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In this edition
Feature Story: Marian Keyes ........................Pages 4 & 5 Travel & Cruising feature...............................Pages 15-21 Well being .......................................................Pages 25-29 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 35
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 $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. Responsibility for election material in this newspaper is taken by Gail Forrer of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore.
Welcome
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
So many ways so many days Imagination, technology and travel can shape your future WELCOME to our November edition. This month our pages are jam-packed with super personalities, starting with the awesome Rhonda Burchmore, whose long legs are still scrapping the stage ceilings around Australia. When you have people dancing like Rhonda, singing like Rhonda and showing up like Rhonda, then you have to believe that age really is just a number. While Rhonda is dancing, internationally acclaimed author Marian Keyes is writing about her view from life now that she is in her 50s. The same as her books,
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These days fast communication such as internet, has indeed turned the world into a global village
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
Marian is open, honest and insightful. This glass-half-full person has faced a lot in her life, including alcoholism (she has been sober for 24 years) and depression, which she has also overcome, no doubt, along with her natural literary ability, it is these experiences that allow her to look into the lives of others, identify the nuances, differences and idiosyncrasies and weave them into hugely appealing stories. In this interview, Keyes is upfront about what she sees as the real agenda for older people – hope you enjoy the read on pages 4&5. That marvellous movie The Marigold Hotel
captured the colourful picture of retirees who, for a myriad of reasons, have chosen to retire overseas. In this edition, our journalists speak to people who are both working or retiring overseas and through their conversations reveal the motivation behind their choices. Not so long ago, this sort of retirement would seem a far-fetched thought for most of the population, but these days fast communication such as internet, has indeed turned the world into a global village, where next door neighbours could not
only be around the corner, but across the ocean. Certainly, the vast majority of people who are presently retired or planning to be in the near future, are looking at a world full of options that were not available to our parents. One lady who had recognised the changed circumstances of contemporary ageing is Queensland’s 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford. After a lifetime working as a professional in the wellness industry, she has created a retreat where people can consciously examine ageing. Through workshops and guidance, she makes it possible to recognise alternative routes on the ageing journey. There’s plenty of more reading on all sorts of topics, I hope you can take your time and enjoy the stories. Cheers Gail
One hundred years well deserves a bit of a birthday bash THE fuss was all a bit overwhelming for 100-year-old Ronald Ramage as his wife, family, friends and staff gathered to celebrate his milestone. There were the letters of good wishes from the Queen,
Governor General, Prime Minister, Queensland Premier and Governor, and his local Federal and State ministers. His eldest daughter Daphne said that after the initial shock, her dad had been delighted that she and all
her siblings, Rodney, Robert and Diane, were able to make it to the big event on October 30 at Churches of Christ Care Crows Nest Aged Care Service. Five of his six grandchildren and two of his three great
grandchildren were there, too. Ronald was born and lived most of his life in Armidale, NSW. He was a mechanic in the army when he met his first wife, Edith. They were together for 35 years,
and brought up their four children before she died in 1977. A trained butcher, Ron loved building, studying the skill and building three houses, but never joining the trade. He met Judith and they married in the
1980s. The couple moved to Queensland for the warmer weather about 30 years ago. “The two nurses who organised the room for the party were marvellous. It was lovely for him,” Daphne said.
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Cover Story: Rhonda Burchmore
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 3
Rhonda, still ABBA-solutely fabulous at 57 Delightful entertainer talks about staying young Ann Rickard
THOSE flawless long legs were a gift from God, but everything else about legendary entertainer Rhonda Burchmore is a case of hard work and balanced living. Touring Australia with her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show alongside co-star Lara Mulcahy, Rhonda is a picture of health and vitality that belies her 57-year age. “I started clocking off how old I was when I got to 30,” she laughed. “It is how you age and feel that works.” Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter. “My daughter keeps me on
my toes. I love hanging out with her, and I love working professionally with young people in the band,” she said. “Some of the band members are so young I have had to introduce them to ABBA.” The ABBA-Solutely Fabulous show is not a tribute show, rather a fun party showcasing all the iconic ABBA songs along with plenty of humour and a storyline. It requires Rhonda to slither into a skintight gold jumpsuit that leaves nowhere to hide. “I can’t have fish and chips before I get into that suit,” she laughed. “I don’t know what (ABBA) were thinking in the ’70s with those jumpsuits, but doing the show is a joyful thing for me now.” At 182cm tall, Rhonda is long and sleek, a delightful contrast to her ABBA-Solutely Fabulous co-star Lara Mulcahy,
a small bundle of Rubenesque curves. “We are like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito,” Rhonda said. “We don’t care. We are a certain age and proud to get into our Lyrca and spread the old girl-power message. Lara is very voluptuous and as short as I am tall. “I think that is part of the joy we bring – the message that you can be fabulous at any age, get out and have a good time. We have the audiences up singing and dancing.” Obviously, the high-energy performance requires a good level of fitness, which Rhonda works into her daily routine. “I have two standard poodles I walk every day,” she said. “I don’t ever sit idle too long. “I am much better creating a project or running around. I’m
active all the time. I pine for those times when I can strip off all the make-up and the bling and go for long walks. It revitalises me.” Even though Rhonda appears to live a life of showbiz glamour, entertaining and attending parties, she emphasises the need to keep mind as well as body at peak performance as you age. “That is one of the reasons I am doing the (ABBA-Solutely Fabulous) show. It is my outlet to go out and entertain, to enjoy life.” Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy and their show are currently in Queensland. More details online at www.rhonda burchmore.com.
GOLDEN GIRL: Rhonda, who has a long and enduring career including stage, cabaret and television work, says a lifetime working with young people has kept her youthful, as well as spending as much time as she can with her young daughter. PHOTO: JOHN MCRAE
Updates from the Toowoomba Region
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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
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
Tech Savvy Seniors
Toowoomba City Library offers free Tech Savvy Seniors training sessions to teach older people how to use technologies and help with navigating the digital world. Seniors can participate in 19 different training modules covering a range of topics including intro to the internet and email, online shopping, banking, cyber safety and social media. For more info, call 4688 6670 or visit www.tr.qld.gov. au/library
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Council has commenced an extensive program of community engagement on the future of the centre of Highfields. This is a genuine opportunity for Highfields residents to engage early in the master planning process for the Central Highfields area and we encourage all interested residents to get involved. Engagement will occur in three stages concluding with the adoption of the Master Plan in July 2018. For more information about how to get involved, visit http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/htc or phone 131 872.
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Feature: Marian Keyes
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Keyes talks about the Happiness, sadness, divorce, kids, parents, finding love ... Alison Houston
BEST-SELLING author Marian Keyes has never been afraid to tackle life and its issues head-on. And while her protagonists may be slightly older, that is just as true in her latest novel The Break. “When I started writing at 30, I was writing about people in their 20s. Now I’m in my 50s, I’m writing about people in their 40s because, of course, as I get older my concerns are going to change entirely – the way I view things and the things that are affecting the people around me,” Marian said. She hinted that menopause, with its associated anxiety, sleeplessness and questioning of life for many, would play a part in her forthcoming novel. “The whole issue of menopause has not been written about to my satisfaction. It’s infuriating that these women are not treated
with any compassion,” she said. “I want to write about that honestly, so people say, ‘Oh, thank God, it’s not just me!’” The Break deals with a couple in their 40s who are facing their own mortality, fading love and attempting to rediscover themselves as individuals. After 22 years of her own marriage, Marian said she believed change was inevitable, but keeping the lines of communication open was the key to remaining happy together. “I think if you’re with any person for any length of time, you are going to live through serial relationships. That crazy love of the early days isn’t sustainable. “But you’ve got to keep making sure you’re on the same page, or at least communicating. “It’s easy to get lazy in a relationship and just think the other person will always be there. “You have to keep
connected with who you are, and who they are, and what your unique bond is.” In The Break, Amy is gobsmacked when her husband of 18 years, Hugh, who has been grieving the loss of his father and a close friend, announces he needs six months to go off alone and “find himself” – and he doesn’t rule out sexual encounters.
Marian admits it was hard work to write so that Hugh remained a likeable and sympathetic character to readers, and show that Amy was not without her flaws. “I was so bored of reading about midlife crises where the man was painted as a complete arsehole without any sort of sympathetic features and the woman was some
sort of sappy martyr,” Marian said. She wanted to create a realistic portrait of life in those years when you become “almost viscerally aware of your own mortality”. She also wanted to challenge the idea that “people of a certain age no longer have sex”. “It annoys me that, especially for women, people believe when they get to a certain age that they are just sexless – that’s codswallop!” she said. While she admits some people are quite happy for that area of their lives to diminish, some are still excited by the idea of being found sexually attractive. “Why shouldn’t they? And no one, especially young people, has any right to pass judgment.” Marian said while she had always found it “mortifying” to write sex scenes, it was no more difficult for older characters, and she wanted to ensure they could enjoy “properly
raunchy sex” too. “I was very much making a statement,” she said. In The Break, Amy discovers that she has lost herself in her marriage and family, something Marian said happens all too often. “Especially now for ‘the sandwich generation’ – people who have the worry of elderly parents with illness as well as the demands of children. “Life is hard, work is hard and money is short and often it’s easy for women to come last.” As is characteristic of Marian’s novels, Amy and Hugh do not operate in a vacuum, but are surrounded by family … however dysfunctional. In The Break, that includes Amy’s father who has dementia, something Marian has personal experience of. “Dad has Alzheimer’s and the hardest part was when it began,” she said. “It’s really frightening when you realise it’s happening. My family’s response was to go into denial, but now that it’s full-blown, it’s become
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Feature: Marian Keyes
big issues
normalised – he’s still Dad.” Again, Marian hopes that by dealing directly with the subject, it may open conversations about not just those experiencing the disease but their carers, and their need for greater government support. “It’s ridiculous that spouses and kids are just expected to be able to take care of these people,” she said, hailing her mother as a superwoman. “It’s awfully hard work. It’s like child care in reverse, but it’s different because they can be really obstreperous, and of course they are fully grown.” Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years. She said while she felt alcoholism was “just very much a part of my story”, something she understood was an illness, not of her choosing and would not be shamed for, when
depression hit, she did feel ashamed. It brought her to the lowest of lows, terrified of the world and spending hours each day considering how she would kill herself. “Society is very quick to blame the person with
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Marian has always spoken openly about her own battles with depression and alcohol and proudly states she has been sober for nearly 24 years. depression, as if they caused it themselves, or it’s just self-pity. But this is something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.” She said it took her a long time to realise that depression, too, was a disease and that how she was feeling was not her fault. “Even with cancer,
people talk about people’s ‘battle with cancer’, and if they die, it’s as if they didn’t battle hard enough. It makes me so angry that the onus is being put on the sufferer – not only are they ill, but they are responsible for their own cure.” As a result of her illness, it’s been 11 years since Marian was last in Australia, but she said “from the word go, from my first book, people in Australia understood, they got it.” She believes this is due to the similarities between the Australian and Irish personalities. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she said. “Humour is important to us and we have the ability to laugh at ourselves and at misfortune.” And that, of course, is a characteristic of Marian’s books, that even – or perhaps especially – when dealing with the darkest subjects, there is always humour not too far away. If you are battling depression, call Lifeline 13 1114 24 hours a day.
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 5
WE’RE A LOT ALIKE: Marian Keyes has just completed a promotional tour for her 13th book The Break, but says Australians have ‘got her’ from the start because, like the Irish, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. PHOTO on page 3 taken in 2006 on Australian book tour.
6 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Local Story
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Retired farmers reconnect Alison Houston
TOMNET’S new Retired Farmers’ Open Days are all about retired farmers reaching out to other retired farmers, or those contemplating retirement. “It can be a real problem for guys moving off the farm into the city, because they lose their network, so this is a way for them to connect and re-connect,” program manager Anthony Hegarty said. “The amazing thing is, so many of these guys all know each other. “I guarantee, any farmer who walks in here today and says what area they’re from, we’ll have someone from that area that they’ll say, ‘I know him, I used to do such-and-such with him’.” TOMNET is The Older Men’s Network and reconnects retired men from all walks of life, from 50 to almost 100, with each other and the wider community, creating “a new network of mates”. You don’t have to have a problem or issue to join TOMNET but, if you have one, they offer support. Programs are driven by
members for members who, in this case, have recognised the growing number of farmers moving off the farm. Anthony said retirement and downsizing could be particularly difficult for farmers for whom the land was such a huge part of their life. Too often, older farmers choose a middle ground, buying a small property outside the city so they can still have land around them, but quickly find that as they slow down physically, the property becomes too much for them. They are left without easy access to health facilities, transport, they might lose their licence, health and/or mobility deteriorates and they become isolated and depressed. “The reality is, while it’s difficult to take that next step and downsize completely into the city, we have found quality of life can be so much better,” Anthony said. “We encourage guys to think about what they will need in 10 years time. “You have more options if you think ahead rather
than leaving it until the last minute.” While many people embrace retirement, for others, it involves a loss of purpose, particularly for farmers used to having to get up each day to look after animals and land. “They start to question ‘who actually am I’?” Anthony said. “It’s really transitioning into some other sense of purpose which is why we encourage our guys to get involved in volunteering – getting back into the community and using their knowledge, their years and skills and giving back. “A lot of guys are crying out to do something, particularly with the younger generation. They want to be valued.” Programs include aged care teams that visit residents in nine local retirement homes (many of whom are former farmers), a singing group, telephone support groups (offering a chat to someone who might otherwise only have contact with their care agency workers), and mentoring programs through the FlexiSchool, as well as a program with
MATESHIP: Ken and Bevin enjoy a cuppa and a laugh.
primary school kids missing a male figure in their lives. But some members just want the social side of TOMNET – to talk to other people. There are bus trips, twice-weekly meetings, and gettogethers for a coffee or a drink as friendships grow. “The big danger is 6–12 months, up to two years after retirement, if people don’t get out and involved in something, haven’t planned what to do – apart from maybe travel
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culture of trust”, providing a safe environment for men who may be feeling down, depressed, even thinking of suicide, to talk freely to others and get help. The first Retired Farmers Open Day is from 10am–noon, November 14, at the centre at 223 Hume St, Toowoomba. For details call Anthony on 4638 9080 or go to www.tomnet.org.au. If this has raised issues for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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for six months, or fix up the house a bit – we get calls saying ‘how do I get my husband away from the kitchen table’? They lose the ability to get out and meet people.” Anthony acknowledged it was easy for people to find themselves in a hole as they got older, with families moving away, partners dying, lack of contact, not eating properly and failing health all becoming a vicious cycle. TOMNET is based on “a
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Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
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Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Local Story
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 9
Alan gets work in Vietnam Yvonne Gardiner
LIVING on the Newstart allowance for the next five years held no appeal for Alan Williams, of Wollongong NSW. He wanted a proper job. At 62, he set out to find a position with decent pay that would suit his management experience and build up his savings for retirement. He didn’t expect to have to go overseas to work after a job search in Australia proved fruitless. "I’ve worked for myself most of my life. I was looking for the more senior roles, general management," Alan said. "I’d been looking for two-and-a-half months. "I went through about 1000 applications and broke it down to the ones where I had the best chance. "I applied for 22 jobs the first month and got down to two interviews. "I was a one-in-four chance in the first job. The other job it was me or the other person and the other person got it." Alan had taken steps to prepare for fulltime work
over the past nine years while acting as carer for his wife, by completing a university course on governance. "I need mentally to get back in the workforce – I’m healthy and I’m strong," he said. Finally, he has secured a position in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as the CEO of a dental implant centre for foreign tourists – overseeing a 100-strong workforce. Alan is "ecstatic" to have a job, although he would have preferred to stay in Australia where his wife is receiving care for dementia. "Initially the plans are for 12 months in Vietnam. I’ve got three trips lined up to come back," he said. "In Vietnam, they haven’t lost that respect for people with age. "They still respect that older people have a wealth of knowledge and will pass it on to younger people." As a result of recent research, The Benevolent Society plans to run a campaign next year addressing the social and
policy impacts of ageism. To be called EveryAGE Counts, the campaign will be designed to drive new conversations and a national agenda for older Australians - including a federal minister for older Australians. The society’s executive director strategic engagement, research and advocacy, Dr Kirsty Nowlan, says our society needs a radical rethink of attitudes towards getting older because we perceive older people as frail, less involved in life, confused and non-productive. Alan says interviewing panels for jobs should include an older person "to bring perspective". Broadcaster Jane Caro says older people find difficulty getting a job and are usually the first workers to be retrenched when a company is struggling. "There is a negative assumption about getting older," she said. "It’s a great thing to get older … an achievement. "You have a kind of confidence that you don’t have when you’re young." Tackling ageism
Alan Williams, 62, has taken up a management role in Vietnam after a fruitless job search in Australia. PHOTO: THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
Our fears about ageing prevent us from ageing well, but those fears are based on falsehoods. This was the major finding from research by Australia’s first charity, The Benevolent Society. The national online
survey of more than 1400 people across all age groups asked respondents to describe how Australia would be different if ageism was tackled. They said Australia would have: ■ Greater empathy and
compassion. ■ More knowledge transferred through the generations. ■ More tolerance, respect and acceptance. ■ Happier, stronger and more connected communities.
10 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions
What are you doing later on? LOOKS like it’s time to start some Olympic-style training. I say that because it appears this generation of older adults is facing a long run into the future. Last month, I presented a small selection of scientific advances made in the longevity industry. From all accounts, ongoing discoveries in this area are well on the way to providing us with extra years. This month, the Australian Bureau of Statistics shared more information relating to the subject of longevity. The report noted: “In the past 125 years to 2015, life expectancy in Australia increased by 33.2 years for males and 33.7 years for females.”
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
Which poses the question: How will we occupy these extra years? There’s no point looking to our parents for an example. The generation before us basically followed a path of retiring at 65 years old and not living much longer after that. Not so these days. Our job is to not only live for a couple of more decades, but also to provide ways and means to do it with dignity, self-respect and joy.
However, if we don’t have the superannuation funds to match, it’s time to seek out other options. In this edition we have published a couple of lifestyle scenarios chosen by people in their 60s. One option is to keep working and never, ever quit. Another alternative is to live in a cheaper country and, according to the people we have interviewed, this expat lifestyle holds a lot advantages. However, both of these options – a lifelong working life and overseas living – also require society to acknowledge, accept and incorporate corresponding legislation in terms of visas and taxations to fit the
changing circumstances. This includes the serious issue of age discrimination in the workplace. As more older adults seek employment, so do claims of discrimination rise. One of my job-seeking friends tells me that on numerous occasions, after emailing her resume to a prospective employer (where her age is not mentioned), she obtains a face-to-face interview, where her age (57) is obvious, and she never hears back. Of course, that’s only one story, but from what I hear, it is indicative of what many older people experience. Certainly, research completed by the Benevolent Society
provides definite evidence of ageism, but also ways it can be addressed (P9). Additionally, Human Rights and Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson has made workplace age discrimination a priority. Recently, parliament decided against major changes to the rules and regulations governing people overseas receiving pensions. However, from January 1, 2018, there are changes to the Pension Supplement for people who live overseas or travel outside Australia for more than six weeks. Share housing, intergenerational living and the tiny homes movements add another
dimension to the changing lifestyle of the older Australian. Again, we need government to see the value of supporting these kinds of alternative housing. Finally, our story with Marlene Rutherford and her workshops on consciously ageing is, again, something that is totally unique but I believe necessary as we address a new world order. As American social anthropologist and author Mary Bateson Clark advises – do not juggle all the things you have to do in life, instead put some thought in and compose rather than juggle. Indeed, time to start training for the new years ahead.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.
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Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Local Story
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 11
10 diet tips for older adults EATING well helps us to age well, according to Toowoomba performance dietitian and consultant Ruth Logan. Ruth, herself a Senior at 57, said her aim was to “get people to be the healthiest version of themselves they can be”. That means considering both the quality and quantity of foods we eat and ensuring our diet provides the most
nutrients for the least amount of energy. Daily energy needs generally decline slowly with age due to changes in our lifestyle – perhaps less exercise and more socialising – but our nutritional needs are the same if not greater, she said. That doesn’t mean getting out the kilojoule counter. You can tell if you have the balance right simply by reflecting periodically on your weight – if you are gaining weight, your diet
THINK FRESH: Dietitian Ruth Logan says quality and quantity are important in eating well.
WESLEY ONG
Audiologist & Owner
has too much energy (carbohydrates and fats); if you are losing muscle and body fat, your nutrition is not optimal. Diets should be high in calcium for bones, and in protein, to maintain muscle mass, important in reducing falls in older age, for which weight-bearing and resistance exercises are also important. General Diet Tips For Over-60s ■ Eat small portions (palm size) of protein, including fish at least twice a week. And eat them regularly throughout the day so they are better absorbed. ■ Eat calcium-rich food – our need for calcium is at its peak at over 70 years. Eat at least three serves of fat-reduced dairy per day. ■ Fibre is important, because as we age, bowel muscles decline and can cause constipation. Consider oats, grains, nuts and seeds. If you have dental issues softer options include baked beans, hummus, legumes and psyllium husk. ■ Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables at least
three times a day. ■ Monitor your alcohol intake – alcohol is associated with weight gain, sleep disturbance and increased appetite. ■ Get regular exercise, but even with walking, talk to your GP before embarking on any exercise program to ensure it suits your fitness and health. Tips For Festivities ■ Hydrate before you celebrate – Don’t go to a party thirsty; quench your thirst with water and alternate water or non-alcoholic drinks with alcohol once at the function. ■ Eat before you go – Don’t go to a function hungry. Eat something light before you go. ■ Think fresh and don’t over-cater if entertaining at home. Have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables including salads, dip with vegetable sticks, and cheese platters with fruit, cherry tomatoes, olives etc as well as crackers. ■ Leave the leftovers. Ruth Logan is a dietary consultant and corporate health program manager for Live Well Australia.
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12 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Advertorial
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Stay safe at home
TAKING CARE: The safeTwear device allows us to talk to and hear the customer even if they are in the shower, the garden, down the street or visiting family and friends.
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WHEN it comes to making the decision to stay at home for as long as you can, one of the challenges people face is understanding how they will deal with the increased possibility of falls and health issues, such as heart attacks. Technology is moving fast in this area with a wide range of medical alert systems now available for purchase for a wide range of budgets. Emergency Medical Services’ Paul Joseph, whose company provides wearable alert systems for its customers, said technology in this area had changed dramatically over time. “In the 1990s we discovered we could have a separate button on a home security alarm panel which gave us a different signal and an alarm noise, so when we rang the house we would know it was a medical emergency,” Mr Joseph said. “The current medical alert pendants we provide are called safeTwear and have the capability of having both a medical alert button and automatic fall detection and there is no need for a base station.
“The device has inbuilt two way voice communication which allows us to talk to and hear the customer whether they are in the shower, in the garden, or interstate visiting family and friends. “This is where the GPS location function is another great feature as we know exactly where they are, accurate to within 2.5 metres, should an incident occur. “This technology has been available for five years and nearly a million people are wearing this device worldwide.” While the device is one part of the equation, the support behind it is another thing buyers should consider when looking at the technology. Mr Joseph said the devices were linked to a team of trained professionals that linked their clients’ health histories direct to the ambulance. “These emergency response call centre team members are calm and practised in getting whatever help is needed quickly,” Mr Joseph said. “Non-monitored or family-monitored devices are very high risk due to
lack of availability, message banks and lack of experience in handling emergency situations.” Mr Joseph said key points to look for when sourcing a device were freedom (to wear and use the system anywhere), fall detection (automatic activation from a serious detected fall if they are unable to push the button), long battery life (look for a minimum 48 hours), quality speaker clarity and volume with directional microphone (to ensure clear communication), GPS tracking (to pinpoint location upon activation) and photo identification sharing ability – for dementia patients. In terms of costs, Mr Joseph said they ranged from $1–$3 a day. “Emergency Medical Services offers a free device and a variety of packages on a pre-paid basis. Discounts apply for certain age groups and/or people with certain health issues.” “The safeTcare team will take direction from the customer and it may end in simply a call to family ■ Book an obligation-free demonstration on 1300 699 159.
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Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Neigbourhood News
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 13
Community 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 December issue is November 29. Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@seniors newspaper.com.au.
COBB + CO MUSEUM
HAND-Made Under the Stars on Thursday November 30, 4–8pm. Cobb+Co Museum is transformed into a twilight artisan market on November 30, offering the best locally hand-made products direct for the maker. Entry is free, there is live music and the opportunity to browse with a glass of wine in hand
TOE TAPPING: Lindsay Butler OAM and Shaza Leigh, wife and co-owner of LBS Music.
and chat directly with the people who made the quality products. Hand Made Under the Stars is the ultimate twilight shopping experience on from 4–8pm with unique gifts from more than 50 selected local artisans. It is free entry for all visitors and there is delicious food and drinks available to purchase. There will also
be wine, cheese and chocolate tastings on offer. It is a night not to be missed. Cost: Free entry for all visitors. Visit www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au or phone 4659 4900.
TOOWOOMBA NATIONAL SENIORS OUR branch meets the
first Thursday of the month for morning tea at All Seasons Function Centre, cnr North and Tor Sts, Wilsonton, from 9.30am. Our next bus trip is on November 16 to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Our Christmas party is at the All Seasons Function Centre on Thursday, December 7, from 10.30am. For details phonel Desma 4613 6750 or Yvonne 4638 5252..
All bus trips for this year have been completed. Final social event for 2017 is our Christmas party on Monday, November 27. We will sit down to a buffet luncheon served by the bowls club, listen to the musical entertainment by Scott Tweedy and lots of raffles and good cheer. Reservations have to be made for catering purposes. For information, phone Hazel on 4635 4519.
GARDEN CITY NATIONAL SENIORS
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS IN ST LUKE’S
OUR branch meets on the third Monday of the month (except December) at Drayton Bowls Club, corner Ball and Gipps Sts from 9.30am.with morning tea. Visitors are welcome. Cost $7. At the next meeting on November 20 the guest speakers will be some of our own members. Each of them will divulge a little of their life story.
TOOWOOMBA Choral Society is thrilled to present Christmas Classics – a wonderful concert in St Luke’s Church from 5 pm on Saturday, December 2. The concert will include excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, and features Heather Gillies as soloist. Tickets are available at the door: Adults $20;
children $10; and families $50.
GARDEN CITY COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION
WE will host the LBS Country Showcase Band at the cultural centre in Oakey on Saturday, November 25, from 1pm. Heading the line-up is one of the legends of Country guitar Lindsay Butler OAM, with multi-award winning performer Shaza Leigh. Getting the toes tapping will be the Peggy Gilchrist. Bookings are available by calling Kay at LBS on 5562 1292. We will relocate to new premises for their future socials in 2018. This relocation is effective with their first social for 2018 on Sunday, February 11, at the church hall of St John’s Lutheran Church, 431 Bridge St, Toowoomba. For details, phone Del on 4635 6429 AH.
14 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 15
Travel
INSIDE: CRUISING SPECIAL
Why take a tour with a guide? TRAVEL author Ann Rickard has been hosting small-group tours in Provence for 13 years. She has also been on many a trip herself where tour guides have hosted her. She gives us some of the advantages and disadvantages for seniors when it comes to holidaying independently or with a tour group.
ADVANTAGES
■ Local knowledge UNLESS you are a fanatic about research before you travel, you will probably miss many a highlight and relevant information. A local guide will take you to all the important sites and ensure you don’t miss anything. ■ Safety SOME countries and
2018 TOURS
destinations should never be considered without a tour guide, on safari for example (you preferably want one with a stun-gun), or in India where just leaving your hotel is a journey into chaos. A tour guide will not let you venture into dangerous parts of any town or city either, and this is a big one for seniors’ safety. ■ Jumping the queue A GOOD tour guide will have access to pre-booked tickets that you, as a free-spirited traveller, will not. This is especially welcome at crowded and popular museums, cathedrals or sites where the queues extend for several kilometres. Skipping the queues is a big advantage for seniors. ■ Saving time
ALL travellers have experienced the frustration of wasting time looking for that famous landmark, site, icon. Many an argument has sprung between couples over a map and a confused expression. A guide will get you there effortlessly and take all the responsibility. A guide will also know places or sites to avoid during rush times, saving you hours of frustration. ■ No driving DRIVING in foreign countries on the other side of the road is stressful for everyone, let alone the nervous senior. Anyone who has driven in Rome or navigated the multiple lanes around the Arc de Triomphe will tell you horror stories. A guide and driver will move you
smoothly through even the most frenzied city and get you as close as possible to the destination.
DISADVANTAGES
■ Too much structure A STRUCTURED tour means you are locked in. You will not be able to visit that delightful trattoria, bistro or patisserie you passed on your way to a famous landmark, no chance of going back to discover those tempting markets you passed on the bus – you have an itinerary to stick to. You will never know what you have missed. ■ Other people GROUPS mean there will always be someone annoying (never you, of course). It is impossible to love everyone in a group and there will be
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occasions when you must grit your teeth and bite your tongue or end up in an argument. ■ Trapped into buying IN POORER countries you will often find your tour guide taking you to his brother’s carpet shop or his cousin’s souvenir store where you will be stuck and hassled to buy something you don’t want. ■ Too much information WHILE tour guides will give you inside knowledge about that fresco in a cathedral or the carvings on a temple, they can often be too long-winded for most travellers, who want only the minimum information. Trying to pay attention to every small fact and historic date is difficult… especially for the senior who finds standing in one spot
exhausting. ■ Way too much to do MANY tours have their guests up at dawn and into a big bus to complete a busy full day’s itinerary before a hotel dinner (again structured) and then bed. Too much travel means you won’t remember half of what you see or do, will not be able to take your time and soak up the atmosphere, let alone immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals. Ann hosts groups of eight on her Provence tours, with a large house as a base from where she does day trips, allowing for plenty of free time around the pool with a glass of French wine and flexibility for shopping. More information at www.annrickard.com.
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16 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
CRUISING
CRUISE SHIP: P&O's Pacific Jewel anchors off Mooloolaba on a beautiful and perfect winter's day. PHOTO: JOHN MCCUTCHEON
Learn the ways of cruising CRUISING is a special universe in the galaxy of travel. Boarding a ship on holiday is like moving to a foreign village, with strange customs to be learned, new rules to be observed and a cast of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers to share your days. Prepare for the journey with these handy survival tips. ■ If you’ve already booked a berth aboard something called Crystal Serenity, or Carnival Ecstasy, or Enchantment of the Seas, you’ve probably twigged that cruise companies love extravagant language. The industry comes with its own flowery prose designed to dazzle prospective passengers. Hence even the most basic windowless cabins are billed as staterooms, as if a minor royal might have stayed there just before you, and butlers, let’s be
frank, are often little more than glorified room attendants. As with so much in life it’s actions, not words, that matter. As long as your butler brings Champagne to your cabin on command, let them call themselves whatever they like. ■ There are few areas of 21st century life where dress standards still matter as much as they do on a ship. Several operators have loosened their bow ties and ditched formal nights in a late acknowledgement that hardly anyone these days gets about in tuxedos and organza gowns. But it’s still a minefield navigating the spectrum of dress codes from daywear and cocktail to informal, smart casual, elegant casual or “stylish separates”. This is a parallel universe where denim is, bizarrely, banned after 6pm on many ships. Always check company websites for
detailed fashion tips, or risk social death at sea. ■ Even on the surest ship and calmest oceans, having the ground shift constantly beneath the feet can make novice cruisers queasy. Pills and patches help ease the upset; some cruisers swear by ginger, others by bananas. Allow a day or two for the middle ear to settle and the sea legs to kick in, except if you’re heading to Antarctica. As always with travel, the most amazing destinations are the hardest to reach and expeditioners must brave 48 hours of the wild Drake Passage crossing before feasting their (slightly bleary) eyes on the White Continent. ■ For those who really can’t stomach being at sea, there’s always river cruising. It offers all the fun of being afloat and none of the nausea.
■ Dining at sea is a series of never-ending indulgences, a place where it’s possible to fill your face from 5am breakfast buffets to midnight feasts via detours to pizza stands, burger bars and 24/7 room service. Celebrity-chef restaurants are all the rage right now and, while you’ve got more chance of spotting a mermaid than you have of seeing Thomas Keller or Luke Mangan manning the stoves, you can expect their branded menus to be a cut above the ordinary. ■ It is not humanly possible to take part in every activity offered on board. All major cruise lines offer dozens of diversions for on-board entertainment. Cunard ships, for example, offer almost 100 daily events, ranging from watercolour classes and bridge tournaments to film screenings and Latin
dance, to keep passengers busy during long stints afloat on round-the-world and transatlantic sailings. Due to the sheer availability of options, you will do things at sea that you never imagined yourself doing on land. It might be wailing through late-night karaoke in the nightclub, catching a “Broadway-style” show or a craps class in the casino. Don’t hold back. Just go with the flow. ■ No matter how grand a ship’s claims of connectivity at sea, and no matter how “state of the art” their latest technology might be, outside major ports the on-board Wi-Fi will often be woeful. Brace yourself for late ’90s-era connectivity as websites fail to load, emails abort and disappear middelivery and Facebook remains a distant dream. The only thing you can do
to cover yourself is make sure internet access is included in your ticket price. At least that way you won’t be charged for all those hours spent staring at the spinning wheel of despair. ■ Cruising holidays can leave you looking years younger. Partly this is due to the stress-free lifestyle and invigorating sea air, but often it’s the result of shrewd investments at the on-board spa. With everything from teeth whitening to skin peels and Botox now on offer, it’s the ideal opportunity for a makeover. ■ Of all the many compelling reasons why cruising holidays now lure more than a million Australians to explore the world’s seas and rivers each year, they usually have less to do with ice cream flavours and craft classes than with the rare pleasures of seeing our world from the water.
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Travel
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 17
CRUISING
Icebergs are stunning to see.
MAGNIFICENT: Rembrandt van Rijn sets sail from Svalbard en route to Greenland over 18 days, with plenty of time to absorb the splendour of the Arctic at the best time of year.
Polar bears are abundant in Spitsbergen.
Set sail with Rembrandt and view the glory of the Arctic Cruise the Arctic on the classic topsail schooner, Rembrandt Lights) plus the option to experience sled dog mushing on an Icelandic glacier,” tour leader and award-winning photographer, Ron Hunter of Quest Tours said. “The spectacular Arctic light show is on an 11-year cycle and we’re about to close this cycle for another decade, so it could be the best chance for many of us to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.” Whilst wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, it is expected to see polar bears as we sail around Spitsbergen, for here there are 3000 polar
July is the best time of year to see stunning views on this trip.
bears, the biggest concentration in the
world, in fact there are more bears than people
Partner flies FREE to Europe return, if booked before end Nov ’17 for July/Aug ‘18
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AN ARCTIC cruise is the best way to relive the glory days of exploration and discovery under sail aboard a classic gaff-rigged, three-masted, topsail schooner through Quest Tours. In July next year, the magnificent 56m, 33-berth Rembrandt van Rijn sets sail from Svalbard en route to Greenland over 18 days, with plenty of time to absorb the splendour of the Arctic at the best time of year. “Our voyage is timed to experience the best of the Arctic, polar bears on Svalbard, hopefully the Aurora Borealis (Northern
glaciers, seals, muskox, reindeer, orcas, belugas, birdlife and whales, as well experiencing Inuit culture. Prior to the 18-day Arctic cruise, we visit Oslo, Flam, Bergen with fjord train and boat tours, then Longyearbyen, Ittoqqortoormiit and Constable Pynt. The Rembrandt van Rijn cruise is just part of the 29-day Arctic itinerary that Quest Tours has put together. The tour departs Sydney on July 21, 2018 flying to Oslo. For more information, phone Quest Tours on (02) 6554 7478 or 0409 466 958 or go to www.QuestTours.com.au or email info@QuestTours. com.au.
Ph: 02 6554 7478
info@QuestTours.com.au
18 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
CRUISING
Not sure about cruising? Try a sampler cruise
TASTE OF CRUISING: Get a taste for the cruising life with this sampler experience on Ovation of the Seas, a new Royal Caribbean ship was first sailed in 2016.
of the onboard entertainment and port charges. Prices vary across the four types of cabins across 16 decks – inside, outside, balcony
and suite – which cater for up to 4905 passengers. There are 1500 staff to look after every aspect of your new experience, or short break.
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HAVEN’T been cruising before, but always wanted to try it out? Why not try a sampler cruise? This is a great idea for anyone who really isn’t sure what cruising is all about and whether it’s for them. Royal Caribbean has a three-day cruise which starts from and finishes in Sydney. The Sampler Cruise on one of four of the Royal Caribbean cruise ships departs Sydney at 7pm on day one and returns at 6am on day four. There are various departure dates in February and March 2018. The price includes all shipboard meals in a huge variety of restaurants, other than in the speciality restaurants, and most
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To book a voyage, contact your preferred travel agent for more information, prices and booking conditions or go online to www.royal caribbean.com.
What’s in the first aid kit? WE ALL love to travel and explore with family or friends. Despite many hours of careful planning and preparation, things can and do go wrong. So a well-equipped first aid kit is a wise investment. The most frustrating and unexpected problems which occur are usually tooth related. A dental check-up before leaving is a good idea, but even though everything looks OK dental problems can still occur while away. Currently available first aid kits only deal with a range of medical problems lacking any effective means of dealing with dental problems (apart from pain-killers). Dental problems won’t BE PREPARED: Dentist In A Box the go anywhere dental kill you but how annoying emergency kit the best gift you can give your family and if a tooth or filling breaks friends for Christmas. away leaving a sharp, jagged edge and there is trying to find a dentist for case the kits provide always the possibility of you or your family “out of clear, concise instructions toothache. hours”, away from home and materials to How many holidays are or unable to speak the temporarily deal with ruined by dental language? unexpected dental problems? Blu Tack and Why isn’t a first aid kit problems anytime. chewing gum don’t work for dental emergencies Dentist In A Box the go so how long can you available? anywhere dental survive on pain-killers? Dentist In A Box emergency kit the best gift These problems occur products launched more you can give your family without warning, than 20 years ago are and friends for Christmas. anywhere, anytime. Australian-made kits Order now by credit card Skilled help may not be which assume no dental by phoning 1300 THE KIT that easy to find wherever or medical knowledge. (1300 843 548) or visit you are. Can you imagine About the size of a CD dentistinabox.com.au.
Travel
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 19
CRUISING EXCLUSIVE PASSAGE: Experience The Flying Scotsman.
Unique, new rail and sail tour THIS extraordinary tour features the world’s most famous locomotive, The Flying Scotsman, with a complimentary upgrade to a Verandah Stateroom With a flurry of steam and the sound of a whistle, the world’s most famous locomotive, the Flying Scotsman, will whisk Australian travellers back in time to the romantic age of steam as part of an exclusive, new rail and sail journey to the British Isles and the Baltic released by Cruise Express. A complimentary upgrade to a Verandah Stateroom is part of the package. The Scotsman and the Baltic is a special, never-before- offered, fly, rail and sail package departing Australia on May 16, 2018. The luxury, 25-night itinerary features as its centrepiece a heritage rail trip from London to Edinburgh and back, hauled in part by the iconic Flying Scotsman locomotive.
The crowd-pulling steam engine was built in 1923 and retired from regular service in 1963. It set a world record in 1934 as the first steam locomotive to reach 100m/h (161km/h) and during a special visit to Australia in 1989, it set a record for the longest-ever, non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 679km from Parkes to Broken Hill. The itinerary begins with two-night stay at the five-star Waldorf Hilton in London’s West End followed by a day-long journey north to Edinburgh in Scotland aboard the historic, 1950s and ’60’s carriages of the Cathedrals Express train. Including welcome champagne and two meals in the train’s elegant dining carriage, the trip north will be hauled between York and Edinburgh by the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive. Three nights at the
prestigious Balmoral Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh allow travellers to explore the Scottish capital with its medieval castles before the return trip to London aboard the Cathedrals Express, with The Flying Scotsman again leading the train between Edinburgh and York as passengers enjoy fine cuisine and wine on tables draped in crisp white linen and topped by shining silverware. Another four nights at London’s Waldorf Hilton will allow guests free time to see the city’s famous sights before a private car transfer to Southampton takes them to the gangway of the luxurious, 2900-passenger cruise ship, Celebrity Silhouette, for a 14-night, round-trip cruise to northern Europe. The ship will call at six ports around the Baltic, including Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, Warnemunde near Berlin and overnight visits to St Petersburg and
Copenhagen. On the ship’s return to Southampton, a private car transfer to Heathrow Airport and a flight back to Australia ends the journey. The Scotsman and the Baltic package includes return flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,
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TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully in nclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card sur urcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number n of passengers to depart. Prices may fl fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 21 October 2017. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go G See Touring Member of Helloworld ABN: 72 122 522 276 ATAS Accreditation A11320
20 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Pack insurance for smoother seas BY 2020, close to two million Australians will be packing for a cruise, but they won’t necessarily have the correct travel insurance. Recent research proves almost half of those holiday makers won’t be taking out travel insurance or won’t take out the correct type to cover them when on a cruise ship and at their destinations. Also revealed was that during the time on board, many travellers mistakenly believe Medicare or their private health insurer will cover any medical expenses. “Nearly a third incorrectly assumed the Federal Government would pay if they needed to be medically evacuated from a cruise ship,” the Quantum
Market Research’s Understand Insurance and smartraveller. gov.au survey researchers reported. The researchers found 70% of these cruise travellers were exposing themselves to significant risk because they believed there was less chance of losing their luggage than on a flight, or that their voyage would be cancelled or delayed. Other key findings of the survey of cruise travellers were: ■ 37% of those aged 65 and over bought travel insurance policies that might not adequately cover them. ■ 65 year olds and over had a better than average understanding of travel insurance, but a large proportion thought it covered cruises as standard,
leading to under-insurance or non-insurance. ■ More than a third of them believed travel insurance was less important for cruises than other overseas holidays because cruise ships have doctor to treat passengers if they get sick. Understand Insurance spokesman Campbell Fuller said: “Unfortunately, 53 per cent of cruise ship passengers and cruise intenders in the next two years believe they can rely on medical care on board their ship, and that if they fall critically ill the Australian Government will pay for their care and their evacuation back home. “That is not the case. Medical treatment, hospital stays and medical evacuations
back home can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. “Too often, Australia’s consular officials in foreign ports have to help ill or injured passengers who are either not insured or have not bought the right insurance cover. “When cruise passengers book a trip, they should make sure they buy travel insurance that covers them for their cruise, and for all destinations they intend to go. “Travellers who have pre-existing medical conditions should also let their insurer know beforehand.” Did you know: ■ A day in an international hospital can cost $10,000 and payment is often required prior to admission.
CRUISING: Many cruise travellers mistakenly believe Medicare or their private health insurer will cover any medical expenses.
10 Tuscan towns to put on your bucket list prosciutto sit splendidly in deli’s all over the city and attract as many tourists as the cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo. The Piazza Garibaldi in the historic centre is a good place to start your food exploration where the restaurants stay true to traditional recipes of Parma and pay respect to the produce.
Ann Rickard
HILL-TOP towns, endless sunshine, renowned wines, sublime food, undulating hills, haystacks, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees…Tuscany is the essence of Italy. Travel writer Ann Rickard says If you plan well it is possible to visit many of the iconic towns in one unforgettable Tuscan adventure. Slow down and adapt to the Italian leisurely way of life and you’ll enjoy it more.
FLORENCE
THE big one of all them all. A must for its art, treasures, culture, history and architecture. But the summer queues outside the Uffizi Gallery mean a three hour wait. Best go off-season if you have no tolerance for long lines. Start your Florence day with a fortifying breakfast at the Mercato Centrale, the huge undercover market brimming with Tuscan produce.
LUCCA
AN HOUR’S train ride from Florence, this sedate walled-town exudes history and refinement – it is birthplace of Puccini after all. Walk or cycle the
MONTALCINO
FULL OF WONDER: San Gimignano has 14 towers built in the 14th Century.
five kilometres on top of its walls and then stroll the lively Via Fillungo for the designer shops and restaurants. Summer festivals abound in Lucca, the Rolling Stones gave a one-off concert by the city walls in August, it sold out in five minutes.
SIENA
YOUR jaw may drop (as ours did) at first sight of Siena’s magnificent Piazza del Campo with its tilted floor fanning out to surrounding buildings and the soaring Torre del Mangia (tower). Hang out in one of the cafes along the permitre of this most celebrated of all the
world’s medieval squares and just watch.
VOLTERRA
A SMALL town dating back to Etruscan times, mostly overlooked for the more popular (but crowded) San Gimignano. Plenty of tall towers to gaze up to, evocative Roman theatre ruins, a crowning fortress, an Etruscan museum and stately palaces (now municipal buildings) surrounding the elegant Piazza dei Priori, all make Volterra worth leaving the well-trodden Tuscan track.
SAN GIMIGNANO
THE full wonder of San Gimignano hits you as you
round a final bend in the winding country road and gaze up to its 14 towers rising like a mini medieval Manhattan. Only 14 of the 72 original towers built in the 14th century remain, but they are visible from far away. Packed to capacity in the summer, but still a glamour-gal, San Gimignano is a must-do.
PARMA
YES, it isn’t quite in Tuscany, but close enough and home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the famous prosciutto. Giant wheels of cheese in varying ages and enormous legs of
FAMOUS for its Brunello red wine, this surprisingly small walled-town will welcome you for wine tastings on every corner. Wine is king, don’t try to resist as you walk the cobbled streets. After your fill of wine, stop at one of the many restaurants with panoramic views over Val d’Orcia National Park. Drink a glass of Brunello with your pasta.
PIENZA
TINY, and not so well known, but worth a visit. Inside the walls, narrow streets are flanked by handsome buildings. A stroll along the Corso il Rossellino pretty much does the entire town, but it’s a great base to explore the nearby wineries. The hotel il Chiostro with its large internal courtyard is a Relais & Chateaux
property and surprisingly reasonably priced.
MONTEPULCIANO
LUXURY shops on the Via di Voltaia nel Corso sell leather bags, exquisite shoes, fine jewellery and beautiful antiques. If you can get past the gauntlet of shops, the panoramic views over Tuscan country-side are breath-sapping. Have lunch at Osteria di Bacco on the Via di Gracciano nel Corso and try the nettle gnocchi with white truffle. Montepulciano is home to the Nobile Wine, an equal to the Brunello (we think.)
PISA
DON’T need to say much about this one, other than you simply must take a selfie of you trying to prop up the tower. Pisa is great fun, but crowded, so best to have your fill of the tower first, and then explore the narrow back streets. You need a car in Tuscany, and parking outside the walled-towns can be tight and tricky, but worth it. The above is just a sprinkling of the dozens of Tuscan towns, many of them are pint-sized, but all charming. It’s a case of discovery.
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 21
, 21st October 2018
Top End, Kakadu & Ghan Extended Expedition $5490 P/P-TS*
Single Supp + $420 *Seniors Group Discount Rail Rate *22nd April, 22nd July, 2nd Sep
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LONGREACH & WINTON SUMMER HALF PRICE RAIL 7 Days, 17th, 24th Feb 2018 Fully Hosted Summer Adventure designed to give you the most comfortable experience Tour includes 4.5*Accom, Stockman’s Hall of Fame, QANTAS Museum, Ilfracombe, Winton, Age of Dino’s 2 for 1 Rail on the Spirit of the Outback Train First Class Cabin Eccentric Lightning Ridge, 5 Days, 7 May 2018. Millmerrin, St George, Moree Goondiwindi, Abbey of Roses Lightning Ridge Discovery Tours Astronomers Monument Amigos Castle, Hot Artesian Pool, Coopers Cottage & Walk-in Mine, Opal Cave Demonstration Chamber of the Black Hand Lawn Hill & Mt Isa 11 Days, 3rd 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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Yamba Short Break 4 Days 5th Mar 2018. Depart Brisbane Visiting: Bangalow, Yamba, Clarence River Cruise, Maclean, Brooms Head, Angourie, Evans Head, Woodburn, Byron Bay 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
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22 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Entertainment
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Better than ever Cully Fest welcomes all age groups
Exciting changes ahead for Cully Fest Alison Houston
THE 2017 Cully Fest is bigger and more jampacked than ever at its new home of Toowoomba Showgrounds on November 17–19. While initially gutted to be unable to continue the Aboriginal and Outback Cultural Festival at its Cunnamulla home, organiser Peieta Mills said the move opened new doors, especially to seniors and children. “We’ve been working on this for about a year behind the scenes, organising and promoting it, and it’s definitely gained lots of interest,” she said. “Sales are already better. It’s more accessible. The facilities are sensational and the management team really encourage development of events. “It’s probably a bit too
Pepper Jane will perform at the Cully Fest.
MUSIC MAKERS: Among a huge line-up of artists at Cully Fest will be Dezzie D and the Stingrayz.
big a venue for us this year but it will let us grow over the next 10 years.” The festival has earned a reputation for bringing together Aboriginal culture, music, arts and artists with non-indigenous artists. Speakers share their stories, experiences and struggles and there are more than 50 different workshops spanning hundreds of sessions from didgeridoo-making and playing, to Aboriginal language, drawing, guitar,
ukulele, tin whistle, singing, songwriting, cooking, bush survival and more. “Last year we had an older couple from Toowoomba who planned to come for one day because the husband had purchased a didgeridoo and wanted to learn how to play it. “They came for that day and basically stayed for the whole event. “People think they know what it’s going to be but, when they get here, they
find it’s so much more.” This year, Peieta said, there were already a number of retirees booked in for the three-day camping ticket, along with three generations of a number of families. For the first time, 616 students and teachers will take part in workshops on the Friday as part of a school excursion program. Other initiatives include a cabaret-style show, aimed squarely at seniors, starring the soulful lyrics of Pepper
Jane singing Released, followed by Willie Nelson’s Love Child taking audiences on a journey through his life, loves and songs, and the magic of 1940s and 1950s blues and swing with Dezzie D and the Stingrayz. While dinner and show tickets are no longer available, you can still enjoy the music, and plan to get in early for next year’s full event. A great new initiative for this year’s show is the half-day music-only ticket, which gives you entry from 3pm–midnight for just $69.90 (adults). Full day tickets, including as many workshops as you want to take part in are $159 for adults, or there is the
three-day option. Bands include the rock sounds of Killing Heidi, to folk, country, funk/ska, blues, gospel and soul. And for the teens, there’s In Stereo. And for those who like a little more action, the festival is also partnering to present Round 2 of the National Rodeo Finals. “We have a lot of return performers who got rave reviews last year and some fantastic new people this year,” Peieta said. “The idea is it’s very interactive. We want people to be involved. “I am happy to be held to my statement there is something no matter if you are 1 or 91.” ■ www.cullyfest.com.
The genius of da Vinci at Cobb+Co Museum IMAGINE not having to travel all the way to Italy – or even to a major Australian capital – to see first-hand the creative genius that was Leonardo da Vinci. It seems unimaginable, but Toowoomba’s Cobb+Co Museum has achieved a major coup in hosting a new international touring exhibition, from December 9, which lets visitors delve into the mind of Italy’s, and arguably the world’s, most famous artist, scientist and inventor. Da Vinci Machines: Leonardo’s Inventions Brought to Life, features more than 50 exhibits, reportedly constructed or reconstructed by three generations of Florentine artisans, involving intricate study of illustrations and writings by the mastermind. Some had never previously made it past the drawing phase. On loan from the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy, the interactive machines are created from original da Vinci drawings. Highlights include the bicycle, the scuba suit, a drumming robot, spring-powered car, as
GENIUS: Some of the inventions on show at Cobb+Co Museum include the airscrew and robot drummer.
well as flying machines. On the artistic front, visitors will see actual-size digital prints of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, The Annunciation, Lady with an Ermine and da Vinci’s self-portrait. You might well be amazed at how small the Mona Lisa is for the big fuss that is made over her, but this exhibit also
provides the rare opportunity to compare the restored Mona Lisa with a digitally enhanced version, giving it the vibrancy it would have had when it started life 500 years ago. Queensland Museum Network acting CEO Dr Jim Thompson said the exhibition would give visitors the opportunity to
discover why Leonardo da Vinci was considered such a genius, both artistically and scientifically. “What a coup for Toowoomba to be able to bring this exhibition to Cobb+Co Museum where visitors can view these incredible machines that have inspired generations and will continue to
stimulate the thinkers and designers of the next generation,” he said. Among da Vinci’s innovations are automatons, nautical, hydraulic and architectural tools, ground-breaking applications of civil engineering and fearinspiring war machines. The exhibition will run for five months from
December 9 until May 27, and opens from 9.30am–4pm. Museum entry is free for residents in the Toowoomba Regional Council area. Otherwise, prices are: Adults $12.50; children $6.50; and families $32. For more information go to cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au or phone 4659 4914.
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Entertainment
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 23
What’s on
CENTENARY OF FEDERAL POLICING
RACE DAY
IF THE Melbourne Cup has whet your appetite for racing, head to Clifford Park on Saturday, November 18, to celebrate the spring racing carnival. The Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Race Day runs from 4–10pm. Grab your fascinator or shine your shoes. There will be live entertainment, gourmet canapes and a two-course plated meal and drinks in the grand marquee with funds going to Toowoomba Hospital. $135 a person for members, $155 for non-members.
THE RHYTHMS OF IRELAND
THE Rhythms of Ireland, is on a worldwide 10-year anniversary tour. The stage spectacular blends the ancient traditions of Irish dance and music with innovative choreography, stunning costumes, lighting and sound. And it’s all coming to Empire Theatres on Monday, November 20. Adults $69.90. Phone 1300 655 299 or go to www.empiretheatre. com.au.
GREENMOUNT TWILIGHT MARKETS
CELEBRATE everything Greenmount at the Greenmount Twilight Markets on Friday, November 24, from 5–9pm, with all profits going to support the local memorial hall (where the markets are held) and the school. Just 20 minutes south of Toowoomba, you’ll find live local music, coffee, dinner and bar,
JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON free rides for the kids, local arts and crafts and home-made goodies – including the highly contested Best Condiments competition. Gold coin donation. Phone Leisa on 0418 159 149 for details or to hire a stall.
TAKING CARE OF CHRISTMAS
THIS is the festive version of the You’re the Boss workshop series at Laidley Community Centre. It’s on Friday, November 24, from 10am–noon and involves a relaxed two-hour workshop covering all you need to know about creating positive money habits, not getting down over debt, simple money tips and contacts, like where to seek assistance when in financial hardship and keeping Christmas costs down. Bookings are essential and morning tea is provided. Phone 5465 1889 or go to www.ourcommunitycentre. org.au.
HAND MADE UNDER THE STARS
COBB+CO Museum is transformed into a twilight artisan market on Thursday, November 30, for Hand Made Under the Stars. Entry is free. There is live music to enjoy as you browse (potentially with a glass of wine in hand) and chat directly with the people who made the quality local products. With more than 50 artists involved, it runs from 4–8pm and there is delicious food and drinks for purchase, as well as wine, cheese and chocolate tastings. Doesn’t sound bad, does it? Go to www.cobb andco. qm.qld.gov.au or phone 4659 4900 for more.
BUSH CHRISTMAS
HAPPY 21st birthday to Bush Christmas. It’s on this year from November 30–December 9 at the Masonic Centre, 58 Neil St, Toowoomba. More than 100 artisans showcase their handmade and gourmet creations just in time for you to find those perfect and unique Christmas gifts. There’s everything from art to jewellery, skincare
TWILIGHT MARKET: Hand Made Under the Stars at Cobb+Co Museum on November 30 is a lovely environment in which to meet the makers of wonderful creations, find a great gift and taste-test some local produce. PHOTO: LUCYRC PHOTOGRAPHY
to garden art, books and toys to homewares, textiles, leather and those always difficult gifts for guys.
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
HARD to believe it’s the 15th year of this amazing community celebration which runs December 2–24. It’s on again at Queens Park (entry via Lindsay and Campbell Sts). As well as all the magical Christmas decorations, there’s roving entertainment, a barbecue each night and free ice-cream for the kids. If you can give some time to be one of the 40 volunteers needed each night, they’d love to hear from you, or just go along, or take the grandkids and enjoy the spectacle. Entry is gold coin donation. Go to www.christmaswonder land.com.au.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
THE Christmas Tree Festival at Middle Ridge Uniting Church from December 6–15 is unique. Wander through the forest
of decorated trees and find a gift at the craft stall, enjoy a free coffee and cake or buy a Devonshire tea. It’s free for clubs or groups to participate by appropriately decorating a tree, just phone 4636 3850 to register interest. Leave non-perishable food or gifts at the Empty Christmas Tree to be arranged into hampers to distribute to needy families.
The theme is Music of the Nativity and doors are open 9am–9pm, with entertainment by local artists, choirs and bands at 10.30am and 7.30pm and a Rotary Club barbecue from 5–7.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation. Go to www.mruc.com.au.
A SWINGING CHRISTMAS SHOW
ENJOY the songs of some
of the world’s greatest performers, including Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Elvis, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole, for a budget price at Craig Martin’s A Swingin’ Christmas Show on Thursday, December 7, at Empire Theatres. Tickets are just $20 for this 11am show, which also includes a complimentary morning tea from 10am.
Highfields Pioneer Village i d to preserving i the h hi h D li Downs D f future f i Dedicated history off the Darling for generations. Wander through over 60 restored buildings Large range of vintage & farm machinery
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• Australia Day | January 26th 2018 • Easter 2018 | 31st March 1st & 2nd April
Take a ride on Myrtle May the miniature steam train. Sun 26 Nov 2017 10:00am – 2:30pm
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WARWICK Art Gallery has an exhibit with a difference, celebrating the centenary of Federal policing – and a couple of local characters. Apparently Warwick played an infamous part in the service being established after local brothers Pat and Bart Brosnan egged Prime Minster Billy Hughes, who was speaking in support of compulsory conscription at the local railway station. When local police refused to arrest them, Hughes announced formation of the Commonwealth Police Force, later to become the Australian Federal Police. The exhibit runs until January 5, 2018.
24 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
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Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 25
Wellbeing
Warwick welcomes the dawn of pain relief Patients testify to benefits of post-cancer wound treatment Quinn Jones
WARWICK and his wife Pam thought they had nowhere else to turn. Warwick, who had been diagnosed with "very aggressive" prostate cancer in 2015, watched as his chemotherapy proved to be more successful than first thought, killing off the skin cancers on his legs. But the small cavities left behind grew, and grew, and eventually, formed big, painful, weeping ulcers. The wounds – some as large as a 50-cent piece – became so uncontrollable that the couple resorted to unconventional methods. "I used to get up in the morning, and because (my legs) were all mucky, I’d go out and put the garden hose on and wash it off," Warwick told Seniors News. Eventually, doctors told the couple that only skin grafts would save Warwick’s legs. But Pam didn’t give up hope that an alternative solution could be found. "I said ‘who do we go to? What do we do?’," Pam said.
The answer? The Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine. The impact was immediate. Pam emailed the centre’s physicians photos of Warwick’s wounds and they quickly responded: When can you get here? Warwick underwent the tests for prospective new patients, and before he knew it, was stepping into the hyperbaric chamber and on to his road to recovery. Warwick’s treatment included 50 dives: that’s 50 times the couple drove up and back from the Lockyer Valley, 50 times they had to put their life on hold. But it was worth it. "From that day on, since they put the first dressings on, that was the end of my pain," Warwick said. "I just can’t praise the Wesley Centre of Hyperbaric Medicine enough. What they do is marvellous." Warwick said it took about 20 dives in the hyperbaric chamber before he started to see any improvement on his legs, but once he did, every day seemed like a
SPREADING THE WORD: Warwick and his wife Pam are very happy with the outcome from treatments in the hyperbatic chamber.
new dawn. Now he only needs to visit the centre occasionally to get his dressing reapplied. The long, arduous,
frustrating and painful journey has inspired the couple to spread the message of the hyperbaric chamber to the wider medical community.
And just like Warwick’s wounds, the results have been remarkable. "Since we’ve been here, we take photos back to the oncologist and we’ve
been explaining to him what’s going on with his recovery," Pam said."And now he wants all the information he can get."
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26 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
STAY AT HOME
Australian-first cancer treatment in Toowoomba
New world-class technology now available to you locally TOOWOOMBA man Dennis McNamara, 71, has the dubious honour of being the first person in Australia to be treated by the world’s most innovative radiation oncology treatment. Dennis, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July, is the first patient to be treated with the state-of-the-art Varian Halcyon™ machine at Icon Group’s Radiation Oncology Centre. “It feels exciting in a way,” Dennis said. “Of course, you don’t want to be there in the first place, but I also feel privileged to be able to get the latest treatment here in Toowoomba. “It is nice to know you have people looking after you.” The new technology
reportedly streamlines and simplifies every aspect of a patient’s cancer treatment, delivering radiation therapy with pinpoint precision and speed. It has the capacity to treat up to 50 patients a day at centre. Dennis, a retired boilermaker, has a sad family history of cancer. One brother has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, another passed away from lymphoma and his mum from pancreatic cancer. He was shocked to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as he had not noticed any symptoms. “You can’t do anything about it but get the treatment you need,” Dennis said practically. Icon Group CEO Mark
INNOVATION: Dennis McNamara with the team and the Varian Halcyon™ machine at Icon Group Radiation Oncology Centre.
Middleton said he was excited to be able to bring the world-class radiation technology to town. “Since opening in 2007, our Toowoomba
centre has helped keep families together, saving over 6000 cancer patients from the arduous journey into Brisbane,” Mark said. “Bringing exceptional
cancer care to more people, closer to home is something that the local Darling Downs community deserves.” Alongside the centre,
Icon Group also delivers medical oncology and haematology consultations and a pharmacy service at St Andrew’s Hospital.
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Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Be a part of this exciting lifestyle experience. Construction has commenced with the first release complete by early 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
• All townhouses have a high standard of finish including outdoor patios which are built under the main roof, stone kitchen benchtops, ceiling fans in all bedrooms, ensuites and TV points in all main bedrooms.
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Seniors 29
STAY AT HOME
11 practical tips for carers Tracey Johnstone
FOR seven years Queensland resident James McCutcheon has cared for his wife of 61 years, learning many valuable lessons along the way about the carer role and Alzheimer’s Disease. “I took it on as a natural thing,” the 86-year-old said. “I loved the woman so I decided to care for her until I couldn’t any longer.” His wife, Beverley, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and, after two years of James struggling with the gradual changes in her, in March he finally moved her into a high-care facility. James shares his 11 hard-learnt tips from his experience of caring for Beverley. 1 Get a good GP “The first one I had was terrible and didn’t recognise the fact, kept saying it was old age,” James said. “Beverley wouldn’t let me go with her at the time until I forced the issue.” James knew something was wrong when Beverley kept asking the same question “every five minutes”. “I thought, that’s the first sign,” James said. He changed GPs quickly. 2 Find an even better geriatrician The first geriatrician James found was offhand, with no bedside manner and “mucked up tablets”.
3 Enduring Power of Attorney This must be obtained for everyone and done early. As Beverley didn’t have one, James approached everybody he could think of to help but, as they considered Beverley incapable of understanding the document, nothing could be done. Then he obtained a form from the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. “I finally went to court just this year and was granted administration,” he said. 4 Check out rest homes early Look over rest homes to find a few you are comfortable with and then register with them. 5 Join a carers’ group Do this early. “You can learn a lot of information from carers,” James said. 6 Approach the aged care assistance team (ACAT) Get an assessment done as soon as there is a diagnosis. “There are packages available from the government,” James said. “You can then get a provide,r and there are lots of them around now, and they look after you with people coming to help you, or you want a day off.” 7 Day care Find out about day care options through a provider. 8 Respite “It’s a necessity to have respite as it’s a 24/7 job,” James said. “You get a bit
CARING: James McCutcheon and his wife, Beverley.
jaded and it’s hard with what comes out of their minds and how they act.” Your provider can advise on your respite options. 9 Friendship James talked to My Aged Care about the closest friendship group, which is where you meet with others socially and learn a lot about dementia. 10 Incontinence allowance There is an allowance to cover some of the costs of
incontinence apparel. 11 Carers allowance This allowance is available through Centrelink.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
■ Keep your mind open. ■ When you are feeling depressed or angry, “remember it’s not the person, it’s the disease” James counsels. ■ Go walking. James walks with a group that
PHOTO: PATRICK WOODS
steps out around the local shopping centre early in the morning. ■ Find an activity that gives you pleasure. He is a painter which, for 40 years, has been his passion. He has even sold many watercolours. ■ Allocate a day and time each week for you to do something just for you. James had Monday morning locked in as his day to paint. ■ Find social activities. “I think you have to be
socially active because if you don’t, you will tend to vegetate and sit and watch television all the time,” James said. Social interactions through his walking, lunches and dinners with friends and then getting absorbed in painting have been a great saviour for James. “I get by but it is lonely, particularly at night when you are sitting there and you look across and think, where is she,” he said.
Are you MedicReady in the case of emergency? LET’S face it – accidents and emergencies are a fact of life. Sadly, it’s not until emergencies arise and disasters strike – when we are faced with trauma, chaos, the unknown, and uncertainty – that many of us realise just how alone and unprepared we really are for the unexpected! Especially after an accident, first responders to an emergency, triage personnel, specialists, and general health care professionals need immediate access to one’s personal details, critical health data, and medical care history so that the right decisions can be made about a person’s health concerns and issues, diagnostic, and/or treatment needs. Emergency service
professionals well appreciate the importance of emergency and medical ID devices and the reality that vital seconds can’t be wasted wondering if someone has one, where it might be, and if located, whether or not it contains enough accessible data to lessen any risk to the patient and liability to emergency services? Everybody needs some form of emergency and medical identification; it should be practical, visible, robust, easy to access, and most of all, it should be able to be located and easily utilised without delay – it has to be one’s voice to speak when one can’t; after all, in an emergency, time is of the essence. MedicReady is proud to offer its range of
innovative, practical, and comprehensive emergency first responder medical alert data cards and locators which are a must have for all vehicle drivers, motorbike riders, and patients; those with pre-existing medical issues, life-threatening conditions, complex health complaints, allergies and taking regular medications; the elderly, children, hikers, backpackers, travellers –for everybody. Each MedicReady kit has as its mainstay a comprehensive Emergency and Medical Data Card which folds up to no greater than the size and thickness of a Medicare Card. There is sufficient space for a person to include their:
■ picture; ■ priority information; ■ personal information; ■ emergency contacts; ■ treating doctor details; ■ medical conditions; ■ medication particulars; ■ details of past hospitalisations, procedures and illnesses, and details pertaining to advance health and care directives; and ■ details which people can transfer to questionnaires when attending at specialist appointments too. But what good is there in wearing or carrying any first response alert devices, or Emergency and Medical Data Cards when first responders can’t locate them? This is where MedicReady comes into its own with its selection
of complementary First Alert ICE Accident and Emergency Medical Data Locators. Custom to each MedicReady Emergency and Medical Data Locator kit (vehicle, motorbike, or patient/family) is included, as standard, a boldly pre-embossed all metal locator token which can be clipped to just about anything: one’s car keys, key chains, handbags, school bags, backpacks, suitcases – and more. To further assist first responders, there are also included easy-to-read water resistant UV protected Emergency and Medical Data Locator vehicle stickers, helmet decals and fridge magnets that are a good way of alerting emergency
services that one is not only carrying a comprehensive MedicReady Essentials Emergency and medical ID card, but most of all – where it can be found. Other than the nominal charge at time of purchase, there are no further charges. The cost of each KIT is $30, and this includes free Australia-wide postage. To learn more about the range, benefits and use of our products, you can connect with us via any social media handle with tag #MedicReady. The name MedicReady, the stylised MR heart logo are registered trademarks (R) and the intellectual property (IP) of George W Helon. ADVERTORIAL
30 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
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Reviews Money Maggie’s recipes for life
MAGGIE Beer’s Recipe for Life is so much more than a cookbook. She has teamed up with world leading Alzheimer’s researcher Professor Ralph Martins to fight one of the most debilitating diseases of our times. “To have a healthy old age you must act now, whether you are 30 or 50,” Maggie said. “I have two great passions – sharing my love of cooking delicious simple food and improving the health and nutrition of older people. “I hope this cookbook does both but it’s not for ‘old’ people, it’s for you. “These are my recipes for every day, for everybody, full of deep flavours and beautiful
ingredients that will nourish you and your family. “Nobody wants to eat worthy food that tastes like cardboard. “For me, food without flavour is unthinkable! And so is the notion of restricting whole food groups. “This is not a diet book – it’s a way of life.” Based on the latest scientific research, Maggie has created more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health. More than a million Australians are affected every day by Alzheimer’s or its impact on their family but the good news is that you can eat well to age well, from this
moment on. The proceeds from Maggie’s Recipe for Life will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Published by Simon & Schuster, Recipe for Life is available in bookshops and in ebook now. RRP $39.99
The humble great Aussie shed ONE of Australia’s best-loved celebrities Scott Cam raises a toast in stories, anecdotes and photographs to an enduring Australian icon, the (not so humble) backyard shed. He loves his sheds so much, he has two of them. He loves spending time in them, sometimes doing absolutely zip; just having a beer, looking around, turning random things on and off, sanding a bit of timber for no reason. And it got him to thinking...“There are thousands of people around with a love of sheds like me, and plenty of their sheds are better than mine,” Scott said.
“So, why not run a competition to find the 20 best ones and whack ‘em in a book for all to see?” After his nationwide search, here in Scotty’s Top Aussie Sheds you’ll find the most fascinating examples of our humble, and not so humble, backyard icon. You’ll be inspired by the
owners’ fascinating stories, and by the stunning images of their pride and joy and you might even join Scotty on his mission to make sheds great, make them essential, and make them loved again. Scott Cam is one of Australia’s best-loved television personalities. As host of The Block on Nine Network, Scott’s laidback larrikin attitude has won him millions of fans across Australia and a Gold Logie award in 2014. Published by Murdoch Books, Scotty’s Top Aussie Sheds is available in bookshops. RRP $35.
Sport and being active can boost your money! IF YOUR golf clubs have been under wraps or your tennis racquet has been tucked away for some time, it could be worth dusting them off. Research by AMP found Australians who play sport regularly are 64% more likely to achieve their financial goals than those who don’t. With the weather warming up, plenty of us will be thinking about getting in better shape. That can mean heading outdoors for a round of golf, a dip in the ocean or kicking a ball around the local oval with the kids. The health benefits of physical activity are well documented, but AMP’s study also found a clear link between our sportiness and the way we manage our money. According to the survey, playing sport on a regular basis makes us more likely to think about our long-term financial well-being. As a guide, people who frequently play sport are 66% more likely to make extra contributions to their super fund, and more than twice as likely to own an investment property as less active people. If you ride a bike or play netball, take a bow
THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE – the AMP survey found you’re likely to be among the nation’s most financially savvy thinkers. Cricketers are most likely to have a financial advisor, and golfers top the league table for personal savings – with one in three having more than $50,000 in savings. When you think about it, these results aren’t all that surprising. Keen sportspeople often achieve success by setting personal or team-based goals. So it’s a natural step to set goals in other areas of life like money management. A number of overseas studies confirm AMP’s findings that physical and financial health often go hand in hand. One group of US researchers explained the link, saying that people who make healthy choices today to enjoy good health tomorrow are also more likely to regularly put money aside to achieve greater financial security
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If you ride a bike or play netball, take a bow.
in the future. I freely admit I’m no sports scientist, but it’s fair to say there’s another link between physical health and fiscal fitness – both can be achieved when you make it part of a regular routine. Getting physically fit involves taking the time to exercise regularly. It may not happen overnight but your fitness should improve over time. The same applies to financial security. It’s all about developing and sticking to good money habits – like using a budget to gain control of your cash, spending less than you earn, and saving and investing for the long term. It’s not hard and it delivers great results without working up a sweat. If you’re not sure where to start with your financial well-being, take a look at the MoneySmart website for sensible tips on managing your money.
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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Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Let’s save
Have fun recycling
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) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110
National Aged Care Information
1800 200 422
BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN together, have a good time and meet other people in their community. Recycling and reuse events can be held between a group of friends or work colleagues, schools or neighbourhood areas. Swap Parties: Hold a party with a group of friends, at your work or publicly to swap certain items, from clothes to toys, DVDs to sports equipment. Planet Ark’s Swap Guide makes it easy to host your own party. Second Hand Saturday: Neighbourhood-wide garage sales organised
www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au
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THE dates for National Recycling Week 2017 are Monday, November 13 to Sunday, November 19 but of course it’s good to encourage recycling at any time of the year. There are many ways to donate, trade and exchange – to give your unwanted items a new home, or to get new things that doesn’t cost the earth. Some of the ways you can get into good recycling habits are: Exchanging: Charity op shops can resell your unwanted items, and the profits go towards the charity’s aims. Remember to ask them what types of items they accept. Reuse and Recycling Events: Events are a fun way to reduce, reuse or recycle. They help to get people motivated
Seniors 31
GO GREEN: National Recycling Week 2017 is from Monday, November 13 to Sunday, November 19 but all year round is ideal.
for the same day, often arranged by the local council. You could arrange one for your street. No Waste Wednesday: This is a day at work or school where you all minimise the waste you discard from lunch. Bring reusable containers and recycle cans and bottles.
Buying and Selling: There are many easy options to buy and sell your preloved goods from a local to wider level. Listings can be placed in your local classifieds or community websites. For more information: www.recycling week.planetark.org.
Tasty ideas to get your BBQ on! Linking seniors with community information across Queensland 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN
KEEP IT SIMPLE: Marinated prawns are an easy addition to any meal.
hard, it’s just all about preparation Using condiments are always a great way to jazz up a meal, so buy a few
jars of mustard and sauces to go on the table, or make your own. Recipes at www.seniors news.com.au.
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wings a taste sensation at a very affordable cost, and the kids love them. Haloumi is also a great alternative on the barbie, only takes a minute or two to cook and will be very well received – your vegetarian visitors will love you for it. Or why not try partially cooked corn on the cob finished off on the barbie? Cooking a barbecue really doesn’t need to be
www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au
What’s
Going On?
Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community? Share your story online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page. Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au
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IT’S time to clean up the barbie and get ready for outdoor entertaining. Barbecuing is an easy way to entertain and socialise at the same time. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a salad or dessert to simplify the day. That way you can enjoy yourself as well. The humble snag is a must-do when you have a few people over – it’s cost-effective and there are so many flavours available. Marinating your meat, seafood or vegetable selection can also make a simple meal delicious. Honey soy marinade is easy and makes chicken
32 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Living
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Understanding ageing Marlene Rutherford is inspiring people to acknowledge the wisdom and greatness of age Gail Forrer
HOW do you feel about getting older? Good, bad, indifferent. For 62-year-old Marlene Rutherford, the time arrived to examine her own feelings about ageing after seeing her father end up in a nursing home and knowing he had never wanted to be in one. Marlene, a mother of four and grandmother of five, started her career as a psychiatric nurse, going on to gain a post-graduate qualification. She furthered her career in health with courses in alternative medicine including qualifications in reflexology. Her background in wellness has provided a solid foundation to begin a conscious examination of ageing. Right from the start she became aware of certain repetitive phrases. “I noticed I kept hearing
comments like, ‘It’s a bugger getting old’,” she said. “Of course, we get old and things don’t work the same as they use to – but there are other things we can do.” The key, she thought, to finding the things we can do, was in gaining an understanding of what was possible and that meant finding out who you wanted to be, identifying your beliefs about death and dying and learning how to construct a new path. “We are pioneers of this new age and our wisdom is so needed, let’s not tuck ourselves away to age quietly, let’s bring ourselves fully into the light as elders and manifest our greatness to help shape family, community and society,” she said. To that end, Marlene has created her Ageing Consciously, Step up as an Elder in your
ELDERSHIP: Marlene Rutherford seeks to enrich the ageing journey.
Community weekend retreats. Within the retreat, exercises are conducted to explore the areas of work, creativity, spirituality, and community. How to find your own “conscious
ageing rhythm” in your life and how to look afresh to recreate yourself for this important stage of life. Additionally, Marlene said she delved into questions such as: ■ If I need help as I age what is my vision for
how I want to approach this spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically? ■ What facilitates compassionate and mindful discussions about our own end of life plans as well as for those we
love? Retreats are held in comfortable accommodation in Brisbane and the Gold Coast hinterland. For more, go to wwwjoyful awakenings.com.au.
Cheryl settles into retirement in Malaysia JOURNALIST TRACEY JOHNSTONE RETIRING overseas wasn’t on Australian Cheryl Fankhauser’s bucket list but, after travelling and working in Asia for several years, the decision to retire in Malaysia was easily made. “I couldn’t imagine myself coming back to Australia,” Cheryl, 64, said. “Number one because of the expense and, number two, I have had 10 friends die within the past four years so I am slowly losing my circle of friends in Tweed so I thought, why not stay in Asia.” The former Tweed Heads resident and nurse has been in Georgetown for about 18 months. Prior to settling permanently in Malaysia, Cheryl taught English at Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Bengbu City, China, for 10 years. Choosing not to continue working and
❝
I couldn’t imagine myself coming back to Australia. or five months of winter. “There was also the language problem with no one speaking English and I really got fed up with that after a while so it was easier to come to a place where everyone speaks English and the food is fantastic.” Before making her final decision on where to retire, Cheryl looked hard at both Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, visiting both of them often. “KL was too big, Malacca was too far away and Georgetown is just perfect,” she said. Cheryl has chosen to live in the suburbs in a low-rise apartment building on Penang Island where there are 750,000 residents, including a large ex-pat community. International Living this OVERSEAS RETIREMENT: Georgetown resident, originally from Tweed Heads, Cheryl year named Malaysia as Fankhauser. the best place for Australians to retire to in living in China was driven in,” Cheryl said. Australians. 2018, describing the by her age. “It’s difficult to retire “And the weather; I country in just the same “It was definitely not there. It’s very hard to get was in an area where it way as Cheryl which she the right place to retire a visa, especially for snowed and we had four calls friendly, with almost
every imaginable service available, a low cost of living and vibrant cultural life, made up of Chinese, Islamists, Indians and ex-pats. Cheryl also notes that the medical support available is good quality and eminently affordable however aged care facilities are still very new. “Supported accommodation is very new; it’s just happening now,” Cheryl said. “There are a couple of places that some European ex-pats are about to open.” Keeping active and connected is Cheryl’s way of staving off any ageing health issues. She does water aerobics and Malay classes twice a week, is one of the founding members of the Art Society, attends lots of community events and festivals. For her 65th birthday she is tossing up between three months in Europe or a facelift which will cost about $AU1000. While she still owns a home in Australia which is her superannuation, she said; “I can’t see myself living anywhere else”.
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 33
To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au to view more ads online. Tributes
Professional Services
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Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran. Jeff supports the AOOB Organisation because they are involved in charity and charity begins at home.
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With a nickname of “Hairy” Contact Jeff Hannaford who is a community minded Chartered Accountant and doubles as a Trouble Shooter.
For a free insight into what changes you could make to your Business or life phone Jeff on 0429 894 937 or Millmerran 4695 1477 Inglewood 4652 1106 or Texas 4653 1155
Ph: 0412 584 611
Professional Services
More information is available at scamwatch.gov.au
Buy & Sell
Dalby Shopping world Cunningham St, Dalby, 4405
Pat
Be wary if the number in the ad is disconnected. If the buyer/seller says the number is disconnected because they are overseas, ask for a landline phone number at their current location as well as a mobile phone number. All contact details of the person buying or selling the car should be verified to ensure they are genuine.
Ph: 07 4638 4833 | admin@brieselawyers.com.au
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Shop12 The Hooper centre 187 Hume street Toowoomba.
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CARAVANS WANTED
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Motoring
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Phone: 4696 1235 | Fax: 4696 1335 www.bullandbarleyinn.com.au
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34 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 13, 2017
Trades & Services Cleaning
Green Envy Lawn & Landscape
MORE THAN JUST CLEANING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
For all your lawn care needs
Electrical Services
Phone Lee 0401 581 145 We can provide all your powe power and electrical requirements either commercial or domestic. Overhead & Underground Power ‘From the Pole to the Power Point’
- All Jobs Considered - Free Quotes -
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HOME MAINTENANCE/ CABINET MAKER
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Phone 5465 7777 or 0407 777 632
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Contact Office: 0422 471 270
Member: Master Builders - Fully Insured M
sales@completeblindsandawnings.com.au
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• General property maintenance and services. • Your SMALL JOB specialist. • Seniors Discount – No job too small
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Phone 4638 3411
122 Jellicoe St Toowoomba
CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
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Specialising in Service, Maintenance
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Puzzles
Monday, November 13, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
JIGGERED
6/11
The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square ts in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you nd it helpful. After completing the rst 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.
V E
S E A
M A K W H E R
S E C M A P S
I T Y T S C H
S C
A R T L E I O N
B C R A O R
H S P M P
T I I M M C
A S S S M A
R A R E W I T
T A E A R E
R C E R A
I
L O N Y
S T H N A T
R M A D E S S
S E T E I D C
S U E M E L A
D E Z E F A
R N E D I I
L A Y R S C I
D E A S T
C H E D A O
E V C L A E
E N S S T
I
I
N N E
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
QUICK CRoSSwoRD
Across 1. Comprehend (10) 7. Majestic (5) 8. Bewilders (7) 10. Laughs (8) 11. Knoll (4) 13. Charm (6) 15. Debacle (6) 17. Debauched party (4) 18. Numerous (8) 21. Spread from (7) 22. Anticipate (5) 23. Qualities (10)
Down 1. Provocation (colloq) (5) 2. Grand (8) 3. Symbol (6) 4. Doubtful (4) 5. Adds up (7) 6. Decipher (5,1,4) 9. Outline (10) 12. Divert (8) 14. Beauty contest (7) 16. Excellent (6) 19. Strategies (5) 20. Even-handed (4)
1
2
3
Seniors 35
4
5
6 7
8
9
10
11 12
13
14
15 16
17
18
19
20 21
22
TRIO
Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?
SUDOKU
23
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
KEEPS, LOWERS, MARBLES, NIGHTCAP, ORIENTATE.
Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 28+
ALPHAGRAMS
QUIZ
A P S E I E L D S M P E D E S D I N A G E D B L E S S I L B A R K Y A N K O T O E N M I T Y T I N T S O R G Y L Y I M N I G T T A E M N U S S E S EW N E R D L E D A L D I N E C U R I N T G L A L OM I U M T T Y A L K A L I SW M A A S S H H E D
6 lEttERS ALKALI AMUSES EDDIES EMBARK ENMITY
7 lEttERS CURTAIL MITTENS
1. Where was Kiwi shoe polish first developed – Australia, New Zealand or England? 2. Who wears the “fisherman’s ring”? 3. What is the name of the poker hand containing three of a kind and a pair? 4. Which film featured the song that was Whitney Houston’s biggest hit of 1992-93? 5. What is a collector of matchboxes or matchbook labels phillumenist, deltiologist or rabdophilist? 6. What colour is the cross on the national flag of Switzerland? 7. Which year is represented by the seven Roman numerals listed in descending order? 8. Which city is South America’s largest?
K I D N A P
4 lEttERS AGED AIMS DEAL KEYS LOUT MALT ONTO ORGY SKEW
QUIZ
S H O R E S
K N O T T Y
5 lEttERS ALLAY BLESS DAMNS DITTY GAMMY LAPSE LASSO LICIT LYING SENDS SMASH SWAIN
HELIUM IMPEDE KIDNAP KNOTTY RATING READER SHALOM SHINER SHORES SLEDGE SPINET STINTS TODDLE WASHED YIELDS
S T U D
Solution opposite
STUD WELD YANK
WORDFIT
Fit the words into the grid to create a nished crossword
3 lEttERS ASK BIB DIG DIN END GNU LIT MIR NUN PEP TOE URN
1 Australia, 2 The Pope, 3 Full house, 4 The Bodyguard (“I Will Always Love You”), 5 Phillumenist, 6 White, 7 1666 (MDCLXVI), 8 São Paulo.
woRDFIt
WORD GO ROUND
TRIO: UNC
L S
R T E O N S E A C E D O M D E S E T I C
490
Z Y
T A L T I V R E A Y S H A R P A S S S E A D
TODAY
L
L A Y S R H S C I N A N R S I N C E E C R A R I T E T W I T C H R H N E D S I I M P E V A C L A S S E M
E F
U T
SUDOKU
PEEKS ROWELS RAMBLES PATCHING ONE ATTIRE
How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.
JIGGERED
B D E C R A Z E R F A O S U E D E M A E L A S T I T I I M M E N S C S T A S E C T M E A R A P S E L M A K W I O N Y H E R
woRD Go RoUND
QUICK CROSSWORD
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ve-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
Across: 1. Appreciate 7. Regal 8. Baffles 10. Chortles 11. Hill 13. Appeal 15. Fiasco 17. Orgy 18. Multiple 21. Emanate 22. Await 23. Attributes. Down: 1. Aggro 2. Palatial 3. Emblem 4. Iffy 5. Tallies 6. Crack a code 9. Silhouette 12. Distract 14. Pageant 16. Superb 19. Plans 20. Fair.
alpHaGRaMS
fell fells felt ue ute uty fuel fuels full fullest fulls fully left lefty lest lets lust lusty lute lutes lutz self sell style sully tell tells tulle yell yells zestful ZESTFULLY
F
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