Toowoomba & Darling Downs, December 2016

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Seniors

December, 2016

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

FREE

Bringing you healthy lifestyle choices

PHONE 131 872 www.tr.qld.gov.au

Inside

Lunch with Frances at St Luke’s Hall \ PAGE 3

Where to join in the local festive fun

FILL THEM UP: Adrian Bonica, Penny Hamilton and Scott Cutmore promote the Yellow Bucket Appeal.

Buckets of love

\ PAGES 12 & 14

A sharing and caring community ensures 200 Christmas tables are laden with joy THE second Yellow Bucket Appeal organised by not-for-profit organisation

YellowBridge is transforming the humble plastic bucket into a symbol of kindness and joy

this Christmas.

Two hundred yellow buckets will be filled with gourmet

Christmas goodies and given to local people who need it most.

Read more, page 24.

quality

BOUTIQUE OP SHOP A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE WITH A HEART OF GOLD OPEN WED - SAT Every item you donate or buy will help a local person with a disability gain work experience and learn new skills.

We need your support! Please donate your pre-loved items to us.

PRE-LOVED ITEMS

help LOCALS WITH A DISABILITY

\ PAGE 17

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In this edition

Local volunteers recognised .................................page 4 Live and Let’s Save............................................pages 8–9 Wellbeing ...................................................... pages 16–18 Travel ..............................................................pages 21–23 What’s On ..............................................................page 24 Puzzles ....................................................................page 27

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite kristie.waite@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 $36.30 for one year (11 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 ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794). Printed by APN Print, 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.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Simple pleasures MERRY Christmas readers.

What a joy to see the signs of Christmas emerge throughout the Sunshine Coast and hinterland. Enormous trees have taken up their regular Summer residence in the middle of towns, golden stars, baubles and angels swing from from their branches and their fairy lights flash their festive message.

If you are fortunate, Christmas is a time of choice; take it easy, speed up the

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

entertainment, travel, take time out to catch-up on social time, swim, sun and barbecue. Certainly people like Francis Holmes personify the many people in the region who not only love to do all these things, but also make time to organise huge Christmas drives to

ensure that everyone shares in the joy of Christmas.

I’m really grateful to these great organisers who spend months seeking donations and more time to sort out distribution. We’re a better community for this act of giving.

This year Seniors Newspaper Network has also been able to share with readers some very nice competition gifts.

Lucky readers have won Maggie Beer cook books, Ken Done’s fabulous biography and bundles of

the best 2016 Australia book titles. But together with Palm Lakes Resort we have definitely set a benchmark this month with the Garoover Caravan Giveaway worth $69,990.00.

Congratulations to the winner, I bet this will one Christmas you will remember.

On behalf of all Seniors Newspaper staff, I wish you, our readers and advertisers, a very happy and safe Christmas.

See you in the New Year.

— Gail

Seniors Newspaper in the giving mood AS WE near Christmas, many of us are thinking about the gifts we will give loved ones.

But here at Seniors Newspaper, we have been in the giving mood throughout the year, with a series of wonderful competitions.

Here we announce some of our most recent winners.

CARAVAN COMPETITION: See the announcement about the winning entry on page 19.

Yvonne Biddle, the Wide Bay region books pack winner.

Linda Wilson, the Brisbane region books pack winner.

Moira McNally, the Central Coastbooks pack winner.

MILES FRANKLIN BOOK PACK WINNERS: Seniors Newspaper recently drew the winners of our Miles Franklin books competition.

The lucky winners from each region were: ■ Sunshine Coast:

J. Barnes, Caloundra.

■ Toowoomba: D. Marrie, Toowoomba.

■ Brisbane: L. Wilson, Bribie Island.

■ Gold Coast: M. McDonnell, Surfers Paradise.

■ Wide Bay: Y. Biddle,

Wide Bay. ■ Northern New South Wales: K. Podboj, Casino.

■ Central Coast: M. McNally, Canton Beach.

■ Coffs and Clarence: B. McKinnon, Coffs Harbour.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 3

You are welcome here “For those of us who have much, much is expected”...

BY ALISON HOUSTON

“CHRISTMAS is nothing until you do for others.”

That’s the drive behind Frances Holmes and her family sharing 13 years of Christmas lunches with the less fortunate in the community.

This year, Christmas Day lunch is on again at St Luke’s Hall from 11.30am–1pm and anyone disadvantaged or lonely is welcome to join in the party atmosphere.

There’s roast chicken and potatoes, salad and rolls, and pavlova, fruit salad and ice-cream for desert, all served to your table.

But this is a meal that nourishes souls as much as bodies. Frances tells of two older ladies, both alone, who met at the lunch several years ago and have returned together each year since.

Then there’s the families who have been hit by troubles and can’t afford Christmas lunch, or those who have been left

homeless, or lost their loved ones. Up to 70 people attend each year, many of them seniors.

“I’ve always lived by the motto that from those of us who have much, much is expected,” Frances said.

“I think we have to be aware that circumstances can change for people and bang, they find they have nothing or no-one to share with. That’s the people who come to us – life hasn’t maybe been as kind to them as it has to us and it’s heartbreaking.

“Our message is, if you are on your own, or life’s been tough, you are welcome to come and join us.”

Even pets are welcome to attend, albeit with their own Christmas munchies outside the hall.

The festive fun has had the same people behind it from the start, including Toowoomba Rotary, Betros Brothers, Orchy, Me-n-u Catering and Nat Spary from the Basement.

The room is beautifully

CARING AND SHARING: Frances Holmes looks forward to hosting the annual Christmas lunch for the lonely and the underprivileged.

PHOTO: KEVIN FARMER

and professionally decorated and there’s music courtesy of a piano accordion-playing elf!

Well, you would expect

Frances, who owns her own event management company, to know how to throw a party!

If you would like to

attend, call Frances on 0408 070 300 for catering purposes by December 21.

But Frances adds,

“we’ve never turned anyone away over the years; we just open the doors and everyone is welcome.”

Updates from the Toowoomba Region The Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee will hold its December meeting on the 5 December at the Toowoomba City Library. If you have any questions please contact council 131 872.

Council Cabs

Council is trialling a cab service to help older people and those with a disability travel to their local shopping centre.

The cab picks you up from your home and takes you to your local shopping centre once a week. The service will need to be pre booked by calling 1300 811 394 before noon on the day before your trip. You will travel in a shared taxi. It then takes you home at a set time a few hours later.

It costs $2 per person, per trip (which is $4 there and back). Council subsidises the rest of the cost of the fare.

If you live in one of the service areas, and are aged 60 or over, have a disability or hold an eligible concession or pension card, then you qualify to use the service. You can also bring a carer or dependent children (under 10) with you for free. When you book, the operator will check to make sure you qualify.

Medication Packing

Each year, approximately 140,000 people are admitted to hospital due to medication mismanagement. Our Pharmacists can organise medications in convenient and disposable weekly Easy Meds packs to ensure that medicines are taken safely and appropriately to achieve optimal health outcomes.

4GR Mayoral Carols by Candlelight Toowoomba

They are perfect for people who take multiple medications, take them at different times of the day, or forget to take their tablets. Our Pharmacists can also manage your scripts and liaise with your doctor to ensure you never run out of your medication.

Christmas is in the air! Come along and celebrate the 4GR Mayoral Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 4 December 2016 in Queens Park, Cnr Lindsay and Margaret Street. Booklets and Candles can be purchased on the night – Booklets $1 and Candles $2.

8 Mylne St, Toowoomba - PH: (07) 4637 1888 toowoombacentral@discountdrugstores.com.au

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To take the stress out of managing your medications this holiday season, come in-store to speak to our Pharmacist about Easy Meds packs.

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

Seniors Bingo

Mark your calendars for a game of bingo and free morning tea at: Crow’s Nest Community Centre Wednesday 1 February 2017 Toowoomba City Library, Level 3 Thursday 2 February 2017 Oakey Cultural Centre Friday 3 February 2017 Pittsworth Function Centre Tuesday 7 February 2017 Millmerran Cultural Centre Wednesday 8 February 2017 Booking are essential, call council on 131 872 after 14 December to ensure you get a seat.

CHANGE Live your best life possible

PROJECT

Family Foodies:

Come along to a free Family Foodies workshop during the school holidays to learn about healthy eating and developing cooking skills together with your family.

Next Family Foodies workshop: Saturday 10 December 2016 9.30am to 10.30am Goombungee Hall (Edward St) Bookings: 131 872 or www.tr.qld.gov.au/change Participants receive a free healthy recipes cookbook and access to online support.

TRC_1116_SN

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4 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Volunteers give it life Recognition given to the people behind the scenes were husband and wife Sam and Faye Nixon, who have each given 15 years of service to the cause.

Sam was pragmatic when asked about the award, saying he had been glad of “something to do” since retiring. He started work at Lifeline’s furniture shop, but moved to the Perth St shop after a few years when the heavy work got too much for him. Similarly, despite back problems which have limited her mobility, Faye remains keen to play her part and now works from home, pricing jewellery and doing button work for the shop.

According to Sam, it’s a win-win situation. He enjoys doing something for others, but also keeping himself active, and he says friendships

WE COULDN’T do it without them, was the simple message from Lifeline Darling Downs chief executive officer Derek Tuffield on the presentation of 10, 15 and 20-year service awards to volunteers recently.

“Without our volunteer workforce … we would not be able to continue to fund our life-saving and life-changing crisis support services which we offer free to so many in need across Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and South West region,” Mr Tuffield said.

“We simply could not celebrate our success as an organisation without the dedicated support of our volunteers.”

Among those honoured

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE: Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland vice- chairman Andrew Taylor, volunteers Joyce Ballon, Kathy Van der Meulen, Faye and Sam Nixon, and regional chairman Shane MacDonald.

develop both with other volunteers and “over the counter” with customers, many of whom he knows by name.

Lifeline has more than 350 volunteers, a large majority of whom are over 55 years old, who collectively put in close to 13,000 hours per year and become the public face of the organisation by working in the 17 retail

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Volunteers can give as little as three hours per week or join in annual events such as Bookfest and Christmas Wonderland.

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NOW in its seventh year, the Loads of Love Appeal is designed to allow everybody that is able, to help to contribute towards relieving some of the pressure people will be feeling over Christmas.

The Loads of Love Appeal runs until the 20 December. Your donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries can be made at any of our 17 Lifeline retail stores, at our head office in Russell Street or our Distribution Centre in Stephen Street. You can also collect and return your Loads of Love bags to any of the 61 Heritage Bank branches across Southern Queensland.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 5

Tadpoles get the gold Fun, fitness and a bit of competition at the Masters

BY ALISON HOUSTON

AT 90, Toowoomba’s Ann Todd has added another six gold medals from the recent Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast to her collection The oldest member of the Toowoomba Tadpoles swimming club did not just take gold in the 50m and 400m backstroke, she also earned state and national records in both.

Her other golds were awarded for the 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke and the 100m and 200m backstroke.

Having swum at school, Ann had an almost 50-year hiatus from the sport when she lived 145km out of Longreach.

It was only when she returned to Toowoomba and saw her grandson excelling in the pool that she decided to return to swimming.

That was about 15 years ago, and she admits that on her first attempt,

she couldn’t even get to the end of the 25m pool.

But the woman who went on to claim the record for the fastest 1500m backstroke at 80 was not going to give up.

"It’s been wonderful for me," she said. She marvels at the fact that having grown up in an era when overseas travel for pleasure was almost unheard of, she has now swum in World Masters in Canada, England, Casablanca, Italy and Sweden. And her next stop is the 2017 Games in Budapest, Hungary.

"It’s better than couch-sitting," she laughs. "It’s good to be able to get out and do something. There’s life in the old girl yet.

"I’m 90 now, so I intend to enjoy life and make the most of it."

Ann, who gave up tennis and golf only at the start of this year, swims three mornings a week and has taken up bridge to, "exercise my brain as well as my body".

TERRIFIC TADPOLES: Front from left, Rosalie Lutvey, Ann Todd, Beres Hindman. Back, Lionel Scotney, Sue Walker and Vanessa O'Sullivan. Missing is Mary Dolphin.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

A total of seven Tadpoles attended the Games, with Beres Hindman gaining a gold, silver and three bronze, Rosalie Lutvey two silver and a bronze, Vanessa O’Sullivan three bronze, Sue Walker a bronze, Mary Dolphin scoring a number of personal bests and

Lionel Scotney swimming in eight events and two relays.

Club vice-president Lou Hill said the club, which has a membership of 68, was all about fun, fitness and friendship.

Members could train as hard as they wanted or felt comfortable with, and

while many travel to competitions throughout the year, others just enjoy a social swim.

The only prerequisite is that you can swim the length of the 25m pool.

Coaching and stroke improvement are available.

But do you have to be

an expert? "Oh, definitely not, I swim," Lou laughs.

And that probably sums up the spirit of the Tadpoles, and what attracts members, the majority of whom are 50-70 years old.

To find out more about the club, call Lou on 0434 633 869.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Talk ‘n’ Court a bright light in Michelle’s FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

STRONG: Michelle has had a tough life.

MEET Michelle. She’s a warm and stable 64-year-old lady, divorced with two adult children and lives in Brisbane.

She is one person who doubts if she would be alive today without this assistance.

If you checked Michelle’s CV you would find an impressive work career including administration in prime minister Gough Whitlam’s office, secretary to an

SBS chairman and, with her husband, she owned and managed a successful coast tourism business.

In the private sphere, she boasts two children in their late 30s, who are educated, employed and good people.

She was divorced after 20 years of marriage.

What won’t be noted down is how her daughter battled a dreadful drug addiction at 19 years old, followed by a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and how Michelle had to leave her own career to care for her and ensure her daughter’s passage to health.

“I just did what any mother would do,” she

said.

After that, her divorce further damaged her financial situation.

“I had a little money,” she said.

“And while I didn’t have to pay full rent, I managed.”

For some time a friend rented her their holiday house.

When that ended, her former husband let her live in his unit and pay just $100 per week.

When he wanted to raise more rent, she had to leave. His money was from his family, not from their marriage.

Michelle’s personal grooming portrays an innate stylishness.

Her smile is warm and she’s ready to be upfront with me, but she is challenged.

Due to cancer treatment, she has lost all her teeth. She shows her underarm, where a long scar has replaced skin excised to replace her cancerous tongue.

Nevertheless, she’s happy to make the effort to speak and is easily understood.

“The doctor said that it’s only because I was such an articulate speaker that I am managing to speak this clearly now,” she said.

Michelle is also speaking now because she was fortunate to find

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

thoughts

Seniors 7

Share your thoughts

Do you think the government should rethink the former NRAS funding?

Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

life

HOW GOVERNMENT ACTIONS CAN AFFECT THE PROPERTY MARKET

accommodation at Bowen Court, New Farm.

What is Bowen Court?

An innovative partnership between Blue Care (Uniting Care Queensland) and BHC (Brisbane Housing Company) resulted in the substantial renovation of an existing, uninhabitable building into affordable, modern apartments for low-income earners over the age of 55.

Joint owners Blue Care were approved for 51 incentives (rent assistance) under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

BHC undertakes the tenancy management at

NRAS (National Affordable Rent Assistance Scheme) 2014: The Abbot-led federal government abandoned the fifth instalment of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (known more commonly as NRAS). Applicants who applied for the fifth round of approvals (which closed in August 2013) were abandoned entirely.

Conversely, those projects already formally approved still received government concessions. To date (2014), NRAS delivered 14,575 dwellings, with another 23,884 in the pipeline.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING BHC COMPANY PROFILE BHC is an independent, social business (with both public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient status) that provides affordable rental accommodation. Since the organisation started in 2002, it has developed more than 1500 homes in key growth areas.

BHC has created more than $400 million in residential dwellings and has sold in excess of $100 million to investors and owner-occupiers.

The portfolio is the largest wholly-owned, purpose-built affordable housing portfolio in Queensland.

ITS APPROACH BHC’s rents are set at a discount tied to the local area’s market rental value, ensuring a balance between affordability for tenants and the financial viability as a social business. BHC retains ownership and/or management of the majority of the housing developed and therefore has long-term vested interest in these communities.

BHC’s mixed-tenure model means many of its developments are home to low–medium-income tenants, owner-occupiers and market renters alike. Through this approach, BHC offers investors and owner-occupiers the opportunity to purchase properties that are competitive in the market, with the additional social benefits of contributing to Queensland’s supply of affordable housing.

the development and NRAS compliance for incentives. ❚ Bowen Court took out the 2016 UDIA Award for

Affordable Housing for the transformation of a former aging retirement village into a thriving inner-city community for over-55s.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Live and

Let’s be frugal but very festive BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN OF COURSE you bought your Christmas cards and wrapping paper when it was on sale in January, right?

No? Well here’s some ideas to save you money before the merry madness begins.

Let’s look at Christmas gift wrapping and decorations on a budget.

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Who do you call...

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane) Centrelink: Retirement 132 300 Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717 Employment Services 132 850 Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500 Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (Regional)

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★ Discount stores will have the cheap, thin paper but does it really matter when it gets ripped off and thrown away? ★ If you buy the expensive wrap, you can always recycle it for next year. ★ You can make your own wrapping paper by buying a roll of brown paper. Add some ribbon in Christmas colours and tie off with gum nuts or holly. ★ Save your boxes and containers of various sizes from the recycling bin. ★ Wrap them in Christmas paper and use for the more delicate gifts.

★ Table decorations – some can be pretentious so for a more natural and less expensive alternative, fill a glass jar

or vase with Christmas bush or some greenery from your garden, add water and a tea-light for a floating candle effect. ★ Wreaths – get artistic by using many materials such as flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs, ornaments and candy canes. ★ Pine cones – spray paint them gold or silver or roll the pine cone in some glue and then in some glitter for a sparkly finish. ★ Hang from your tree with a ribbon. ★ Cinnamon bundles – take five cinnamon sticks and form a bundle.

Tie with a piece of ribbon or string and make a bow on top and use as a place setting on the table. ★ Bauble ornaments – remove the top off the clear balls and add glue and glitter or tinsel inside for a brighter, more decorative effect.

✰CHRISTMAS TREE✰

★ If you’re over dragging out the old artificial tree, go evergreen and use a live plant or tree.

You can decorate it for the festive season then use in your home or garden after the season is over. ★ Alternatively, find an old spray of branches and paint them gold or silver, add some fairy lights and you have a festive look and an up-cycled tree.

Have a very merry and thrifty Christmas.

Keeping

YES, IT is possible to enjoy your Christmas lunch without breaking the bank. The best way to do this is to share the load and a budget. Don’t hesitate if a guest asks if they can bring something.

Have a list ready to go and write down who is bringing what so you get a good coverage and don’t double up.

Make it simple and just remember don’t overdo it.

Start with a punch and a few dips and nibbles.

Just a few as you don’t want to ruin your lunch: also ask guests to BYO drinks.

If you decide to go with the seafood lunch you can go to your local fishing co-op before Christmas and order the prawns. Buy green and frozen prawns as they are much nicer when you poach your own.

CHEAP EATS, NO TRUFFLES CHRISTINE PERKIN The sweet, meaty flavour of prawns makes them perfect contenders for poaching and helps to retain moisture and gives the opportunity to add flavour by adding aromatics to the poaching liquid.

Prawn cocktails are a nice starter. Making your own dressing for prawns is so quick and simple instead of paying $. If you buy in bulk, you can reduce the cost per kilo quite significantly. Why not see if a friend wants to go halves in a 5kg box of prawns?

Independence When You Want it, Support When You Need it.

• Large 2 bedroom air conditioned units

• Community centre for the residents’ use

• Shops, doctors and large variety of recreational clubs within minutes of the village

• Choice of plans

• Beautiful landscaped gardens

• Taxi service available

• Friendly secure lifestyle

Merry Christmas from

The Grange Country Villas 17 Short St Pittsworth

• Bus to Toowoomba – leaves from right outside the village

Phone Diane and Doug on 4693 3734

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• 24 hour emergency call buttons

let’s save TOP FIVE TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND STILL SAVE 1. ALLOCATE MONEY IN ADVANCE

it simple Calamari and mussels are tasty and cheap seafood so don’t hesitate using these delicious sustainable morsels on a platter. If you buy sliced leg ham from the deli instead a large piece or leg you will only use what you need far less outlay.

Buying cheaper cuts of meat can save bucks and will taste wonderful when marinaded and cooked slowly. This can save quite a few dollars off your budget if you use a shoulder cut instead of leg of lamb or pork buy early before the rush and freeze. Roast chicken is also a better idea than turkey much cheaper and less prone to drying out.

Making your own sauces can be very simple, quick and cost effective and yum.

Why not have a baking

day and make your own mince tarts and plum pudding? Home-made always taste better. The process is fairly simple for mince tarts. Buy the pastry and a jar of fruit mince from your local supermarket and bake a batch. Shortbread is also another simple treat to make. Plum pudding can be fiddly but well worth the effort.

Cold desserts can be made of fresh fruit with dipping sauce, pavlova and my all-time favourite trifle.

Just remember less is more so you can enjoy your day. Try to make sure most of your preparation is done the day before or earlier and write that list of what you need to do and when to do it.

Have a very tasty and Merry Christmas!

Even though Christmas is an annual event, many people don’t prepare themselves financially in the lead-up to December.

It is actually the perfect time to create a personal budget. Allocating money in advance is a great way to prevent finances from going into the red during one of the most expensive times of year.

Before deciding on the amount of money for Christmas spending and gift buying, put together a comprehensive budget and cash flow forecast as this will help determine the final figure. In the budget, include all additional expenses such as food, drinks and socialising. For parents, sticking to one main present per child is a good way to prevent overspending.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE SHOPPING

Get in early and make online bargains part of your Christmas shopping mix. Completing payments with debit cards rather than credit cards avoids the risk of being hit by a seasonal spending surcharge – in the form of unwanted interest payments in the new year. A great way to make sure you stay within the Christmas budget you have set is by keeping an ongoing tally

of your spending.

3. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE KRIS KRINGLE

If your family still spends up big at Christmas, it’s time to introduce them to the delights of Kris Kringle. Not only does it have an element of surprise, but it also helps to considerably reduce the cost of gifts for everyone. Kris Kringle involves buying one significant gift of meaning for one person, rather than lots of little ‘obligatory’ presents that people either don’t need or don’t want.

4. SET UP A SAVINGS PLAN

Saving $20 per week might not seem like a lot but it adds up. A set-and-forget periodic payment of this amount in your internet banking will give you $1000 to spend on Christmas this time next year. This proves the old adage that little and often really does fill the purse or wallet.

5. FIND OUT WHAT OTHERS WANT

Gift vouchers can also be great presents to give as Christmas is always followed by the sales period, with most retailers starting their sales on Boxing Day. Ensure the recipient is aware of the expiry date so it can be redeemed within the set time frame.

For more information, go to www.sortmymoney. com.au.

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 9

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Also ask about Time for Grandparents, a program providing time out for eligible grandparents, activities for grandchildren, grandfamily camps and support with school camps.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 11

SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au

AT FIRST I was enchanted, but then it turned on me.

Now I’m not so sure.

I’m talking about being called aunty. Aunty Ann. I am a fair-dinkum aunty to a few nieces and nephews and it is one thing to be called Aunty Ann by them (even though I’d rather they just dropped the Aunty bit to make me sound younger), but when an entire country starts on with the Aunty Ann business… well… as I said, I’m not so sure.

It happened in the Cook Islands, a most friendly and warm and beautiful place. We were greeted at the airport by Cook Island tourism ambassador Aunty Nane.

Her head bedecked with flowers and with a garment we used to call a mu-mu cascading dramatically over her wonderfully plump curves, Aunty Nane embodied the

essence of everything you’d expect in a seasoned Cook Islander.

She kissed our cheeks and put strings of perfumed gardenias around our necks and we loved her immediately.

“How come you’re called Aunty Nane,” we asked when we’d got to know her (a whole five minutes after meeting).

“Any woman over a certain age is called Aunty,” she said giving me a knowing look “It is what we do here, Aunty Ann.” Well, it was all Aunty Ann coming at me from then on.

At first I enjoyed it.

It had a personal affection about it, a ‘you-are-my-family-now’ inclusion.

But the small problem was, I was travelling with a couple of younger women, both in their mid-30s, and each time we were introduced to others, it was a case of “This is Miss Penny and Miss Angela… and Aunty Ann.” That’s when the ‘not so sure about this’ part kicked it.

Everyone we met automatically called the

girls by their first names and then tacked an ‘aunty’ onto mine.

My age became a glaring factor in the Cook Islands.

Now, this was not a bad thing.

But it took a lot of getting used to in the week I spent in this tropical island haven and just as I had accepted it, and was almost basking in the ‘aunty’ title, came a real downer.

One man, a distinguished European hotelier who hadn’t been in the Cook Islands long himself, called me ‘Mamma Ann.’ Mamma! It was said with respect, but still Mamma!

This title, I learnt, is reserved for really old Cook Island women.

What could I do? The Cook Islanders love and revere their seniors and there is no doubting I am a senior.

If I am fortunate enough to go back to the Cook Islands, I’ll make a point of travelling with women much older than me.

See Aunty Ann’s Cook Island adventures on p21.

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12 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Community Deadline for the January issue is January 7. Please email your notes to: communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au

Red Hatters fun,food and friends

TOOWOOMBA HOSPICE

THE Eternity Tree has raised another $5000 recently for the local charity. The solid bronze tree consists of 574 individually designed leaves in memory of a relative or friend that can be purchased for $195 each. After purchase, the leaves are inscribed (2 lines, with an additional 2 lines available at $30/line) and restored to the tree, where they will be preserved in the beautiful garden setting at TS Burstow Funerals. At the ‘re-fertilising’ Mr Jim Sampson from Toowoomba Garden City Rotary said it would be great to sell the remaining

GOOD TIMES: Cabarlah and the Lockyer Lovelies red hat chapter at the Sundowner Saloon at Haigslea farewelling Vice Queen Susan.

219 leaves so the club can make another donation to the Hospice.

Money raised from the Eternity Project has

contributed to new floor coverings in the Hospice clinical area, as well as the repainting of the inside and outside of the

entire building to give a fresh look. For details about the Eternity Tree Project call 4636 9600.

• •

•

U3A TOOWOOMBA

U3A IN Toowoomba Inc. have enjoyed a most interesting 2016 year.

We now look forward to the future with great enthusiasm as there are many new classes as well as the majority carrying on into the New Year. If you are interested in meeting new friends, continue to learn without the hassle of exams then come and look around on the Open Days where you can meet and talk to the majority of tutors and committee members.

Open Morning is on January 23 from 9.30am to 11.30am at Philharmonic Complex, 7 Matthews Street, Toowoomba. The Pittsworth Open Morning is on January 24 from 9.30am to 11.30am at the Pioneer Village, Pittsworth. The Toowoomba Office will be open from January 11 to

13 and January 16 to 20 from 9am to midday each day to give those loyal members a chance to pay and get the early bird discount.

There will be committee members there to explain about U3A in Toowoomba and the different classes if you are new and interested in joining.

There are approximately 160 classes held each week, so there is plenty of variety, days and venues to suit all interests.

Details call 4687 7659.

LOCKYER LOVELIES RED HAT CHAPTER

WE HAD an outing to the Sundowner Saloon at Haigslea to farewell our vice Queen Susan. The ladies from Cabarlah and Coominya chapters joined us for a fun day, with everyone dressing to the theme. The Red Hat Society is a wonderful way for ladies over fifty to CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

• • • • • •

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

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Seniors 13

14 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs FROM PAGE 12

socialise and make friends.

The only rules being you wear purple clothes and a red hat unless a special outing, no men and no children allowed.

Every chapter has a Queen who does the organising of events.

There are four chapters in the Toowoomba area and many thousands of members worldwide.

If ladies would like to find more information go to www.matildarose2.com

neigbourhood news

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Fun celebration to end the year

HOPE

WANTED – Old Corflute Signs.

Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc. is seeking the community’s support through the provision of old corflute signs that can be reused for their 2017 programs of events, projects and other activities.

So, if you have old promotional, advertising, event or election signs that you no longer need, please consider donating them to HOPE. Please drop off the unwanted corflute signs to the HOPE office situated at 22 Vacy Street, Newtown, Toowoomba.

CHRISTMAS FUN: Garden City-Toowoomba National Seniors members Dell and Len Penrose enjoyed their Christmas Luncheon at the Drayton Bowls Club.

GARDEN CITY/TOOWOOMBA NATIONAL SENIORS

THE LAST activity of Garden City - Toowoomba National Seniors, for 2016, was their Christmas Party.

Over 110 members and visitors enjoyed each others company, the entertainment by Scott Tweedie and the lovely lunch served by the Drayton Bowls Club members.

The next meeting of our branch will be on Monday January 16 commencing at 9.30am at Drayton

Bowls Club. Cost $7.

Visitors welcome.

For more information call Hazel on 4635 4519.

GATTON CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL THE MAGIC that is Christmas will transform Gatton’s main street into a festive wonderland for the annual Gatton Christmas Carnival.

Come along from 5.30pm on Friday 16 December to share the Christmas spirit with family and friends. With heaps of entertainment

for young and old, Council’s Mayor Tanya Milligan encouraged residents to join in the fun.

There will be everything from ham wheels to food stalls, free face painting and wrist bands for unlimited rides up for grabs for only $5. And of course, Santa will arrive at 5.30pm and be on stage at 8.25pm.

Add to the night the Lockyer Valley Celtic Pipe Band, fitness and dance performers, Lockyer Valley Highland Dancers and Starlite dancers and it really will be a wonderful

night. There will be live music by country sensation Bridget O’Shannessy and local band "Island Vibes".

Winners of the Gatton Christmas Carnival Colouring Competition will also be officially announced on the night.

Top it all off with the final Town Proud draw and it’s sure to be an evening not to miss!

Come along and join the community and spread the joy of Christmas across our region.

Visit www.luvyalockyer.com.au or call 5466 3426 for details.

TOOWOOMBA QUILTERS CLUB INC

AT THE recent morning tea and presentation of a prize quilt and monies from the Toowoomba Quilters Club Inc. Toowoomba resident, Yasmine Allan, received her prize quilt from the Toowoomba Quilters Club recently, while the proceeds of ticket sales were presented to Mark Munro for The Toowoomba Hospice at the same presentation.

Toowoomba Quilter’s Exhibition Convener Ms Betty Fawcett said the magnificent prize quilt is a

hand appliquéd design of Dianne Johnston’s featuring hand dyed fabrics. "At least nine members of the Toowoomba Quilters Club with needle turn appliqué skills collaborated to produce all the blocks and sashings to make the large quilt.

The quilt was superbly custom quilted by Quilt Affair and bound by another keen member."

The quilt took 18 months to complete and won 2nd prize in the Collaborative Quilt section of the 2016 Qld Quilt Show and was authentically valued at $3,720. Ms Fawcett said the club was delighted with the end result of $7,414.00 being raised The Hospice was chosen as Art Union recipient following their exceptional palliative care of one of our former members.

Toowoomba Hospice Administration and Fundraising Manager Mr Mark Munro Adopting a Room provides the Toowoomba Hospice with financial assistance to maintain client facilities and to continue to provide professional palliative care.

For more information on being part of the adopt a room campaign you can call the Hospice on 4659 8500.

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Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 15

Riding their way to the win

THE Palm Lake Resort and Seniors Newspapers’ $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway competition brought out the creativity and sense of humour in hundreds of entrants.

There were so many great entries, it was hard to pick. But in the end, there is only one winner and that is ... Rodney and Jenny Simmons, who were helped to victory by an internet-savvy son with a larrikin streak.

Rodney, 70, said his son spotted the caravan competition online and sent an email off to Seniors Newspapers to request a sticker, after telling him it would be the perfect prize for he and Jenny to try for.

When the sticker arrived in Windsor, NSW, where the family has lived for all of Rodney’s life, its Retired Not Expired slogan struck a chord.

“We’ve retired all right, but we’ve not had it yet,” Rodney said.

The couple’s three sons have a small farm at Pitt Town where the grandkids go to ride their bikes and get away from it all – and it was there the creative spark arrived for the

DELIGHTED WINNERS: Rodney and Jenny Simmons were the lucky winners of the $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway with this creative photo. BELOW: Some of the other entries in the competition.

photo. Rodney, who often visits the farm to mow the lawns for the kids, said one son had come across a life-size bull statue some years ago that had pride of place in the

paddock. “We were walking past and my son said to his mother, ‘Jump on that bull!’ ” Rodney said.

“She told him she’d never be able to get up on

it and he went and got her a ladder. Old mother climbed up the ladder and I pretended to be getting chased over the fence.

“It was funny. We were having a scream of a

laugh about it.”

Rodney said in 70 years they’d never won anything of note, until now.

“It doesn’t happen to us. We’re just little old parents who’ve got three

boys, two granddaughters and four grandsons,” Rodney said.

“You cannot believe how pleased we are.”

Palm Lake Resort chief executive officer Manuel Lang and Seniors Newspapers general manager Geoff Crockett chose the winning entry at PLR headquarters on the Gold Coast on Monday, November 28.

Mr Lang said it was a great photograph that really captured the spirit of the Retired Not Expired motto. He said it was wonderful to see the prize going to such a deserving family.

Mr Crockett agreed, saying the judging process had been a lot of fun and generated lots of laughs and plenty of challenges.

He congratulated all the entrants on their efforts and wished the Simmons happy travels with their new van.

The Win a $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway competition opened in August and has been a partnership between Palm Lake Resort and Seniors Newspapers.

Thanks so much to all those who entered.

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Please consider leaving a gift in your Will to The Kids’ Cancer Project, an independent national charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.

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16 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Wellbeing

Proudly brought to you by

Healthy habits

BY ALISON HOUSTON

CAROL Archer has never been a slouch when it comes to health and fitness, with a background in pilates and exercise for women.

But at 60, and having retired about 18 months ago, she became determined not to become inactive, in fact, to become more active than ever. That’s where Toowoomba Council’s free four-week Healthy Habits program came in.

Part of the Change Project, and run in partnership with Willows Heath and Lifestyle, it offers residents online challenges and easy tips to improve their health and well-being. Figures show that almost half of Australian adults do not participate in sufficient physical activity.

The project began on

November 14, and after just one week Carol had already begun integrating aspects of the program into her daily life.

Over the past year, she had begun doing more dance, tennis, tried croquet and discovered the joys of walking, which led to adventures including her first wilderness hike in Tasmania.

However, Healthy Habits starts by asking participants what health and well-being means to them as an individual and goes on from that point.

There is information which makes you aware of your habits and tips and ideas on how you can change.

Ideally, she says, the program allows you to change one small thing at a time so that you don’t become overwhelmed.

“I think there’s something in Healthy

Habits for everyone,” Carol said. For instance, she was already walking a short distance, but has now added some vigorous walking to that – not too hard with Toowoomba’s hills! Her 10-minute walk has turned into an hour and she now walks to the shop instead of driving.

She’s also realised it’s important to add in relaxation and stretching sessions.

“I love being active, but I need to give my body time to recover as well, so I’m choosing to take time out every day just to breathe, out in a beautiful spot, or to put on some music at home and stop and breathe. It’s about awareness.”

Carol has also found that using a step monitor and the program’s tracking system has made her more mindful of her activities, so that she now

BEAUTIFUL LIFE: Carol Archer says she feels like a teenager again as she explores her new world through walking in beautiful places like Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

chooses to go for a walk in a beautiful place rather than sitting on the couch.

She has also altered her sleep patterns, choosing to turn off the computer screen at 7.30pm and going to bed at 9–10pm after reading a book to relax.

In the past, she admits she could be on the computer until midnight

and her brain still buzzing at 3am.

“That’s what is wonderful about the Healthy Habits program, that it helps create lifelong habits.

“The key thing is it isn’t about fitness or going to a gym or exercise classes; it’s about moving more and recognising movement is exercise and

doing it your own way.”

If you’d like to follow Carol’s journey, you can find her Wise Women page, celebrating women being healthy and active for life, through and beyond menopause at https://www.facebook. com/carol.archer.393.

For information on the next Healthy Habits program, call 131 872.

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Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

Evidence hard to swallow Experts warn air pollution is killing us

CRUNCHING NUMBERS ❚ 27,519 healthy years of life are lost by Australians every year from exposure to air pollution ❚ 3000 Australians die preventable deaths each year from air pollution ❚ $2.4billion – the total economic cost in the year 2000 of air pollution from motor vehicles alone. ❚ Up to $8.4 billion – the annual estimated health costs of air pollution in Sydney. ❚ Zero – the safe level of exposure to many of the major air pollutants.

MORE than 3000 Australians die premature deaths each year from SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AUSTRALIA urban air pollution, with seniors among the most susceptible, experts have warned.

World Health Organisation Director in the department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health Dr Maria Neira said the evidence of health issues and deaths linked to air pollution was too big to ignore.

"The risks from air pollution are now far greater than previously thought or understood, particularly for heart disease and strokes," she said. "Few risks have a greater impact on global health today than air HIGH RISK: An estimated 3000 Australians die each year from air-pollution. pollution; the evidence signals the need for concerted action to clean disadvantaged, those Few risks have a greater up the air we all breathe." living near major roads or WHO estimates indoor industrial areas and in impact on global health air pollution was linked to some cases rural areas. today than air pollution; the 4.3 million deaths The people most evidence signals the need for worldwide in 2012 and susceptible to health externally 3.7 million issues caused by air concerted action to clean up the air deaths from urban and pollutants are the elderly, we all breathe. rural sources. children, pregnant women — Dr Maria Neira, World Health Organisation It states the increasing and unborn children and number of factories and people with chronic motor vehicles, which disease.

Department of effects, he said it all came release harmful gases, is The Chairman of Elanra Pharmacology and down to the balance of a major contributing factor Medical, a Gold Bioclimatology (Hebrew ions in the air. to respiratory issues in Coast-based company University Israel) said, it is “These winds cause a western countries. which specialises in air a direct result of this type large increase of positive Griffith University’s quality and its impact on of hot, dry wind with low ions in the air. It is this School of Engineering the human body, Joshua humidity that is notorious mixed with the pollutants Professor Igor Agranovski Shaw, said the recent hot, for causing depression, that is bad for mankind,” said major air pollutants dry wind in Victoria which allergies, asthma, fatigue, he said. affecting Australians right saw hundreds of people migraine, irritability and Positive ions are now were inorganic and suffer asthma attacks and moodiness plus more,” Mr believed to be linked to organic gases, particles of allergic reactions, was Shaw said. making people feel mineral nature and proof air pollution was rife Having spent more than lethargic, tired and biological particles. in our society. half a century studying depressed whereas He said those most at "Just as Professor F G this phenomena and negative ions are linked to risk were the Sulman of the trying to reverse its feelings of energy and

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He said the way we lived today meant more positive ions were produced every day, creating an imbalance.

"The impact of living in concrete vertical villages (apartments), wearing synthetic clothes, synthetic carpets and fluorescent lights, wi-fi and air conditioning are the biggest modern issues," Mr Shaw said.

"This modern way of living has separated us from the earth, the way we were intended to live, creating a large quantity of positive ions in the air; too many.”

Mr Shaw developed Elanra ionisers in an attempt to rebalance the ion levels.

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wellbeing

Get the check hearing from people with personal experience of prostate cancer.

“We were joined by prostate cancer survivor Mark Forbes, who came to share his story, and it was also great to have Jo on hand to answer any medical questions the men might have,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Mark’s an ex-builder, and still working in the building industry, so he identifies with working men, and just as importantly they identify with him, it’s far more effective to have someone who’s willing to share their own experience.”

At 42 Mr Forbes was one of the youngest people to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in Queensland. He said he hoped his story would force men to look at their own health from a new perspective.

“The reason I do these talks is to scare blokes into going to their GP to organise a simple blood test, because prostate cancer is a silent killer,” he said.

“I was only 42, I had no symptoms to show any problems with my prostate, but I’d had an

Christmas gift ideas for Over-50s TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON

SAVING LIVES: Prostate cancer specialist nurse Jo Hiscock; guest speaker Mark Forbes and Live Well Australia program manager Bella Reynolds.

upset stomach for quite a while.

“Like most men I wasn’t keen on going to the doctor but thankfully my wife kept pestering me to go and when I did the doctor ordered a blood test and also ticked the PSA test on the form.

“It was lucky he did because, while the upset stomach turned out to be nothing to do with my prostate, the PSA test came back showing a higher-than-normal level, and that continued to increase rapidly over the next few months, so in my case if I hadn’t had that first check-up, there’s no doubt that I wouldn’t be

Join Us Online Get online to find your news, your way.

here today. I would encourage all blokes, once they turn 40, to go to their GP, have a general check-up, and make sure they ask to have a blood test to check their prostate.

“Not having a simple check could mean the difference between detecting something early, getting treatment and surviving, or not being around to live out the rest of your life, or worse, leaving your family without a husband and father."

To contact the Movember foundation for fundraising details call 1300 GROW MO (1300 476 966).

Feeling social?

Join the conversation!

ONE or more of these books would be a great Christmas present for anyone over 50 (including yourself). Here’s what they cover: The Rest of Your Life helps you to get an understanding about what life in retirement is really like. It covers handling change, your health, your finances, relationships, your mind and emotions and future work. It features more than 20 different experts and focuses on all the great opportunities that life in some form of retirement offers.

How to be Happy, Retired and Single is the singles version of The Rest of Your Life.

Retirement for singles is quite different to the issues that couples need to manage. This book provides some very useful information in an area that has been which is largely ignored by the

retirement industry.

How to stay Healthy, Active and Sharp in Retirement. We are not condemned to an inevitable future of declining physical and mental capacity. The medical experts who wrote chapters in this book have stated that it’s possible to delay and sometimes avoid many of the common effects of aging. If you’d like to enjoy a better quality of life in your 50s, 60s and 70s, this book shows you how.

Relationships in our 50s–60s and beyond.

Find out how a relationship can thrive in retirement. This book focusses on the issues that mature adults need to manage in retirement and gives practical, easy-to-follow advice.

These books are used by some of the biggest superannuation funds in Australia to help their members be better prepared for the next stage of their lives. They can be purchased on our website at www.mylife change.com.au. This is a Christmas present that can make a real difference in the life of the person you give it to.

It’s Good to Share

Submit your photos, stories, events and notices online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page.

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

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TOOWOOMBA-BASED prostate cancer specialist nurse Jo Hiscock was part of a group helping to take the Movember message to staff at Acland New Hope mine recently.

“Movember is all about reducing the number of men who are dying too soon from treatable diseases, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to come out here and give the men some education about prostate cancer and the importance of monitoring their health,” Ms Hiscock said.

“If we can encourage the men to keep a check on themselves and monitor their PSA (prostate specific antigen) level through a yearly blood test then that’s a big step towards them maintaining their health for a lot longer.”

The Toowoomba prostate cancer support group, in conjunction with workplace wellness program provider Live Well Australia, organised to have a special guest speaker talk to staff at Acland New Hope mine.

Live Well Australia program manager Bella Reynolds said the staff at Acland appreciated

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Bodribb has been providing quality trusted care to the aged in Toowoomba for over 100 years – today this care is available in our beautiful home or yours. No matter where you receive our care, costs are government subsidised and all services are accredited.

We currently have a spacious fully self-contained one bedroom unit in our Retirement Village available for $205,000. Our Village residents enjoy independence within a caring community and are able to access services and support as required, including 24 hour nursing care in our adjoining residential facility if and when it’s needed.

For more information, please contact Colleen Stark on 4632 4188 during normal business hours, or visit our website www.brodhome.org.au

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 19

Oxygen Therapy

Radiation Care Jenny, a 48-year-old pelvic cancer survivor started experiencing symptoms of chronic radiation damage seven months after her treatment and she sought help from the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Australia’s largest, private and fully comprehensive hyberbaric facility.

“I found it difficult getting out of cars, bending down, getting off the couch or from a sitting position,” said Jenny. “My experience was also one of instability or a sense of instability, I didn’t feel strong and so stopped wearing shoes that had a heel on them as I felt I might fall. Even coughing caused discomfort. Internally I felt swollen and tender. They were vague symptoms in many ways but things just didn’t feel right.

“After my consultation at the WCHM I was keen to start straight away. In the end I undertook the full 40 treatments.

Initially, there was no improvement after the first 10 treatments but that is to be expected. Between 10-20 treatments I thought I felt more comfortable. From 20 treatments on I knew I was improving.

Gradually less discomfort, no pain.”

Jenny continued to improve after her HBOT sessions ended and it wasn’t long before she was back in high heels.

See www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au for more information

Almost half of the 131,000 new cases of cancer that will be diagnosed in Australia this year will be treated with radiation therapy as part of the overall healing process.

The advancements made in radiation therapy means it can now target tumours more accurately and minimise damage to the surrounding tissue.

However, despite these improvements, the normal tissue surrounding the tumour may be affected with the impact not realised for months, sometimes years after the treatment ends. This chronic radiation damage can affect the bone and or soft tissue and is generally a result of scarring or the narrowing of the blood vessels in the treatment area.

During radiation, many of the smallest of blood vessels may be damaged or destroyed, which then limits the access of ingredients necessary for healing such as oxygen, antibiotics, nutrition, vitamins and growth factors. If the process is prolonged and the healthy tissue does not receive enough blood, then the tissue can die and in the past would have required surgery to remove it.

But doctors are finding excellent success with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) which works by improving blood circulation, supplying more oxygen to damaged tissue, reducing scarring and increasing stem cell activity.

Patients have 30 - 40 two-hour sessions in a pressurised hyperbaric chamber like the world-class facility at the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine which operates on the grounds of the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. The combination of the pressure and 100% oxygen drives the dissolved oxygen into the plasma giving the body the building blocks it needs to repair itself. Generally, oxygen is transported around the body only by your red blood cells but HBOT allows the oxygen to be dissolved into the plasma, central nervous system fluids, the lymph glands, even the bone and can therefore be carried to areas where circulation has been reduced. So oxygen can reach the damaged tissues and support and enhance the body’s healing process.

HBOT has had its most publicised success in treating the damage to the jaw bone as a result of cancers of the head or neck but it is also helpful for people who have had radiation therapy for the pelvis for prostrate or gynaecological cancers and developed injuries to the bladder and bowel. Research published in medical journals also point to benefits to women who have complications after surgical reconstruction following a mastectomy and radiation.

See www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au for more information The Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine is a fully registered and accredited private day hospital and has contracts with most of the major health funds. As we are a day hospital patients are admitted and discharged daily and all our doctors participate in the no-gap scheme. Most patients have very little to no out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment with us, making this a very cost effective treatment especially if they have wounds/woundcare as this is all covered during treatment. We will also look after uninsured patients as long as their condition attracts a Medicare MBS number.

An abnormal bowel.

Ground Floor Suite 53, Sandford Jackson Building 30 Chasely Street, Auchenflower • 07 3371 6033 www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au

A healthy bowel.

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20 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

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Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Travel Ann Rickard proves seniors can be pleasantly active on a tropical island.

JUST A five and a half hour flight from Australia’s east coast takes you into another world of dazzling island landscapes and delightful cultural differences that make a week in this idyll feel like a month-long holiday.

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific offer the perfect escape for mature travellers: not too far to get to, an island to laze on if you are so inclined, but also a place for soft activities if you like a little adventure with your island lolling.

The main island of Rarotonga is small (just 69sq km) and surrounded by a coral reef that creates a lagoon so clear and dazzlingly blue its presence, peeking through palms from so many vistas, is instantly soothing and simultaneously energising.

The beachfront Pacific

Tropical utopia Resort Rarotonga, with its 2ha of tropical gardens, is one of many luxe resorts, a good choice for us seniors.

At its toe-in-the-sand restaurant, the food is served in portions so big you’ll feel obliged to take out one of the free kayaks to paddle it off.

Or you could just don a snorkel and step off the sand into the lagoon’s underwater kaleidoscope of fish and coral. If that’s too much effort, make use of the resort’s glass-bottom boat, it goes out every afternoon.

Other not-too-difficult activities include a half-day cycle with Storyteller’s Eco-Cycle Tours. You’ll cycle about 10km with operator Dave and his co-star Uncle Jimmy, but it is mostly on flat ground through the island’s back roads in the lush hinterland with its

mist-shrouded mountains.

You stop every five minutes (very agreeable) to learn about the island’s bounty of taro plantations, avocado and mango trees and myriad plants with healing properties.

Dave and Uncle Jimmy care for you every kilometre through the verdant island and you’ll feel alive, especially when you finish the tour with a frolic in a hidden waterhole (an effort to get in but worth it).

As South Pacific tropical utopias go, the Cook Islands are right up there. The welcome is warm (there is a lot of cheek kissing, get used to it) and the pace is slow.

If you are over 50, ladies you’ll be called ‘aunty’ and gentlemen will be ‘uncle.’

Cook Island tourism guru Aunty Nane greets

most planes and with her beaming smile and ample curves covered in a mu mu (remember them?), she radiates instant welcome.

When the sun goes down (and it does spectacularly) there is night-time stand-up paddling off Pacific Resort’s beach, where LED lights under the board light up the crystal waters beneath you.

Kave from Ariki Holidays promises to have you standing on a board even if you are a good age.

“We have had people in their 70s get up on the board within 10 minutes,” he said. “You can kneel or sit on the board if you don’t want to stand, the experience is just as good.”

A Progressive Dinner involves no more activity than getting on a bus and going to three homes, where local

families wait with an entree, main course and dessert cooked by themselves using locally grown produce.

It gives charming insight into Rarotonga’s culture as well as cuisine.

For a big night out, it has to be Te Var Nui, the largest over-water night show on Rarotonga.

Learn the island’s cultural history in a series of pavilions with interactive shows before going into the enormous gardens surrounded by rocks, waterfalls and mini lagoons, where you eat your fill at a grand buffet (be careful, it’s overwhelming), before a show featuring energetic dancers and musicians performing on floating and fixed stages.

A 45-minute flight from Rarotonga takes you to Aitutaki, an island of sapphire water so gorgeous it defies belief.

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A cruise of the luminous-blue lagoon will reinvigorate you (and possibly add another 10 years onto your life, it is that special). The good people of The Vaka Cruise Company will help you on board their Polynesian-style boat, Tit-ai-Tonga, for a six-hour cruise to three islands, including the famous One Foot Island.

The cheerful crew barbecue tuna to serve with bounteous salads while you play in the water, and when you reluctantly sail back to shore and reality, they entertain with music.

At Aitutaki’s Tamanu Beach Resort, with its swinging hammocks and fresh petals on the bed, you breakfast on tropical fruits overlooking the lagoon, sip a cocktail as small waves gently lap your feet. You’ll wonder what the rest of the world is doing.

The writer was a guest of Cook Islands Tourism.

More information and full details of the Cook Islands are online at sale.cookislands.travel.

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The demand for our 2017 4x4 outback trek by outback tracks to Lake Eyre, has been so high that the tour has already booked out twice, so we’ve managed to put together a third run to the corner in 2017. Journey into the heart of Australia to Charleville, Quilpie, Ray Sta!on, Cooper Creek, Birdsville, Oodnadata, Lake Eyre, Innamincka, The Dig Tree and Cameron Corner.

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KING & FLINDERS ISLANDS TASMANIA’S TEMPTATIONS King and Flinders Islands are the underses!mated neighbours of Bass straight. You won’t believe how much there is to see, experience, taste, learn and do on these small and scenic islands.

The pair is some!mes referred to as the chalk and cheese isles.

There you’ll see wildlife, beau!ful scenery, shipwrecks, relics, taste delicious foods and much more.

6 October 2017

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Australia’s Island State, the “Apple Isle” is amazingly abundant with natural wonders, intriguing stories, historic relics, and unique and interes!ng culture. This tour explores it all, tales of convicts and shipwrecks, stunning views of gorges and rivers, quaint and character filled towns and delectable culinary delights.

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2 NATURAL NORFOLK ISLAND If you imagined a lush, beau!ful island with sandy beaches, jagged cliffs, fascina!ng history and a relaxed way of life you’d be picturing the beau!ful Norfolk Island.

This island paradise in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean offers an unbelievable collec!on of experiences and tales to discover. We’ve created an all-inclusive tour to explore the wonders of Norfolk Island, with a perfect blend of touring, free !me and night !me entertainment.

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22 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

A window to the soul of Africa Shirley Sinclair

THE WORDS on the blue and gold mat at the entrance to the check-in lounge are prophetic of the journey we are about to embark on.

Over the next 30 hours and 1600km, we will peer into the lives of everyday South Africans, get up close with their history, culture and traditions, observe their industry and agricultural practices, and be embraced by their dramatic and diverse scenery.

But this is much more than that for me: it is also my window of opportunity to sample a whole new world of excellence in service and elegance in travel.

The Blue Train through South Africa’s interior has cemented its reputation among the world’s great

rail journeys for its relaxed ambience and grand old-world style.

It starts with the seamless check-in.

Attentive staff have us out of the taxi, with our luggage organised, the paperwork done and floating into the comfortable welcome lounge with a pot of rooibos tea in under seven minutes.

You know this is going to be special.

Before we know it, white-gloved porters in matching white long-sleeved shirts and colourful vintage-style waistcoats are showing us the way to Carriage 18, Suite 34.

The rich blues and golds that have become The Blue Train’s signature design, coupled with the solid birch wood panelling create a tranquil yet

travel

sophisticated ambience in the suites and throughout the public areas of the train as its smooth ride reaches a maximum speed of 90kmh.

The journey only ebbs and flows while passing through some of the towns, or stops to replenish water supplies and for the off-train excursion.

It doesn’t take long to discover that the Observation Car (with windows on three sides) and the Lounge Car (next to the Dining Car) are the social hubs of the train – places to share tales of holiday adventures, rub shoulders with some of the world’s most interesting people, and simply enjoy each other’s company while watching the changing landscapes.

Adding to the comfort are specially designed

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

OFF TRAIN EXCURSION: The lap of luxury found at the Lord Milford Hotel in Matjiesfontein.

thinner-than-normal body sides that create spaciousness within, plus a revolutionary air-conditioning system that maintains an even 20-21 internal temperature even when the outside temperature in the African continent reaches 45 degrees.

But many prefer retreating to their compact oasis of their suite: simply reading a book and occasionally lifting the head to be surprised by yet another unusual African setting, watching a new-release movie on the in-cabin TV, taking in the

journey on the “driver’s eye view” camera or drifting off as their favourite background music creates a lullaby soundtrack.

Your surroundings border on opulence with rare Gialo Royale Italian marble and fittings plated in 24 carat gold in the bathroom, comfortable lounge chairs with matching ottoman, double-glazed long, rectangular windows with automatic roll-down blind, dual-control air-conditioner, occasional chair and fold-down table, closed-circuit TV, recessed

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Your suite’s butler is at your beck and call from 6am-11pm, and thereafter on request, to outline everything from how to lower and raise the electric blind to where the remote controls are kept, replenish drinks and snacks, ensure the room is tidy and the bathroom sparkles, make and put away the beds while you are at dinner and breakfast, ensure your stay is as relaxing and

Enjoy your holiday knowing you have an expert with you every step of the way.

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Highlights Enjoy a small group private tour to this ancient magical land. Explore temples and pagodas in Yangon and Bagan and enjoy the unspoilt scenery of this wonderful country. Relax on a 2 night upstream cruise on the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay and explore the tranquil Inle Lake region. Plus breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners.

Highlights Cruise through the Panama Canal in style on the luxurious Celebrity Infinity. Visit ports of call in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. Includes 3 nights in Miami and 2 nights in San Diego with included sightseeing and touring.

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Highlights From stunning Cape Town, we head north to Fish River Canyon and the amazing sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia. Enjoy game viewing in Etosha and Chobe National Parks and explore the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoro. Finish in Victoria Falls with the ‘Flight of the Angels’ helicopter ride. Plus breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 18 dinners.

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escortedescapes.com.au *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices are correct as at 16 November 16 & are subject to change. Quoted prices on sale until 8 weeks prior to each departure date or until sold out prior. Prices are per person twin share and subject to availability.

Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store and are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Payments made by credit card incur a surcharge. Visa information based on Australian Passport holders. Where a visa is required the cost included in the trip price (Australian passport holders only). Arrival and departure transfers included up to the return value of $100 pp. If costs between your home and Brisbane airport exceed this you can either choose to pay the difference or have the $100 pp refunded and make your own arrangements to and from Brisbane airport. Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Escorted Escapes product is exclusive to Qld and Nth NSW Escape Travel stores. All cruises are based on lead-in inside cabin twin share. All Escorted Escapes are subject to minimum passengers booking, paying and travelling together. Escape Travel reserves the right to cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum. Should this occur a full refund will be provided. Please ask your Escape Travel consultant for further details. ^ Interest Free: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 31 Dec 16. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415. Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup ®. FROM BRISBANE. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.

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Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 23

LEFT: Colourful crops.

PHOTOS: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR RIGHT: Welcome aboard.

comfortable as possible, and always have a ready smile and be happy to chat.

Similarly, the bar and dining car staff are a breath of fresh air – combining grace, etiquette and manners as they promptly fill that request for an exotic cocktail, or add sides of mushroom and bacon to your breakfast dish, or help you combat a dreadful cold by suggesting specially prepared lemon, ginger and honey tea. Dining on specialities such as springbok tenderloin served in a barley casing with herb jus (a dinner main meal option), pan-seared scallops with parsnip puree and cranberry reduction (recommended brunch

starter) and breakfast delights such as eggs benedict or savoury omelette with your choice of filling while watching this fascinating new world pass by your table-to-ceiling window is nothing short of divine.

Karoo lamb, line fish, crayfish, Knysna oysters, ostrich and cuts of venison grace the menu when in season and fresh fruit and vegetables are always available as part of the showcase of fresh, South African cuisine created on board and fine Western Cape wines.

With the exception of caviar, French champagne and external phone calls, everything on board The Blue Train is included in the price.

So you can add that cheeky nip of scotch to

your coffee, indulge in an afternoon mojito or three, select that recommended bottle of wine with dinner, have a beautifully brewed cup of your favourite tea blend at any time of the day or night, and shout the bar with chardonnay if you wish.

As we roll into our final destination, we start to count a procession of highlights – from the welcome champagne and tropical fruit, to “the world’s shortest tour” on a double-decker bus ride around the main street of Matjiesfontein while being regaled with stories of the enchanting colonial town frozen in time, to the animated conversation over cigars and warmed cognac late into the night in the Club Car Lounge (the only area where

smoking is permitted).

Our journey ends with handshakes and merriment as we bid farewell to newfound friends who have shared our grand experience.

The “window to the soul of Africa” has also revealed a kind, hospitable heart.

■ The writer was a guest of The Blue Train as part of an Aust. Society of Travel Writers convention in Cape Town, South Africa.

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Catch Up With

John Waters This January

Perennial Australian actor John Waters has been given Yoko Ono’s full support for the production of Through The Looking Glass, where John plays the lead role of John Lennon.

Find out what made the publicity shy Yoko Ono give Waters the nod.

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Pick up your free copy of the January edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au

News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

24 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

What’s on Christmas Wonderland MARSHALL Cox has been involved in Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland since it began in 2003, but it never ceases to inspire him.

For one thing, there are always new attractions to see, and you can never be quite sure how they will turn out until the lights are switched on.

But it’s the generosity of the Toowoomba people and the excitement and delight on the children’s faces which the Toowoomba West Lions Club project manager says make all the work worthwhile.

Although even at 70, he says, there’s something magical about seeing all

those thousands of sparkling lights.

The event has grown three-fold in just the nine years it has been at the Botanic Gardens. That means organisers get just one month off after the lights are turned off on Christmas Eve and come down after Christmas, before planning for the next year begins in February.

That is a mighty task indeed. Mr Cox said it took 3000 volunteer hours to set up the lights and another 3000 hours in planning throughout the year.

Then there’s another 3000-odd hours for the 40 volunteers each night

who ensure the event runs smoothly. A majority of those hours are put in by retirees and seniors like himself.

A new initiative this year is a park and ride for the last week leading up to Christmas eve, to ease parking problems. A free bus will run from the PCYC carpark to the gardens from 7–8.30pm.

And, if you haven’t been yet, there is plenty to see, including a winter theme, a nursery rhyme area, an Australiana and an international-themed area, this year including a rotating globe, Eiffel Tower, a Dutch windmill and the London Eye. The only thing you won’t see is

Santa, because the event continues the original Burstow brothers’ wish not to include any commercial aspect of Christmas, which is really pretty refreshing these days.

Instead, all funds raised from the gold coin donation go to Lifeline Darling Downs, the Toowoomba Hospice and Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, who in turn lend support to the event.

Last year 80,000 people enjoyed the lights, raising $80,000.

“If not for the community spirit here, the event certainly wouldn’t be of the magnitude that it is,” Mr Cox said.

Buckets of joy on Christmas wish-list

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THE second Yellow Bucket Appeal is transforming the humble plastic bucket into a symbol of kindness and joy this Christmas.

Two hundred yellow buckets will be filled with gourmet Christmas goodies and gifted to local people who need it most.

The Appeal is in its second year and is run by local not-for-profit organisation YellowBridge QLD. “Last year we achieved 100 buckets, which was a great result for our first year but we hope to double the joy this time,” said YellowBridge QLD chief executive Penny Hamilton.

“Christmas is meant to be a special time of the year filled with love and happiness,” she said.

“Sadly, this is not the

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case for some people who will spend Christmas alone or are unable to afford extra special food to make it a memorable day for them and their family.”

This wish struck a chord with Toowoomba’s largest, locally-owned accounting firm, McConachie Stedman, who is the Appeal’s first major sponsor.

“We know the good work that YellowBridge does in the community and my fellow directors Summer 20 16-2017

and our staff wanted to support that in some way,” said director Scott Cutmore.

“We have been operating in Toowoomba for more than 65 years so we really care about the local community,” he said.

“Helping local people by supporting the Yellow Bucket Appeal seemed a wonderful way for us to share the true spirit of Christmas.”

Donations will be packaged in to the yellow bucket hampers and hand-delivered by YellowBridge to people who are known to be in most need.

All donations are gratefully accepted and can be delivered to YellowBridge at 2a Station Street or 46 Hill Street by December 16.

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26 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Mayor Paul takes over 80’s party to YouTube

Don’t drop the ball ACTIVE AGEING DR ALEX McHARG PhD

Social media is a big part of today’s society for all ages THE internet is catching up with us all, regardless of age.

This year, for the first time, Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio issued his invitation to the city’s oldest residents to join in his annual Over-80s Christmas Party on YouTube.

The mayor paid tribute to “the more mature people in our community” and all they had done for us, and called on us all to be thankful for who and where we are.

❝

This is a great place to live, and let’s be happy about that, and let’s celebrate that.

— Cr Paul Antonio

“This is a great place to live, and let’s be happy about that, and let’s celebrate that,” he said.

The mayor was hoping to break a record at this year’s December 1 event,

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS: Mayor of Toowoomba Paul Antonio invited locals to the Over-80's Christmas party.

which regularly attracts 600–800 people.

Whether it’s due to his video or not, the event is

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once again at capacity and the video notched over 8000 clicks and 4000 views.

And for those concerned that some older residents may not be hip with YouTube, and therefore have missed a morning of music, food, laughter – not to mention Santa – fear not.

The regular paper invites also went out.

Council says the YouTube piece was probably targeted more at friends, family and carers, but it is a mark of its recognition that social media and the internet are an increasingly important communication tool.

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Alison Houston

I RE-EMPHASISE the importance of a balanced diet, the need to use weights to avoid frailty issues and the importance of cardio training. Just because it is coming up to Christmas does not mean that you have to, “drop the ball” and overeat the wrong foods. It is a time to re-connect with family, friends and establish new relationships. Be the first person to say hello to someone you have met at social gatheringsand introduce yourself as a “Positive Aging Connections” person and be willing to share experiences.

I have always advised using, “free weights”, such as dumbbells to begin with. A good weight to start at should be 3kg.

Your basic weight training exercise routine, (while in standing position), should consist of a variety of bicep and forearm curls, full side rotation shoulder movements and then vertical presses. A gym can introduce you to a mix of safe exercise routines.

You can slowly increase the weight as you grow stronger. Begin with 10 reps of each movement going up to 30 and do this six times a week. Don’t forget to stretch before and after. I like to include an exercise bike as a cardio routine and I suggest you put one in your living areas, so that there can be no excuses for not, “getting on your bike”.

To all our readers have an enjoyable healthy Christmas and focus on a naturally healthy and active lifestyle in 2017...

Seasons Greetings.

puzzles

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

I N

E E D

L A L O W E

T

E R O U S T

A U C C K

D D E D D O S

W A G N E

H A I R B A

L E

R O A N B L U

F S E C R E A

H E E R A

B E

I

18

TRIO

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

SUDOKU

20

H I TODAY

R E

E 396

P Y

P R

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter.

There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.

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.

JIGGERED

SUDOKU

DOWSE DETOUR MUNDANE EVEN THEM ALIEN WITS

SOWED, TOURED, UNNAMED, VEHEMENT, WAISTlINE.

WORD GO ROUND

21

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

ALPHAGRAMS

C

19

Good 11 Very Good 16 Excellent 20+

4 LETTERS AHOY AIDE ALLY ANON

ANTS ARID BEAN BEES BETA BLUE CROP CUTS ENVY EVIL HUGE IDOL LANE LIRA MATT NOSE NOUN ONTO OVAL OWED POUT RAIN SACS SALT TALE

TREE VIOL VISA WILL YEAR 5 LETTERS ALLEY APHIS BATON BOONS LATHS RIDER ROADS SLICE 6 LETTERS ACCEPT BOWLEG 8 LETTERS APPROVED HERALDRY MAHOGANY STEALTHY

QUIZ 1. How many Australian rugby teams were in the Super 12 competition?

2. la Paz is the capital of which South American country?

3. The complaint Scrivener’s Palsy is more commonly known as what?

4. If the answer to a multiplication sum is the product, what is the answer to a division sum?

5. Who did Priscilla Anne Beaulieu marry in 1967?

6. Who won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Award in 2005 for her song “Sunrise”?

7. “Moon-starer” is an anagram of which occupation?

8. What is melanophobia the fear of – the colour black, vegetables or flying insects?

QUIZ S A L T

Solution opposite

3 LETTERS ANY ATE AYE DAN EMU EWE HOB IMP KEA KIP NEW NOD PUP ROE RYE TOO TUG YEW

1 Three (ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds), 2 Bolivia, 3 Writer’s cramp, 4 Quotient, 5 Elvis Presley, 6 Norah Jones, 7 Astronomer, 8 The colour black.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

ALPHAGRAMS

WORDFIT

A N Y E EW

Y E N S E B E

15

eyrie heir here hipper hire hirer hype hyper peep peer peri PERIPHERY pier pipe piper prep prey preyer pyre rehire ripe riper ripper yippee

S O M K A I N C

17

14

WORD GO ROUND

T U P I P P E

16

13

B E E S

O A R F F

12

O W E D

B A C E O A C C

11

H E R A L D R Y

F Y I A R S

E

10

C R O P

L I M

9

A I D E

G O N

7

S L I C C U E T S T R O I O D E R

N S T T A

6

K E A A N T S P O U T I M P P U P H U G E R A I N A B O O N S B L E N V Y M A T L A T H A T E A H O Y N O D A N O N V B OW L E G E V I L A R I T A L E N O S Y E A A L L Y

A I R O M

L Y E

E A D Y E U

5

WORDFIT

I

T

E

4

8

TRIO: lOO

B R E A U R S

3

B R E A U R S E L Y E E F Y I A R S G L O I N M I M S E E A R

L W A K A M

Down 1. Despondency (5) 2. Unflappable (13) 3. Annoyed (9) 4. Dirty (6) 5. Me (Fr) (3) 6. Non government industry (7,6) 7. Gives up (7) 11. Expression of surprise or shock (4,5) 12. Clothed (7) 14. Victor (6) 17. Foundation (5) 19. Small amount (3)

2

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

I M S E E A R

Across 1. Catching up (7) 5. Sulked (5) 8. Chances (13) 9. Spoil (3) 10. Sleds (9) 12. Uncertainties (6) 13. Screens (6) 15. Personifying (9) 16. Recede (3) 18. Provides evidence (13) 20. Fear (5) 21. Changes, improvements (7)

1

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

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

QUICK CROSSWORD

QUICK CROSSWORD

12/12

Seniors 27

Across: 1. Gaining 5. Moped 8. Opportunities 9. Mar 10.

Toboggans 12. Doubts 13. Covers 15. Embodying 16. Ebb 18.

Substantiates 20. Dread 21. Reforms.

Down: 1. Gloom 2. Imperturbable 3. Irritated 4. Grubby 5. Moi 6. Private sector 7. Desists 11. Good grief 12. Dressed 14.

Winner 17. Basis 19. Tad.

JIGGERED

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

28 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

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This year, the international judging panel added the Most Outstanding Resort Housing Developer in the World Award to Living Gems’ impressive collection.

We are honoured and delighted to be recognised by international housing experts. We strive to create master-planned communities based on fun and friendship.

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