Most things in life need some sort of plan to be successful. Retirement is no different. You can protest all you want, shouting about the need for spontaneity and the freedom to do what you want, when you want, how you want.
And I would agree with you – to a point.
We work hard all our lives and deserve the right to ‘do nothing’ if we wish, take things easy, spend our money and relish ticking things off our bucket list. After all, isn’t that what retirement is meant to be about?
But better education on our health, as well as medical and technological breakthroughs, mean we have the opportunity to live much longer than our parents and grandparents.
Maybe 20 years or more longer. So there very well may come a time when we’ve ‘been there, done that’ in our travels after retirement, have become bored with the ‘routine’ of pottering around the house and ask ourselves: “Is that all there is?” or “What do I do now?”.
Journalist Janine Hill speaks with a retirement coach for this month’s cover story.
Robyn Nutt, founder of Ready to Thrive, has helped many people overcome the retirement ‘rut’ because she also found herself there at one time.
She highlights the fact that there are stages of retirement, and whether we are retirees or simply thinking about giving up full-time work, we all need a strategy to ensure that this will be a fulfilling and satisfying time in our lives.
But if you are still in that wonderful ‘honeymoon phase’ after the farewell drinks at work, maybe some time spent on a golf course in Hawai‘i is exactly what you’re looking for.
Turn to our travel pages for my scenic buggy ride around the Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course at The Ritz Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay.
This month, columnist Kailas Roberts (page 20) also touches on the importance of purpose, referring to research that indicates purpose is both a psychological and neurological compass.
Plus, we have all our regular features and columnists to educate, inform and entertain you.
So, enjoy the read!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES distribution@yourtimemagazine.com.au. Or call 0419 746 894
FOR DIGITAL EDITIONS AND MORE yourtimemagazine.com.au.
Say hello to a more satisfying retirement
JANINE HILL explores how to create a plan with a sense of purpose in the years beyond working – for the time when you’re bored of freedom and have already done that lap around Australia.
Most Australians have a good 45 years to think about retirement once they enter the workforce.
It’s a long time to dream, but retirement coach Robyn Nutt, founder of Ready to Thrive, says many people reach retirement without knowing what it will really look like for them beyond the farewell drinks.
“That’s what people don’t realise:
that there are stages of retirement,” Robyn says.
“We all seem to think that retirement is this endless beautiful beach that just goes on forever, and we forget that there are rocky outcrops and there are creeks that cut through, and you’ve got to wade over them.
“You go from that euphoric ‘I finally got rid of that annoying workmate’ to
that disillusionment that ‘well, the days are long. What am I going to do? I’m bored’ or ‘I’m lonely’.”
Robyn says that just as people make financial plans for retirement, they should also plan how to live with purpose, connection and satisfaction in the work-free years.
She says such retirement planning can be done at any time but ideally
before people retire.
“I could see anybody at any stage and help them, but I think that the people who would benefit most are the people who are ready to transition to retirement, or those people who have done the lap of Australia and they’ve gone, ‘Oh, okay. Well, what now?’,” she says.
“People do a second lap of Australia, or people go back to work full-time. People go back to what they know because it’s easy, on autopilot.”
While some retirees think keeping busy is the key to retirement, Robyn says there is more to it, having tread that path herself.
She transitioned to retirement early after a career in teaching, initially in primary and later in adult education, where she designed education and study skills programs for TAFE and universities.
“While you’re working, everybody thinks it’s easy because we look at retirement in a dream-like state. It’s in the distance and all the edges are blurry
Robyn Nutt
and it looks so perfect,” Robyn says.
“But when you reach retirement, it’s like the magnified view. All the gaps and all the unplanned events are so obvious. It was the same for me.
“I didn’t have that one big dream that most people have: to do a lap of Australia or to downsize.
“But I love learning, so I threw myself into lots of different courses.
“I was just so busy, but busy didn’t really give me the sense of purpose that I was expecting.”
After talking to others, Robyn realised that her skills could be repurposed to help retirees figure out their retirement.
She does not offer financial advice but coaches retirees and prospective retirees to think about their values and sense of purpose, and how the skills, strategies and qualities that they have used in the past can benefit them in retirement.
“I was just so busy, but busy didn’t really give me the sense of purpose that I was expecting”
It is an honest look at their lives that some find too confronting to do on their own, and can be awkward or not as effective with friends.
“People think they’ve sorted things but haven’t really when you start to question them because we always like to live in our own comfort zone,” she says.
“We ask ourselves easy questions, we do the easy things first, and sometimes, when you’re in a change or
transition, it’s a good time to move out of that comfort zone. You need to be asked different questions.”
One of Robyn’s clients had dropped back to working part-time when he sought her help to figure out his transition to full retirement.
“He knew he had enough money but he didn’t really know what he was going to do with this extra time. He was a bit worried about boredom and loneliness,” she says.
“When I got feedback from him recently, he said, ‘You helped me look at my whole life and really gave me a direction’.
“He decided that after working for so long, he needed to tap back into family and fitness stuff.
“I help people explore those possibilities, then help them plan to be a success, and what they’re going to do if things go wrong.
“What I’m really doing is building a bit of resilience and giving people some strategies to help themselves, but I’m a resource that they can always tap back into.”
ROBYN’S TIPS FOR RETIREMENT:
1. Spend time understanding what’s important to you and where you want to spend your time, energy and money. Work out your values, what you want in life.
“It’s actually recognising slices of your life which are potentially important to you.”
2. Try new things.
“When you’re at a transition, that’s a great time to make a change because you’re changing anyway.”
3. Check in with yourself, often.
“I actually schedule a meeting with myself every week, every Friday morning, just to check how I’m going.
I have questions I ask myself. What have I won on this week? What have I learned this week? What will I do less of next week?”
4. Do not hide in your comfort zone. “Staying in your comfort zone feels good, but it’s not good for you. It’s almost the equivalent of eating hot chips every day. It feels good, but it’s not good for you.
5. Sort out your finances.
6. Establish positive daily routines for your mental and physical health. “I’m a real advocate for making small positive changes over a long period of time.”
7. Focus on what you can control.
“All those things that we worry about that we can’t control, that’s what we worry about most of the time. It’s such a waste of time.”
8. Dream big – bigger than you can ever imagine.
“Big dreams are achievable with small, manageable steps.”
IF YOU fancy a little indulgence, book yourself in for High Tea on Sunday, August 24 at The Long Apron, the award-winning restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate in pretty Montville. Set among manicured gardens and French-inspired charm, the experience includes a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, unlimited tea and coffee and a celebratory glass of bubbles on arrival. Visit spicersretreats.com/ events/high-tea-long-apron.
AUGUST marks 58 years since one of the world’s biggest rock bands, Pink Floyd, released their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. The English foursome went on to sell more than 250 million albums worldwide across their career. Their 1973 record, The Dark Side of the Moon, was one of only four albums globally to sell more than 45 million copies, spending 970 weeks in the US Billboard top 200 charts. Now, fans will have the opportunity to reminisce about those days gone by thanks to the much-loved Australian Rock Collective (ARC). Featuring celebrated artists, Darren Middleton (of Powderfinger fame), Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet) and Davey Lane (You Am I), ARC will present Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon on August 8 at The Events Centre, Caloundra and on August 10 at Brisbane’s QPAC. For tickets, visit livenation.com.au and search ‘ARC’.
IMPRESS the grandkids with a visit to the globally celebrated Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience. Targeted at all age groups, this magical walk through the bushland of Mount Cotton’s Sirromet boasts fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. It is an experience you will never forget. You can enhance your visit with pre-show dining at the winery’s Tuscan Terrace or book the Wizards Wonder accommodation package and stay in an on-site pavilion. The Harry Potter experience is on until September 7. Bookings for all experiences are essential. Visit sirromet.com/pages/harry-potter-the-forbidden-forest.
Back in the day…
BACK in 1962, Australian television screens welcomed a cheerful fellow with a shiny bald head, a red airplane and a very catchy tune. Mr Sheen, the animated mascot for the household polish of the same name, quickly became one of the most recognisable advertising figures of the decade. Launched in the 1950s, Mr Sheen was Australia’s answer to clean furniture and shiny floors and his TV commercial, which combined live action with animation, captured the imagination of viewers. In the ad, Mrs Sparkle sang, “You are the most helpful man that I have ever seen.” According to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Mr Sheen’s character was reportedly inspired by a real company employee. Mr Sheen’s pop culture identity was so strong that the brand hardly changed in the next 50 years.
OCEAN breezes, boutique wines, fresh seafood and live music – what more could you want from a winter weekend? The Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival will be held at Apex Park, Woody Point Esplanade on August 22 to 24 and will bring together top chefs, local producers and entertainers for three delicious days by the water. A general ticket includes everything from cooking demonstrations to more than 140 exhibitors and pop-up bars. There are also add-on ticketed events, ranging from premium dining experiences to whiskey masterclasses. Visit moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au.
Experience premier retirement living in Newstead
Elevated above the vibrant Gasworks precinct, The Newstead Residences offers a low-maintenance lifestyle with unparalleled access to local amenities and exclusive community facilities. Enjoy sophisticated inner-city living in open-plan residences, with the flexibility to pay for additional services like meals and housekeeping - so you can enjoy retirement your way.
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts
on the world around us.
BALANCE VS MANKEEPING
I WASN’T familiar with the term ‘mankeeping’ but had seen the symptoms in couples’ relationships.
Sahra O’Doherty, president of the Australian Association of Psychologists, says it is the caretaking role that women often play for the men in their lives – looking after their emotional needs, bolstering their confidence and supporting their wellbeing.
The derogatory mirror has been ‘manchild’, describing a bloke incapable of managing his emotional needs.
I have another – ‘lion taming’ – where a woman mistakenly perceives a man’s reserve and independence as needing managing without his concurrence. This can lead to push back from the recipient and a confusion of good intentions being lost in conflict and bottled-up resentment.
From my humble observations, I find men today confide their emotional needs in mates far more than women realise, even their partners.
I’m not suggesting that we’re all to use the old term SNAGS – sensitive new age guys – but you can feel it in the man hugs, the casual ‘are you okay’ inquiries and the uncorked personal emotion between boofy men on the football field during Queensland’s State of Origin win.
No matter what the terms, the emotional merry-go-round between men and women can leave a bloke giddy, trying to navigate the social norms, requiring an updated dictionary.
For a man who has been on the end of over-exuberant mankeeping, it can be suffocating, leaving you wanting a time out to reclaim your independence.
I like the concept of soulmates between a man and a woman in a couple’s balanced relationship, with one not having to manage the other, or with good mates you can confide in.
It need not be dependence as one person may have a lot of emotional challenges going on at a particular time, but what goes around comes around, and your soulmate knows you’re there for them.
Feeling that trust and reassurance often strengthens you to manage an emotional challenge, to emotionally backburn, preventing it from becoming chronic or inflamed in a series of crises.
We have enough of those in the wider world without creating our own or needing our soulmate to be tempted into mankeeping.
VIEW EDUCATING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
EDUCATION is the key to unlocking the many challenges faced by parents and their children and it is the foundation to build students confidence to succeed.
This is where the Brendale Evening VIEW Club comes into play. The local club sponsors nine students through the Smith Family Learning for Life program. This program provides long-term education support to empower Australian children experiencing disadvantage to change their lives.
VIEW, stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women and it is a network of close to 280 clubs and more than 13,000 women throughout Australia.
For 65 years, VIEW has connected with others in the community, providing a place for women to connect with each other, enjoy social activities and develop friendships – all the while supporting the work of the charity.
The Brendale club will next meet for dinner on August 19. Guest speaker will be Roz Miller from Proud Mary Cruises, who specialises in door-to-door group, fully inclusive packages for over-55s.
The group also meets for a ‘coffee and chat’ on the first Saturday of each month in Bracken Ridge.
To RSVP, or for more information, contact Suzanne on 0417 022 996.
Our team of experienced and qualified stonemasons combine modern technology with traditional stone craftsmanship to ensure the very best quality stone work on every project.
When the rubber hit the road for the first reliability touring contest
CHRIS CURRIE explores how a small group of Brisbane motoring enthusiasts wanted to change the minds of the public about the safety of cars, devising a public spectacle to promote the reliability of automobiles. We take a (driving) tour through State Library of Queensland’s collections to find out more.
Car ownership in Queensland was popularised by leading Brisbane medical practitioner Dr George Hopkins who, around 1900, replaced his horse and cart with an Oldsmobile for patient visits.
In 1905, Hopkins became president of the newly formed Automobile Club of Queensland, one of 10 ‘medical men’ who made up the 18 foundation members: a widely reported demographic detail that
Proudly Australian owned & operated since 1970
discounted the membership of the extraordinary Dr Lilian Cooper: Queensland’s first registered female doctor and recorded motorist.
The central aim of the ACQ – as documented in a compiled history held at State Library – was “to band together the motor owners of the state for their mutual protection and for the general advancement of motoring”. Mutual protection was not just a catchphrase: one
At Algester Lodge, we provide to you high-quality residential & respite care, nestled in a bushland setting with landscaped gardens. Depending on your need we offer quality and security with 24/7 Registered Nurses on-site.
We offer Residential Care and Respite Care
Respite Care will be beneficial to you and your loved one to give you both peace of mind. If you require a break from your supportive role, please call our caring staff at either location.
“Everyonehasbeenverypoliteandextremely helpful,especiallyaswe were unawareofwhat todo.Mumisveryhappywithhertreatment.”
Resident’s Family Member
We’re here to help
BUNDALEER LODGE
NURSING HOME
114 Holdsworth Road North Ipswich, Queensland 4305
of the club’s first actions was requesting police help to stop gangs of youths throwing stones at their cars.
To change public perception of automobiles as accident-prone and unsuitable for local roads, the ACQ began to stage “reliability trials” – short competitions around Brisbane where success was not measured in speed, but rather fuel economy, and how well the car held together.
In 1920, the ACQ partnered with Sydney’s Royal Automobile Club of Australia to conduct a four-day “interstate reliability touring contest” from Sydney to Brisbane, to publicise how dependably, safely and enjoyably cars could travel across long distances.
Each competing car was allotted an average speed and was required to carry “a full complement of passengers”, including an official race observer. Every competitor began with 700 points (500 for reliability, 100 for petrol consumption and 50 each for two hill climbs), with those points being deducted according to an official formula. Various prizes and a trophy were on offer, including a £50 grand prize. Importantly, every day of the four-day trial included an official lunch stop.
Thirty-two competitors left Sydney on October 18 and all but two arrived in Albert Square (now King George Square)
on October 21, “travel stained but very fit”. The first to be welcomed by the “immense crowd” was Boyd Edkins in his Vauxhall (Mr H.S. Simpson in his Templar was first into the city but ironically collided with a horse towing a coal cart just before entering the square). The £50 first prize was eventually awarded to Mr. P.A. McIntosh of Sydney in his Buick.
The next morning, all competitors were formally welcomed to Brisbane by the mayor before being taken on a river trip on the government steamer The Otter.
The whole event attracted huge media and public interest, and led to three more contests, including the remarkable successes of amateur Queensland driver A.J. Soden, whose trophies and plaques are held at State Library.
To celebrate the success of the first interstate reliability touring contest, on Sunday, October 24, 160 motorists from Queensland and New South Wales drove to Cleveland’s Pier Hotel for (you guessed it) a lunch. The moment is recorded in the picture above. After a drive to Redland Bay, the motorists returned to the hotel for afternoon tea.
In 1921, the ACQ became the Royal Automotive Club of Queensland (RACQ) and welcomed its 1000th member. It was safe to say Queensland’s motoring future was on the road to success.
Members of an RACQ motor outing outside Pier Hotel in Cleveland, 1920
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF WILDFLOWERS THROUGH KATHLEEN MCARTHUR’S EYES
KATHLEEN McArthur is a name synonymous with the southeast’s beautiful wildflowers.
Born in Brisbane in 1915 to mother Catherine Durack, of the pioneer pastoral family, and father Colonel Dan Evans, a co-founder of the engineering firm Evans Deakin, Kathleen spent most of her adult life as a protector for southeast Queensland’s waterways, beaches, wildlife, flora and landscape.
A gifted wildflower artist, author and environmentalist, Kathleen relocated to Caloundra during the Second World War. It was there that she continued her legacy work.
Today, the Kathleen McArthur collection, held by Sunshine Coast Council, includes more than 300 artworks, publications, and other written works.
From August 15 to December 7, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of wildflowers through exhibitions and events at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct in Glass House Mountains and at Landsborough Museum. Entry to both venues is free, and both venues are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–3pm. At Bankfoot House, explore This Unique Wilderness, celebrating the life
and legacy of Kathleen.
You’ll find her stunning wildflower artworks and writings, including pieces from the Save Cooloola campaign, displayed. During the exhibition you can also experience a range of programs from a Wildflower Acrylics and a Glass House Mountains Flora workshop to a Kathleen McArthur heritage talk by Wildlife Queensland.
Meanwhile, Landsborough Museum will host Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters, on loan from the Australian Museum, featuring scientific illustrations of butterflies and moths by Helena and Harriet Scott. The exhibition includes spotlight on Kathleen McArthur’s nature-inspired art, live insect encounters, and drawing activities.
The Kathleen McArthur Collection is available on Sunshine Coast Council’s website alongside a podcast series, taking you on an audio journey through her life. Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
EVERY winter, as a small child, I used to get tonsillitis badly and the ‘house doctor’ would be called. He was a nice old man, but I dreaded him like if he were the devil.
He arrived with a bottle of blue liquid and a small brush.
While my father held me tightly on his lap the doctor would paint the back of my throat with the most awful-tasting liquid.
After that, he would crush a small tablet in a teaspoon, add sugar and water, and that concoction was poured down my throat while the doctor held my nose, so I had no choice but to swallow it.
Thank God for antibiotics and medical centres or family clinics, None of it existed when I was a child, the doctor came to the house to visit the patient; if the case was serious, the patient was sent to hospital.
The family clinic I use is a welcoming place and both reception staff and doctors are friendly and nice. In fact, they are so nice that I
feel like visiting often – if it weren’t for the fact that I would have to be sick to make my way through their door. Having a retirement village sitting virtually next door, ensures that the centre is always busy and full of the patients. I sometimes feel that it is like ‘The Commons’ of a village, one always finds a friend or neighbour sitting there.
As we get older, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a pretty common problem. If the doctor suspects it, he’ll ask you for a urine sample. Somehow you manage on a strange toilet in the surgery. I got sick of this – no pun intended. When I feel unwell and the dreaded UTI is a possible culprit, I get
a small sterile container from the pharmacy and collect at home what might be wanted by the doctor. Secure and hidden in my handbag the ‘sample’ can be produced instantly, except for the time when I didn’t close the lid tightly!
There is a separate room where they check patients for skin cancers and there is a room where experienced nurses reign supreme, changing dressings, giving injections with the obligatory warning: ‘Just a little sting.’
I endure the little sting. It makes me wonder what a big sting would be like.
Sometimes howling noises come from one of the doctor’s rooms. Usually, child and mother re-appear unharmed, accompanied by a friendly smiling doctor.
As we get older and illnesses attack us more ferociously, it is a good feeling to know that not too far away a medical centre is open.
A place to go when we need help or even just re-assurance that we are not suffering from leprosy or some other exotic illness and that the pain we experience is not just in our heads.
May you stay healthy enough to need little medical attention.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
By Cheryl Lockwood
THE wonderful thing about Australia’s multicultural society is the opportunities we have to sample delicious dishes from around the globe and at times, attend events brought here by people who choose to call this country home.
I arrived at a Swedish Midsummer celebration to be greeted by cries of, “glad midsommardag”, which means “happy midsummer day!”
In the northern hemisphere, particularly in Scandinavia, midsummer or the summer solstice is cause for celebration as the longest day marks the changing of the season.
The day, a public holiday in Sweden, is full of traditions which date back to the Middle Ages. The midsummer night was believed to be a time of magic, with certain plants said to hold healing powers and rituals used to predict the future.
Much of the celebration revolved around promoting the fertility of the earth to ensure a successful harvest. Flowers placed under a pillow could lead one to dream of a future spouse. Wearing a crown of flowers was a symbol of fertility and rebirth. A prominent feature was a maypole, which was decorated with greenery. Questioning its interesting, phallic shape, I was told this was intentional and was also related to fertility.
The midsummer event I attended was on a cool
winter’s day. Enthusiasm was not dampened as everyone held hands and danced around the maypole while singing Swedish songs. Thankfully, I had plenty of translators because my knowledge of the language has not progressed past polite greetings and words (kindly provided by my granddaughter) for bodily functions.
Apparently, one song was about little frogs. The song comes from a French military march, which was changed by English soldiers to mock the French by referring to them as “frogs.” Still not sure of its significance for Swedes, but jumping around mimicking frogs made everyone smile.
We wore floral crowns, which we had constructed from flowers, foliage, wire and string. The Scandinavians sported truly beautiful creations upon their blond heads, likely having had a lifetime of greenery-weaving experience. My effort screamed, “I am not a florist”.
A highlight of the event was the
tables of food. There was an emphasis on potato and cheese dishes and there were traditional Swedish meatballs, which would normally necessitate a trip to Ikea.
Particularly yummy was the smörgåstårta or sandwich cake, which as the name suggests is a cake made of sandwiches! The dessert was more familiar, with cakes layered with cream and fresh strawberries. It was all delicious. Those who wished to had brought along the traditional Schnapps to accompany the meal. In hindsight, it would have gone down well on the cool, damp day.
In my younger days, my home town held an annual food fair, consisting on an array of stalls selling food prepared by people who had moved to Australia and lived and worked in our little area of South Australia.
We had our choice of Indian, Italian, Greek and Chinese. With full bellies, we would enjoy the entertainment, which always included traditional dancing and singing from the various cultures. Looking back, I feel lucky to have experienced this community event. With reports of racism frequently making the news, our fair seemed such a great way to embrace people from different backgrounds.
Now that I’ve attended my first midsummer celebration, my next goal will be to attend one in Sweden. I’ll add it to the ever-growing wish list!
Visit lockwoodfreelance.com
The big question: which Android phone is right you?
EDIN READ explains the key differences between the various types of devices.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone and leaning towards an Android, you’ve got a lot of choice, but not all that choice is helpful. Android phones range from ultra-budget to high-end models, with a dizzying number of features, prices and brand names.
For many older Australians, the real question isn’t about having the flashiest phone. It’s about finding one that’s easy to use, reliable and good value for money.
Let’s start with budget phones. It’s true you can walk into a supermarket or petrol station and pick up a brand-new Android for under $150. These can be perfectly fine for very light use, such as making calls, sending texts and occasionally looking something up online. But they often come with downsides.
Many budget models have limited support, meaning they don’t get regular software updates, which can leave you vulnerable to security issues. They also tend to struggle with newer apps, and some features might not work as expected. In other words, they’re cheap for a reason. These types of phones can also be ‘locked’ to a particular mobile provider,
usually Telstra or Optus. That means you’re stuck using their service and can’t easily switch to a better or cheaper plan. That’s why I always recommend choosing an unlocked phone whenever possible. An unlocked phone gives you freedom to shop around for the best plan, whether it’s prepaid or monthly.
So what should you be looking for? A good rule of thumb is to stick with trusted brands that are known for both quality hardware and long-term software support. Samsung makes excellent mid-range phones that are popular with all ages and for good reason. They’re fast, easy to use, and regularly updated. The Galaxy A-series, for instance, offers great value without going overboard on fancy extras you might never use.
Google’s Pixel phones are another fantastic choice. They come with a clean, simple version of Android that isn’t weighed down with extra apps. They also have top-notch voice typing, camera quality and built-in features to assist with hearing, vision and reading.
If you like the idea of a phone that just works out of the box, the Pixel 6a or Pixel
7a are worth a look.
Nokia, too, is still in the game and doing a decent job. While not as powerful as Samsung or Google models, Nokia phones tend to have straightforward menus, a sturdy build and are ideal for calls, texts and basic internet use.
In terms of price, a decent Android phone will usually sit around the $500 mark. This gets you good performance, a sharp screen, a decent camera and regular software updates. If you’re after something a bit more advanced with better camera quality and a smoother experience all around, you’re looking at closer to $1000. That might sound like a lot, but for a device you’ll use every day, for photos, messages, video calls and even banking, it can be well worth the investment.
When it comes to where to buy, JB Hi-Fi is a good place to start. They tend to offer honest advice, stock reliable brands, and sell unlocked phones at fair prices.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to walk out with all the extras (like phone cases) they might suggest. Just focus on getting the right phone first, and take your time with the rest.
When you’re comparing phones, it’s worth focusing on a few key things. A large, bright screen makes reading messages and emails easier. A loud and clear speaker helps with hearing calls, and accessible settings like larger text or voice commands can make daily use a breeze. I also recommend checking that the phone will receive software updates for at least three years.
At Greyology, we often help seniors choose phones that suit their lifestyle, not the latest trend. There’s an Android option out there that’s a comfortable fit. And if you’re ever unsure, we’re only a call away. Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au.
A whole new life. Over-50s living redefined.
GemLife Moreton Bay. New homes now selling.
GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with premium lifestyle facilities on your doorstep.
No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty
Friendly community
Pets welcome
Gated neighbourhood
Extensive premium facilities
Luxury homes
Caravan and boat storage*
Retain your capital gain
Ageing-in-place solutions
Ph: 1800 418 605 *Terms & conditions
Why lifting weights is essential for health
CAITLYN HUTH says there are numerous benefits to strength training for seniors.
Ageing comes with inevitable changes in the body – muscle loss, joint stiffness and reduced mobility.
However, staying active can significantly slow these effects. While most seniors focus on walking or light aerobics, one of the most effective ways to maintain health in old age is lifting weights. Strength training is not just for bodybuilders; it’s a crucial tool for preserving independence, reducing injury risk and improving wellbeing.
1. Prevents muscle loss and weakness – As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass – a condition called sarcopenia. If left unchecked, this loss can lead to frailty, weakness and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Weightlifting combats this by stimulating muscle growth and maintaining strength. Even lifting light weights two to three times a week can slow muscle loss and improve functionality.
2. Strengthens bones and reduces fracture risk –Osteoporosis, a condition where
bones become brittle and weak, is a major concern for the elderly. Strength training helps counteract bone density loss by putting stress on bones, encouraging them to become stronger. Studies show that lifting weights can increase bone density, reducing the risk of fractures.
3. Improves balance and prevents falls – Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. Weightlifting strengthens the muscles that support posture and stability, particularly in the legs and core. Stronger muscles mean better balance, coordination and reaction time, which can
significantly reduce fall risks.
4. Enhances joint health and reduces pain – Contrary to the common belief that lifting weights is bad for the joints, strength training can actually reduce joint pain caused by arthritis. Stronger muscles help support the joints, reducing stress and decreasing inflammation.
5. Boosts mental health and cognitive function – Exercise isn’t just good for the body, it’s essential for the brain.
Weightlifting has been linked to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression and better cognitive function in older adults. It stimulates blood flow to the brain and enhances memory.
Final thoughts – Lifting weights is a powerful tool for healthy ageing. By incorporating strength training into their routine, seniors can enjoy greater strength and quality of life well into their later years.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au.
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
IT’S TIME TO TAKE A WALK
THE opportunities and facilities we have at our disposal in southeast Queensland to exercise are impressive. Many years ago, the majority of the population in Australia and around the world exercised on a regular basis through their employment and way of life.
By that, I mean incidental exercise was everywhere. People walked or rode their bikes to work, the daily tasks of life involved exercise – milking the cows, chopping wood, scrubbing floors, emptying rubbish, doing the household washing.
Modern advances and technology mean that, to many in the world, those days are long gone. We replaced incidental exercise with gyms, although there is a body of evidence that tells us that being sedentary and going to the gym for an hour a day may not be enough. We have to move more. So, back to my opening sentence.
Where I live in southeast Queensland, authorities have provided facilities for residents
to exercise on a regular basis. In addition to the parks, we have exercise stations located in and around our streets.
In Redcliffe, where I live, we also have a popular ‘men’s walk’ three times a week for men to walk and socialise. If you want something more strenuous, there is the Parkrun – a set five-kilometre run/walk held every Saturday morning at 7am.
How lucky we are to have these free activities available.
Regular Parkrun participants volunteer every so often as marshals and run officials. There is no pressure to perform, and your time is recorded for your own information. Many of the participants connect after the event on a social basis for a coffee. Why not get out this week and try a walk in one of your local parks, check out the council-installed exercise stations or register for Parkrun?
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
AS WE age, our health needs change and that includes our dental care.
Dental Health Week, the Australian
Dental Association’s annual awareness campaign, is held on August 4 to 10 and is a timely reminder of just how vital oral health is, especially for those aged 50 and over.
Tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and ill-fitting dentures are just some of the common issues facing older Australians. But while these problems are widespread, they’re not inevitable and are often preventable with the right habits and regular care.
Oral health has far-reaching effects beyond the mouth. Poor dental hygiene can impact speech, nutrition and confidence and has even been linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions. Maintaining a healthy smile plays a key role in overall wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
This year’s Dental Health Week reinforces four essential habits for everyone – brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, eating a balanced diet low in sugar and visiting your dentist regularly. For seniors, these habits remain just as important, particularly as age-related factors like medication side effects or reduced dexterity can affect oral hygiene.
Specialist care and routine check-ups can help identify issues early and ensure dental work remains comfortable and effective.
More than 20 per cent of Australians wear dentures, and that number rises significantly after age 50.
Yet many people put up with loose, worn, or uncomfortable dentures, unaware of the impact on their health, nutrition and confidence.
AlphaGarde offers a solution that brings expert denture care directly to you. Their mobile service is designed for comfort, convenience and accessibility — no clinic visits, no waiting rooms, no stress.
Whether you need a new full or partial denture, a repair, or an adjustment, everything is done in your home. They bring modern equipment and the same high-quality standards as a traditional clinic, ensuring you receive personalised care tailored to your needs.
Mobile denture care is ideal for those with mobility issues, busy lifestyles, or simply a preference for being treated in a familiar environment. It also offers peace of mind for carers supporting loved ones at home or in retirement communities.
If your dentures are more than five years old, feel loose, or make eating difficult, it might be time for a professional review. You don’t have to travel far to get your smile back – they’ll come to you.
WORDS: Alex Lawrence, Dental prosthetist
Alex Lawrence is a qualified dental prosthetist and founder of AlphaGarde Mobile Denture Clinic, proudly providing full denture services at home. Call 0423 075 089 or visitalphagarde.com.au to learn more.
An initial limited release of 46 residences in our first precinct, Harmony, offers the opportunity to be part of a world-class community like no other.
Designed by award-winning architects, Lea Design Studio, Abadi Gaia features world-class facilitiesincluding café bistros, a restaurant, resort-style pools, a day spa, workshops, nature reserves, and more. 1/41
SLEEP RECOGNISED AS A LIFELONG SUPERPOWER
SLEEP is emerging as one of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing, with experts calling for greater awareness of its role in physical and mental wellbeing.
As research continues to link quality sleep to improved immunity, memory, mood and cognitive performance, the Sleep Health Foundation is urging Australians to prioritise better sleep habits, particularly in later life.
This year’s national awareness campaign, Sleep Health Week, which is from August 11 to 15, will focus on the theme Sleep: the lifelong superpower.
It aims to highlight the enduring health benefits of sleep across every stage of life, while encouraging people to take simple, practical steps to improve their sleep quality.
A breakthrough online course from Macquarie University and supported by the foundation, has been proven to improve sleep by up to 40 per cent for people across the country.
Developed by the university’s expert psychologists, the sleep course is designed to help people struggling with insomnia and other persistent sleep issues.
Delivered online, the free course offers step-by-step modules based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia principles, expert guidance and strategies to address unhelpful sleep habits.
Participants learn how to break the cycle of poor sleep, manage worries that keep them up at night and establish routines that support healthy, restorative rest.
For older Australians, consistent, high-quality sleep has been shown to support healthy ageing, reduce risk of chronic disease and improve day-to-day function and mood.
For more sleep resources, visit sleephealthfoundation.org.au or for the course, visit mindspot.org.au/ treatments/sleep-course.
WHAT’S LURKING UNDER THE SHEETS?
ARE you sleeping on a mattress that’s over 10 years old? You could be sleeping on kilograms of dead skin, bacteria from body fluids such as sweat and saliva and millions of dust mites. Add pet dander to that list too, if your pets sleep on the bed. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of human health and wellbeing, so it makes sense to have a clean and hygienic sleep environment.
Otherwise, you may start to experience allergies and respiratory problems. The air quality in your bedroom can also be affected by your mattress.
The suggested average lifespan for a mattress is six to eight years.
After this, not only does your mattress become less hygienic, but the support structures inside the mattress can start to degrade and fault, making it less comfortable. It can also be the cause of muscle and joint pains.
If you’ve noticed your allergies playing up or you’re waking up with body aches and pain, it’s time to look at the age and condition of your mattress and consider what’s really lurking under your sheets.
Visit makinmattresses.com.au.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA AND SNORING
FOR many people, the CPAP machine is not well tolerated. But the good news is there are alternatives to resolving obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Snoring, sleep apnoea and a lack of quality sleep, can have dramatic and escalating effects on both mind and body. Sufferers of OSA stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times, depriving the brain of oxygen.
It’s responsible for a spectrum of serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, fluttering heartbeat and even obesity.
That means it’s critical for those with OSA to ensure they are getting help. WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
A CPAP machine is commonly regarded as the first line of defence for moderate to severe sleep apnoea.
However, many people have trouble tolerating a CPAP, dealing with issues of noise, air leaks, air pressure, feelings of claustrophobia, skin irritations, bloating and being able to change sleeping position during the night.
For those people, a mandibular advancement splint (MAS), which slips easily inside the mouth, like a dental mouthguard, can be an alternative and effective option.
It’s important to ensure you get fitted for a custom version from a specialist so that it fits your unique dental contours for a superior fit and maximum comfort – far outperforming off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all devices that proliferate the market.
The performance of a MAS is clinically proven and recognised by
doctors, dentists and sleep experts.
Equally popular with both men and women, the MAS is comfortable, safe, portable, easy to wear, and more affordable than a CPAP.
To find out more, visit snorex.com.au or call 1800 766 739.
SHARING YOUR BED WITH PETS MORE than half of all pet owners share their bed with a furry companion, according to the Sleep Health Foundation – and it’s not hard to understand why.
Studies show that co-sleeping with pets can increase oxytocin levels (the ‘cuddle hormone’), improve sleep quality and offer a sense of emotional security.
For people living with PTSD, sleeping alongside a dog has been linked to fewer nightmares and reduced stress, while older adults report needing less medication when they share their bed with a pet.
There may even be immune benefit. Exposure to household bacteria brought in by pets could help strengthen immune responses, according to the foundation. Still, sharing the bed with a pet isn’t for everyone.
Pets can disrupt sleep with snoring, restlessness, or midnight movements. And while most pets love a snuggle, they don’t always understand personal space, often hogging the bed or waking easily.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your pet’s temperament and your own sleep preferences.
But for many, the benefits of comfort, connection and a deeper night’s sleep, make co-sleeping worth it.
For more sleeping tips and information, visit sleephealthfoundation. org.au.
Purpose: the brain’s north star
KAILAS ROBERTS says studies indicate that purpose isn’t simply a psychological compass, but a neurological one, too.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
It’s a deceptively simple question, but the answer may hold more power than you think, especially when it comes to your brain. As a psychiatrist, I’ve come to appreciate that beyond the usual prescriptions – healthy food, exercise, good sleep – something less tangible plays a prominent role in cognitive health: a sense of purpose.
Purpose, loosely defined, is the feeling that your life has meaning and direction. It gives your actions a greater ‘why’. For some, it’s raising children or caring for a partner. For others, it’s creative work, spiritual fulfilment, or serving a cause bigger than themselves.
Whatever shape it takes, purpose acts as a psychological compass and recent studies suggest it might also be a neurological one.
People with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer, healthier lives. This includes sharper thinking as they age. One longitudinal study from Rush University followed older adults for over a decade and found that those with higher purpose scores were 2.4 times more likely to remain free of Alzheimer’s disease.
Remarkably, even when their brains showed signs of pathological change – plaques and tangles – their cognition remained more resilient. It’s as if purpose provides a kind of mental scaffolding that supports function even as the structure starts to fray.
Why does this happen? The exact mechanisms are still unfolding, but we can make some educated guesses.
First, purpose helps regulate stress. When life feels meaningful, we tend to cope better with adversity. Chronic stress is toxic to the brain, particularly to the hippocampus – the memory centre – and dampening this response may protect cognitive function.
Second, purpose encourages healthier behaviour. People who feel they have something to live for are more likely to exercise, eat well and avoid harmful habits. These lifestyle choices, in turn, enhance blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation and promote the birth of new neurons.
And third – perhaps most intriguingly – purpose appears to enhance brain plasticity. Engaging in purposeful activity often requires cognitive effort: planning, problem-solving, adapting. These are the
skills that keep the brain agile, rewiring circuits and forging new connections.
But this isn’t just a message for those in their later years. Purpose is protective across the lifespan. Whether you’re 25 or 75, regularly engaging in meaningful activities nourishes brain health.
And it’s never too late to find (or redefine) your purpose.
So what does this look like in practice?
It might mean volunteering your time, mentoring someone younger, or taking up a cause close to your heart. It might involve deepening your relationships, reconnecting with your values, or simply noticing the moments in your day that feel fulfilling – and doing more of them. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or involved, just something that gives you a sense of satisfaction.
And no, purpose doesn’t mean you need to change the world. But it does ask you to connect to something that matters,
even if it’s just showing up fully for the people around you.
In my practice, I often see people who feel as though they have lost their sense of purpose – their children are independent, they have retired from their job and maybe their life-partner has died. These are difficult events to reconcile, but with enough exploration, we can almost invariably find something in their lives that provides purpose, and focusing on this can be enormously therapeutic.
If you’re struggling to find yours, it can be helpful to examine your everyday actions, past and present. When did you feel most alive? Most useful? Most content? These are good starting points.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au.
Put Jaecoo on the shopping list
BRUCE McMAHON says a new value-for-money Chinese SUV needs a little more polish on the drive, but the style and comfort is worth consideration.
The Jaecoo J7 is a most tidy SUV with a fair amount of appeal. It has a clean and welcoming exterior and interior style and is packed with comforts and conveniences, plus safety gear.
It’s a well-mannered road machine and arrives with a value price tag.
Yes, the drive experience could always be a touch more refined and yes, there will be questions about resale, service and spares. Yet, this Chinese SUV is quite an attractive proposition in 2025.
The J7 arrives with three trim levels, front or all-wheel drive, petrol engine or hybrid drivetrain.
Prices are from $34,990 to $47,990 for the hybrid SHS version of this more premium vehicle from the Chery stable.
The AWD Ridge model with petrol engine is the one with the whole kit and caboodle for a reasonable $42,990.
The five-door’s style – a tad reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque – is smart and tidy and won’t scare the neighbours.
Indeed, there’s plenty to show off, such as door handles which pop out of the body, while side mirrors spring to
attention as the ignition fob gets closer.
That premium exterior is well backed up inside where simple dashboard lines are highlighted by smart trim touches.
There’s a minimum of fuss to the interior design, as evidenced by the clear and simple instrumentation: digital speed read-out and analogue-style tachometer complemented by camera views of traffic ahead and to the sides.
A head-up-display, with speeds and traffic and distance to empty, projected onto the Ridge’s windscreen, is handy.
Slide into the driver’s seat in the J7 Ridge and electrics remember the driver’s spot.
Visibility is good to the front and sides; not so great through a narrow rear screen. But there are plenty of cameras and monitors to help out. All are clear and bright and mighty helpful when parking.
On the Ridge’s centre console is a 14.8-inch touchscreen for functions from air-conditioning to vehicle settings to Apple CarPlay. Driver monitors, warning and assistance systems are all polite and less intrusive than some rivals.
All J7 Jaecoos, aside from the SHS
hybrid, use a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with 137kW at 5500rpm and 275Nm of torque supplied through a seven-speed auto.
There’s plenty of punch here, plus seven drive modes for the all-wheel drive Jaecoo – from eco to normal to sport to snow, sand, mud and off-road.
That dual clutch transmission can be a touch tetchy at times, works best with a fuller dose of throttle, and there is a little more engine noise. It’s no deal-stopper but there’s room for a little extra driveline refinement considering the premium
approach of the rest of the car.
Likewise, the AWD Jaecoo’s drive and ride are good, if lacking just that last bit of polish. The 19-inch, low-profile tyres here can feel stiff through the potholes, but the Ridge does carry a full-size spare – a little unusual these days.
The Jaecoo J7 all-wheel drive Ridge is a smart-looking, good-driving SUV with a wealth of premium style and comforts.
Backed by an eight-year, unlimitedkilometre warranty, it warrants consideration on any medium-sized SUV shopping list.
DAFFODIL DAY IS SET TO BLOOM
EVERY year, 33,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer. This Daffodil Day, the Cancer Council Queensland need your help.
On Thursday August, 21, you can make a difference.
There are four ways you can get involved this year. You can buy fresh daffodils for your kitchen table or for somebody you love at stalls across the state. You can also give the gift of time this Daffodil Day and volunteer to man or host a stall in your local community.
If either of those aren’t an option for you, you can donate through the Daffodil Day website. Every dollar raised this Daffodil Day goes directly to local cancer research, prevention and early detection
initiatives and vital cancer support services.
Toowoomba local, Anita Zimmermann, lost her dad over twenty years ago. This year, she is raising money for Daffodil Day as part of the Daffodil Day Dip – she is challenging herself to do four cold plunges at Crows Nest in the Darling Downs and raise $1000.
“My dad would be so proud,” Anita said “Every dollar helps to fund lifesaving research, prevention programs and support services.”
Daffodil Day Dip encourages Queenslanders to take a cold plunge this August. It can be the ocean, a lake, river or ice bath – as long as it’s cold. So grab your friends and brave the cold.
Visit daffodilday.com.au
A LEGACY OF LIFE SAVING: HOW YOU CAN
HELP FUND THE LMRF’S CANCER RESEARCH
FOR more than 60 years, the Queensland and Northern New South Wales Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) has been a quiet but powerful force in advancing medical science. Through its support of earlycareer researchers, the foundation has helped unlock breakthroughs that have transformed lives, especially in the fight against cancer.
Among the most celebrated LMRF Fellows is Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC, coinventor of the HPV vaccine Gardasil. His pioneering work on cervical cancer immunotherapy, supported by LMRF, has saved millions of lives worldwide.
Alongside him, Professor Robert Tindle contributed vital research into the immunology of human papillomavirus, laying the groundwork for future cancer vaccines.
Today, that legacy continues with the foundation’s newest fellow, Dr Dominic Guanzon, based at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research. Dr Guanzon’s research
focuses on developing a diagnostic test to predict ovarian cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy – using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers. This innovative approach could dramatically improve survival rates for women with advanced ovarian cancer by enabling earlier detection and personalised treatment strategies.
“Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late and has a high recurrence rate,” says Dr Guanzon. “Our goal is to give clinicians a tool to detect recurrence earlier and tailor treatment to each patient’s unique cancer profile.
“The support from LMRF has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue this research. It’s not just funding. It’s a vote of confidence in the potential of this work to save lives.”
He joins a distinguished lineage of cancer-focused LMRF Fellows, including Professor Carlos Salomon, who has made significant strides in ovarian cancer research, Professor Nicholas Saunders, who has
developed novel therapies for squamous cell carcinomas and Dr Heather Beamish, who explored cancer cell cycles to understand tumour progression and treatment resistance.
These researchers exemplify the foundation’s mission: to fund bold, early-stage research that leads to real-world impact. But this vital work depends on you.
LMRF is sustained by community support, with all funds dedicated to medical research initiatives. Whether you choose to donate today or leave a gift in your will, your contribution helps. All donations are tax-deductible and bequests offer a meaningful way to leave a legacy of hope and healing. To make a donation, visit lionsmedicalresearchfoundation. org.au.
Moon Mastectomy Studio. Here to support you in your breast care journey.
Personalised fittings in an inviting studio environment, featuring premium Amoena and Anita mastectomy lingerie, breast forms, and post-surgical bras.
SUNNY SIDE UP FOR EGGS AND CHOLESTEROL
FROM poached to panfried, when it comes to eggs, it’s all sunny side up, as new research from the University of South Australia confirms that this breakfast favourite won’t crack your cholesterol.
Long blamed for high cholesterol, eggs have been beaten up for their assumed role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Now, UniSA researchers have shown definitively that it’s not dietary cholesterol in eggs but the saturated fat in our diets that’s the real heart health concern.
In a world-first study, researchers
examined the independent effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat on LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind), finding that eating two eggs a day – as part of a high cholesterol but low saturated fat diet – can actually reduce LDL levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths each year. In Australia, one person dies from CVD every 12 minutes, accounting for one in four of deaths nationwide.
Lead researcher, UniSA’s Professor Jon Buckley, says it’s time to rethink the
reputation of eggs.
“Eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice,” Prof Buckley says.
“They’re unique. High in cholesterol, yes, but low in saturated fat. Yet it’s their cholesterol level that has often caused people to question their place in a healthy diet.
“In this study, we separated the effects of cholesterol and saturated fat, finding
“Eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice”
that high dietary cholesterol from eggs, when eaten as part of a low saturated fat diet, does not raise bad cholesterol levels.
“Instead, it was the saturated fat that was the real driver of cholesterol elevation. You could say we’ve delivered hard-boiled evidence in defence of the humble egg.
“So, when it comes to a cooked breakfast, it’s not the eggs you need to worry about.
“It’s the extra serve of bacon or the side of sausage that’s more likely to impact your heart health.”
LOCAL seniors are invited to take part in a strength-focused exercise class designed to improve posture, balance and overall stability, which are key factors in reducing the risk of falls.
Held at Bulimba Riverside Park, the outdoor class is part of the Brisbane City Council’s GOLD program and is specifically tailored to older adults.
The sessions aim to strengthen and lengthen muscles to support better movement and reduce falls risk.
The sessions coincide with new national best practice guidelines to prevent falls in older residents. The Australian Physiotherapy Association’s president Dr Rik Dawson welcomes the guidelines, which were released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. He says they will increase the quality of life for older Australians.
“Falls are the leading cause of injuryrelated death and hospitalisation in older people and physiotherapists play a vital role in implementing recommendations across all three guideline settings.”
The Falls Prevention and Strength sessions are on August 22 and September 12 from 9.30am to 10.30am. Bookings are essential. Take an exercise mat and meet at the outdoor gym near the river. To book, phone Davide on 0413 214 017.
COULD A WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER?
If you or someone you love struggles with sleep apnea, you’ll know it’s more than just loud snoring. It can mean restless nights, daytime fatigue and long-term health risks. But now, there’s a new option that’s turning heads, and it doesn’t involve a CPAP machine.
Mounjaro, a medication originally used for type 2 diabetes, has just been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to treat sleep apnea in adults with obesity. You may be more familiar with its well-known counterpart, Ozempic.
This is big news as it’s the first time a medication has been approved in Australia specifically for this purpose.
So how does it work? Mounjaro helps people lose weight by regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite. Excess weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, is a major contributor to obstructive sleep apnea, therefore weight loss can lead to fewer breathing interruptions during sleep.
In clinical trials, participants using Mounjaro experienced up to 60 per cent fewer sleep apnea episodes per hour. For some, the severity of their sleep apnea reduced significantly.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Mounjaro or weight loss medication isn’t suitable for everyone, and it’s not a quick fix. Side effects can occur and it’s essential to keep using your prescribed CPAP therapy unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
If you’re curious about whether weight loss medication might help, always speak with a medical professional or sleep specialist first. They can help assess the cause of your sleep apnea and recommend the safest path forward.
Already using CPAP therapy? If your equipment is needing a check, the team at CPAP Direct Maroochydore is here to help.
Their range of equipment and expert advice can keep you sleeping soundly.
Call CPAP on 5476 8328 or visit 98 Dalton Drive, Maroochydore (opposite Bunnings).
Youexpecttomoveforwardafterradiationtherapy but survivorshipisn’talwayssimple. Side effectslikeradiationcystitiscanappearmonthsor evenyearslater,especiallyaftertreatmentfor prostate,bladder,orbowelcancer.
AskyourGPabout hyperbaric oxygentherapy(HBOT), itmay supporthealingandreduce inflammation. Medicare and privatehealthinsurance rebates at WesleyHyperbaric.
THE DEBT BURDEN STALKING AUSSIES IN RETIREMENT
MORE and more Australians are delaying retirement as the dream of home ownership becomes a nightmare at the end of their working life.
The number owning their home outright has halved in the past 20 years, census data shows, while the proportion of over-65 households with a mortgage has more than tripled.
Home price increases have outstripped wage growth for decades, delaying the average age of home ownership and leaving some with mortgage debt greater than their superannuation nest egg at retirement.
“We’re going to see this continued pressure on people working for longer because the next generation, their mortgages are even bigger than the last generation,” Digital Finance Analytics founder Martin North tells AAP.
“There is an increasingly large cohort of people who are still sitting on very large mortgages in retirement and that has been building.”
Housing costs were by far the leading reason over-60s contacted the National Debt Helpline’s chat service last financial year, with one in three users feeling the pain from mortgage payments, council rates, rent or strata costs.
The number of households delaying retirement because of their mortgage liability tripled to 51,000 in the past five years, according to Mr North’s data.
Australians are also borrowing against their home to pay for renovations,
trips or giving their children a boost into the housing market via the ‘bank of mum and dad’.
Debt restructuring, reverse mortgages and unplanned factors like sudden illness, death or divorce also leave retirees in tough positions.
Some people are working later in life because as a whole they’re fitter, but the correlation between retirement delay and increased debt stress can’t be ignored, Mr North says.
“People are postponing retirement because they’ve still got this mortgage debt overhanging and they’re concerned about how they’re going to actually service it.”
Using superannuation to pay down debt and hang onto equity has become increasingly popular but this ultimately counteracts one of super’s core intentions – to take pressure off the taxpayer-funded Age Pension.
A coordinated, multi-level government approach would be required to reverse the trend, which, for now, is hamstrung by a circle of blame, Mr North says.
“Federal government blames the states for lack of housing supply,
everybody blames the Reserve Bank for putting interest rates up and interest rates are high because the inflation surged after the government handed out lots of money,” he explains.
“Nobody really wants to take responsibility and this is another classic example where there are unintended consequences of a generation or two of bad policy, which included negative gearing, which included extended low interest rates, first time buyer grants, Home Builder, all the other stuff that was thrown into the system.
“None of this actually helps.”
Around one in five Australians are still paying off mortgages in retirement, National Seniors Australia estimates.
The organisation’s chief executive Chris Grice also notes the trend of tapping into superannuation to pay down debt, which often leaves retirees in a poorer position to fund services like private health insurance.
“It’s not unusual to have someone paying $4000 or $5000 a year for private health and as you get older you want to maintain that,” he says.
“Let alone insurance costs for home insurance and car insurance and the rest.”
Downsizing is a common goal but a lack of suitable housing stock and transaction costs like stamp duty mean many retirees are wary of selling.
“If you’re going to downsize, you’re going to go into something that actually is fit for purpose to allow you to age in place,” Mr Grice says.
With 710,000 Australians expected to retire in the next four years, public policy settings which don’t lock retirees in the big family home are essential, Retirement
USING HOME EQUITY TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE
FOR many Australians aged 55 and over, the home they live in is often their greatest asset – not just emotionally, but financially too. Tapping into the equity built up in the home can be a smart and practical way to fund important renovations.
A home equity release loan allows homeowners aged 55 and over to borrow against the value of their home without needing to sell or downsize. Unlike
traditional loans, there are no regular repayments or proof of income required. The loan is typically repaid when the home is sold, or the borrower moves out.
Using this type of loan to renovate could be beneficial for several reasons.
Renovations can significantly improve comfort and safety, especially as mobility or health needs change with age. In addition, strategic renovations can often
add value to the property, potentially offsetting the cost of the loan.
Of course, it’s important to seek professional advice and fully understand the implications. But for many, unlocking equity to invest back into the home can be a great way to enhance lifestyle, wellbeing and independence a in retirement.
The information provided here is general in nature and does not take into
Living Council executive director Daniel Gannon says.
“Retirement villages are part of the solution to accommodate this silver tsunami of ageing Australians,” he says.
“On average, the cost of a retirement village home is 41 per cent cheaper than the median house price in the same suburb – easing the financial burden and freeing up equity to support a secure retirement that older Australians deserve.”
The council is calling for an increase to the Age Pension Assets threshold, an end to roadblocks for retirees who “rightsize” into retirement villages and for the housing type to be included in the Home Equity Access Scheme.
According to Solace Financial principal and adviser Scott Quinlan, carrying mortgage debt into retirement puts pressure on retirees’ ability to pay for essentials but also impacts quality of life, lifestyle flexibility and long-term financial security.
“If they have superannuation, they could withdraw some of their superannuation to pay off the debt,” he says. “The other way to go is keep your money in superannuation and then keep your debt, hoping the superannuation will earn a better rate of return than what your mortgage is, but that is more of a risky strategy.”
Prioritising debt repayment is crucial to financial stability in retirement and while reverse mortgages could help provide income for living and healthcare costs, retirees have to consider risks such as high fees and potentially having less inheritance to leave behind.
-Adrian
Black, AAP
account your personal circumstances. Before acting on any information and for legal, tax, or financial questions, you should consult with an appropriate professional. Loans are subject to eligibility and lending criteria. Fees, interest rates and terms and conditions apply. Inviva Lending Pty Ltd, serviced by Inviva Services Pty Ltd. Australian Credit Licence 533319.
Ageism is discrimination
By LESA MACPHERSON
There has been recent press coverage about ageist behaviour in the workplace. The suggestion is that HR managers are seeing workers 50 plus as less employable and accordingly downgraded in any job application. It is said that under the influence of artificial intelligence, machines undertake a first cull of job applicants, and either place applicants above a certain age low on the list or eliminate them completely.
Sadly, this reflects a trend across the board of downgrading people over 50 in all manner of situations and circumstances.
Another common example is where shop assistants, receptionists, even professionals use terms like “love” and “dear” in a condescending way when dealing with seniors. So, what is ageism? What are the legalities around age discrimination and how effective are they?
• Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of people solely on the
basis of age. Ageism has a devastating impact on physical and mental health, longevity and employment prospects. Recent alarming findings include:
• One in every three over 50s has had a job application rejected because of age or been made to feel they are too old to work if they want to.
• There needs to be real and practical legal clout for calling out ageism in the workplace. The Age Discrimination Act has been in place for many years, but to date has failed to be effective in driving a change in behaviours.
• Nearly half of all over-50s have been made to feel incompetent in learning and understanding new technology.
These are sad statistics. A huge government campaign is needed to address these issues at a community-based level. Perhaps we do need to heed the advice to update our CVs and increase our familiarity with Zoom and online platforms to enhance our employability.
Every one of us, regardless of our stage of life, wants to age well. Let’s end ageism and its negative aspects. Let’s see more cases of age discrimination treated with far greater seriousness.
Brisbane Coast Elder Law are experts in all aspects of the law in relation to Elder people. Contact them on 1800 961 622 or visit www.brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
ONE of Queensland’s most beloved cultural festivals is back and it’s bringing the heart and soul of Italy with it. After eight years, Festitalia is returning to Brisbane.
A celebration of Italian heritage, Festitalia is known for its entertainment, authentic food and that unmistakable feeling of Italian joy.
There will be opera stars and folk bands, traditional dancers performing the iconic Tarantella, pizza acrobatics, theatre and roaming acts plus plenty of food – think woodfired pizzas, handmade pastas, espresso bars, gelato and wine.
WHEN: Sunday, September 7, 11am-6pm.
WHERE: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane.
TICKETS: Early bird adult tickets from $16. Visit festitalia.com.au/tickets.
WELCOME to the Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club – the answer you’ve been searching your VHS and cassette tapes for. This ’80s inspired comedy-cabaret is packed with dance routines, music and moments from iconic movies.
Follow four ordinary southeast Queensland women as they face the trials of middle age with glitter, grit and the power of friendship. Together they find refuge (and fabulousness!) in the Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club – a riotous escape into big hair, bright lipstick and bold moves.
freeze frames.
WHERE: Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2/16 Middle Street, Cleveland.
WHEN: Saturday, September 6, 7.30pm.
So, smack on your iridescent lippy, kick off your Sunday shoes and join this footloose foursome for a night of fearless fun, cheeky one-liners and unforgettable
TICKETS: From $35. Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131. A $6 booking fee applies.
WOMAN TO STAR ON BRISBANE’S STAGE
STAR of stage and screen Ben Hall will be joining Samantha Jade in the cast of the upcoming Broadway and West End smash hit musical Pretty Woman: The Musical, which makes its debut at QPAC Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane in October.
Based on the iconic film, Ben will play the role of Edward Lewis, famously played by Richard Gere, while Samantha will play the role made famous across the globe by the much-loved Julia Roberts.
Ben is best known for his series regular role as Ned Willis on Neighbours and his leading role in the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man
years since winning Channel 7’s X Factor in 2012.
WHEN: From October 5.
Samantha, meanwhile, has been a household name in Australia for many
WHERE: Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Brisbane. TICKETS: From $69 to $249. A transaction fee of $7.50 applies. Visit prettywomanthemusical.com.au.
exploring friendship and the unfinished business of growing up.
REWIND to the ’80s as Mates Theatre Genesis brings award-winning play Class of ’89 by local writer Kellie Silver, to the stage.
Thirty years after a Schoolies tragedy, a group of friends reunite in a high school car park.
What starts as polite small talk quickly unravels into laughter, confessions and emotional revelations. Class of ’89 is a hilarious comedy
Dress in your best ’80s gear. There’s a prize for the most outrageous outfit at every show.
WHEN: Performances run August 15-30. WHERE: Birkdale School of Arts Hall, 101 Birkdale Road, Birkdale.
Don’t miss the Sunshine Coast Crest Society Ball celebrating Queensland Seniors Month!
I Age Well is hosting the event, which includes a three-course gold plated dinner, music and dancing. Enjoy performances by the Kitty Kats and dance performances showcased by our talented senior community.
Get your best outfit ready to razzle dazzle and prepare to mingle with friends old and new. It will be an unforgettable evening of good company, while honouring Sunshine Coast seniors. WHERE: Maroochy RSL, Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 1, 6-10pm. TICKETS: $107.19. Visit eventbrite.com. au and search ‘Crest Society Ball’.
FROM Beauty and the Beast to Hey Dad!, Rachael Beck is one of Australia’s most cherished performers and now she’s bringing her warmth, humour and incredible voice together in a moving new show, Both Sides
Take a musical journey through Rachael’s life and career as she shares the songs that shaped her, including Both Sides Now, Stars and the Moon and Grace Kelly
With David Cameron accompanying on piano and guitar, this is a heartfelt and uplifting morning of storytelling and song you won’t want to miss.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 10 at 11am
WHERE: Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2/16 Middle Street, Cleveland. TICKETS: From $28. Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131. A $6 booking fee applies.
THIS quick and easy recipe for chicken tikka masala is a hearty winter warmer.
Ingredients:
• 3 chicken breast fillets, chopped
• 2 tbs tikka masala paste
• 400g can condensed cream of tomato soup
• 3 tbs natural yoghurt
Method:
1. In a non-stick frying pan, brown the chicken, 5 to 6 minutes.
2. Add the curry paste and soup and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the yoghurt and heat through.
Optional: Serve with rice. You may find you don’t need the yoghurt, in which case, add as many veggies to the mixture as you have. This increases the nutritional value of the dish and helps with using up any leftover veggies you may have. This recipe is from 4 Ingredients The Easiest One Pot Cookbook Ever, available for $24.99 from 4ingredients.com.au/products/4ingredients-the-easiest-one-pot-cookbook-ever.
RACING EVERY WED. NIGHT & EVERY FRI. NIGHT FROM 18 JULY MINI
Serves 4
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
WHERE INDEPENDENCE MEETS SUPPORT
WITH a little support, retiree Jackie Stewart is continuing to enjoy an independent and social lifestyle at Aveo’s Sunset Palms Retirement Living community on the Sunshine Coast.
Jackie and her husband Peter were among the first residents to move into the villas in the Palmview community when it opened six years ago.
“We chose Sunset Palms because it was new, modern and had the benefit of being on a flat site,’’ she says.
“Where we had been living was very hilly and that made getting around difficult for my husband who was becoming increasingly unwell.
“The community here only got better as more people arrived. There are so many social events and things to do.’’
After her husband passed away, Jackie says she began finding it difficult to manage the housework while suffering from a bad back.
“I spoke to Joanne Bartley from Aveo’s Care at Home team and she was fantastic. It was such a relief to have someone at Sunset Palms I was so comfortable talking with when I started to need extra help,’’ Jackie says.
“Jo organised for cleaners to come in who are so attentive and do a marvellous job. She also arranged physiotherapy sessions that came to me.
“I no longer feel so exhausted by lunch time and my back isn’t so sore. I’ve gradually been able to return to doing the things I love, such as gardening and going for walks.
“The support I receive is brilliant. It’s such a relief to know that any care I might need is delivered to my doorstep.’’
Villas are low-set and designed to support residents to live independently as they age. Features include wider hallways, no steps or trip hazards, secure garages with internal access, and 24/7 emergency response systems.
Residents also benefit from having external home and garden maintenance included, a community bus for local trips and consultation rooms for visiting allied health professionals – all within a gated community.
Located at 58 Harmony Boulevard, Palmview, the latest stage of villas is now 50 per cent sold, starting from $565,000.
To tour Sunset Palms and find out more about the support available,call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au.
ELIMBAH TO HOST NEW LIFESTYLE RESORT
A NEW master-planned over-50s resort designed with active retirees in mind is set to launch in Elimbah this September, bringing a new lifestyle option to the tranquil Moreton Bay hinterland township.
Developed by GemLife, a leading national operator in the over-50s sector, the new project promises to offer a blend of lifestyle, convenience and natural surroundings in a pocket just north of Caboolture.
Positioned beside a mature nature reserve and recreational green space, the site will provide direct access to walking trails and open areas, placing residents on the doorstep of both tranquillity and accessibility.
Sales manager Glenys Lowry says the location offers the best of both worlds – natural beauty and proximity to key attractions.
“Who said you can’t have it all?” she says. “GemLife Elimbah puts you close to everything – shops, beaches, national parks and some of southeast Queensland’s best natural attractions.”
Residents will be within easy reach of the Glass House Mountains, D’Aguilar National Park, Bribie Island and the calm waters of Pumicestone Passage – a
drawcard for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The resort will feature a range of facilities, starting with the Summer House – a community space incorporating a resort-style pool with semi-submerged lounges, a recreation room, workshop and an outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue and pizza oven.
A central two-storey Country Club is also in the works and will include a residents’ lounge, bar, ballroom and theatre stage, heated indoor lap pool, spa, sauna, gym, games room, bowling lanes, golf simulator, creative arts studio, private cinema and beauty salon.
The development will offer a choice of five architect-designed home layouts, all including two bedrooms, a multipurpose room, and outdoor alfresco areas. Homes will come with high-end inclusions such as European appliances and open-plan interiors intended to suit the needs of downsizers and retirees alike.
“Whether you’re after nature, connection, or just a beautiful home to enjoy life in, GemLife Elimbah delivers,” Ms Lowry says.
Contact 1800 193 177 or visit gemlife.com.au/elimbah.
A MULTILINGUAL centenarian is one of the newest residents of a Brisbane aged care centre.
Carinity Hilltop resident Helen Orosz is continuing the recent trend of seniors moving into Carinity aged care communities after they turn 100.
In fact, of the dozen centenarians who currently live in a Carinity aged care community, half moved in after they had their 100th birthdays.
In Helen’s case, she found a new home in aged care several years after she reached triple-figure age.
The 103-year-old was born in Kosice, in the then Czechoslovakia, on July 16, 1921. Her home city is now part of modern Slovakia.
Helen recalls enjoying singing with her brothers and sisters during her youth.
She married her husband, a Hungarian soldier named Viktor, in 1942 – right in the middle of the Second World War. Sadly, Helen’s six-month-old baby boy passed away during the war. Helen didn’t have any more children.
Helen and Viktor moved to Australia in 1952. They settled in Brisbane and began working in the same shoe factory. In her youth, Helen enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, gardening and reading. Viktor and Helen also enjoyed fishing together.
Helen speaks five languages including English, Czech, Slovakian and German. Given that she grew up close to the Czechoslovakia-Hungary border, she is also fluent in Hungarian.
Living at Carinity Hilltop in Kelvin Grove since April, Helen enjoys keeping her mind active by reading books.
AFTER losing his father and some his closest mates to cancer, Terry Devine was devastated but determined.
Rather than sit still in his grief, he climbed aboard his beloved motorbike and set off on a two-month solo ride around Australia, fuelled by love, loss and a mission to change the future of cancer research.
HELEN CHECKS INTO AGED CARE AT 103 EMOTIONAL SOLO JOURNEY RAISES MUCHNEEDED FUNDS
“They say you can count your lifetime friends on one hand. We’ve lost four close mates in the last four years, with others battling cancer or in remission,” he says.
“[Overall] I’ve lost three best men, four best mates and my father to cancer. It’s been heart-wrenching, but I know I can honour them if I keep fighting, keep pushing and support the research that will make a difference.”
His epic 15,000-kilometre journey – which began and ended in Brisbane – took him across every state and territory, raising funds and awareness for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
With a spirit fuelled by decades of friendship, Terry took on the challenge so that others may benefit from lifesaving cancer research in the future.
“This ride was my way of turning
grief into action and raising the funds that will drive cancer research forward.”
Riding his trusted Royal Enfield 350, Terry’s adventure took him across northwest Queensland, through the Northern Territory, across the top of Australia to Perth, across South Australia from the Nullarbor to Port Augusta then on to Victoria and Tasmania, before heading to Canberra, Sydney and back up to Brisbane.
Along the way, he stopped in towns big and small, raising awareness and gathering support for ACRF’s vital cancer research programs.
Every dollar raised from Terry’s journey will go directly to ACRF to support groundbreaking cancer research. Donations close soon.
For more information, visit donate.acrf.com.au/event/terrydevine.
● Fixed rate with no hidden fees
● Fully licenced Property Manager
● Regular routine inspections with photo reports
● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements
● Strict property application processes with thorough tenant checks
● Limited number of managed properties to ensure top quality service
Helen in her younger years
Chasing birdies around
Leisure golfing O’ahu Hawai’i
earned a place in Golf Magazine’s Top 10 New Courses and ranked 4th among Golf Digest’s Best New Resort Courses in America.
The course is in such beautifully maintained condition that if you are on the fairway, you never get a bad lie.
I’m not a golfer – but that hasn’t stopped me from traversing some of the most picturesque courses in the world.
By buggy and on foot, I’ve accompanied my golf-tragic husband on 18 holes from St Andrew’s revered Old Course in Scotland to blustery Norfolk and Lord Howe in the Pacific to Canada’s enchanting Fairmont Banff Springs and plenty in between.
I’m no caddy, either – preferring to capture the magic moments (and yes, even the slices and hook shots) for posterity on camera, to inhale the fresh air and soak up the surrounds in a leisurely fashion.
That, to me, is how golf should be – not getting the hurry-up from following groups, not being the one spending precious time looking for balls in the rough, and certainly not being tormented by a little white ball that refuses to go into a cylindrical cup willingly.
And so, when we found ourselves on the North Shore of O’ahu in Hawai‘i in the Northern Hemisphere summer (and with no monster surf in sight), the decision to take in a round at the Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course at The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, was a no-brainer.
But it’s the little things that can make a big difference to your score: GPS-enabled carts that provide detailed hole information and scoring capabilities, toilets on course, ice in the buggy Esky, plus a beverages cart that’s never far away.
Pacific island golf ‘sanctuary’
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR goes along for the buggy ride on one of Hawai‘i’s most picturesque courses.
The course, with its five sets of tees, is a mix of Scottish links-style front nine with rolling terrain and a tropical rainforested back nine, including more than 70 bunkers.
It measures 6225 yards (5692m) from the resort tees and 7218 yards (6600m) from the black tees and offers a little something to challenge everyone from the Friday social hacker to the pro golfer.
But be warned: the picturesque course with majestic ocean and mountain views is set amid the Punaho’olapa marsh. Water hazards lie on 14 of the holes – you’re often only a shot away from ending in the drink.
The watery surrounds also attract birdies you don’t want as a golfer – egrets, a variety of ducks, albatross (they were nesting near the par-4 14th hole at the time of our visit), the red-crested cardinal and the ‘alae ‘ula native moorhen (legend has it that these birds brought fire from the gods to the Hawaiian people).
And along with the carefully curated bunkers, traps and treed areas, exercise enthusiasts cycling the course can pose just as much a hazard.
Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the course opened in 1992 and quickly
Rates start at $USD140 for nine holes and $USD220 for 18 holes for registered guests of The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. Visitor rates start at $USD140 for nine holes and $USD220 for 18 holes and it’s best to book well in advance for a round.
Granted, that’s not a cheap day out. The green fees are among the highest in Hawai‘i. But the feeling of being embraced by tropical surrounds and coastal scenery, and challenging yourself on possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, is priceless.
The pro shop hires out top-quality clubs – handy for international visitors not wishing to pay for oversized luggage.
And hubby was so enamoured with the Stealth 2 Driver by TaylorMade Golf that I bought him one for his birthday on our return home.
As for his game, this was a glory day from the 9.30am tee-off – where five pars and a birdie helped him play to handicap
at 13 over-par.
He parred what he considered the ‘hardest hole’, the third, with five, then double-bogeyed the ‘second-hardest’ 11th hole.
Wind affected the early coastal holes plus those on high elevations.
Our group companions, all from the US, left us after the first nine and hubby’s game deserted him, too, on what was a tougher back nine.
The final two holes are especially challenging because of the number of hazards to be missed at all costs.
The par-3 17th is the signature hole. But don’t let the views of the Pacific Ocean and Kahuku Point distract you, as this hole has nine bunkers and requires a shot over water to reach the green.
Hubby was most proud of his efforts on the par-4 16th – his birdie. From hitting into oblivion off the tee (because you can’t see over the hills to the pin), his second shot would have impressed any pro: 130 metres out of the rough and on to the green.
He remarked at the time that the course design certainly makes you think about club choice and distance to each pin.
With game over, our thoughts turned
IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
A red-crested cardinal
Beach House By Roy Yamaguchi
to much more relaxing pursuits at this resort, whose backdrops are a movie location favourite.
We were staying less than a 10 minute drive away at an Airbnb just off the famed Sunset Beach but were on a tight schedule across four nights. We had decided to make a day of it.
Turtle Bay welcomes day visitors to its restaurants and bars and to fully experience this unique location (so, there’s no need to ‘sneak around’ here, pretending you’re an in-house guest).
From a light lunch and refreshments with views of the course at Lei Lei’s, we changed in the locker rooms and drove up to the resort proper for drinks with a view at several bars, including cocktails near the pool.
Months earlier, we had booked a special dinner at the fine dining-meetssurf vibe of Beach House By Roy Yamaguchi overlooking the water at the breathtaking Bay View Beach.
This beautiful restaurant specialises in a paddock/sea-to-plate menu, utilising the bounty of local farmers, fishermen and ranchers to create dishes that are Hawaiian-inspired, in a Euro-Asian fusion.
We couldn’t go past the Beach House Trio of seafood delights or the crispy freshly caught snapper.
But in the end, the chocolate lava cake dessert was as good as a hole in one for me.
GOLFING details
The Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course, The Breaks 18-hole seaside links putting course and Pitch n’ Putt three-hole Par-3 Golf Course are at The Ritz Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, located at Kahuku. Visit turtlebayresort.com/things-todo/golf to book. The resort also offers stay-and-play golf packages that include accommodation, meals and unlimited golf. Visit ritzcarlton. com/en/hotels/hnlkz-the-ritzcarlton-oahu-turtle-bay/overview/. Hawaiian Airlines flies from Sydney to Honolulu nine times a week. Visit hawaiianairlines.com.au
SENIOR COACH TOURS
Mon. 22nd, Wed. 24th, Fri. 26th September
TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS
Join us for the 76th year of the celebration of Spring and enjoy all the colours of the parks & gardens in The Garden City. Highlights are Picnic Point, Laurel Bank Gardens and Queens Park. Morning Tea & lunch included.
Monday 13th - Saturday 25th October 13 DAY CAIRNS EXPLORER
Accommodated Coach Tour.
Tuesday 23rd October
HINZE DAM & MURWILLUMBAH
A country drive via Hinze Dam to Northern NSW where we enjoy lunch at the Murwillimbah RSL. A stop at Yatala Pies on the way home. Morning tea and Lunch included.
Wednesday 19th November
EUMUNDI MARKETS
Time to think about Christmas gifts again and Eumundi is the best place to look. We travel straight up to Eumundi and back with maximum time to browse. Morning Tea provided but Lunch at own expense.
For convenience, we offer a variety of pick-up locations primarily on the northside of Brisbane, specifically the Redcliffe and Sandgate areas. We also serve Taigum and Aspley Hypermarket Shopping Centres, making it easier for our passengers to access our services.
Additionally, we provide pick-ups at the Eternal Flame in Ann Street, City, and, on tours heading south, we include Palmdale Shopping Centre for added convenience.
Dates and itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.
Grand Floral Parade (Reserved Seating) Private Gardens Tour, Jondaryan, The Empire Theatre, Railway Museum, Esk, Lake Somerset/Wivenhoe, Laidley
Caboolture, Redcliffe,
Hunter Valley, Sydney Opera House, NSW South Coast, Toowoomba, New England, NSW South Highlands
Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads FARE INCLUDES:
Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring.
Beach House By Roy Yamaguchi
THE Coolum Tours & Travel 2025
Tasmania Explorer Tour will take you on an exploration through a land that has been classified with the cleanest air in the world. Journey with to an island of unparalleled beauty and captivating charm. A place of wild beauty, friendly people and haunting history evoked by world-famous convict ruins.
Hobart is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony. You will begin your exploration with a visit to Salamanca Place, a historic precinct known for its
Experience
Georgian sandstone warehouses that have been repurposed into galleries, boutiques and cafes. Every Saturday, Salamanca Market comes alive with stalls offering artisanal goods, local produce and unique crafts.
Leaving Hobart behind, you will embark on a journey into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. The island is renowned for its national parks and protected areas, which cover nearly half of its landmass. The rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain, with its jagged peaks and serene glacial lakes is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
A visit to Tasmania would not be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Bruny Island, a short ferry ride from Hobart, is a food lover’s dream. The island’s food trail will lead to gourmet treasures, including creamy cheeses, handcrafted chocolates and locally distilled spirits. A visit to an oyster farm will allow you to taste the freshest oysters, harvested from the crystal-clear waters of the island.
Your visit to Tasmania will be a journey of discovery and wonder, testament to the island’s enduring allure. It is a place where the past and present converge, where nature and culture coexist in harmony.
To find out exactly where this amazing tour will take you, visit cttravel.com.au.
IF THERE’S a place in Australia that truly stirs the soul, it’s the Kimberley. Remote, ancient and dramatically beautiful, this is a land that refuses to be tamed. For those seeking to explore it in style and comfort, this remarkable region offers a unique opportunity to witness raw, untouched beauty in ways few ever experience.
PONANT’s small luxury expedition ships take you where larger vessels simply can’t go, through winding gorges, past secluded beaches and alongside the thundering King George Falls. With fewer than 165 guests aboard and a crew of expert naturalists and guides, this is immersive travel at its best, all wrapped in the elegance and ease you’d expect from the world leader in luxury expeditions.
The Kimberley is twice the size of Victoria, yet home to fewer than 40,000 people – half of whom are Indigenous Australians. This unspoilt expanse is best accessed by sea and PONANT’s specially designed Zodiac® outings allow you to sail right up to soaring ochre cliffs, into hidden inlets and over reef systems. You’ll get up close to ancient Gwion Gwion rock art, explore cascading waterfalls and witness tidal phenomena so unique they defy belief, like Montgomery Reef appearing to rise from the sea.
From June to October, the coastline is alive with humpback whales returning from Antarctica to birth their calves. Throw in saltwater crocodiles, sea turtles and colourful birdlife. You’ll find yourself immersed in one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural habitats.
Aboard your PONANT ship, you’ll enjoy French-inspired cuisine, elegant staterooms and onboard experts who bring the region’s culture, geology and wildlife to life through engaging lectures and guided shore excursions.
Take advantage of the fly, stay and cruise offer, which includes return economy airfares from major cities, premium pre- and post-night hotel accommodation with transfers and a €200 day spa voucher per person.* It’s a well-deserved indulgence after your day’s adventures.
Contact your local Travellers Choice agent by August 30, as the Kimberley is waiting. Visit travellerschoice.com.au.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
NOVEMBER 2025
Tasmania (15 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
MARCH 2026
Norfolk Island
O’Reillys
APRIL 2026
Easter in Port Stephens
Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta
MAY 2026
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island
JUNE 2026
Darling River Run
FLY, STAY & CRUISE In The Kimberley & West Coast
INCLUDES RETURNECONOMYAIRFARESFROMMAJORCITIES RETURN ECONOMY AIRFARES FROM MAJOR CITIES*
• PREMIUM PRE- OR POST-NIGHT HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WITH TRANSFERS*
• €200 DAY SPA VOUCHER PER PERSON*
Iconic Kimberley
Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley on an expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on Earth.
Highlights Darwin • King George River • Vansittart Bay • Ashmore Reef • Careening Bay
• Swift Bay • Hunter River • Collier Bay • Lacepede Islands • Broome
for travel Select dates 13 May – 31 August 2026
$14,250*pp
West Coast Odyssey
Explore Australia’s west coast aboard Le Soléal, with immaculate beaches edged with turquoise waters, encounters with marine life and unearthing the history of the region.
• Cape Peron • Shark Bay • Abrolhos Islands Marine Park • Jurien Bay Marine Park • Fremantle
Valid for travel Select dates 29 July and 08 August 2026 11 days from $18,140*pp
THE HIDDEN GIRL
By Lucinda Riley
Historical/romance
Reviewed by Jan Kent
HOW pleased I was to discover, on the bookshelves, a previously unread book by one of my very favourite authors. Since her passing, Lucinda Riley’s son has brought back to life some of her early works and presented them for her fans’ enjoyment.
In true Riley style, this novel spans generations, global settings and confronting situations for the many colourful, well-defined characters. Growing up in a humble Yorkshire village, Leah is thrust, by virtue of her astonishing beauty, into the world of fashion and modelling, with its many pitfalls and challenges, particularly as her naivety sees her ill-prepared for the users and abusers. This high-powered life contrasts markedly with the horrors of wartime Poland for two siblings, which is artfully woven into the story through flashbacks from their current successful but troubled lives.
In true Lucinda Riley style, characters are well developed and relatable, whether we are drawn to their goodness or repelled by the dark side of human nature. Complex social issues are handled deftly with a sensitivity and honesty we have come to expect from her writing. This is a wonderful read – with an engagement we have come to expect from one of the most successful modern writers and I will certainly be on the lookout for more of her ‘hidden’ treasures.
ALL THE WAY TO THE RIVER
THE RUNNING GRAVE
By Robert Galbraith Crime fiction
Reviewed by
John Kleinschmidt
THIS is the first Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym) book I have read and it certainly won’t be the last. Cormoran Strike, with his female business partner Robin, runs a private detective agency. The pair are engaged by a wealthy businessman to extract his son from a big and powerful religious cult. Robin goes undercover and joins the Universal Humanitarian Church to gather evidence of the inhumane and criminal activities of the church to shut it down. Robin endures starvation, brainwashing and sexual grooming in her quest for evidence, while Strike works the case from the outside and juggles other agency cases, which provide subplots for the story. This is a lengthy book but it held my attention throughout with numerous good and bad believable characters. I loved the writing style and the complexity of the story. A very good read.
By Elizabeth Glibert, Landmark memoir
Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
A STORY about love, loss and liberation, All The Way To The River is a moving memoir that explores Elizabeth Gilbert’s (of Eat Pray Love fame) personal journey through grief as she grapples with the loss of her partner.
Told with admirable honesty, this tale traces the story of two women who began as friends, then fell deeply in love, before death prematurely parted them.
Exploring the unique, somewhat toxic, dynamic Gilbert shared with her lover Raaya (who she ended her heterosexual
marriage to be with) this raw non-fiction account touches on the dangers of co-dependency when all-consuming love overshadows prudence. It also sheds light on Gilbert’s subsequent recovery from ‘sex and love addiction’.
Complemented by heartfelt poetry and doodles, it is a heavy read that will appeal to anyone recovering from – or supporting someone on – a recovery journey.
LOCAL WRITER RELEASES SECOND COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES
SUNSHINE Coast fiction writer Ian Laver has just published his second collection of short stories, called Hard Hits
Within the pages, the reader is taken on a journey into the lives of the good and the bad as the characters are compelled to make decisions on the tightrope of life. Weakness and strength, love and hate, darkness and light are all obstacles to be negotiated.
Hard Hits follows his first collection, Deadly Sins. Laver also has published two novels, Crucial Step and Uneasy, and is working on the follow-up novel to Uneasy, titled Comeback, which follows the journey of Detective Sergeant FitzMichael in his quest to reinstate his credibility in the Queensland Police Service.
Laver has won numerous writing awards and is a former president of the Sunshine Coast Literary Association.
At present, he is involved with Haiku and creative writing at Noosa Arts and Crafts, where he was Writer in Residence last year.
His books are available as eBooks and hard copy from all online bookstores and locally at the Noosa Arts and Crafts gift shop in Wallace House, Noosaville. Discover more at facebook.com/ian.laver.18 and IanLaver.net
By Sam Guthrie, Espionage thriller
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
THIS is an exciting and gripping new espionage thriller and debut novel, perfect for fans of John le Carré and Robert Harris. The Peak is a nailbiting read. A powerfully taut, gripping and fast-moving international thriller that weaves a story of friendship, love and betrayal together with the ruthless geopolitics of China’s rise, set in the last 24 hours of the world as we know it. It is well written, has a great sense of place and the characters are well drawn.
Political hatchet man Charlie will do anything to protect Sebastian, government minister and his best friend since their brutal private school days.
They are as close as brothers – or so Charlie thinks – while both keep the secret that lies at the very heart of their relationship.
Then a single phrase in Mandarin is spoken in Sebastian’s ear and he does the unthinkable. As Charlie tries to piece it all together, things in the outside world start to fall apart. Then the secret intelligence services come knocking.
Written with an insider knowledge of China, the realities of global power and the inner dealings of the Australian Government, The Peak has authenticity and moral complexity. A great read.
THE PEAK
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. Which fabled character let down her hair from a tower?
2. Which was the first Australian city to host the Olympics?
3. Who was the first czar?
4. What school did Harry Potter attend?
5. Which band did Paul Keating manage?
6. What does MASH stand for in the TV series?
7. In which country did Panama hats originate?
8. Which Greek figure has a bull’s head and man’s body?
9. Which US fast food chain was first to locate in Australia?
10. Who has been the oldest person to ascend the British throne?
11. What is the name of the musical instruction meaning to play in a sustained manner?
12. Who was the NSW convict pardoned when the hangman’s rope broke three times?
13. Which ancient German city was destroyed by firebombing raids in February 1945?
14. Who composed Bolero?
15. What is the term for an inscription on a grave?
16. Who was prime minister when decimal currency was introduced in Australia?
17. What is the term for an alpine lake?
18. What is the lightest metal in the periodic table?
19. What is a mammal that can fly?
20. What sport did Pete Sampras play professionally?
Ravel. 15. Epitaph. 16. Harold Holt. 17. Tarn. 18. Lithium. 19. Bat. 20. Tennis.
Ecuador. 8. Minotaur. 9. KFC. 10. King Charles III. 11. Sostenuto. 12. Joseph Samuel. 13. Dresden.
1. Rapunzel. 2. Melbourne. 3. Ivan the Terrible. 4. Hogwarts. 5. Ramrods. 6. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.
