Toowoomba & Darling Downs, February 2018 by seniors

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Seniors February, 2018

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In this edition

Cover Story: Andy Thomas .....................................Page 3 What’s on.................................................................Page 11 Travel ...............................................................Pages 13-15 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 16-18 Money......................................................................Page 22

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 Manager Kristie Waite – 07 5430 8078 kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Brett Mauger – 07 3623 1657 brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Toowoomba Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in south-east 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.

Welcome

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

The extraordinary timeline of change

❝

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Today, as I watch my four-year- old grandchild deftly use her iPad, I wonder what changes she will experience... in a yet-to-be known media.

HELLO readers, This month our cover page features Adelaideborn astronaut Andy Thomas. If ever there was a dramatic story showcasing the pace of technological advances and their implementation into daily life, then it belongs to Andy. The experiences of the 66-year-old now Houston USA resident, range from memories of ice being delivered to neighbours to fill the family’s icebox to rocketship launches and walking in space. While most of us have not walked in space, according to our age, we could all draw up an interesting timeline detailing our own experience of technology change. For a start, I’ll

share a bit of mine. I’m 60 years old and my first-grade writing materials consisted of a slate and a slate pencil, the next year they were replaced with paper and led pencil, but it was one marvellous day when I saw the bright, gaudy colours that issued forth from ‘Neo Magic’ pens (I think this was the beginning of ‘fluoro’ colours). Television broadcasts were in black and white and the news of colour made life feel, well, very much improved. Manual typewriters turned electronic – who remembers the IBM Selectric? I think seatbelts (as we know them) were yet to be made, let alone legislated as compulsory. There were plenty of cars on the

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road that could be labelled ‘rust buckets’, hardly the case these days. And talking of TVs, how about the invention of the all-in-one television, radio and record player. By the time I started to seriously navigate a kitchen, the microwave oven arrived and it seems around the same moment I was typing away on a word processor that, looking back, featured quite user-unfriendly programs. Today, as I watch my four-year-old grandchild deftly use her iPad, I wonder what sort of changes she will experience and perhaps communicate, in a yet-to-be-known media. This edition also features this year’s Senior

Australian of the Year, the eminent scientist Dr Graham Farquhar. He said he felt a sense of responsibility to voice his views on Seniors’ issues including seniors in the workplace. “The challenge is how to make better use of their experience and talent without necessarily reducing prospects for younger people to get a job.” He closed his acceptance speech, with, as journalist Tracey Johnstone said “an evocative life outlook”. “To me the most important things in life are to struggle to improve, to struggle to be honest, and to struggle to re-evaluate one’s prejudices,” he said. I agree. I trust you enjoy our varied stories on health, wealth and happiness and don’t forget to checkout our stories: www.seniors news.com.au or drop into www.facebook.com/ seniors news.com. — Cheers, Gail

Insatiably curious man is Australia’s top senior in 2018 THE man seeking to find the answers to food security, Professor Graham Farquhar AO, is 2018 Senior Australian of the Year. Dr Farquhar was completely surprised by the Australia Day announcement which was awarded for his lifelong work in helping to reshape

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the world’s understanding of photosynthesis, which is the basis of life on earth, through his work on how the world will feed growing populations into the future. He has been researching how water efficient crops can protect food security in a changing climate.

Notably, he has worked on developing strains of wheat that can grow with less water. In his speech, Dr Farquhar, 70, acknowledged how lucky many of fellow seniors are. “We can, on average, live longer and more healthily and thereby contribute more. We can

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Cover Story: Andy Thomas

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The sky high man acutely aware of earthly challenges ANDY Thomas’s feet are now firmly on the ground, but it wasn’t so long ago he was setting records as the first Australian-born NASA astronaut. Dr Andy Thomas AO participated in four space flights, spending over 177 days in space including one space walk, and four months living in zero gravity on the Mir space station. But back on the ground in his birth city of Adelaide for a short visit, the 66-year-old shared his practical take on what life has been like and what he sees are the challenges ahead. Dr Thomas has seen dramatic changes around him since leaving the Adelaide suburb of Fullerton after finishing his University of Adelaide doctorate in mechanical engineering in 1978. In his early student years slide rules were the only tool available for calculation. “By the time I finished post-graduate, we had calculators,” Dr Thomas said. “The other was computers. We had huge computers which we would submit programs in with punch cards; you would have a shoebox full of cards. Then you would wait a few hours to get a response out. Now, you have more computing power on your desktop than we could ever have imagined back then. “I can also remember when I was very, very

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CHANGING WORLD: Dr Andy Thomas.

and mortar” stores decreasing as online shopping becomes the norm. “I think that is going to be a challenge for senior people because they’re not necessarily comfortable buying through the internet,” Dr Thomas said. “They are accustomed to walking the aisles of the grocery store, for example, and trying things on and picking what they want. That’s going to be relegated to the past and I think it’s going to be a big challenge for a lot of people.” He also laments the lack of evidence-based thinking and the amount of fake news among the broader community. “We don’t teach rational thought that comes with scientific education,” Dr Thomas said. Dr Thomas wants Australia’s grandparents to turn this around. “I urge everyone to encourage their children and grandchildren to study science. You cannot survive (in the modern,

PHOTO: NEWS LTD

technology world) without having some understanding of science and mathematics. “We have a culture where we don’t ascribe enough value to evidencebased thinking. You have these extraordinary fake news stories getting perpetuated through the internet which gain traction even though they

are utter nonsense. Some politicians in the US are very schooled at exploiting this; we have a president that exploits it. “I think it’s really important that we teach people to value evidencebased thinking, empirical evidence and respect for facts, true facts, not fake news,” he said. He also encourages Australia’s younger generations to aim high. “The sky isn’t the limit, based on my own experience,” he said. “I encourage young people to follow their dreams and bring them to reality because I think it’s important they have hope for the future.” Dr Thomas remains resident in America as his wife, Shannon Walker, 53, is also a NASA astronaut. She flew eight years ago and wants to fly again next year. “If you are in the space fight business, you have to be in Houston, Texas, if you want to be an NASA astronaut,” Dr Thomas

said. “So, for the immediate future I will be staying in Houston to support her. “I retired from the agency about three years ago. “I had four great flights, four more than I ever thought I would get, so I have no complaints.” Dr Thomas still retains a keen interest in Australia’s progression in space programs. He said he was one of many voices that in recent years has pushed the Federal Government to form a national space agency to collect satellite data, for communication, and for environmental, strategic and national security monitoring. “Space is the modern, critical infrastructure that countries need in order to function in the modern world,” Dr Thomas said. “I have pushed very hard for Australia to embrace that and have an in-country capability and infrastructure built around the space sector.”

Updates from the Toowoomba Region Seniors Concerts The Seniors Concerts are set to rock the region once more! Come and enjoy Classics with Cathy. Toowoomba All Seasons Function Centre 27 February, Crows Nest Community Centre 28 February and Oakey Cultural Centre 1 March. Doors open 9.30am, free entry and morning tea. For more info and to book your seat call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events

Summer Tunes

Music in our parks is set to continue through February every Sunday until 25 February. Check out the schedule at www.tr.qld.gov. au/summertunes

Events Register Looking for something to do or planning an event? Check out the events register to see what’s on in the region and advertise your event for free! Go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/events

Meaningful Mulching It’s going to be a long hot summer and your garden is going to feel it! All of our waste facilities in the Toowoomba Region have free mulch available for collection. Adding mulch not only reduces moisture loss but adds nutrients to the soil. For a list of waste facilities where you can get your free mulch, call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au

For bookings for all events call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au

Council Cabs

We’re excited to be continuing our Council Cab service. The service provides affordable transport for seniors and people with a disability. Eligible users can travel from their home to their nearest major shopping centre one day a week. The cab service has been offered to allow residents to enjoy greater independence and convenience without relying on friends and family to get out and about, whether for shopping or socialising. For eligibility criteria and locations of the service in your area call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/councilcabs

Mort Street Upgrade We’re upgrading sections of Mort St to connect to the new Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. The upgrades include underground drainage, pedestrian, active transport options plus the completed works will feature new landscaping. Local traders along Mort Street will remain open during construction and look forward to your continued support. For more info contact 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/ projects

Checking Your Rates Balance Rates notices are just around the corner, customers that make payment instalments towards their rates can easily log on at any time to get a current outstanding balance by going to www.tr.qld.gov.au and click on the link. TRC_0218_SN

JOURNALIST TRACEY JOHNSTONE

young, the neighbours having ice delivered to their house because they didn’t have a refrigerator; they had an ice box. And I can remember the milkman would come in the middle of the night to leave milk, and he used a horse-drawn cart to deliver to the neighbourhood. “I have (also) seen a lot of changes in technology over my lifespan.” Dr Thomas was back in Australia over the Christmas holidays to visit his elderly mother, who still lives in Adelaide. While helping her with her care Dr Thomas became acutely aware of the challenges facing older people, not only in Australia. “Commercial enterprises are becoming totally reliant on computer systems and internet access,” Dr Thomas said. “For example, if you want to run a bank account today you have to have a cell phone. “I get very frustrated by this. I think it’s very presumptuous for banks, for example, to assume that everyone has a cell phone. Some seniors aren’t comfortable with a cell phone and don’t want one, and are entitled to that, yet you have these organisations that immediately assume you have to have a cell phone for any kind of transaction.” He has been confronted by the challenges of food packaging while shopping for his mother. “They are packaged in ways that are almost impossible to get into and that provides huge challenges for elderly people,” Dr Thomas said. As for the shopping experience, with “bricks

4 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Profile Story: Rod Mills

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Pain before glory for Rod

Riding for charity at almost 75 keeping Rod fit and healthy Alison Houston

ROD Mills has been cycling for 45 years and admits you’ve got to be “a bit of a sadist at heart” to want to take on the challenge which is riding the Toowoomba Range. Going on 75 years old, Rod still rides about 250km per week, including cycling the range a couple of times a month with his mates. When asked the attraction, he laughingly answers “the pain and agony really”. Rod is limbering up to take part in just his second Rotary Club of Toowoomba Ride the Range event on Sunday, March 25, along with some 600 other riders. This is the eighth year of the event, begun by the Rotary Club as its signature fundraising event in 2011 and raising over $175,000 for charity, this year including Toowoomba Hospice, the new Hope Horizons and RACQ LifeFlight. There are four routes,

catering for most ages and experience levels, but event organiser Jo Capp from the Event Group, said the majority of riders were men in the 40-65 age group, followed by ladies 30-60. “I think a lot of men gravitate towards cycling in this sort of age group and they love the social aspect as much as the health and fitness – it’s a phenomenon across the world,” Jo said. While you might expect more riders to opt for the shorter Nifty 50 course – 58km over two-plus hours heading down the range to Helidon, and a nice air-conditioned bus ride back to the top – Jo said the vast majority were out for the real challenges of the 100 Mile and the most popular event, the 112km Classic, which Rod took on a few years ago. “The 100 Mile (164km) is registered as ‘extreme’ and only for fully accomplished riders,” Jo said, explaining participants would cover 150km before facing the

Rod Mills, on the road in France, is still a regular on the Toowoomba Range at 75 and will line up again for this year’s Ride the Range.

POWERING ON: While it may be nice to ride with a group of friends, cyclist Rod Mills says in the end, you still want to beat them. PHOTOS: MIKE MOLLOY

most daunting range climb. It gets a 9/10 degree of difficulty, compared to the Nifty 50’s 5/10. The ride includes over 1825m of climbing and takes at least six hours at an average of 30km/h. The Classic (rated

8/10) includes 1500m of climbing and will take at least five hours at an average of 25km/h, while the Down to Earth 85 (rated 7/10) covers 85km with 1177m of climb at an average of 25km/h. Whichever of the longer events you choose, Rod

said everyone faced that daunting final climb back up the range. Riding in a group can be a boost both in morale and in letting someone else set the pace for a while, but Rod said, no matter how much he enjoyed the camaraderie

of his friends, and people spoke of “a fun cycling day”, nothing took away that competitive streak that is innate in the cyclist. “You want to beat them, whether they’re friend or foe; it’s in our DNA,” he quipped. And Rod’s a man that should know, having taken on some of the harshest rides in Italy, France and Spain over the years, not to mention Victoria’s alpine region, which he says features climbs just as severe as Europe – a notion which doesn’t seem too attractive to the non-cyclist, but warms his competitive heart. To find out how to take part, go to the website ridetherange.org.au.

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Local News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Journey back in time Alison Houston

WHO would have thought that not only is vinyl back in style, but these days cassettes are the trendy thing to collect. Certainly no one who remembers sticking their pen through the spool to wind the tape back after it got caught in the machine! But apparently what goes around comes around, and according to Toowoomba Record Fair organiser and Butter Beats record stores owner Jason Woodward “there are collectors for everything”. Jason started his Butter Beats stores in 1998, for the past 10 years also organising fairs from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, Ipswich and, for the past six years, Toowoomba. He’s back in town on February 17 with over 200 boxes (each containing up to 80 records) of new and pre-loved vinyl for sale, as well as magazines, cassettes and CDs. Records go from just $3 for more common offerings (like Johnny Farnham), with Jason saying his biggest sale

❝

If you close your eyes when you listen to vinyl you can physically feel the musicians in the room. You don’t get that with CDs.

was a rare Australian record by The Missing Links, a 1960s garage punk rock band, which went for $1500. So, is vinyl really better than CDs? “Vinyl records to me are magical – how all those bumps can produce the sounds they do,” Jason said. “CDs cut out the highs and lows to compress the information, so you miss all those musical and vocal nuances. “If you close your eyes when you listen to vinyl you can physically feel the musicians in the room. You don’t get that with CDs.” But be warned, for those of you who have

sold your old stereos, the new cheap generation (available under $100) don’t give the sound of the old players. Jason says you are better to hunt around for an old 1970s or ’80s player at garage sales than to put your money into the cheapies – and the ’70s model will last longer! Country and Australian records are most in demand in Toowoomba, but you’ll find everything from that to punk, funk, reggae, jazz and classics, and from the common to the collector’s delight. If you have records for sale, bring them along for a no-obligation quote. Jason said he doesn’t sell scratched records, but if you have scratches on your records, run your finger over them. If you can feel the scratch, you can hear it. Toowoomba Record Fair is at St Thomas More Hall, 71 Ramsay Street, Centenary Heights from 9am-2pm on Saturday, February 17. For more information, phone Jason on 0424 371 720.

TABLES TURN: Vinyl is back in style and there will be boxes of treasures to flip through at the Toowoomba Record Fair on February 17.

Make money while the sun shines

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Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

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Local News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Collector car auction to connect you with your love Alison Houston

PEOPLE connect with cars. They remind us of times, journeys and people from our past, and can be appreciated for their power and/or their lines and design. Whatever your connection to cars or car paraphernalia, Toowoomba Auction Centre’s Classic, Muscle, Motorbike & Memorabilia Auction on Saturday, February 24 will get hearts pumping, according to auctioneer Pat Dunne. Pat has been in the auction business for 20 years, but said this is the first time he has carried out a sale of this scale, which he calls “a collector’s dream”. Among the 40-plus cars

on offer will be Monaros, Minis, VW combis, Chevy and Ford trucks... even a Bentley, as well as motorbikes and memorabilia including a three-wheel tricycle, pedal cars, BP ephemera, oil cans, bowsers and signs, and tractors and excavators. “That gives us a really good cross-section. In this industry different things are treasures to different people,” Pat said. While the Bentley may be the cream of luxury, Pat said there had been a lot of interest in the 1963 Kombi splitter with the two-piece windscreen, a 1970 Ford XY Falcon 500 ex-ACT Highway Pursuit Car – one of only eight in existence, a red 1963 Ford Futura, a big American 1960s

cruisemobile in the form of a Pontiac Laurenthian, a 1972 Land Rover 3, an original 1976 Leyland Mini (from before Minis became maxis!) and for those looking for a bit more sex appeal, a Corvette Stingray – in red, of course. “For me it’s a great pleasure to see people falling in love with these things and taking them out for a drive on a Sunday and using them like they should, not just storing them away in a shed,” Pat said. While for some people it’s a case of reliving their younger days, for others it’s just an appreciation of the motoring art. “It blows your mind some of the things people have stored away in sheds. I’ve had countless

RETRO: Auctioneer Pat Dunne with one of the more unusual cars up for auction on February 24. It’s a patina-finish 1974 left-hand-drive American Chevrolet C20, which Pat said is in very good condition and is attracting a lot of early interest.

barn finds,” Pat said. There were a number of great collections around the Toowoomba area, he said, and he felt privileged when people invited him into their homes or garages to share their treasures with him. “I used to get so excited, thinking ‘look at what I’m seeing today’ but just about every day is one of those days, because there’s always something new to see or learn; something that, even if it doesn’t appeal to me, I know other people

will say ‘isn’t that a beauty’.” Pat said what he really loved about his job was seeing people’s eyes light up when they saw the object of their passion, or an object brought back memories of the past. He is a big believer in the personal touch as opposed to online selling, saying it is a much more transparent way to buy and sell, allowing you to see and touch the item, and find out what the market will pay for it, rather than relying on your

own guesswork as to whether you are getting a good price – not to mention the excitement of a live auction’s atmosphere. The Toowoomba Auction Centre’s Classic, Muscle, Motorbike & Memorabilia Auction starts from 9am on Saturday, February 24 with a week of viewings beforehand from 9am-3pm. For more details, or to get an estimate from Pat phone 4633 1577 or email pat@toowoomba auctioncentre.com.au.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 9

Cnr Russell & Victoria Sts (near the railway) TOOWOOMBA 4631 8888

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10 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

• Willowview on South prides itself on its fullsized kitchens with well-appointed storage generous sized island benches. Combined with designer layouts, stone top benches and feature panelling, ‘Quality’ is the go!

Secure living with a fantastic lifestyle opportunity including onsite parklands, • With air conditioning, bedroom ceiling gazebos, BBQ, kids play area, outdoor gym, communal veggie and herb gardens, and access fans and reverse cycle heating for winter, Willowview on South have setup all rooms to the planned ‘Glenvale Park’ a local council for comfortable living. initiative which will include bikeways, walking paths and other recreational facilities. • Willowview on South has catered to any ones outdoor entertaining requirements with an Security with an onsite manager and gated under main roof alfresco that is generously vehicle entry points ensuring peace of mind for sized with ceiling fans. its residents. Pricing starts from $305,000 • A variety of 3 and 2 bed townhouses and villas to suit any lifestyle at an affordable price point while not skimping on quality and size. • Generous sized living areas offering excellent affordability on internal square metres

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Entertainment

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

What’s on JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON NRL TRIAL HEAD to Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday, February 17 to see the Titans take on the Broncos, both looking for first blood in a great pre-season clash from 6.30-9.30pm. Adult tickets are $17 ($15 Concession), $45 grandstand. Phone Toowoomba Rugby League on 0400 799 807 or buy online at toowoomba tickets.com.au. And don’t forget the Titans will be back taking on St George Illawarra in Round 3 on Sunday, March 25 in Toowoomba’s historic first actual NRL fixture. PROGRESSIVE DINNER DALBY Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting a progressive dinner on Wednesday, February 21, taking in the

TRAGEDY RETOLD: Dr Noel Kentish presents the heartbreaking story of his father, the only Australian captured by Japanese forces in Australia, in his book Eagle and Lamb at Cobb + Co Museum’s Curator Conversation on Wednesday, March 7.

Russell Tavern, Dees Vintage Thai and Katty Cakes. The night will also include networking and presentations, including what the Chamber has in store for this year. Members: $45, non-members $60.

Bookings via dalby tickets.com.au or phone 4662 4050 by February 14. FRIDAY AT THE FLICKS THIS month’s presentation on February 23 at USQ Artsworx is The Big Sleep, featuring

murder, conspiracy and blackmail... not to mention wine and cheese. How can you go wrong with Bogie and Bacall? Tickets $15. Phone 4631 1111. CHINESE NEW YEAR IT’S the Year of the Dog, and you can celebrate at Civic Square from 10am-2pm on Sunday, February 25. Entry is free so you can enjoy a little Chinese culture with market and food stalls, activities for young and old, mahjong and a live Lion Dance team from Brisbane. There will even be a special shaded seats area for Seniors to ensure this is a real family occasion and bring good luck for the year ahead. For more, phone 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au. CURATOR CONVERSATION DR NOEL Kentish presents Eagle and Lamb: The Story of the Only Australian Captured by Japanese Forces in Australia – a World War Two Tragedy at Cobb + Co

AFTERNOON AT THE

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Museum’s Curator Conversation on Wednesday, March 7 at 2pm. It follows the life of Noel’s father Len (1907-1943), a civilian coastwatcher and missionary, who was travelling on a naval supply vessel in North Australia in January 1943 when it was bombed by a Japanese floatplane, he was taken prisoner and tortured and starved before being executed without trial on February 5. NAT KING COLE TRIBUTE A LIFELONG fan of Nat King Cole, Dorian Mode has researched his catalogue to put together 20 iconic original trio arrangements to track the jazz legend’s life. The show, which has sold out in Sydney and the Gold Coast, includes classic favourites like Unforgettable, Route 66 and Paper Moon. It’s on at USQ Arts Theatre on March 17, with tickets $25. Phone 4631 1111 for more information.

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FAREWELL SKATE CITY HERE’S one for the nostalgic. Skate City, which opened in May 2001, is set to disappear from Sunday, February 25 due to sale of the building. For those of you with longer memories, you might recall the original skate park was known as Skate Haven. So this is your last chance to have a skate or take the grandkids down for one and relive some old memories. FIRST DATE APPROPRIATELY just after Valentine’s Day, Toowoomba’s Shoebox Theatre Company is presenting First Date. The Broadway musical, first staged in 2013, is on at the Empire Theatre and tells the story of Casey and Aaron’s blind date and all the fun discomfort that goes along with it. Adult tickets from $35, concession $30. First Date is on from February 15-17. Phone 1300 655 299 for more information.

Seniors 11

12 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

T ravel

FOOD is an important part of travel and for many it is the main purpose of visiting a country. Ann Rickard believes in embracing the cuisine of the country you are in, forgetting all your usual favourite foods and taking your taste buds out for new experience. Be brave and try, she says. These are her 10 favourite food countries, but you surely will have your own. ■ CHINA STICK to the familiar if you are nervous, but dumplings, Peking duck, yum cha and stir fries as we know them are taken to a new level of flavour. For the adventurous, everything is possible. We’ve braved chicken feet in a Guangzhou restaurant that seated 1000 people, eating everything from what looked like battered spiders to slippery eels. ■ VIETNAM FAMILIAR and fabulous is Goi Cuon, a translucent

best food destinations spring roll filled with minced pork or crab and coriander. Not so familiar but a must-try is Banh Xeo, sizzling fried pancakes with prawns, bean sprouts and egg, wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped into a spicy sauce. Steer clear of the wet markets unless you have a strong stomach. Live frogs, snakes and turtles in buckets might disturb us but the locals love them simmered in a spicy sauce. ■ FRANCE IT’S not all Michelin-star dining, although it is quite the experience to sit down in elegant surroundings to confit duck and foie gras. But the real pleasure comes in finding a rustic bistro (often behind a tabac in a small village) serving three simple but good courses for 15 euros – the lot, including wine. Then there are the vibrant markets to pick up a pungent cheese, gnarly

tomatoes, marinated olives, an obligatory baguette and maybe an apple tart tatine. Where’s the nearest picnic spot? ■ THAILAND WE’VE eaten five-star here at David Thompson’s Nahm restaurant with its teak and wood panels, but we also love pulling up a plastic chair at a tin table on a footpath while something nearby sizzles in a wok or chars on an open burner. Don’t be afraid to eat on the street, but stick the rule of eating at stalls with crowds of locals, and watch your food being cooked (beware of anything in a food warmer.) For the timid, street food tours with English-speaking guides in the cities and towns will show you the ropes. ■ SPAIN HIT as many tapas bars as possible for lunch and feast on hundreds of varieties of small bites. Then have a long siesta

and go out to eat at 11pm like the locals do. Paella at one of the waterfront restaurants along the Passeig de Joan de Borbo might be touristy but when you have a towering pan of fragrant, saffron rice filled with moist chicken and fresh seafood in front of you, being a tourist among other tourists is okay. ■ MALAYSIA BREAKFAST on roti canai, a griddled pizza-like dough with a pile of lentils on top, (or an egg if you are conservative.) Eat at least six times a day here where food is king and all the familiar dishes are tastier than we know them: nasi goreng, rendang curry, satays. But a snack on the street of kuey teow, rice noodles cooked over charcoal with chilli, prawns and soy, eaten out of a paper parcel, will make you feel like a local. ■ ITALY ENJOY your pizzas with thin crusts and simple

mozzarella, prosciutto and tomato topping, and eat one all to yourself (locals do) and then take the taste buds out of their comfort zone with insalate di polpo (boiled octopus salad) or trippa (tripe). Each region has its own trippa recipe but it is often cooked in a tomato and wine broth. Look for cacciucco, a seafood stew in a chilli tomato broth. ■ GERMANY FOOD is not the first thing you think of here, more like beer, but start the day with bread and you’ll know you’ve arrived. Crusty outsides, soft or dense insides, Germans eat bread with every meal. Then there are the slow-cooked pork knuckles, smoked meats, sauerkraut… let yourself go but do save yourself for a large slice of Black Forest Cake. ■ SWITZERLAND THIS small land-locked country never blows its trumpet about its cuisine

but some of the tastiest food in the world is here. Rosti, thinly grated, pan-fried potatoes is a national dish, enhanced with salty bacon and fried egg and raclette cheese (Rosti Valaisanne) and eaten with tangy gherkins and pickled pearl onions. Finish that off with a Swiss chocolate or two and you’ll know you’re in a country that loves its food. ■ GREECE IN A taverna in the Plaka with views of the Acropolis I once ate a slab of moussaka so rich, I could barely lift my stomach off the ground for two days. But moussaka is a must in Greece, as is stuffed squid, a Greek salad, meatballs and baklava. Octopus, fresh off the boat and cooked over a grill on any Greek Island is going to be a lasting memory. Read more of Ann’s musings at www.annrickard.com

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14 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Blues and jazz cruise with Glenn A Baker

On Glenn’s tour, he shares his love of all things music Gail Forrer

BLUES and jazz fans, come on down. This is your chance to do a slide riff into the birthplace of jazz and blues with the master of music, the legendary music journalist and historian Glenn A Baker. In 2014, Glenn A Baker, a three-time winner of the BBC’s Rock Brain of The Universe title, label owner and nationally syndicated radio presenter led a tour to Beatle Week in Liverpool via Hamburg and London. The tour didn’t miss a trick including visits to famous sites such as George Harrison’s house, Penny Lane and the obligatory pic across Abbey Road. Glenn said the commonality of purpose

really brought the tour together, but he was over-the-moon, when various tour travellers called it the trip of a lifetime. The positive feedback was a key factor in his hosting of the 2018 Mississippi River cruise. According to the man with the encyclopaedic knowledge of music, the 16-day long cruise (June 22-July 10) has a lot of romance attached to it. Perhaps the love begins with the American Queen, this riverboat claims the reputation of the world’s most luxurious and opulent one of its kind, a floating palace that that glides regally between the banks of the Mississippi River, where memories of Huckleberry Finn and his childhood adventures are scattered through the

Glenn A Baker.

river’s wilderness along the with soaring emotional melodies that found root in this fertile country. Glenn A Baker’s easy conversation and brilliant knowledge will reveal to you the music and its makers when you visit the hot spots such as New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and many more including a cruise to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Louisiana Delta Museum, The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studios, Fame Studios, New Orleans Studios and the Blues Foundation’s Fall of Fame, New Orleans. In each new destination, you will be

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ENTERTAINMENT GALORE: Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee is lined with blues clubs and restaurants.

immersed in a musical nirvana, celebrating the birthplaces and historical landmarks of gospel, blues, jazz, bluegrass, country and rock‘n’roll. Also, a two-time Travel Writer of the Year recipient, Glenn has visited more than 120 countries, making him the ideal guide for the American Queen’s voyage into the heart of American blues, rock and soul. “I can’t wait to get on board our version of Proud Mary,” Glenn said. “From a true music fan’s perspective, it really doesn’t get much better than this. “Not only does the cruise explore so much history, but it takes passengers to the haunts of some of the truly pivotal acts of America’s musical history – to the Crossroads where the devil and the blues are supposed to have interconnected, to the recording studios where

The American Queen.

some of the greatest sounds of the twentieth century were captured. “The cities we’re visiting were at the centre of, and shaped the face of music for decades. On top of that, it’s going to be a huge amount of fun, with like-minded people indulging their passions.” TOUR DETAILS The cruise offers fine dining each night prepared with local produce by celebrated American chefs. On the American Queen, passengers are treated to breakfast every

9 Days of willdlife game, drivess in privat ate 4x4 vehicles, 12 nigh hts of luxury Sopa pa, Lo Lodge accom, Opportuniity to visit Masai aii M Mara villages, Boat ride on n Lake Naivvasha, FFully escorted by a Go See, Park fe fees & taxes.

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day, along with luxurious five-course dinners with included wine and beer. The ship also boasts a vast library and a two-deck-tall Grand Saloon to showcase the cruise’s Broadway-worthy entertainment. Prices start at $9990 twin share including air fares, accommodation, food and drinks on board the ship, world-class entertainment and access to daily sightseeing attractions. For further details, visit www.travelrite.com.au or phone 1800 630 343.

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 15

, 21st October 2018

Top End, Kakadu & Ghan Extended Expedition $5490 P/P-TS*

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Coral Sea P&O Cruising & Cairns Rail & Sail, 14 Days, Dep: 24 July Hosted 7 Night Coral Sea Cruise P&O Paciﬁc Eden, Trobriand Islands Kitava, Kiriwina & Conﬂict Islands Cairns Touring, Kuranda Scenic & Skyrail Railways, Paronella Park 4* Accom, Spirit of QLD Train Add Rail at Discount Rates TBA*

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Townsville, Magnetic Island Charters Towers, 7 Days 1st Aug & 12th Sep Explore this amazing Region Townsville, Magnetic Island Museum Nth Qld, Reef HQ Overnight Charters Towers Historic Guided Town Tour Ghosts of Gold Presentation Harvey’s Range Scenic Drive Cobb & Co Heritage Cottage

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Gulﬂander & Savannahlander Cairns To Karumba, 10 Days 28th Ap, 1st Sep, 6th, 13th Oct Join our Fantastic No1 Tour !!! Cairns, Mt Surprise, Georgetown Croydon, Normanton, Karumba Sunset Surf & Turf Gulf Dinner Cobbold Gorge Tour & Cruise Unbelievable Undara Lava Tubes Gulf, Savannah & Kuranda Trains “The Real” Outback Spectacular 7 Days, 28th April & 8th Sept 2018. Longreach, Winton & Lark Quarry Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Show QANTAS, Thompson River Cruise Winton & Waltzing Matilda Centre Age Of Dinosaurs Museum & Tour Sunset Dinner with the Dino’s Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede Lawn Hill & Mt Isa 11 Days, 23rd June, 4th July, 22nd Sep Hughenden, Cloncurry, Julia Creek Mt Isa Discovery Underground Mine Lawn Hill Gorge & Creek with Cruise Adels Grove Cabin Accommodation Fourways Burke & Wills Road House Richmond, Charters Towers, TVille Longreach & Winton Experience 7 Days, 21st April, 23rd June, 28th July, 1st & 29th Sep, 6th Oct Experience the Outback with Campﬁre Dinners & Shows. Stockmans Hall & QANTAS Thompson River Sunset Cruise Winton & Age of Dinos Museum The new Waltzing Matilda Centre

Return Flights Ex Brisbane Meals as per itinerary Guided tour of Darwin Day Tour to Kakadu National Park Most Off Train Excursions included Alice Springs Bush BBQ under the stars Adelaide City Markets & Oval

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Canberra Floriade Blue Mountains, Bowral Tulips 7 days 18th Sep Bowral Tulip Festival & Bradman Museum, Canberra Floriade & Cookington Green, Parliament House & Museum of Democracy, War Memorial & Last Post Tribute, Cowra & Japanese Gardens, Bathurst & Mount Panorama Drive, Oberon & Mayﬁeld Gardens, Blue Mountains & Everglades Gardens

Majestic River Murray, 10 Days, 26th Apr 2018 A Wonderful 10 day Tour of the Murray River by Coach Albury to Adelaide including 5 Paddle Steamers & Cruises Yarrawonga, Echuca, Euston Swan Hill, Mildura, Renmark Loxton, Goolwa, Victor Harbour

The Kimberly & Beyond 11 Days, 5Th July 2018 Darwin Discovery Tour Dinner Cruise Katherine Gorge Cruise, Lake Argyle, Argyle Mine Tour, Bungle Bungles Hidden Valley, Ord River Cruise & $5590* Geikie Gorge Cruise, Halls Creek, *PP Twin Share, Single add $800 Chamberlain Gorge, Fitzroy Crossing, Including Flights EX BNE Broome Discovery Tours Cable Beach

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Indian Paciﬁc “Gold Class” & WA Adventure, 8 Days, 12 Sep Travelling Sydney to Perth including Blue Mountains, Broken Hill, Adelaide Nullarbor Plain, Cook, Rawlinna Perth, Swan River Cruise, Fremantle The Pinnacles, Benedictine Abbey Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta Perth Mint, Return Flights Ex BNE All Meals, Accom & Fully Hosted

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16 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Wellbeing

Battle to balance work and health Tracey Johnstone

ACTIVE AGEING: Federal minister and Member for Bennelong, John Alexander OAM.

You deserve the best in-home care

FORMER tennis great in the 1970s and now Federal Government MP, John Alexander OAM, works long hours in his public life which puts a strain on his health. A younger man may not think this is a significant issue, but for the 66-year-old, who in a former life was extremely active when competing on the international tennis circuit for 18 years, finding a balance between work and health is important to living a healthy and happy ageing life. Seniors News spoke with the Member for Bennelong while he was savouring the short Christmas-time break from Canberra, distracting him from a game of golf with his partner Deb Chadwick, for a chat about

keeping healthy in a fast-paced world. “I’m very good at lecturing people about it, but I’m not very good at doing it myself,” Mr Alexander said. “Inevitably you do what has to be done at work and then you squeeze in whatever you can as far as maintenance goes.” The start of every new year he makes a commitment to finding a better health balance. “This New Year’s Eve resolution was more exercise, less food and less alcohol,” Mr Alexander said. “Then I read everyone has made the same one.” It’s a tough resolution to achieve as Mr Alexander, like many other government ministers, is on the job at least six days and often six nights a week as well.

While many ministers put on weight, Mr Alexander has consciously worked on lowering his weight, even following the 5:2 Diet to trim off the edges of a lifestyle that involves a lot of work functions. Preserving at least one day a week for relaxation and outdoor activity is a must for him. Sometimes he gets that day, sometimes he doesn’t. But when he does get a day off, he enjoys his golf or a social game of tennis. “I am reasonably active, but nowhere near regimented enough because the life of a politician doesn’t give you that standard nine-to-five,” he said. “You might be out seven nights in a row so when you are and have to work through the next day, you try to catch every minute of sleep you can.”

TOMNET supports the older folk THE Older Mens Network are hosting a multivendor car boot sale in the TOMNET car park, at 223 Hume Street, Toowoomba on Saturday February 24, from 8am-noon. Items for sale are general

household items, bric-a-brac, woodcraft items, collectables, and much more. Enjoy a mini steam engine display, live music, and a sausage sizzle from our fabulous BBQ Team, for a gold

coin donation. All funds collected from the sausage sizzle helps older men support other older men in the community. For more details, phone Trevor on 4638 9080.

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Wellbeing

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 17

Gray’s turned novelist IF EVER we wanted inspiration to pick ourselves up after suffering a health setback we need look no further than North Coast resident Gray (Grayham) Bickley. Fourteen years ago his prognosis could not have been worse. Doctors gave him just weeks to live after being diagnosed with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.) “IPF is a killer,” Gray said. “It has already killed my younger brother. My elder brother who lives in the UK now has the disease. IPF is very aggressive. There is no cure. It attacks the lungs.” After the diagnosis Gray was put on a transplant list, and while he waited in anxiety and hope, always endeavouring to keep up his optimism, he spent 16 hours a day in hospital on oxygen. “I was very sick,” he said. “They had to find a new set of lungs for me. Fortunately that happened, but only at the very last minute. I was very lucky they (lungs) matched me depending

on size, tissue, blood type. Everything matched.” That was more than a decade ago and after such a traumatic and life-changing experience and a long and arduous recovery, Gray did not intend to waste a minute of every day he had been granted with this gift of second chance. “I have bad days like everyone, but generally I do treat life fairly openly and try and achieve what I can,” he said. “Judy (his wife) thinks I get too het up about trying to change things (in the world.) I like to get things done, and I get frustrated with things the government seems to twiddle its thumbs about. I realise I don’t have infinite time to fix everything but I do try to be as positive and helpful as I can.” One thing Gray has achieved since his double lung transplant is to write a crime fiction novel entitled Contained. The premise of the novel came to him during a time before ill-health when he worked casually cleaning containers.

STORYTELLER: Author Gray Bickley.

“While I was cleaning containers, I thought ‘what if I found a stash of drugs in a container, what would I do?’ My imagination, which has always been fairly vivid, went from there.” Now, as well as working on a second crime novel, Gray is also about to publish a book of poetry, written and curated while he was recovering from his transplant.

“I was in ICU for 20 days on life-support and I found myself having poetry going through my head,” he said. “I’d lie awake at night with poetry going through my head and then I’d write it down. “It generally has to do with how I felt at the time and how I wanted to get out. “When I look back, it was all time related, how

Seven ways to help kick start the year FEBRUARY is a sobering month. The party is well over, routines and work have come trundling back into our lives, diets are considered once again, as is alcohol abstinence. The people at Order-In have given us these seven healthy and natural ways to stay alert and motivated. 1. Think outside the caffeine box Matcha is a green fine powder, derived from tea leaves. Through its rich form of antioxidants, the

tea can help prevent heart disease, cancer, reduces blood pressure, boosts metabolism and a healthier alternative to coffee. 2. Breathe in and out A deep breath moves oxygen to your body which boosts energy levels, and decreases stress and anxiety. 3. Go to the dark side Cocoa beans combat those chocolate cravings while also containing caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the more

caffeine and antioxidants. 4. Sip it up While two litres of water may sound unrealistic, our top tip is to keep a bottle of water at your desk and sip away. 5. Drink like the Queen While green tea only contains 24-40mg of caffeine, it’s rich in antioxidants give you the energy effects of coffee without the jitters. An alternative is mint tea helping to activate your

brain, prevent fatigue and memory loss. 6. Crunch away Containing a natural form of sugar called fructose an apple is a healthy snack that reduces fatigue without the crash in the afternoon. 7. Get outdoors A short walk can recharge your batteries. Studies have shown that exposure to the sun and vitamin D improves alertness and performance.

much time did I have? You never know how long you have when you come out of a transplant. Fifty percent of people live eight years, that is the sort of information they give you. “Well, it’s now almost 14 years for me and I am going very well.” Gray cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism of Australia’s transplant

team. “The Prince Charles Hospital has the best transplant longevity (record) in the world,” he said. “I go to the clinic every three months. They check everything. I think Queensland Health is fantastic, they do a brilliant job.” Gray says the publication of Contained has outlined the next chapter in his life, a life he did not think he had in 2004 when he was given just weeks to live. “Contained is based loosely around a British tourist who went missing,” Gray said. “My story is about his brother coming out from the UK to find him. He gets mixed up in the Noosa real estate (industry) and with drug barons.” Well, hopefully there are no real-life drug barons in Noosa, but to read about them in fiction is bound to be entertaining. Contained is available in local bookshops or directly from Gray at grayham.bickley@ gmail.com.

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Advertising Feature

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

LIVING WITH PAIN 2017 Global Pain Index reveals high cost of pain

PAIN: There is a whole raft of treatment options that are useful for pain management. PHOTO: KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ

Is codeine change good for pain control? Tracey Johnstone

MEDICINES containing codeine are no longer available over the counter; instead, a doctor’s prescription for it will be required. Pain relief products such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus, Mersyndol as well as cough relief products such as Codral and Demazin, and any generic pharmacy medications carrying codeine will be off the front shelves and moved into the back of the pharmacy. As a consequence, there will be more people visiting their doctor for pain prescriptions and a greater demand on GPs to do a better job at

managing chronic pain complaints. Pain Australia’s chief executive officer Carol Bennett sees this change in policy by The Therapeutic Goods Administration as advantageous for the one-in-five Australians who regularly suffer chronic pain. “I think it has highlighted the extent of the problem and that people are desperate to manage pain in whatever way they can,” Ms Bennett said. “At the moment what you are seeing is a lot of inappropriate use of codeine and it’s masking underlying conditions.

People are taking it because it seems the go-to thing and it’s easy to get. “We know it doesn’t address chronic pain and we know it’s not effective. There are much more effective medications and other treatments.” Ms Bennett said the next step is for a fully endorsed national plan to consistently manage pain treatment which is one of Australia’s most chronic and expensive problems. With codeine off the shelves, Ms Bennett expects the community will push hard for that plan to be put in place. The Federal Government announced at

the end of last month an interim trial program called Pain MedChecks, which is being managed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The program will facilitate pharmacists, through face-to-face consultations with patients, reviewing the patients’ medication and analgesic use and developing a written action plan, incorporating education, self-management and referral to doctors or other experts where additional support is required. Pain Australia is also offering information on the range of pain management options,

which it has listed on www.realrelief.org.au. “We know people who access pain clinics, 80 per cent of them get effective treatment,” Ms Bennett said. “There is multi-disciplinary, which is the gold standard – physiotherapy, massage and psychology services. Then there are the medication options. There is a whole raft of treatment options that are useful for pain management.” To find if your pain medication has codeine in it, go to www.nps.org.au /medical-info/medicine -finder?, and enter the search word codeine.

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■ The 2017 Global Pain Index has found that Australian workers took 3.3 sick days for body pain, as well as 1.4 days for head pain in the past year, costing the nation $10.6 billion. ■ Australia ranks highest in the world for weekly body pain (impacting 68 per cent of Australians). ■ One in four (25 per cent) experience both head and body pain on a weekly basis, negatively impacting almost every aspect of their lives. ■ The study puts a spotlight on how pain is decreasing our quality of life, leading to missing out on moments in life, including valuable time with family and friends. Is pain impacting our careers? Almost a third (30 per cent) of Australian workers with body pain frequently struggle to concentrate at work because of their pain, and another three in 10 regularly lose motivation (30 per cent). Pain is taking a toll on family time Half (50 per cent) of Australians surveyed say they have trouble enjoying everyday moments with their family due to pain. Why are Australians ignoring pain? Almost all body pain sufferers in Australia (94 per cent) and most head pain sufferers (79 per cent) say they know the cause of their pain, and many have had the cause of their pain diagnosed by a healthcare professional (58 per cent). However, more than four in 10 (42 per cent) say they have self-diagnosed the cause of their body pain.

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

Living

Sex and ageing: This is a conversation we should have Tracey Johnstone

WE NEED to have a chat about sex for older Australians, because it’s time we got upfront about how it can be a positive experience if done safely. Feeling better about yourself and improving your quality of life, alleviating depression, increasing life satisfaction and general well-being are all important outcomes of an active sexual life for ageing Australians, says researcher Dr Sue Malta from the National Ageing Research Institute and University of Melbourne. “I think the most important thing is remaining sexual, whether you are partnered or on your own,” Dr Malta said. “Society has tended to cringe about older people being sexual. A lot of today’s older people grew up in an era when sex wasn’t talked about, and masturbation was actively discouraged, so a lot of older men and women probably wouldn’t feel comfortable that they can explore their own bodies if they are on their own or with a partner.” Dr Malta has found that as more older people are getting divorced, they are looking for and entering new relationships. The advent of online dating has also opened the door to older people realising they can again be sexually engaged.

Dr Malta said that this voyage of discovery and enjoyment should include practising safer sex with the help of condoms as sexually transmitted infections are still an issue, even in later life. Enjoying sex at an older age can be redefined as people take their physical limitations and disabilities into account.

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Research shows that people into their 80s, 90s and beyond can remain sexually active and sexually interested..... It doesn’t have to involve intercourse, it may involve “outercourse”. “There are all sorts of ways you can have sex,” Dr Malta said. “It’s not just about intercourse; it can be doing other things that give you pleasure and make you feel good.” Women can find that after menopause they discover a resurgence in sexual feeling. “It’s not like menopause means the end of your sex life,” Dr Malta said. “In some ways, it’s just the beginning. Some women during and after menopause might have a

SEX AND AGEING: It’s important for good health to remain sexual, whether you are partnered or on your own. PHOTO: KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ

heightened sex drive and others who have lost the inclination, regain it. It’s not all the doom and gloom we have believed it to be.” Dr Malta also said some women feel they have lost their sexual drive when they no longer have a partner, but in fact it could be dormant and with practice or with the help of stimulating tools, they can rediscover it. “Research shows that people into their 80s, 90s

and beyond can remain sexually active and sexually interested,” Dr Malta said. She recommends a visit to a sex shop where a range of items are on offer that can assist with sexual experiences, and where she has found the staff are often pleasant and knowledgeable. A good lubricant is also recommended. “There are certain ones that you shouldn’t be using such as petroleum

jelly, and there are some that are better for you depending on what you want them for,” she said. One helpful website is joanprice.com which has a lot information including lubricant names. The blog address is betterthan ieverexpected. blogspot.com.au. Dr Malta and her team at Melbourne University are hoping to develop a comprehensive website containing information on all issues relating to

sexuality and ageism through the Sexual Health and Ageing Perspectives and Education (SHAPE) project. While that project waits for further funding to facilitate development of tools for consumers and clinicians to access, Dr Malta recommends seniors look for info on the Jean Hailes Foundation and Andrology Australia websites: jeanhailes.org.au and andrologyaustralia.org.

Tips for good relationships table, a favourite treat, an unpacked dishwasher or a special meal. ■ Develop common interests, though allow time for independent interests as well. ■ Listen to your partner and communicate your needs. Don’t wait for your partner to try to guess what is going on for you. ■ Talk about sex and what is good about your sex life and what, if any, issues there are. ■ Tell your partner when you are happy or

unhappy about something – honestly and respectfully. ■ Try to find solutions that are suitable for both of you. Prepare to compromise. ■ Respect and accept both your differences and your similarities. ■ Aim to be flexible and willing to change or try something new. ■ Be supportive in the good and the challenging times, and ask for help when you cannot cope with a situation. ■ Share the work load.

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CHECK out these Relationships Australia tips for improving your spouse or partner relationship. ■ Talk about your day and the things that both excite or worry you. ■ Spend time alone together and ensure it is a priority. ■ Celebrate the good times together. ■ Express affection and give your partner thoughtful little surprises like a small gift, a flower from the garden on their bedside

20 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Living

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

STYLISH DOWNSIZING: Bathers Beachside is deigned to make the best use of its stunning outlook.

Downsize to upgrade your lifestyle on Brisbane’s coast

REDUCING your living space to a luxury apartment and upgrading your lifestyle on Brisbane’s coast is a very attractive option. There are many factors to consider when moving from your prized family home, but if you’re an empty-nester, downsizing into a smaller place is both sensible and economical. Retirees looking to downsize to a modern apartment have the opportunity to re-evaluate their lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, many opt for a quieter beachside life, lapping up the water views and brilliant sunshine it offers. Acclaimed coastal property developer Traders in Purple caters to the over 50s. It creates new, luxurious and modern seaside developments for those who are unwilling to compromise on quality. With sweeping panoramic views of Moreton Bay, new developments like Bathers Beachside, and the recently completed Waters Edge and The Scarborough, offer unprecedented value for money for retirees. These developments are at coastal havens of unparalleled beauty right at your doorstep, and

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villa or townhouse. From July this year property owners will be able to take advantage of an attractive new government scheme which will allow retirees aged 65 and over to make a non-concessional contribution of $300,000 for a single and $600,000 for a couple, from the sale of their principal place of residence which they have lived in for 10 years or more, directly into superannuation.

Apartment living also provides greater security and convenience for those seeking a better quality of life. although it feels like a holiday destination, the Brisbane CBD is still close by. The vibrant bayside suburbs, which are just north of Brisbane city, are blessed with beautifully maintained parks and walking tracks, making this area appealing to potential buyers who are searching for peace and serenity. The residences have open-plan living spaces and contemporary kitchens with high-quality appliances, ensuring a sleek modern feel that is both stylish and functional for over 50s. Every fitting and finish is meticulously selected, from the stylish designer-appointed interiors to the premium custom cabinetry, so you don’t feel you have compromised in the slightest. One of the key advantages of downsizing to an apartment is the

Bathers Beachside with its beautiful finishes and generous spaces.

freedom it affords retirees. It gives those who have left the workforce the choice to live in a place that celebrates a relaxed style of life, where maintenance is low and recreational facilities are in abundance. Better yet, freehold apartments often come with a real sense of community without an expensive price tag that landed property in desired locations have. Apartment living also provides greater security and convenience for those seeking a better quality of life. Think of it as downsizing your space,

Bathers Beachside and its uninterrupted views of the Moreton Bay.

but upgrading your lifestyle. Forget mowing the lawns, taking out the garbage bins and worrying about the safety of your household belongings if

you take a holiday break. The upkeep and ongoing costs of maintenance for vertical living are minimal compared to those required to run a house,

BATHERS BEACHSIDE LUXURY APARTMENTS

BATHERS Beachside is a super-high-end, luxury project consisting of 24 exclusive, large-scale apartments positioned directly on Suttons Beach at Margate. The prestigious waterfront development, which occupies the iconic site of the old Waltzing Matilda Motel, is for those who expect only the best. This superb spot, which has been referred to as the jewel on the Redcliffe Peninsula, will help you transition into retirement with ease. For more information about Traders in Purple developments, call 0477 432 432 or visit: tradersinpurple.com. ADVERTORIAL

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 21

NOW IN CONSTRUCTION. MOVE IN LATE 2018.

LIMITED EDITION LUXURY BEACHSIDE APARTMENTS WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LIFE. IT BEGINS HERE Bathers Beachside is the Peninsula’s newest and most prestigious waterfront development. Designed and developed by Traders in Purple with luxury living in mind, these exquisite residences deliver an unprecedented attention to detail and ﬁnishes second to none. Perfectly positioned in a premier waterfront enclave right by the beach on Margate Parade. Each apartment features three large bedrooms, two deluxe bathrooms, contemporary kitchen with Miele appliances as well as spacious living areas and large balconies that encapsulate the breathtaking never-to-be-built-out Moreton Bay views. A limited number of three bedroom apartments are available from $899,000. Don’t miss out. Secure yours today

CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON 0477 432 432 OR VISIT OUR DISPLAY CENTRE 10AM-4PM WED-SUN 113 LANDSBOROUGH AVENUE SCARBOROUGH OR REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ONLINE AT WWW.BATHERSBEACHSIDE.COM

22 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 12, 2018

Money

Aged Pension acid test FINANCE TONY KAYE

THE new assets test has become an acid test for many who were receiving a part Age Pension. Almost 90,000 individuals and couples around Australia who previously received a part Age Pension payment completely lost their entitlements in 2017 as a result of the Federal Government’s changes to the pension assets test rules, it can be revealed. In addition, hundreds of thousands of individuals and couples who were previously receiving a full pension have had their payments reduced.

The revised pension assets test rules introduced last year also mean many Australians who had calculated their retirement income stream around receiving a part Age Pension in the future should seek out professional advice urgently to re-evaluate their financial position. The Federal Department of Social Services has confirmed to Eureka Report that around 86,600 part rate age pensioners had their pension cancelled directly as a result of the assets test changes that came into effect on January 1, 2017. And, as we head into 2018, more retiring Australians will likely miss out on receiving any level of age pension. The Federal Government set new

limits on the amount of assets outside of a family home that could be held by couples or individuals before their pension rate was reduced. The amount of pension received is now reduced by $3 per fortnight for every $1000 over the new limits under what is known as the pension taper rate.

THE ASSETS TEST LIMITS

■ SINGLE Home owner $250,000 Non-home owner $450,000 ■ COUPLE Home owner $375,000 Non-home owner $575,000 USING the latest official government data, our research has found that between the end of December 2016 and the

end of June, the number of recipients receiving a part Age Pension under the assets test fell from 486,031 to 321,106, a variation of just over 147,000. The DSS has claimed only part of that difference was due to the actual changes in the assets test, and that no full rate age pensioners have had their pension cancelled due to the assets test changes. However, between December 2016 and mid-2017, the total number of Australians receiving an Age Pension dropped from 2.57 million to 2.49 million. The number of couples receiving a full or part pension fell by around 61,000, from 1.43 million to 1.37 million, while the number of singles slipped from 1.13 million to

1.12 million. In terms of assessing the Age Pension under the assets test, the DSS data shows that around 1.18 million recipients are couples owning a home. A further 660,000 are singles owning a home. These cohorts tend to have the highest value level of assets outside of their homes. The pension assets test does not apply to the family home itself, but does to its contents and any other assets owned including property, vehicles, caravans, boats, superannuation holdings and funds in bank accounts. Average superannuation balances at retirement already put many Australians close to or over the new asset test thresholds. But one of the

biggest problems for those in this position is that having higher superannuation retirement savings may actually generate less tax-free income than those who only receive the Age Pension. In other words, having more can equal receiving less. As such, the changes to the assets test could deter some individuals and couples from putting more money into their superannuation so they can still supplement their income with a pension. But this is a complex area and it’s definitely worth seeing a financial adviser to assess all your options. Tony Kaye is the editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by financial services group InvestSMART. www.investsmart.com.au

The five key questions when planning your will IF BEING more organised, or paying more attention to those you love (or a variation on either of those) are on your list of things to ‘be better at’ in 2018, then a key part of that will be making sure your will and estate plans are in order. “The main thing is to ensure your documents are up to date, legally valid, and reflect your current family and financial circumstances,” Estate Planning lawyer at Equity Trustees

Stephanie Smith said. She also strongly advises against ‘DIY’ wills. “It’s never quite as simple as it sounds – there are some legal aspects that need to be covered to ensure the Will is legally valid. But you can make the process of having one professionally drafted very efficient if you think through a few basic steps before your consultation with your estate planner or lawyer,” she said.

Equity Trustees recommends starting with five key questions: 1. Who should benefit (and why)? Determine who you want to leave something to – and those you don’t want to leave anything to. It’s important to remember when compiling this list who you are responsible for, financially or otherwise. 2. Who to appoint? Decide who you want to appoint to specific roles, including executor

of the will, and any powers of attorney, and have a conversation with them. Think about who could take on the role if your preferred option is not able or available when they are needed. 3. Who gets what? List your assets (and liabilities) – especially the important ones – whether they are important because of their financial or emotional value. A list also helps your executor know where and what

everything is. 4. What’s changed in the past 12 months? Review any changes that have occurred, and whether this requires your will to be changed. 5. Do I have documents? Make sure all your documentation is in order and accessible. Including bank accounts, mortgage and insurance deeds, birth and marriage certificates, superannuation and details of investments. “A specialist will ask

the critical next level questions to ensure what you want to have happen, can happen – that your will meets your objectives and is legally binding,” Ms Smith said. “It’s often the case that people who don’t get specialist advice end up having their will challenged and overturned, creating hardship for those people who are left behind. By getting it right in the first place, this can often be avoided.”

Wills Estate Planning Enduring Powers of Attorney Expert Legal Advice WITH THE PERSONAL TOUCH Looking for legal assistance? Turn to James Madden of Madden & Co, Solicitors of Toowoomba. With extensive experience in all areas of practice, he’ll work with you to help you get the outcome you want.

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Seniors 23

Monday, February 12, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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Community

Living in the ’70s THE ’70s. What a time to be alive. It was when glam rock was born and the music and the clothes were outrageous, with furs and flares being the norm. Food was starting to evolve with the influx of immigrants into Australia. Our tastebuds started changing. Takeaway was only available from the local fish and chip shop, then the Chinese and Italian restaurants started to arrive with such incredible flavours and ingredients. I remember going with mum and taking a large saucepan to the Chinese takeaway to collect fried rice and dim sims in the early ’70s. It was such a treat. Chow mein entered the

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN menu at home along with the delicious apricot chicken, spaghetti bolognaise (still is) and fondues. The fondues were a must for any dinner party, sweet or savoury, and that is still relevant today. For more recipes, take a look at www.seniorsnews. com.au.

BRIE FONDUE WITH THYME

Serves 8 This is a rehash of the ’70s fondue with today’s ingredients.

The fresh herbs and wine in this fondue add a decadency that masks how simple it is to prepare. You can also add in luxurious ingredients like fresh crayfish, crabmeat, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach. Crisp tart apple slices are good for dipping; you can also use carrot sticks, roasted potato wedges or bread cubes.

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp butter 1 large shallot, finely diced (about 1⁄4 cup) or white onion 1 ⁄2 cup white wine 500g brie, rind removed and cut into 1-inch pieces 11⁄2 tbsp cornflour 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme Salt and pepper

4 medium Fuji apples cored and cut into 1-inch slices (about four cups)

METHOD

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about three minutes. Add the wine and quarter cup of water, and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, toss the brie with the cornflour to coat and then whisk into the wine until the cheese completely melts, about two minutes. Stir in the thyme. Season then transfer to a fondue pot, set out skewers, and let guests serve themselves by dipping the apple slices or bread into the fondue.

Peace, love... and lava lamps WHAT screams the ’70s more than flares, tube tops, tie-dying, tang, beaded necklaces, disco balls, platform shoes, clogs, cassette tapes, pet rocks, Etch A Sketch and talking on a phone with a cord? Each decade has its own colour palette and the ’70s was totally about chocolate brown, avocado green and burnt orange. Many homes got groovy with a wall hanging of an owl or some kind of animal print and, possibly, a macrame potted plant hanger. One of the earliest recorded uses of macrame-style knots as

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN decoration appeared in the carvings of the Babylonians and Assyrians. Fringe-like plaiting and braiding adorned the costumes of the time. Macrame travelled from North Africa to Spain, France and then on to other European countries. Many Australians were into macrame in the ’70s and the creative flow of that era.

GROOVY: Use your creativity to make a macrame pot plant hanger.

Materials used in macrame include cords made of cotton twine, linen, hemp, jute, leather and yarn. Cords are identified by construction, such as a three-ply cord, made of three lengths of fibre

twisted together. For larger decorative pieces, such as wall hangings or window coverings, a work of macrame might be started out on a wooden or metal dowel, allowing a spread of dozens of cords that are easy to manipulate. If you would like to get mellow with macrame and go back in time some 40 years, check out the free patterns and tutoring videos available online: free-macramepatterns.com/ and youtube.com/user/ macrameschool. For a modern spin on macrame creations, visit modernmacrame.com.

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. The deadline for the March issue is February 27. Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@seniors newspaper.com.au.

NATIONAL SENIORS

TOOWOOMBA Branch meets for morning teas the first Thursday of each month at All Seasons function centre, corner of North and Tor Streets, Wilsonton at 9.30am. We have a guest speaker or an entertainer at these morning teas. The third Thursday of each month is our bus trips and this month we are heading out to Texas. On February 1, a representative from Alzheimers Qld. Thursday, March 1, we are having Michael Beatty from RSPCA Qld. For details, phone Desma 4613 6750 or Yvonne 4638 5252.

MS SUPPORT GROUP

TOOWOOMBA and District MS Support group has meetings, group functions, social gatherings for all those of all ages with MS or allied neurological disorders. Details call Trish on 4693 7232 or email judy.emmerson.james1@ gmail.com.

CAR BOOT SALE

THE St Stephen’s and Middle Ridge Uniting Church combined mission committee will have their annual car boot sale on

Saturday, March 10 at Middle Ridge Uniting Church, 264 Stenner Street, Toowoomba from 7am-noon. There will be a variety of stalls, barbecue and books. Proceeds go towards mission projects in the Pacific. Come and buy, or for details or to book a site, phone Sandra on 4636 9814.

NASHOS

THE Toowoomba branch of the National Servicemen’s Association is holding its Annual Memorial Day on Saturday, February 17 at the State National Servicemen’s Memorial, Margaret and Kitchener Streets, Toowoomba. The memorial will commence at 9.30am and all National servicemen, widows and supporters are invited to attend. Our branch hold Social lunch get-togethers on the third Friday of each month at the City Golf Club; the next one will be Friday, February 16 at noon. Monthly meetings are held at the Irish Club Hotel, and all Nashos are most welcome. For details, phone 4633 2564.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

WE WILL have recommenced our meetings for 2018 on Thursday, February 1. The meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 11.30am. Please note that the group has relocated its venue to the Community Meeting Rooms, Level 3, Toowoomba Regional Library, Victoria Street. All interested are welcome. A shared lunch will be available. Details phone Jan Barrett on 4635 4844 or Patricia Stevens on 4564 9353.

Event Cinemas Seniors Ticket Giveaway

Thanks to the Event Cinemas’ Cinebuzz for Seniors club, we are giving away double passes for seniors to see any movie at their local BCC or Event Cinemas! To be in the running, simply visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitions to enter online. Good luck! PLUS, Why not join Cinebuzz for Seniors? It’s free to join and members get $9* standard movie tickets at BCC and Event Cinemas, plus more great beneﬁts. Join now at cinebuzz.com.au

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 05/02/18-05/03/18. Competition drawn 11am 12/03/18 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors April Editions 2017. Total prize value $200.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas. and NSW regions Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast. NSW Permit number NSW/LTPS/18/21522.

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F Exceptional Care and For Personal Service without P the hefty price tag Call us on

Our experienced and friendly team oﬀer services in many areas of Law including:

or visit our website www.ahfunerals.com.au

• Estate Administration & Litigation • Wills & Enduring Power of Attorney • Criminal Law • Family Law

CNR WILLIAM & SPENCER ST, GATTON 5462 3333

Health - Professional Practitioners

Proudly Australian and Local Family Owned

Celebrations, Classes & Events

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Entertainment & Events

The Mulgowie Hotel

Massage - Certified & Therapeutic

60 Minutes Remedial Massage for only $75.00