The Village Retirement | Issue One

villageliving ISSUE ONE

AROUND THE

EXPLORE Toowoomba, the town at the top of the range

GROUNDS

Meet the people who make our villages home

Inside the fabulous lives of our residents

Brought to you by The Village Retirement Group

Welcome

Contents

L

iving an enriched and purposeful life is something The Village Retirement Group has always fostered and with this first edition of Village Living, our recurring message couldn’t be stronger: don’t retire for good, retire for great. We’re so excited to be celebrating two major milestones in 2022 –10 years of The Village Coorparoo and 20 years of The Village on the Downs. I couldn’t be prouder of everything we have achieved in those years and that is largely due to the incredible staff and residents who make up our Village network. It is you, our residents, that make up the heart of our communities and this magazine is our chance to give back. Inside the following pages, you’ll find inspiring stories from your fellow residents, combined with helpful tips and tricks we hope you will find useful. We hope to bring you future editions annually, but for now, get cosy and take a look inside the Village like you haven’t seen it before.

Justin Harrison Managing Director 2 |

THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2022

4.

H OME

Our tips and tricks to organising your space.

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P ET BENEFITS

Why a furry friend is the perfect companion in retirement.

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IN CONVERSATION Meet Joe Sorbello, man of the stage.

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D ESTINATION Discover the very best of Toowoomba.

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W ELLBEING

Aerobic exercise and your mentality.

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P UZZLES

Get ready to test your memory and mind.

Community

Life in the Village They may have vastly different life experiences and stories, but these three residents all have one thing in common – a love for life at the Village.

CARMEL CASEY, COORPAROO

GLENYS RENDELL, YERONGA

Leisurely trips to the on-site hairdresser, perusing the library, and playing mahjong with friends are among Carmel’s highlights of living at the Village for the last six years. Most days she can be found making good use of the gym, enjoying early morning walks around her leafy surrounds, and delighting in meals on the balcony taking in her scenic CBD views.

Starting the day with Wordle and alternating between hydrotherapy, aqua aerobics, and taiso five mornings a week, Glenys makes the most of the wonderful Village facilities.

She’s grateful for the true friendships formed within the community, a lovely apartment shared with her husband and dog Phoebe, and the many Village events, such as happy hours and the weekly fresh fruit market.

FRED TAYLOR, REDCLIFFE A happy resident of five years, Fred loves living in the Village for the sense of community and company of others. His day starts with an hour of exercise in the heated pool and he regularly participates in men’s activities such as The Fellaz Club – a new hobby he has taken up since becoming a resident. Along with being more social generally, Fred still enjoys his visits with long-time friends who also now reside in the Village.

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HOME is where the heart is

Want to breathe some fresh air into your home? Here’s five styling and organisation tips to keep your space as fresh as a daisy.

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fter being cooped up at home for the better part of two years, there’s no better time than the present to spruce up our interiors as we foray into a new chapter.

Whether it’s a tiny tweak, a restyle, or some simple (yet effective) organisation solutions, here are some tips to help you out.

SMARTER, NOT HARDER Create a more seamless flow in your space by experimenting with moving your larger furniture items around to create a new feel. Consider items that serve a dual purpose such as a sofa bed for when family come to visit or an extendable dining table for entertaining. This will help your space become both practical and purposeful.

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Home

For more tips from interior stylist Maryna King, visit myinteriorstylist.com.au

GO GREEN Fiddle-leaf, philodendron, peace lily or maidenhair, the options to add some colour and life to your space are endless. Plus, they have a multitude of science-backed health benefits! With versatility in shape, texture, height, and care needs, we guarantee there is a plant that will suit your home and make the perfect interior decoration (and centrepiece!). Whether you want to fill a gap, replace a piece of furniture, or simply want to reap the health and wellbeing rewards of plants, be sure to read up on their light and water requirements before you pop to the nursery.

GET INSPIRED For the tech-savvy, did you know how many visual inspiration platforms there are on the market?

Pinterest is one of those fantastic tools that allows you to curate imagery based on particular moods or aesthetics that you love. Remember old-school moodboarding on a cork board? It’s just like that, only digital! Collate design styles that you love, form a colour palette, and take into consideration the styling of your home. The inspirational pictures you can find to curate a mood board are also helpful to determine specific hues and tones to complement your large surfaces like floors and walls!

Adairs Oslo Storage Range from $14.99

CONTAIN IT Organisation can enhance the aesthetics of your home while offering a functional way of improving the way you go about your daily routine. These days there are a slew of storage solutions to pique your interest. Discard disposable packaging, ditch the pile of shoes at the doorway, and do away with throw blankets haphazardly flung over the lounge.

Instead, aim to contain – it’s all about having the luxury to choose how you go about your day and having the agency to improve it.

RUG UP Like shoes, rugs are often an underrated yet essential element to finessing any ensemble (read: room) from the ground up. Jute, wool, silk, cotton or hide, the right rug not only sets the foundation and tone of a room but also adds ambience and aids acoustics. With the ability to experiment with size, texture, hue, and pattern, your room can evoke warmth, safety, and comfort, offering a facelift for your space. A rug is something that should be purchased with consideration and longevity in mind.

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Looking for the full package?

avigating the ins and outs of the Government’s aged care support landscape to find the elusive Home Care Package can seem overwhelming. We sat down with The Village Home Care Services provider, Ulendo Roode, to find out more about the process and learn why getting an ACAT assessment is an integral step to receiving the in-home support you may need.

eligibility and needs. It is important to request a Home Care Package, which is more customisable and comprehensive than the basic/entry level Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

For this, residents will have to demonstrate a higher level of needs i.e., mobility, cognition, medication, past medical history, need for transportation, meal preparation etc. to maintain a good quality of living and to manage their activities of daily living in a safe manner.

What is an ACAT assessment?

ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team.

This is the assessment completed by a My Aged Care representative to establish the needs for Commonwealth Government funded in-home services and support.

Why is the full package so beneficial?

The journey past an ACAT assessment will reward you with the full package – you can choose your provider and services to match your changing needs. Securing a HCP is an important safe-guard to enjoy the Village life you love.

Why is it important to get an ACAT assessment?

An ACAT assessment is required to obtain approval for a Home Care Package (HCP) before the appropriate level of funding can be allocated.

What can I do to best prepare?

Meet with one of our Care Coordinators to explain the process in more detail and help you prepare a list of needs and risks, to be used as part of your ACAT assessment, which is conducted by a MAC appointed nurse. Our coordinators can also advise on options to pay for services privately until your HCP is approved, if required.

So, how do I get ACAT assessed?

To qualify, residents need to be over 65 years of age (55 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) and wanting to live independently in their own homes/units for as long as possible. Start by registering your interest with My Aged Care (MAC) and obtaining an AC (aged care) number. MAC will ask several screening questions to ascertain your

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Want to learn more?

Contact The Village Home Care Services on (07) 3854 3747 or head to myagedcare.gov.au for more information.

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Wellbeing

I said love, I said pet!

Unconditional love and adoration aside, there’s a string of holistic health benefits attached to having a pet that you may not be aware of.

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ou’d be hard-pressed to find someone whose heart doesn’t melt at the sight of their furry friend — and for good reason. Science says that pet ownership is often integral to reaping holistic health benefits. So, in case you needed a few extra reasons to justify the adoption of a pet, you need not look further.

PHYSICAL HEALTH Lowered blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and improved weight management are just some of the residual benefits of co-habitating with a pet. From incidental exercise chasing them around the house, to the release of oxytocin that comes with snuggling up to your pet, and an enhanced health status to boot, benefits linked to ownership are seemingly effortless to achieve. A study from the Australian Family Physician shows that in comparison to those who don’t have an animal, pet owners display improved recovery rates following heart surgery.

MENTAL TENACITY Pet-assisted therapy shows that mood disorders like depression and anxiety along with symptoms of grief and stress can be soothed by the presence of an animal. Bonding with a pet can improve both verbal and non-verbal communication cues leading to enhanced cognition and a sense of companionship.

Feeding, exercising, and grooming your pet can provide a boost to self-esteem eliciting a sense of purpose, in turn aiding mental wellness and cognition.

SOCIALISATION By taking your pet to the dog park, obedience training, and an array of pet-friendly events, you can expand your social circle. You can make new connections and form friendships based around the common thread of having an animal to adore and care for. This in turns helps to improve social interaction and quell feelings of isolation.

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In conversation with

Bringing down the house From cane country to centre stage at Covent Garden, Giuseppe Sorbello’s career has certainly hit the high notes.

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umble yet backed with bravado, Giuseppe Sorbello’s unbridled passion for the theatre hasn’t wavered since his first soprano performance as a sixyear-old in his family’s Sicilian trattoria. The man born in Mossman, North Queensland, may have grown up in the heart of Brisbane, but his natural talent has seen curtain calls in Britain, Europe, and Australia.

From only two auditions in the early 60s Giuseppe (Joe) has fostered an admirable career that has seen him sought after by greats of the stage — affording him a lifetime of invaluable experiences. It was a sliding doors moment when he was offered contracts for both the Hampstead Theatre and Glyndebourne Festival Opera in the same week in 1965. “I accepted the Glyndebourne contract, and started my opera career in the Glyndebourne festival chorus,” Joe says. “I worked at Glyndebourne for four seasons, ‘65 through to ’68.”

During his time there, Joe performed at the Glyndebourne

JOE AT THE VILLAGE YERONGA

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Resident profile

Festival, the Wexford Festival in Ireland, and The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden among other renowned places. “I went on tour with the Glyndebourne Touring Company into the Midlands, the provinces of England, and also to Scandinavia and Brussels,” he says.

Upon leaving Glyndebourne he married the love of his life, Sheila, who was an accomplished wig mistress heavily involved in theatre pursuits.

Though Sheila isn’t here anymore, Joe speaks fondly of his talented late wife and tells of her journey to sew the ‘The Opera Costume Quilt’.

The magnificent textile is made up of 2,695 pieces of stage costumes which Sheila began sewing together in 1958, completing it in 2014.

Following their marriage in 1968 and a series of accomplishments as a performer, things soon came full circle when he was approached to teach acting to singers at The Royal College of Music. “I never thought of myself as a teacher, but what did I have to lose?” he says. “I found I began to really like teaching and I did that for eight years.”

An Hon. degree of ARCM was conferred upon him in 1971, and with value on the grassroots of performance, Joe found immense joy in supporting developing performers to enhance their acting skills rather than taking the stage himself. “I discovered that teaching was what I really wanted to do and directing students in opera and drama. So that’s what I did… I never looked back really,” Joe says.

He speaks fondly of going on to teach at Morley College, The

Abbey Opera Group, and The Actors Studio for Opera Singers in London before returning home to Australia in 1977.

Back in the River City, he was invited to join the Queensland Conservatorium to establish the opera school — which was no mean feat. “They had no lighting, no costumes, no props – they had nothing,” he says. “They had this theatre with a 600-seat auditorium and a lighting console which could operate lights, but no lights.”

True to his nature, Joe made it his mission to build the school from the ground up. As the Conservatorium Opera School’s inaugural teacher of stagecraft and opera studies, Joe says his philosophy has always been to do whatever is best for his students by instilling the fundamentals of performance in them first. “If you prepare yourself well for a career and

you learn all the basic skills, doors will open for you. Doors will not open if you don’t know your business, it’s as simple as that really,” he says.

After 20 years as founder, director, and coordinator of the opera school, and then as a freelancer, Joe has directed and performed in upwards of 50 productions including opera, operetta, musicals, and contemporary music theatre.

“The thing that satisfies me more than anything else about my career is when I see students develop their skills and a belief in themselves,” he says. “When a student comes to me every so often and says thank you, that’s the wonderful thing.”

Though he’s now retired from performing, the emotions, vulnerability, and ‘magic’ evoked from theatre remain unshakeable as he enters his 89th year.

JOE WITH A QUILT STITCHED BY HIS LATE WIFE, MADE UP OF COSTUME MATERIALS

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AROUND THE GROUNDS Get to know the fabulous faces and phenomenal personalities behind our Village teams.

AMANDA REIF

Assistant Village Manager | The Village Redcliffe What do you love most about your job? I love the feel of the Village. It can be everything from serene on a crisp winter morning as the residents start to gather for a game of bowls, to quite raucous as Friday Happy Hour signals the end of my working week!

It’s a very rewarding role knowing the things I do contribute to making the Village such a happy place. Every day is different when you’re a part of over 400 lives.

Most treasured memory from your time at the Village? My first memory is from the very first day I started work. It was a Harrison’s barbecue day and as I was being introduced to everyone, one of the gardeners came and asked me for my car keys. He had noticed that I had a flat tyre on my car and without saying a word, off he went and fixed it for me. What a wonderful introduction to the team I have been so fortunate to work with for the last two and a half years.

DOUWE STRANG

Village Manager | The Village Coorparoo What do you love most about your job? Working with people and making sure they are being looked after. Plus, the diversity of the role as it has many different aspects that I enjoy like the financial side and building management.

A motivational quote you love? I recently heard this quote from a team boss in Formula 1. He said “performance is power” which I believe to be very true and can be applied and interpreted in many ways, not just in sport, but also in life.

DAVID JONES Maintenance Supervisor | The Village Taigum Describe yourself in three words: helpful, practical, and fun!

When you’re not at The Village, what are you doing? I have two teenagers, so I spend a lot of time helping them with their sports of sailing and windsurfing. We are also currently renovating our house which keeps me very busy!

Favourite holiday destination? Disneyworld in Florida.

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KATH GILHOOLEY S ales Manager | The Village Manly What do you love most about your job? The interaction and relationship building with clients and residents, demystifying the technicalities of RV living, and above all, always exceeding client expectations.

Do you have any hobbies? Antique restoration. I’m currently restoring a 1973 coin-operated gumball machine, a 1965 drive-in speaker, and a 1918 silky oak meat safe.

Favourite book of all time? Stories My Grandmother Told Me by Josh Flagg.

GEOFF KLEEMAN

Senior Project Consultant | Village Central Describe yourself in three words: loyal, sincere, and methodical.

Do you have any hobbies? I love all sports but some of my favourites are rugby league, cricket, and golf. I also enjoy daily walking!

What TV show are you currently watching? Succession – an American satirical black comedy-drama television series. It’s about a family known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world.

JOHN CROFT

Gardening Supervisor The Village on the Downs What do you love most about your job? The satisfaction of seeing the beautiful gardens grow and bloom, and the enjoyment that the residents experience from this.

DENESE TAYLOR

Business Support Officer The Village Yeronga

Most treasured memory from your time at the Village? Winning the 2009 Carnival of Flowers award for best gardens for retirement villages.

A motivational quote you love? How we live is what makes us real.

When you’re not at the Village, what are you doing?

I am a grandma to seven gorgeous grandchildren – say no more!

What are some of your hobbies? I am a foundation member of the River City Woman’s Rowing Club and still enjoy club rowing and the odd long course competition.

I also enjoy walking, baking, sewing, and gardening.

A motivational quote you love? “The more you do, the more you can do.”

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In conversation with

Flying colours

Ex Fighter Combat Pilot, Fred Freeman, saw his career soar to new heights over 35 years in the Defence Force.

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Resident profile

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ith a career spanning 35 years travelling the globe, a series of accolades to his name, and a heart of gold, it’s safe to say Fred Freeman’s journey has been like no other. Born and bred in Rockhampton, the veteran kick-started his career after completing his senior exams in 1954 when he was accepted into both the University of Queensland and the RAAF College.

Ultimately opting to enter the RAAF’s four-year course offering university level education in aviation engineering, Fred’s career was ready for take-off.

“I chose this because it did not put any financial burden on the family,” he says.

“The four-year course also offered pilot training and in the first year there was flight grading to assess aptitude as a pilot.

Once I had the flying experience, I lost all interest in engineering.”

After graduating as a general duties pilot, Fred spent a decade serving in four operational squadrons in the Malaysian Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, and Thailand where he accrued command responsibilities seeing him become a Category A Fighter Combat Instructor. “I was one of the most experienced sabre pilots in the RAAF at the time and it will always remain my favourite aircraft, most likely because it did not have the vast technology of the later fighter aircraft and one had to rely on the human touch,” he says.

Spending time in formation aerobic teams perfecting flight proficiency and technique, as

FRED AND HIS WIFE LYLE AT HOME AT THE VILLAGE TAIGUM

well as continuing training in mirage aircraft operation, Fred well and truly occupied his time and developed his repertoire with a wealth of skills and invaluable knowledge.

With 35 years of defence force service in the bank, Fred has difficulty isolating a fondest memory, but there are a few that go down as significant highlights. “How does one compare the satisfaction of commanding the base support squadron at Amberley, the RAAF’s largest operational base, charged with the responsibility of providing the total logistic support for its operations with the Marksmen’s card-five loops and rolls?” he says.

In tandem with this, preparing senior officers and students from the pacific, Asia, Europe, the USA, and Canada for strategic policy-making positions as commandant of the Australian

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Defence Force’s Joint Services Staff College was unquestionably another feather in his cap.

Though he’s now been out of the defence force for almost the same time he was in it, Fred may not have the same level of involvement, but he remains highly regarded amongst the broader community for his extensive contributions and series of achievements.

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COUNTRY CHARM It’s the city where rolling hills meets metropolitan city buzz.

With quintessential country charm, sights to see, and activities to enjoy, you could soon be spending your days strolling through gardens and enjoying evenings at the theatre.

Here’s why there’s so much to love (and discover) about Toowoomba.

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mongst the fresh mountain air, at the top of the Great Dividing Range, is a city full of history, culture, and superb natural beauty. The Garden City, more commonly known as Toowoomba, is aptly named so because of its countless gardens and parks – and no matter what time of the year you choose to visit, Toowoomba is thriving.

The countryside is forever changing colours as crops ripen and flowers bloom on the edge of the Great Dividing Range.

Just a short (picturesque) journey on the Warrego Highway through the Lockyer Valley, a mere two hours from Brisbane, Toowoomba is ready to welcome you with open arms.

At first, this humble city can seem a little sleepy. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll come to find a lively arts scene, rich cultural history and architecture, gorgeous sprawling gardens, and a booming food and drink locale.

Which is fitting, considering Toowoomba is Queensland’s largest inland city – and it’s nothing short of a thriving metropolis of entertainment, activities, and excitement.

With a population of approximately 160,000 and with lush landscapes around every corner, you are immediately hit with the beauty of Toowoomba

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Tourism and Events Queensland

as the road leading into the city envelops you with 360° panoramic views of the Darling Downs. A journey to the Garden City almost feels other-worldly. Close your eyes and breathe in the crisp, clear air and you could be in regional Victoria or England. Just a hop, skip, and jump away are other picturesque locales such as Stanthorpe and Warwick. Life in Toowoomba is certainly well

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within reach – so why should you consider a journey out west?

In recent years, Toowoomba has welcomed the addition of trendy laneway cafes, street art festivals, rooftop bars, and above all, the makeover of their CBD and main retail precinct, Grand Central Shopping Centre.

However, the jewel in the crown is their annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers which sees the city

Destination

EAT: The Finch Café The Baker’s Duck Piccolo Papa

STAY: Norwood Roses Cottage Arbour Apartments

PLAY: Cobb & Co Museum Preston Peak Winery THE VILLAGE ON THE DOWNS

flooded with thousands of floral displays and art installations.

Held in September every year, this iconic landmark event can attract anywhere up to 200,000 visitors across the 10-day schedule. Visitors travel from all over Queensland and indeed Australia to visit this annual event.

Talk about stopping to smell the roses!

Your diary will be kept full of social activities with plenty to keep you occupied and intrigued. Try out the Russell Street Historical Walk – a selfguided walking tour that will direct you to landmarks of fine historic architecture, many dating back to the early 1900s. Or, spend an afternoon watching the sun set over the Lockyer Valley with a wine in-hand following a tasting at Preston Peak Wines. For something totally bespoke, Australia’s largest, most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden is also located in Toowoomba and is a truly transcendent experience. Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is set across 4.5 hectares and includes

RELAX: 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, all combining in perfect harmony.

Translating to ‘enjoy peace and longevity in a public space’ it truly is a hidden gem.

So, why not consider Toowoomba for your next getaway or perhaps a permanent relocation? Above all, visitors and locals fall in love with the balanced lifestyle that this rural city so effortlessly creates. Living here is so easy. The winters are cool enough for a jacket, but the summers are relaxing and comfortable. With plenty of likeminded community members who share the same zest for life, Rose Febo from Travel Managers says the lush Garden City is brimming with country charm, yet an urban vibe you’re sure to fall in love with.

Whether you enjoy spending your days strolling through breathtaking landscapes (Toowoomba has 150 parks and reserves!), or you’d prefer a high tea with friends at one of the many cafés that dot the tree-lined streets, there is something for everyone in this charming city.

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Toowoomba Salt Cave Ju Raku En Japanese Garden

NORWOOD ROSES COTTAGE

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In conversation with

FAY AND HER ARTWORK AT THE VILLAGE ON THE DOWNS, TOOWOOMBA 16 |

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Resident profile

Painting the picture Sketch, acrylic, charcoal or oil, Fay Cooney’s lifelong love affair with art is still beating strong.

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troke by stroke with a paintbrush in hand, Fay Cooney goes about life the same way she goes about art — making the most of it.

Though art has always been part and parcel with her lifestyle, ebbing and flowing with the seasons of life, it was when Fay retired at 69 that she was able to totally immerse herself in the various mediums of art. “I have gradually become more and more involved in developing different forms of art. Charcoal is a great medium but messy, at least when in my hands,” she says.

“I work with both oil and acrylic. I probably prefer acrylic as I do like to paint with my fingers at times, with my “been there, done that, what’s next” personality, I find that oil takes too long to dry, but I do like the blending effects I can get with it.”

With candour, she admits that while she relishes in experimenting with different forms, her art is driven by “what the mood calls for” rather than aspiring to be like anyone else. “While I admire a great number of the older artists, I

do not try to assimilate any …

I do envy artists who produce great abstract art as this is completely outside my ability,” she says.

From contributing several large murals to the theatre over the years to sharing works with family members, Fay has many pieces that stand out to her, including a striking adornment right in her humble abode.

“Recently I felt the need to go big, the wall of my courtyard became the victim as it now sports a lovely rural scene,” she says.

As CEO of The Range Artists, Fay has much to be excited for with a wealth of showcases, workshops, and moreish snacks to boot. “I do take art to some of the local shows for myself and other members, but my art is for my own entertainment, so I am not a great exhibitor.

However, I do enjoy sharing my art and have a few like-minded friends over every Thursday morning for painting,” Fay says.

“I occasionally run a ‘paint along’ for a group of six. Paint and sip sound great but there is little time for sipping so I often settle for a help-yourself morning tea!”

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Broader horizons There’s no denying that the way we travel has changed in the last couple of years – it’s a whole new world out there. But, with travel back on the agenda, it’s time to start thinking about your next journey – Australia is open for business and ready to welcome you.

Rose Febo from Travel Managers recommends:

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RAIL:

SAIL:

ROAD TRIP:

PACK:

The Ghan

The Kimberley

Great Ocean Road

Layers, comfortable shoes, hat & scarf

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Travel

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ll things going well, the next couple of months to years will see a brand-new age of travel emerge.

Although the conditions might be a little different than what we’ve been used to over the last several decades, the prospect of a holiday still excites just as much as it ever did. If you’ve missed travelling to see your family, friends, or even just the idea of heading off on a spontaneous getaway, you can rest assured that it is safe to start travelling once again. So, what can you expect?

First things first, let’s talk local not global.

Two common themes that come to mind when travelling are comfort and convenience – no matter the destination. So, where better to assure those things than the comfort of our own Australian backyard. Perhaps you’ve been longing for a road trip down south to visit your family in regional New South Wales or Victoria?

Why not spend a couple of weeks caravanning along the coast at your own leisure? Or perhaps you’re considering a foodie getaway to the beautiful Barossa Valley region in South Australia. Domestic flights are more affordable than they have ever been. A cruise around the top-end of Australia sound appealing?

Visit your local travel agent for their top tips and tricks – who else better equipped to plan the finer details and ensure that your trip is a complete breeze?

The important thing to note is that travel is just as exciting and accessible as it’s ever been. Remember the thrill of packing an overnight bag and the restless night before your journey – oh, the anticipation! Well, it’s time to get the travel bug back! If you’re excited about the prospect of getting out and about, here are some things to consider when travelling over the next six to 12 months: Book accommodation and flights that have a flexible cancellation policy: save yourself any unnecessary worry by ensuring all your bookings have a reasonable cancellation or refund policy. You may pay slightly more at the outset, but you’ll be better off in the long run if you need to postpone or cancel your trip.

Plan a day trip: if you’re a little worried about committing to a big holiday, take it slow and start with a day trip! Keep your destination close to home and plan a day at the beach, a walk through a national park, or even plan an outing to a nearby museum or art gallery.

Opt for an outdoor expedition: go for open spaces like beaches, forests, national parks, wildlife reserves or farm-stays if you are concerned with social distancing. Plus, there’s nothing better than fresh air for the mind, body, and soul!

Journey with friends and family: take this opportunity to spend a little downtime with your nearest and dearest. Travelling is always less daunting when you’re joined by familiar faces.

Read reviews: while you don’t necessarily have to believe everything you read online, reviews are helpful to assure you when travelling to a new destination. How noisy is the neighbourhood? Are there good restaurants nearby? How far away are the nearest shops?

Online reviews will reveal all you need to know about your upcoming destination.

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The way to wellness:

Aerobic exercise and your mentality 20 |

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Wellbeing

Swim, cycle, and plié your way to improved mental wellbeing

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hobby that doubles as a means of enhancing your mental health (with a host of residual benefits to boot) is one worth nurturing.

Though it’s not exactly groundbreaking that aerobic exercise often acts as a conduit to the release of happy hormones, what’s less known is to what extent it’s beneficial.

Sure, you dry off from swimming laps at the pool or cool down from a barre class feeling like you’re on top of the world, but what you might not realise is that aerobic exercise is known to enlarge the hippocampus in the brain which can improve memory, minimise the chance of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and reduce blood pressure helping to mitigate stress.

In fact, the Public Health Association of Australia found that 13 per cent of Alzheimer’s cases globally are attributed to inactivity, and that by increasing one’s physical exercise, neuronal health, neurotransmitters, and brain blood flow all see substantial benefit.

Meanwhile The Medical Journal of Australia found that those who habitually participate in aerobic exercise (of any sort), aged 60 years and older, had less chance of developing depression.

The Village Redcliffe’s accomplished dance class facilitator, Gail Bubb, can’t sing the praises of aerobic activity high enough.

“There are so many wonderful benefits from weekly aerobic activity for elderly people such as improved mental health and wellbeing through community connections and

social interactions within the Village, improved cardiovascular health, overall strengthening of muscles to prevent or aid in speedier recovery from falls, improved cognitive function and coordination with repetition of movement, and simple and complex patterning sequences to improve memory skills, balance, and agility,” she says.

In her experience, the students who partake in her ballet classes reap an array of benefits that in turn, holistically contribute to mental wellness and tenacity.

“Undertaking ballet classes has led to positive wellbeing outcomes such as a real sense of achievement and feeling more happy and excited,” she says.

“Students look forward to their ballet classes each week and look forward to catching up with their class friends. Ballet improves control and awareness of muscles as well as balance and stability. Ballet is an opportunity to mindfully focus within the class for its duration, allowing students to immerse themselves and enjoy the experience.”

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While you may aspire to plié, jete and chassé your way to an enhanced mindset, ballet is not the only way to see the same benefits — a simple 30 minute walk a day is enough to boost your mental wellness.

With a plethora of exercise classes on offer across the Villages, you can find an activity that excites you to participate independently or with a friend to help you on your journey to wellness.

This health information is general in nature.

As always, please seek personal advice from a health professional before commencing any new exercise program.

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VEGETABLE HAM POT Perfect for mid-week dinners or entertaining a group, enjoy this hearty recipe filled with fresh produce, protein, and plenty of delicious flavour.

GREAT FOR LEFTOVERS!

INGREDIENTS 3 beetroot 2 sweet potatoes 300g pumpkin flesh 4 tbsp olive oil Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch chilli flakes 2 sprigs parsley

METHOD

175g canned chickpeas, drained

Preheat the oven to 170°C.

175g cooked ham, thinly sliced

Peel the beetroot and sweet potatoes and cut into chunky pieces together with the pumpkin flesh. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes and spread out on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Roast for 45 minutes.

FOR THE DRESSING 2 tbsp walnut oil 3 tbsp cider vinegar ½ tsp mustard

For the dressing, mix the remaining

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THE VILLAGE RETIREMENT GROUP 2022

olive oil, walnut oil, cider vinegar and mustard with a little salt and pepper. Roughly chop the parsley.

Leave the vegetables to cool then mix with the chickpeas, dressing and parsley. Cut the ham into bitesized pieces, add to the vegetables and spoon into bowls to serve.

Add a grinding of pepper to taste.

Mindful matters The ultimate test of brain power awaits. Grab your cuppa and settle in – these twisters are sure to have you occupied all afternoon.

Trivia time 1. According to the phrase, there is no WHAT among thieves?

12. The Shakespeare comedy from 1623 is titled The Two Gentleman of WHERE?

2. Koi is a variety of which freshwater fish?

13. One of history’s most feared pirates, Edward Teach, had what nickname?

3. What is the name of the male singing voice that sits between bass and tenor?

4. In the 1990s, which Australian government organisation invented Wi-Fi technology?

5. Beginning with ‘P’ scissors that cut a zigzag pattern are known as WHAT shears?

6. Scurvy was a disease brought on by a diet lacking in which vitamin?

7. In which sport are ‘reverse sweeps’ found?

8. What did the swagman stow in his tuckerbag?

9. The constitution of Australia came into force in which year?

14. Which Greek god of dreams has the same nickname as a character from The Matrix film?

15. In what year was the Mona Lisa stolen from the Louvre?

16. True or false: swans have to run on water in order to take flight.

17. In 2012, which salty treat was found in a 1000-year-old Peruvian tomb?

18. In what year was the first African-American mathematician hired by Nasa?

10. Which animal appears on the Peugeot logo?

19. Being able to control your dreams is known as WHAT dreaming?

11. True or false: the Arctic Ocean is surrounded by seven countries.

20. In which 007 film does James Bond first order a “martini, shaken not stirred”?

ANSWERS 1. Honour 2. Carp 3. Baritone 4. CSIRO 5. Pinking 6. Vitamin C 7. Cricket 8. A jumbuck 9. 1901 10. Lion 11. False – six countries 12. Verona 13. Blackbeard 14. Morpheus 15. 1911 16. True 17. Popcorn 18. 1953 19. Lucid 20. 1964’s Goldfinger.

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