VOLUNTEERING

Socialising in retirement

Retirement can be exciting – coming to the end of your working career with a calendar now open for relaxation and enjoyment is a time many people look forward to during younger years.

But the prospect of retirement can also be daunting. Some new retirees worry that their days will have less purpose now that they’re not at work, that they’ll be bored, or that they’ll miss the social connection they had with their co-workers or clients. These concerns are just as legitimate as the excitement of winding up work. Forming social connections during retirement is important, as it provides a sense of friendship and support for retirees.

Healthy relationships are necessary at every age, but the importance of socialising for retirees cannot be overemphasised. Regular social interactions can help keep retirees mentally, physically and emotionally healthy, whilst fending off difficulties inherent to loneliness. There are also many ways that socialising can help improve both our cognitive and physical health. These include: · Reduced stress. Retirees who are socially active tend to handle stress better. This leads to improving their cardiovascular health and immune system. · Longer lifespan. High levels of socialising can help increase longevity. · More fitness. Retirees with diverse

social connections are more likely to exercise regularly. This can lead to a myriad of physical, mental and cognitive benefits. · Reduced risk of depression. Consistent socialising reduces the likelihood of retirees experiencing depression caused by loneliness. · Less anxiety. Similar to depression, retirees who socialise more experience less symptoms of anxiety. · Greater self-esteem. Socialising helps retirees be better engaged, growing their confidence and sense of worth.

As these health benefits contribute towards significantly improving the quality of life for many retirees, it is important to find an appropriate way of maintaining a healthy social life.

Joining a social Club like Probus provides retirees the opportunity to socialise with likeminded people in their local communities. There are over 140 Probus Clubs across Queensland where retirees can be involved in a range of exciting activities and listen to interesting guest speakers. Experience all the Fun, Friendship and Fellowship by visiting a Probus Club near you. You can find out more about Probus in Queensland by visiting the Probus Association of Queensland web site – www.paqnetwork.com.au or by calling 0477 645 645 or 0477 000 645 to find the Probus club near to you.

Queensland Senior s’ time

By Lisa Hodgkinson Seniors Month Coordinator COTA Queensland

As announced by Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford on 7 April 2021, Seniors Week has become a month-long celebration to be celebrated in October.

That’s right, you can mark the whole of October in your calendar as we introduce big changes this year.

Seniors Month will begin on 1 October, the United Nations International Day of Older Persons and ends on 31 October National Grandparents Day.

During the month-long celebration, Queenslanders of all ages, cultures and abilities will come together to celebrate the essential roles older people play in our communities.

Over the past 18-months we have been separated, segregated, and yet somehow, most of us have found ways to stay connected.

If COVID has taught us anything, it is the importance of connecting with others.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been told to maintain an appropriate amount physical distancing yet importantly social connection can lower anxiety, depression and build empathy.

While one in four Australians have reported feeling affected by loneliness, one in two have reported feeling lonelier since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Humans are social creatures, and we have a fundamental need to connect and interact with one another. This year’s theme ‘Social Connections’ will reinforce the importance of feeling socially connected.

In order to feel connected we need to feel seen, heard and valued. One way you can be seen is by contributing the Bigger Picture – an intergenerational, cross cultural digital art project powered by Queenslanders.

The Bigger Picture is a photomosaic that aims to highlight the diversity of older Queenslanders and to increase intergenerational connections through the shared use of technology. It is a great activity for families to get involved with.

Getting involved is easy. Simply take a selfie of yourself, or with friends and family and submit it online by Sunday 17 October. We will be launching the Bigger Picture on Sunday 24 October, just in time for Grandparents Day on 31 October.

To stay up to date, find events and activities in your area and to contribute to the Bigger Picture visit www.qldseniorsmonth.org.au or phone 1300 738 348.

Queensland Seniors Month is coordinated by COTA Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Preparing for Qld Seniors Month.

Shirley celebrates with son Andrew and Anne. Being a voracious reader and avid spor ts fan keeps Shirley young.

A late JT conver t, but spor ts fan Shir ley hits a centur y

Having fun is one of Shirley Davison’s secrets to turning a hundred.

Shirley Davison reckons the other secrets to reaching a hundred not out “good luck and good genes.”

A resident of the Carinity Hilltop aged care community in Kelvin Grove, Shirley, an avid sports fan and bookworm, turned 100 on 25 June.

The oldest of three siblings, she was born Shirley Flower in Camden, an outer suburb of Sydney, in 1921. Her father was a banker so Shirley moved around country New South Wales a lot when she was a child, going to boarding school in Gunnedah – something she said she enjoyed.

She recalls being a good student who relished learning new things.

Like her father, Shirley worked in the banking industry as a bank clerk, but she didn’t really enjoy it, so she undertook secretarial work for a solicitor which was much to her liking.

The days were long for Shirley during World War II. After working her day job, she would work on a farm in the evenings.

“During the war I continued to work as a bank clerk but after hours I worked harvesting hay as the men were all away at war. I enjoyed the work a lot. It was fun,” Shirley said.

Shirley’s first fiancee, an Australian Army soldier, sadly died during World War II.

She met her future husband Clifford Davison after the war and the couple moved to Sydney. They had three children – two sons and a daughter. Shirley also has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“I am very fond of my family and friends. I have very loving and supportive family and friends,” Shirley explained.

After moving to Brisbane from Nowra two decades ago, Shirley lived at Wavell Heights and then New Farm before moving to Hilltop.

Shirley loves watching sport and you will often find her in front of a television enjoying a game of rugby league.

“Even though I was born in New South Wales, I am a Queensland State of Origin supporter now. It is because I became a fan of Johnathan Thurston when I moved here,” Shirley explains.

“I enjoy watching football and tennis too, especially Roger Federer.”

Shirley is also an avid reader who enjoys historical novels and Agatha Christie mysteries.

She has many other favourite authors and will try any book recommended to her.

“I have always enjoyed reading and consider myself to be very well read of all sorts of genres,” Shirley said.

When asked what she thinks the secret to living a long life is, Shirley replied: “I think it’s is a combination of good luck and good genes. Most of all, have fun.”

Benefits of dental health

Research has shown that when the mouth is unhealthy, general health and wellbeing suffer as a result.

Anzac Avenue Dental have tips, tricks and various options that are available to maintain, or gain a beautiful, healthy smile!

According to the team at Anzac Avenue Dental age, general wear and tear, changes in diet and hormone levels and some medication can affect the health of your teeth and gums.

Oral health problems such as periodontal disease (or gum disease) can be related to heart disease and diabetes and it is also responsible for bad breath and the loss of bone and tooth instability that many people experience.

They said periodontal disease was caused by a build of bacterial in the pockets that forms between the tooth and gum tissue. It can’t be cured but it can be managed if it is treated effectively. Regular exams and cleaning with a dentist and hygienist will reduce the risk of gum disease and ensure a healthy mouth according to the staff.

Simple brushing or cleaning alone will not treat periodontal disease and left untreated, it will cause tooth loss.

The loss of teeth is more common as people age, whether it be through periodontal disease, decay or breakage. Chewing and biting function is normally affected when a tooth is lost and the tipping or over-eruption of adjacent or opposing teeth also causes problems. Ideally missing teeth should be replaced. Dentures, bridges or implants are all options for replacing missing teeth and a dentist can advise which option is most suitable. Patients who find dentures uncomfortable often opt for fixed bridges or implants.

The staff at Anzac Avenue Dental said snoring often develops as people age and while snoring itself is not harmful, the often associated link with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can have significant effects on your health. OSA is a serious and relatively common condition. OSA has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, car and truck accidents, work accidents and stroke. It is caused by the muscles in the back of your throat relaxing and interfering with breathing while someone sleeps. Some signs of OSA include poor concentration, morning headaches, depressed mood, weight gain, high blood pressure, lack of energy, forgetfulness, reduced sex drive, night sweats and frequent urination at night. For those who snore or have some of the symptoms described, Anzac Avenue Dentist recommend they should see their dentist have a sleep study done to make sure they don’t have obstructive sleep apnea.

Anzac Avenue Dental offers a range of dental services and a dedicated preventive care team to help you manage your oral health. They are conveniently located on Anzac Avenue at Kallangur with onsite parking and easy access for patients with mobility concerns. They have preferred provider and member choice arrangements with several health funds and offer no gap services for Veteran Affairs Gold Card holders. Visit them at www.anzacavenuedental.com.au or call on (07) 3491 8131 to book a new patient examination to get back on track with dental care.

We know there is a story behind every smile.

Would you like to get to know yours?

and meet our highly experienced team at our family owned and operated

General family and emergency dental care

Oral surgery Implants TMJ pain management Snoring and sleep aponea treatment

Easy payment plans available

The V illage Manly - selling

The highly anticipated new development from The Village Retirement Group, in conjunction with Anglicare Southern Queensland, is now selling at Manly, Queensland.

Partnering the expertise and vision of two of the most esteemed providers in the retirement and aged care sectors, The Village Manly will offer an integrated independent retirement precinct for retirees within the Bayside area.

“The Village Manly will deliver an unprecedented level of luxury for retirees seeking to downsize in the area they love,” The Village Retirement Group Managing Director Justin Harrison said.

“We are excited to finally launch this project which will deliver two medium rise buildings in Stage One, each comprising 23 apartments across four storeys.”

Anglicare Southern Queensland Executive Director Karen Crouch confirmed that this is the second venture between Anglicare and The Village Retirement Group, with The Village Taigum representing the first village to evolve from this successful partnership.

“One of the defining features of our retirement communities is just that, the sense of community,” Ms Crouch.

“We are thrilled to once again be partnering with such a well-esteemed operator who can assist us with delivering the best retirement living experience for our Bayside retirees.”

The Village Manly is the first medium rise retirement development for the area and promises to set a benchmark for retirement living, providing residents with complete independence in well appointed, private apartments with access to homecare services and support if required.

The heritage listed Lota House will remain a central hero of the site and Anglicare’s existing residential aged care facility, EM Tooth Memorial Home, will cater to the potential future health needs of the community.

The luxurious design of the two-andthree bedroom apartments boast effortless and open living spaces, state of the art inclusions and spacious balconies to maximise the Bayside location.

The Village Manly will pay tribute to the integrity of the natural surrounds with an integrated design that capitalises on the attributes of the location. Stage Two of the $70M development will incorporate communal facilities for residents with a focus on providing engaging spaces where retirees can indulge in an array of activities suited to their interests.

Open green spaces and landscaped pockets will be prominent throughout the Village ensuring buildings integrate effortlessly into the existing surrounds.

Some of the facilities to be provided will include a cafe/restaurant, library, arts and craft room, communal alfresco BBQ area, bowls green, state of the art senior’s gym, yoga/dance area, deluxe cinema, heated pool, beauty and hair salon, medical and allied health suite, club lounge and billiards room.

With only 46 apartments available in Stage One and many retired homeowners now capitalising on the strength of the housing market, demand for the new development is high.

“We are extremely pleased with the level of enquiry we have already received, but it isn’t really surprising given that we know there is a huge demand in the Manly area for the high-quality villages and thriving independent communities that we create,” said Mr Harrison.

“We are providing a low maintenance and hassle-free lifestyle for retirees without them having to compromise on style, location or standard of living.”

The Information Centre is now open for appointments Tuesday - Saturday, and an official launch will be held on Tuesday, 27 July at The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron where the development will be formally released to the public.

To register interest to attend the event or are interested in receiving an information pack prior to then, please visit www.thevillagemanly.com.au

The Village Manly, 162 Oceana Terrace, Manly QLD

An ar tists impression of The Village, Manly.

Don’t miss this opportunity!

Delivering the best Retirement Living to the Bay in decades.

Sophisticated living spaces complemented by dynamic community facilities all within a Bayside location. Brisbane’s best independent retirement living just arrived in Manly. Stage 1 is selling now, call Kath on 3854 3737 to request an information pack today!

Visit our Information Centre Tue-Sat 10am-4pm 162 Oceana Terrace, Manly