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’YOU CAN’T STOP AGEING – SO LET’S EMBRACE IT’ Australia’s much loved comedienne and author Jean Kittson shares her life experience supporting her ageing parents.
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Cover story: Jean Kittson Profile — Kathy Quirk Community Notes Wanderlust Wellbeing Money Living Puzzles
18 COMMUNITY NOTES: Your neighbourhood news.
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Doing life differently Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor LIFE has changed in a heartbeat. Some six weeks ago, I took a month’s holiday leave. I love the rural parts of Bali, the gentle culture, the flowers and rice terraces and it’s one of the places that is always on my agenda when I think of having a break. However, news had started to circulate about a dangerous virus, its rate of transmission and related quarantine periods. Fortunately I stayed at home. The decision to stay at home in Australia led me to find some great local places – places that I may well have never visited had I travelled overseas. Likewise, while I’m at home, I’m endeavouring to do things that would otherwise have passed me by. For instance, I’m looking forward to playing a few more card games with the family, practising my quiz game
skills and doing online yoga. Who knows, I may even cook up some intricate meals – though that would be a stretch (I relinquished much of my home-cooking skills when the kids left home). Most of all, I have promised myself to stay calm in this time of chaos and challenges and as an elder in society act as a role model for younger generations. As Seniors News editor, I look forward to giving you some fine reading material. This month, it’s great to feature the irrepressible and pragmatic Jean Kittson on the front cover. Jean is in good company with a range of other personalities whose meaningful lives, I’m sure, will make inspiring reading. Take care.
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CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Mark Smith – 07 3327 3327 mark.smith@newsregionalmedia.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361604 and quote “Brisbane Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. 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. Responsibility for election material in this paper is taken by Gail Forrer, cnr Mayne Road & Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006.
PROFILE: Kathy Quirk’s inspiring life as a nurse.
Entertainment in your home TO help keep you interested in the world around us, here’s a list of online activities put together by COTA NSW. Galleries and museums Many of the world’s great galleries and museums are now offering virtual tours through Google Arts and Culture. For example: •the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art in New York •the Tate, British Museum
and Victoria and Albert Museum in London •The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam •the Acropolis Museum in Athens •the Musee D’orsay in Paris •the Uffizi in Florence •the Hermitage in St Petersburg. The collection of institutions available, including Australia’s own National Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria and Art Gallery of NSW, is staggering.
Libraries Some libraries are also showing their collections on Google Arts and Culture, including the British LIbrary. You can also take part in building the digital collection of the National Library of Australia by becoming a contributor to Trove. You can contribute photos and add tags for search purposes. Trove is also great for researching family history - it’s amazing what you can find in a 19th century
newspaper when they didn’t have so much to write about! Music Many musical groups are posting concerts and performances online. Here are a few: •Rotterdam Philharmonic playing Beethoven’s 9th •Sydney Opera House has a massive free program of online concerts, talks and podcasts •Sydney Symphony Orchestra There are also some pretty
good parodies around: •One Day More from Les Miserables •500 Miles by the Proclaimers •Bohemian Rhapsody •Stayin’ Alive Zoos Zoos are now live streaming their animals, and you can now watch a snow leopard sleeping behind a tree from the comfort of your own home, or even some meerkats! Here are a few: •Zoo Victoria
•Taronga Park Zoo •San Diego Zoo •Dublin Zoo Other things •Wendy’s garden The famous secret garden built by artist Brett Whiteley’s widow Wendy at Lavender Bay in Sydney. •Shakespeare plays and others from the Globe Theatre in London •National Archives of Australia online exhibits. Enjoy!
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Fantastic plastic house IMAGINE if all our discarded plastics could be repurposed in an environmentally friendly way, taking tonnes of plastic out of landfill, creating jobs and quality affordable homes? Seems too good to be true … until you listen to veteran Gold Coast surfboard manufacturing guru Nev Hyman. That’s something that, sadly, Australian governments seem unwilling to do. “We take all seven codes of plastic waste and turn them into composites panels, architect-designed to become part of a modular house that can be built or removed in two days,” Nev said. The houses are flatpack, with the panels made of particled plastic encapsulated in natural lignin, making it safe from leaching. This means the plastics don’t have to be
“cleaned” before being made, Nev said, one of the major hurdles for existing plastic recycling. “We use all the plastics other recyclers can’t,” Nev said. “Everyone’s saying we need to sort our plastic recycling better, clean it better, that we need more bins, but back me and I’ll prove we don’t need that.” The panels don’t need to be painted or rendered, and there is no need for a concrete foundation – yet the houses are rated Category 5 cyclone-proof. After the devastating 2019 cyclone in Vanuatu, his latest business, Nev House, supplied homes and classrooms to Tanna Island. In 2017 Nev won the coveted UK Pitch@Palace competition from more than 25,000 businesses worldwide. As a result he has US, UK, European and South African governments “chasing him” to set up operations.
FRESH START: Nev Hyman with Vanuatuan children in the classroom built for them by Nev House following the devastating 2019 cyclone.
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My parental Part of the Sandwich Generation, Kittson pours Gail Forrer
CLOSE FAMILY: Comedienne Jean Kittson with her parents Elaine and Roy. Kittson has written a book sharing advice about how to care for elderly parents. Picture: Rob Palmer
IF you are experiencing your fifth or sixth decade of life, then it’s likely you understand the meaning of “Sandwich Generation’’ perhaps a tad too well. The label identifies a generation who may still have children at home (or even grandchildren), are actively engaged in their own careers and providing support for their parents as they transition into the final stage of life. If you’re not organised it can be a giant headache. Now the lady who shot to fame with her comedienne gig in the ABC’s late 1980s show The Big Gig, and who is also an accomplished actor, writer and public speaker, has come to the stage where she, too, has joined the “Sandwich Generation’’. Sixty-four-year-old Jean Kittson has written a book
around her experiences with her ageing parents, Dad Roy (94) and Mum Elaine (95). She said that as people were having children later and our parents were living longer, we found ourselves in this “sandwich’’ situation
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My parents are not a burden – their humanity adds to the fabric of life. whereby we were often doing more for other family members than we expected at this age. “The important thing is to find ways of not stressing about it. Having a wholly supportive family is my
secret ingredient. I don’t do it alone,” Kittson said. In vintage Kittson style, her family’s story is written with love, humour, wit and warmth. She said watching her parents age had taught her about “dignity, grace and courage’’. Her book We need to talk about Mum and Dad had been four years in the making and offered a practical and complete guide full of expert advice and first-hand experience. It shows you the best ways to: * Navigate the bureaucratic maze while remaining sane. * Understand what is needed for your elder’s health and wellbeing and how to get it, especially in a medical emergency. * Survive the avalanche of legal papers and official forms.
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guidance love, laughs into book about caring for parents * Choose the best place for them to live – home, retirement village, residential aged care, or granny and grandpa flat – and help your elders relocate with love and respect. “But I really wrote it for my daughters,” she laughed. “So they would know how to look after me.” Kittson’s daughters are 28 and 22 and she sees them as lucky to have two grandparents still living. “It means your kids really have to think about someone else,” she said. “They learn about social responsibility. “My parents are not a burden – their humanity adds to the fabric of life.” But for a smooth passage, Kittson emphasises using the book as a manual and “staying a chapter ahead’’. She acknowledged that ensuring her parents were in the proper place with proper
care at the right time had been a long journey. She believes a particular incident – when her father was washing the car, got caught up in the hose and ended up in hospital – signalled the need for an extra level of care. “That was when he was 75,” she recalled. She talks naturally about role reversal and of her now “parenting her parents’’. However, while that’s most of the time, at times it reverses back. Her dad, a former mechanic and Mr Fix-it, and her mother, a businesswoman and early feminist, have always been engaged with the bigger world. However, today Elaine and Roy are dealing with increasing ill health. Elaine suffers from macular degeneration and after 30 years is now legally
blind. Roy has macular dystrophy, “We are a close family. I do things with my own family whenever they let me and we all try to visit my parents once or twice a week,” Jean said. She said the whole family pitched in and she gave as an example her nephews, who live in Newcastle, would often drive them to Sydney for their ophthalmology appointments, while her sister is exceptional at navigating the aged care system to find the right help. And as their world becomes smaller, she wants to ensure it still has meaning for them. Ultimately, Kittson advises to put our own fears behind us. “Ageing, end of life, is confronting,” she said. “But we can’t avoid it, so let’s go about embracing it.”
ADVICE: With expert advice complemented by first-hand experience, Kittson’s book helps people tackle the many complex issues affecting care for their elderly parents.
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We plan to do some live concerts from ‘The Deck’.
FRESH IS BEST: Celt-country roots band Round Mountain Girls are reaching out to fans with new music and streamed concerts.
Full stream ahead for rockers Gail Forrer HIGH-ENERGY local band Round Mountain Girls (RMG) are ready to roll into your lounge rooms with a brand new tune. The five-member band, who use a collection of instruments to stir your heart with a Celt-country blend of roots music, are renowned for their electric live audience connection. And while the current situation means there’s a hiatus on live performances, a touch of serendipity can get you online with their
latest recording and more. Firstly, RMG have been named as one of the 119 musicians recorded on the Bluesfest Isolation Playlist 2020. This is the best of Bluesfest offerings designed to get you through Easter isolation. Additionally, RMG have just released their brand new single, First To Let Go. Band member Chris Brooker said the timing of the release had much to do with the current pandemic. “We’re releasing now so people can hear new music, which we know is what
people want while pubs and clubs are in turmoil – all our shows have more than 100 people so they’ve had to be rescheduled.” Like many artists, RMG are finding inventive ways to engage with their fans. “We plan to do some live concerts from “The Deck’’ in the coming weeks, which we’ll be streaming on Facebook.” The Deck is the extension from RMG’s banjo player’s home that backs onto Cabarita Creek. One of the tracks they’ll be playing from “The Deck’’ is First To Let Go, a track that was inspired by
fleeting moments that can never quite be captured. It’s a song about loss and reflecting on the good things you have. “You never know when your time is up, so cherish the little moments,” Brooker said. Booker said the theme was founded on an experience with his son. “You know when you hug someone? How do you know when it’s the right time to let go? I tend to let the other person go first. “This became a game with one of my sons. He eventually worked out what
I was doing and that hugs could go on for an eternity if we want them to.” The songs were recorded at La Ceuva Studios in Byron Bay. First To Let Go was engineered by Nick DiDia, who has worked with artists ranging from Kasey Chambers to Bruce Springsteen and Incubus. The release comes the year after the Round Mountain Girls completed a UK tour. “We played some massive festivals and tiny pubs, slept on floors and toured in a flash bus,” Brooker said. “That included festivals
like Lakefest, Belladrum and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.” Though live shows are off the table for now, the Round Mountain Girls are hoping to be back playing gigs in September or October, depending on how things pan out. Until then, the best way to support the band – and every band – is to buy merchandise, follow them on Spotify and send them as many messages as you can. Don’t be the first to let go of your favourite artists. For more information. go to https://www.facebook .com/roundmountaingirls/?
Funding aims to support ideas combating social isolation among seniors NSW seniors at risk of social isolation during the COVID19 pandemic will be the focus of $600,000 in funding to keep our older community connected. Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee urged eligible organisations to apply for the grants, ranging
from $10,000 to $100,000. The aim is to support initiatives that: • Effectively address social isolation for seniors while reducing COVID-19 risks. • Actively attract seniors who are socially isolated, or at risk.
• Can start immediately, or in a very short time, by extending current capacity, systems and networks. • Have a wide geographic spread, regionally or locally focused, community-driven and online. • Can show business continuity planning to keep
the project running until the end of 2020. • Give value for money in terms of overall costs and the outcomes and benefits. “While more seniors are staying at home to protect their health, we do not want to create an epidemic of loneliness in our
community,” Mr Lee said. “Our most vulnerable age groups are being advised to follow social distancing rules, so face-to-face catchups and normal daily routines have become difficult.” Applications for the Combating Social Isolation
for Seniors During COVID-19 grants program are now open until April 26.’’ “We want to fund ideas to help seniors keep in touch by utilising phones, online platforms or other methods of communication,” Mr Lee said. To apply, visit NSW Communities & Justice. SENE01Z01MA - V1
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Retirement the write call Former academic thriving on personal joys of penning plays Alison Houston AFTER 47 years as an academic, including 27 years at Bond University, Chamkaur Gill gave himself a year off after starting retirement to relax, travel and “take it all in”. Then he started writing … He has now written three plays and has another three in the wings. Chamkaur said while he had dabbled in the past in short stories and poetry, he had given away the artistic side of writing while busy with academia. He did some directing at Bond, and had been involved in theatre arts in Malaysia as a younger man, but said he “never thought he would write a proper fulllength play”. “Someone said you’re too old to write a play, but you can just call me the new senior on the block,” he laughed. “My mind is young, I think young and I keep my finger on the pulse of youth.” Chamkaur is inspired by social issues, including loneliness, depression, misogyny and ageing, and his plays reflect that. But he said that while bad things would always happen in life, it was important not to be overcome by them. It’s an attitude he needed
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Someone said you’re too old to write a play, but you can just call me the new senior on the block. My mind is young, I think young and I keep my finger on the pulse of youth.
INSPIRED: Chamkaur Gill has thrown himself into living life to the fullest in retirement, including writing three plays, with another three in the wings.
to call on when his first play, Void, which was to have premiered in March, had to be postponed due to rules sparked by the coronavirus outbreak. “Shed a tear and move on,” he said philosophically. Void addresses the vulnerability of children and the need for society to better protect them, examining the emotional trauma of two parents whose four-year-old daughter disappears.
It shows the parents 14 years on from the one mistake that changed the rest of their lives, when one unsuspecting afternoon their precious daughter was abducted in broad daylight. “When I grew up, everyone was one big family, but it is not like that today and I hope this will make parents and children talk and think, and instil a sense of caution,” Chamkaur said. He suggested the play
may now open in August to correspond with Missing Persons Week. Despite the dark subject matter in his work, Chamkaur does not have a bleak outlook on life. He is stimulated by the vibrancy and goals of Gold Coast-based theatre group Wild Dreamer Productions, with which he produced the play. “Theatre has so much life in it – it’s so real – and it would be great to get more
people interested in the theatre to experience the fun, the emotions and passion,” he said. While he hopes his plays will find receptive audiences, Chamkaur said his main aim was to live his life to the fullest. “You need to find something to do that you really enjoy … make life as wonderful as you can, because it’s all down to you, no one is going to do it for you,” he said.
And he believes writing “is one of the best things retirees can do”. “Retirement goes on for quite a few years, and travelling is great but nothing is better for you than keeping your brain going and ideas bubbling up,” he said. Chamkaur advocates everyone writing half a page each day or even each week about their lives, both for themselves and their family to look back on.
Deeming rate trimmed but is ‘still too high’ NATIONAL Seniors Australia has welcomed the recent announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the upper deeming rate for pensioners will be cut by 0.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent but says it is still too high. Australia’s peak consumer organisation for older Australians says the rate, which the Government uses to deem what pensioners earn from their investments, is still well above the typical return on what pensioners receive. National Seniors’ chief advocate Ian Henschke (pictured) says the new rate
is still balancing the budget on the backs of pensioners. “While any cut in the deeming rate is welcome news for us, the Government is still deeming pensioners to be earning 2.5 per cent on investments in excess of $51,800,” Mr Henschke said. “No bank is offering anywhere near 2.5 per cent on their term deposits. “In fact, the Commonwealth Bank has a ‘special offer’ of 1.2 per cent on its term deposit, which is not even half of what the Government deems is the return.”
He pointed out that the higher the deeming rate, the less money pensioners receive. Mr Henschke also referred to comments by one of Australia’s most successful treasurers, Peter Costello, that the deeming rate was still too high. “When Mr Costello says the current rate is pushing pensioners into riskier investments, you know we have a problem,’’ he said. “That won’t change, because the deeming rate still acts as a disincentive for pensioners to put their savings into safe investment
accounts in banks which come with a governmentbacked guarantee. “And the current state of the sharemarket shows just how risky the investment environment outside of term deposits really is.” Mr Henschke wants the Federal Government to go further and slash deeming rates to better reflect the returns pensioners are receiving. National Seniors also wants an independent body to set deeming rates and the pension, to take the politics out of the retirement system. SENE01Z01MA - V1
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FEATURE
APRIL, 2020//
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Much-loved nurse leaves Kathy calls it quits after half-century of service Tracey Johnstone OVER 50 years, nurse Kathy Quirk has seen the landscape of the Atherton Tableland town of Herberton change ever so slowly as she watched the ebb and flow of the generations. At the far end of the town where it might take no more than a few minutes to drive from one end to the other, we sit in an old-fashioned timber booth in the quirky Jacaranda Coffee Lounge savouring our tea and coffee, hidden from the searing north Queensland heat. It’s just along the street from the Royal Hotel and the little convenience store that services the town’s 900 residents. Follow the road either way alongside Wild River, up the hill to find Mount St Bernard boarding school, three churches, a historic village and the Herberton Mining Museum overflowing with historical treasures.
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I have nursed a lot of people and they’ve had babies. Now those kids are parents.
Kathy sits with her chin tilted down, eyes on the table, wary of the tape recorder, hoping no one she knows will stroll in. Hardly possible, one could assume. The 67-yearold has been an enrolled nurse at Herberton Hospital for 50, actually as of March it will be 51, extraordinary years. She’s a shy, quietly spoken indigenous woman who is reticent to talk about herself until you invite her to speak about her time working in her home town’s hospital. Then Kathy’s chin lifts, her voice raises a notch and her eyes sparkle with pride. “Families that I have known over the 50 years or so come over and ask if I am still working,” she said. “I have to stop and think, who are you? Then they have to tell me their name because I forget. I meet so many people. “I have nursed a lot of people in the old hospital and they have had babies. Now those kids are now parents themselves.” It was Kathy’s first job after leaving Herberton State School and it’s remained her only job throughout her working life. Once Kathy finished high school she went looking for a job. She knew it was going to be hard to find one in the local area. There was only a college, school, hospital and small local businesses and
SHINING EXAMPLE: Humble nurse Kathy Quirk has been devoted to Herberton Hospital patients’ care for 51 years but is bidding her work farewell while looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. Picture: Tracey Johnstone
not enough jobs to go around. At that time Herberton Hospital delivered general care to the surrounding Atherton Tableland population, which was farming the rich soil or working in mining. It was the first established town in the Tableland. The local historians will tell you mining gave the town wealth, two newspapers and 24 pubs. A family affair Kathy always wanted to be a nurse. She had a dream of working at Cootharinga in Townsville, which provides support to children and adults with disabilities.
But really, she didn’t want to leave town, where her single mother and five siblings were still living, and where the family’s previous generations lived. “Mum worked hard and supported us,” Kathy said. She cleaned the local pub for many years before securing the cleaning job at the Herberton Hospital. Luckily for Kathy, her mother found out the matron was looking for a nurse’s aide. Kathy got the job on a three-month trial. “From there I just stuck it out,” Kathy said. “It was like a family thing.” Her mother worked at the
hospital for some 30 years. One of Kathy’s sisters also worked there for 20 years, in the laundry and kitchen. Kathy worked as an unregistered nurse’s aide for about 10 years before she headed 100km down the hill to the TAFE college in Cairns to do her nursing certification course. She remembers the early days of the busy maternity ward and when some mothers had to adopt out their babies. These are family secrets she holds close to her chest. “We got attached to those little babies; it was sad when we had to say
goodbye to them,” Kathy said. With progress comes change Gone now are those days as the hospital changed dramatically about 35 years ago. While the town’s history has been proudly preserved, its population gradually depleted as the nature of the farming and mining changed, and the commercial and social centre of the region moved to the nearby town of Atherton. All the general and maternity care was moved 15 minutes along the ridge to
Council package an $800,000 lifeline
SUPPORT: Ballina Shire Mayor David Wright.
BALLINA Shire Council has announced a business package to support local traders and residents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The package is estimated to provide $800,000 in financial relief that includes the waiving of some fees, commercial rent relief, facility refunds and reducing the overdue rates and charges interest rate to 0 per cent for 15 months. “We understand some
ratepayers would like to see their rates and charges waived across the board,’’ Mayor David Wright said. “This would have considerable financial implications and council is not in a financial position to offer this to residents. “However, under this relief package, ratepayers who cannot pay their rates will not be charged interest on late payments for 15 months until June 30, 2021.’’
The package was presented in a Mayoral Minute to the March 26 council meeting, receiving unanimous support The package includes: 1. Interest rate on overdue rates and charges: The current rate is 7.5 per cent and will decrease to 0 from April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. 2. Community facility hire fees: Refund of bookings. 3. Flat Rock Tent Park: Refund of bookings.
4. Northern Rivers Community Gallery: Threemonth fee waiver for exhibition and Ignite Studio tenants. 5. Commercial use of footpaths: No fees for a period of 15 months to 30 June 30, 2021, to allow businesses to re-establish when they open. 6. Tenancy rental relief for Lennox Head Community Sports and Recreation Club and Ballina Hockey Club for 15 months. SENE01Z01MA - V1
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big mark on small town
Herberton Hospital director of nursing Deanne Hellsten with Kathy in front of a photo of the original hospital.
the major health hub at Atherton District Memorial Hospital, leaving Herberton Hospital with 38 beds for aged care and palliative care patients. “It’s hard as when they get in there all they want to do is go home,” Kathy mused about the predominantly former farmers. We have had a few climb fences to get out.” Kathy has happily stayed as an enrolled nurse working on the frontline. “I find I can do better with hands-on nursing,” she said. “I hate paperwork. I would rather look after
them, care for them. I don’t want to be up the top; too much responsibility as an RN.” She admitted she has also struggled with everything being online, from training to patient record-keeping. As her retirement date approached, Kathy received many accolades from within her community. One she eagerly shared was from Wendy, whose mother was admitted to Herberton Hospital in 1996. “This was a terribly stressful time for my family and I with two nurses in the family,” Wendy wrote.
“The guilt we felt in having to admit mum to Herberton was overwhelming. We thought we would do all her care at our family home, but soon realised that we could not deliver the complex care that mum needed. “Kathy was one of the nurses who settled our guilt and grief at leaving mum at Herberton through her personalised care and attention towards mum, but very inclusive of our large family. We never had a reason to question or complain about the care mum received, but when we knew Kathy was on duty our
Kathy as a proud young nurse who went on to become a highly respected fixture at Herberton Hospital.
minds were more at ease. “Kathy has always demonstrated her gentle, caring, thoughtful nature to residents of Herberton. Her nursing care and encouragement have helped many co-workers thrive in a very complex environment, and many have been fortunate to have Kathy as a professional colleague and friend. This is no mean feat when the pressures of
paperwork, policies, standards and new procedures are pressing down on a cohort who only want to deliver hands-on nursing care.’’ What lies ahead Around the town there were more strangers now, Kathy said. Jobs for the locals have mostly gone to Atherton or to further down the range. Her husband, Bernie,
drives to Cairns every day to work, leaving home at 4am. Kathy still rises at 5am every day – it’s a habit she knows will be hard to break. The little hospital remains proudly atop the town hill watching over the changing community. There are fewer buildings now, but the garden surrounds are lovingly looked after. There are younger staff working at the hospital. Kathy sometimes wonders if they are thinking, “She’s been her too long and it’s time she moved along’’. “I could have worked another 12 months, but then I thought, it’s time to get out and enjoy my life as I have spent more than half my life working at the hospital,” Kathy said. “I feel I have had enough.” Kathy said she would take with her many lovely memories of her time at the hospital and of some of the patients, particularly those who don’t have family visiting them until it’s too late. “We’re their family,” she said quietly as her chin dipped and she lapsed into deep thought. But now her eight grandchildren beckon. Kathy’s daughter wants her to start a hobby. Maybe volunteering at the local Salvation Army shop is on the cards, Kathy suggested, but then added, only as long as the bashful senior can avoid the customers. But really, looking after the extended family is what she wants to do in retirement along with many more family fishing trips.
Enjoy great shopping at a Helicopter Op Shop near you!
Y A D O T S VISIT U
1800 155 155 | www.helirescue.com.au V1 - SENE01Z01MA
With 7 shops across the region operated by volunteers, your support will help the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter to save lives. Donations of quality clothing items, books and bric-a-brac are always welcome. With regular $2 clothing sales and specials you will be sure to find a bargain! LOCATIONS: LISMORE - 79 Magellan St CASINO - 112 Barker St SOUTH GRAFTON - 63 Spring St BALLINA - Shop 2 / 8 Martin St
COFFS HARBOUR 3/22A Scarba St YAMBA - 20 Yamba St TENTERFIELD - 91 High St
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Community group guide
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Community notes
TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short (100 word max). If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. WITH the coronavirus preventing clubs from meeting, we welcome any submissions that promote your club’s aims, history and achievements. Member profiles and photos are also most welcome. Please email your submissions to editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.
admired and appreciated occupational therapist, Karen. Among the audience members was Laurene’s daughter Elizabeth and her long-time friend Gail Forrer, who thought the entertainment measured up to any of the local Stockers Siding Moon-dances they had attended in their youth.
COMMUNITY CHOIR
BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB
YOU could have said that “the Hills were alive with the Sound of Music’’ earlier in March when Murwillumbah’s Greenhills Nursing Home folk were entertained by a magnificent local community choir. Residents (including the lovely Laurene Baker) swayed, sang and clapped hands to the superb sounds of this joyous and talented musical group who accepted the invitation to perform from Greenhills’ much-
OUR Charity Fundraising Day scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at Ballina RSL Club was unfortunately cancelled. Scheduled for that day was the drawing of a raffle for a major prize and four minor prizes, but we had to hold that drawing at another venue. On March 29 at 4pm an official draw was conducted and we would be grateful if you could detail the results in your media outlets. Results are: 1st Prize: Ticket
SONG BIRDS: The Community Choir entertained residents at the Greenhills Nursing Home, Murwillumbah.
No: 0920; 2nd Prize: Ticket No: 1932; 3rd Prize: Ticket No: 0137; 4th Prize: Ticket No: 1241; 5th Prize: Ticket No: 1925. All prize winners have been notified.
TWEED HOSPITAL AUXILIARY OUR Trivia Night at the South Tweed Community Centre, South Tweed, planned for Wednesday, May 13, is now cancelled.
VIEW CLUBS
VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, and supports disadvantaged children through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. We have been advised by our national office to cancel all VIEW club activities for the months of April, May, June and July. Thank you four your understanding.
BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL 2020 THE organisers of Byron
Picture: Gail Forrer
Writers Festival have announced the 2020 event scheduled to run from August 7-9 will be cancelled. Byron Writers Festival will return from August 6-8, 2021. Tickets for the Byron Writers Festival 2021 are not currently on sale.
are able to resume. Hope you are all well during these trying times. Contact Ron or Annette on 07 5523 4016. Hastings Point Tweed Coast WE WILL not be meeting again until further notice. Phone 02 6670 4072.
PROBUS CLUBS
NOTE: Many events have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus. Please confirm the current status with the event organiser.
Banora Point PROBUS has suspended all meetings and outings until further notice. We will contact members when we
Making most of new life phase Alison Houston HAPPY retirement is about far more than just whether we have enough money. Looking for answers for herself, family and friends, all approaching retirement, Toowoomba psychologist Judy Rafferty found a huge gap in practical tools and strategies to use in considering this next important phase of life. So, four years ago, she set about researching and writing her own book, Retirement Your Way: A Practical Guide to Knowing What You Want and How to Get It. It’s about purpose, connection and identity, Judy says. “When you know what you want, that’s how you decide if it’s time to retire.” Pre-planning has been shown to improve people’s experience in retirement,
with aspects to consider including sources for wellbeing, exercise and mental stimulation. “Some people absolutely sail through retirement and it’s not an issue for them, and that’s great,” Judy said. “But even people I speak to who haven’t had issues benefit from reflecting on what they want out of life. “So I’ve written this book for those not yet retired who need to create a vision; those who are retired, because we can always improve on what we are doing; and those who have been forced to retire unexpectedly due to illness, family crisis or redundancy, who often really struggle.” Judy said she regularly saw PRACTICAL PATHWAYS: Psychologist Judy Rafferty with her new book, Retirement Your Way. people in her practice who didn’t recognise retirementand discovered prime full-time grandparent? Suddenly, for instance, related issues were behind questions people wanted Even good long-term you find your partner has problems they reported, such as answers to included: How do relationships, she said, could time to do jobs such as depression. I know when to retire? What be affected by the changes in cooking and cleaning – which As part of her research for am I going to do with myself? dynamic and roles associated sounds ideal – but they don’t the book, Judy ran focus groups How do I avoid becoming a with retirement. do it quite as you would,
leading to frustration. Retirement Your Way includes information, strategies and tasks to complete, and is available at bookstores and online. SENE01Z01MA - V1
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Keep sight of hidden danger Ophthalmologist warns people not to cancel appointments in wake of coronavirus restrictions DO you want to see into the future? Then keep your regular appointments with your ophthalmologists, warns Professor Paul Mitchell (AO), internationally renowned ophthalmologist and national research adviser for the Macular Disease Foundation Australia. Prof Mitchell said one in seven Australians over the age of 50 had signs of agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). The incidence increases with age and these people could unnecessarily lose their sight to wet AMD due to treatment cancellations caused by fear and confusion around COVID-19. He said that up to onethird of his patients with conditions such as wet (neovascular) AMD or diabetic macular oedema (DMO) were skipping these crucial appointments. “Wet AMD needs treatment for many years, while DMO or diabetic retinopathy mostly needs treatment for one year or so and may also need laser treatment,” Prof Mitchell said. “Without these regular injections, there’s a high risk that people will go blind or suffer significant vision loss, which is often then irreversible. Prof Mitchell said eye injections were considered essential medical treatment, while any sudden loss of vision in either eye was an eye health emergency requiring urgent attention. MDFA Medical Committee chair, Associate Prof Alex Hunyor, said
where possible, ophthalmologists were rescheduling non-urgent appointments or treatments. “Eye injections are essential medical treatments and need to continue as scheduled. Clinics are taking even more precautions now and waiting rooms must comply with social distancing protocols,’’ Dr Hunyor said. “Many ophthalmology practices are asking patients to wait in their cars and calling them to come in only when required. “Call ahead. Ask what extra protocols are in place and what precautions you can take.” Prof Mitchell said people were calling ophthalmology practices concerned they would be fined for leaving their home to attend a medical appointment. “I want to stress: if you have a scheduled eye injection; if you are a family carer or someone who needs to take a person to a scheduled eye injection, you are not breaching public health measures to attend that appointment. “Obviously, if the patient has the virus or has had contact with someone who has been infected, the ophthalmologist should be contacted by phone to reschedule.’’ People living in residential aged care facilities need to have a discussion with the aged care provider or manager about the necessary provision to ensure they continue to have access to eye injections appointments.
CLEAR MESSAGE: Prof Paul Mitchell is urging people not to risk blindness by delaying eye treatment.
Some facilities have currently unfortunately stopped such appointments. For more advice, contact the National Helpline on 1800 111 709 or go to www .mdfoundation.com.au. “We urge all Australians to take care of their eye health and attend scheduled treatment appointments during the coronavirus crisis,’’ Prof Mitchel said. “The last thing we need is to emerge from this pandemic with another health crisis of people who are blind or have severe vision loss as a result of not treating their AMD, or
diabetic eye disease. “We understand people are fearful but, please, ring and speak with your ophthalmologist or the receptionist. “You can also call MDFA’s National Helpline for free telephone advice and a free Amsler grid – a useful tool for monitoring vision changes at home.”
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), including diabetic macular oedema (DMO). AMD accounts for 50 per cent of blindness in Australia. One in seven (about 1.29 million) Australians over the age of 50 have some evidence of AMD.
Macular Disease Macular disease covers a range of painless conditions that affect the central retina (the macula) at the back of the eye. The most common are
Wet AMD Wet (neovascular) AMD is the most aggressive form of AMD, and central vision changes are often sudden and severe. Wet AMD often leads to a
rapid loss of central vision. While there is no cure for AMD, there is highly effective medical treatment available for wet AMD. Standard treatment involves an injection of antiVEGF medication into the eye (intravitreal injection). For most people, treatment usually begins with injections at monthly intervals. Depending on the response, the interval between injections may be extended. For most patients, ongoing or indefinite treatment is required.
Beetroot proves a bottler in boosting blood flow to improve stiff arteries THE blood flow-boosting nature of beetroot juice and its ability to reduce arterial stiffness in older adults has helped a University of the Sunshine Coast researcher to win a national industry medal for her PhD. Dr Meegan Walker was awarded the 2019 Exercise V1 - SENE01Z01MA
and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Medal for her thesis titled Blood Flow During Passive Leg Movement: Impact of Vascular Disease and Nitrate Supplements. The thesis identified interventions, such as beetroot supplements, that could enhance the function
of blood vessels in older adults. “My early studies demonstrated how oxidative stress reduced nitric oxide, impairing blood flow in older adults and leading to conditions like peripheral arterial disease,” Dr Walker said.
“My recent studies showed how healthy sources of nitrate, such as beetroot juice or a big green leafy salad, increased nitric oxide, improving blood flow and vascular function for older adults.” Dr Walker, an accredited exercise physiologist, said
she was honoured to receive the recognition. She acknowledged the guidance of her USC supervisor, Associate Professor Chris Askew from the VasActive research group, and the participation of her volunteers, who were aged between 60 and 75. Meegan Walker.
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Our unique wonders Down Under
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WORLD CLASS: The beginner-friendly Elabana Falls Track is a half-day walk that branches off the Main Border Track, about 1km from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
The great beauty and bounty of Australia THE World Heritage List records more than 1000 natural, cultural and mixed sites that are protected by international convention and considered important for the whole world. The list is administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). World Heritage-listed sites are managed under the World Heritage Convention. In Australia, World Heritage-listed properties are managed cooperatively by state and federal governments in accordance with the Australian World Heritage Intergovernmental Agreement. Here is a list of a few of the sites:
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF The Great Barrier Reef was the first Queensland site to be recognised for its representation of major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history and as the largest coral reef system on the planet. Gondwana Rainforests of Australia straddles Queensland’s southern border and encompasses Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and the Main Range National Parks. This area is the most extensive remaining area of subtropical rainforest and is home to nearly all of the world’s Antarctic beech rainforest.
A slightly prehistoric twist sees ancient Australian mammals preserved in limestone at the Riversleigh Fossil Mammal site in Outback Queensland on the list. Some fossil deposits date back 25 million years.
WET TROPICS Extending from Cooktown to Townsville and including the Daintree Rainforest, the Wet Tropics of Queensland protects Australia’s largest remaining area of wet tropical rainforest with cultural significance for the Aboriginal people who have called this area home for thousands of years. Aim to reach all of these World Heritage-listed areas and you’ll have an adventure plan that covers most of our beautiful state!
MOUNT BARNEY Mount Barney, Scenic Rim Area The distinctive peaks of mounts Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie dominate the skyline in Mount Barney National Park. These rugged peaks are the remains of the ancient Focal Peak shield volcano that erupted 24 million years ago. Mount Barney is the second-highest peak in southeast Queensland and most of the park lies within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park’s cascading
creeks and pristine forest habitats preserve many rare plants and vulnerable animal species. For a leisurely visit, drive to Yellow Pinch picnic area and photograph kingfishers swooping over the water. Very experienced walkers can climb sheer rugged mountain peaks to awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges. For the less adventurous, there are a few moderate walks around the mountains’ bases. Facilities: Barbecues, car park.
SPRINGBROOK Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park, Springbrook, Gold Coast Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park, offers breathtaking lookouts, magnificent waterfalls, dense rainforest and ancient Antarctic beech trees. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area. Dominating the Gold Coast’s western skyline, Springbrook’s cool forests and mountain streams offer views of impressive landscapes, and walks among subtropical and temperate rainforest, open eucalypt forest and montane heath. The plateau has many lookouts with fabulous views. Visit Purling Brook Falls, which cascades 100 metres
FRASER ISLAND Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and is noted for its exceptional beauty, ever-evolving coastal sand-dune formations and habitats, as well as 250km of sandy beaches.
RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL MAMMAL SITE
Please check with Government advice before leaving your home and visiting any of the sites mentioned in this story..
into a deep rainforest valley lined with palms, tree ferns and stream lilies. From Goomoolahra picnic area, walk 50 metres to another waterfall and two striking lookouts. Stroll 300 metres from the Tallanbana picnic area, just past Canyon Lookout, to the top of Twin Falls; or continue on a longer walk through the canyon.
NSW THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages four World Heritage areas that are either entirely within the national parks estate or partially in the NSW national park estate. These are: Australian Convict Sites – Old Great North Road, Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Greater Blue Mountains Area, Willandra Lakes Region.
GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS
Greater Blue Mountains is a World Heritage-listed area of diverse landscapes filled with plants, wildlife, caves and rock formations in NSW national parks. It’s full of cultural significance, with six Aboriginal groups having connection to the Country of the Area, as it’s tied with Dreaming and rock art. The Greater Blue Mountains Area is one of the largest and most intact tracts of protected bushland in Australia. The area is a deeply incised sandstone tableland covering 1 million hectares spread across eight adjacent conservation reserves. The landscapes of this property lie inland to the west of Sydney and extend almost 250 kilometres from the edge of the Hunter Valley to the Southern Highlands near Mittagong. An enormous variety of plants occur here, but eucalypts dominate the landscape: the area is home
to 96 species (13 per cent of all eucalypt species).
WILLANDRA LAKES Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area is an ancient landscape formed by wind and water. The area includes a small section that is Mungo National Park, where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were uncovered. Dating human habitation back to more than 40,000 years, the discovery is believed to be the world’s oldest site of ritual ceremony. Preserved in the arid environment are ancient fireplaces, calcified plants, stone tools, and animal bones.
AUSTRALIAN CONVICT SITES Australian convict sites present the late-18thcentury story of forced convict migration from Britain to Australia. The Old Great North Road is one of SENE01Z01MA - V1
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A waterfall in lush Lamington National Park, part of the magnificent Gondwana Rainforests of Australia area.
The Great Barrier Reef is a tropical paradise.
The Walls of China in Mungo National Park at Willandra Lakes, NSW. Picture: NSW Tourism/Don Fuchs
four convict sites in NSW that, together with seven other sites across Tasmania, Norfolk Island and Western Australia, make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Finished in 1836 using convict labour, Devines Hill and Finchs Line were completed as part of Old Great North Road – which originally spanned 264km and connected Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Today 43km of road remains alongside Dharug and Yengo national parks.
GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area contains the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, large areas of warm temperate rainforest, and the majority of the world’s Antarctic beech coolV1 - SENE01Z01MA
temperature rainforest. These extraordinary areas still contain ancient and primitive plants and animals from which life on Earth evolved. Get to know Gondwana Rainforests along a walking track, on a driving route, or by staying in nearby accommodation.
DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia comprises 50 separate reserves scattered between Newcastle and Brisbane. With a combined area of 366,500 hectares, this World Heritage site is the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. Providing an essential habitat for more than 270 threatened plant and animal species, the Gondwana Rainforests are a priceless feature of eastern Australia’s landscape. Just 90 minutes from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo
National Park is one of the Gondwana Rainforests’ most beautiful areas. This park is known for its excellent birdwatching, as well as its beautiful waterfall walks and barbecue areas. Start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre before making your way onto the boardwalk. This 70metre-long platform brings guests to stunning Skywalk Lookout, where you can take in panoramic views of the Rosewood rainforest basin, the Bellinger Valley and beyond from 21 metres above the rainforest floor.
LORD HOWE ISLAND GROUP The Lord Howe Island Group is a collection of 28 islands, islets and rocks situated about 600km east of Port Macquarie, in the Tasman Sea. The largest of these islands is Lord Howe itself, a 10km-by-2km land mass formed by volcanic activity some 7 million years ago.
Heritage listed in 1982, the Lord Howe Island Group has been recognised for its endemic species as well as its stunning – and largely untouched – terrain. The islands also sit on the southernmost coral reef in the world, which is home to more than 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish. The west coast of Lord Howe Island features a sheltered, sandy coral reef lagoon with excellent snorkelling opportunities, while the island’s south is covered by forested hills that rise to the highest point on the island: Mount Gower. In most cases, Lord Howe Island can only be reached by air. However, this very isolation has allowed the region to develop such an impressive range of unique flora and fauna. Visitor numbers have been limited to 400 people a night in an effort to reduce the impact of tourism on the island.
GONDWANA RAINFORESTS Get in touch with nature in the Word Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world. Making up the Springbrook and Lamington National Parks in the Gold Coast hinterland, it is within only a short drive of the beach life. Be spoilt for choice in Springbrook National Park, home to native wildlife and four sections of walking trails with stunning lookouts. Capture the flowing water stream at the Natural Bridge or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Springbrook Plateau to be blown away by waterfalls, breathtaking views and lush rainforest. Enjoy more than 160 kilometres of walking trails scattered with waterfalls, ancient fauna and flora through the Lamington National Park. Or walk among the treetops on the 1.5-kilometre Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which takes you from the canopy floor up to a 40-metre cantilever with a viewing platform over Cedar Creek. Take a step back in time in Gondwana Rainforests, one of the few places in the world where the plants and animals closely resemble their ancestors.
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Prescription for survival
Wellbeing
Blueprint for protection with measures for seniors in place
assessment. Assessments can also be conducted using telehealth rather than face to face where appropriate. Speak with a home-care provider about these measures.
THIS information is sourced from a Federal Government fact sheet dedicated to specific advice for older Australians. It outlines the Covid-19 facts and the measures you, your family and friends can take to protect older Australians. The spread of Covid-19 and Australia’s response is evolving. For more details, go to www.health.gov.
WHAT IS COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. Covid-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. It has now become a global pandemic.
HOW IS IT SPREAD? The virus can spread from person to person through: • Close contact with an infectious person (including in the 24 hours before they start showing symptoms). • Contact with droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing. • Touching objects or surfaces (such as doorknobs or tables) that have droplets on them from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to colds and flus and can include: fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. While the Covid-19 virus is of serious concern, it is important to remember, at this stage, that most people displaying symptoms may be suffering from a cold, flu, allergies or other respiratory illness — not Covid-19.
DO I NEED TO BE TESTED IF I HAVE THOSE SYMPTOMS? If you develop symptoms within 14 days of last contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case or returning to
I HAVE A HOME CARE PACKAGE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Heeding the ever-changing behavioural rules as the coronavirus outbreak worsens is even more important for seniors, who are at most risk. Picture: AP/Vadim Ghirda
Australia, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested. There is a global shortage of test kits, so the medical advice so far is to limit testing and target it towards people who may have been exposed to the virus.
WHY IS THIS VIRUS SO DANGEROUS FOR OLDER PEOPLE? The risk of serious illness from Covid-19 increases with age. The highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with other serious health conditions or a weakened immune system. There is currently no cure or vaccine for Covid-19, or immunity in the community. For people living with dementia or some form of cognitive impairment, the ability to follow instructions or to alert others about potential symptoms may be a challenge. This is especially so where there is a limited capacity to communicate verbally or express pain and discomfort. In this situation, observation by someone who knows the person with dementia may assist in identifying changes in their health.
I AM AN OLDER PERSON. WHAT CAN I DO? Even if you are feeling well, it is important to take steps to prevent the virus spreading. Good hygiene and taking care when
interacting with other people are the best defences for you and your family against Covid-19. This includes: • Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. • Disposing of tissues immediately they are used, into a dedicated waste bin, and washing your hands. • Washing your hands often, with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet, and when you have been out to shops or other places. • Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers. • Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces you have touched. • Where possible, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, an example of “social distancing”. • If you are sick, avoiding contact with others. If you start to feel unwell, phone the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or your GP, who will be able to provide you with further advice. Older people aged 70+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), or people with chronic conditions, are able to seek medical support from their GPs through bulkbilled telehealth (videolink) and telephone services. Examples of possible video applications include FaceTime and Skype.
CAN I GO TO THE
SHOPS OR CATCH THE BUS, OR SHOULD I STAY IN MY OWN HOME? All Australians are being asked to practise “social distancing”, including staying 1.5 metres away from other people where possible. Only people diagnosed with, or exposed to Covid-19 and those returning from overseas are required to self-isolate in their homes.
ARE OTHER VACCINATIONS IMPORTANT? It is very important that you reduce your risk of getting other illnesses while Covid19 remains in our community. There is no vaccine for Covid-19, however, it is important that you get the 2020 flu vaccination as soon as it is available from your GP or pharmacy. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a pneumococcal vaccination against pneumonia, which is recommended for everyone over 65. You should also discuss having a shingles vaccination.
WHAT IF I NEED URGENT ASSISTANCE THAT CANNOT BE PROVIDED BY MY CURRENT CARER? Older Australians can access short-term home support services (such as meals or personal care) in an emergency without having had an aged-care
Consumers with Home Care packages have flexibility with how they spend their funds over a wide range of care and services to support them to stay safe, healthy and independent in their home. The Government will ensure home-care providers have even greater support to meet the changing needs of clients as the virus unfolds. With support from the Government, home-care providers are working hard to meet people’s needs during the crisis. The services you currently receive through your Home Care Package will continue. However, there may be some changes to the way the services are delivered. If you are concerned about the way your current services are being delivered or would like to make changes to your services because of the Covid-19 outbreak, contact your provider. You can also speak with your provider about changes to your usual services.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I’VE SPENT ALL THE MONEY IN MY HOME CARE PACKAGE THIS MONTH? In emergencies, if you have fully allocated your Home Care Package, you may access short-term home support services (for a range of services, including nursing, personal care and meals). Speak with your home-care provider about these measures.
I NEED ADDITIONAL MEDICAL / HEALTH SERVICES. WHERE CAN I GO? As part of the Covid-19 National Health Plan, the Australian Government has increased access to bulkbilled MBS telehealth and telephone services and fasttracked electronic
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prescribing of medicines. The Government’s Telehealth scheme allows doctors, nurses and mental health professionals to deliver services via telehealth or by telephone, provided those services are bulk billed, to those people who are 70+ years of age (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people); people self-isolating at home; or those with chronic health conditions or immunocompromised. Patients are encouraged to contact their health service providers to ask about the availability of telehealth and telephone services. The Government is creating measures to allow prescriptions remotely and have their medicines home delivered to reduce their potential exposure to Covid19. More information on the Covid-19 National Health Plan is available at www .health.gov.au/resources/ collections/coronavirusCovid-19-national-healthplan-resources.
CAN I STILL HAVE CONTACT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY? The Government is advising everyone to practise “social distancing”, which means less contact between you and other people to help slow the spread of the disease. If you are an older person (60+), you should consider limiting physical contact with other people, especially young children, and avoiding large groups of people. You may wish to limit your visitors to one or two people a day, and limit the duration of visits. This will help protect you and help stop the spread of disease. It’s possible that children and young people may be carriers of Covid-19 but show no symptoms, making it extremely difficult to tell whether it’s safe for them to visit an older relative. These measures may be stressful for you and your loved ones. A chat over the phone, video call or email — rather than visits in person — are a good precaution and could help stop the spread of Covid-19. For the latest advice and information, go to www.health.gov.au. SENE01Z01MA - V1
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Ex-judge keen to raise bar in fitness pursuit At 94, he’s a self-confessed parkrun addict ONE walk was all it took to get former NSW Supreme Court judge, 94-year-old The Honourable Adrian Roden, hooked on parkrun, proving age is no barrier when it comes to being active and healthy. Judge Roden completed his first parkrun in North Sydney in February last year, and recently completed his 30th parkrun, placing him slightly ahead of the schedule he set for himself. Having chalked up 150 kilometres in just over 12 months, Judge Roden hit 25 parkruns on 25 January this year, one week before his 94th birthday, and said he planned to reach 50 before turning 95 in 2021. “My plan is to do 25 parkruns before my next birthday and the same again for another two years, in order to reach my 100th parkrun,” Judge Roden said. “parkrun has added an extra dimension to my life. I’m really not sure what I would do without it.” When not walking the regular 5km free community event, Judge Roden was hoping to volunteer so he
could maintain weekly contact with the parkrun community. “People say it’s like a second family. The friendship of the people at North Sydney is quite remarkable. It’s the nicest group of people that you could imagine meeting, who previously were complete strangers to me. “On the day of my 25th parkrun they put on a party for me and presented me with a special T-shirt where we normally go for coffee after the run. There was a cake and speeches, it was wonderful. “They still keep in touch with me even now that parkrun has been suspended due to the coronavirus.’’ Often asked what is the secret to a long and healthy life, Judge Roden insists it isn’t a secret. Just the luck of the genetic draw, followed by all the obvious sensible things. North Sydney parkrun Run director Paul Harper revealed Judge Roden’s competitive spirit. “Before attempting his first parkrun, Adrian
watched for a few weeks, seated on a nearby park bench,” Mr Harper said. “The interesting participation data that parkrun produces for parkrunners appeals to Adrian’s analytical mind. It allows members to compare their own performance against others in the same age group and Adrian was delighted to find he was not alone. “Everyone relates to and enjoys Adrian’s company, despite him not listening to their gentle cautions to slow down a little – he is very competitive, regularly completing 5km in around 50 minutes.” parkrun’s strategic director of Asia Pacific Tim Oberg said community connection and inclusion was what parkrun was all about. “It’s very special that as the largest mass participation sporting event on the planet, parkrun has this incredible ability to connect people in such a personal way,’’ he said. “The decision to suspend parkrun events worldwide in
ON THE RUN: Former Judge Adrian Roden, 94, participating in a parkrun.
response to the COVID-19 pandemic weighs heavily on us, so to see communities like North Sydney continuing to offer support to each other outside the usual event format is truly heartening.’’ Judge Roden was introduced to his local North Sydney parkrun by nephew Leigh Roden and Leigh’s wife, Sue, both trail runner’s
in their 60s. Suitable for all ages and abilities, parkrun is a free 5km run or walk that takes place every Saturday morning at more than 380 urban and regional locations throughout Australia. In line with government advice regarding the COVID19 pandemic, parkrun is currently suspended around the world until further notice.
For updates, see https:// www.parkrun.com/news /2020/03/12/covid-19. To stay in touch with parkrun Australia, members can also search for @parkrunAU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for fun ways (such as the Great Big parkrun Quiz held online on March 21) to keep spirits up and stay connected during this difficult time.
We can still love our neighbour – but we have to be creative NEIGHBOUR Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, but with people across the country being asked to practise social distancing and self-isolation, it might be difficult to appreciate a day that emphasises social connection. More so than having someone to chat to while collecting the mail, or to borrow a cup of sugar from, social connectedness plays a major role in preventing loneliness and depression, according to the Department of Health – particularly for groups such as retirees and the elderly. V1 - SENE01Z01MA
Residents at Ingenia Rental communities are proving that now, more than ever, it’s important to recognise the positive impact of “neighbourly‘’ behaviour by doing what they can to make life a little brighter for their neighbours. Ingenia Rental resident Melanie Valdes has always been a community-focused individual and said that even the simplest acts like smiling and saying hello could boost someone’s day. “To me, being a good neighbour means offering to help wherever you can – I recently helped a new
resident move in next door and not only was that helpful for them, but we got to have a really nice chat and connect as neighbours,” Ms Valdes said. “Another one of my neighbours is an elderly lady and I know she doesn’t have access to a car, so whenever I go grocery shopping, I always make sure to check what’s on her shopping list – I know it means a lot to her, especially now.’’ Ingenia Rental Chambers Flat manager Ian Thompson said he regularly saw amazing acts of kindness and connection between residents.
“On a daily basis, neighbours check on each other, chat from their balconies, help new residents move in – and even now with everyone maintaining a physical distance, I am constantly amazed by the displays of generosity,” Mr Thompson said. “When times have been tough for certain residents, those who may have fallen ill or lost their job, I’ve witnessed their neighbours help them pay rent or donate their time to help with chores. “While our residents often come to us looking for
affordability, flexibility and security first and foremost, it’s the friendship and support they find here that makes them choose to stay long-term.’’ The 2020 theme for Neighbour Day was originally set to be “Social Connection” but has since been changed to “Creative Connection” and focuses on how Australians can be great neighbours and build relationships in a creative manner. “One of our residents in particular has always made time to help some of the older residents that have mobility issues,’’ Mr
Thompson said. “ He collects their mail, helps pick up groceries – and I think what those residents appreciate most is the time he takes to chat to them. “Physical distance certainly isn’t stopping people from feeling connected.’’ “I think Neighbour Day will be very special this year thanks to the everyday heroes we have here at Ingenia Rental. “It makes you feel humble, to say the very least.’’ For more about an Ingenia Rental community near you visit www.ingeniarental. com.au.
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Paws to think about your pet RSPCA Australia COVID19 Response Like all of us, the RSPCA is closely monitoring the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation. The RSPCA website said: “We’re very aware of the possible risk to our people and impact on animals. It’s possible that minimising this risk may require some changes to our operations. For helpful advice to avoid inconvenience, please check our website and social media (Facebook, Twitter) regularly. *Information on COVID-19 and companion animals There is no evidence that companion animals play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick if they are exposed to the virus. However, you should stay informed about how to minimise the effects of selfisolation or hospitalisation on your pets. View all articles related to COVID-19 on the RSPCA Knowledgebase. QLD RSPCA Director Mr Beatty had these tips
for pet owners for the coming weeks. 1. Make sure that you have at least two weeks’ worth of food for your pet. If they are on any medications or a prescription veterinary diet, have at least a month’s stock of both. For cats, ensure you have enough cat litter and if your dog does have to stay inside with you for a few weeks, consider having enough poo bags. To keep your pet healthy, have at least a month of parasite prevention. Call your vet before visiting, to ensure they have the food or medicine ready for you to help with social distancing. 2. Contact and designate someone to look after your pet if you need to go to hospital. Make sure they have a way to access your house and know your pets and their requirements. Have all food clearly marked with feeding instructions. If your pet is on medications, have instructions on what and when, and to make it easier
THINK AHEAD: Planning is the key to ensuring your loyal four-legged mates are looked after during these unpredictable times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Steve Pohlner
have at least two weeks of medications pre-dispensed into labelled pill organisers. Write up a day planner of your pet’s normal routine and quirks so that whoever is looking after it can keep its routine as stable as possible. Have a call list that includes your veterinarian, alternative nearby veterinarian and available boarding facilities. 3. Gather up all the essential documents relating to your pet and have them easily accessible. Make sure your microchip registration details are up to date and consider a secondary form of identification for your pet
such as a collar and tag. Have a full list of emergency contacts, including your family and friends’ phone numbers and email addresses. 4. Research and contact local boarding or petminding facilities near you in the event that your pet requires emergency accommodation. Ask them to email you their boarding paperwork so this can be pre-filled out and also send them any vaccination or registration paperwork in advance so that even a stranger could get them to safe accommodation. Have appropriate
transport crates or leashes and place these within easy access. 5. If you and your pet do need to self-isolate, make sure you keep their mind and body active. For cats, this includes at least 30 minutes of one-onone playtime or interaction; new toys that can be brought out for stimulation and indoor cat grass for nibbling on. For dogs that are usually walked, you will have to find alternate ways to keep them active: Lots of one-on-one games, rotate dog toys and have a stock of new ones, play hide and seek, teach
them new tricks, give them treat balls that make them work for the reward. EASTER ADVICE: Don’t leave chocolate, lollies or wrappers lying around Methylxanthines, which are present in chocolate and include agents like caffeine and theobromine, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of chocolate can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, seizures, increased heart rate and potentially death. Xylitol, a sugar substitute fos another extremely dangerous ingredient.
Upskill during virus downtime with free short courses online at NSW TAFEs A SUITE of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the state who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said for people in lockdown it was a terrific opportunity to learn skills and stay occupied. “We know the next six months are going to be difficult, and what we’ve done is announce that through TAFE there are 21 free courses you can do from
home to upgrade your skills or to acquire new skills. “This is good news. It means people can start preparing for when these difficult times are over, and through TAFE NSW if you pop onto their website you can actually inquire how you can do one of these courses from home. “And you can get qualified over a short period of time rather than just if you haven’t got a job or you’re not working from home. “It’s an opportunity for
you to upgrade your skills or acquire new skills so that you can enter or re-enter the workforce when you finish this difficult time.’’ Free courses include: • eMarketing for small business. • Engaging customers using social media. • Writing and presentation skills. • Computing skills. • Team leader skill set. For more information and the full list of courses, phone 131 601. SENE01Z01MA - V1
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CULTURAL CONNECTION: Petar and Ristana with Bolton Clark diversity manager Jaklina Michael.
Welcome to cultural diversity Gail Forrer WHILE the world reels from the shock of a new virus, it can be easy to forget the positive societal changes that have also changed the world – particularly for seniors. One of the many changes to be celebrated is access to aged care provisions for culturally diverse seniors. If you are an older person from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, there are aged care services specifically for you.
Many organisations now offer specific diets, activities, languages or spiritual needs, whatever your cultural, linguist or spiritual background. Bolton Clarke diversity manager Jaklina Michael said culturally appropriate care and services were about understanding, respecting and meeting the needs and expectations of people. That included having access to care workers who are culturally competent, information seniors can understand and use, and support in receiving aged
care services. “Bringing those things together means people can feel safe in their experience of aged care services and can share their diverse characteristics and life experiences without fear of discrimination,” Jaklina said. For Bolton Clarke athome support client Petar, who emigrated from Macedonia in 1967, creating that cultural safety has involved a multidisciplinary team working closely with his family over time. Petar, 80, lives with his wife and son but has highcare needs due to diabetes-
related health issues including vision impairment and foot amputations. He grew up in a small village and speaks, reads and writes Macedonian. He has everyday conversational English but requires a professional interpreter for more complex conversations such as health education. Petar and his wife, Ristana, settled and raised their family in Wollongong before moving to Melbourne to live with son Johnny after he had a stroke in 2000. For Petar, support in accessing the nearest Macedonian Orthodox
church and subscribing to broadcast Macedonian TV programs have been important in meeting his care needs and reducing his isolation. “He was experiencing barriers to accessing services, putting him at risk of premature entry to residential aged care,’’ Ms Michael said. ”His Bolton Clarke wound care nurse raised her concerns and a team approach was put in place to support the family. “The team arranged a Macedonian-speaking worker, a culturally
competent diabetes specialist nurse and a Macedonian interpreter to better understand Petar’s cultural identity and specific needs and ensure he had access to culturally safe and appropriate support.’’ * If you speak a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 for support to talk to My Aged Care or with your aged care provider about your services. TIS National covers more than 100 languages and is available 24/7.
Social isolation – fertile ground for transforming home into a green haven MATT Leacy has some great tips for maximising the restorative potential of an outdoor space, creating a food source, and keeping kids entertained at home. In the current climate of COVID-19 stress and isolation at home, outdoor spaces can help calm and offer solace, as well as provide great entertainment for children. And, if you’re truly dedicated to maximising your time at home, your outdoor space could also V1 - SENE01Z01MA
become an important food source. “At the moment I think so many small businesses are feeling the impacts of COVID-19 that I would still advocate visiting your local markets and greengrocers for fresh produce and other staples if you’re healthy and able to. However, if you would like to reduce outings, growing vegetables at home is a great solution. And if you have kids it is also something you can do together at home,” Matt said.
“The therapeutic value of gardens and nature is well known, so at the moment heading outdoors can help with both physical and mental wellbeing.” Matt’s tips for creating a healing haven at home include: 1. Introduce water to your outdoor space. Water can reduce blood pressure and helps create positive energy. This could be as simple as a small water feature urn or birdbath. 2. Create a sensory
garden. A sensory garden can be created by introducing textured plants like lamb’s ears, banksia or magnolias. And trees like eucalypts are also great for scent – and have well-known health and medicinal properties. Plants such as sweet alyssum, honey-scented white flowers, gardenia, jasmine, frangipani, portwine magnolia and daphnes all provide a heady scent in outdoor spaces. 3. Grow food at home.
Year-round plantings, which also give you some great food stables to work with, include iceberg lettuce, snow peas and kale as well as spinach, zucchini and cherry tomatoes. 4. Create kid-friendly spaces. • If you have a wall that can be painted, transform it into an outdoor art space with chalk paint. • Add a small putting green to your outdoor space by using a piece of synthetic turf.
GROW FOR IT: Landscape design guru Matt Leacy.
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Money
Past market routs offer important takeouts for investors.
MARKET MAYHEM: Australian share prices have plummeted in the past month as the COVID-19 outbreak takes an increasing health and economic toll around the world. Avoiding the temptation to sell now, and instead securing well-priced shares, may pay off when the market bounces back. Picture: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP
Learn from history’s lessons Paul Clitheroe THE coronavirus outbreak puts us firmly in extraordinary times. Mass lockdowns, social distancing and a widespread health threat are all new to us. But there is nothing new about volatility in investment markets. Spending time bunkered at home, I took to researching previous market downturns. It turns out there have been plenty over the past century, probably more than many people realise. Fortunately, the years of positive returns have far
outnumbered – and outweighed – the down years. Even so, if you drew a line graph of sharemarket movements over the past 100 hundred years, it would resemble a profile of the Himalayas, with plenty of ups and downs. The difference is that with sharemarkets the long-term trend is progressively upward. Indeed, the outcomes of past market routs offer three important takeouts for investors. 1. Don’t sell at the bottom When we hear day after day about falls in share
values, it’s extremely tempting to sell out. In fact, it can take nerves of steel to hang in. But hanging in makes a lot of sense. COVID-19 may be a new bug, but since 2000 we’ve seen a number of serious viral outbreaks. SARS (2002), MERS (2012) and swine flu (2009) have each had a negative impact on global equity markets. But once the virus subsided – as it did in every case, markets took off. The catch is that to enjoy the lion’s share of the gains, you had to be in the market.
2. Consider portfolio rebalancing It may seem counterintuitive but now can be a good time to rebalance your portfolio. Rebalancing means selling one type of investment and buying others so that you maintain your preferred weightings across different asset classes. This ensures that your portfolio continues to reflect your goals and tolerance for risk. Let’s not gild the lily. Australian shares have dropped 22 per cent in the past month. Red ink has been spilt
across the market, and while some sectors have fared better than others, it’s likely that your asset allocation is completely out of whack. 3. Embrace dollar-cost averaging The beauty of rebalancing is that it encourages us to buy low and sell high, and shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are offering exceptional value right now. It’s understandable that you may not feel confident tipping a chunk of cash into the market at present. The solution can be dollar-cost averaging – steadily drip-feeding your money into the market by
investing a set amount each fortnight, month or quarter. It’s a great way to hedge your portfolio against market ups and downs. As always, watch the fees you’re paying on your investments. This is one aspect of your portfolio you have complete control over regardless of market conditions. – Paul Clitheroe is chairman of InvestSMART, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.
Extra federal money aims to support seniors by ensuring continuity of care NEW measures for the aged care sector have been unveiled as the Federal Government continues to strengthen Australia’s defence against COVID-19. The National Cabinet agreed on temporary funding to support aged care providers, residents, staff and families. Building on the last package of measures, additional funding of $444.6 million is expected to strengthen the industry, with specific mechanisms to
reinforce the aged care workforce. It will include: • $234.9 million for a COVID-19 “retention bonus’’ to ensure the continuity of the workforce for aged care workers in both residential and home care. This will mean a payment of up to $800 after tax per quarter – paid for two quarters – for direct-care workers. • Two payments of up to $600 after tax per quarter – for two quarters – for those who provide care in the home.
• Payments will be delivered to providers to pay their workers, and part-time workers will be paid a prorata rate. • $78.3 million in additional funding for residential care to support continuity of workforce supply. • $26.9 million for a temporary 30 per cent increase to the Residential and Home Care Viability Supplements and the Homeless Supplement. This includes equivalent viability
funding increases for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program providers, multipurpose services and homeless providers. • $92.2 million in additional support to home care providers and organisations that deliver the Commonwealth Home Support Program, operating services including Meals on Wheels. This will include services for people in selfisolation.
• $12.3 million to support the My Aged Care service to meet the surge in aged carespecific COVID-19 inquiries, allowing for additional staff to minimise call-wait times. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said these important measures offered a reinforced framework to ensure the sector would continue to support those we love. “As the transmission of COVID-19 increases rapidly, it is our priority to protect
and support elderly and vulnerable Australians,” Minister Colbeck said. “Aged care is a critical sector that faces staffing challenges as existing staff are either subject to selfisolation requirements due to COVID-19 or are unable to attend work. “We know we are asking a lot of this workforce as we face this unprecedented health emergency. Their work practices are changing – and this announcement is in recognition of this.” SENE01Z01MA - V1
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I can feel the patches working.
GET ACTIVATED: Ron, 71, has had positive results with LifeWave X39TM patches, which help to activate your own stem cells.
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Slower You Heal. After seeing an article in the February 2020 edition of Seniors News on the LifeWave X39TM patch, Ron contacted independent distributor Jamie Morton and started on the patches on Sunday, February 16. Ron, 71, lives at Hastings Point in NSW and shares his story. “I had a car accident 10 years ago which led to deep vein thrombosis. That,
and complications with the blood thinners they initially prescribed me, left me with circulation problems and constant swelling in my lower left leg. At times it was quite painful. “After two weeks on the patches, the swelling in my left leg went down 50 per cent and the colour in my foot improved. Over the first seven to 10 days I was dreaming and sweating a lot.
“It felt like there was a kind of detox going on, but that settled and I’m sleeping well and feeling good now. I can feel the patches working and where my skin colour improves, moves around. I’m excited to see what happens after another month. “Jamie has been very supportive. I really appreciate his commitment to follow up and checking in
to ensure I’m getting the help I needed. The patches are easy to use. I’m very happy with them and would recommend giving them a go.” Jamie is an independent distributor for LifeWave and says: “LifeWave’s guarantee is very generous and I love what the patches have done for me. With the doctor or chemist, if it doesn’t work, that’s our problem. Not with
LifeWave – return what’s left and you get a full refund. Another great product is the Glutathione patch – great for supporting our immune system. Look up Glutathione on my Facebook page or on the net. It’s amazing.’’ For more, contact Jamie on 0401 607 972 or at jamie@jcmconsulting.com .au or go to Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ lifewavejcmorton/about/.
Maintaining connectivity is name of the self-isolation game, says expert Alison Houston KEEPING people feeling connected through video and phone calls, Facebook and emails is vital as Australia and the world increase social distancing and isolation rules around coronavirus. That’s the advice from Professor of Psychology and Counselling at USQ Toowoomba, Dr Bob Knight, whose work focuses on older adults. That means staying in touch with family and friends as much as possible,
particularly other seniors who may not have access to, or be confident with, internet use. “Generally, seniors have great coping resources from their decades of experiences,” Dr Knight said. Some may still remember the days of the Great Depression and World War II, to which the current crisis is being likened. But for those of us in the Baby Boomer and later generations, the professor said, this was truly the toughest time
most of us would have encountered. “Think actively about what you can still do that you enjoy and how you can do it in a more solitary environment,” he said. That includes, for instance, if you do have internet nous, playing interactive games such as Words with Friends, board games, brain-training games, crosswords, number puzzles and jigsaws to keep your mind active. Drag out those old stamp books or photo
albums to sort through, start knitting, crocheting, doing art or other craft work again, or for the first time, write your life story or teach yourself a new language, Dr Knight said. With the media filled with negative stories at the moment, Dr Knight said we also needed to balance staying informed with becoming overwhelmed with bad news. He advised all ages, but particularly seniors, to ensure they exercised, to keep muscles active and the oxygen flowing for
better health mentally and physically. “It’s a challenge to reorganise our lives, and requires real rethinking and a problem-solving approach,” Dr Knight said. However, he emphasised the importance of checking on how others were doing, and staying as socially connected as possible. American research by the National Institute on Ageing showed working together to keep communications open and find purpose could stop
TOUCH BASE: Dr Bob Knight says checking on seniors is key during the pandemic.
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SUDOKU
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
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Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.
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Across 1. Painful (4) 3. Goes before, leads (8) 9. Replies (7) 10. Niggard (5) 11. Impolite (12) 13. Unimportant person (colloq) (6) 15. Items of value (6) 17. Incontrovertible (12) 20. Injure (5) 21. In the middle of (7) 22. Tied (8) 23. Exploited (4)
SOLUTIONS
5x5 T H E S E
ALPHAGRAMS: NUDES, ORPHAN, PRAISED, QUESTION, RACIALIST. GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Camptown, 7 Osaka, 8 Damon Hill, 9 Dan, 10 Soho, 11 Stamen, 13 Wessex, 14 Queens, 17 Weevil, 18 Port, 20 Soh, 22 Astronomy, 23 Halal, 24 Neophyte. Down: 1 Codes, 2 Memphis, 3 Tuna, 4 Wrists, 5 Haydn, 6 Walnuts, 7 Olympus, 12 Senegal, 13 Who’s Who, 15 Ecology, 16 Big toe, 17 Whelp, 19 Thyme, 21 Soup. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Sore 3. Precedes 9. Answers 10. Miser 11. Discourteous 13. Nobody 15. Assets 17. Indisputable 20. Wound 21. Amongst 22. Tethered 23. Used. Down: 1. Standing 2. Risks 4. Rosary 5. Compensation 6. Dispute 7. Sure 8. Second fiddle 12. Assented 14. Banquet 16. Opiate 18. Bogus 19. Swot.
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ALPHAGRAMS Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential. For example, if the five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
DUNES HARP ON ASPIRED IN QUOTES SATIRICAL
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eyed obey obeyed over redo reed reedy robe robed rode rove roved veer verb very yore
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