm.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS

LEARN to create your own Christmas wreaths and centrepieces. $50 fee, December 2, Grafton Shoppingworld. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.au.

MACKSVILLE CUP

BOWRAVILLE Racecourse is the venue for the Geoff King Motors Macksville Cup, hosted by the Nambucca River Jockey Club on Saturday, December 2. 11am-4pm, buses from Macksville and Nambucca Heads.

giant fig trees. BYO chairs and rugs.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL - WOMEN ON FIRE

JOURNALIST BELINDA SCOTT

NUTCRACKER BALLET

JULIE Ross Dance Studio presents the Nutcracker Ballet at Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Theatre on Saturday, December 2 at 2pm and 6pm.

EVERYONE BELONGS

FINALIST photos from the International Day of People with a Disability Photographic competition are on display at Coffs Central shopping centre in December.

CAROLS BY CANDELIGHT AT ALUMY CREEK

GRAFTON’S Carols by Candlelight moves to a new venue this year, with the 5.30pm-9pm December 2 event being held at Alumy Creek Reserve, with shuttle buses to and from Market Square and the centre of Skinner St, South Grafton from 4.30pm. Gates open 5.30pm. Old Alumy Creek School Museum open. Food stalls. Wet weather venue is Grafton Cathedral.

NAMBUCCA VALLEY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

CHILDREN’S choirs, small ensembles, solo musical performances, skits and poems by church groups will all be features of the annual Christmas concert at the Nambucca Arts and Community Centre in Ridge St from 6.30-9pm

STILL LIFE: Between Mind and Material, Richard Spoehr. The inaugural exhibition is on show at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery until January 18, 2018. PHOTO: GREG PIPER

on Monday, December 4.

ACHIEVE ACRYLIC BRILLIANCE

SAWTELL Art Group will host a three-day workshop with Herman Pekel on December 2-4. Call George Partos 0417 481 736.

STILL-LIFE EXHIBITION

THE inaugural exhibition of Coffs Harbour’s all-media still-life art prize, is now on show at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery until January 18. The award, which has a major prize of $20,000 and a $5000 People’s Choice award, attracted more than 600 entries from artists all over Australia.

50+ CHRISTMAS LUNCH

BRING a $10 gift for the Santa sack – yummy, practical, pretty or funny and take yourself and your friends to the 50+ lunch at C.ex Coffs at noon on December 7. Good food, good company and lots of laughs. $20, book at reception.

VALLA BEACH COMMUNITY CAROLS

VALLA Reserve on Ocean View Dr, Valla Beach will be the venue for the Valla Beach Community Carols from 6-8pm on Friday, December 8. Father Christmas will be a special guest and local talent will perform. Hosted by Valla Beach Community Association.

FESTIVE FAIR AND CHRISTMAS CAROLS

ST ANDY’S Markets in Grafton at 116 Oliver St will be the venue for a Festive Fair and Christmas Carols with market stalls, food, drink and entertainment from 7-8pm on Saturday, December 9. Proceeds to charity.

COUNTRY COUSINS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

MACKSVILLE RSL in Cooper St, Macksville will host the Country Cousins Christmas Concert on Friday, December 8 from 6.30pm, with two 45-minute dancing sessions with Barry Noble before and at interval. Favourite local country artists backed by Highway 65 band.

MADE IN DORRIGO STREET MARKET

DORRIGO’s main street becomes a marketplace for goods grown, manufactured and produced in the 2453 postcode on December 9, from 9am-2pm at the pre-Christmas Made in Dorrigo street market. Climb the mountain and enjoy the day.

WITHOUT CONSENT

FORCED adoptions were a feature of Australian life until the 1970s. Grafton Regional Gallery will host an exhibition, curated by the National Archives of Australia, that brings a previously hidden aspect of this traumatic process to light from December 13-January 27, 2018.

SAWTELL SUMMER SESSIONS

SAWTELL’s CBD in First Avenue will be closed to traffic on December 14 from 5-8pm from for the Sawtell Community Christmas Party and second monthly Summer Session, with Lisa Hunt and other entertainers and musicians, buskers, kids’ activities and rides, evening shopping, dining and strolling under the

INSPIRED by a hot flush and a bottle of wine, Jennifer Linders created Menopause the Musical as a celebration of women who are facing, are in the middle of, or have survived, The Change. Join the sisterhood and see what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about. See it at Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Theatre at 8pm on December 16.

COFFS COAST CAROLS

TUNE up your voice for the Coffs Coast Carols from 6.30-9pm at Brelsford Park, Earle St, Coffs Harbour on December 16. Local performers, singing and dancing, capped off with a grand finale fireworks display.

CAROLS URUNGA

MORGO St Reserve will host the 2017 Carols Urunga from 5pm, Saturday, December 16. Relax in this natural amphitheatre.Free community event. BYO chair/rug/picnic or patronise food stalls.

COFFS JETTY FAMILY CARNIVAL

FAMILY-friendly carnival with all the usual rides and games, March’s Carnival takes over a slice of Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Foreshores from December 18 to January 20 and is open every night from 6.30pm, weather permitting, with New Year’s Eve a big favourite.

What’s

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

6513898ak

YAMBA Museum is hosting an exhibition of work by Aboriginal artists from this region until December 10. The work has been selected from the indigenous collection of the Grafton Regional Gallery.

Seniors 27

28 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Aussie blokes in need of ‘reel’ connections

HALF of all Australian men have felt disconnected or lonely in the past six months and crave more physical interactions and experiences, according to a study conducted by Tourism NT, in the lead-up to the third season of Million Dollar Fish, runs from October 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018. The research also revealed that more than three-quarters of Aussie males think their mates spend more time connecting with them online than they do in person as a result of social media, and given the option, they would prefer to spend more time enjoying face-to-face connections instead. Australia’s leading relationship expert Melissa Ferrari explained that our busy lifestyles, combined with an increased reliance on technology and social media has significantly changed the way we bond and communicate with others, leaving many of us feeling isolated and distant from friends and family. “Maintaining healthy relationships and sharing life experiences with others is a vital part of being a well-rounded person that experiences happiness through the joy of connecting with others,” Melissa said. “It contributes to and plays a key role in our individual health and well-being, so it’s concerning to see so many Aussie blokes are feeling that they are losing touch and missing out on those important real-life

Catching barramundi in the NT.

interactions.” When asked how they would like to connect with their mates, Aussie men ranked holidaying (41 per cent), watching live sport (28 per cent) and fishing (11 per cent) as their top choice for spending quality time together. Other suggested activities included watching TV (9 per cent), texting (6 per cent) and shopping (5 per cent). Million Dollar Fish ambassador and cricketing legend Matthew Hayden agrees that holidaying and fishing are great ways to bring people together. “I’ve been on hundreds of fishing trips and tours, and travel to the NT regularly with friends and family. The unique landscapes and quality fishing locations provide the ideal setting to unwind, share memorable experiences and build stronger relationships,” Hayden explained. “The NT is the ultimate holiday and fishing destination. “The scenic billabongs and coastline, rivers and waterways offer a huge variety of fishing options

PHOTO: SHAANA MCNAUGHT

and thanks to Million Dollar Fish there are even more great reasons to come on a fishing trip and reconnect with your mates in the NT this summer.” The annual Million Dollar Fish competition invites fishing enthusiasts to enter and be in the running to win cash and prizes valued at more than $2.1 million in total. Prize barramundi are tagged and released at locations across the Top End with 100 fish valued at $10,000 and one barramundi worth a whopping $1 million. Additional prizes are drawn throughout the duration of the campaign including holidays to the NT, fishing gear and a campervan. “Life’s just way too short to let your mates get away,” Hayden said. “Enter Million Dollar Fish now and make the NT your fishing destination of choice this year. “Hard to beat – quality fishing, quality time with your mates plus being in with a chance to win a million bucks just by doing something you love.” For more details go to milliondollarfish.com.au.

HOOKED: Million Dollar Fish ambassador Matthew Hayden fishing in the NT. PHOTO: HELEN ORR

To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit ﬁnda.com.au to view more ads online. Trades & Services

BEWARE OF SCAMS

Kitchens

Buyers should be cautious when dealing with car sellers that are overseas and should always arrange to view the vehicle prior to the transfer of any money.

More information is available at scamwatch.gov.au

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Be wary if the number in the ad is disconnected. If the buyer/seller says the number is disconnected because they are overseas, ask for a landline phone number at their current location as well as a mobile phone number. All contact details of the person buying or selling the car should be verified to ensure they are genuine.

Removalists

BANANACOAST FURNITURE REMOVALS

Give your kitchen a facelift! • Fit new doors and handles • Relaminate old benchtops or replace with rolled edge tops • Add an extra cupboard or two

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Reviews Maggie Beer’s recipes for life

MAGGIE Beer’s Recipe for Life is so much more than a cookbook. She has teamed up with world leading Alzheimer’s researcher Professor Ralph Martins to fight one of the most debilitating diseases of our times. “To have a healthy old age you must act now, whether you are 30 or 50,” Maggie said. “I have two great passions – sharing my love of cooking delicious simple food and improving the health and nutrition of older people. “I hope this cookbook does both but it’s not for ‘old’ people, it’s for you. “These are my recipes for every day, for everybody, full of deep flavours and beautiful ingredients that will nourish you and your family. “Nobody wants to eat worthy food that tastes like cardboard. “For me, food without flavour is unthinkable! And so is the notion of restricting whole food groups. “This is not a diet book – it’s a way of life.” Based on the latest scientific research,

The humble great Aussie shed

Maggie has created more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health. More than a million Australians are affected every day by Alzheimer’s or its impact on their family but the good news is that you can eat well to age well, from this moment on. The proceeds from

Maggie’s Recipe for Life will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Published by Simon & Schuster, Recipe for Life is available in bookshops and in ebook now. RRP $39.99

ONE of Australia’s best-loved celebrities Scott Cam raises a toast in stories, anecdotes and photographs to an enduring Australian icon, the (not so humble) backyard shed. He loves his sheds so much, he has two of them. He loves spending time in them, sometimes doing absolutely zip; just having a beer, looking around, turning random things on and off, sanding a bit of timber for no reason. And it got him to thinking...“There are thousands of people around with a love of sheds like me, and plenty of their sheds are better than mine,” Scott said. You’ll be inspired by the owners’ fascinating stories, and by the stunning images of their pride and joy and you might even join Scotty on his mission to make sheds great, make them essential, and make them loved again. Published by Murdoch Books, Scotty’s Top Aussie Sheds is available in bookshops. RRP $35.

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Bewitching Zanzibar Wife THE Zanzibar Wife is a bewitching novel of clashing cultures and conflicting beliefs, of secrets and revelations, of mystery and magic, by the author of the international bestseller The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul. Set both in Oman and on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, The Zanzibar Wife is the story of three different women, each at a turning point in her life... Oman. The ancient land of frankincense, wind-swept deserts, craggy mountaintops and turquoise seas. A place where tales of evil spirits and eerie phenomena abound. Into this magical nation come three remarkable women, each facing a crossroad in her life. As the three women journey together across this weird and wonderful land, they are forced to confront their darkest fears and their deepest wishes. Because here in Oman, things aren’t always what they appear to be. Published by Penguin, Deborah Rodriguez’s The Zanibar Wife is available in bookshops and ebook. RRP $32.99

A guide to living longer

EVERY day we’re bombarded by often-contradictory advice on what to do to keep ourselves healthy. The Longevity List is a witty and instructive guide to help us sort the medical fact from health industry hot air – to help us live a long and healthy life. Professor Merlin Thomas runs a research unit within Monash University and frequently travels the world lecturing on health-related matters. In his new book he looks at each item on the “longevity list” in turn, analysing why it’s come to be considered a health priority, and giving his scientifically backed verdict on how much attention we really need to pay to it. This is the one-stop checklist to living a life that might just see you reach your 100th birthday and beyond! Available from www.exisle publishing.com.au and stores. RRP $34.99.

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30 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017

Let’s save

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

Why plastic is not always so fantastic

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN together, have a good time and meet other people in their community. Recycling and reuse events can be held between a group of friends or work colleagues, schools or neighbourhood areas. Swap parties: Hold a party with a group of friends, at your work or publicly to swap certain items, from clothes to toys, DVDs to sports equipment. Planet Ark’s Swap Guide makes it easy to host your own party. Second-hand Saturday: Neighbourhood-wide garage sales organised

Tracey Johnstone

THERE are alternatives to using plastic containers in GO GREEN: National Recycling Week 2017 was November 13–19, the kitchen, but if you but all year round is ideal. have to use them, then be aware of how long to keep for the same day, often Buying and selling: There them and how to get rid of old ones. arranged by the local are many easy options to Deakin University council. You could arrange buy and sell your preloved plastics expert Dr Trevor one for your street. goods from a local to Thornton suggests we No-waste Wednesday: wider level. Listings can look at what our This is a day at work or be placed in your local grandparents used to do. school where you all classifieds or community “I think we should go minimise the waste you websites. back to doing what our discard from lunch. Bring For more information: grandparents did. Go have reusable containers and www.recycling a look in their cupboard recycle cans and bottles. week.planetark.org. and replicate it,” he said. The best choice for food storage is glass or ceramic containers. They can last for a very long time and are easy to keep clean. Add one that has an airtight lid and you have a super storage choice. While it probably won’t be possible to recycle these types of containers, at least they can be used over and over again for many years to come. You can also replace clear film-wrap, which can’t be recycled, with reusable food covers, which can be purchased KEEP IT SIMPLE: Marinated prawns are an easy addition to any from supermarkets and meal. online. Since most homes have hard, it’s just all about jars of mustard and plastic containers Dr preparation sauces to go on the table, Thornton suggests we use Using condiments are or make your own. them wisely and recycle always a great way to jazz Recipes at www.seniors where possible. up a meal, so buy a few news.com.au. His top tip is to watch

Tasty ideas to get your BBQ on! IT’S time to clean up the barbie and get ready for outdoor entertaining. Barbecuing is an easy way to entertain and socialise at the same time. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a salad or dessert to simplify the day. That way you can enjoy yourself as well. The humble snag is a must-do when you have a few people over – it’s cost-effective and there are so many flavours available. Marinating your meat, seafood or vegetable selection can also make a simple meal delicious. Honey soy marinade is easy and makes chicken

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN wings a taste sensation at a very affordable cost, and the kids love them. Haloumi is also a great alternative on the barbie, only takes a minute or two to cook and will be very well received – your vegetarian visitors will love you for it. Or why not try partially cooked corn on the cob finished off on the barbie? Cooking a barbecue really doesn’t need to be

out for containers that are scratched or cracked. “It’s also about how you care for them. I always find that handwashing will preserve them a little bit more than putting some of your plastics in the dishwasher,” Dr Thornton said. Washing them in the same way you would wash your cups and mugs is suitable Dr Thornton suggested. When it comes to getting rid of old plastic containers, most of them can be put in the council recycling bin. “Ice cream and margarine containers, bottles, even plastic toys, can be recycled,” Dr Thornton said. However, if you are using old plastic containers, at least ones you have had for many years, you need to be wary of leaching from them. It’s called the precautionary principle when it comes to what to use and for how long. “If you don’t know or think it might be harmful, then don’t do it,” Dr Thornton said. “Plastics are useful, they’re cheap, but at the end of the day they have a higher impact on the environment and a negative impact on health as well.”

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THE dates for National Recycling Week 2017 were Monday, November 13, to Sunday, November 19, but of course it’s good to encourage recycling at any time of the year. There are many ways to donate, trade and exchange – to give your unwanted items a new home, or to get new things that doesn’t cost the earth. Some of the ways you can get into good recycling habits are: Exchanging: Charity op shops can resell your unwanted items, and the profits go towards the charity’s aims. Remember to ask them what types of items they accept. Reuse and recycling events: Events are a fun way to reduce, reuse or recycle. They help to get people motivated

Puzzles

Monday, November 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

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The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square ts in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you nd it helpful. After completing the rst 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

V E

S E A

M A K W H E R

S E C M A P S

I T Y T S C H

S C

A R T L E I O N

B C R A O R

H S P M P

T I I M M C

A S S S M A

R A R E W I T

T A E A R E

R C E R A

L O N Y

S T H N A T

R M A D E S S

S E T E I D C

S U E M E L A

D E Z E F A

R N E D I I

L A Y R S C I

D E A S T

C H E D A O

E V C L A E

E N S S T

N N E

Coffs and Clarence

QUICK CRoSSwoRD

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

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

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6 7

11 12

15 16

20 21

TRIO

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

SUDOKU

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

KEEPS, LOWERS, MARBLES, NIGHTCAP, ORIENTATE.

Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 28+

ALPHAGRAMS

QUIZ

A P S E I E L D S M P E D E S D I N A G E D B L E S S I L B A R K Y A N K O T O E N M I T Y T I N T S O R G Y L Y I M N I G T T A E M N U S S E S EW N E R D L E D A L D I N E C U R I N T G L A L OM I U M T T Y A L K A L I SW M A A S S H H E D

6 lEttERS ALKALI AMUSES EDDIES EMBARK ENMITY

7 lEttERS CURTAIL MITTENS

1. Where was Kiwi shoe polish first developed – Australia, New Zealand or England? 2. Who wears the “fisherman’s ring”? 3. What is the name of the poker hand containing three of a kind and a pair? 4. Which film featured the song that was Whitney Houston’s biggest hit of 1992-93? 5. What is a collector of matchboxes or matchbook labels phillumenist, deltiologist or rabdophilist? 6. What colour is the cross on the national flag of Switzerland? 7. Which year is represented by the seven Roman numerals listed in descending order? 8. Which city is South America’s largest?

K I D N A P

4 lEttERS AGED AIMS DEAL KEYS LOUT MALT ONTO ORGY SKEW

QUIZ

S H O R E S

K N O T T Y

5 lEttERS ALLAY BLESS DAMNS DITTY GAMMY LAPSE LASSO LICIT LYING SENDS SMASH SWAIN

HELIUM IMPEDE KIDNAP KNOTTY RATING READER SHALOM SHINER SHORES SLEDGE SPINET STINTS TODDLE WASHED YIELDS

S T U D

Solution opposite

STUD WELD YANK

WORDFIT

Fit the words into the grid to create a nished crossword

3 lEttERS ASK BIB DIG DIN END GNU LIT MIR NUN PEP TOE URN

1 Australia, 2 The Pope, 3 Full house, 4 The Bodyguard (“I Will Always Love You”), 5 Phillumenist, 6 White, 7 1666 (MDCLXVI), 8 São Paulo.

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WORD GO ROUND

TRIO: UNC

L S

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

490

Z Y

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

TODAY

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

E F

U T

SUDOKU

PEEKS ROWELS RAMBLES PATCHING ONE ATTIRE

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.

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

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QUICK CROSSWORD

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

Across: 1. Appreciate 7. Regal 8. Bafﬂes 10. Chortles 11. Hill 13. Appeal 15. Fiasco 17. Orgy 18. Multiple 21. Emanate 22. Await 23. Attributes. Down: 1. Aggro 2. Palatial 3. Emblem 4. Iffy 5. Tallies 6. Crack a code 9. Silhouette 12. Distract 14. Pageant 16. Superb 19. Plans 20. Fair.

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32 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 27, 2017