Seniors Feature 2014

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST… Local retired Shepparton couple, Elaine and Bob Devitt (pictured) have the life. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Victorian Seniors Festival ‘Taking good care of yourself’ THE Victorian Seniors Festival is on again, with a jampacked program of entertainment and activities for you to enjoy. This year’s theme, ‘Taking good care of yourself’ highlights the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle for mind, body and soul.

This year’s festival will run from October 6 to 13 and will include a host of free and low cost events across the region to enjoy.

Whether your passion is music, theatre, spor ts, touring, learning new skills or making new friends, there’s

something for everyone at this year’s festival.

For a free festival guide of events to be held locally, visit Greater Shepparton City Council at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton or phone 5832 9700.

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Aiding you to an improved lifestyle MAINTAINING YOUR INDEPENDENCE… Pictured, Freedom Independence Products Proprietor, Julie McDonald.

Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

LOVE AND COMMITMENT… Local residents, Cecil and Irene Musgrove (pictured) reaffirmed their love and commitment to one another last week, during a moving renewal of vows ceremony after being married for 60 years. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Affirmation of love after 60 years

By David Lee LOCAL couple, Cecil and Irene Musgrove affirmed their love and commitment to one another last week, holding a special renewal of vows ceremony after being married for 60 years.

The day was made even the more special, when Irene made her way down the aisle wearing her original wedding dress and was graced by the presence of her original flower girl.

After marrying at the Kyabram Methodist Church in 1954, Cecil and Irene have had many highlights over the years, but it is their connection with one another that has kept them going all these years.

Cecil and Irene’s daughter, Sharon

Dickson, said, “It was just a lovely day.

“I think that mum and dad’s secret is that they do absolutely everything together. They share everything.

“This means that I have to now live up to making it to 60 years of marriage.

“It’s a great milestone to aim for and I am very proud of them and love them dearly.

“I’d like to thank all of those who put so much effort into making the ceremony happen and to particularly to mum’s GP, Dr Chik for sending a bouquet of flowers and taking time out of his busy day to attend the ceremony as well as Marg from Shepparton Villages, who coordinated of the ceremony.

The catering staff did such a great job as well. It was just beautiful.”

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M A INTA INING yo ur ind e p e nd e nce becomes very important as you age. But sometimes we all need a little bit of helping hand. At Freedom Independence Products, the friendly team specialise in aiding mobility and providing the tools to continued independence well into your twilight years.

Freedom Independence Produc t s specialise in products which aid in improving your lifestyle, freedom and mobility, including market leading and trusted brands off mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, electric beds and electric lift chairs as well as daily living, bathroom and bedroom aids with sale or hire options on a large range of products.

Freedom Independence Products are also proud to have now partnered with ‘Scooters & Mobility’, which means better prices and deals for everyone.

Proprietor John McDonald said, “We are very pleased to have partnered with ‘Scooters & Mobility’ and combined with our Sleep apnoea, DVA and TAC supply partners we are a true one stop shop for all sectors

of the community providing an even greater range of options for our clients.

“Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle as you age is vital in continuing to enjoy the most out of life and by enlisting the help of one of our easy drive and reliable mobility scooters for running errands or visiting friends, you’ll find that you’re reserving precious energy so that you can get more out of your day without wearing yourself out.

“As you age, moving towards an aided lifestyle can be a difficult decision, but once you’ve made that step you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it years earlier.

“We also offer after sales support with our fully equipped on site workshop and mobile ser vicing vehicles. Make sure to take advantage of our free in home Demonstrations for all electrical powered Aids.”

For more information on hire or purchase options, call in and see John and Julie at Freedom Independence Products, 6 Benalla Road, Shepparton, phone 5831 7317 or visit www.fipscooters.com.au

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A very active member of the community DEFEATING THE ODDS… Bob and Elaine had always maintained a busy, but healthy and active lifestyle, but a few months ago a serious event changed the couple’s life. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

Living life to the fullest LOCAL retired Shepparton couple, Elaine and Bob Devitt have lived all over northern Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia in their lifetime, but now in their golden years, they call Shepparton home.

Bob said, “Northern Victoria has always seemed more like our home heartland and Shepparton has such great facilities… medical facilities, shopping etc. We had wanted to get a little bit closer to the ‘kids’ and Shepparton is not a bad spot.”

Elaine s aid, “T here’s co mfor t in familiarity. We had lived and worked in Shepparton before and it felt natural to return here.”

Bob and Elaine had always maintained a busy, but healthy and active lifestyle, but while playing golf eighteen months ago, Bob suffered a massive heart attack on the Tocumwal Golf Course. Lucky to be alive,

the event changed the couple’s life.

Elaine said, “It was terrible, we were told two or three times that Bob wouldn’t survive until Christmas. But if you look at him now, you’d never know.”

Bob said, “We have changed our life completely since then, I walk every morning, do the gym, have a regular exercise regime and have improved the range of healthy foods we eat.”

Elaine added, “He’s defied the odds.”

Bob said, “I think one of the key things to continuing a happy healthy life is having a great partner and getting along well together.”

Elaine a d d e d, “It ma ke s s uc h a difference when you’re confronted with a few problems. It’s the strength of your union that keeps you headed in the right direction.”

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JOHN Woodward has many strings to his bow and doesn’t show too many signs of slowing down. He may have recently turned 90, but you would never know it.

Having operated a successful television and radio repair business in Mooroopna for many years, John is still keen on tinkering, he recently adapted a clothes dryer into an oven so that he can make bread.

John is a regular participant on Monday afternoons at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre’s (MEAC) exercise program for men. The centres Exercise Instructor, Rod James says that John likes to challenge himself both physically and mentally and that he brings an intelligent and inquisitive mind to the exercise group.

John is also a member of the Mooroopna Men’s Shed, his recent activities include making 100 blackboards for children in Cambodia and refurbishing wooden playground blocks and a slide for the Rodney Neighborhood Kindergar ten.

Mooroopna Men’s Shed President, Alan Beare was there to help celebrate John’s 90th birthday and said that John is a very active and social member of the club who enjoys hands on activities and the friendships to be found at the club.

When John is not exercising at MEAC, tinkering in the shed, or baking bread he can be found operating the miniature train at Emerald Bank, another of his long term

YOUNG AT HEART… John Woodward (pictured) is a regular participant at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre exercise program for men. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

passions.

MEAC Centre Manager, Liz Meloury added that John is a perfect example of the benefits of remaining active throughout our senior years.

“On behalf of MEAC staff, volunteers and management we would like to wish John a very happy 90th birthday and look forward to seeing him next week at exercise to shake off those pounds from the birthday cake.”

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Providing an Elders facility and aged care and disability services for our Aboriginal community RUMBALARA Aboriginal Co-operative’s Aged Care and Disability Services are leading the way in catering to the needs of the older Aboriginal community at all life stages in a culturally respectful manner.

Aged Care and Disability Services cover everything from home and community care options right through to low and high end care within the custom designed Rumbalara Elders Facility.

Executive Manager of Aged Care Services, Dean Walton said, “Our Rumbalara Elders Facility has been here for two and half years now and we are currently home to 23 residents. The facility is inviting, open and bright and is a wonderful asset to Rumbalara’ and to the Aboriginal community.

“This region has a high percentage of general community who are of Aboriginal descent. The Aboriginal community has a long history in this area and it’s important that they have both culturally respectful services and a place that they can call their own.

“The facilities add to the whole Rumbalara Co-operative service umbrella which includes family services, health services, aged and disability services, Justice and Housing, we can cater to the needs of our local Aboriginal community at every stage of their life.

“It doesn’t matter how old an Aboriginal person is, there’s generally a service within Rumbalara which can provide assistance to them. It’s such an important resource for the area.

“It’s important that the Aboriginal community can have faith and trust in an organisation that provides all

ELDERS COMMUNITY… Pictured from left, Rumbalara Elder Facility visitor, Aunty Rochelle Patten with Activity Co-ordinator, Sonya Parsons, Resident, Aunty Elsie Bailey, Resident, Judith Williams, Resident, Bessie Hood and (back) Personal Care Assistant, Val Atkinson. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

aspects of care.”

For more infor mation on any of Rumbalara Co-operative’s Aged Care and Disability Services call 5822866 or to arrange a visit to the Rumbalara Elders Facility, call 5820 6200.

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Maintaining good health By: Katherine Treble, Registered Nurse, Kialla Medical Clinic WHEREVER your life is taking you – full or part-time work, between jobs, volunteering or simply developing a well-earned retirement – your enjoyment may be dependent on your health.

Of course, many of us can’t change our circumstances, but others can improve health through the adoption of simple strategies. Growing older provides challenges to some, but a few changes can make dramatic differences.

For instance, a balanced diet – especially for those living alone – is often difficult, but may be achieved when planning a menu, which rotates a variety of meats, always contains vegetables and fruit and allows snacking with nuts or fruit. A good rule is to include some raw fruit every day. Minimise or remove alcohol from your diet, try to have coffee or tea without added sugar.

Salt should not be added to the cooking or at the table.

Improving fitness and muscle tone helps reduce falls, improves mobility and encourages activities, which improve mental health.

Walking, playing sport, swimming, strength training, cycling and gardening all help keep you fit. Select something you enjoy and make it part of your life.

30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week is currently recommended for older Australians.

Good health can never be achieved without a refreshing sleep.

Minimise alcohol consumption, coffee drinking after lunch and television watching for at least an hour before bedtime.

Don’t forget your annual checks with the doctor/nurse to include blood pressure monitoring, checks on sugar and cholesterol and routine assessments by the optometrist and podiatrist.

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Live it up in affordable luxury PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES… From left, Lifestyle Shepparton Residents, Lorraine Collins, Lorraine Berry, Pauline Terlich and Rosemary Glover enjoying an afternoon of cards at the Lifestyle Shepparton Club House. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

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WITH five star facilities, all of the lifestyle inclusions you could hope for and a real, genuine sense of community, Lifestyle Shepparton provides an opportunity for over 50s to really start living in a secure and friendly, homely environment.

At Lifestyle Shepparton, you’re a home owner. That means, the onsite facilities are yours to enjoy, unrestricted. Swim in the indoor heated pool, relax in the spa, stay active on the tennis court or bowling green, catch up on the classics on the large screen in the cinema room, work out in the gym, socialise in the clubhouse, appreciate the quiet of the library, stay connec ted in the computer centre, maintain your competitive edge in the billiard room and most importantly, enjoy all that Lifestyle Shepparton has to offer.

Specifically designed for over 50s, Lifestyle Sheppar ton has a range of

luxurious 1, 2 and 2 bedrooms plus study homes available in the secure and vibrant gated community just minutes from the centre of town.

Benefit s of moving into Lifes t yle Sheppar ton don’t just end with the lifestyle inclusions. You can enjoy freeing up your cash, owning your own home, on-site community managers, on-site gardening and maintenance, pets are welcome, plus family and friends are welcome to stay. And when you go travelling you can lock-up and leave with the peace of mind knowing that someone is keeping an eye on things.

To enquire about how you could enjoy af fordable luxur y living at Lifestyle Sheppar ton, phone Lifestyle Shepparton on 5831 1133 or visit www. lifestyleshepparton.com.au and find out how you can downsize to a bigger life.

Words from the Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Gerard Mansour MY appointment as commissioner for Senior Victorians is the first of its kind by any state in Australia and I am honoured to be first in this unique role.

My current responsibilities include chairing the Ministerial Advisor y Commit tee for Senior Vic torians, advising the Vic torian Government from time to time on issues affecting seniors and the preparation of a whole of government seniors’ participation action plan. That plan, Seniors Count!, was launched by the Minister for Ageing and you can read about the priorities of the plan and the additional funding support provided by the government at www.seniorsonline.vic. gov.au.

This week is a milestone week for seniors in Victoria. Along with the launch of Seniors Count!, this week also heralds the announcements of recipients of the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards at a

ceremony at Government House. This leads to the opening of the Victorian Seniors Festival a t C e l e b r a t i o n D ay a t Federations Square this Sunday.

All these events celebrate the enormous and ongoing contributions of seniors to our communities and social fabric.

My role as commissioner is to promote and advance the par ticipation of seniors in the community and I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of the festival offerings right across Victoria, including rural communities. There are many events such as concerts, seminars, afternoon teas and other get-togethers that recognise and celebrate the worth of seniors. In this era of population ageing, we are working to really make sure that seniors count.

For more infor mation, visit w w w. seniorsonline.health.vic.gov.au

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Free Hearing Checks for Seniors Week!

WITH over 67 years’ experience supporting people to hear again, Australian Hearing is Australia’s leading hearing specialist, res earc her and larges t provider of government funded hearing services. They have helped generations of Australians to continue to enjoy life and the sounds they love.

Australian Hearing Shepparton Manager, Bhaveena Vanmari, said hearing loss was a prevalent issue in the community, with around 60 percent of Australians over the age of 60 suffering some form of hearing loss.

“A hearing check is a quick and easy way to measure the sounds you can and can’t hear. Our team will also be on hand to guide you through the next steps you can take in regards to your hearing needs,” Bhaveena said.

Throughout Seniors Week from October 5 to 12, Australian Hearing Shepparton is celebrating by offering Free Hearing Checks at 205 Fryers Street, Shepparton.

You can bring a friend or family member and no appointment needed.

As well as having a hearing check, visitors can find information on a range of common hearing issues and easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. This includes headsets for watching TV and alert systems for doorbells.

“Not ever yone who is experiencing hearing problems needs a hearing aid.

Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at a normal volume, hearing the doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem,” Bhaveena said.

Australian Hearing will also be offering Free Hearing Checks at the following locations in October: Stanhope Community Health Centre on October 9 between 10am and 12 noon, Commonwealth Bank Mansfield on October 23 between 10:30am and 1:30pm, Waranga Community Health, Rushworth on October 30 between 10am and 3pm and Cobram Medical Clinic on October 31

TEAM TO HELP… From left, Australian Hearing Shepparton Customer Service/Clinical Assistant, Paige Madgwick, Manager, Bhaveena Vanmari, Customer Service Officer, Jo Warr, Specialist Audiologist, Huimin Ong, Customer Service Officer, Jessica Kington, Audiologist, Cathy Chen and Specialist Audiologist, Patrick Tyler. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

between 10am and 3pm.

Australian Hearing provides subsidised hearing care for eligible people, including pensioners, most veterans, children and young adults under 26, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 and adults with complex needs hearing (referred by Department of Health). For more information, contac t Australian Hearing Shepparton on 5823 7500, or visit www.hearing.com.au.

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