Active Ageing by The Malta Independent

active ageing The Malta Independent on Sunday 6 May 2017

MAY 2018

active ageing

Keeping a HEALTHY OUTLOOK Previous generations led healthy lives long before the lifestyle information we have today became common knowledge.

e can truthfully say that we are better placed today to live longer and healthier lives than our parents. We are the generation who rarely if ever devoured vast vats of junk food and sugary drinks in childhood, and who ate more vegetables and fruit in a day than many children now eat in a week. We were fed almost entirely on fresh and home produced meals, thereby avoiding a mountain of preservatives, E-numbers and artificial food colourings. True, the years of pasta, flour, sugar and bread available at subsidized prices could well have aggravated the local tendency to develop diabetes, but still our childhood diets gave us the foundations for a

healthy adulthood. As we age, our metabolism and digestive systems slow down, meaning we may need rethink what we eat, and whether we should cut down on some favourite foods, or at least cook and serve them in different ways, in order to keep our health, longevity and mental ability and to reduce the

risk of illnesses. Even small changes will make a difference, But this is also a time when our appetites may be shrinking and when shopping for and preparing a meal may be more challenging. Any cut in a food budget can tempt us to go for cheaper, less nourishing alternatives. We may also find it more

difficult to prepare meals and cooking may feel like a chore. Getting to the grocery store regularly to buy fresh vegetables and fruit may become challenging for some of us; although we at least have an advantage in the number of local shops which still sell food items individually or in small amounts. This can give us a chance to vary what we eat and cut wastage, which is a big advantage. Buying seasonal products also helps. We may also find that several smaller meals are easier to eat and enjoy than the usual three meals a day. One of these may come from a service that provides healthy meals. Eating out is a good way to enjoy some of the meals you no longer bother to cook for one. Nowhere worth eating in should mind if you order just one course. Asking friends to join you or inviting them home

for a meal will make it an occasion and be an added bonus. However optimistic and enthusiastic we are, a poor diet and lack of exercise is reflected in our overall health and quality of life. You will soon notice if you're not feeling as fit as you should be and when you need to take a different approach to what you eat. It would be silly to wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help. The good news is we are living in an age when healthy food is a thing, everyone is doing it. Just like when we were young, it's 'eat up your greens' and 'end a meal with fruit'; only now that's avocado instead of cabbage and pink pineapples instead of watermelon. And whenever you want some more ideas, your doctor or a nutritionist will give you all the advice and information you need.

DON'T GIVE UP the day job What with teenage angst and anxiety and mid-life crises one wonders why old age should be any worse than the other six ages of man.

n societies where age no longer has the respect it used to enjoy, the fact that the number of people considered 'elderly' will out-number other generations within our life time does not seem to be attracting the attention it should. Plenty of emphasis is being heaped on how countries will struggle with an ageing population, with implications that it will be a money-draining burden, unable to keep with up technology or make any substantial contributions to society. Two things: One, these very people will be most of us, anyone now over 45 at least, the very generations who kick-started all the technology in the first place, in fact. Two, it would be a good idea not to underestimate the talents and life experiences of a vast group of people who have retained the energy and fitness level of many people half their age and who have no intention

of sitting happily in an armchair for the rest of their days. Already the retirement age is rising steadily in many countries. The age workers can qualify for a pension has been put back, up to five years, in many cases and there are likely to be enough adjustments made in the not too distant future to bring the retirement age to 70. Women, who used to be able to claim their pensions much earlier than men have seen equality applied where they could probably have done without it; retirement age is now the same for both sexes. Past decades of a declining birth rate have done nothing to top up the future workforce.

The case for staying at your post. Companies seeking employees from what is known as the Millennial, snowflake generation are already discovering that far too many of them cannot talk their way through an interview, screened out as they are from any face to face communication, and empathising on a personal, one-to-one basis. Many others spent years of study absorbing academic facts to be regurgitated in the exams that gained them brilliant degrees. Unfortunately they are totally unable to incorporate any of this in real-life workplace situations. And if they fail to make the impression and gain the starter salary they think they are worth, they lose all interest. The number of jobs that do not require

Age is an issue of mind over matter if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter mark twain

workers with empathetic skills, an ability to think outside the box, take initiative and show a productive enthusiasm for not just their jobs, but activities and interests outside working hours are minimal. Even in the huge profit/quick turnover world of business, these skills can ultimately make a difference to the success of any workplace or project. For this reason employers are beginning to look for older employees; those who do not think the world owes them a living, who work because their job gives them as much as they put into it. They want people who bring that little bit more to the table and who automatically appreciate the value of communication and their colleagues' contributions without having to discover it on a paintballing weekend. Work environments with mixed age groups are nearly always the happiest. Generations learn to give and take, to see each other not as 'parents' or 'children' but as individuals, professionals eager to do their best for the whole. Family businesses, theatre companies, the academic, print, movie, music and fashion worlds, hospitals and social work are just some examples of these. Remaining in work is not just about surviving in the present uncertain economical climate. There are plenty of opportunities in the volunteering sectors. But it is rewarding as a way to feel useful, give something back, maintain a happy social life, keep the grey cells on their toes and stay in touch with what is going on; all excellent ways to stay forever young.

active ageing

MAY 2018

The BEST is yet to come We all grow older but today age has more advantages than ever.

emember all the things you thought you would never do when you reached a certain age; the things you would never give up, the way you would never behave. The expectations of those of us who are heading that way were that it would never happen, and if it did we would be different. But it sneaks up so gradually that one day we suddenly find ourselves doing, something we always found sad in older people, like strolling leisurely through the country or along the beach instead of climbing the trees or leaping off the rocks into the sea. And to our amazement we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Almost without noticing it our ideas of a good time adjust. They may be based on the things we've always loved but on a different level. The 21st century began with an ageing population, especially in Europe and America. Europe has 19 of the world's 20 oldest countries, in population age terms and its populations will continue to age to unprecedented levels over the next 25 years. And that is not nearly as far away as it sounds.

Greater expectations Up to a few decades ago people were expected to grow old gracefully. Society mapped out what each generation could expect and how it should behave within certain respectable limits. Stray a few feet (we didn't do metres then) from these and eccentricity was the very least you might be accused of. And retirement did not only mean retiring from work. For many people it meant the loss of their life's purpose. But things have definitely changed. Immediately after World War II the population rose more rapidly than we've seen since the 1960s. And the Baby Boomers, as that generation were named are the first group of retirees to reap the benefits of growing up in comparatively peaceful times, during decades of inventive and social development and progress. In other words, opportunities available today for spending the time previously taken up by our jobs are the widest they have ever been. Taking advantage of this has never been easier. We are living longer and, with proper care and attention, have the means to be healthier than previous generations could expect.

wonderful way of staying in touch with something you always enjoyed, or having a go at a job you've always wanted to do. Just look online to see how many courses and opportunities there are. Age discrimination is around but it's not as bad as it was. There are enlightened employers who are willing to take a chance, or know from experience that enthusiasm and loyalty are often as important as qualifications. Look into job sharing and volunteering as way to keep a foot in the door.

All the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time you need Family bonds are enhanced by children choosing to live near their parents, who more than ever are providing back up care for their grandchildren. The mix of generations should be easier for a group who happily recall swinging through the 60s shocking their elders. Each generation strove to make their mark and push the envelope. Everyone just needs to remember that to make it work.

Working for the joy of it And on the subject of work; it's not just topping up a pension that prompts men and women

to carry on working. Those still in jobs for life who are fit and fascinated with what they do and can continue, at least part time, are doing so. Retiring with many more years to look forward to also means a chance to make a career change or start up a small business. Older people have a wealth of skills that companies need more than ever in an age where a dependence on internet communication is causing a shortage of workers with dedication, initiative and people skills, is becoming all to obvious. Working full or part time is a

The anticipation of having control over our days, time for the interests we put on hold, the travelling we couldn't cram into limited days of leave or fit around family ties, the dog we didn't have because we were working all day, the decorating, sport, novel writing we promised ourselves; now we have it. These years are as valuable as any other time in our life. And, with all our past life experience of making adjustments and surviving, plus today's growing acceptance that 60 is the new 40, we are better equipped than anyone at seizing them and filling them to the full.

MAY 2018

AGE is just a number

ld people deserve to have an active life where they feel they are potential members of society. This is one of the main purposes of the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care, which is responsible for implementing the National Strategy Policy for Active Ageing (20142020). The Department provides the service of 21 Active Ageing Centres around Malta and Gozo. Through such centres, old people interact with one another and are provided with various sessions, such as Crafts, Line Dancing, History, Aerobics,Tai Chi and many more. By attending the Active Ageing Centres, senior citizens are actively using their time and skills in a meaningful and creative way. Various entities contribute to such processes, where they make available professionals who share their knowledge on various subject matters ranging from information from Waste Serv to knowledge on mental health awareness. Hence, people attending the Active Ageing Centres are up to date with information on various issues. Senior citizens are also offered the opportunity to go on outings where they

enjoy the simplicity of being with friends and appreciating the beauty of the Islands’ culture. The Active Ageing Unit also developed together with Local Councils and entities, six Active Ageing Centres with a totally new concept. In these centres, the old people are themselves the managers of the centres. They are empowered to develop activities they like, which in turn makes them enjoy their time even more. The Active Ageing Unit just provides the learning sessions, mostly suggested by the members themselves. The Department of Active Ageing and Community Care will keep on working on enhancing such initiatives for the benefit of the elderly in our Islands. These people have given so much of their time to society that they more than deserve to continue being provided with such opportunities. As a department, we will keep on increasing the activities and opportunities for old people to continue leading happy and active lives.

Casa Antonia’s award winners with (at the back from left) Managing Director Edward Vella, Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis and General Manager Dr Sarah Cassar

CASA ANTONIA honours employees to mark its 15th Anniversary first celebration

s part of its 15th Anniversary, Casa Antonia Nursing and Residential Home held a visit by the Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, during which 33 employees from the various departments were honoured for their dedication and excellent service to residents. Accompanied by Casa Antonia’s managing director Mr Edward Vella, and general manager Dr Sarah Cassar, Mr Agius Decelis toured the retirement home and spoke with residents and staff. Six staff members were specially honoured for their 15 years of service, while the other awardees have dedicated more than 10 years of service. Each award winner received a swan-shaped glass trophy, symbolising Casa Antonia, and a weekend break for two persons at the Qawra Palace Hotel. “Today’s staff awards is a testament to the success of our nursing and residential home. It gives me pleasure to present these awards to such loyal employees, and thank you all here today for your great work and efforts. Some of you have been with us since our construction, phase way back in 2003. You have grown with us,

striven to improve yourselves through specific courses, and tended tirelessly to the daily care needs of our elderly residents,” said Mr Vella. With a capacity to cater for 150 residents, Casa Antonia is a distinguished yet affordable retirement home. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Balzan and overlooking San Anton Gardens, the former hotel converted into a comfortable home offers an ideal and central location where privacy and tranquillity are felt the minute one walks into the building and its garden. Residents benefit from a full programme of activities to keep them active throughout the week, from crafts, board games, keep-fit classes to cinema nights and weekly outings to various places of interest across Malta and Gozo. Apart from being a retirement home, Casa Antonia offers respite accommodation that generally requires a more specialised treatment. The 15th anniversary of Casa Antonia will be marked by a number of special events throughout 2018. The next public event is an Open Day at Casa Antonia, in Balzan, on 7th June. The public is invited to visit the home, meet the dedicated care team, and receive information about the care options on offer.

active ageing

Time for a NEW HOM There is a buzz word in marketing circles – downsizing. It refers to the increasing trend of older people selling family homes they no longer need and moving into a smaller home.

T Why?

here are mixed and numerous reasons why people make this decision and all of them are so valid that it is easy to see why it is so popular. Firstly the current older generation have a longer life expectancy than any before. People are physically and mentally younger when they retire and most have built up a handsome amount of savings and equities. Downsizing releases some of that equity, enabling house owners to pay off their mortgage and provides funds for new projects, medical and other aids that might be needed later in life. They may also want to fulfil a life-long dream to travel or help younger family members with their education or a home of their own. It could also be a means to retiring earlier. Moving into a smaller, cheaper home could reduce monthly housing expenses as well as leaving a comfortable profit to supplement a pension. As a family’s situations change, there may be a wish to move closer to children, or other relatives. Downsizing will mean keeping one’s independence, and any capital invested in the home. Then there is the effort of running a house with rooms that are hardly used, coping with ageing utilities, decorating and maintenance. The layout and stairs may become difficult to navigate as years go by. Moving into somewhere that allows for easier mobility and management before it becomes unavoidable will not only make the whole project much simpler, it may even mean avoiding a choice between own home or care home. In fact, far-sighted 50- 60-somethings looking for a new home are actually considering whether they can see themselves coping happily in it 30-40 years down the line; rather than have to move again when they have the least inclination or energy to do so.

Distances can stretch with age to, so people who live outside towns or villages may want to move somewhere nearer to shops, cafes, cinemas and civic centres, or where public transport is easily accessible. Doing this earlier on will help keep up social contacts and interest.

The perfect home

Well this could be a small house, bungalow, an apartment on the ground floor, or a maximum of one storey higher, a mobile home or a yacht. Plenty of people decide that reaching a certain age means a chance to take off for pastures new. But remember, choosing one of the latter two would mean having a bricks and mortar standby for when the lure of the open road or the seven seas reaches a best before date. Whatever property you go for it must be a place where the advantages of making the move are immediately apparent. This is no time for compromises. Small decorative alterations or simple utility replacements may be acceptable, but any other repairs or renovations should be a reason to look again. Remember why the move is taking place; it is not to plunge into the sort of renovations that were a huge thrill 30 odd years ago. Character can no longer take precedence over a low-maintenance home with inviting rooms in a practical lay out, an outside area that is attractive and easily maintained, plenty of storage that is easy to reach and a bathroom than can be adapted for new fittings if necessary. A spare room to double as a guest bedroom adds a feeling of spaciousness and if you still drive, you already know to dismiss anywhere that doesn’t have its own garage or parking space. A kitchen with units that are a comfortable working height, an eye-level oven and plenty of power points positioned safely for all necessary electrical appliances is very important. So is having a space for the washing machine that is equally near a good drying area. Doors and windows should be easily secured and the whole place should be well ventilated in summer and easy to keep warm in winter. Other than that, moving in furniture, soft furnishings and treasured possessions are all that is needed turn a new home into the perfect home from home.

active ageing

MAY 2018

MUTTON dressed as lamb…

■ John Nicholas

TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP? That is the question. How on earth do you choose what to take when you move to a home that may have at least half the amount of space you are used to? The following points may help with the decisions. Begin slowly

Handing down

Before you finally decide on your new home, make a list of everything that is non-negotiable. Include furniture, decorative and basic household items, tools, media equipment and personal treasures that you would save in a fire, as long as you had the time. This will help you prioritise and give you an idea of the space you should finally aim for.

Thinking of family members, friends or organisations that would appreciate the things you cannot keep will make parting with them less painful. Make lists matching the items to those who have grown up with them or always admired them. Family members may already have told you how much they love certain pieces. But let them know they should lay their claims in good time! Then tell good friends of your plans and ask them to help you by speaking up and saying what they would like from the things you have to leave behind. You will probably find they are happy to offer more help in the way of sorting and packing too, which will be very useful. And seeing the things you have loved being taken into new homes for others to use and enjoy will quickly wipe out any sadness you may feel.

Step by step Collect several big bags and boxes that can be labelled Rubbish and Recycle. Stick to one room at a time and start with a ruthless clearout. Look carefully at stuff kept ‘just in case’. If it represents activities that have been on hold until you had more time, give it careful thought. If you have not used it for its original, or any other reason, in the last year or it is a gift you’d feel guilty throwing out – recycle. If you are waiting till you are thin enough or fit enough to use it again – rubbish.

Think of the real value Is it practical or sentimental? It will soon become clear that many items are both. This is possibly because of the time when monetary gifts for weddings were never considered and expecting or requesting them would be seen as appalling bad manners! Surviving wedding presents would have been largely useful and certainly sentimental. But those including the 12-piece dinner service which appears once a year, at most, dozens of crystal glasses and umpteen ornamental pieces that have been around for so long that no one actually looks at them, will need some serious consideration.

Cashing in Another good way to get rid of surplice stuff is to sell it; auctions and household sales need very careful organisation and negotiations, but can work if you have specialist or particularly valuable items to sell. Garage sales are simple but require several willing helpers and a tough strategy; or there are always the online sites. And for anything you want to give away, there is no shortage of organisations that will be very grateful for it.

Happy memories Take lots of photos and videos so you can always go on a virtual visit to your old home whenever you feel like it. But remember that everything you loved about it, you put into it; and your new home will just be an exciting continuation of all that.

few years ago I used to regularly see an elderly Dutch gentleman, taking a walk through the narrow streets of my home village. He was probably the most elegant and well-dressed gent I have ever seen – ancient or modern. It helped that he was well over six feet tall and extremely handsome. During the hot summer months he would wear a well-pressed lightweight suit, topped off with a wide brimmed straw hat. In cooler weather he was no less chic, favouring a navy blue John Lennon cap set at a jaunty angle and very stylish gear. I remember thinking that when… if I manage to reach old age I would like to emulate that gent… albeit on a much tighter budget. At the other extreme I have lost count of the number of times I’ve cringed at the sight of a pensionable – usually British but by no means exclusively – male tourist, parading through our streets, restaurants and supermarkets in schmutter that can only described as… unfortunate. Just last week I was queuing at the local supermarket check-out when a pungent, nay nauseous stench, emanating from further back in the queue, told me that I was in a line containing a superannuated Brit in shiny, emerald green shorts – with a bite taken out of each side – wearing no shirt, but sporting a crimson, suntan lotion smeared chest and protruding gut. I did think of saying something to the guy but he was much bigger than me and didn’t look as though he’d take my criticism with a pinch of salt. But it didn’t lessen the revulsion. On a slightly milder scale, would someone please tell me why, oh why, do some old men insist on screwing what remains of their hair into a sort of vestigial pony tail? There can be fewer more mirth-inducing spectacles anywhere. I used to quite enjoy videos of the band Status Quo, but the sight of their lead guitarist Francis Rossi, ‘getting down with the kids‘ with his sad, sad sprig of residual hair protruding from his bald pate is not an inducement to rush out and purchase any more of his records. And what is the current fad for tattooing all about? No longer the prerogative of footballers, gangsters, servicemen, bikers, debutants and rap artists under 30, they are now luring the baby boomers. Even revered classical actors are getting inked to mark life stages achievements. Having reached the status of national treasure, a little act of rebellion must be an irresistible gesture. But it could be a mistake. An old man who once lived nearby had a torso crisscrossed with a series of indistinct, smudged blue-grey splodges that presumably had once been well defined, tattooed images. In the folds of pale, crêpey skin they looked hideous, and frankly rather disgusting. Do this current crop of illustrated people realise what they are letting themselves in for in even later

life? And as for the ladies, where do we start? Sadly it is an unarguable fact that none of us grows more beautiful as we age – and this is true for both sexes. Take any number of past ‘ingénues’ and ‘sex sirens’ who end up either over-botoxed or wrinkly and slightly raddled. And yet there are many over 65s who still manage to carry their years lightly. These are ladies who acknowledge that they are no longer in the first flush of youth and who dress accordingly, and always look chic. Unlike one of the most bizarre sights once witnessed parading through some narrow village streets. She, for it was a she, and a tourist she at that, just had to be the graveyard side of 75 and was kitted out in the briefest of bright yellow short shorts, exposing spindly, puttycoloured legs, interlaced with a spaghetti junction of prominent knotted varicose veins. On her feet were elevated platform sandals. Her top was the style of a man’s singlet, in a comparatively muted shade of olive green. But across where her boobs had once been was embroidered the slogan ‘Sex Bomb’; and to make matters worse these graphics were spelled out in turquoise sequins. Her hair was frizzed up into the sort of flick that you often see on the top of an ice cream cone and dyed day-glo orange. Her trowelledon makeup resembled that of an ageing drag queen. Anyone and everyone who spotted her either did a double take or stared at her in open disbelief. This poor old dear had managed to epitomise every single sartorial gaffe that any older person could ever encapsulate. I managed to hear a snatch of her conversation with her much younger male companion, enough to ascertain that the lady was French. So whatever happened to the much vaunted Gallic chic? In conclusion, if there is one hint we should take from this piece it’s this: the older you get the less flesh you should expose to the wide world. And men, remember that as the years roll by the thickening of your girth will be in direct proportion to the thinning of your hair. No one is suggesting the return of the days when grandmothers went about dressed in black, or some other dark coloured, shapeless garment. But it really is all about style. And, let’s be honest, that’s something you’ve either got or you haven’t.

MAY 2018

Home SAFE home Over the past couple of decades the number of older adults living alone is increasing everywhere including on Malta and Gozo.

nd with fewer families even living in the same town or village as their parents the family support network is not taken for granted in the way it used to be. It is no longer a given that daughters and daughters-in -law will automatically be there 24/7 for elderly parents; many have jobs and or families of their own. Children look for homes away from where from where they grew up, or leave the country due to work commitments, severing the networks that evolved and operated so efficiently within the community. This is not necessarily a bad thing. At all ages independence is priceless. People want to make their own choices; to be able to come and go and entertain friends and family whenever they like, in their own space. They want to be themselves, live where their memories are and where they are happy. What is important is that whoever chooses to stay on and live in the home that means so much to them can feel safe. Below are some ideas remaining in a home that is practical, secure and comfortable, without losing any of its familiarity and comfort.

Take a fresh look Living for many years in the same house means getting used to and managing all its quirks; little steps all over the place, uneven floors, doors that stick, high shelves, washing lines on roofs with walls less than four courses high and spaghetti twists of wires from TVs, lamps, and kitchen gadgets all plugged into the same adapter or taking their turn in the same power socket. It may seem stupid to add a banister to a staircase you've run up and down millions of times, or hand rails in a bathroom that has never presented any difficulties so far. And then there are the worn doorsteps and uneven tiles you've

been navigating automatically for so long, they're fine really. Except that if mobility, sight and memory ever become an issue they could turn out to be very dangerous. There are experts in home health and safety and in security who will come in and do a special risk assessment, if you think that will help.

shelf can be a real hazard. Fit good lighting with switches that are easily reached install two-way switches where necessary and have plenty of light sources outside at night. Install smoke alarms and replace the battery every year. A carbon monoxide detector is also a good idea, especially if you use gas or liquid fuel for cooking or heating.

Fixtures and fittings

Home security

Early on, check there are no trailing cables, that there is a rail on at least one side of a steep staircase. If you install a stair lift make sure the company has an adequate maintenance and customer service policy. Ensure switches for all bathroom lights and heaters are outside the room. Have rails and shower seats fitted and make sure mirrors are hung at a convenient height. Rather than worrying about the utility aspect, think of it as installing spa equipment and buy some gorgeous new towels and accessories to up the luxury factor. When the rugs come out for winter choose those that are too heavy to slide along and ruck up. Cut the risk of falls by keeping frequently used items within reach; using a small set of steps to reach the top

We should all be able to feel safe in our own homes from the roof over our heads to our peace of mind. Living alone can often mean not paying enough attention to the actual structure of the building, drainage systems, wiring, cracks in walls, and rooftops that are hard to get to. If maintenance has never been your department it's easy to underestimate the possible danger from damage or deterioration in these areas, if they are neglected. If it hasn't been done recently, get a survey of your property and keep a copy. Have any urgent repairs done and insist on full insurance coverage and guarantees. You must also insist on total completion before making any final payment, and that you are given receipts for all payments made. Do not leave blocked drains unattended. Replace cracked or broken glass in windows and glass-panelled doors immediately. The same goes for replacing missing or broken handles and locks. Whatever job you need done around the house, take advice you can trust

active ageing

from reputable people. Do not employ anyone without a confirmed reference and proof of identity. And never hand over cash, blank cheques or bank details or cards. If you cannot deal with payments yourself, ask a family member or trusted friend to help.

Personal security If you use the internet always be aware that if a teenage boy can hack into the White House, someone up to no good could get into your computer. Pin numbers may be a nuisance, but choosing one yourself will make it easier. And, for a generation that grew up thinking passwords were only for secret societies, spies and getting through the door in clubland, having to remember about half a dozen is hard. Choosing words that are simple and very personal to you will help. If you must write pin numbers and passwords down never put them beside the gadget or information they are protecting. And leave a copy of the important ones with someone you can trust implicitly, for emergencies. The carelessness with which site providers handle people's personal details and faults developing in the systems of every organisation from banks to government departments means that nothing is 100% secure. If you are unhappy at the thought of conducting business or financial services on line, do not be bullied into doing so. And if you do not like the idea of typing in seemingly irrelevant details to secure a purchase, or book a holiday on line, log off or email the customer service address for details. Sites that insist you share your life history for the 'privilege' of looking at products they are trying to sell you are just fishing, and you cannot know where the information you share will end up. And, if you use a computer in a library, internet cafĂŠ or at a friend's house, always remember to physically log off and shut down before you leave. You'd be surprised how many people risk leaving their email and files accessible by forgetting that important click. All other aspects of personal security are simply common sense, like fitting burglar alarms, security cameras and peepholes on the front door to identify callers. If you are worried about falling, purchase a special alarm that you can wear as a wrist watch, bracelet or necklace. It's amazing how unpopular these little discs are, despite the security blanket they can be. But the truth is, children feel reassured if their parents have them, they can prevent a great deal of anxiety and suffering and they do save lives. The secret of remaining happily at home is not ignoring the adjustments that need to be made, or feeling guilty about making life simpler and safer. Just because you've always managed a certain way doesn't mean you shouldn't find a better way. After all isn't that what we've all been doing, one way and another for most of our lives?

active ageing

MAY 2018

active ageing

New HORIZONS

Forget gap years, later years travel is on the increase and even far away destinations are popular

either South America nor the Great Wall of China are inaccessible to older travellers; all that is needed is a realistic approach to choosing where to visit and meticulous planning. Once there may have been a time when you could set off with only a handful of clothes, a phone, sunscreen, insect spray, ticket and passport and just wing it, wherever you went. But there comes a time when creature comforts take precedence. And planning takes more than ringing around a few far-flung friends and asking them if you can stay – dates to be confirmed depending on your lift-grabbing and hitchhiking progress. Today it is best to set off for a pre-chosen destination, travelling by the simplest means, allowing for particular personal preferences and specifications when you arrive. So, the extent to which the words discovery, exploration, adventure and trip of a lifetime, are like to figure in the travel package can be up for discussion. Whether you choose to plan and book a trip online or through a travel agent is up to you. But if you go online be on constant alert for scams and dodges. Check where your insurance coverage stands on trips booked individually and who pays if travel arrangements have to be delayed or cancelled for any reason. The advantage of a travel agency is their experience, of, and access to, information about anywhere you are thinking of visiting, including up-todate information on any visas and vaccinations you might need. They can advise on any accessibility factors, like weather, terrain, multi-level accommodation, hotel or public transport availability, and which optional excursions would be suitable for people with mobility issues. Finally, a consideration worth taking in these slightly volatile times; travellers assisted by travel agencies have an improved chance of being brought smoothly home, should the necessity arise.

Where to go Much as we admire and possibly envy those documentary presenters who travel the world’s out posts in a wheel chair or with just a white stick as a guide, we must remember they are backed up by a cameraman and modest production team. Could your stamina or budget take the same strain alone? Decide what realistic expectations you have for your trip and choose a destination that should fulfill most of them without being an exercise in endurance.

Where to stay If you are a diehard pioneer, then a yurt, glam-camping tent, riverboat or tree house will all sound attractive. And, while

sleeping beside a South East Asian family’s chicken shed may be suitably authentic and enlightening, these days, comfort should always come first. Fortunately the world is full of one-off companies that specialize in bringing 21st-century comforts and facilities to the most ethnic and unusual of bolt holes.

How to get there Trains and boats can be incorporated to make the journey part of the holiday, so if you are unable to fly make this a way to compensate. Driving gives you terrific freedom to pick and choose your routes and timetables but there is a lot to consider: Will one person be doing all the driving or will it be shared? Drivers often need extra insurance cover according to age. Check that yours extends to the period you are abroad, and whether the countries you will be driving in require any additional cover that you do not need at home. Make sure you have all vehicle registration, export/important documents and licences, plus your insurance details and driving licence/s readily available in the car. They will have to be produced if you are stopped on a highway, as well as at any boarders. And leave copies of everything at home to as backup. Planes get you there faster, in theory, and are the travel choice of people just wanting to reach A from B. Study the airline’s baggage regulations and ticket conditions carefully, extremely carefully. Keep a printed copy of

the specific deal you have and any instructions relating to it. Some companies are notorious for introducing new rules at the last minute and then charging customers a fortune because they are not up to date with the changes that occurred between their out-going and homebound journeys. If you’re a slow walker, book a wheelchair or an electric cart to use at the airport when you book your seat. If you use a wheelchair book space for that, as well. And book early so you can be sure of reserving an aisle seat. Pack as light as possible and always keep travel documents and accommodation details close to hand.

What to take Usually half what you think you need, but seriously it’s easier to wash through a few things than cram in loads of clothes you may never wear. Pick your pieces to allow for weather, activities, different events and trips and what you are comfy in. Phones and tablets will record your trip, keep you in

touch with home and provide some apps to pass the time, if paperbacks and people watching are not entertainment enough

Travel insurance Because this usually costs more for older travellers, those who are ‘perfectly fit‘ may imagine they can do without it; and mostly they don’t have to claim. But, is it worth the risk? Worrying about unforeseen accidents or injuries could ruin a lovely holiday. Use your favourable medical history and the type of holiday you‘ve booked to get the coverage you need at the best possible rate. Remember, pre-conditions need not prevent you from travelling but they have to be mentioned, otherwise your whole policy could be invalid. They may also indicate the need for specific cover, like evacuation insurance which covers the huge cost getting adequate medical aid in an emergency or if you are too ill to fly home on a commercial flight.

Medication Non-prescription drugs are often sold under different brand names abroad and may not be available in the same form you’re used to, so always take a full supply of all your medications with you, enough to allow for any possible travel delays. Leave them in their original containers, for identification. If you use a dispenser fill it up when you arrive at your final destination. It is a good idea to take copies of your prescriptions for chronic conditions and medical notes relating to any ongoing or past conditions that could affect your current health, such as malaria, joint replacements, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes etc. If you use a hearing aid, take spare batteries, you may not find the size you need abroad.

Gifts and appliances If you are taking any new gadgets or appliances, leave them in their original packaging and keep the receipts. And if you are taking gifts for anyone, leave them unwrapped. This could save you a lot of trouble at security. Phones, tablets and laptops that you are using must be charged and in working order.

On arrival Switch off and unwind. You have the advantage of being able to travel outside peak times so you can avoid the crowds. There will be no one from work trying to contact you urgently. The family will know better than to disturb you. All you have to do is enjoy yourself.