Celebrating our seniors this week

The State Government’s Seniors Festival is being celebrated from February the first until February 12 and is the largest celebration for seniors in the southern hemisphere.

It’s being coordinated by New South Wales’ Department of Communities & Justice and includes a Seniors Festival Expo, the Premier’s Gala Concerts and a Comedy Show. The theme for the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival is ‘Celebrate Together’ and festival activities are for people over the age of 60 and for people living with a lifelong disability, with hundreds of free and discounted events.

Local events are also hosted by councils and community organisations to empowers seniors to lead safe, healthy and connected lives.

In Hunters Hill this included a Feldenkrais session at the Hunters Hill Croquet Club on Monday night hosted by MovingInTune.

Feldenkrais is a gentle meditation and movement technique that explores how movement connects and can be supported by the whole body. More info at: www.movingintune.com

To find out times, dates and venues for local Seniors Week events visit: www.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival/whats-on

The project is being funded by the Parramatta Light Rail scheme and people interested in becoming Tree Champions can find out more on the council website at: www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/2023-parramatta-light-rail-tree-planting/tree-champion

Choosing the right cemetery

Knowing about the many burial and cremation options available makes it easier when selecting the proper memorial site.

Choosing a cemetery often comes during a time of immense sadness. Understanding in advance how it all works can help to decide on the most suited and preferred memorial arrangements, as well as avoid any unexpected additional costs that may come with hasty decisions.

Location

It’s important to consider both the right geographical location and specific memorial position within the cemetery.

Choosing a location someone shared a connection with can be comforting and it helps if the site is easily accessible for visiting loved ones.

The particular memorial place may align with religious beliefs or may be an appropriate reflective environment for family and friends.

Pre-need and At-need

Pre-need simply means funeral arrangements are made in advance of someone passing.

These plans tend to cost less because everything is organised and paid in advance.

At-need arrangements involve organising a funeral soon after someone dies which incurs current costs.

Burial and Cremation

Some cemeteries include both burial sites and cremation plots. Burial sites are usually situated on an open lawn or among monumental areas.

Cremation plots tend to be more concentrated in a memorial wall or garden.

Other options can include crypts, vaults, legacy trees and natural burials.

Single or family plot

Having a family plot allows relatives to be buried together or have their ashes placed in the same location.

This pre-planned option can provide peace of mind particularly for those want-

Moving in Tune

Feldenkrais & Remedial Massage www.movingintune.com

IMPROVE HOW YOU MOVE, FEEL AND FUNCTION

Feldenkrais is a gentle kinaesthetic learning process that explores how every movement can supported and be connected throughout your whole body. It brings the mindfulness of meditation to how you move, feel and function to reduce the amount of effort required to hone ease instead. It is suitable for all ages and abilities. Develop your co-ordination, balance & spatial awareness as you learn to slow down & listen to the sensations in your body, to better look after yourself.

To better understand your own body, shift tension & restore inner equilibrium.

ContaCt

Shona Lee 0416 820 252 shona@movingintune.com www.movingintune.com ing to be buried with past loved ones.

Interment (burial) rights

An interment right provides the holder with an interest in the land but does not give ownership of the land.

Some interment rights are offered in perpetuity, others as renewable arrangements every 25 or 99 years.

Ongoing costs

Knowing the ongoing financial commitment for any selected site is important.

It is a good idea to enquire if the cemetery provides all services with a secure guarantee of no hidden costs, and also check if a management or any annual fees are required.

NSW Seniors Festival feature - continued page 14

For more information see advertisement on this page or contact Northern Cemeteries on 1300 389 888.

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