Your Time Brisbane - February 2024

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Dating game SWIPE RIGHT FOR LOVE BRISBANE EDITION 107 FEBRUARY, 2024

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MOTORING TRAVEL PUZZLES 30/01/2024 11:42:34 AM

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Editor’s note

T

his is a significant edition for me – it’s my last. Having been in the hot seat since Your Time was launched in April 2015, it has been quite a ride, a wonderful ride, but the time has come to hand over the reins.

As someone who never had any great aspiration to retire, I have surprised even myself and while there is of course a degree of sadness and nostalgia, I am looking forward to putting down the pen and turning off the computer to get on with life while I am still fit and able.

The time feels right for me to join readers in the ranks of the retired.

Having said that, I can’t imagine I will ever really stop and already have my sights on writing the book I have been talking about for years. (Watch

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this space. You’ll be first to know if it ever actually happens).

I’ve already booked a one-way ticket to Vienna to tick off a few boxes on my YOLO (You Only Live Once) list.

Following my nose through Central Europe and the Baltics has been one of many wish-list projects put on hold by being desk bound.

As Charlie Griffiths suggests in Flipside this month, fulfilment is achieved by living a free life with a positive attitude and worthwhile goals.

I declared 2024 the year for being bold and Charlie’s list of optimism, curiosity, daring, courage, enthusiasm, joy, gratitude, inspiration, and empowerment fits well with that.

It will be a bit strange not having a deadline after nigh on 50 years as a journalist, but I’m sure I will cope.

And so, dear readers, I would like to thank you for all the kind messages you have sent over the years and for your support, encouragement and enthusiasm for a product designed just for our generation.

While it is the end of my era, it is just the beginning for our new editor.

Over to you Shirley Sinclair. air.

Dorothy Whittington Editor

Contents 4

COVER STORY

6

AGES AND STAGES

8

BITS AND PIECES

9

HISTORY

10

MUSINGS WITH GARRY

12

FLIPSIDE

15

BRAIN MATTERS

17

WELLBEING

19

MOTORING

20

ACTIVE LIVING

22

TECHNOLOGY

23

WILLS AND ESTATES

24

HOME CARE FEATURE

26

BOOK REVIEW

27

HEALTH

28

RETIREMENT LIVING

29

PETS

30

WHAT’S ON

33

TRAVEL

37

TRIVIA QUIZ

38

PUZZLES

9

19 33

22

DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES distribution@yourtimemagazine.com.au. Or call 0419 746 894 PUBLISHER Michelle Austin 5493 1368. EDITOR Dorothy Whittington editor@yourtimemagazine.com.au ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 0438 717 210. sales@yourtimemagazine.com.au.

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Your Time Magazine is locally owned and published by The Publishing Media Company Pty Ltd ATF The Media Trust (“the Publisher”). No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher. The Publisher does not assume responsibility for, endorse or adopt the content of any advertisements published in Your Time Magazine, either as written copy or inserts, given such content is provided by third parties and contains statements beyond the Publisher’s personal knowledge. The information contained in Your Time Magazine is intended as a guide only and does not represent the view or opinion of the Publisher or its editorial staff. Professional advice should be sought before applying any of the information to particular circumstances. Whilst every reasonable care is taken in the preparation of Your Time Magazine, the Publisher and its editorial staff do not accept liability for any errors or omissions it may contain.

Please dispose of this magazine responsibly, by recycling after use.

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 3

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COVER STORY

Swipe right for love Divorce or death of a partner is leaving growing numbers of lonely hearts looking for a new life partner, but for over 55s, opportunities for a chance meeting are limited. CARROL BAKER investigates the promises and pitfalls of online dating.

C

olleen, 67, sat for 30 minutes waiting for Ken, her online date, to arrive. Thinking he was a no-show, she headed back to her car only to be chased by a bloke in bordies and thongs, huffing and puffing, “are you Colleen?”

Against her better judgement she stayed for a coffee. He hung back while she paid. Unimpressed when he asked her for a second date, she eyeballed him and said: “If there’s no spark, the car won’t start and this car ain’t going nowhere.”

Collen says she smiled all the way home.

“I thought, I deserve better than that,” she says, She had been dating online for a

few months, with mixed results.

“I’d always go on coffee dates and was getting a bit sick of drinking coffee, but I wanted to give it a go,” she says.

A few months later, Colleen met Peter and they began a long-distance relationship.

“I love his sense of humour,” she says.

They’ve been blissfully happy for the past 16 years.

The grey divorce trend is rising in Australia, with 2023 data by Australian Seniors showing 32 per cent of divorces occurring after the age of 50.

While some choose not to re-partner, many hope there might be a special

person out there for them. In the good old days, you’d bump into someone at a pub and have a bit of a chin wag, or chat over the photocopier at work. But it’s a brave new world and connecting with potential partners online is fast becoming the new way to find romance.

If you are newly divorced, it takes time to heal. Dating and Relationships coach Debbie Rivers, advises not to throw your hat in the ring too soon.

“Build a life you love and enjoy,” she says. “If you are happy, you are going to be instantly more attractive.”

Widower Harry, 59, has been online dating for 10 years. He’s had a few

relationships, the longest lasting two years. He’s just met someone and although it’s early days, he’s hopeful.

“I’d still like to believe there is someone out there for all of us,” he says.

Harry stresses the importance of meeting face to face early on.

“You can text and chat all you like, but it’s not until you meet that you know what that person is going to be like,” he says.

Debbie adds that if you are dating online, it’s important to look beyond the photo.

“Photos are too dimensional. Most of us are making snap decisions on a photo and set criteria, so you run the risk of missing out on someone who could be just right for you,” she says.

Being real about who you are is also important. One thing that surprised Harry was that more than a third of the women he met admitted lying about their age on their dating profile.

“Sometimes it was by 10 years or more,” he says.

When you are dating online, it’s important to be yourself.

Andrew, 66, was puzzled to see the woman he’d been chatting with had a full sleeve of tattoos and a large neck tattoo.

“I don’t mind a small tattoo, but I looked back at the photos. She was wearing long sleeves and the camera was angled so you couldn’t see her neck,” he says. “Why not be yourself?”

Honesty really is key. According to Debbie, it’s the single biggest reason people don’t get a second date.

But, she adds, you can also be too honest – and overshare.

“We need to date like we did when we

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COVER STORY were younger, enjoy yourself, keep it light,” she says. “Don’t go on a first date and lay it all out there – here is my baggage, are you going to accept me warts and all?”

Go into dating with a spirit of adventure. While you are busy swiping left and right, looking for the right guy or girl, there’s an unexpected bonus. Online dating is an opportunity to expand your social circle.

Jenny, 62, divorced after a 20-year marriage ended in a very cliched way – her husband ran off with a much younger woman.

She tried online dating and has now met a few good friends.

“We catch up for coffee or a movie and have a bit of fun sharing our stories about who we’ve met online,” she says.

Before trying online dating, Relationships Australia Queensland regional manager Helen Poynten suggests doing some soul searching to figure out what you want.

“You need to be clear to be kind to both yourself, and potential partners,” she says. “Some might want a life partner, others might just want someone to travel with.”

Helen adds it’s also important to be realistic in the search for love.

“Theres no magic algorithm, it’s dating, let’s be real,” she says. “We have to meet and see and connect to discover over time if our values and hopes align.”

When Colleen decided to try online dating, she showed her mate Fiona the profile photo she’d selected. She was holding up a fish with her son while squinting into the sunlight.

Fiona raided Colleen’s wardrobe and they did a mini photo shoot, which turned out to be a fun night. With a more recent photo in which she was well presented, Colleen got a lot more “likes”.

As well as a recent photo, if you’re thinking of dating online pay careful

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attention to what you write in your profile. It turns out most profiles actually appeal to the same sex.

Not sure how your profile sounds?

“Get someone of the opposite sex to read it,” Debbie says.

There are always going to be deal breakers. A person who says they’re active turns out to be a couch potato, charmers with a string of broken hearts in their wake.

Harry’s deal breaker, cuts to the heart of the matter: “I’ve met people who aren’t talking to one of their children. I find that hard to fathom. I love my kids. If there are problems, you work through things.”

Other red flags can be inconsistent communication, overtly sexual remarks, and rushing intimacy.

Debbie cautions while there are certainly things to be cautious about, look for the good in people too.

“Some people are so focused on looking for red flags that they are looking for what could be wrong, rather than what’s right,” she says.

Beware romance scammers. When April, 55, met Marty, 45, he ticked all the boxes. He was easy on the eye, charming, and besotted with her. After dating for a few months, he suggested they buy a motorhome and travel around Australia.

April was head over heels. She sold her house, and most of the $136,000 cash would be used to buy a luxury motorhome. On return, she would move into Marty’s place.

She wired the money to Marty’s account – he was travelling to Adelaide to pick up the motorhome. She never heard from him again.

Three elderly men recently lost more than $500,000 in a cruel romance scam, a lonely-hearts newspaper advertisement perpetrated by two Gold Coast women.

According to the ACCC, romance scammers are costing Australians more than $28 million a year. With online

scams increasing, it pays to always be cautious with online dating.

So, how do you spot a scammer?

Helen says it’s important to listen to your head as well as your heart when dating.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she says.

Don’t be too quick to trust another, no matter what they say or do. If it doesn’t feel right, walk away. Some scammers will meet you, but they typically create fake online profiles, known as catfishing, to lure you in. They may use a fictional name, or falsely take on the identities of real people.

With online dating, you can be “chatting” with multiple people at one time. Helen says some people think if you’ve been messaging someone or meeting them for dates, you’re automatically exclusive.

“But they can message five people if they like and go on other dates,” she says.

“Monogamy isn’t in the early stages of dating – that’s further down the line.”

Some might say that online dating can be a bit of a revolving door as there is a seemingly endless pool of potential dates.

It can be exhausting.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, Helen suggests taking time to regroup: “Don’t lose heart if it doesn’t work out.

Take a break, and try another site when you feel up to it.”

The road to true love can be rocky.

Putting yourself out there takes courage.

For those who might be thinking about online dating, Andrew, who has had almost 100 first dates, has the following advice: “don’t get discouraged, it really is a numbers game.”

“Each time I’d meet someone there was that element of hope,” he says. “But as time wore on, it sometimes felt soul destroying. I’d start to think what’s the matter with me?”

His journey began in the depths of Covid. His oddest date was meeting

someone in the supermarket fruit and vegetable aisle trying to recognise the mask-wearing shopper on his phone screen. They chatted as they pushed their trolleys around.

For the record, Andrew is a goodlooking bloke who is active, intelligent and a great conversationalist. So, case in point, If you want to meet someone special, it can take time.

He’s now in a secure and committed relationship with Mandy. They’ve bought a shared home on the Gold Coast and are very happy.

After meeting online and communicating via text (while Andrew was jetting around the globe) they finally met in person and sparks flew.

You too could find your happy ending. What have you got to lose?

DATING tips From Dating and Relationships coach Debbie Rivers.

• Look for red flags, such as someone who is rude to the waiter, or speaks badly about their ex.

• Don’t give away too much personal information too soon.

• Don’t rule out people right away. If you think there could potentially be a spark, give it at least two dates.

• If you are concerned about meeting someone, always tell a friend where you are going, and meet in a public place.

• Be genuinely interested in the other person and what they are passionate about. We all light up when we talk about things we love.

• Don’t chat to too many people at one time. Close your profile so you don’t get overwhelmed.

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 5

31/01/2024 11:48:47 AM

AGES & STAGES

by Mocco Wollert

I THINK colloquialisms are the wayward children of any structured language, well-loved and of course, well-used.

They are, however, still a mystery.

Now that I have lived 60 years in Australia and I speak English pretty well, I started thinking about popular sayings. As I’m always looking for a topic for my column, it seems a good thing to find out what these colloquialisms actually mean.

Our language is peppered with them, but I bet few people would be able to tell me how they originated. In fact, I doubt whether anyone could.

Let’s start: Happy as Larry – who was or is Larry? Well, to start with, it has to be a male. Is he an animal or a man? Sounds like a good name for a dog. Why is he so happy? Maybe he grins when you feed him biscuits.

Have you been accused of “carrying on like a porkchop”? People usually say this when one “goes over the top”. What has that poor pork chop done in the past that it has such a bad reputation?

Do people take this saying from a pork chop jumping about in the sizzling fat of a barbecue?

She was “dressed up to the nines” – right, what are we talking about here?

The dressed-up bit is easy to understand but what is the nines? Is it a date of a festival? Is it a hole on the golf course?

Does it mean the person is dressed in nine garments?

Recently, I offered a second piece of cake to a little eight-year-old friend of mine. He declined sadly and told me that he was as “full as a goog”.

Interesting statement. What is a goog?

Maybe he meant goose or is a goog a magical person in one of his children’s books? It is a long way from the polite “I have had elegantly sufficient”.

“Don’t get your knickers in a knot” – do we actually still say knickers for the flimsy undergarment we wear today? Don’t get your undies in a knot just doesn’t sound the same and loses its meaning of stop being fussy.

Where did people in the past put the knots in their knickers – the waist, the legs, the bottom? It beats me.

I do like rabbits, soft to the touch and quietly chomping away. Why then the saying, “oh for heaven’s sake stop rabbiting on”? I understand it means don’t labour a point but where is the connection between a quiet little lettuce-munching rabbit and a (often loudly) sermonising person?

The mystery of the colloquialisms deepens.

“It’s been a gin of a day” is one I can easily understand. If you drink a lot of gin the night before, you will have a dreadful hangover and the next day won’t be very nice. Phew, I got that one.

I have tried to find answers to these colloquialisms, but nobody seemed able to give me an explanation. If you have any idea of the origin of these, please let me know.

May you enjoy colloquialisms and even create new ones.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

by Cheryl Lockwood

AS A child, and I spent hours with my next-door neighbour playing in various makeshift cubby houses.

We made one in the rafters of a shed, which meant we had to clamber on a box and a table to gain entry. There were everchanging passwords to keep out the enemy, or in our case, my little sister.

In our imaginary world, we were learning what would become a vital tool. All these years later, the ability to recall a bunch of letters is handy for the layers of security invented to protect us from online criminals.

We made up another word to yell across the vineyard to get each other’s attention.

When I return to the area, I realise the

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AGES & STAGES the passwords I need. (I think it’s all of them.) The clever people told us to choose longer passwords, which is great until you have to remember them.

Luckily, there’s also a “Forgot password” button. Throw in a combination of capitals, numbers and punctuation marks and you’re safe. Right?

No! As if we didn’t have enough acronyms, along came 2FA – two-factor authentication. Just when you thought you had a foot in the door, the clever people invented another layer of safety.

A security question or sometimes, more than one, sees us go through more doors than Maxwell Smart. A code of several random digits, most often sent to a mobile phone, will open that final, elusive door to whatever you are trying to sign into.

You are forgiven if you forget what that was. Your phone is likely at the bottom of a bag in another room and you’ll break into a sweat trying to retrieve the code before it expires. Before you celebrate a successful sign-in, there’s a box to tick to prove you’re not a robot. By this time, you may be staring blankly and in danger of turning into a robot.

Reports of data security breaches have featured a lot in the news in the last year or so. We all seem to know someone who has been the victim of a scam. One thing for sure, passwords are way less fun now than they were when I was young.

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distance was quite short and it would have made sense to walk across and knock on the door, but secret words were much more exciting. The excitement has definitely dwindled.

Our face and signature were once the only identification needed in the bank. A quick chat to the teller and we’d be out the door with a wad of paper money.

Clever people are always inventing more efficient methods for everything, so we switched to cards, special numbers and cash from a hole in the wall. Wonderful!

No more friendly chit-chat, just help yourself and be on your way. Right?

No! Sneaky individuals were thinking up ways to thieve our hard-earned money.

They started sneaking our sneaky numbers in very sneaky ways. Clever people told us we could transact online and to make that safe, along came passwords.

Problem solved!

No! We now need a password for everything we do on our computers and phones. Every account and the many loyalty memberships we seem to accumulate. These days, my wallet rarely contains cash, but is full of cards I don’t use.

At last count, I had a list of over 30 password hints for various things. I say hints because clever people recommend not to write passwords down where sneaky people might find them. Using one password for everything is also a no-no.

I thought up little coded hints for all

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BITS & PIECES

Have your say. Send letters to Editor, Your Time Magazine, PO Box 6362, Maroochydore BC 4558 or email editor@yourtimemagazine.com.au I WAS really interested in Lynda Scott’s Courier Mail Garden Competition article in the January edition.

I was a Courier Mail Garden Competition Judge in the 1970-90s (and the Toowoomba Chronicle Home Garden Competition judge for over 40 years).

So many garden competition urban myths floated about during those years.

Yes, there were some deliberate garden

poisonings but I would have spotted “extra” flowers – “masses of flowers … wired … to garden plants to boost floral content” a mile off!

No mention was made of entrants trying to bribe the two judges. We are talking about high stakes gardening here!

One contestant could call upon five gardeners the week before judging to spruce up their garden and bought 2-3

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metre high rhododendrons in flower.

My favourite recollection is one of my first competition as the junior of the two judges. We were allowed five minutes or so to complete a garden judging.

The garden in question had garden beds bordered by upturned beer bottles. There were more statues, trinkets and topiary than garden plants.

The lady of the house appeared in flimsy attire and took absolutely no notice of me, the junior partner/judge. In a heavy Eastern European accent she huskily invited my fellow judge to “come inside zee house”.

After five minutes I started to wonder about my colleague’s safety, muttering under my breath, “you know the rules, we will never get through judging over 150 gardens all over greater Brisbane at this rate”. I gingerly entered the house.

Voices were obviously coming from an upstairs bedroom. I crept up the stairs where I could obliquely see into the bedroom.

My fellow judge was on one side of a blue chenille bedspread covered double bed, standing but bent over with his hands on the bed covers. Our hostess was on the other side of the bed in a similar pose. On the blue chenille cover was a flock of crocheted swans.

The lady of the house was saying in her heavily accented, husky voice,”see, if you push zee covers it’s just like zee waves on zee pond and zee swans are swimming”.

Caught in the act!

Ross McKinnon.

Ross McKinnon retired in 2014 after 31 years as curator-in-charge of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens where he worked for 42 years.

BUSH POETRY BEFORE THE INTERNET

By Manfred Vijars, president North Pine Bush Poets FOR A great number of the men who travelled the inland tracks by wagon, horseback or on foot (humping their bluey), the bush was their home.

Along those many long, lonely tracks, regular campsites would be established, usually where there was good water. Outback men knew them.

Sometimes at a campsite there would be several individual “home” fires, and each person would respect the other’s privacy and camp some distance away unless invited to join a mate’s fire.

It was common for a big communal fire to be lit, for everyone to gather.

Everyone would have to contribute something – no excuses. “Contribute or eat suds” was the saying.

The amazing thing about these concerts was that it was often illeducated and sometimes illiterate men memorising Lawson, Paterson, Ogilvie and even Shakespeare.

Music was provided by small portable instruments such as a mouth organ, jaw (Jews) harp, reed flutes and button accordions.

Swagmen and regular travellers would sometimes carry a limited library

of one, more books. These books were well loved, well read and dog-eared and were frequently swapped at these campfires. Other travellers who had no books would diligently transcribe verses from fellow travellers’ oral presentations or from their books in pencil on to scraps of paper.

Some swagmen were versifiers who penned their own poetry. It’s been suggested that the reason for many anonymous writings from this era could be attributed to the scraps of pencilled paper found in the belongings of unidentified swagmen who had died.

Nowadays, such gatherings are rare given the self contained units travelling our roads. Microwaves and gas barbecues handle much of the cooking.

Seasonal fire bans restrict open fires in some areas.

However, it is encouraging to see portable “fire pits” carried by travellers making an appearance.

Just remember, “no one yarns, sings or entertains with mates around a microwave”.

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HISTORY

The race that stopped a nation The 1954 Redex Round Australia time trial was like something out of the Wild West. LYNDA SCOTT writes Rafferty’s Rules prevailed in the race to prove a standard car could travel the rough roads of Australia. awaiting a check that vital parts identified with a special paint had not been replaced.

“The heavy-eyed, bearded drivers” who checked into the showground had only one complaint - it wasn’t tough enough, and they wanted more gruelling sections included.

Lynda Scott is a volunteer at the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. Visit queenslandhistory.org

entire route was the popular winner and was mobbed as 200,000 people crowded the streets when the rally finished without a fatality.

It was reported that squads of police linked hands to prevent the crowds overturning the car when Murray claimed his first prize of $4000.

But that wasn’t the end of the scrutiny.

Winning cars were impounded in a garage

C

ars crashed, bogged, and caught fire hundreds of kilometres from any hope of rescue – but more alarmingly, the winner threw sticks of gelignite to celebrate his victory.

Unimaginable today, but that’s how it was before the era of workplace health and safety.

There were 264 entrants flagged off from Sydney showground bound for Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Mt Isa, Darwin, Broome, Meekatharra, Madura, Adelaide, and Melbourne … a gruelling 15,400km before finishing back in Sydney.

“Gelignite Jack” Murray in his Ford 1948 V8 led the pack as tens of thousands of Queenslanders watched the cars passing through the Gold Coast and Brisbane suburbs to arrive at the Ekka Grounds at two minute intervals This Royal Queensland Historical Society archival photo shows the hectic scene as competitors lined up across the speedway track, ready for a 12-hour rest after that first leg.

There were strict rules for competitors.

The cars had to be models available to the general public, with few modifications, and replacement of parts was strictly limited.

“Secret” intermediate checkpoints were set up to curb speeding.

The trial was aimed at showing motorists that a standard car was capable of travelling the primitive roads to most

parts of Australia. It was eventual race winner “Gelignite Jack” Murray who captured the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

To celebrate his wins in each section, he let off sticks of gelignite in streets, country “outhouses” and under grandstands at football grounds.

The explosives were on board to clear any fallen trees or other obstacles blocking the narrow outback roads but were never used for that.

Instead, Murray gained his nickname, annoying some tired drivers and officials after he threw one stick into the bush near a Flying Doctor station resulting in an explosion that could have wrecked their delicate radio.

“They christened me ‘Gelignite Jack’ after the big bang in the tin outhouse at Townsville Showground,” he told the media. “Gelignite wouldn’t hurt a flea out in the open. It’s just the same as a cracker, only louder.”

Some rest stops were controversial.

Drivers claimed local motels were making a fortune out of them and slept in their cars. Deep potholes played havoc, and one car caught fire and exploded while dashing across the Nullarbor. The driver and navigator scrambled to safety with no time to use a fire extinguisher.

Others were stranded trying to nurse their battered cars back to civilisation.

Murray who lost no points on the

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31/01/2024 12:16:56 PM

MUSINGS WITH GARRY

GIFT CARDS OFTEN GIVE LITTLE IN THE END Family therapist Elisabeth Goldberg says staying in a bad marriage is the main regret of people over 50. Many women regret they did not leave an abusive relationship earlier.

While some couples stay married for their children, Goldberg cautions that children of divorce often say they wish their parents had separated sooner.

Some older couples look at each other wondering how they let their passion die and could they have been more attentive?

During hectic stages in life raising children and holding down a job, chances to show someone how special they are with a romantic gesture are often skipped and may become a major regret later in life if the passion has eked away.

Palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware says working too hard at the expense of personal life is one of the most common regrets among patients facing their final days.

Elder parents may regret not having spent more time bonding with their children when they had the chance. As the saying about parenting goes, the days are long but the years are short.

Perhaps as grandparents we are lucky to receive a second chance to make up for some regrets, but we did it our way in the circumstances we faced.

Bouncing into a new era of life, retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.

REGRETS MY WAY FRANK Sinatra sings in My Way that he has a few regrets, while Edith Piaf became famous for regretting nothing, Non Je Ne Regrette Rien.

Studies reveal that seniors share some common regrets but therapists caution that if we become consumed by them, we risk becoming our own worst enemy.

The experts say a common regret among clients is that they wait until they are in a desperate place before seeking help.

Unfortunately, some seniors realise too late that they could have done more to keep their relationships healthy with spouses, children, and friends.

DO YOU ever come across a gift card at the bottom of your drawer and hope that it hasn’t gone past its three-year limit?

If so, you’re not alone. Australians have gift cards worth $1.4 billion sitting unredeemed.

One in three of us are sitting on at least one unused gift card and almost one in five have had cards expire.

Seniors are more meticulous in using their gift cards than younger generations

and women are more likely to let their cards expire than men.

Retail experts say Australians could be nearly $200 richer if they kept track of their cards.

For an unwanted card, there is always the opportunity to sell it online at a slight discount.

Some canny consumers set gift card expiry dates on their calendars and phones.

BOOMERANG KIDS WITH cost-of-living increases on top of accommodation shortages, there are growing numbers of boomerang kids – adult children coming home to live.

Frequently the move is invited by parents secure in their own house and wanting to share their love in a practical way.

As the days get tougher and crises arise, adult children can call on parents for help with time, money, and advice.

Some are desperate to escape domestic violence while others are couch surfing or living in vans with most of their stuff at Mum and Dad’s anyway.

While there are community services to call upon, there is no place like home.

Many parents are ready to adapt once more to having a fuller household. They tell their kids if your relationship fails, the

bills become too much, your mental health is getting the best of you, or you ever feel alone, come home. If you mess up, we’ll help you fix it.

Most importantly, no matter where you are in life, how old you are, or what terms we are on, come home. Our home will always be your home.

For both sides, it is heartwarming having family in the house together again, but it can come with a lack of privacy and independence and there may be extra grandparenting from failed marriages.

Reassuringly, grown-up children returning home frequently develop a greater sense of compassion towards their parents. It can be a time for rebuilding fractured family relationships although there may be tears before the emotional walls crumble.

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FLIPSIDE

A new word for a new life A keyboard slip leads to a new word that brings together adventure and retirement. CHARLIE GRIFFITHS writes that “adventirement” is about having a positive attitude and recognising the opportunity to fulfil long-held life goals and ambitions..

C

hecking my well-wishing email to our beloved editor Dot who has just announced her retirement, I realised that I had misspelled adventure as adventire.

With mouse poised to change it, the weird character who lives in my head said, “hang on Charlie. Isn’t that exactly what you wanted to say?”

I had inadvertently merged adventure and retire into one word. My very own portmanteau. And yes, I was encouraging Dot to enjoy adventure in her retirement.

I have been struggling with the concept of retirement for years and have come to despise the word. All definitions imply stopping, leaving, giving up.

Not on my watch!

People who have worked hard and made sacrifices all their working lives deserve the opportunity to de-stress and follow their passions – write a book, cut a lap, drown worms, or hang over the rail of a cruise ship burleying the marine monsters below.

These are passions worth pursuing for physically fit, financially fortuitous and furloughed adventirees.

I’ll never forget the story told to me

over a beer in the Buronga Caravan Park

by Rob, a spritely grey nomad in his 80s, who was unashamedly spending his kids’ inheritance while “living the dream”.

He and two mates, Jack and Fred, all started work with the railways at the same age (16), on the same day. They all worked and played hard and stayed fit all their lives by playing sport and chasing their children around the place.

All three mates retired on the same day at age 65, but with different retirement plans.

Rob embraced wanderlust. He

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purchased and modified an off-road caravan that he and his wife comfortably live in while experiencing the wonders the Australian countryside and the friendships that people offer so generously.

Jack is a keen angler and invested in a cabin cruiser that takes him safely and comfortably to deep water fishing spots only a privileged or brave few dare visit.

At the end of the day his bag may not always be full of fish, but it is always brimming with satisfaction and exhilaration.

Fred believed he deserved a wellearned rest, so he downsized to a single bedroom townhouse with no pestilent garden, a giant 80-inch smart TV, and a recliner that fitted like a second, luxuriously-cushioned skin.

Rob and Jack catch up every year and swap stories of their adventures, but Fred is not there. After less than a year, Fred developed kidney illness which he treated with drugs and close to zero exercise. He put on excessive weight and soon his knees gave out and arthritis took over.

Within two years Fred was dead.

Fred’s demise is a uniquely tragic story, but the message is clear. Inactivity and indifference are negative energies for which there should be no place in the golden years of a dynamic, productive adventiree.

Positive energies like optimism, curiosity, daring, courage, enthusiasm, joy, gratitude, inspiration and empowerment are the only way to go.

Fulfilment is achieved by living a free life with a positive attitude and worthwhile goals.

Start with a plan and wing it when necessary or do it just for fun. Be free, be happy, be you. Recognizing how important the Golden Years are means taking control of, dare I say it, Your Time.

So, Dot, have a wonderful adventirement!

Charlie Griffiths is a certified Life Coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner and author of Runaway Retiree: Do Your Best Work in Your 70s. Visit charliegriffithscoaching.com

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BRAIN MATTERS

Cruising into the new year on a brain wave Exchanging daily responsibilities for a life all at sea doing nothing can be good for some, but as KAILAS ROBERTS cruises into the new year he finds there are pros and cons for every brain on the voyage.

C

ruising is a la mode in 2024, a form of travel enticing more and more wannabe mariners every year. It is perhaps no surprise then that I would become swept up in the national oceanfever and embark on my first trip recently, a circular route from Brisbane out to some far-flung islands in the Pacific.

I should say it was not my idea to go, but rather was driven by my teenage son who has been quietly campaigning for some years. I was reluctant to go, imagining myself developing cabin fever very quickly.

Mid voyage, as I sat in the expanse of blue hundreds of miles from anywhere, I pondered whether cruising life was good for the brain.

Many travellers seemed to have a bottomless capacity for doing nothing, fully embracing the passivity of their situation and the abdication of their usual daily responsibilities. This was no doubt good for their grey matter.

Personally, I could do it for a while, but I would then become restless and feel I should be doing something. It created in me a mild sense of ennui if I’m honest,

and this probably nullified the brain benefits that those more well-adjusted could enjoy.

Perhaps I should meditate more.

I found myself eagerly awaiting the regular trivia sessions. At least this would serve as mental stimulation I thought.

Though I filled my brain with some useful facts (did you know that bats are not actually blind despite the well-known simile?) I was often left deflated, for instance at my inability to name any Taylor Swift song or identify any horcrux from the Harry Potter heptalogy.

My ignorance left me feeling mildly despondent and obsolete.

Some of my fellow seafarers found themselves lulled into restful deep sleep every night by the gentle rocking of the vessel, in so doing enhancing their glymphatic flow and clearing their brains of the harmful proteins that might otherwise damage the brain.

This was not the case for me. As I lay in bed each movement, in my mind, signalled a threat – was a rogue wave coming our way? How long would it take someone to come to our rescue? How could you even mount an effective rescue of the 4000 people on board?

Such cognitive processes are known as catastrophising, but knowing their technical term did not alleviate the stress and the constant pumping of cortisol would not have been good for my brain.

And then there was the abundant food – delicious and free but enough to induce a metabolic disaster. Refined carbs, sugar, and carbs everywhere. My willpower failed me multiple times as I helped myself to cookies and desserts.

My stressed brain, like the brain of anyone experiencing this state, sought out these energy dense foods with unfettered abandon, driven by a

perceived threat to survival. Finally, no cruise – at least from Australia – is complete without a cohort of hardened drinkers, whose mission seems to be to remain in a constant state of inebriation.

It is hard not to be caught up in the drinking culture, especially when there is not much else to do, and alcohol seems like a good antidote to stress (it’s not, obviously).

I admit I indulged a little too much (this did not help the quality of my sleep either) and I suspect my neurons were happy to see me back on dry land.

In summary, whether your brain is better off after a cruise probably depends more on your own personality and sensibilities than anything else. Me? Give me the bush any day.

Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind your brain The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia now available at all good bookstores and online.

Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au

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Artists impression. All representation shown are for illustration purposes and are indicative only.

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 15

31/01/2024 12:47:42 PM

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WELLBEING

Exploring Mother Nature’s pharmacy As research continues to unravel the mysteries of medicinal mushrooms, their role in holistic health is likely to become even more pronounced.

JARAD BIANCHI explains the natural health benefits of fungi found in the heart of nature.

I

n the realm of holistic health, the spotlight has increasingly turned toward the wonders of medicinal mushrooms. They are one of the best sellers in my clinic, and for good reason.

Among the vast array of fungal treasures, Reshi Mushroom, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga stand out as powerhouses of potential health benefits.

As interest in natural remedies surges, understanding the unique qualities of each of these fungi becomes crucial for those seeking to harness the healing potential of nature.

Reshi Mushroom, often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine.

Renowned for its adaptogenic properties, Reshi is believed to enhance the body’s ability to cope with stress and support overall wellbeing. Its immunemodulating effects are a focal point for researchers, as it may play a pivotal role in bolstering the body’s defence mechanisms against various illnesses.

Turkey Tail, with its vibrant and distinctive fan-shaped appearance, is recognised for its potent immunomodulatory effects. Packed with

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polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, Turkey Tail is hailed for its ability to stimulate and regulate the immune system.

This mushroom’s potential in supporting cancer patients undergoing conventional treatments has garnered significant attention, showcasing its role as a formidable ally in the fight against disease. In contrast to the Reshi mushroom, Turkey tail is also known to help support

gut health and digestion. Cordyceps, often associated with increased energy and endurance, has long been a staple in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine.

Known for its adaptogenic properties, Cordyceps is believed to enhance stamina, improve respiratory function, and combat fatigue.

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often turn to Cordyceps to optimise their performance, making it a standout choice in the realm of natural supplements for physical wellbeing.

Lion’s Mane, resembling cascading white icicles, has gained popularity for its potential cognitive benefits. This mushroom is believed to support nerve growth and cognitive function, making it a favourite among those seeking to enhance memory and focus.

Studies suggest that Lion’s Mane may play a role in neuroprotection, offering promise in the realm of brain health and potentially addressing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Chaga, resembling a dark, charred mass on birch trees, boasts a myriad of health benefits.

Rich in antioxidants, including triterpenes, betulin, and betulinic acid,

these compounds have been associated with anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects, which means they may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

By promoting healthy blood circulation and reducing inflammation, Chaga could potentially contribute to maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Chaga is celebrated for its potential to neutralise free radicals in the body.

This mushroom is also believed to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality.

While each of these medicinal mushrooms presents unique benefits, their collective strength lies in their ability to complement one another. Integrating a variety of mushrooms into one’s wellness routine may offer a holistic approach to health, addressing physical and mental wellbeing.

The world of medicinal mushrooms offers a treasure trove of potential health benefits and fosters a deeper appreciation of the therapeutic wonders to be found in the heart of nature.

Jarad Bianchi is a registered chiropractor, Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist and naturopath. Visit drbianchi.net

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 17

31/01/2024 12:55:41 PM

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MOTORING

Cute and compact cult car moves up to five doors Suzuki’s cute and compact Jimny now has a five-door big brother and BRUCE McMAHON concludes that Suzuki appears to be on another winner.

A

lready a cult car, the three-door Jimny has been stretched out by 340mm in the wheelbase – and in the body – to offer a more versatile five-door wagon.

Along with an extra set of doors and an extra cross member for the chassis, the Jimny wagon scores an upgraded central touch screen for better connectivity and such, stronger springs up front, and re-worked shock absorbers. Plus, there are now rear parking sensors.

Otherwise, the recipe remains much the same – a full chassis, two and fourwheel drive with high and low ratios, a 1.5 litre petrol engine and the choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

And there’s no compromise to the Jimny’s cheerful, and ever-competent character. This is a smart-looking, fit-for-purpose machine.

Both these Suzukis deliver what is promised and that’s light and easy, economical transport with the ability to tackle all types of off-road terrain.

Both are styled with chunky-funk; loads of straight lines and Hot Wheels appeal.

Here the addition of extra body metal

for the five-door doesn’t harm the charms of the original while adding to usability.

No need to half-clamber over a front seat to get to the rear.

The cargo area has more room too.

There’s just the one issue up front – limited storage space for the likes of mobile phones, but otherwise it’s a tidy dashboard, workmanlike yet welcoming.

The upgraded back seat will cater for two full-sized adults, maybe not for a lap of the country but it is comfortable

enough for a bush picnic or beach outing.

This extra space, extra doors and versatility, along with a better ride, means the five-door should also prove comfortable and big enough for a pair of adults heading out on decent adventures and loaded up with gear.

Where the shorter wheelbase three-door can bump-jump at the rear and bring on a little tail-to-nose pitch, the five-door’s ride is a tad more composed.

And it’s a bit quieter too.

With just 75kW of power at 6000rpm and 130Nm of torque, neither of these Jimnys are speed-racers yet the five-door sits comfortably on highway speeds (allowing for some extra space for overtaking) and at around 1200kg the new wagon is a little champion off the road.

This is a fun, very capable machine for Queensland’s back tracks and beaches.

Lower the tyre pressure and the Jimny wagon is a trooper through the soft stuff, an easy ride down hard-packed sand and a warrior on slow and steady obstacle work.

Both transmissions work well off road but some will prefer the manual, a more engaging proposition.

There’s 210mm of ground clearance and, with those 15-inch wheels pushed out to the four corners, good approach and departure angles in a compact body measuring under 4m long, even with the rear-mounted spare wheel taken into account.

All this goodness starts at $34,990 for the five-door, five-speed manual Jimny, around $3000 over the three-door. The auto starts at $36,490.

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February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 19

31/01/2024 1:09:16 PM

ACTIVE LIVING

Perfect the art of breathing One of our most frequent movements is breathing. TRISTAN HALL discusses this physical pattern performed regularly throughout life and suggests some simple ways to improve it for optimal health.

W

e normally perform more than 25,000 breaths a day, a repetitive and common movement that affects all facets of life. Efficient and appropriate breathing mechanics can have a positive effect on multiple aspects of our health, including: • Improving respiratory health by increasing oxygen saturation, improving respiratory function and increasing lung capacity.

• Improving energy, thus reducing fatigue and tiredness.

• Changing the state of the nervous system.

• Aiding with digestion, sleep, exercise and daily activities.

• Improving mood and reducing stress.

• Reducing risk factors for chronic conditions such as cardiac disease.

• Optimising athletic performance.

• Improving posture.

• Potentially assisting with pain management.

20 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / February 2024

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Here are some simple low level breathing exercises to perform at home: Get into a comfortable position, either lying on your back with legs bent or reclined in a chair. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly and breathe for a few minutes.

Focus on the movements throughout your chest and belly.

Slow the pace a little and just notice the pattern. Are you breathing deeply into the chest, or is your breath shallow?

All of us are born with the instinctive knowledge of how to fully engage the diaphragm to take deep, refreshing breaths but as we get older, we get out of the habit and gradually shift to shallower, less satisfying chest breathing.

For your next few breaths try the following: Breathe in through your nose, drawing the breath in deeply as you notice your belly rise.

Inhale fully. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose.

The focus is to remind yourself to breathe in through your nose and deep into your belly. You should feel your belly rise and fall. Notice the difference between this deep belly breathing and the shallow chest breathing to which many of us have become accustomed.

Diaphragmatic breathing is an exercise that helps strengthen the diaphragm, the main muscle used for breathing.

When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts (tightens) and moves downward toward the belly. This creates more space in your chest cavity, allowing the lungs to expand. When you exhale, the opposite happens – the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward in the chest cavity.

Incorporating your entire respiratory system into your regular breathing pattern has many health benefits. It’s the art of breathing.

Tristan Hall is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness.

Visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

FIT HAPPENS With Tom Law LAST year, I wrote about the value of investing in a smart watch. You may already have one and that is good if you do, but don’t despair if you do not.

A smartwatch measures and records your sleep patterns, rest, and stress, but here is a better suggestion to consider in 2024.

If you are not happy with your health and wellness get smarter, regardless of having the watch.

There will be people suffering in some bad situations who will be thinking that’s easy for you to say. That may be so, but even if you are ill, having a healthy outlook improves your disposition.

We all get sick and some very sick, but maintaining a healthy attitude can make a big difference.

If you want to change your lifestyle to include a healthier approach to 2024, make a plan and start now.

The information highway is enormous, even if you do not have the latest computer, tablet, phone or access to social media.

There is always the library in

your local area to go to for information on how to start exercising.

My second book Tom’s Law Fit Happens is in local libraries and is an easy-to-read, one-stop shop for what to do and how to get fitter. If your local library does not have a copy, ask them to get one or check out the many other informative books.

Getting healthier is not hard if you have the dedication required to work on improving your health and fitness. You can take your time, let it happen slowly, but once you start on your program, don’t stop.

It may be walking, swimming, cycling or one of the more rigorous exercises, but not only will your body be grateful for regular exercise, your mental health will be much better.

Those of you who already have a regular exercise program and eat sensibly will agree with me. Those of you who want to improve, make a start now. Don’t delay.

Tom Law is the author of Tom’s Law Fit Happens.

Visit tomslaw.com.au

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TECHNOLOGY

Hey Siri, make my life easier Asking a device for the time or a weather forecast, or to send a message, may sound futuristic but it’s all happening. EDIN READ explains the value of having a virtual assistant and addresses concerns about privacy.

Y

ou might have heard someone say, “Hey Siri”, “Ok Google” or “Hey Cortana”.

These phrases are used to summon Virtual Assistants on your iPhone, Android, and Windows computer respectively.

Now, if you’ve never used one, you might be wondering just what is a Virtual Assistant.

A Virtual Assistant is a handy tool that allows you to talk to your device and command it to perform tasks and follow directions.

You can ask for many things, including the weather, to reply to text messages, set alarms, and tell you a joke. For example, I use it when I am cooking and need to start a timer while my hands are dirty. To my iPhone, I say “Hey Siri, start a timer for 15 minutes”.

Siri replies, “Starting timer for 15 minutes”, and I can see on my phone a timer starts to count down. No more batter-covered egg timers.

Siri, which is rumoured to stand for Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface, is very handy for day-to-day tasks.

It is there to expedite the tools on your phone. Google and Cortana work similarly, the only obvious difference being the way they’re summoned.

As far as privacy goes with these features, there are some things worth mentioning, however, I strongly believe that this is extremely low risk.

The very act of saying “Hey

Siri” means that your phone is technically always listening. This is true but in reality, it only starts listening for the trigger of those two words. The device only starts actually listening to what you’re saying after it hears this phrase.

And what does it do once it starts listening? It listens as if it’s another human and tries to perform the activity you say.

Siri does collect data to build a profile about you, but Apple says that it is not linked directly to you, that “Siri data is not used to

build a marketing profile and is never sold to anyone” and that “only the minimum data is stored on Siri servers” (From Apple’s Legal Site, on Ask Siri, Dictation and Privacy).

In my opinion, there’s not a lot to worry about – Apple/ Microsoft already has your information from when you use your phone and this doesn’t carry much additional risk to privacy.

As well as setting timers and other basic features, you can make your whole home smart and control it with your voice. At my home, I use Google Home to turn lights on and off, play music, and open and close blinds.

This is all to do with the Internet Of Things (IOT).

Basically, these special devices connect to each other via the internet with Google Home as the hub of it all – just a small speaker device.

There are smart bulbs, motors, and speakers that all work together. Then, I can say to

Google “Ok Google, turn on all lights” and suddenly all the smart lights in my home turn on. I’ve even programmed it for me to say, “Ok Google, I’m having a movie night” and it dims the lights, shuts the blinds, and turns the TV on to Netflix.

I use these features for convenience and accessibility. It means that I am bending and reaching behind cabinets less and less, so I don’t get hurt. For seniors, this is a great modern solution where mobility is an issue.

If Siri or Google isn’t activated by your voice, head to phone settings and set it up. On older iPhones with a home button, long-press it to activate Siri.

Siri, Google, and Cortana are easy ways to make your life easier. Why not ask Siri a question today?

Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors.

Visit greyology.com.au

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Brisbane

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INSIGHT – WILLS AND ESTATES

If you’re feeling left out, a will can be challenged Will disputes are an increasingly common situation being dealt with by the courts. DON MACPHERSON explains that there are many grounds to mount a challenge, but time is crucial.

W

ills can be challenged on many grounds, such as mental incapacity when the will is made, or undue influence or duress imposed on the will maker.

People are living longer, and many have complex family dynamics over their lifetime, such as blended families, and this can provide fertile ground for disagreement about how people are, or are not, provided for in a will.

Many people want to challenge a will on the basis that they have been treated unfairly in a will or left out of a will completely.

There are a number of possible grounds for disputes over wills, but among the more obvious potential claimants are the spouse

or child of a deceased person who feel that they have not been adequately, or appropriately, provided for in a will.

Sometimes they have been left out of a will completely. Sometimes they have been treated unfairly, in their view.

A spouse, child or dependant can make a claim under the Succession Act alleging that appropriate provision has not been made for them in a will.

These challenges to wills are called Family Provision claims and are occurring more and more often.

A claim that the will doesn’t provide appropriately for a person must be commenced within nine months of the will maker’s death. Extensions of time can be given, but only in limited circumstances,

FIVE KEYS TO ESTATE PLANNING MORTALITY is a fact of life and estate planning is something that many don’t think about until it’s too late.

In her book, Legacy: Taking Care of the Most Important People in your Life when you are No Longer Here, estate planning lawyer Melisa Sloan provides a practical and accessibly written guide to getting affairs in order.

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER: Make a will – This is an important part of the estate planning process and allows you to appoint an executor who will administer and distribute your estate in accordance with its instructions. It stipulates how the assets of your estate are to be distributed. Be specific. If you are leaving items to certain beneficiaries, identify each item. Consider how each beneficiary is to receive their inheritance, whether personally or in a trust.

Memorandum of wishes – There may be additional wishes that you would like to stipulate in your estate plan that are not included in your Will. A memorandum of wishes allows you to leave definitive instructions giving invaluable guidance to your executor.

Superannuation – Superannuation is separate to your Will. Superannuation is held on trust by the trustee of your superannuation fund. It is imperative that you provide that trustee with a death nomination, providing a direction stipulating where you would like your superannuation to be paid at the time of your death. The most common nominations are Binding Death Nominations and Non-Lapsing Binding Death Nominations.

Life Insurance – Life insurance can be a very powerful tool in taking care of families and loved ones and is increasingly becoming of value when putting an estate plan in place.

Power of Attorney – Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make financial, legal, guardianship and medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and can no longer make your own decisions. If these are not in place, someone must apply to the relevant state authority to be appointed your guardian and administrator and may not be the person of your choice.

Legacy by Melisa Sloan ($29.95).

and can’t be guaranteed. The only safe way is to make the claim within the time limit, and to not rely on any extension being possible.

In assessing the merits of a Family Provision claim, the court is focused on what is proper and adequate provision for the claimant based on many factors.

These include their relationship with the deceased, the size of the estate, the rights and entitlements of other claimants,

and their own individual needs and financial circumstances.

There are many grounds that may exist for challenging a will, and each case depends on its specific facts. The law is complex, and you should get specific advice about your personal circumstances.

Don Macpherson is an expert in wills, disputes and estate claims at Brisbane Elder Law. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

Don Macpherson is an expert in wills, disputes and estate claims at Brisbane Elder Law. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw. com.au

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IN HOME CARE FEATURE

ROBOTS MOVE IN TO GIVE A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE – By Shirley Sinclair WE may have grown up thinking Robot, the B-9 model environmental control unit in the futuristic Lost In Space, and Rosie – the maid in The Jetsons animated TV series – were fantasy helpers we would never see in our lifetime.

But the age of robots is here. And they are already being used for in-home aged care around the globe, with outstanding results.

Lottie, a free service that helps find the best care homes and retirement living in the UK, reports that technology has progressed to the point where robots can be programmed to help older people with simple tasks such as eating or fetching items (freeing up their time and that of their carers for other more important tasks), mobility and transport (such as getting out of bed), loneliness and their social/emotional needs, as well as setting reminders for medicines, meals and appointments.

This can improve quality of life, and make them feel more independent, happier and confident living alone or with reduced support. And robots are on call 24/7.

Pepper, the world’s first social humanoid robot, is so smart it can recognise faces and basic human emotions, plus hold a conversation. When successfully trialled in care homes in the

UK and Japan, residents reported improvements in their mental health after spending time with the robot.

Dogs, cats and even birds have long helped older Australians combat feelings of loneliness, stress and isolation but sometimes they can be a handful to care for. Robotics companies realised the extra burdens Covid brought to the pet dilemma and created robotic pets to give to residents in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities.

These robotic pets register touch, light and sound, respond to being stroked, recognise words, bark or purr and even have a heartbeat that replicates the real thing – without the need to be fed, walked, washed and groomed or cleaned up after.

However, an article by the Australian Carers Guide stresses the need to be mindful of the impact robotics in aged care can have on human care and relationships.

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of elderly patients was crucial. Care was needed to strike a balance between the advantages of robotics and not undermining the power of human connection that all individuals require.

Like any major change in our lives, only time will tell how robotics will advance the quality of aged care and the needs of the elderly now and in the future.

BE PREPARED ...

WITH most older Australians wanting to age in their own homes, organising support should be a top priority.

Setting yourself up early for support and care at home as you age gives time to make informed decisions and prepare for the changes ahead.

The Federal Government offers funding for support services to help maintain independence, and be comfortable and safe at home.

Services can include personal care, domestic assistance, transport, social support, food preparation, and clinical and allied health and respite care.

Jubilee Community Care Manager of Care Services, Sharon Forbes, says signs of the need to start planning for aged care support include increasing difficulty with household routines such as cleaning; getting to appointments and social activities; memory loss or issues

managing medications; nutritional concerns; or incontinence and other health issues.

Another sign is the level of stress a partner/caregiver may be under.

Ms Forbes said there was often a 12-month wait between applying for aged care support and receiving Government funding to begin services.

Those who do not have the finances to pay for care in the interim can find their independence, health and safety compromised.

“Preparing early and potentially applying to the Government’s My Aged Care really does reduce the stress levels for older people and their family members,” Ms Forbes said.

“When an older person is in crisis after a fall or other personal matter is often too late to prepare adequately.

“Options become much more limited in terms of sourcing a service provider with the availability to provide immediate and ongoing care. It can mean a longer stay in hospital may be required due to a lack of organised support at home, or sometimes a move to residential care may be required earlier than expected” she said.

Jubilee Community Care offers advice on transitioning to aged care and navigating the steps ahead.

Call 3871 3220 or visit jccagedcare.org.au

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IN HOME CARE FEATURE

LYNETTE HITS THE HIGH NOTES OF LIFE FOR 77 years, Lynette demonstrated her musical prowess playing both the classic pipe organ and the modern piano.

Now 92 years old, she began her musical journey at 16, initially honing her skills with classical piano lessons. While the lessons helped and provided a foundation in fundamental keys, Lyn found that classical was not inspirational, and gave them up to pursue self-guided learning.

For nearly five decades, she was the pianist at her local Lutheran Church, not only at regular services but also for events such as weddings and funerals.

Her dedication to music, coupled with a genuine appreciation for bringing joy to others, kept her playing.

When the pipe organ was removed from her church, Lynette was bereft, but with the help of Suncare, she has now joined the Anglican church, which has a pipe organ for her to play at services.

She also plays at various events around her local community.

In 2019, she demonstrated her commitment to the church by independently authoring a history book about the church itself. This took 12 months, but she did it all unassisted, taking the photos, writing the manuscript and getting it printed.

Lyn loves to talk about her passion and her love of the organ and is hoping that by

Your aged care support service Your side, your say Do you get or do you need government aged care services, either in your own home Žƌ ŝŶ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ĐĂƌĞ͍ We support you to access or get the most from your aged care services, understand service charges and fees and have a say in the things that impact you.

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1800 786 227 | suncare.org.au Over 50 years of Making People’s Lives Better February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 25

31/01/2024 2:16:13 PM

BOOKS

RIVER SING ME HOME

By Eleanor Shearer Historical fiction Reviewed by Jan Kent

BEGINNING in Barbados, this novel based on historical facts, follows the extraordinary and powerfully moving journey of Rachel, in her desperate quest to find her children so cruelly taken from her while enslaved.

The announcement of the Emancipation Act of 1834 failed to offer the hope the slaves on cane plantations had longed for, so with courage and desperation, Rachel fled.

The journey takes her through deep forests and across dangerous seas. Her search for freedom will only be successful when those long-lost children are once more in her arms.

Many faces of the Caribbean are vividly described, her companions and adversaries are similarly portrayed in this moving and poignant novel. It celebrates a mother’s tenacity and resilience in the face of extreme hardship and unbelievable cruelty.

This wonderful debut novel by a talented author should leave you emotional and joyful in equal measure.

THE QUEEN’S APPRENTICESHIP

By Tracy Ryan Historical biographical fiction Reviewed by Jo Bourke I DELAYED reading The Queen’s Apprenticeship due to scant knowledge of 16th century history and being confronted by four pages listing characters and roles.

I need not have worried. This historically accurate novel evidenced the unfair treatment of women which still happens today in many countries.

It is a story of power, passion and utter extravagance.

Marguerite de Navarre, sister of Francois I, and their mother Louise of Savoy were the power behind the scenes that saw Francois crowned King of France from 1515.

Although governed by the customs of the day with arranged marriages and pressure to produce children, Marguerite was able to support and protect free thinkers of that period.

This is the first of a trilogy, so my appetite is well and truly whetted to understand more about this period.

THE MYSTERY WOMAN

By Belinda Alexandra – Historical mystery fiction Reviewed by Caitlin Zerafa becomes postmistress in Shipwreck Bay where she expects she can become anonymous in a sleepy little town.

It turns sinister when she learns that her predecessor committed suicide. As well as the town gossips, the local doctor, a violent whaling captain and a corrupt shire secretary put an end to her hopes for a quiet THIS is a brilliant story that is well told. life, and Rebecca is soon caught up in the Set in the 1950s in a fishing village in New Bay’s dangerous mysteries.

South Wales, it touches on a number of Although very different to the White issues – domestic violence, small town Gardenia by the same author which I loved, it politics, whaling and conservation. is a gripping tale soaked in the social mores of I found it impossible to put down. the ‘50s, with a heroine I grew to like along After a scandal in Sydney, Rebecca the way. This is engaging easy reading.

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THE OCEANS BETWEEN US

By Gill Thompson Historical fiction Reviewed by Allison White

DEVICES AND DESIRES

By P.D. James Crime mystery fiction Reviewed

by John Kleinschmidt P.D James is a prolific fiction crime writer, this book being her eighth featuring Commander Adam Dalgliesh, albeit deceptively – the Scotland Yard Commander does none of the investigating, and has only a bystander’s role in solving a series of murders known as the Whistler murders.

Dalgleish who is visiting remote Larksoken to wind up the estate of his aunt who has bequeathed him her cottage, finds the body of Hilary Robarts a victim of the Whistler.

Mystery novels are about solutions, clues and red herrings which are presented to tantalize the reader to find out how the puzzle is solved, but not so much this book.

Blundering detectives find a solution but it is incomplete, like the ending presented to the reader.

A GRIPPING and thought-provoking story that stays in your head long after turning the last page. Molly is injured during the London Blitz and her son Jack is sent to an orphanage and ultimately shipped to Australia. .

It is an emotional journey as Molly never gives up looking for her son, and Jack suffers constant hardship while always hoping his mother will find him.

Having read Sunshine and Oranges, I enjoyed the personal angle inspired by real events in the child migration story. It’s a theme with little room for a happy ending.

The story is totally believable and with references to the Asturias and Bindoon, is a good channel for learning more about child migration and stolen generations. Highly recommended but while it’s easy to read, it is not light reading.

WATER

By John Boyne – Contemporary fiction Reviewed by Rob Dodd

A WOMAN arrives on a small island, rents a cottage, shaves her head, and changes her name. The locals are inquisitive but seemingly sensitive to the fact that their new neighbour needs to be given time. She has left Dublin to live a solitary life, perhaps to reflect and work through some of

the demons swirling through her troubled mind each night. What is Vanessa running from? Over the coming weeks Vanessa – now Willow – carefully strikes up relationships with some of the locals and scandals follow.

John Boyne delivers on difficult themes and a seriously abhorrent subject with the occasional bout of his wit and wonderful storytelling.

Water is the first in a series of four interlinked novellas named after the four elements. You will not put this down. I look forward to reading his next work.

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HEALTH

Keep the neurons on fire and ease into retirement Retirement is not only about having enough money to enjoy the twilight years, but, writes LINDA DRAPER, it’s also about staying physically and mentally fit to make the most of them.

H

ave you thought about how you are going to utilise all that “spare time” including how you’ll keep those neurons firing and stay fit and healthy?

In the years leading up to retirement, many of us focus on the financial aspect, but then we leave work and all of a sudden, we find that we have lost our social network. Our daily routine has gone out the window and we feel like we have lost our purpose in life.

Retirement may have many positive aspects, such as leaving a demanding and/or stressful job where you’ve spent a good part of your day but there may also be adverse effects through the absence of positive benefits derived from employment, including a sense of purpose and/or social activity.

If you’ve recently retired, you are probably realising how important it is to balance your new-found change of pace with the need to have a bit of routine, to stay connected with friends

and to feel like you are still keeping your brain active.

Whether you have goals you want to achieve during your retirement (such as improving your golf handicap) or habits you want to change (such as stop procrastinating) or a new routine you want to implement (such as going to the gym three times a week), it’s important to start by writing down (and looking at often) those goals/ habits/routines that you want to work on.

Have a think about hobbies that you once loved doing, a sport you used to enjoy or

always wanted to play, volunteering and expanding your social network outside of work – maybe join a walking group, craft group, or bowls/golf club.

It’s never too late to start thinking about the nonfinancial aspects of how you will make the most of your retirement so that you can stay physically and mentally fit and healthy, and enjoy spending your kids’ inheritance.

Linda Draper is a mindset coach and kinesiologist at Change Facilitation.

Visit ldraper.com.au

RESEARCHERS SEEK ASSESSMENT PARTICIPANTS PEARSON Clinical is a company that develops tests that are used by allied health professionals, such as psychologists and occupational therapists, to support health and wellbeing throughout life.

Its research team is currently developing the Australian and New Zealand editions of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, fifth edition (WAIS-5); the Wechsler Memory Scale, fifth edition (WMS-5); and the Texas Functional Living Scale, second edition (TFLS-2).

The WAIS-5 measures an individual’s cognitive skills, such as language functioning and problem solving.

The WMS-5 measures the different areas of memory and learning, and the TFLS-2 measures an individual’s functional ability, such as the ability to communicate or prepare food for themselves.

Because these tests were first developed in the US, the research team in Australia needs to adapt the content.

This includes changing the spelling and updating images

to be appropriate for the Australian population.

To ensure each test provides accurate results for Australians, participants are recruited from around the country to take the tests to understand how people typically perform.

Hundreds of Australians aged 16-90 years will participate.

The participation of the 55+ group is essential to ensure the tests provide information for an allied health professional to make informed decisions about cognitive, memory, and functional ability.

Participants complete tests in three sessions. The WAIS-5 involves solving puzzles and defining words. The WMS-5 involves remembering stories and drawing pictures from memory. The TFLS-2 involves practical tasks such as counting money.

Participants complete the sessions with a research partner psychologist in their area.

Visit pearsonclinical.com. au/participant

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27.indd 3

Australian Made // Premium Quality Materials // Up to 15 Year Warran es February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 27

31/01/2024 5:07:39 PM

RETIREMENT LIVING

WHEN IT’S ALL ABOUT LIFESTYLE FOR over 55s, retirement living is an affordable option that provides financial freedom to support an active lifestyle.

The Property Council of Australia’s 2022 Retirement Living Census found retirement living accommodation prices were, on average nationally, 48 per cent cheaper than the median residential price for similar accommodation in a similar area.

For lifestyle, retirement living communities provide social connection, a sense of community, security, and safety, as well as amenities and programs that support wellbeing and good health.

Retirement living in Australia has evolved from a focus on accommodation to lifestyle and wellbeing with tailored amenities and access to health services.

Keyton operates 13 villages in desirable locations around Queensland, offering residents a range of amenities, activities,

UNDERSTANDING THE HOME CARE PACKAGE BUDGET

and services.

“These include social sports and exercise on the bowling green or in the pool and gym, through to gatherings in the clubhouse. Or simply reading in the library and using the craft or games rooms,” Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill says.

“Retirement living really provides something for everyone.”

Book a tour to see the beautiful surroundings and community connection for yourself.

Visit keyton.com.au.

A HOME Care Package helps with health, happiness, and independence, but do you know what the funds can be used for?

A Home Care Package funds a range of services to help you remain in your own home. These include personal care, nursing services, allied health and therapy services, food and nutrition.

Personal care services often involve help with daily personal hygiene and grooming, such as assistance bathing, toileting, washing and drying hair, shaving, dressing, getting in and out of bed or reminders to take your medication.

You can also get help with meal preparation, eating, or even meal delivery.

The funds are available to pay for food preparation and delivery but cannot be used for raw ingredients.

Services to help you stay safe include cleaning and home maintenance, assisted moving equipment, and minor modifications. Cleaning services include

bed-making, ironing, laundry, and general housekeeping. Gardening services can also be covered.

Home Care Package funds can be used to purchase aids to assist with movement, such as walking frames, crutches, or bed rails. and comfort, such as slide sheets and pressure-relieving mattresses.

Minor home modifications addressing care needs, such as easy-access taps and grab rails, are also financially supported.

Transport services can include basic transport to care services, via cab charges or specialist transport vehicles and can also include assistance with shopping.

Social support can include a companion to help with shopping. You can also receive help with setting up phone and internet services, arrange a visitor for social calls, or arrange social activities and events.

Visit trilogycare.com.au or call 1300 459 190.

HEAD FOR THE HEIGHTS OF RETIREMENT

TURN WELLBEING GOALS INTO REALITY

INCREASING numbers of retirees are choosing to downsize to an apartment for affordability, commutability, sustainability, lifestyle, and community.

And no longer are apartments about upstairs neighbours thumping around, lack of storage, small kitchens, and non-functional layouts.

Experience the heights of retirement at its finest aat Rendu Towers, a vertical village in the heart of Newstead, architecturally designed for people over 65.

Spacious open plan living with floor-to-ceiling windows and generous balconies bring the outdoors in, and every two and three bedroom apartment has extensive built-in cupboards and robes.

The inner-city lifestyle offers riverside walks, green spaces, thriving cafes, chic dining, boutiques, theatres, and wine bars.

Every element of Rendu Towers has been designed to encourage its community to come together. The Club Rendu lounge features complimentary refreshments, a fireplace, and opulent indoor and outdoor furniture overlooking a palm tree-lined heated resort pool.

WELLBEING is more than just physical health – it includes a broad spectrum across mental health, social connection, and emotional balance.

The health and wellbeing program at Bernborough Ascot retirement village embraces this comprehensive approach, with innovative programs that aim to elevate the quality of life for residents.

Activities include group meditation, virtual reality travel, dance classes, walking groups, and social events.

One-on-one consultations can be easily arranged with the dedicated health and wellbeing coordinator at the village.

With such an extensive offering, a vibrant resident community, and strong focus on wellbeing, retiring at Bernborough Ascot makes achieving personal wellbeing goals easier.

Located beside Doomben Racecourse, Bernborough Ascot offers an impressive retirement lifestyle, and new luxury apartments are due for completion this year.

The newest offering, Poinciana House, features 53 luxury apartments with a

Complete with a 22-seat luxury cinema, private dining room, dedicated library, chapel, and a wellness room with floor-to-ceiling glass, it is like floating on top of the world.

Owned and operated by Ozcare, a leading not-for-profit provider of aged care services, Rendu Towers is its flagship retirement village. Belong to a connected, supportive community with VIP access to Ozcare services.

The North Tower is sold out and the South Tower is set to open soon. Book a village tour and see why so many retirees call Rendu Towers home. Two-bedroom apartments start from $720,000.

Visit rendutowers.org.au or call 1800 692 273.

choice of spacious three, two and one bedrooms, multiple floorplan designs and various colour schemes.

Meticulously designed by renowned Cottee Parker Architects, each residence integrates style and craftsmanship.

Step outside your home and it feels like a holiday resort, with amenities and services literally at the door.

A private café and rooftop terrace have panoramic city and racecourse views, and the outdoor bar area is perfect for drinks and social gatherings.A state-of-the-art wellness studio features a sauna, gym, and indoor heated pool.

Visit bernboroughascot.com.au or call 1800 550 550.

Memories are read, verses can be said. Candles are lit to light their way, flowers are laid Mem on their the special day. Trimmed and tidied to look their best, for their place of eternal rest.

Grave Thoughts is a specialised flower delivery and gravesite tending service that provides you with the distinctive opportunity to ensure the year-round upkeep of your cherished one’s resting place.

Let our hands become your heart.

gravethoughts.com.au 28 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / February 2024

28.indd 2

Contact C ontact us ....

WE PROVIDE OUR SERVICES WITH THE UTMOST DIGNITY AND RESPECT, COVERING BRISBANE, SUNSHINE COAST, NOOSA, AND GYMPIE AREAS.

Phone: 0406 627 435

Email: gravethoughts22@gmail.com Brisbane

31/01/2024 3:31:30 PM

PETS

OF THE MONTH

THE benefits of pet ownership are well recognised and there are pets who need owners too. RSPCA Queensland has more than 47,000 animals arrive each year – strays, surrenders, rescues, or victims of cruelty. Meet:

CARAVANS WANTED TURBO is a nine-year-old male labrador cross American staffy.

Turbo is in the twilight of life and would love a caring family. A peaceful soul, his life journey hasn’t been easy. He still likes a casual stroll and playtime to keep active and would like a calm home or even a likeminded female companion.

Adopt from Wacol RSPCA, $245.

MORRIS is a five-year-old male domestic short hair. He is a sweet yet shy boy looking for a second chance and a calm home. He likes hidey-holes, cat scratching posts and toys. Shelves and dressers are a favourite napping place and he’s a foodie, especially for chicken. Morris is a fine feline friend who will respond to attention.

Adopt from Wacol RSPCA, $185.

Both are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and health checked.

Wanted to buy, all caravans and motorhomes.

• We come to you • Fast settlement • Finance Paid out If you want a quick no hassle sale please contact Joe for a price 0418 876 395

Call the RSPCA adoption line 1300 364 443 or visit rspcaqld.org.au/apply-to-adopt

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29.indd 3

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 29

31/01/2024 3:34:03 PM

WHAT’S ON

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MAKES ITS BRISBANE DEBUT THE enchanting and timeless tale of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has been brought to life in a reimagined production boasting all the spectacle and grandeur audiences know and appreciate.

From the producers of Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen, it will play in Brisbane for the first time.

Beauty and the Beast is a classic. Based on the 1991 animated film, the original production played for more than 13 years on Broadway and remains one of the top 10 longest running shows on Broadway.

Combining spectacular new sets, costume designs and state-of-the-art

technology with a classic story, the timeless romance of Belle and her Beast is brought to life on stage by a stellar Australian cast, starring Brisbane’s Shubshri Kandiah as Belle, Brendan Xavier as Beast and Rohan Browne as Lumiere.

Brisbane’s Jackson Head will step into the role of Gaston, Cogsworth will be played by Gareth Jacobs and the Gold Coast’s Jayde Westaby is Mrs Potts. Nick Cox joins as Le Fou and Rodney Dobson will play Belle’s father, Maurice.

Babette will be played by Hayley Martin who hails from the Whitsundays and Alana Tranter will play Madame.

HERE’S TO LIFE PROGRAM ADDS CLASSICAL BALLET

Members of the creative team from the original Broadway musical have returned to reimagine the tale.

Olivier Award nominee Matt West directs and choreographs, leading a team that includes original composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, scenic designer Stan Meyer, costume designer Ann HouldWard and lighting designer Natasha Katz.

Best value tickets are for mid-week evening performances and during school terms. Buy four tickets at once and access value seats in mid-week evening performances, saving $20 a ticket in selected price reserves. Groups of eight or more should contact the QPAC groups department 3840 7466 to save.

Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Lyric Theatre. Thursday, February 15 to April 14. Tickets start at $49. Bookings visit beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au

HERE’S to Life focuses on enhancing lives through crafted programs designed for older community members.

And it is now expanding its offerings beyond Cleveland, where classes have been conducted for the past two decades. It will now include the vibrant community of Victoria Point.

Delve into the H2L’s Buff Bones gentle exercise program, indulge in an early morning Jazz with Pizzazz class, or join the lively Dancercise program tailored for those living with disability.

New to the list is classical ballet classes which add a touch of grace and artistry to the diverse range of offerings.

While traditionally associated with grace, poise, and the energy of youth, classical ballet has found a new audience among seniors, proving age is no barrier.

Unlike some physical activities, ballet provides a gentle means of enhancing flexibility, balance, and strength. The structured nature of ballet training fosters a sense of discipline and focus, contributing to physical wellbeing, mental acuity and mindfulness.

Classes have now commenced at the Victoria Point Community Hall, cnr Link and Colburn roads, Victoria Point.

Call Renee 0408 717 342, email admin@herestolife.org.au or visit herestolife.org.au

MUSIC, SONG, DANCE & FUNover 40’s.

r o f s e s s a l c n u f ro f e . d s a s m a l c e u y q r i o n t U c u d Free intro

JAZZ WITH PIZZAZ Learn fun dance routines from Fosse jazz, to modified hip hop, to musical theatre – whatever your taste, we’re sure to cover it.

BUFF BONES®

MAGICAL TAP

SING FOR LIFE

Optimise bone density, balance & strength with this medically endorsed program. Safe for people with osteoporosis.

Get your toes tapping in no time.

Great for circulation and leg strength.

Give rein to your voice and feel the joy of singing with this inclusive group.

DRUM FOR LIFE

Art Therapy/Art/Craft • Drumming/Percussion • Dancercise No one is considered unable to take part, and all participants are actively assisted and encouraged to grow their abilities. And the exciting part is that they do.

Find your rhythm on the African Djembe drum.

Easy to learn and super-fun.

PROGRAMS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH A DISABILITY

Classes are conducted in Cleveland with NEW classes opening in Victoria Point.

For a timetable or further information please email admin@herestolife.org.au or phone Renee on 0408 717 342 to book your free lesson. www.herestolife.org.au 30 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / February 2024

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Brisbane

31/01/2024 3:38:50 PM

WHAT’S ON

ARANA VIEW

WORLDS COLLIDE WITH THE QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FROM melodies as old as time to more contemporary masterworks, worlds collide when the Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns to the Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Under the baton of guest conductor Douglas Boyd, Worlds Collide will be in the Concert Hall, which is renowned in south-east Queensland for its acoustic excellence.

The program includes Harry Sdraulig’s Torrent, a fanfare tense with the chaos of the modern age, while the longing second movement of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante is a glimpse into a bygone era of classical elegance performed by soloists from within the orchestra.

RPAC Concert Hall, Cleveland February 16, 7.30pm. Tickets from $40.

Bookings RPAC Box Office, call 3829 8131 or visit rpac.com.au

ARANA view club members are proud to be part of the Smith Family Learning for Life program.

Members enjoy the company of others while providing necessities for children to reach their potential.

Meetings are at Arana Leagues Club, Dawson Pde, Keperra on the first Wednesday of the month and include a two-course meal ($35). There is a raffle and door prize as well as a guest speaker.

Call Carol 3555 5349.

BRENDALE CLUB TURNS 25 BRENDALE Evening VIEW Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its next meeting on February 20.

There will be a guest speaker as well as raffles, lucky door prizes and birthday cake. Visitors are invited to attend a dinner meeting to see if they would like to join.

On March 8, Brendale Evening VIEW will celebrate International Women’s Day. Coffee and Chat mornings are on the first Saturday of each month, 10am, at White’s Coffee Co., Bracken Ridge Tavern, 153 Barrett St, Bracken Ridge.

Dinner meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 50 Graham Rd, Carseldine, 6.30pm for a 7pm start. It is important to book.

Call Shayne 0409 991 428.

THE AUSTRALIAN TENORS

SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA

REDLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Fri 17 May – 7pm

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED! is looking for people years to take part aged 16 to 90 y in a study on cognition, memory, and daily living skills!

To ensure that our research is representative of the Australian population, it is essential that we include a diverse group of people across this age range, including people 55+.

Participation takes place over three sessions. Session 1 takes 2 to 3.5 hours, session 2 takes 1 to 2 hours, and session 3 takes 30 minutes.

You will do problem solving tasks, puzzles, and answer knowledge questions.

You will also do memory tasks and practical tasks, such as telling time and counting money. These tests are for research and development purposes only.

AS A THANK YOU, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A $100 GIFT CARD FOR SESSION 1, A $100 GIFT CARD FOR SESSION 2, AND A $50 GIFT CARD FOR SESSION 3.

To find out more and apply, visit www.pearsonclinical.com.au/participant If you’re invited to participate, Pearson will connect you with a psychologist in your area who will complete the study sessions with you.

For further questions, please contact the Pearson Research Team at research@pearson.com.au or telephone 03 7065 8533

Participants will not receive any results or feedback.

AN AFTERNOON AT THE PROMS

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

pearsonclinical.com.au

REDLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Sat 22 June – 2pm

BOOKINGS: 3829 8131 or www.rpac.com.au / Ti BOOKINGS Tickets k t $ $76.50 76 50 - $ $99.00 99 00 / B Booking ki ffees: $ $5.30 5 30 b by phone h &$ $6.40 6 40 online li per ttransacঞ ঞon Brisbane

31.indd 3

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 31

31/01/2024 3:40:17 PM

WHAT’S ON

LEADING CHOIR INVITES NEW TALENT TO AUDITION MUSIC lovers with a passion for classical choral music are invited to audition for Queensland’s longest serving chorus, the Queensland Choir.

Auditions will be held through January and February in the quest for new musical talent from the larger Brisbane area.

The Queensland Choir is an opportunity for singers of all ages to participate in choral music at the highest level and to perform works in Brisbane’s best venues with professional soloists and orchestras.

Musical director Kevin Power says that the 2024 concert program offers challenges in the range of music that has been selected.

“The Glorias of Vivaldi, Puccini and Poulenc are all pieces that singers and audiences love and will be sung in Brisbane City Hall,” he says.

Todd’s Mass in Blue offers something a little different to the normal choral repertoire and will be performed in the Old Museum Building.

Bach will be featured with the Cantata 4 and along with Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives will sound wonderful in the Cathedral of St Stephen.

The year will be completed with the Choir’s biannual performance of Handel’s Messiah titled Brisbane Sings Messiah where members of other community choral groups are invited to join the chorus to rehearse and perform in Brisbane City Hall.

“Choir members come from all walks of life, but they share the joy of singing with a community of like-minded souls who thrill to being surrounded by the incredible sounds of a large choir,” Mr Power said.

The choir has weekly rehearsals at New Farm and anyone interested in joining is welcome.

Visit qldchoir.com or call 0407 593 788.

EXPO HAS THE ANSWERS Redland Performing Arts Centre presents

Redland Performing Arts Centre presents

FROM THE STAR OF PEACE TRAIN THE CAT STEVENS STORY

OF CAT STEVENS STARRING DARREN COGGAN

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Worlds Collide

ITS EST HIT GREAT CERT

CON

“Coggan sounds amazingly like Stevens” The Daily Telegraph

WED 21 FEB, 7.30PM Redland Performing Arts Centre

From melodies as old as time, to more contemporary masterworks, distant worlds collide in this stunning program of music.

Fri 16 February, 7.30pm Redland Performing Arts Centre Tickets: $40 - $70 via 3829 8131 www.rpac.com.au

Tickets: $29 – $39 via 3829 8131 www.rpac.com.au Booking fees: $5.30 by phone and $6.40 online per transaction

Booking fees: $5.30 by phone and $6.40 online per transaction

CHOOSING the right time to downsize is a personal decision with many variables.

This month’s Brisbane Retirement Village and Resort Expo can help with the decisions and is the easiest way to learn a lot quickly.

Maybe you wish you had more freedom to travel knowing your home is being looked after or maybe you just want to escape the chores of maintaining the family home. Maybe you are looking to access a more social environment.

Moving to a retirement village or resort might be the best option.

The event is an opportunity to engage face-to-face with retirement community representatives in a casual atmosphere with no sales pressure.

Ask questions and get informed answers relevant to your personal situation.

Broncos Club, 98 Fulcher Rd, Red Hill. Sunday, February 18 and Monday 19, 10am-3pm. Free. Visit retirementexpo.com.au

SAVE THE DATE THE Enoggera and District Historical Society will have a History Day on Sunday, May 26, 10am to 2 pm, at Memorial Hall, 36 Trundle St, Enoggera. There will be 10 interesting, informative and amusing speakers.

Cost $20 includes lunch.

REMEMBER THE DAYS OF CAT STEVENS THE name Cat Stevens brings back a thousand memories with songs the world sang along to, such as Moonshadow, Wild World, Peace Train, Where Do The Children Play, Father and Son, and Morning Has Broken.

Re-live the voice of a generation in a celebration of one of the most inspiring and prolific singer-songwriters of our time, sung with remarkable authenticity by one of Australia’s most exciting artists, Darren Coggan, star of the critically acclaimed production, Peace Train The Cat Stevens Story.

Coggan has been hailed as sounding amazingly like Stevens, and having found a quality of voice which is so close to the original that you would think it is Cat Stevens himself.

He has the same tone and sense of joy and yearning as Cat Stevens.

Following rave reviews across the country, it’s time to get on board the ‘Peace Train’ and Remember the days of Cat Stevens as Coggan traces the path of a man who never stopped wondering about how to make the world a better place.

Following the sell-out success of Coggan’s tribute to John Denver at RPAC in 2023, this will be another unforgettable night.

Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland. Wednesday, February 21, 7.30pm. Tickets from $29 Bookings RPAC Box Office, call 3829 8131 or visit rpac.com.au (booking fees are $5.30 by phone and $6.40 online per transaction).

The Brisbane Retirement Village & Resort Expo

Wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gather information

Sunda 18th Monday 19th February 2024 | 10am-3pm daily Sunday Broncos Le Leagues Club, 98 Fulcher Road, Red Hill | Free Admission

On display will b be the latest resort style developments, as well as established villages from many different organisations, offering a wide rrange of services & facilities, sizes, prices & locations, all under one roof. Don’t miss this wonderful event!

www.retirementexpo.com.au 32 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / February 2024

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Brisbane

31/01/2024 3:45:26 PM

The WORLD in Your Hands

Travel in Your Time

Viva Mexico – it’s not all tequila, salsa and sombreros Mexico is a warm and welcoming country with an enticing combination of history, food and cultures. BRUCE McMAHON adventures into the ancient and colourful villages and landscapes that have yet to be taken over by hordes of tourists.

Colourful streets of Oaxaca city.

T

he story of Mexico stretches back to the Aztecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs, through to Spanish colonials and then independence in 1821. The result is a mix of indigenous foods, ceremonies and beliefs blended with European influences and architecture.

While modern Mexico City boasts wide boulevards, majestic plazas and soaring cathedrals alongside today’s skyscrapers, there are also hundreds of rural villages from mountain tops to seaside plains where old adobe buildings, 16th century churches and horse and carts are still used.

Across city and country there remain ties to ageless days through food and festivals. This is a colorful country of contrasts, best engaged (and best understood) outside the resort complexes favoured by some gringos. Forget the Hollywood versions and explore an

enchanting, multi-faceted country.

The city of Mazatlan, about halfway down the Pacific coastline, offers both old and new. For a more authentic experience check into the old town where well-worn hotels such as La Siesta overlook the ocean and boast the 1950s-1960s history of guests such as authors Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey.

People-watch from a seaside balcony, lie on the beach, wander old and narrow streets to centro historica’s bustling markets for buys from clothes to food to souvenirs. Choose from any number of great restaurants for that night’s dinner (seafood is excellent), and take in the charms of the small Machado plaza on a Friday evening.

Mazatlan sits in Sinaloa, one of 32 states and one known for tales of drug cartels.

Yet this is a safe and sociable city and as one 60-something expat Californian says, she’s far more worried about her daughter’s safety getting home from work in San Francisco each night.

Eating out in Mexico, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, is forever a treat. There’s always a choice and rarely is something too hot in taste.

The Australian dollar isn’t always grand so it can be $A40 for two for a big

One of Mazatlan’s beaches.

breakfast, maybe $A80-plus for dinner.

That’s with a couple of coffees or beers or margaritas. Mexicans aren’t big on wine.

It’s available in fancier restaurants perhaps, and not so much in many eating places. But the beer is always good and cold. (Craft brewery Tres Islas in Mazatlan is worth a longish walk from the beach.)

And there’s always the magic of mescal.

Better be quick if headed to Mazatlan town, as the word is that North Americans are discovering this is a top spot for working remotely and are moving south for a better, cheaper work-lifestyle balance.

There remains a swathe of Mexican cities, town and countryside where travellers have room to move, where there are precious few touristas from outside the Americas. There are beaches, jungles, mountains and desert to explore plus that intriguing edge to Mexico – without the chocolate-box prettiness and piety of Europe which helps sort out the travellers from cruise-liner, group-tour tourists.

Take Oaxaca, a World Heritage listed city and named the Best City in the World in 2023 by Travel and Leisure magazine.

Even during Day of the Dead celebrations, when the city swells with visitors, streets accommodate folk and festivities and fireworks without feeling crowded and without busloads of gringos.

This is a magical city, full of folk art and artisans with ties to age-old traditions such as elaborate, hand-made rugs, wood carvings and pottery.

There’s all manner of accommodation from grand old hotels to bungalows. And there’s plenty to see in strolls around the town. Taxis are cheap enough to head out for a mescal distillery tour, a trip to Mount Alban’s ancient ruins, a visit to the world’s largest tree at Tule or the bustling Sunday markets at Tiacolula (the last one a must for goods from foods to clothes to handicrafts to furniture or simply a great

The rugged beauty of Barrancas del Cobre. day out). Oaxaca is worth it for the food alone, from world-class, new age Mexican with wondrous combinations to street food. It’s aways fresh.

Tomatoes here, in one of their home countries, are full of proper flavour. So too avocados and chilis, so salads and salsas are outstanding. Mexico is also home to the Caesar salad.

There are hundreds of other beaches and cities and villages to explore through Mexico. Mazatlan and Oaxaca and surrounds are just two examples offering up fine slices of Mexican histories, cultures and foods. Hundreds of other restaurants and bustling markets and festivals are also still to be discovered.

For a toe in the water, try Rosarito just over the US border. It’s a little ramshackle in parts but quieter than some other Pacific coastal towns, or Tijuana, 22km north.

Australians don’t need a visa to visit Mexico for up to 180 days but will need a United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for travelling via the US. And yes, there are warnings from authorities about travel there but In seven visits, we’ve never seen any dramas or felt concerned for personal safety. Mexicans are always relaxed and welcoming.

Viva Mexico! As one seasoned traveller exclaimed after her first visit in 2023 – “Mexico, I’ve had you all wrong.”

Visit visitmexico.com

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31/01/2024 3:47:27 PM

TRAVEL

THE Mediterranean conjures up images of glittering water, rocky coves with striped umbrellas, colourful hillside villages, historic sites and chic waterfront bars.

Avoid the crowds, savour the coastline and feast on local cuisine on a cruise with ultraluxury line Silversea, which operates a fleet of stylish, small ships that can navigate tiny ports.

Founded in Monaco and sailing with a distinctly Italian flavour, Silversea’s heritage is Mediterranean, which means it has a unique understanding of the region, its landscapes and

NAVIGATE THE GLOBE GRACEFULLY TRAVEL is a chance to embrace new adventures. Here are some tips for a smooth journey.

Plan Ahead: Start planning well in advance. Research destinations, travel restrictions, and plan an itinerary that suits interests and capabilities. Book accommodation and transport.

Consult your doctor: Ensure you are physically fit for travel and discuss vaccinations.

Choose senior-friendly accommodation: Opt for hotels with elevators, accessible rooms,

ALL ABOARD THE ANNIVERSARY COACH RED and White Coaches is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a range of signature day tours.

The company’s rich history dates back to the Cribb Island Bus Service before the Brisbane Airport was built.

Like Brisbane itself, it has seen many changes, ownership passing from the White family to the Larsen family and now

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and proximity to attractions.

Look for senior discounts.

Stay hydrated and active: Long flights take a toll. Stay hydrated, move around and incorporate light exercise.

Embrace technology: Use travel apps, GPS, and translation tools. Carry a smartphone or tablet to stay connected.

Have currency ready: Organising foreign currencies can relieve the stress of finding a currency exchange overseas or credit card surcharges and fees.

Visit crowncurrency.com.au or call 1300 392 426.

the O’Riordan family which had the Mackay Bus Service during the 1960s and ’70s.

Servicing the Redcliffe Peninsula, Sandgate and various northern suburbs, it offers convenient pick-up locations.

Day tours exploring Brisbane and south-east Queensland, aim to give value for money, with most itineraries including both morning tea and lunch.

Visit redandwhitecoaches. com.au

2024 Tour Program Experience the

Experience best this best thisthe country country hasoffer to offer has to CT TRAVEL Coolum Tours & Travel

Senior Coach Tours including: 9 9 All Accommodation 9 Tours and Entry Fees 9 All Dinners & Breakfasts 9 Most Lunches 9 Home Pickup & Return*

Bookings

PHONE (07) 5391 1648 M 0409 278 971 E tours@cttravel.com.au

www.cttravel.com.au

GO WEST YOUNG TRAVELLERS GO WEST and discover Queensland’s big skies and wide spaces that are packed with history and adventure.

Some areas are household names, others are little out-ofthe-way places with big appeal but often the only discouragement getting to see them is the vast distances.

Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel has solved that with an Outback to Coast tour for 12 days from June 3 – cover the miles in a luxury coach and fly home from Proserpine.

“Sit back and relax as we journey to central west and coastal Queensland,” he says.

“This journey highlights the contrasts of our great state, from outback to coast.”

For a shorter adventure, try a seven-day escape to Carnarvon Gorge and Wallaroo departing May 6, August 22 or September 2.

Wallaroo Outback Retreat captures the magnificence of the Carnarvon Ranges and is the perfect base for day trips.

Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.

APRIL Southern Downs - Autum Colours (4 Days) 2023 Tour Program Great Ocean Road & The Grampians (12 Days) MARCH 2023

MAY Island Explorer (4 Days) Fraser CarnarvonEscape George (4 & Wallaroo O’Reillys Days) (7 Days) Vivid Lights Festival Sydney (8 Days) APRIL 2023

2023 JUNE Autumn Tour (9 Days) High Countryto to Murray Delta (11 Days) Qld Outback Coast (12 Days) Gold Coast Tropical Nth & QldNorthern (8 Days) Rivers (4 Days)

Nth Qld2023 Savannah Way (11 Days) MAY

Norfolk Island (9 Days) JULY 6WDQWKRUSH 7HQWHUȨHOG GD\V

Nth Qld Savannah Way JUNE 2023 Lightning Ridge (7 Days) Red Centre - Adelaide Mystery Escape (4 Days)to Darwin (18 Days) Outback to (1 theDay Coast ChristmasQLD in July Trip)(1 Days) JULY 2023

AUGUST Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) Carnarvon Lightning Ridge

AUGUST Carnarvon 2023 Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days) Cobb & Co 100 Year Celebration – Toowoomba (3 Days) Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) Lightning Ridge (7 Days) SEPTEMBER Fraser Island Whale Watch(7(4Days) Days) Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo

K’gari (Fraser Island) SEPTEMBER 2023Whale Watch (4 Days) ToowoombaGorge Carnival of Flowers(7 (4 Days) Days) Carnarvon & Wallaroo Spring Gardens (10 Days) Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days) Spring Gardens Tour (12 Days)

NOVEMBER

Tasmania (14November, Days) October, December O’Reillys available (4 Days) soon details

*Conditions Apply

CRUISE THE MEDITERRANEAN

culture. Small ships that can access both tiny ports and major destinations, make a Silversea cruise perfect for those wanting to experience the authentic Mediterranean.

Silversea has introduced new ports, new itineraries and a program of immersive culinary adventures through its highly regarded S.A.L.T program.

There’s a classic Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona voyage, or journey from Lisbon to Athens.

A round-trip from Athens has an overnight stay in Istanbul..

Guests aboard Silversea’s all-inclusive, ultra-luxury ships enjoy butler service with every suite, multiple restaurants with diverse locally-inspired cuisine, 24-hour in-suite dining service, complimentary wines, spirits and beverages, onboard gratuities, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Silversea is inviting guests to enjoy savings of $3000 per suite on port-to-port fares and $6000 per suite on door-to-door fares for selected European voyages departing through to April 2026.

Contact a local Travellers Choice agent before February 29 to secure a preferred suite on a Silversea cruise.

Brisbane

31/01/2024 3:51:46 PM

TRAVEL

SLEEP WELL AND ENJOY THE TRIP TRAVELLERS who rely on a CPAP machine for a good night’s sleep don’t have to worry about taking it with them.

Travelling with a CPAP machine shouldn’t add stress. Here are some tips to ensure a restful and stress-free journey: Safeguard the device by packing it securely in carry-on with ample padding.

While most airlines treat CPAP devices as part of carry-on luggage, policies vary, so verify this before departure to prevent any surprises.

Confirm in-flight power supplies for CPAP use with the airline. If not available, pack extra batteries to ensure uninterrupted therapy.

If planning longer travels in areas without power, pack extra batteries or a portable battery bank. The SmartMed AirPro Mini Battery not only powers the CPAP but also keeps other devices charged.

Make sure you have an outlet adapter compatible with the CPAP’s voltage and wattage specifications when travelling internationally.

Hydration matters, especially when it comes to the CPAP humidifier. Opt for distilled water to maintain clean, safe moisture. Avoid tap or bottled water,

which may contain impurities that could harm your device or irritate your respiratory system.

Travel CPAP machines, though compact, aren’t essential. While they’re smaller and lighter, standard CPAP machines work just as effectively.

While not mandatory, carrying a prescription or doctor’s note is advisable when traveling with a CPAP device.

CPAP machines are safe to pass through airport scanners, but be prepared to remove equipment from its case for security checks.

Ensure uninterrupted CPAP therapy for a restful journey and enjoy the trip.

Visit cpap.com.au

*Mention this ad for a $50 discount off your next booking *Not applicable with any other discount

The centre has more than 165 accommodation options in Caloundra, starting from just $500 per week. Call today to speak to one of the friendly staff members or check availability and book online at any time.

Visit caloundraholidaycentre.com.au or phone us on 1800 817 346 for a free 64 page brochure and price list.

SENIOR COACH TOURS MUDGEE - LIGHTNING RIDGE

Tour Highlights: Coffs Harbour, Dubbo Zoo, Warrumbungles, Siding Spring Observatory, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba.

FARE INCLUSIONS: • Accommodation at Lightning Ridge, Dubbo, Goondiwindi • All Dinners and Breakfast • All Admissions to Taronga Western Plains Open Range Zoo, Lightnning Ridge Walk-In Mine, Chambers of the Black Hand, Mudgee Wineries, Siding Spring Exploratory.

HOME PICKUP AND RETURN: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Caboolture.

9 DAY TOUR: 27th April to 5th May, 2024

www.coastalvarietytours.com.au

HERVEY BAY WHALE WATCHING, MARY VALLEY RATTLER & AUSTRALIA ZOO

CANBERRA FLORIADE FESTIVAL

Tour Highlights: Hervey Bay Whale Watching, Mary Valley Rattler and a visit to Australia Zoo FARE INCLUSIONS: • Good Motel Accommodation, Breakfast and Dinners • All Admissions to Australia Zoo, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise, Mary Valley Rattler Heritage Railway, Childers tour of the Old Pharmacy Heritage Centre HOME PICKUP AND RETURN: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Caboolture.

Tour Highlights: Hunter Valley Gardens, Toowoomba Flowers, Blue Mountains, Zig Zag Railway Lithgow, Cowra Cherry Blossoms, Warrumbungle National Park.

FARE INCLUSIONS: • Motel Accommodation • Breakfast + Dinner Daily • All tour admission fees • All included tours HOME PICKUP AND RETURN: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Caboolture.

$2,500 p.p. (inc. GST) TWIN SHARE

4 DAY TOUR: 22nd to 25th August, 2024

$1,550 p.p. (inc. GST) TWIN SHARE

2 Tours / 11 Days: 1: 10/09-20/09/2024 2: 21/09-01/10/2024

$3,150 p.p. (inc. GST) TWIN SHARE

CALL FOR A FREE TOUR BROCHURE

COASTAL VARIETY TOURS

HOME PICK-UP AND RETURN ON ALL TOURS

PH: 07 5530 2363 OR 0419 668 311

Brisbane

35.indd 3

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 35

31/01/2024 3:52:23 PM

EUROPEAN

LUXU RY

SAVE $3,000 PER SUITE ON YOUR NEXT ALLͳINCLUSIVE VOYAGE WITH SILVERSEA^

Explore captivating landmarks and timeless beauty in Europe, preserved for centuries, echoing with the whispers of millennia. Indulge in unparalleled luxury on board with butler service, shore excursions, gourmet dining and premium beverages all included.

Lisbon to Athens Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard Silver Whisper, exploring the mosaic of beauty and turquoise waters in Southern Europe.

Highlights Lisbon • Sevilla • Malaga (Costa del Sol) • Trapani • Valletta • Giardini Naxos (Sicily) • Chania (Crete) • Athens (Piraeus) Cruise departs 15 October 2024

Classic Veranda Suite from $9,950*pp

Reykjavik to Southampton Take a 13-day cruise aboard Silver Spirit, witnessing stunning landscapes, savouring culinary delights and experiencing charming towns in Northern Europe.

Highlights Reykjavik • Patreksfjordur • Akureyri • Husavik • Seydisfjordur • Djupivogur • Greencastle (Londonderry) • Killybegs • Galway • Bantry • Cobh • Southampton Cruise departs 07 September 2024

Classic Veranda Suite from $12,350*pp

Rome to Barcelona Sail on the exquisite Silver Ray, where luxury intertwines with history and coastal beauty for a 11-day cruise in the Western Mediterranean.

Highlights Civitavecchia (Rome) • Livorno (Tuscany) • Monte Carlo • Porto Santo Stefano • Naples • Saint Tropez • Marseille • Porto Mahon • Barcelona Cruise departs 07 May 2025

Classic Veranda Suite from $12,550*pp BOOK WITH YOUR LOCAL TRAVELLERS CHOICE AGENT

NORTH CLAYFIELD TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS - 3862 1215 ࠮ EAST WHY TRAVEL - 3245 6115 WEST TRAVEL MASTERPIECE – 3367 1644 *Conditions apply: Prices are per person based on twin share in AUD & listed inclusions in Classic Veranda Suite. Prices correct as at 10 Jan 24 & subject to change without notice & availability at time of booking. ^Savings of $1,500pp on Port-to-Port All-Inclusive Fares for new bookings made before 29 Feb 24 on select voyages sailing from Jan 24 - Apr 26. Port-to-Port fares are available on select sailings only & exclude Silversea Air Programme & Private Transfers & contain an additional savings, on standard P2P a deposit of 25% is required within 7 days to confirm & 15% is non-refundable from time of booking. Complimentary Standard Shore Excursions are included for all fare codes to a maximum of 1 per person per port, additional fees apply for additional shorex in the same port or Silversea Select/Private Shore Excursions. Promotion is capacity controlled & can be removed at any time without prior notice. Single supplements apply & vary by voyage. Further terms & conditions apply see silversea.com/terms-and-conditions. Further terms & conditions including professional service fees apply. ATAS No. A10430.

36.indd 2

31/01/2024 3:56:10 PM

TRIVIA

With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK CROSSWORD

1. What does the prefix “tetra” mean, as in tetrahedron?

2. In what year did Australia host a summer Olympics: 1946, 1956, 1966?

3. Which European airport has the IATA code MAD? 4. What part of the human body is the specialty of a cardiologist?

5. Which Australian state is the only one south of Bass Strait?

6. In the educational testing program called NAPLAN, what does the final “N” stand for?

7. To which continent is the rhesus monkey native?

8. Where was former premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen born?

9.What kind of living thing is a langoustine?

10. In what branch of learning did Sir Mark Oliphant gain renown?

11. In what musical was the character Grizabella?

12. “Mankini” is a blend of what two words?

13. Complete the saying, “As old as the …”

14. When hydrogen burns in air, what chemical is formed?

15. Which NRL player has the nickname “The Fox”?

16. Which major bank has a stylised “W” as its logo?

17. What animal is on the badge of Peugeot cars?

18. What is -5 (minus five) squared?

19. Which ex-politician is associated with the failed Coolum Resort?

20. Stephen Hawking was a professor of mathematics at what university?

S P E E D S W A N G L E A L L I O E P D A N D E L I O N R A T E R G M P K M T E A G A Z U M P N E A R E A S T I E N T H L C O G E T S S T A R T E R K I T H S E N T T B A S T A R D I S E P A S T T T M E E N R A P R E S I D I O S H A V E R U A E L P I U T R A N K S T E A R A W A Y S C E O N S N Y S H A R O N D E S I S T

SUDOKU (EASY)

8 2 9 4 6 7 1 5 3 3 4 6 1 8 5 2 7 9 1 7 5 3 9 2 4 8 6 5 1 2 6 7 9 8 3 4 4 6 3 8 2 1 7 9 5 7 9 8 5 4 3 6 1 2 9 8 4 7 3 6 5 2 1 6 3 1 2 5 8 9 4 7 2 5 7 9 1 4 3 6 8

SUDOKU (MEDIUM)

6 1 8 2 9 5 7 4 3 2 3 9 7 6 4 1 5 8 7 5 4 3 8 1 9 2 6 8 4 5 9 3 7 6 1 2 9 6 1 8 5 2 3 7 4 3 7 2 1 4 6 8 9 5 5 8 6 4 1 9 2 3 7 1 2 3 5 7 8 4 6 9 4 9 7 6 2 3 5 8 1

CODEWORD Cellulose fibre

S D K Y H U V X N MW F B 14

15

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WORDFIND

26

C T P Z O A GQ E I J L R 3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

BRAND, BLAND, BLOND, BLOOD, FLOOD, FLOOR There may be other correct answers

deed, dele, deled, delt, delve, delved, devote, devoted, DEVOTEDLY, dole, doled, doley, dote, doted, dove, dyed, dyelot, eddo, eddy, eely, eyed, leet, levy, lode, love, loved, lovey, teddy, teed, toddle, toed, toey, tole, toyed, veldt, veto, vetoed, vole, volte, vote, voted, yodel

1. Four; 2. 1956; 3. Madrid; 4. Heart; 5. Tasmania; 6. Numeracy; 7. Asia; 8. Dannevirke, New Zealand; 9. Relative of lobster; 10. Science (physicist); 11. Cats; 12. Man and bikini; 13. Hills; 14. Water; 15. Josh Addo-Carr; 16. Westpac; 17. Lion; 18. 25; 19. Clive Palmer; 20. Cambridge.

Q Queen size SLAT BED S ((Acacia) King size Bedside Tallboy Dresser

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2

WORD STEP

ANDELLE A

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1

9-LETTER WORD

FANTASTIC SAVE UP TO FEBRUARY %

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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Brisbane

37.indd 3

February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 37

31/01/2024 3:57:01 PM

PUZZLES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

CODEWORD

No. 3032

6

7 8

10

9

11

12 13

14

15 16

17

18

19

20

21 22

23 24

25

26

27

Across 1 Races went to the ladies, say, in middle of lesson (6) 5 Use craft to get west TO lSH 9 Fellow acquiring an establishment that sells food and weed (9) 10 One who assesses stock of corporate raider (5) 11 Areas located in clear region of Arabic-speaking countries (4,4) 12 ,OOK BRIEmY AT JUDGE TO bypass a deal to make more money (6) 14 Leading person arranged trek with IT equipment crucial to initial success (7-3)

28

15 Guests not bound to American contracts (4) 17 Most of Italian dish is lNISHED 19 A celebrity, found in bed, is awfully corrupt (10) 22 Youngster has disturbed churchman in retreat (6) 23 Die is fashioned in professional military post (8) 25 Classes looked after empty knapsacks? (5) 26 Green in tea, say, distracted rowdy people (9) 27 Division understated by old Israeli politician (6) 28 Stop sides beaten by time (6)

Down 2 Pagan cultivated each piece of ground before subdivision (7) 3 People involved in steel re-engineered essential factors (8) 4 Slender youngsters run in team race (10) 5 (AVE A mUTTER AND WIN OVER a thousand (4) 6 Ordinary types from Taiwan or Malaysia (6) 7 Cutlet prepared with last slice of the salad vegetable (7) 8 0OST /FlCE LOCATED in new superstore, is incredible (12) 9 (AND PASS ) JUGGLED BEFORE punt is sweet stuff (6,6) 13 Bury line in employee’s property away from the coast (10) 16 Wrongfully enter resort secured with lock (8) 18 Faithful aunt worked in school (7) 20 People, ones not involved with Indonesians (7) 21 Characters locked up inside create a serious problem (6) 24 Upmarket English school upset celebrity (4)

2024 Great Australian Dream Tour LINDSAY BUTLER FINAL NATIONAL TOUR 40 DAY TOUR & 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF 23rd May - 30th June, 2024

1

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leftover letters will WORDFIND The spell out a secret message.

F B No. 079

ACACIA

LARCH

ASPEN

LAUREL

BIRCH

MAHOGANY

CAMPHOR

SANDALWOOD

CEDAR

SASSAFRAS

CHERRY

SPRUCE

CHESTNUT

WALNUT

CYPRESS EUCALYPTUS HICKORY

The Great Western Play & Stay Musical Tour 2024…

IN OUR 12TH YEAR 23rd Sept - 3rd Oct, 2024

LBS MUSIC PARTNERSHIP

$13,200

$3,500 per person

PER PERSON Bus, Bed, Breakfast, Nightly Meals & Entertainment

Bus, Bed, Breakfast, Nightly Meals & Entertainment 11 Day Musical Tour with 12 Country/Western, Rock n Roll Artists onboard.

Taking in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, SA, NT

Major Tourist Attractions Daily ($1,000 DEPOSIT REQUIRED)

No. 079

SEE THE OUTBACK LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE!

For more information or enquiries please contact GREG & DONNA ROSS. PH: (07) 4129 7132 OR 0427 297 132 e: rossbuscharters@bigpond.com www.ganddrossbuscharters.com.au 38 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / February 2024

38.indd 2

Brisbane

31/01/2024 3:59:33 PM

PUZZLES

9-LETTER WORD

Today’s Aim:

L

24 words: Good

E

D

39+ words: Excellent

V

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

WORD STEP 1

Those who derive pleasure from INmICTING PAIN 5 &ORMER KINGDOM IN NORTHERN 'ERMANY 9 7ORSEN 10 Refrain from ENFORCING 11 /F THE EYE 12 0REHISTORIC STONE MONUMENT 14 ! POETIC UNIT OF THREE LINES 15 !DMIRERS 19 'AME CONSOLE 20 -IDDLE %ASTERN COUNTRY

24 )NDIAN TERM for a woman in A POSITION OF AUTHORITY 25 )NTERNAL ORGAN 27 &OSTERS 28 )NCAPABLE OF BEING SEEN 29 (ECKLES 30 $ETERMINATION

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

4IME OF THE YEAR Carved wooden WATERCRAFT /CEAN #ICATRIX $ISTRICT GOVERNED

BY A PREFECT

6 7 8

/PEN #URVED SWORD 3EMI PRECIOUS STONE 13 %XERCISES 16 #ONTRADICTORY OR INCONGRUOUS PHRASE 17 One who shares ACCOMODATION 18 &IERCE STORMS 21 "ONDMAN 22 3MALL RODENT 23 3TERNUTATION 26 !LLEGE AS A FACT

Level: Easy

No. 937

9 4 7 1 4 6 1 2 7 9 5 1 7 3 2 7 4 1 2 3 2 1 8 9 4 7 9 4 3 8

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

ACROSS

Every row, column and 3x3 outlined square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 once each.

8

O

E

D

SUDOKU

30 words: Very good

T

Y

No. 079

Level: Medium No. 079

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.

BRAND

_____ _____ _____ _____ FLOOR

No. 938

1

7 6 4 1 8 7 1 2 8 4 9 1 8 2 7 6 9 5 8 4 7 1 3 5 7 7 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters Pty LTD. pagemasters.com

February 2024

ALL V WA

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consignacar.com.au February 2024 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 39

31/01/2024 4:00:01 PM

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40.indd 2

1/02/2024 8:59:03 AM