PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE Issue 10 Vol 8 • October 2018 €2.00
FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL Jobs to do in the garden in October
Take your walking workout to the next level
What physicians wish patients knew
THELMA
DIY Spa: Beauty on a budget
MANSFIELD WIN! SWAPPING THE MICROPHONE FOR THE PAINTBRUSH
ISSN 2009-8936
2 NIGHTS BED & BREAKFAST FOR TWO PEOPLE AT THE ABBEY & CENTRAL HOTELS, COUNTY DONEGAL
. . . . See inside for details
CONTENTS T HE year is rolling on and the Brexit negotiations are tense. England seems to be in political turmoil and there are talks about a possible Second Referendum. Here everybody is looking forward to a favourable budget and it looks like the main parties to the confidence and supply will remain glued together for some time yet. It seems ages since Thelma Mansfield appeared on our TV screens and more’s the pity. Currently she enjoys life in her home in Dublin and her holiday home in Connemara. Life isn’t always bliss, however, for the former TV presenter – her beloved husband, Johnny Morris having Parkinson’s disease. As an artist she has a busy life and is always on the look-out for inspiration. She talks a lot about her garden which provides plenty of that. Our writer, Tara King, quoted from Henri Matisse when he remarked: “Creativity takes courage”, as this accurately described Thelmas’s decision to discontinue a career in TV and after RTE cancelled Live at Three, the popular show she co-presented with Derek Davis. But she has transformed her lifelong passion for art into a hugely successful career. This and caring for husband, Johnny, now takes up most of her time. She talks about this but primarily her love for the countryside and nature. In addition to her busy life, she is also an ambassador for the Marigold Festival, run by Active Retirement Ireland and sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care. This event promotes a positive approach towards ageing by encouraging participation in sports and various other activities. Thelma herself in a fine example of somebody who ages positively. Lots of people take spa treatments to remain healthy and active but these can sometimes be expensive. But we take a look at some wallet-friendly pampering that can be achieved from ingredients found in your cupboard. Apart from saving you money these home-spa treatments can be good for your body and the environment. Long before The Great British Bake-off women have taken pride in their baking. Women in the ‘fifties prided themselves not just in turning out out fabulous creations but providing good tips for saving money instead. Many fine tips have been compiled into a book by author Steve Finan and when we look at the efforts of modern Bake-Off enthusiasts to avoid a “soggy bottom” we will see how no one knew better than the ‘fifties housewife on how to avoid this. We look at how the stresses of the current millennials compare with the baby boomers? Was life easier a generation age or just simpler? Households are spending more than they earn, they struggle to get on the property ladder and complain they’ll never be able to afford a decent pension. But there’s more to this story . . . as you’ll discover in this issue.
Congratulations to Molly O’Neill from Clones, Co Monaghan, Who was this month’s winner of the breakaway to Galway Bay Hotel. Editorial: Seamus Casey seamus@matureliving.ie
Sales: Alan Gaffney alan@matureliving.ie
Design: Stephen Finney steve@matureliving.ie
Sales: Jackie Cremin jackie@matureliving.ie
OCTOBER 2018
4
IT’S TRUE: YOU’RE ONLY AS OLD AS YOU FEEL
8
ACTIVE RETIREMENT IRELAND RESEARCH SHOWS IRELAND IS BECOMING LESS AGEIST
10
THELMA MANSFIELD - SWAPPING THE MICROPHONE FOR THE PAINTBRUSH If heaven on earth exists, it’s fair to say it can be found in Thelma Mansfield’s wildflower garden. Having enjoyed many an idyllic summer at her grandparent’s home in Kerry’s Ballymac, the former RTE presenter turned artist has always strived, and quite successfully one should add, to recreate the elements of the one feature that helped make those memories so special – the wild flower meadow.
14
ALCOHOL IS WORSE FOR YOU THAN YOU THOUGHT, STUDY SAYS
15
ME EXERCISE? REALLY? WHY???
16
THE DOCTOR DIARIES: WHAT PHYSICIANS WISH PATIENTS KNEW
18
FASHIONABLE READING GLASSES – NECKGLASSES
20
KIDS AT RISK? GRANDPARENTS TO THE RESCUE!
22
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST EARRINGS FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE AND MORE!
24
9 WAYS TO TAKE YOUR WALKING WORKOUT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
26
DIY SPA TREATMENTS: BEAUTY ON A BUDGET
28
JOBS TO DO IN THE GARDEN IN OCTOBER
32
TECH OUT YOUR RIDE! 4 New Features That Will Make Life Easier Behind The Wheel
34
BOLIVIAN WOMAN MIGHT BE WORLD’S OLDEST AT NEARLY 118
36
WHO HAS IT WORSE, THE MILLENNIAL, 30, OR THE BABY BOOMER, 60? Daughter who fears having children because it looks ‘stressful’ and her mother who complains she ‘never had a career’ go head-to-head.
38
COMPETITION
47 60 62
HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS SERVICE DIRECTORY ANGELSCOPES
Published by: IBS Publications Ltd Riverview House, Barrett Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. F26 K2E0 Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo. F91 NX0T Tel/Fax: 071-9154538 / 096-77743 Web: www.matureliving.ie • Email: info@matureliving.ie
The information in Mature Living is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are not necessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice.
It’s true: You’re only as old as you feel
ALDERS E H T Self Catering Accomodation - Co. Roscommon
F
eeling young at heart may actually affect how your brain ages too. Recent research reported that older adults who felt younger than their years displayed more grey matter in key brain regions than their peers with less youthful feelings. The results of the study, which is the first to link the brain’s ageing process with subjective age (selfperception of ageing), come as no surprise to University of Limerick Professor Billy O’Connor, who has a particular interest in brain research. “Probably the greatest discovery of this generation is that the individual can alter quality of life by altering attitudes, and the Seoul National University findings show that this change extends all the way into our brain to change its very structure,” he tells Feelgood The study, which involved using MRI brain scans to measure grey matter volumes in brain regions among participants aged 59-84 years, also found that those who felt younger than their chronological years scored higher on memory tests, considered their health to be better, and were less likely to report depressive symptoms. These findings add to the increasing scientific evidence that each person can consciously change their brain wiring and that we are not at the mercy of genetically predetermined (inherited) modes of thinking, attitudes and beliefs, says the UL professor. The Seoul researchers need to carry out more long-term work to explore the cause and effect link between subjective age and the brain — not least whether feeling younger means older people have healthier lifestyles, which also affects brain health. Such exploratory research is a far cry from the belief we held, up to the early 2000s, that our brain structure was fixed once we reached our late 20s. “This finding that the brain is capable of changing its structure in Page 4 | Mature Living Magazine
This delightful bungalow is situated on the outskirts of the village of Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon.
SPECIAL MIDWEEK OFFER 3 Nights for just €250 Sleeps 6 • Self Catering
ELEVATED LOCATION WITH WHEELCHAIR ACCESS. Local attractions include: Lough Allen on the River Shannon, Lough Arrow, Kilronan Castle, Lough Key forest adventure centre, Sligo Town, Carrick-on-Shannon and the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. There really is something for everyone when based in this comfortable bungalow.
response to thoughts, attitudes, emotions, and behaviour is called neuroplasticity and we now know that neuroplastic changes occur throughout life,” says O’Connor. This offers us a more positive perspective on the ageing process, of course, but how much of it can we control ourselves? “The mind is our basic psychological template and is in effect, the brain in action. One way of understanding this is to imagine the brain as a car parked in the driveway, while the mind is what happens when you put the key in the ignition and take the car out for a drive,” says O’Connor. “How empowering that drive becomes depends on the skill of the driver; our self-image is the biggest factor in determining our quality of life, but unlike the car, the brain is plastic and changes with experience. It seems if we have a selfimage of ageing that is negative, then it’s not unlikely that it will affect our brains too. “A lack of a positive selfimage explains why a significant minority of patients are no happier after cosmetic surgery than before, even if disfiguring scars and other malformations had been removed however excellent the cosmetic work. A positive self-image is the golden key to a positive life, and a healthy brain,” he says. “The self-image is value neutral — it does not care if it is empowering or if it is
destructive, but will form itself simply according to what psychological food it is fed. We can either create an image of the self that can accommodate health, vigour and calmness or we can stick with a defective one that can’t even get us out of bed in the morning.” A positive self-image does not happen by accident — it must be thought about, manufactured, and selfdirected, and neuroplasticity is the concept that allows this to happen — for us to control how we want our brains to work, he points out. But what about someone who has been dealt a bad hand in life? “Experimental and clinical psychologists have established beyond doubt that the brain is not great at telling the difference between an actual experience and one imagined in full and vivid detail. “This means that positive images of the self can replace negative ones, despite what happened in the past,” says O’Connor. “The Seoul National University findings add to the increasing evidence that we can influence brain structure by consciously deciding where to focus our attention — and guided by the quality of our thoughts and attitudes — which in turn, cause corresponding areas in the brain to grow or change, by adding a tiny fraction of the brain’s neural circuitry and eliminating old ones. In this way, we don’t just think our thoughts we become them.”
Accommodation also avilable at The Tailors @ Shivnan’s Bar, Ballyfarnon
Contact Mary on 086-2527627
Crozon park, Sligo • www.thecrozoninn.com
Open 7 days a week, from 12pm Daily lunch, early bird, evening and traditional Sunday lunch menu. All live sports showing Large private Function room available Catering to all sizes of Funeral Parties
We specialise in the designing,manufacturing and erecting of uniquely crafted headstones in granite various colours at the most competitive prices. All our work is fully guaranteed.
Distance is no object - we can erect a headstone anywhere in Ireland.
Telephone 096 77741 /087 6906726 or visit us at www.nephinheadstones.ie Car!aun, Castleconnor, Ballina, Co. Mayo
NEWS
Can you name the man in the photo? McGann Family Home Care Services, is an in-home service provider, which assists individuals to lead dignified and independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Our business is designed to provide a unique all-in-one service to residents in Mid Leinster (Kildare, Wicklow and surrounding counties).
The services provided are varied and encompass: • Routine housework • Serving as companions • Personal Care • Handy Man Services • Assisting with toileting
McGann Family Home Care Services is a registered homecare provider for the HSE
Telephone:087-2054857 1665 Páire Mhuire, Newbridge, Co. Kildare www.mcgannfamilyhomecare.ie Email:mcgannbridget@eircom.net
AVE MARIA NURSING HOME is a small family run country nursing home set in the village of Tooreen in heart of east Mayo.
Research is at present been undertaken by Yvonne Ahearn-Kevany on the Muffeny/Ahearn family during the late 1800’s. The above photograph was taken at The Font, Arthur Street (now Teeling Street) Ballina around 1900. If you can name the man in the above photograph at the Vaughan Jackson Memorial Font, Ballina please telephone Yvonne at 0871278987 or email ykevany@gmail.com
OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR AGE & OPPORTUNITY’S BEALTAINE FESTIVAL – 2019 TOUR FUNDING AVAILABLE Are you looking for an opportunity to participate in the Bealtaine festival? The call for tours in 2019 is open to all art forms, inviting producers across all disciplines including visual arts, dance, theatre and music to submit proposals for consideration by the Bealtaine Festival. More details on our Bealtaine Festival website here: http://bealtaine.ie
Another wonderful National Bowls Competition This year we had our first real taste of Pickleball with Pickleball Ireland. It was a smash hit. Congratulations to our bowlers, including Plate Winners Suir and Active Virginians and our Cup Champions Tullow and Cooley!
Providing a home away from home environment for people who want their independence yet want the security and companionship of other people.
Phone: 094-9639999 / 086-8051362 (Anne) Email: avemarianursinghome@gmail.com
Self Catering Holiday Accommodation in the West of Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way
Our Holiday Homes are cosy, comfortable individual properties located in quiet rural settings near the villages of Mullagh and Quilty in the West of County Clare, near the Atlantic Coast. The central location on the West Coast is ideal for visting all the sights the area has to offer - from the Burren region and the Cliffs of Moher in the North to Loop Head Peninsula in the South.
Call Tim 065-7087179 or 087-2398236 www.clarecountrycottages.com
Support to persons bereaved by suicide Practical support & information concerning: - The Funeral - The Inquest - Entitlements - What to say to Children - How to deal with Neighbours - Help to clarify your personal grief - Connect you to other support services in your area - Provide info on Suicide and attempted Suicide - Be there, as a Friend, for you
A suicide outreach support person is available to help you Contact the Donegal “Living Links” Support Co-Ordinator on 087-9286007
Page 6 | Mature Living Magazine
NEWS
Brindley Healthcare announces ambitious growth plans, aims to have 1,000 nursing home beds by end of 2019
R
esidential care group purchases Ashley Lodge in Kildare, supported by Ulster Bank June 2018 Brindley Healthcare, one of Ireland’s largest, privately-owned nursing home groups, has announced the acquisition of Ashley Lodge in Kildare. The acquisition brings to seven the number of HIQA registered residential care centres owned and operated by the company in Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kildare. Brindley currently has over 400 nursing home beds and aims to increase this number to 1,000 over the next 18 months, with the support of a €25m finance facility from Ulster Bank.
Founder and CEO of Brindley Healthcare, Amanda Torrens said:“Brindley Healthcare is one of Ireland’s largest privately-owned nursing home groups. We are proud of the important role we play in the lives of our residents and their families and we take this role very seriously. Our acquisition of Ashley Lodge in Kildare is the next step in our ambitious growth plans and we are delighted to have the support of Ulster Bank as we seek to expand further to meet the needs of those in residential care.” Eddie Cullen, Managing Director, Commercial Banking Division, Ulster Bank said: “Ulster Bank is a strong
supporter of the residential care sector in Ireland and Brindley Healthcare is a significant part of that, with seven nursing homes and plans for 1,000 nursing home beds over the next 18 months. Our sectoral experts listened to Brindley’s specific requirements and tailored finance to meet their unique needs, while also offering advice and support on future expansion plans. Like Ulster Bank, Brindley is an important part of the communities it serves so it made sense for us to support their growth plans. We look forward to building on our strong relationship in the future.” Brindley Healthcare has
also formally appointed a new board, with Noel Daly as Chairman (former CEO An Bord Altranais and currently Governor of NUI Galway) and Tom Beegan as a NonExecutive Director (former CEO of Health & Safety Authority and former Deputy CEO South Eastern Health Board). The new Board and the existing management team will create one of Ireland’s largest healthcare service providers that has care and corporate governance as its core value. The funding and acquisition process was supported by Neal McGroarty (PKF O’Connor, Leddy & Holmes) and Neil Keenan (Byrne Wallace).
Active Retirement Ireland research shows Ireland is becoming less ageist Ireland is improving when it comes to ageism in the community, according to new research carried out by Active Retirement Ireland, the country’s largest older people’s organisation. However, there is still work to be done on ingrained attitudes about growing older, the organisation said. Speaking AT the 40th anniversary celebration of Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association – Ireland’s first retirement association – today (07.09.18), Maureen Kavanagh, CEO of Active Retirement Ireland, said: “It’s clear Ireland is becoming more age-friendly, as our research indicates, but there is still a pervasive element of casual ageism in our society that we need to tackle.” Research Findings For its qualitative research report, ‘Towards an Age-Friendly Ireland: Ageism and Older Peo-
ple in 2018’, Active Retirement Ireland asked 100 members – randomly selected from its 545 groups nationwide – a series of questions about their lived experience of ageism. Participants ranged from 50 to 92 in age. Key findings included: * 34 per cent of respondents had experienced mild casual ageism on a regular basis, such as family members, acquaintances or professional contacts making assumptions about their interests based on their age. * 42 per cent had direct experience of health-related ageism. * 43 per cent had experience of being grouped as “older people, the elderly, seniors, or similar” in a negative fashion. * 19 per cent have felt humiliated or hurt by comments about their age. On a positive note, the report indicates older people are less likely to experience institutional ageism in healthcare settings. “Only 22% of older people
A1 shutters & doors Manufacture & Install all kinds of Garage Doors, Roller Shutters and Industrial Doors
said they had experienced ageism in a healthcare environment,” said Ms. Kavanagh, “This is a welcome development, and shows doctors and other healthcare professionals are taking the problem of ageism seriously. “Another positive development is that only 19 per cent of those surveyed indicated they have felt humiliated or hurt by comments about their age. While it is troubling that one-fifth of older people have had some negative experiences, this is down from 36 per cent in 2008. “In addition, when asked if they had ever been targeted for suspicious products or services, either in person or online, because of their age, 77 per cent of respondents said such scams have never affected them. This is in line with 2014 research that dispels the popular belief that older people are disproportionately targeted by fraudsters.”
Community Initiatives Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association also heard from Ireland’s Age-Friendly Cities and Counties Programme at its Ruby Gala today. According to Ms. Kavanagh, community initiatives such as this are responsible for Ireland’s changing attitudes. “While there is still work to be done on some of the more pervasive aspects of casual ageism, it’s clear that groups such as Older People’s Forums and Active Retirement groups, with their do-it-yourself attitude of empowerment, are doing great work to combat ageism,” she said. “Our Government has pledged to make Ireland the best small country in the world in which to grow old, but it’s communities that are making this happen.” The research report launched by Active Retirement Ireland is available to download from tiny.cc/ageismreport.
Mention this advert for an Exclusive Discount
GARAGE DOORS €595 Installed
(plus VAT)
Eric: 01-8497399 • Mob: 087-7654979 • Email: a1.shutters@hotmail.ie • www.a1shuttersanddoors.ie Page 8 | Mature Living Magazine
“Leading the way in Residential Care”
• FULL TIME RESIDENTIAL CARE • SHORT TERM RESPITE CARE • DAY CARE •24 HOUR NURSING CARE
• Convalescent Care (approved by Garda Medical Insurance Scheme & Prisoner officer Schemes, VHI, Laya Healthcare, Aviva etc.) • Registered with HIQA and approved under the Nursing Home Support Scheme (‘Fair Deal’) • Special Services such as Hair and Beauty Treatments
Brindley Healthcare currently operates 6 purpose built registered care homes in Ireland: Brentwood Manor Letterkenny Rd, Convoy, Co Donegal Telephone: 074 91 47700
Brindley Manor Letterkenny Rd, Convoy, Co Donegal Telephone: 074 91 47000
Beach Hill Manor Lisfannon, Fahan, Co Donegal Telephone: 074 93 20300
Oughterard Manor Camp Street, Oughterard, Co. Galway Telephone: 091 866 946
Brookvale Manor Hazel Hill, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Telephone: 094 96 31 655
Mill Lane Manor Sallins Road, Naas, Co Kildare Telephone: 045 87 4700
Call our dedicated advice line for more information: 1890 25 33 77 www.brindleyhealthcare.ie • info@brindleyhealthcare.ie
BY TARA KING
THELMA MANSFIELD SWAPPING THE MICROPHONE FOR THE PAINTBRUSH
Page 10 | Mature Living Magazine
I
F heaven on earth exists, it’s fair to say it can be found in Thelma Mansfield’s wildflower garden. Having enjoyed many an idyllic summer at her grandparent’s home in Kerry’s Ballymac, the former RTE presenter turned artist has always strived, and quite successfully one should add, to recreate the elements of the one feature that helped make those memories so special – the wild flower meadow. When Thelma spoke to Mature Living, she recalled the memory that fuelled the inspiration behind the gardens at her home in Dublin and her holiday home in Connemara. “At the back of my grandparents’ little cottage was this huge field - a meadow with wild flowers and it was absolute heaven. Magic!” Thelma recalls. “I have been always trying to achieve that wild flower meadow myself in our house in the west of Ireland. I remember running through that meadow when I was a child, and it was always beautiful weather. I don’t remember it ever raining in Kerry when I was younger. Of course that’s an adult’s memory of their childhood!” Thelma adds, “My grandad had a goat, and Mum always
drank goat’s milk. I didn’t like the smell of it, so I didn’t drink it, but that little goats milk jug was the only thing I ever wanted to keep because it brought back such beautiful memories. My grandparents also had a donkey, and we have some beautiful pictures of my sister Louise on the donkey. She had these gorgeous blonde curls, which I think I cut off one Christmas. I don’t know my mother ever forgave me for that. My grandparents had a pony as well. I remember going into Tralee on the pony and trap with my grandad holding the reigns. In fact, my husband, for my 40th birthday, bought me a beautiful trap with leather and corduroy buttoned cushions that go own along the benched seats on the trap. I also had the most stunning harness, but we didn’t have the right size pony for it, so we used to borrow a donkey – I think her name was Maggie. We’d take Maggie out and be on the road for hours. When I got the trap, traffic wasn’t so bad, but now, you daren’t go out. I know the jarveys do it, but I wouldn’t. Far too dangerous.” As an observant artist, Thelma is always on the lookout for inspiration, and her garden provides a plethora of artistic stimulation. She adds, “In my own garden, there is so much; Wisterias, fruit trees, olive
trees, and on the olive trees, I have bird feeders filled with peanuts and sunflower hearts. I don’t put out any of the wild bird seed because it will grow weeds all over the garden. I had my garden designed so that it has as little labour as possible because of our age, and also, I haven’t got a great knee, so I can’t do too much kneeling. I do get a whole myriad of wonderful birds in the garden. Having wildlife in the garden, encouraging butterflies, bees and hoverflies, is essential for me. In my studio, I have lemon and orange trees but in the garden itself, I have figs, pears and loquats, which are bigger than kumquats. We had a crop of about 200 figs this summer! It’s not a huge garden, but it’s big enough for us, for the dogs to enjoy and the grandchildren to run around when they come visit. Wherever I look, I see beautiful leaves, trees and bird life which I love.” As any creative will testify, Henri Matisse wasn’t wrong when he once remarked, “creativity takes courage.” Thelma certainly put those famous words into action when she decided against further pursuing a career in TV after RTE cancelled Live at Three, the much loved show she copresented with Derek Davis. Instead she swapped the
microphone for the paintbrush and transformed her lifelong passion for art into a hugely successful career. While her artwork is something she adores, her main priority, understandably, is caring for her husband, Johnny Morris. Johnny, who was once a keen falconer and esteemed photographer, hails from the distinguished Morris family of Galway and is the twin brother of the renowned horse trainer, Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris. “Painting wouldn’t be the only thing that keeps me busy,” Thelma explains. “Caring for my husband would be the main thrust of my daily routine. Johnny has Parkinson’s and heart disease; it’s been ongoing for a long time, 16 years, so it is a challenge for both of us but I’m a very optimistic person and I would always wake every day enthusiastic and optimistic. I start every day in the right frame of mind.” She adds, “With the right psychology, you can have a relatively good life together. We were doing an amazing clearout of his office which sounds terribly boring and dull, but it’s been really good fun because we’ve been coming across things we hadn’t seen for years. Johnny was a brilliant photographer, so we’re going through masses of photographs.
Page 11 | Mature Living Magazine
BY TARA KING
Thelma Mansfied and Derek Davis on ‘Live at 3’ set (1992)
We would have had a great collection of his photographs that we would have at hand normally, but when you’re a photographer, you’re taking photographs of a lot of similar situations like the children at the beach, your grandchildren, or whatever it may be – so we were finding pictures we hadn’t seen in years. We were even coming across old magazines featuring our home or featuring the garden back when it was completely different to what it is now. It was great fun seeing it all again and seeing the pictures of the different animals we’ve had through the years. We know the things we want to keep and the ones we don’t. “It’s really good for you when you clear out stuff. It’s very therapeutic but it’s also very occupational for Johnny because it’s a project, and projects for people with Parkinson’s are good. With Parkinson’s, you take a particular medication, Levodopa – because it’s the dopamine in the brain that’s missing – so you take this medication and it’s spread out through the day, but in between the hits of Levodopa, Parkinson’s patients can dip right down where they are incapable of doing anything. You’re going to have those anyway but if you can come up with projects and things of interest, places to go, things to do, people to meet, you can help them ‘up’ longer because the adrenaline can help with Parkinson’s. Even going into the hospital to meet Johnny’s neurologist is good because it’s a distraction. It’s not the cure Page 12 | Mature Living Magazine
all because there isn’t a cure, but it gives some relief. Getting what we call ‘up time’, means Johnny and I can do things, we can go out in the car, go out to shops, go out and meet people.” She adds, “It’s tricky because there is always a dip. We were working it out with the doctor recently to see what we can do to help Johnny stay up for a couple of hours, so we can have lunch with friends. Our friends would love to have us over but they’re waiting for me to say, “well between 1-3pm might be good,” or, “2-4pm might work”. It’s such an inexact science that it’s hard to know when you will have a window of opportunity. We’re going to do all these little things to stimulate him and keep him ‘up’, so we can do more with our lives because you can end up doing a lot of sitting or sleeping with that illness.” When one lives the life of an artist, is there a never ending pressure to produce results whenever a paintbrush touches the canvas? “Art is wonderful and even though it’s tiring on the eyes and arms, it’s a good tiring, and if I come out with something good on the canvas it’s very rewarding. If the thing on the canvas doesn’t look so good … well, there’s always tomorrow to tackle it.” Thelma adds with a laugh. Speaking about the inspiration behind her art, she continues, “I adore the countryside. I absolutely love nature. God forbid if anything happened to my eyesight, it would be such a disaster for me because I’m
such an observant person. I was born on the seafront in Dun Laoghaire, and our home in the west of Ireland overlooks Galway Bay, so I’ve got water everywhere and I love that. I love looking at water especially in the west. Our house in Galway is in a woodland overlooking the estuary and as the tide ebbs and flows, we get different vistas. The Burren is directly across Galway Bay from us, and as the weather changes, it changes colour the whole time. It could be grey, silver, mauve, any colour under the sun depending on the light. It’s quite inspirational. All my earlier paintings were of the Burren. I don’t do those so much now. In the last couple of weeks and months, I have been doing more abstract impressions of that lovely sea and sky. I will be showing those at the Art Source exhibition in the RDS in early November and at the craft fair in the RDS in early December.” Among her many roles is an ambassadorship for the Marigold Festival, which is run by Active Retirement Ireland and sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care. The event promotes a positive approach towards ageing and celebrates active ageing through sports and various other activities. Given that Thelma has the energy levels, not to mention a figure that most women would kill for, one can only assume she is very active and nutritionconscious in her day-to-day life. “I would be health conscious, but it wouldn’t stop me from eating ice cream or hummus!” she laughs. “I would rarely eat
processed food. I would always cook fresh vegetables. We love chicken and fish. I love a nice variety in our food. I wouldn’t serve the same meal two days running unless it’s my leftover chicken curry and then it’s even nicer! I do a lot of exercise in the house, I seem to be going all over the place. We have two dogs, one is a scallywag called Puffin and she teases the Jack Russel and makes her chase her! It’s great fun to watch but they’re exercising themselves, which is great!” Thelma adds “There is so much to do when you’re running a house, you’re looking after someone who is unwell, you’re trying to paint, you’ve got animals, you’ve got to talk to galleries, talk to your framer, you have to exhibit, and you have to look after yourself and make sure you’re washed and dressed and that your hair is brushed. I do love to get a walk in. Unfortunately Johnny can’t walk distance which is a shame. What we do is we go to the seafront and he can walk as far as the bench where he needs to sit.” As well as being a mother, Thelma is also a proud grandmother. She has two grandsons, Ricky who is the grand old age of six and Louis, who is four. Ricky and Louis are the sons of Thelma’s eldest Roderick, who is in the music business. Her youngest son, Michael, is a hugely successful artist. Speaking about her grandsons, Thelma is the classic doting grandmother. “They’re gorgeous!” she enthuses. “They came to stay last weekend which was wonderful. My son Roderick cooked pancakes on Saturday morning, with maple syrup, and fresh lemon from our tree in the studio. I would normally never have a huge amount of carbohydrate for breakfast. I adore bread and if I allowed myself loose, I would be eating bread all say,” she laughs, “however when Rod produced these fantastic pancakes, who could resist?” Elegant and vivacious, the TV world’s loss has been the art world’s gain. Whether her ‘office’ is a TV studio or an art studio, one thing is certain, Thelma Mansfield has never lost that star quality that made her a household name. Thelma’s works are on display in the Irish Design Gallery in Dun Laoghaire and in Kenny’s Gallery, Galway. Her works can also be viewed on www.thelmamansfield.ie
McGann Family Home Care Services, is an in-home service provider, which assists individuals to lead dignified and independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Our business is designed to provide a unique all-in-one service to residents in Mid Leinster (Kildare, Wicklow and surrounding counties).
The services provided are varied and encompass: • Routine housework • Serving as companions • Personal Care • Handy Man Services • Assisting with toileting
Home Care Provider to HSE
Contact Bridget: Ph: 087-2054857 email: lbhomerespite@eircom.net • www.mcgannfamilyhomecare.ie Email:mcgannbridget@eircom.net
Providing quality home care since 2005
Monday -Thursday 9.00 - 6.00pm • Friday 9.00 - 5pm Home and hospital visits Garden/Tone St, Ballina Tel: 096-72189 • 087-6389500 email: begley.john2@gmail.com Page 13 | Mature Living Magazine
HEALTH
Alcohol Is Worse For You ThAn You ThoughT, sTudY sAYs possible benefits don’t outweigh the risks. Here’s a closer look at the connection between alcohol and your health. Possible health benefits of moderate alcohol use Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits, such as: Reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart disease Possibly reduce your risk of ischemic stroke (when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow) Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes Even so, the evidence about the health benefits of alcohol isn’t certain, and alcohol may not benefit everyone who drinks.
T
o tipple or teetotal: that is the question. A recent study, however, says the latter is better for your overall health. Even moderate alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day for women and up to two per day for men) is being advised against by American researchers of the study, recently published in The Lancet. “The evidence is adding up that no amount of drinking is safe. I don’t think we’re going out on a limb to say anything that the data do not support,” study co-author Emmanuela Gakidou, a professor of global health and health metrics sciences at the University of Washington, was quoted as saying. The findings, from a review of nearly 1,300 previous studies on drinking prevalence and global health, placed alcohol as the seventh leading risk factor for premature death in 2016. People who had one alcoholic beverage per day increased their risk of developing one of 23 alcohol-related health issues — cancer, road injuries and tuberculosis were cited — by 0.5 per cent. Granted, that’s not very high, but the risk increases to seven per cent with two drinks a day and up to 35 per cent with five a day. However, David Spiegelhalter, Page 14 | Mature Living Magazine
a professor of public understanding of risk at the University of Cambridge, feels no alcohol may be, well, a bit much. He was impressed by the breadth of the research but told the CBC, “Although you might not say it’s safe, you should not say it’s dangerous.” Alcohol has been shown to have various health benefits, including extending one’s lifespan. As the researchers of this recent study point out, data has shown that drinking alcohol could protect against heart disease and diabetes, as an example. But if you’re going to imbibe, moderation — as it often does — wins out. If you drink, keep it moderate Moderate alcohol use has possible health benefits, but it’s not risk-free. It sounds like a mixed message: Drinking alcohol may offer some health benefits, especially for your heart. On the other hand, too much alcohol may increase your risk of health problems and damage your heart. When it comes to alcohol, the key is moderation. Certainly, you don’t have to drink any alcohol, and if you currently don’t drink, don’t start drinking for the possible health benefits. In some cases, it’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely — the
Guidelines for moderate alcohol use Moderate alcohol use for healthy adults means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. Examples of one drink include: Beer: 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters) Wine: 5 fluid ounces (148 milliliters) Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters) Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit if you have existing risk factors for heart disease. However, you can take other steps to improve your heart health besides drinking — eating a healthy diet and exercising, for example, which have more robust research behind them. Keep in mind that even moderate use isn’t risk-free. For example, drinking and driving is never a good idea. When to avoid alcohol use In certain situations, the risks of alcohol may outweigh the possible health benefits. For example, talk to your doctor about alcohol use if: You’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant You’ve been diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or you have a strong family history
of alcoholism You have liver or pancreatic disease You have heart failure or you’ve been told you have a weak heart You take prescription or overthe-counter medications that can interact with alcohol You’ve had a hemorrhagic stroke (when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures) The risks of heavy alcohol use Heavy drinking is defined as more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week for women and for men older than age 65, and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week for men age 65 and younger. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks within two hours for women and five or more drinks within two hours for men. While moderate alcohol use may offer some health benefits, heavy drinking — including binge drinking — has no health benefits. Excessive drinking can increase your risk of serious health problems, including: Certain cancers, including breast cancer and cancers of the mouth, throat and esophagus Pancreatitis Sudden death if you already have cardiovascular disease Heart muscle damage (alcoholic cardiomyopathy) leading to heart failure Stroke High blood pressure Liver disease Suicide Accidental serious injury or death Brain damage and other problems in an unborn child Alcohol withdrawal syndrome Drink alcohol only in moderation — or not at all The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits. So don’t feel pressured to drink alcohol. However, if you do drink alcohol and you’re healthy, there’s probably no need to stop as long as you drink responsibly and in moderation.
FEATURE
Me eXercIse? reAllY? WhY???
My sister Kristin doing Zumba
By Maisie McDaid
M
aybe exercise is not your thing. Well, it’s not mine either but people kept telling me it would make me feel healthier, and more energized. I have a fairly fast metabolism, so I really never felt inclined to work out. But, recently after much prodding by my grown daughter (and mother of three) I decided to give it a try. Now mind you, I wouldn’t give her a full fledged commitment – why intimidate myself with such an obligation now that I am in a freer time of life. I have to say that she was such an inspiration! She would take all her little ones and go herself to the gym. My excuses seemed somewhat weak as I observed the effort it took her just to get her kids packed and into the car, then unpacked and into the gym. It seemed in itself like a workout before the workout, and of course repeat the scene just to get them home. What I am going to say to
her… Um, honey, I can’t make it to the gym today my arms are a little worn out from lifting my coffee cup this morning? Lame? Exactly! So try I did, and left the gym feeling fabulous! What is it about working out that makes a person feel great? There are a couple things really that are notable and convincing reasons to try (no pressure) exercise. One, it is a medical fact that exercise leads to the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that alleviate pain, both physical and mental. You might have heard the word “endorphins.” These little guys work hard for us – but they are motivated by exercise. Studies have shown that endorphin release is natural way to treat depression and memory loss as, well. Amazingly, God has wired the body to do something incredible- organically! You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the benefits… so why would I even hesitate on something like this? Also, exercise strengthens the
heart, bones, and increases stamina. Life’s assault on the aging process is slowed dramatically. Whether it’s toxins that we are exposed to outside of our actions. Or, unhealthy agents that we put into bodies ourselves. And even if we do nothing hazardous at all (but avoiding exercise)… it will have degenerative effects on the bones, stamina and over all age progression. See, exercise is looking better already! What ideas come to mind when you think about exercise. Maybe that’s the problem…you have the wrong picture in your mind. It doesn’t have to be that one thing, the thing you dread. It can be as simple swimming in the pool or walking on a lovely day. As simplistic as this sounds one brisk walk puts all the above mentioned benefits in motion. Its your choice, consider the many options, see what is appealing and give it a try. One
of my sisters loves dance so she has taken up Zumba. She loved it so much she became a certified instructor. My sister had quite a few health issues in her early years, and now her health is at its finest. She is a great example of over fifty and fabulous! My other sister who lives in the states is so dedicated to her pool routine that she will wear a wetsuit if needed in cold weather so as not to miss her exercise. She is a great example of stellar after seventy. And if all this isn’t enough to motivate you check this out: Ernestine Shepherd, the world’s oldest female body builder at age 75. Look, I am not saying we all have to run out and become record weight lifters, I’m just saying if Ernestine can get up every morning at at 2:30 TO FIT IN A TEN MILE RUN BEFORE HITTING THE GYM, then I think I can probably muster enough energy for a brisk walk around the football pitch.
Ernestine Shepherd at 80 years of age. She looks a little different than my grandma used to look. By the way Ernestine started her weight training at the tender age of 71
“Quality Polytunnels & Greenhouse manufactured in Ireland, Na#onwide Construc#on service available”
BUY POLYTUNNELS, GREENHOUSES AND ACCESSORIES @ www.thepolytunnelcompany.ie
Tel: 0469546007 • info@cwp.ie Page 15 | Mature Living Magazine
FEATURE
The DocTor Diaries: WhaT Physicians Wish PaTienTs KneW
R
evelations about weight loss, medical information on the internet, and more. Most doctors want to be trusted confidants of their patients. En español | Joanne Jarrett, M.D., polled dozens of doctors to find out what they’d tell you if only they could, and here are the results. We are working on your case, even if it looks like we have disappeared.
Physicians often forget how scary being in the hospital can be. Rest assured that when the doctor is not at your bedside, he or she is writing up your evaluation, the plan and the orders outlining what needs to be done for you, all the while checking for test results and recalculating the diagnosis and plan. You may not see him or her until the next day, but your doctor or the physician on call is available by phone continuously to address your concerns.
When we keep you waiting, it’s not because we think our time is more valuable than yours. But if the patient before you mentions blood in his or her stool or talks about suicidal impulses, your appointment needs to wait. Your best bet is to schedule the first appointment of the day. We need complete honesty from you. This means telling us what drugs you’ve taken, legal and illegal, so we can help you
avoid interactions. It means answering honestly about sexual function and behavior, even if you fear we wouldn’t approve. We think no less of patients who struggle with mental or emotional issues. We know lifestyle change is hard and boring. We try and fail often ourselves. But sometimes diet, exercise and/or alcohol abstinence really are the best treatments.
BURNS CAR SALES The Home of SKODA in Sligo
Dublin Road, Ballisodare, Sligo. Tel: 071 9161500 www.burnscarsales.ie Page 16 | Mature Living Magazine
Many of us have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I have nightmares about patients down an infinite hall, each with a problem worse than the last. In my short career, I’ve seen a baby take her last breaths. I’ve watched a woman, bleeding uncontrollably after giving birth, lose consciousness as I worked, a pool of her blood expanding at my feet. I’ve heard a woman, after having both legs traumatically severed, saying goodbye to her father, assuming she wouldn’t survive. I could go on. We know we signed up for it. But keep in mind, when you’re tempted to be angry with your doctor, that we are under stress, too. We wish we had better advice for weight loss. Medical schools don’t spend much time on nutrition. Although body weight has significant, holistic health implications, the field of medicine is at somewhat of a loss here. Our best advice, however vague it might be, is to increase your physical activity, avoid processed foods and eat vegetables at most meals. Yes, some of us are jerks. Most doctors mean well and are doing their best. But if you are not getting a sense that your physician, although human and harried, has your best interests at heart, find one who does. We worry about you. We lie awake worried sick about you more often than you’d imagine. We may wonder about you for years after you leave our care. The stakes are so high, and we know it.
something that shouldn’t be ignored. And be wary of discussion boards; incorrect advice can be very convincing. Remember, there is no substitute for medical training, experience and complex analysis. We know you’ve answered this question already. We’re sorry to ask again. When you call for an appointment, you’re asked what’s going on. Then, when you’re checked in, you’re asked again. So when you finally get to see the doctor, you’re sick of the story. But we can’t help it. We have to hear it with our own ears. We make mistakes. Our fear of screwing up is exhausting, weighty and ever present — it’s the hardest thing about doctoring. We do make mistakes. Be wary of anyone who won’t admit that. Falls frighten us. Especially for patients in their 60s. We see the transformation from healthy and active to ill and dependent far too often, and frequently it’s because of a fall. A preventive measure:
Stand next to a strong countertop, then stand on just one foot without holding on. If you need support before the five- to 10-second mark, your balance should be addressed. We want you to make decisions while clearheaded. Having a written description of your medical-treatment wishes (an advance directive) will ease emergency situations for you, your care team and your loved ones. All hospital patients are asked what their wishes would be if their breathing or heartbeat were to stop, but it’s better to make a clearheaded decision when you’re not gripped by fear. You can find a legal advance directive form at AARP’s Advanced Directive Forms. Tell us if you are having memory issues. Feeling as though your memory’s failing is scary, especially as you reach your 60s and 70s. But memory issues are often caused by things a doctor can help with (depression, heart problems, medication effects and hormone abnormalities). Oh, and avoid multitasking.
It’s overrated. Antibiotics hurt if they can’t help. We need to reserve antibiotics for susceptible bacterial illnesses. When we prescribe them inappropriately, such as for a viral illness, we do little more than undermine our ability to treat disease in the future. We are trusted confidants. I had a patient for years who finally opened up to me about her long-standing depression. She said she hadn’t told me sooner because she didn’t want to ruin my impression of her. Confide in us. Mental health issues are more common than you realize; the more we know, the more we can help. We dread retirement. It’s a cliché that doctors don’t retire, but one reason we’re reluctant is that we’re afraid of no longer being useful. Patients who seem happier in retirement have support networks, plus activities that feel helpful or significant. We want the very best for you. Just know that. It’s the bottom line.
Sometimes the internet is right. There, I said it. You can find useful health information online. We love a well-read, inquisitive patient, and we’ll be happy to touch on any of your internetfueled fears. Just be careful. The internet can lead you to unnecessary panic or to dismiss
24 HR RECOVERY SERVICE • JAMES FOY AUTO SERVICE • Full Crash Repair Service • Air Conditioning Service • Diagnostic Checks • Servicing all makes & models • Excellent selection of Tyres • Puncture Repair • NCT Preperation • Wheel Balancing & Alignment • We cater for any make or model
Dromore West, Sligo • Tel: 096-47052. Mob: 087-2541243 • www.recoverysligo.com Page 17 | Mature Living Magazine
FASHION
Fashionable Reading glasses – neckglasses
N
eckglasses is setting a new trend in the world of fashion with its chic, contemporary reading glasses that double as fashionable jewelry. “It’s grown bigger and faster than we ever expected,” said Karen Gonovsky, president of Neckglasses, “We’re just keeping our heads down and trying to stay on top of it.” Karen and her business partner, Dianna Seddon, introduced their product last year on the website, www.myneckglasses.c
om. Described as “jewelry with a purpose,” they’re reading glasses for women on-the-go— smart, elegant and stylish, a far cry from the austere, homely readers your grandma used to wear. Karen developed the concept after her ophthalmologist suggested she buy a pair of readers to boost her eyesight. “I was only 44 years old,” Karen recalled. “The last thing I wanted was a pair of granny glasses. I tried on every pair of readers on the rack, looking for a pair that wouldn’t make me
feel old and frumpy. Then I immediately lost the first pair I bought!” Determined to create reading glasses that they could wear proudly (and keep up with), Karen and Dianna began to collaborate on tasteful designs—functional readers in chic lockets and pendants that could be folded and worn like necklaces. The two women launched Neckglasses with modest ambitions, hoping to get their eyewear in a few local boutique shops and go from there. Everything changed, however, after Home Shopping Network (HSN) showcased Neckglasses twice. Before long, others began showing interest, including ABC. Good Morning America contributor Tory Johnson was so impressed by Neckglasses that she featured them on her “Deals and Steals” segment, which aired nationwide May 17. The “Deals and Steals” segment proved so successful that another ABC producer
ROSIE’S POTTERY STUDIO
asked to feature Neckglasses on a “View Your Deal” segment of the popular morning talk show, The View, on July 9. The media blitz continued later with CNN’s Robin Meade, who spotlighted Neckglasses on her HLN show, Morning Express. Between those three shows, the company sold more than 30,000 Neckglasses in days. Meanwhile, fashionistas in the United Kingdom will soon be sporting Neckglasses when the London-based QVC UK network airs a segment on the product, and Neckglasses will be showcased on the Lifetime channel in October and November just in time for holiday shopping! Karen and Dianna know that women in their 40s and 50s still feel and look young and care about fashion. They want reading glasses that fit their personalities and their lifestyles. So, they continue to work on new designs and refining existing ones to meet demand for their unique highfashion readers! www.myneckglasses.com
Rosies work is stocked in county Mayo at The Mood Gallery in Castlebar. Leaping Lizard and O'Reilly & Turpin gallery Westport, In county Sligo in the Roundabout Gallery in Collooney and Drumcliff Tea House and Craft Shop and in Dublin my work can be found in Powerscourt Gallery and Mad Art Gallery Gardener Street.
ROSIE’S POTTERY STUDIO • EASKEY, CO. SLIGO • TEL: 087 632 9923 Page 18 | Mature Living Magazine
MICHAEL KEAVNEY
Tarcmacadam & Tarspraying Specialists
ALL TYPES OF PLANT HIRE QUALITY GRAVEL STONE
ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES!
Pavior Machine Hire Tipper Lorry Hire 8 and 6 Wheel Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • 094-902-3853 / 086-250-3230 Page 19 | Mature Living Magazine
FAMILY
Kids at RisK? GRandpaRents to the Rescue!
G
randparents today are taking a larger role in the lives of their grandchildren, sharing their worries and joys, giving them love and support, and helping out harried and exhausted parents. With the retirement of the baby boomer generation, there are more grandparents than ever — an estimated 70 million in the U.S. Compared to previous generations, today’s grandparents are generally younger, more active, and more affluent, allowing many to travel frequently to visit their kids and grandkids. Millions of grandparents intentionally live close to their children and grandchildren so they can give much needed help to working parents. This includes providing support for many of the estimated 21 million children being raised by 13.6 million single parents in the U.S. When a single parent has to shoulder the load, or two parents both work fulltime, there are many practical ways grandparents can make their lives easier. These include providing childcare while parents work, transporting kids to and from school and
appointments, attending school events and teacher conferences, and giving the parent or parents a much-needed break. Many parents today raise their kids without much community support, or in the face of negative influences like poverty, gangs, crime, and drugs. And regardless of socio-economic status, all kids face challenges — some old, some new. Bullying existed when we were growing up, yet our generation did not have to cope with cyberbullying. And while most of us dealt with cliques and gossip in school, we did not have to contend with the amplifying effect social media has on who feels “in” and who is “out.” In a time when the worst kinds of negative influences are a click away for many kids, grandparents can provide love, support and positive influences. We can help them weather peer pressure, bad media influences, discouragement, and difficult circumstances. Here are some ways you can show your grandkids you love them, care about them, and are there for them: Listen non- judgmentally, rather than correcting or disputing their ideas. Sometimes you may have to be a
disciplinarian, such as a grandmother I know who spent an evening trying to tamp down tantrums and fights between her twin 4-year-old grandsons. But when your grandkids share thoughts, ideas, and feelings, put away criticism. Just listen, reflect, and ask questions. Share compassionately. Kids are often reluctant to be open about what is bothering them. If you ask how they are doing, the response will almost always be “fine.” Getting them to open up means first earning their trust. Kids are often anxious over feelings of loneliness, fear, and failure. Try sharing a story about how you went through something similar when you were growing up. Showing your vulnerability will help them open up. Celebrate what they do well. Encourage your grandkids to share what they love to do and uplift them with praise. Praise them for good grades in school, acts of good citizenship with their friends and classmates, and their creative endeavors. Be specific about what you thought they did well. Be sure you balance praise with the child’s level of achievement. I frequently see young parents wanting to keep their children happy to the point they applaud and celebrate events, grades, or behavior that are undeserving. By praising your grandkids for specific accomplishments, you can help them understand the difference between recognition that is earned and hyperbole from a loving parent. Some additional ways you can be a loving, involved grandparent for the kids in your life: Help them with their
WATER PROBLEMS??
homework. Maybe you can help tutor them, provide an extra pair of hands for their school projects, or brainstorm ideas together. Support them by attending their sports, dance, and other extracurricular events. Model healthy active lifestyles by taking them hiking, fishing, skating, walking dogs, or doing other fun activities with them. Teach them the value of good nutrition by preparing and cooking healthy meals together. Join them in creative projects, writing a story, drawing a picture, or creating a song, skit or video together. Volunteer as a tutor or mentor at a local school or Boys & Girls Club. As a grandparent, you can be a wise friend, a playful elder, and the go-to person for your grandkids when their parents aren’t available. By spending time together and staying in touch, you can uplift them and give them the sense of safety and stability they need to thrive and grow. About: Children’s advocate and author Robert Martin writes books with his granddaughter Keira Ely, including the bestsellers “The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels,” and “SuperClara — a Young Girl’s Story of Cancer, Bravery and Courage.” “SuperClara” was inspired by his other granddaughter (and Keira’s younger sister) Clara, who lost her courageous battle with brain cancer on Oct. 8, 2017. Robert founded the nonprofit Bridge to a Cure Foundation to tear down the deadly barriers impeding the timely development of pediatric cancer treatments and cures.
We Provide Filtration Systems which give you Superior Quality Water Mountain Rain Have Water your own Stream, River or Storage Well Lake
• Water Analysis • Water Filtration • Water Softening • Well Drilling • Pump Supplied and Fitted • Rain Water Collection & Purification • Sewage Treatment Systems
Phone: 086-8072249 071-9658976 • Email: waterteck@eircom.net • Website: www.waterteck.com Page 20 | Mature Living Magazine
CAR INTERIOR DESIGN
• Upholstery • Sunroofs • Entertainment • Glass Tint • Mobility • Accessories We are a designated agent in Ireland for ELAP car mobility solutions. ELAP specialise in mobility solutions for car access. ELAP is the original and leading rotating car seat manufacturer.
CAR INTERIOR DESIGN can accomodate specific customer taste and individuality. We bring to the marketplace a professional team of craftsmen who understand the importance of the perfect interior. From initial consultation on the design, colours, trim and materials to creating the desired driving environment. Our fully qualified staff of craftsmen, trimmers and technicians are capable of vehicle interior soultions which will delight the most demanding of clients. We can incorporate requests from sunroofs to lumber support all combined to achieve the perfect motoring experience. From our dedicated workshops in Galway City we can service a national client base. Our good customer relations is verified with much of our business coming from existing customers or referal from satisfied clients.
Phone 091 767439 • Mobile 087 7904736 • declan@carinteriordesign.ie • www.carinteriordesign.ie Car Interior Design, Unit 6, Glenrock Business Park, Ballybane, Galway Page 21 | Mature Living Magazine
FASHION
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST EARRINGS FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE AND MORE!
E
arrings are a wonderful way to perk up your face and make you look classy and fabulous after 40. But be careful you don’t make the mistake of wearing earrings that are “in style” but don’t really suit you. There are many things to consider when choosing the right pair. Here are five tips for getting it right. 1. MATCH YOUR EARRINGS TO YOUR FACE SHAPE Earrings can make your face look wide, thin, long or fat depending on your face shape. Choose your face shape here and then check what shape earrings are best for you.
Page 22 | Mature Living Magazine
INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPED FACE - If your forehead is the widest part of your face, tapering down to a narrower, pointy chin, then you have an inverted triangle face shape. This shape is similar to a heart-shaped face, but the difference is that the heart shape is shorter and there is usually a widow’s peak. To balance the inverted triangle shaped face shape, choose earrings that deemphasize the wide forehead, and create the illusion of width at the jawline. Chandelier or teardrop earrings work well.
OVAL FACE - Is your face oval like an egg? You can wear almost any shape, but triangular earrings or simple studs will show off your lovely cheekbones best! ROUND FACE - If your face is circular, meaning widest at the cheekbones with no taper to the chin, then you have a round face. Drop or dangle earrings will elongate your face and make it look slimmer. Avoid large circular earrings, hoops and button studs which only emphasize the roundness. Also, stay away from drop earrings with a dangling round disc. The roundness will only make your
face look rounder. HEART SHAPED FACE - If your forehead is wider than your cheeks and the lower half of your face narrows like a heart then you have a heart-shaped face. In this case, you need to counterbalance your sharp chin with chandelier or teardrop earrings. Earrings that are wider at the bottom than the top help fill in the lower portion of your face, so your face is more balanced. LONG AND NARROW FACE - If you have a long, thin face choose earrings that emphasize the width of your face. Studs, clustered earrings, short dangles, hoops in a medium to large size. Any time of round earrings will widen your face, and make it look fuller. SQUARE FACE - Gals with wide square jaws ( forehead and jawline are similar widths) need to soften the hard edges of their face. To do this, go for earrings that are medium to long with rounded edges. Oval shapes soften things up, and circular earrings and hoop earrings work well too. Stay away from square studs or any kind of earring with a square as it only reinforces the squareness. Other things to remember when choosing earrings………. 2. MATCH YOUR BONE STRUCTURE TO YOUR EARRINGS Bone structure will determine the size and weight of the earrings you will look best in. Small, fine bone structure: (Meryl Streep/Sharon Stone/Jodi Foster ) Choose earrings that are thin, fine, flat and delicate. Imagine someone with fine bone structure like Sharon Stone in chunky wooden hoops. They would overpower her gentle beauty. Medium Bone Structure: ( Teri Hatcher, Madonna, Liz Hurley) Opt for medium weight and size earrings. Large Bone Structure:(Oprah, Donatella Versace) You can carry off medium to large, heavy, chunky earrings. Other things to consider when buying earrings….
3. WEAR EARRINGS THAT SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE Where will you be wearing the earrings? Work or Office: The more conservative the office, the more conservative the earring. Choose classic styles in gold for the most authority. Executive dressing means no dangly or hoop earrings. Avoid large earrings if you are in very traditional, conservative field s like finance and law. After Work: Now’s the time to loosen up and show your personality. You can forget the simple studs and have some fun. 4. SELECT EARRINGS IN TUNE WITH YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY What’s your Style Personality? Are you the romantic type who enjoys pretty feminine clothes? Choose earrings with rounded and curvy details. Dramatic, or city chic types, choose earrings with straight edges, and square, rectangular, and triangular shapes. If you are the a If you ar the Artsy /creative type, some dangle suits you, and you can wear color well. Classic types – simple, timeless styles such as small hoops, button earrings in gold and silver, diamond studs work. Natural types – wear small and simple, so you barely notice them. Nothing too shiny or detailed. 5. MATCH EARRINGS TO YOUR COLORING What season are you? If you have warm undertones in your skin (yellow or peach), that means you are a spring or autumn and look best wearing golds and copper metals. If you have pink or blue undertones in your skin, then you are a winter or summer. Silver and pewter make you look fabulous.
Page 23 | Mature Living Magazine
FEATURE
9 Ways to take your Walking Workout to the next level
A
ny style of walking that gets you moving is good at first but, eventually, you’ll have to pick up the pace, get your heart rate up and break a sweat if you want to get the calorie-burning, muscle-toning and health-boosting benefits. “We’re not talking a major overhaul, just a few strategic tweaks to your walking posture and technique, so it’s easier for you to go farther and walk faster,” explains Lauren Jawno, certified high-performance coach, speaker and author. 1. Take smaller, quicker steps. Speed up by taking smaller, more frequent steps. You don’t have to sprint but you do need to step with purpose during your walk. Pretend you’re running late. Walk like you’re on a mission. If you’re walking at the proper pace, you should find talking difficult but not impossible. 2. Use a heart rate monitor. You should be walking at a brisk enough pace to maintain your heart rate in your target-training range. This ensures you’re working hard enough to benefit your heart but not so hard that you risk injury. The easiest way to track your hart rate is with a heart rate monitor. Choose between the classic chest strap, which uses an electrical pulse to read heart rate, or other wrist-based activity trackers like Fitbit. 3. Move your arms. You can really rev up your walking intensity by moving your arms. Bend your arms and naturally swing them forward and back. Avoid a side-to-side motion across your body. Keep your hands loose and relaxed. Don’t clench your fists.
4. Stand up straight. Stand tall and avoid leaning forward. Leaning puts a strain on the back muscles as you walk and should be avoided except when on a hill. Imagine there’s a string attached to the top of your head gently puling you up and lengthening your spine. 5. Keep your head up, chin parallel to the ground. Keep your gaze focused 15 to 20 feet directly ahead, not down at your feet, which takes your spine out of alignment and puts extra stress on your neck. 6. Shoulders down. Relax your shoulders, rolling them back and down, not scrunched up by your
ears. Every 10 minutes check to make sure they’re down and relaxed. Relaxing the shoulders helps relieve tension and put them into a position to use good arm motion while walking. 7. Engage your abdominals. Tighten stomach muscles, pulling your belly button toward your spine. Your core muscles can help you maintain good posture and resist slouching and leaning. 8. Roll with it. You shouldn’t be walking like the Tin Man with rigid knees. Your steps should have a rolling motion, moving from heel to toe. With each step, land on your heels and
push off with your toes, keeping knees slightly bent. 9. Walk outside. Walking on grass or earth with its natural variations also gives your legs more of a workout than pavements and subtly challenges your balance, which tends to deteriorate with age. These simple adjustments will make a big difference to your fitness walking. Try to go faster and farther, and add a few hills to your walk. Always stretch your muscles before, during and after walking to avoid cramps and strains. And as always, check with your doctor before starting this or any fitness program.
We specialise in headstones in Dublin, Wicklow & Kildare Restoration and renovation work, additional wording and stone chippings. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm
For a free quotation or appointment, contact us today on 01-2825811 or 01-2825868 • Email: oneills@shanganaghmemorials.ie www.shanganaghmemorials.ie Crinken, Bray Road, Bray, Co Dublin A98 Y642 Page 24 | Mature Living Magazine
Page 25 | Mature Living Magazine
HEALTHY LIVING
DIY Spa TreaTmenTS: BeauTY on a BuDgeT
F
or some easy, walletfriendly pampering, head to your kitchen! We’ll show you how with these tips and recipes. If you’ve got a little time and a few key ingredients in your cupboards, you can enjoy some spa-worthy pampering at home. Aside from saving you money, home made spa treatments are good for your body and the environment. You control the ingredients, so you can avoid unnecessary perfumes, dyes and preservatives. You don’t have to worry about questionable chemicals being absorbed into your body or ending up in the environment. Best of all, you can also customize recipes to use your favourite ingredients and scents. Sound complicated? It’s actually easier than you think. Here’s how to get started. Check your shelves You don’t need to run to the store to get started. Chances are you’ve already got the most common ingredients in your
cupboard or your fridge: Honey: Not only does it moisturize, it also acts as an astringent and antiseptic. Milk: Commonly used in baths and masks because it helps to sooth dry skin. Use whipping cream for dry and irritated skin, or skim milk for oily skin. Yoghurt: It’s creamy and blendable, and the lactic acid will help exfoliate the skin. Plus it contains good bacteria. Oats: They’re a staple for a reason: they help calm dry and irritated skin and serve as a nonirritating cleanser. Sugar or salt: Their rough textures make them idea for body scrubs because they exfoliate and promote good circulation (though you’ll want to avoid using them on your face). You can also mix sugar with coffee grounds for a good scrub. Avocado: It’s packed with nourishing oils, protein and vitamins A and E. You’ll often see it used in hair or face masks. Cucumber: Cleanses and cools
the face, and reduces puffiness around the eyes. Lemons: The juice is a natural astringent and helps oily skin get back its ideal pH balance. It will help strengthen nails and can be used as a toner on the skin when diluted well with water. Apple cider vinegar also helps restore the skin’s pH balance when used as a toner, and works well in a hair rinse. Olive oil: It moisturizes and cleanses, making ideal it for use on the skin and hair. Extra-virgin is best. While they aren’t food items, you’ll also see Epsom salts, aloe juice and borax used in many recipes. You can also raid your garden for refreshing favourites like peppermint, lavender and rose petals. Many recipes also call for essential oils — but don’t confuse these with those perfume or fragrance oils you find in home decorating stores. Essential oils are derived from natural sources (plants and fruits), and are safe for use in skin care products. When in doubt, start with your local natural food store and be sure to read the labels.
hair works best). If you’ve got long or thick hair, try dividing your hair into sections first and work a little at a time. Once your hair is nice and slick, wrap it up in a plastic bag (or cover it with an old shower cap) and then wrap it in an old towel — this will trap in the heat from your head and help the oil penetrate the hair. Then relax for 20 – 30 minutes. Before you step into the shower, water down some of your regular shampoo and work it through your hair. Rinse well, and repeat if necessary. Skip the conditioner step and style your hair as usual. You can use this mask once a week or month, depending on your hair type. Frozen Egg & Honey Facial Mask 1 egg 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (but not hot) 1 tbs. honey Step 1: Beat the egg in a small bowl until frothy and wellmixed. Slowly add the liquid
Simple recipes to get you started Hot olive oil hair treatment This conditioning treatment is easy and inexpensive and doesn’t require any special prep work Simply pour our a little olive oil into a cup (or a pump, if you have one on hand). Drizzle a little bit on your hands and rub them together to warm the oil. Then massage the oil into your scalp and work it through your hair (dry, clean
North West Counselling Counselling for people with addictions eg. Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling • ALSO COVERS GENERAL COUNSELLING • Relapse Programme • One-to-one Counselling • Referral system for private clients to White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre • Addiction and General counselling available Page 26 | Mature Living Magazine
Counsellors are professionally trained and are fully accredited or working towards accreditation. For appointments ring: 087-2879707 OR 074-9723822 Email: tabourhouse2004@eircom.net Tabor House, Drimark, Donegal Town Afternoon, evening and weekend appointments available
Helping people to recover
citrus zest and similar aromatic ingredients. Bake your bath cookies for ten minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Allow the bath cookies to cool completely. To use, drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12 baths.
coconut oil and honey, beating until your mask is the consistency of mayonnaise. Step 2: Take an empty toilet tissue roll and set it on end in a clean bowl. Spoon mixture into the cardboard toilet paper roll (or consider using an empty deodorant container). Place tube, in the bowl, in the freezer overnight. Step 3: To use, peel away just the top 1/4 inch of the cardboard roll and smooth the frozen stick over your face (think of it as a push up pop). Leave your mask on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Return the cream stick, covered with plastic wrap, to the freezer between uses. Oatmeal Bath Oatmeal baths are a standard treatment for soft skin. In its simplest form, all you need to do is pour two thirds of a cup of oatmeal into an old stocking or coffee filter bag, tie off the top and throw it into a nice hot bath. For a variation on this old favourite, try adding a drizzle of honey and a 1/4 cup of powdered milk. You can also stir in a few drops of your favourite essential oil like lavender or peppermint — both of which will sooth and relax. Cocoa Butter Hand and Foot Crème This recipe from Spa Index uses food-grade cocoa butter which, unlike other oils, stays on top of the skin to form a moisturelocking protective layer (and it
has an oh-so-delicious smell). Keep your old coffee grinder on hand for this soothing recipe: 1/2 cup almonds 1/2 cup dry oatmeal 4 tablespoons cocoa butter 3 tablespoons honey Process the almonds in a blender or coffee grinder until coarsely ground. In a bowl, combine oatmeal, cocoa butter, honey and ground nuts. Rub into your hands and feet, cover with cotton gloves and socks, and leave on overnight. The next morning, remove the gloves and socks and rinse. You’ll be delighted with your incredibly smooth skin. This remedy is ideal for soothing hard-working hands and feet because it gently exfoliates old, dead skin and nourishes new cells.
Tips for success – Buy in bulk. Ingredients like oats and sea salt are common in many home spa recipes, so hit the bulk food store for some extra savings. Larger sized bottles of olive oil and honey are cheaper – and you can use those ingredients in your cooking too. – Check oil prices. Some essential oils are more expensive to produce than others. If the recipe doesn’t require a specific oil try citrus oils, geranium and peppermint to add some scent. They’re less expensive than pricier patchouli, rose and jasmine. – Be prepared for mess. Have some clean cloths and dish soap on hand, and wear an old pair of pyjamas or bathrobe. If you’re using a hair mask, make sure your top is button-up.
– Test it out. While you should avoid any ingredients you’re allergic to (like nut-based products), not all ingredients may “agree” with your skin. Most sources advise applying a small amount of the product to a discrete test patch of skin first. – Use as directed. Many products like oat baths and olive oil hair masks are gentle enough to be used on a regular basis. However, some ingredients like lemon juice can do more harm than good if left on too long or used too often. – Use it or lose it. Most of the recipes don’t contain preservatives, and the products are usually meant to be used the day they are prepared. Make sure you know how long an item can be stored and how to properly store it – and when in doubt, throw it out at the first signs of spoilage. – Label it. If you’re storing products like pre-mixed bath soaks or salts make sure to clearly label the container with the ingredients and the date — and it keep it out of reach of children and pets who may be attracted to the tasty ingredients.
Spa Index Bath cookies Feel like doing some baking? Try this make-ahead recipe for gifts: 2 cups finely ground sea salt 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 tbsp light oil 1 tsp vitamin E oil 2 eggs 5-6 drops essential oil of your choice Preheat your oven to 350 F. Combine all the listed ingredients and form into a dough. Using a teaspoon or so of dough at a time, roll it gently in the palm of your hand until it forms a ball. Form all dough into one teaspoon balls, and gently place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Consider sprinkling the bath balls with herbs, flower petals, cloves,
www.tegre.ie
FREE CONSULTATION IN YOUR HOME OR OUR SHOWROOMS Just 3 simple steps separate you from having your clothes perfectly organised, getting your interiors renewed visually and redesigning your space completely. Fitted sliding wardrobes are an ideal choice for both large and small interiors, as they help to organise your clothes and accessories in the most efficient way.
Tegre can design and fit for you walk-in wardrobes, versions for bedrooms with slanted ceiling, built-in wardrobes with sliding doors and other solutions. Thanks to individually prepared 3D design of the entire room you get a comprehensive vision of the new look of the space.
Harmony Hill, Sligo Tel: 071-9145810
Tone Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096-24763 Mobile: 087-7179599
Kylemore Rd Motorcity, Dublin 12 Tel: 01-4298771
Page 27 | Mature Living Magazine
GARDENING
Jobs to do in the garden in october
Swept-up leaves- the first autumn job
W
ith the clocks going back and the days drawing in, October is the time to plant spring bulbs and divide perennials The nights are drawing in, and October will see the clocks going back and the first frosts in colder parts of the country. Gardening time might feel curtailed by the shorter sunlight, but the days are often
glorious, with the autumn colour a counterpoint to the light tipping away. SPRING COLOUR Spring and autumn are two of the most industrious times of the year and it is worth thinking about one when you are working in the other. Bulb planting is a good example, and now is the time to think about how to light up the garden when it wakes after
hibernation. Bulbs are incredible value, for they have instant impact, but it is always better to buy few varieties and larger numbers of each. Think 10s and multiples of 10 for a generous effect in pots. Think 100s (buy wholesale, anyone can if the numbers are large enough) if you are planting in grass, and look into the right varieties. The smaller-flowered Narcissus cyclamineus hybrids such as “Jack Snipe” have fine foliage and so are easily incorporated, and there are early, mid-season and late varieties to keep the display working from late winter until May. The earlier you plant bulbs the better, for the soil is still warm, and getting the roots established before the weather closes in will help them fight wet and rot. That said, tulips are happy to go in as late as the end of November, so leave them until last . The general rule is that bulbs should be planted at
two and a half times their own depth, and if you are planting in drifts, work on the principle that if you threw them in the air, you would plant where they landed. POT MAGIC I grow the majority of my bulbs in pots. They can be moved around the garden when and where colour is needed, the display can be changed from year to year, and new varieties tried and tested. Most of the Middle Eastern bulbs (tulips and fritillarias) work better in pots, but the woodlanders, such as Erythronium and Galanthus, are always better in the ground long term. AHEAD OF TIME I always pot up a few pans of early flowering bulbs that can be kept in the frame, to force them on a little. Iris reticulata and I histrioidesare easily grown. Hippiastrum and “Paper White” Narcissus should be planted now to flower at the end of the year, but keep them inside as neither will stand being frosted. WARM WELCOME Think about bringing in any houseplants that have been outside. Acclimatise them slowly if you can. In warmer areas of the country it is worth risking half-hardy perennials until the end of October to make the most of the finale, but in frost-prone areas you will need to bring them under cover, or into the shelter of the buildings. IN THE FRAME As a precaution against losing my half-hardy pelargonium, fuchsia and Brugmansia, the cuttings that were taken earlier in the summer are now put under cover in the frame. They will be fine here until the weather closes in at the end of November, and then they will be brought into the frost-free
Pelargonium
Find us on the N59 at Skreen
RETAIL & WHOLESALE PLANT NURSERY • Open every weekend • *Stockist for Kilsaran paving products • Expert advice available • Landscape design and build service • Quality selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, hedging, & alpines.
071-9176376 or 086-8558701 Page 28 | Mature Living Magazine
www.wpn.ie
Fuchsia
Galanthus
garage. After the remains of the basil are pulled, the frame is given a good clear-out to prevent fungal infection.
prone to drying out in winter winds. If you are prepared to water in winter, so much the better and get them in too.
DON’T PANIC If you get an early frost, cannas and dahlias will be fine in the ground for a bit, even if their tops are browned. Many people leave them in the ground and mulch heavily, and they are happy for four or five years even in cold gardens if the mulch is deep enough. Once they show signs of losing vigour, it is time to divide and repropagate, and in these years the old tubers will be lifted, stored in just-damp compost under frost-free cover, and divided or used for cuttings come next spring.
RAKE’S PROGRESS To make the most of the moment let autumn foliage lie where you can. Beware of build-up on precious lawns and rake them free to
prevent browning off of the grass. If you want to instil order without breaking your back, keep paths and terraces free for the contrast of order. An autumn feed to stimulate root growth is worth applying on lawns that get a lot of wear in the summer. SOW MUCH BETTER Sweet peas can be sown into pots to overwinter in a sheltered position or a frame, and October is still a good time to sow lawns and meadows.
HARVEST GOLD Pumpkin and gourds can be harvested now and moved into a dry position to prevent them from rotting. Pick windfall apples for cooking and twist those on the tree half a turn to see if they’re ripe. If so, they’ll come away with a satisfying snap. The unblemished can be stored in a cool shed to last into the winter months. Hoarding is a good feeling that must be locked in to our DNA, for there is nothing like providing for the future.
SPLITS AND SPLICES Geraniums, persicaria and the likes of Achillea can be cut back hard, lifted with a fork and teased apart. Reuse only the healthiest, outer growth and discard the oldest material on to the compost heap. With warmth still in the ground, the roots will take hold before winter sets in. GET GROWING October is the start of the planting season, and material planted now will benefit from the months ahead to get roots in. Be wary of planting evergreens in exposed sites, however, as they are
Erythronium
The
Gardens
Orders taken for hanging baskets and window boxes. Large selection of summer bedding plants from mid April. Perennial plants, trees and shrubs for your garden. Also available fruit trees & fruit bushes.
All your garden needs catered for
Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon • Tel: 086-8235287 • Open 7 Days • www.thegardens.ie Page 29 | Mature Living Magazine
MOTORING TECHNOLOGY
Tech OuT YOur ride! 4 New FeaTures ThaT will Make liFe easier BehiNd The wheel
it’s charging up. Now your vehicle’s dashboard will resemble your familiar iOS home screen, showing many supported first-party apps like Phone, Messages, Maps and Music along with a growing selection of third-party apps as well. For example, you can play music from Spotify or TuneIn Radio. Press the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel to activate Siri, your personal assistant that resides on your phone, and give a command or ask a question like “Read me my texts,” “What’s the weather like tonight?,” “Take me to 123 Main Street” or “Play Led Zeppelin.” When not driving, you can use the large app icons on the dashboard screen. Similarly, Google’s Android Auto first has you connect your Android smartphone and then when you want something, press the button on the steering wheel, which activates Google Now. You’ll have access to all your contacts, messages, music, maps, and other info all while keeping your eyes on the road
I
f you thought blind spot sensors and rear cameras were the epitome of invehicle technology, wait until you climb behind the wheel of new models packed with hightech advancements to make your drive safer and more entertaining, with hands-free access to information, navigation and communication. In other words, the “connected car” is here. Here, a look at some examples of the latest in emerging automotive tech — and what’s coming down the road. 1. Next-gen infotainment systems While automakers still offer their own infotainment system, many are allowing drivers to use what they’re already most comfortable with: their smartphone. Both Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto make your car’s dashboard look and feel more like your smartphone’s screen. With CarPlay, simply plug in your iPhone and put it away as Page 32 | Mature Living Magazine
and hands on the wheel. BMW is readying its AirTouch gesture-based control system that lets the driver choose items on the screen by simply pointing, waving and pushing their hand towards the content. 2. 4G LTE Hotspots Many new vehicles now offer support for 4G LTE connectivity. In other words, your car is now a password-protected Wi-Fi “hotspot” that allows up to seven devices to join for Internet access. And it’s not just for the pricey premium vehicles, either. In fact, all new Chevrolet models ship with this feature, even the entry-level Chevy Spark starting at under €10,000. Drivers can access music, podcasts and audiobooks from their favourite app hands-free. Your significant other in the passenger seat can browse the web on their device and pick up email. And perhaps most importantly, kids or grandkids on their tablets can stream Netflix or play an online game of Fortnite in the backseat. Vehicles with integrated Wi-Fi offer a much better signal than your smartphone, largely due to a powerful antenna on the roof. Plus, you don’t need to use up the precious data provided by your phone and it won’t drain
your smartphone’s battery as much. With Chevy models, data packages start at a reasonable €10/month, plus there are no roaming charges if you want to pack the family up for a road trip through the U.S. You can also get a daily data package if you’re just doing a day trip up to the cottage. This 4G LTE hotspot feature also works up to 50 feet outside of the vehicle, in case you want to beef up your tailgate party, cottage getaway or “glamping” adventure. 3. Semi-autonomous cars Given the fact human error
accounts for more than 90 per cent of road accidents, perhaps we ought to rely more on our vehicles to help keep us safe. That’s the idea behind “semiautonomous” cars. As the name suggests, the vehicle assists the driver but doesn’t take complete control (“autonomous,” or fully selfdriving vehicles, are coming in a few years, though). Adaptive cruise control is an example of semi-autonomous technology, where vehicles equipped with cameras, radar, sonar, and infrared sensors slow down if they get too close to another vehicle (or even pedestrians at slow speeds in some vehicles) and can apply gas for you too. Many vehicles can also keep you in your lane, such as Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist technology or Cadillac’s Super Cruise. Similarly, the latest software update for some Tesla models let the vehicle automatically steer down the highway, change lanes, and adjust speed in response to traffic. And once you’ve arrived at your destination, the car scans for a parking space and parallel parks on your command. 4. Apps, connectivity Finally, because many cars are now on the “grid” so to speak,
many auto makers are supporting apps on a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch, to give you remote access to your vehicle. Many car companies now have an app that lets you remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, remotely start your car, or start and stop the alarm. In other words, consider this app an extension of your key fob, which works at much greater distances via cellular connectivity. Some apps can send a destination address from your phone to your vehicle before you climb behind the wheel and start the navigation. It can tell you the fuel level in your vehicle, what your range is, oil life, tire pressure, and for electric vehicles, the range remaining. Some car companies support smart speakers, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, so you can use your voice to ask to lock and unlock the vehicle, start and stop the engine, ask for fuel levels, and more. A few automakers have this tech in the vehicle, too. Toyota, for example, is letting drivers and passengers talk to “Alexa” to control things in the car as well as smart home devices like the lights, temperature via your Wi-Fi thermostat, garage door and more. The future is here!
Marian Harkin MEP
If I can be of assistance on any issue, please contact my office to make an appointment. Constituency Office: 28 Emmet Place, Union Street, Sligo. Tel: 071-9150152/9145890 / Fax: 071-9141973 Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm Email: marian@marianharkin.com Website: www.marianharkin.com
“MEP of the Year” Award Winner 2011 & 2012 Page 33 | Mature Living Magazine
HEALTHY LIVING
Bolivian woman might Be world’s oldest at nearly 118
J
ulia Flores Colque still sings with joy in her indigenous Quechua tongue and strums the five strings of a tiny Andean guitar known as the charango, despite a recorded age of almost 118 years. In her long life, she has witnessed two world wars, revolutions in her native Bolivia and the transformation of her rural town of Sacaba from 3,000 people to a bustling city of more than 175,000 in five decades. Her national identity card says Flores Colque was born on Oct. 26, 1900, in a mining camp in the Bolivian mountains. At 117 and just over 10 months, she
would be the oldest woman in the Andean nation and perhaps the oldest living person in the world. But a spokeswoman for Guinness World Records says she’s not aware of receiving any application for her and Flores Colque doesn’t seem to care that her record hasn’t been confirmed. She hasn’t even heard of the reference book. These days, she enjoys the company of her dogs, cats and rooster. She is lucid and full of life, and she loves a good cake and singing folkloric songs in Quechua to anyone who comes to visit the dirt-floor adobe
home she shares with her 65year-old grandniece. “If you would have told me you were coming, I’d have remembered all the songs,” she said jokingly while playing the diminutive guitar. She then dipped a finger into a cake, and smiled while she licked the frosting. “She’s always been active, easygoing and fun,” said the grandniece, Agustina Berna. Growing up, the nowcentenarian herded sheep and llamas in the Bolivian highlands until she moved in her teenage years to a valley, where she began selling fruits and
Ariel Motors LTD
UNIT 2, ARDNAREE, BALLINA, CO. MAYO
• Servicing • Panel Beating • Tracking • Parts • Light Setting • NCT Preperation • Valeting • Recovery Ariel Dym 086-376-1953 • 086-8978395 • www.apmotors.ie Page 34 | Mature Living Magazine
vegetables. The produce became her main source of sustenance, and she still maintains a healthy diet though she does indulge in the occasional cake and glass of soda. She never married and has no children. The previously world’s oldest person, a 117-year-old Japanese woman, died earlier this year. Nabi Tajima was born on Aug. 4, 1900. Her passing apparently leaves Flores Colque as the world’s oldest living person. Birth certificates did not exist in Bolivia until 1940, and births previously were registered with baptism certificates provided by Roman Catholic priests. Flores Colque’s national identity card, however, has been certified by the Bolivian government. Her longevity is striking in Bolivia, which still has one of South America’s highest levels of mortality, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the U.N.’s regional arm. The Sacaba mayor’s office has named Flores Colque a living heritage. The office and a private foundation have improved her home, building a brick path where she walks, and a shower and toilet with a railing so the centenarian can safely make her way to the bathroom at night. Sitting in the sun on a rustic bench, she seems eternal or like an ancient statue carved in stone. She is hard of hearing, but she remains sharp and scolds her smallest dog whenever Blanquita tries to venture out into the street. Just a few years ago, she still walked briskly. But then she fell and hurt her back. The doctor said she would never walk again. She proved the doctor wrong.
5%
Discoun
with th t is Advert
Page 35 | Mature Living Magazine
LIFESTYLE
Who has it worse the millennial, 30, or the baby boomer, 60? Daughter who fears having children because it looks ‘stressful’ and her mother who complains she ‘never had a career’ go head-to-head
B
arely a day passes without hearing that the millennial generation has it harder So, was life really easier a generation ago, or just simpler? Here, Kathy Cakebread, 30, and her mum Karen, 60, explain the differences They struggle to get on the housing ladder and complain they’ll never be able to save towards a decent pension. Many say they can’t afford to get married and start a family so are forced to live at home with their parents. Barely a day passes without hearing that the millennial generation (that’s those aged between 22 and 37) have it so much harder than their baby boomer parents did. But do they really? Recent financial predictions have certainly painted a gloomy picture for them. Households are spending more than they earn for the first time in 30 years. Now interest rates are beginning to creep up, financial analysts are warning that a decade of historically low interest rates, which have favoured borrowers over savers, could leave Britons without enough money to cover their escalating debt. So, was life really easier a generation ago, or just simpler? And are spoiled millennials in part responsible for their predicament? Here, Kathy Cakebread, 30, who is single and works in customer services, and her mum Karen, 60, a housewife give a fascinating insight into the real differences between the two generations.... HOUSING KATHY says: I can’t afford to leave home, which is awful. Renting a one-bedroom flat in
our area costs €700 a month. If I was spending that sort of money, I would never be able to save a deposit to buy my own place. Living at home means I have managed to put away €30,000 towards buying a flat of my own. I’ve saved €500 a month for more than five years. I’m aiming to save around €60,000, leaving me with a mortgage of about €100,000 on a two-bedroom flat. I don’t have a boyfriend, but if I did it would be awkward. How could I bring someone back to my parents’ house? It’s just embarrassing! KAREN says: My husband Ian, now 64, and I bought our first home, a €25,000 two-bedroom terrace, as newlyweds when I was 24 after saving a €5,000 deposit. When we were Kathy’s age, we bought our current home, a three-bedroom end terrace, with a mortgage of €30,000. It was a new-build and a bit of a struggle getting the money together to carpet and furnish it, so it was pretty bare for the first couple of years. We went without luxuries. We never had takeaways or ready meals — we couldn’t afford it. Back then, in 1988, interest rates reached 12.8 per cent, compared with 0.75 per cent today, so the repayments were around €330 a month — a substantial chunk of our income. My husband earned around €900 a month and I stayed at home to raise our children, Kathy and Andrew. There was never much left over, so if the washing machine or fridge packed up, it meant months of repayments. The houses around us now sell for more than €250,000, which is way out of Kathy’s price range, or even for a couple with two salaries. When it comes to gaining independence, Kathy’s
generation has it very hard. EDUCATION KATHY says: After doing well in leaving cert— a mix of A and B grades — I went to the college and kept living at home. I did a degree in media and film studies and came out with a 2:1. People told me I should make the most of my qualifications by going to university, and I listened to them. I thought it would be a good route to a lucrative career. However, lots of companies want young people to do internships for free, which I couldn’t afford to do — so I never got a job in my field. My degree feels like it was a waste of my time. In fact, if I could go back to being 18, I probably wouldn’t bother going to university. I ran up debts of €10,000, which I’ll probably be repaying until I retire. KAREN says: I left school aged 15 in 1974, a year before the Sex Discrimination Act — which made it illegal to favour men over women in the workplace and elsewhere — was introduced. It never occurred to me or any of my friends to keep studying. It wasn’t something many women did back then. Only about five per cent of school leavers did degrees, compared with around a third today. Do I feel I missed out by not going? Not really. I don’t see any huge advantages in studying until you’re 21, other than the freedom to do as you please more. WORK & WAGES KATHY says: My first job after leaving university was as a receptionist, earning €18,000 a year, followed by a few administrative roles, paying a bit less. Now I work in customer
services for a debt purchase company and earn€19,000, taking home €1,360 a month. It’s enough for me to live on and to save €500 every month. I pay €40 a month into a pension scheme, and invest about €25 in stocks and shares, which I know isn’t enough. Sometimes I envy Mum’s lifestyle when she was 30, because things seemed so straightforward back then. She had a three-bedroom house, a husband, two children and no need to worry about making money. Things are very different for me. As well as my job, I also have a blog, which doesn’t earn me money but means I get to write, which I love — and get free things, like meals in restaurants, to review. Mum finds this world of sharing things online, which didn’t exist when she was my age, completely baffling. KAREN says: I was an administrative support worker in an advertising agency from leaving school until my mid-20s. My husband didn’t want me to work after the kids came along. Like a lot of people back then, he believed they needed their mother at home. I didn’t mind because around 60 per cent of mums with preschoolers were housewives in those days. We survived quite well on Ian’s wage, which rose steadily over the years until he retired recently with a good pension. However, once the kids had started secondary school, it was difficult getting back into the workplace. I did courses in computing and childcare in the hope of starting a new career, but it didn’t happen and I eventually felt too old to keep trying. I don’t have many friends, which may be partly because I never had a career and the colleagues
A NEW RANGE OF MOBILITY PRODUCTS IN-STORE AND ONLINE TEL: 01-6167079 045-892696
WWW.ISBMOBILITY.IE
UNIT 5&6 CLANE BUSINESS PARK, CLANE, CO. KILDARE • CALL US TODAY FOR FREE ADVICE AND QUOTATION
Wheelchairs
Riser recliners
Page 36 | Mature Living Magazine
Rollators
Mobility Scooters
• Stairlifts-New & Used Approved • Level Access Shower conversions • Ramps/Steps & rails • Vertical Home lifts
LEVEL ACCESS SHOWERS Designed for easy living
Still, we were happy and I don’t resent Kathy her luxuries at all.
Kathy Cakebread, left, has a degree but can't find a well-paid job. Her mum, Karen, was forced to leave school at 15 but loved being a housewifemail online that would have come with that, so I now spend most of my time pottering around at home. RELATIONSHIPS KATHY says: I’ve had boyfriends, but have never lived with a man — and the older I get the harder it seems to meet someone. When my parents’ generation were young they met prospective partners on nights out, but nowadays most people meet through dating websites. It makes it trickier to know whether you have chemistry with someone. I’d love to have kids one day, but only within a committed relationship. About 80 per cent of my friends have children and most of them are married or in long-term relationships. They’re all so stressed working and trying to keep everything afloat at home, it seems like really hard work. KAREN says: I met Ian when I was 23 through a dating agency and married him at 24. We had our first child, Andrew, when I was 27. Kathy followed three years later. I was very happy when the children came along and did all the cooking, cleaning, laundry. My husband didn’t like me going out with girlfriends on my own because he said he worried about me. It never occurred to me to object to that. Most of our socialising was with neighbours — we’d go to their houses or they’d come round to ours for drinks.
SPLASHING OUT KATHY says: Clothes and makeup are my biggest indulgences and I spend a few hundred pounds a month on them. I buy a new outfit most weeks. I go on holiday most years with family or friends. I’ve been to France, Spain, Holland and Germany, as well to various destinations in the UK. I’m not a big drinker, but I meet up with my friends most weeks for a meal. I also pay €80 a month on the loan for my Peugeot 208 car. Mum has never driven — something I would find very hard to live with. KAREN says: When I was Kathy’s age there was very little spare money. Anything we had went on the children. I hardly ever got new clothes and had to make the ones I had last for years, or I would buy things at charity shops. I rarely wore make-up and kept my hair long so I didn’t need to visit the hairdresser’s often. On special occasions we went to the local restaurant for meals as a family. It’s hard to remember exactly, but I think it would cost €20 for the four of us. Mostly, we’d stay in and Ian and I might share a bottle of wine on a Saturday night. We couldn’t afford a holiday every year but we’d save up and, every second or third year, take the children to Mosney or Butlins holiday camps.
when I was 30, I’d have liked more independence and the chance to challenge myself professionally. But it felt insurmountable. Who would look after the children if I went to work? In 1988, there wasn’t all this talk about women having it all. You were either a mum or a career girl. I was so proud of Kathy when she went to university because I knew it could open all kinds of doors that were closed to me. I know what she’s doing is not the career she planned, but she has a decent job and, while it would be lovely for her to have children one day, I’m not in any rush to become a grandmother. My mum was only in her 40s when she became a grandma for the first time, which seems astonishing. She seemed so old at the time, but she was much younger than I am now. Kathy is luckier than me in many ways: she has a degree, a career, her own money and a car, and more choice about what to do with her life. But I do still feel sorry for her because building a future seems much harder than in my day. Who had it hardest? I’d say Kathy probably has more stress and worry than I did — but she also has so many more opportunities. I’d rather live her life as a 30-year-old, than mine. Article first appeared in daily mail online
ASPIRATIONS KATHY says: Over the next decade I’d like to do some travelling, maybe to America or Australia. I’d also like to meet a man, marry and have a child or two. At the same time, I want to progress in my career and for my wages to increase so my standard of living can, too — though I’m not sure how easy that will be. I think it would be very unlikely for me to be a stay-at-home mum, because we’d need two incomes to buy a family home. I don’t know how Mum did it for all those years. I think it is better being 30 in 2018, rather than 1988, like Mum. Women have much greater equality with men today. However, ‘having it all’ also means there is more pressure on women to do it all: work, raise a family and still look good. It’s also more difficult to create a secure financial future. So who’s had it hardest? I’d say me. But I wouldn’t swap places with Mum. KAREN says: Young women today please themselves much more, when it comes to work and family life. I think they’re very fortunate to be able to do that. I would never have wanted to miss out on having children, but,
TANTRIC
Massage
For men, women and couples • EMOTIONAL HEALING • EXPERIENCE PLEASURE • BECOME SELF AWARE • BETTER HEALTH • CURB IMPULSES • FIGHT STRESS • RELAX • IMPROVE BREATHING Tantra is a tool that gives us respect and honoring for the pleasure and insights our bodies can give us. Using ritual and body work Tantra can open up new worlds of pleasure, wholeness and satisfaction. I offer appointments to men, women and couples that allow you to feel comfortable in your pleasure and joy in your body. Through tantric pleasure and healing ceremonies your body can become more alive and increase your sensual pleasure in all areas of your life. Tantric Massage also helps with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in men which can be very common. It can also help with women who have problems achieving orgasms. CALL / TEXT 'LOVE DAKINIBELLE' (086) 605 3298 Open 9am to 8pm (Last Appointment 6.30pm) Boyle, Co. Roscommon & Dublin www.Lovedakinibelle.net • lovedakinibelle@yahoo.com Facebook: Love Dakinibelle
Page 37 | Mature Living Magazine
Go Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal
WIN
2 Nights Bed and Breakfast for Two PEOPLE!
This month Mature Living Magazine has teamed up with the fantastic Abbey & Central Hotels in the heart of Donegal centre to offer one luck reader a 2 night Break for 2 people. Overlooking the River Eske and the town's main square, these old world hotels are a 2-minute walk from Donegal Castle and a 5 minute walk to the Donegal Bay Waterbus. Standard rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms offer bay views, while plush suites add 4-poster beds and whirlpool baths. An array of dining options are offered, including Steak & Seafood Restaurant,Chapman’s Restaurant, lunch options in The Food Hall at The Market House or Just Williams Bistro and casual bar food menus. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, simply answer the following question and send your entries, along with your name, address and telephone number on postcard to Abbey & Central Competition, Mature Living Magazine, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co, Sligo (Subject to availability - T&C’s apply / Closing date 30 October 2018)
Which town are The Abbey & Central Hotels in the Heart of?
Abbey & Central Hotels, The Diamond, Donegal Town
Phone:- 074-9721014 Abbey Hotel / 074-9721027 Central Hotel • www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com
MULTIPURPOSE GARDEN SHEDS & GARAGES Sheds delivered & Erected Nationwide
All the main supports of our garages are constructed of heavy duty box section steel for strength and durability and are hot dipped galvanised for longer Life. Our Units are built to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The sheeting is hot dipped galvanised and pvc coated to the colour of your choice.
“You tell us the size you want and we will price on that exact size”
Contact: Ray Lynch Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086-8943034 or 094-9621938 • AGENTS REQUIRED
FEATURE
Forget tHe Bake oFF a collection oF ingenious tips From some very competitive cooks reveals no one knew How to avoid a soggy Bottom Better tHan a FiFties HousewiFe wife’s tip hadn’t been included.’ So, if you want to know how to whizz up a storm or how to avoid a soggy bottom, look no further than baking tips from Fifties housewives... THE ICING ON THE CAKE Run out of icing sugar? Make your own icing by mixing sweetened condensed milk and desiccated coconut to a stiff paste. Spread thickly over the top of your cake, using a wetted knife. Then press the cake, icing downwards, into a plate of loose coconut. Shake off any surplus coconut. Marshmallows also make a deliciously creamy, and
unusual, icing. Put eight or ten in a basin and stand over boiling water until melted. Cream together 1 oz margarine or butter and 1 oz castor sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the cooled and melted marshmallows and use to coat your sponge cake. To prevent your icing cracking, replace one tablespoonful of icing sugar with the same amount of cornflour. This keeps the icing thick and makes it softer to cut. Jazz up your sponge cake with a tasty jam icing. Bring four tablespoons of jam slowly to the boil. After boiling for a minute, pour the jam over a beaten egg
One Fifties housewife revealed how the tray is greased can change how crispy scones are baked. She suggests sprinkling flour on the tray for soft scones.
L
ong before The great British Bakeoff - which returned to our screens recently— there was an arena every bit as cutthroat: the letters page of a Scottish newspaper in the Fifties. Every week housewives flooded the offices of the Sunday Post with their favourite baking tips. From scones to jam tarts, nothing got past those domestic goddesses. In that age of austerity, women prided themselves not just on turning out fabulous creations in the kitchen, but on saving time and money to boot. Their tips have been compiled
into a book by author Steve Finan. And they are sheer genius. ‘These women took such pride in their baking they fought tooth and nail to get a mention in the paper,’ says Steve. ‘The Pass It On column, as it was known, received hundreds of letters every week. ‘They weren’t competing for TV glory or big money — the prize for top tip of the week was a tea towel! But the kudos was immense. Neighbours would boast they lived next door to a Pass It On tip provider. And husbands would ring the offices to demand to know why their
Author Steve Finan has compiled a selection of recipes from Fifties housewives that were published in The Sunday Post into a new book
• SLATING AND TILES • NEW BUILDS • EXTENSIONS • REPAIRS Padraig Woods - Registered Roofing Contractor • Contact: 086-3540842 • Lynns, Annagassan, Dunleer, Co. Louth • roofright08@gmail.com Page 40 | Mature Living Magazine
white, and whisk until mixture is stiff. Pour over your cake. GREAT BAKES There’s no fear of your cake being heavy or sinking in the middle if you put your tin in a warm oven for a few seconds before filling. For those who don’t like peel in cake, use a large tablespoonful of marmalade instead. This gives the desired flavour without the hard pieces of peel. To stop fruit sinking to the bottom of your cake, treat your currants and raisins by scalding, draining and then tossing them in flour before adding them to your mixture. After greasing a cake tin, put in a tablespoonful of dried breadcrumbs. Shake thoroughly round the bottom and sides of the tin and tip out any which haven’t stuck. When the cake is cooked, it slips out without sticking. For a light, fluffy sponge cake, separate the yolks from whites of eggs and whisk the whites stiff. Add yolks first in the usual way, then fold in the whites. To prevent a cake being overfired on top, run cold water over buttered greaseproof paper. Shake well and place over your cake before putting in the oven. BRILLIANT BUNS If you like your scones crisp on the bottom, grease the tray well. If you prefer your scones soft, sprinkle the tray with flour. Mix dough for scones with a knife, cutting through the dough as you go. The less you handle it, the lighter your scones will be. When baking cakes in paper cases in a gas oven, place a small dish filled with water at the bottom of the oven. This stops your cases discolouring. PERFECT PUDDINGS When making pastry, instead of using a wooden rolling pin, fill a glass bottle with cold water. You’ll improve the texture of your pastry because of the cool
temperature every time you roll. For a delicious and attractive fruit tart, keep your gooseberries or other fruit whole while stewing by boiling the water and sugar first and then adding the fruit to the boiling syrup. If you’re cooking apples or rhubarb for a crumble, I always add a pinch of salt. It keeps the colour of the fruit and improves the flavour. The crumble provides all the sweetness you need. When making pastry, add a dessertspoonful of semolina to 1lb of flour. The result is a lovely short crust and no sticking to pastry board or rolling pin. For apple tarts or fruit pies, sprinkle the sugar on the bottom crust instead of on top of the fruit. This sets the juice, there is less chance of it running out and the bottom of the tart is nice and crisp, never soggy. Pop a few marshmallows into a baked custard pie. They rise to the top, melted for a delicious meringue. Roll out pastry on greaseproof paper. Then it’s a simple matter to roll paper and pastry up together. Unroll from the top of the pie or on to oven tray. The pastry doesn’t stick or break up. When sweetening fruit such as gooseberries and plums for tarts, slit the fruit before stewing and you will use less sugar. COOKIES AND TARTS Use a grater for pricking biscuits quickly and neatly. Roll out the dough, run the coarse part of a round grater over it firmly, and cut the dough in the usual way. Milk should be used at room temperature for best results in baking cakes, muffins, and biscuits. This is important when melted shortening is used. For perfect jam tarts, heat the jam almost to boiling point before using. Pastry will be crisp and not sodden. CREAMY CUSTARD When making custard, add lemon curd to sweeten and for a
Another Fifties housewife recommends getting your butcher to cut a marrow bone the depth of your pie-dish and using it in place of a funnel
delicious flavour. Stir sauces and custards with a perforated spoon. There’s less sticking and results are smoother. To prevent a thick skin forming on custard, stir in a little cold milk after it is made. Put the lid on and leave till ready for use WHEN IT GOES WRONG If a fruit cake has been overcooked on top, scrape the burnt part off, brush over with beaten white of egg, dust with caster sugar and return to the oven for a few minutes. Fruit cake that has been baked too long and is rather dry can be moistened by adding sherry via holes made with a skewer. When there’s no dried fruit, add half a jar of mincemeat to your usual sultana cake mixture. If your butter and sugar for a
cake goes oily, stand it in a basin of cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll find it creams quite easily. If the bottom of an apple cake is too soft when taken from the tin, slip it on to a warm, dry frying pan for five minutes to firm up. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? When making a beef steak pie, get your butcher to cut a marrow bone the depth of your piedish and use in place of a funnel. This gives a delicious gravy. One teaspoon of vinegar added to the fat in which doughnuts are fried prevents them from absorbing the fat. Taken from Pass It On: Cooking Tips From The 1950s, edited by Steve Finan, published by The Sunday Post at £11.99 and available to order from dcthomsonshop.co.uk
Tel: 096-22277 • Fax (096) 22655 Jerome and Eugene Hughes for all your Home Heating Oil, Tractor Diesel, Kerosene, Road Diesel, Unleaded Petrol. Tanks and Lubrication products also in stock. Page 41 | Mature Living Magazine
FOOD&DRINK
Making Vegetables the Main eVent Elegant Roasted Vegetables What’s the best way to get everyone to eat their veggies? With this easy and elegant recipe for roasted vegetables. Sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips are roasted to sweet perfection and then topped with a pecan Parmesan gremolata, a zesty combination of pecans, Parmesan and parsley.
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flatleaf parsley 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp lemon zest 1 tbsp olive oil DIRECTIONS 1) Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2) In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips with olive oil. Transfer to baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables, stirring often, for 1 hour or until tender. Transfer to a serving plate. 3) For the topping, in a small bowl, combine pecans, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil. Sprinkle over vegetables before serving. Serves 6
INGREDIENTS 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 lb carrots, peeled and cubed 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cubed 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper Pecan Parmesan Gremolata 1 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Twice-Baked Mini Potatoes 2. Twice-Baked Mini Potatoes The ultimate finger food, these TwiceBaked Mini Potatoes are one-bite wonders that can be made in advance – you just pop them in the oven for a second baking before the guests arrive. An amazing appetizer, these tiny cheese and chive-stuffed taters get gobbled up as a superb side dish as well. INGREDIENTS 26 Yukon Gold mini potatoes 1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp chopped fresh thyme ½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¾ cup sour cream ¼ cup milk ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp thinly sliced fresh chives
Page 42 | Mature Living Magazine
1 tbsp butter, softened ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS 1) Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with non-stick cooking spray. 2) Wash and dry potatoes. Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, thyme, ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Transfer to
prepared baking sheet and bake until a fork easily pierces potatoes, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool until you are able to hold them. Take each potato, slice the top off, and use a small spoon to carefully hollow it out. Place potato pulp in a medium bowl and mash to a chunky consistency. Add sour cream, milk, Parmesan, chives, butter, salt and pepper, mashing ingredients together. 3) Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Generously spoon the filling into each potato shell. (Note: At this point, if you’re preparing the potatoes in advance, allow them to cool, cover and refrigerate them. When ready to serve bring to room temperature.) Just before serving time, bake until slightly brown on top, 10-15 minutes. Yield: 26 mini potatoes
Baked Zucchini Fries with Caramelized Onion Dip Without fail, before we can get these Crunchy Baked Zucchini Fries with Caramelized Onion Dip to the platter, they’re half gone. Baked until golden and crisp, these “fries,” dunked in a richly flavorful caramelized onion dip, are addictive! INGREDIENTS Zucchini Fries 3 medium zucchini, peeled and cut into 3inch-long sticks 2 tsp kosher salt ¼ cup flour 2 large eggs, lightly whisked 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp dried Italian herbs 2 tbsp olive oil Caramelized Onion Dip 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large sweet onion, sliced 1 tsp brown sugar ¼ tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp yellow mustard ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
with salt and toss to coat. Let drain 45 minutes. 2) Meanwhile, prepare onion dip. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over mediumlow heat. Add onions, brown sugar and salt, cooking 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once onions are softened and golden, remove from heat and stir in cider vinegar. Place onion mixture in a food processor or blender. Add honey and mustard, blending until smooth. Place in a bowl and stir in mayonnaise and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. 3) Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with non-stick cooking spray. Remove
zucchini from strainer, rinsing very well under cold water to remove salt. Pat zucchini dry with a kitchen towel. Place flour in a medium bowl, eggs in another bowl and the panko, Parmesan and Italian herbs in a third bowl. Working one at a time, dip zucchini in flour, shaking off excess. Next dip in egg and coat with panko mixture, pressing well to adhere crumbs. Place on prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining zucchini. Drizzle entire sheet of zucchini with 2 tbsp olive oil. Bake 12 minutes, turn sticks and continue baking 6-8 minutes more, until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with caramelized onion dip. Serves 4-6
DIRECTIONS 1) Place cut zucchini in a strainer, sprinkle
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Among the mahogany walls and dirty martinis, something great is happening in swanky steak-houses across the nation…carnivores are eating spinach. A simple side dish that seems healthy next to fried hash browns and marbled rib-eyes, the overly creamy restaurant version is still too flaccid and watery for our taste. Using whipped cream cheese, our easy, silky smooth spinach brings home all the taste of the upscale steakhouse without the side-dish robbery and the velvet banquettes. INGREDIENTS 4 (10oz/283g) packages frozen chopped spinach 2 (6oz/170g) containers Kraft Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS 1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 2) Defrost spinach according to package directions. Drain very well, squeezing spinach to ensure all excess liquid is removed. 3) In a food processor, place cream cheese, melted butter, salt, pepper and spinach together. Process for 10 seconds. Using a rubber spatula scrape down the sides of the bowl and do 3-4 quick pulses to combine. 4) Transfer to prepared baking dish, sprinkle top with Parmesan and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Serves 8
ESTABLISHED 1991
ACORN DESIGNS LTD
COME AND SEE ALL THE NEW RANGES IN OUR SHOWROOM
Full range of appliances including: Also an exclusive range of flooring new to the market
Barcastle Retail Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo T: 094-9026100 • E: info@acorndesigns.ie • www.acorndesigns.ie Page 43 | Mature Living Magazine
SHOWBANDS
The Bands of our Showband Era T here were hundreds of them. Irish bands of every size, description and musical genre travelling the roads and borheens of Ireland. They travelled the length and breadth of the country from the 1950's through the mid 1980's. Although "officially" the term showband was coined in the late fifties and was used to describe bands that played a wide variety of music and usually included a "show" during the night, the term was gradually applied to all the bands that played in the 1960's. As the Irish music scene splintered in the late sixties into pop, country
bands, the term was dropped but we still find it the best overall description of the bands of the "ballroom" era. In the early days, they travelled in whatever they could find...bread vans, hearses, and even cars (roof racks and all). In later years, many (if not most) of them travelled in converted Ford Transit vans (like the one pictured right) that were normally used for delivery services. After a couple of windows were popped into the centre panels, a row or two of old airplane seats were installed and the band was ready to travel "in style." Although style was a matter of
opinion...if you're stuck in the back of a van on a cold and rainy winter's night, it may seem like "a long way to Tipperary," but it's even further to Castletownbere, Co. Cork! It will be impossible to list all the bands that played the dance halls, ballrooms, marquees, parochial halls, community centres, hotels, and town halls across Ireland but each month we are planning to feature a band from the west with the help of Gerry Gallagher and www.irish-showbands.com . Apart from a few who enjoy near mythical status (such as the Royal Showband and a handful of others), most bands
came together, played for a few years and then either reinvented themselves, changed their name, or just disappeared, their members either returning to civilian life, or scattering to two or three new bands. For such a small country, it is difficult to comprehend the sheer number of bands that the country produced. Almost as hard to imagine, is the number of dance halls that once dotted the countryside, many out in the "middle of nowhere." Pick up next months issue for another blast from the blast from the showband era...
lthough definitely one of the earliest "pop bands" the Freshmen, from Ballymena, were different from the rest of the showbands of the early 1960's. Billy Brown, an extremely talented piano and sax player, had been playing since he was twelve. By the time he got to college, he had his first professional gig with the Billy McFarland Band out of Belfast. Two other members of the McFarland band, bass player Torry
McGahey and sax player Maurice Henry became fast friends and they all eventually decided it was time to strike out on their own, although in a 1971 Spotlight interview with Davy McKnight it was reported Tory had been sacked from the band and Billy and Maurice went with him. One way or another, together they formed The Freshmen in early 1962. They recruited the best of musicians, each one a singer in their own right. The original lineup included: Barney
McKeon (vocals), Maurice (sax), Torry (bass), Damien McIlroy (guitar), Sean Mahon (trombone), Davy McKnight (drums-who was training to be a teacher) and Billy (sax and piano). The band's new sound took Northern Ireland by storm. They were starting out just at the same time as The Beatles and The Beach Boys and they were poised to ride the crest of the "pop" wave in Ireland. Before long, the band
attracted the interest of a new manager, Peter Dempsey (band member Maurice Henry had previously handled the band's bookings). Peter ran dances in Andersontown and through this, met Johnny Flynn and made a host of connections in the South...uncharted territory for the Freshmen. By 1963, they were beginning to make inroads in the South when Barney decided to leave. The search was on for a replacement and the band recruited Limerick singer, Tommy Drennan. With Tommy out front, the band continued to prosper, garnering rave reviews from the press and the punters. Within a year though, Tommy had grown homesick and returned to Limerick, leaving the band in bit of a bind. Billy filled in for a time, but eventually they found their ideal front man in Derek McMenamin, a handsome, tall singer whose good looks, charm, and talent rivaled any of the other leading front men of the time. With Derek in place, the band cut its first record in London during a tour of England in February, 1964, She's The One You Love. Released in summer, the single faded quickly, making little impact. For a time in
All About the Freshmen (1962-1980) A
NEW - Riverview, Ballina Email: riverview@sonas.ie
Enniscrone, Sligo 096 37840
Page 44 | Mature Living Magazine
Moy Ridge, Ballina 096 21886
Ti Aire, Belmullet 097 81940
Athlone 090 64 79568
Cloverhill, Roscommon 090 66 28882
Tullow, Carlow 059 91 81555
Melview, Clonmel 052 61 21716
Article and Photos courtesy of Gerry Gallagher www.irish-showbands.com early 1964, Derek left the band to complete his college education where he was studying to become a teacher. By summer, he had taken his finals and was back with the band. At the end of 1964, the band announced that Derek was changing his last name to Dean and the band also changed its name to Derek and the Freshmen. In 1965, the band recorded and released more singles. The first, I Stand Alone, failed to make an impression. However, their recording of Yenka was a top ten hit in November 1965. Over the next two years, the band's reputation and status went from strength to strength. They became the top Northern Band to play the South and at one point were ranked as the number four showband behind only the Royal, Miami and the Cadets. In August 1966, the band announced that it was changing its name once again and would be known as Derek Dean, Billy and the Freshmen, an obvious nod to Billy's growing influence in the band. In 1967, the Freshmen were part of the showband elite in Ireland. Oliver Barry took over managing the band in mid-1967 and their record, Papa-Oo-Mow-Mow reached number seven in the Irish charts and stayed in the charts for eight weeks well into 1968. In September, 1968, the band announced a new image...gone were the tailored suits of the showband era and now the band took to the stage in "mod" gear. The move was actually seen as risky. A Spotlight article in the September 7th issue stated, "Ballroom managers were aghast....they felt dancers wouldn't go for it at all." They started a string of top ten hits and the band was doing extremely well as the money came pouring in. They released Go Granny Go, Number 12 in August 1968, Just to See You Smile, Number 9 in March 1969, and Halfway to Where, Number 10 in April 1970. In the April 26th, 1969 issue of Spotlight, an article reported that the band had claimed to have played before 16,000 dancers over the Easter week and that it must be some kind of record. Things were going well for
STAIRLIFTS
the Freshmen. 1970 was the year the band released their second album, Peace On Earth. The album was heralded as an artistic masterpiece and is still regarded by many as the greatest Irish pop album ever made. The same year, they performed their "Peace Concert" at the RDS in Dublin which featured noted actor Micheal MacLiammoir as narrator (the role he also played on the album). Amid all the success though, trouble was brewing. The band had become too identified with the Beach Boys sound and as the Beach Boys fortunes' faded, so too did the Freshmen's. In February, 1971, it was reported in Spotlight that Billy had been sacked by the band. The article said that Billy had been ill for some time and started missing dates. Billy himself said he had been feeling ill and that his doctor thought it was either his appendix or gallstones, but that he was going into hospital within the week. In the meantime, the band voted to sack the all star singer songwriter and was looking for a replacement. which they found in Ivan Laybourne. When Billy returned to health, he decided to form his own group, The Billy Brown Superband. He recruited one of the finest lineup of musicians perhaps ever to play the ballroom circuit. Billy was joined by Johnny Brown (bass), Dessie Reynolds (drums), Keith McDonald (sax), Pascal Haverty (sax), Tiger Taylor (guitar), and Mike Nolan (RIPtrumpet). The musicianship was excellent, but the band lacked originality and that "certain" spark, lasting less than a year. The early seventies saw the Freshmen continue to slip in popularity and earnings. Following a false start with his superband, Billy teamed up with Mike O'Brien to form Brown and O'Brien in 1972. In February 1972, original member Davy McKnight announced he was leaving the Freshmen to join Clubsound, however it took a couple of months for the band to find a replacement. A follow up article in May announced that Davy had joined the band who had changed
Western Mobility one of the leading suppliers of stairlifts, mobility scooters and access ramps in the West of Ireland
their name to Warm Sensation. The band's lineup was Davy (drums), Eddie McCrudden, Barry McCrudden (keyboards), Harry Hickland (sax), Billy Bingham (guitar) and George Jones (bass). Although it was rumoured Davy might be replaced by RTE's Ian McGarry, it was Linsey Lunney (College Boys) who came to the band on drums. In April, 1972, founder member Maurice Henry left the band to move into management. In a Spotlight interview, Maurice jokingly said, "I've left the Freshmen mainly because of old age." The first act he signed was Cathy and the Fugitives from Mayo and shortly thereafter added the Sounds. Meanwhile, Brown and O'Brien did not find the magic either and the band went to Canada. However Billy returned on his own and a report in Spotlight on October 12, 1972 claimed he would not be rejoining the Freshmen. Of course, Billy did rejoined the Freshmen after leaving Brown and O'Brien in October, 1972. He brought guitarist Tiger Taylor with him who replaced original member Damien McIlroy. However, Linsey Lunny left the band around the same time. A blurb in Spotlight reported Damien was leaving the band at the end of September, 1972 and he went to South Africa. A month later in October, keyboard player Ivan Laybourne, reportedly went to Scotland, but ended up joining
Damien in South Africa. Throughout the mid to late seventies, the Freshmen continued to play, ending up as a six piece and trying to make a living in a scene that was slowly dying and well past its prime. Around 1978, Torry McGahey left the band, breaking the final remaining link to the original Freshmen lineup. Although Billy Brown had been an original member, he had left the band for several years. By 1980, the Freshmen, one of the greatest components of pop music in Ireland, were finally no more. After almost twenty years the band who had smoothly made the transition from 60's showband to 70's pop group successfully (while staying true to their legacy of producing quality music) called it quits. On the recent series "Little Bit of Showband," Derek recounted the story of a gig in Boyle when only a handful of dancers showed up and the decision was made to finish the band. And with a whimper, it was over...the Freshmen were no more. In the years after the showband era ended, the late Billy Brown continued to record, write and produce excellent music. His reputation as one of Ireland's most gifted musicians continued to grow, but on June 6, 1999, at the age of only 56, Billy sadly passed away, leaving the Irish music scene without one of the guiding lights that had illuminated the landscape of the showband era.
DISABILITY BATHROOM CONVERSIONS
SCOOTERS RAMPS
Home Demo Available
Tempoarary and Permanent
Plumbing, Tiling, Electrical REGAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE TODAY!
Call us now for FREE no obligation survey and quote - Lo Call 1890 25 30 38 or 087-7783633 • Website: www.westernmobility.ie Page 45 | Mature Living Magazine
LIFESTYLE
The key To a beTTer sex life! Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop reveals exercises to help ladies ‘unlock their full potential for pleasure’, while urging them to embrace their inner ‘wild woman’
T
he 45-year-old lifestyle guru’s website, Goop, has published an in-depth interview with sex and intimacy expert Michaela Boehm Boehm explains that consciously engaging with our bodies ‘is the secret to finding deeper, greater pleasure’ ‘Desire arises most when the body is open, relaxed, and flowing,’ she explains Never one to shy away from talking about sex or intimacy, Gwyneth Paltrow is now tackling women’s lack of
sexual desire and how they can find pleasure in their bodies. The 45-year-old lifestyle guru’s website, Goop, has published an in-depth interview with sex and intimacy expert Michaela Boehm about how readers can unleash their inner ‘wild woman’ and reconnect to their lower bodies. Boehm, the author of The Wild Woman’s Way: Unlock Your Full Potential for Pleasure, Power, and Fulfillment, explains that consciously engaging with our bodies ‘is the
secret to finding deeper, greater pleasure.’ Paltrow is a longtime fan of Boehm, whom she recently interviewed at the ‘In Goop Health’ wellness summit in June. In her book, Boehm explains that the ‘wild woman’ is the archetype of someone who is ‘deeply connected to the natural world’ — not an uncivilized creature as some would believe. She works with this archetype to promote natural empowerment and help women understand that they don’t need to change who they are to be loved. ‘As women, we are uniquely connected to our lower bodies,’ she tells Goop. ‘The power to create, our instinct, and our ability to feel pleasure, as well as to procreate, sit in the lower part of our body.’ Boehm says that many women she works with become disconnected to their bodies because they are stressed out and feeling overwhelmed, which can cause tension and tightness. ‘Desire arises most when the body is open, relaxed, and flowing,’ she explains. ‘Add lack of time, sleep, and emotional intimacy to the mix and for many of us, the thought of being sexually engaged with ourselves or a partner just feels like yet another chore to do.’ First and foremost, Boehm advises women to take time away from electronics, social media, and other obvious stressors. She also recommends ‘exercises to bring back sensory awareness and, with that, sensual sensation to the body.’ Boehm says the easiest way
to do that is to move the body freely, whether you are dancing to your favorite song or doing hip circles to loosen up your lower half. When trying to identify tightness in the body, she suggests standing barefoot with your feet firmly planted on the ground while exploring how your body wants to move, paying close attention to any areas that need extra movement. ‘To me, sensual pleasure enhances and contributes to sexual pleasure. They are inextricably connected,’ she says, adding that taking note of everyday sensations can help train the body to be more aware of sensual connection. Rather than provide more stimuli, Boehm explains that focusing on sensual awareness and creating sensitivity will allow sexual pleasure to be more readily available. According to Boehm, even the feeling of a hair brush across the neck can help someone connect with the perception of pleasure. When trying to create a more meaningful intimate relationship with a loved one, she suggests spending 10 minutes or more looking at each other and connecting through touch. For those who would like to speak during the exercise, she advises complimenting each other or choosing a similar topic that will help create a deeper connection. ‘Before engaging in elaborate workshops, counseling sessions, or weekend getaways, consider whether you can accumulate daily pockets of connection that interrupt the status quo of the relationship,’ she says.
WARNING!!! Upto 80% of Heat Generated by an Open Fire and almost 20% of Heat from your Central Hea"ng System escapes up an open Chimney! Prevent this wastage!
Buying a Stove? Talk to terry first... Terrys Stoves offering full maintenance and cleaning on all stoves, flues and chimneys to improve efficiency and save you money on your heating bills. Start the burning season with an improved stove!
PHONE: 0872066910 / 0719197925 • www.terrysstoves.com • terrysstoves@gmail.com Page 46 | Mature Living Magazine
Free Survey available Solid Fuel Stoves Gas Fires
WESTPORT
Foot Clinic Westport, County Mayo
DON’T SUFFER WITH FOOT PROBLEMS... Visit our friendly clinic for all your foot care needs we offer a wide range of treatments including:
• Routine Footcare • Problem and Ingrown Nails • Corns, Callous & Verrucae • Nail Surgery • Biomechanical Assessments • Insoles & Orthotics • Footwear advice Too book an appointment please call Chiropodist Martin McNally on 087-2226260
HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS
Arigna Mining Experience
T
he Arigna Mining Experience in Co. Roscommon will certainly appeal to those looking for a day out with a difference. The visitor centre is located in a beautiful scenic location overlooking Lough Allen. Now a popular tourist spot, this visitor centre preserves the mining heritage of this area, and allows visitors an insight into coal mining life as it was in the Arigna Valley for centuries. With an ex-Miner as your tour-guide, the visit to the museum includes access to an exhibit area where there is a DVD presentation and a wonderful authentic photographic exhibition. The highlight of the visit is an underground tour with an ex-miner as your tour guide where the visitor is brought to the mine’s coal face and where lighting and sound effects add to the reality of the experience. The centre is fully accessible and is an all-weather facility .It is an ideal day out for the family with a gift shop and coffee shop on site. The Arigna Mining Experience and its world class tour is close to the borders of Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo. The centre is open 10-5pm daily all year. Phone: 071-9646466. Check our Website and Facebook for details. arignaminingexperience.ie
Over 50’s Special Offer 2 Nights B&B and 2 Dinners only €278 Tea & Scones & Newspapers
4 Course Dinners / Full Use of Leisure Centre
Special Midweek Offer B&B for 2 People only €99 20% off Spa Treatments Available Sun-Thurs
Special Midweek Offer B&B for 2 People & Dinner only €129 Includes 2 Course Meal Available Sun-Thurs
Special Weekend Offer 2 Nights B&B and 1 Dinner only €238 Includes Full Use of Leisure Centre
20% off all Spa treatments with all offers ( excludes special offers / t&c's apply )
Local Activities:
Lough Key Forest Park www.loughkey.ie, Moorlands Equestrian Centre www.moorlands.ie, Electric Bike Trails www.electricbiketrails.com Arigna Mining Museum www.arignaminingexperience.ie, Indoor Airsoft Shooting & Archery www.carrickindoorshooting.com
Page 48 | Mature Living Magazine
Page 49 | Mature Living Magazine
HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS
The
Kilford Arms Hotel
The Kilford Arms Hotel Kilkenny is situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, adjacent to all the tourist attractions and just meters from the main bus and railway station and the new McDonagh shopping centre. A very comfortable family run hotel with 60 rooms, two bars, fabulous Kilkenny restaurant. Complimentary Private Parking Available on Site.Whether its business or pleasure make the Kilford Arms your home away from home!
John Street, Kilkenny • Phone: 056-7761018 Fax: 056-7761128
Over 55’s Special Offer
1 Night Bed and Breakfast (Sun – Thur) €45pp sharing 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast (Sun – Thur) €85pp Sharing Based on 2 Night Stay 3 Nights Bed and Breakfast (Sun – Thur) €110pp Sharing Based on 3 Night Stay Free Wi-Fi & Bottled Water in Rooms, Tea & Coffee making facilities / Free Car Parking / City Centre Based (Offers are Subject to Availability)
Email: info@kilfordarms.ie • www.kilfordarms.ie Page 50 | Mature Living Magazine
Clybaun Road, Knocknacarra, Galway • www.clybaunhotel.ie
OVER 50’S SPECIAL OFFER 3 Night’s B&B Plus 3 Evening Meals with Complimentary Tea & Scones on Arrival for Only €179pps T&C Apply. Offer is valid Sunday to Thursday only. Subject to availability.
Two and five night packages are also available. Further Group Discounts for parties of more than 10 people. Only 5 Minute Drive from Salthill and 10 Minute Drive from Galway City
Page 40 | Mature Living • To book call: 091-588088 Email: info@clybaunhotel.ie Page 51 | Mature Living Magazine
HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS
Page 52 | Mature Living Magazine
Page 53 | Mature Living Magazine
HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS
A Jewel in the Crown of Ireland’s Resorts
Active Retirement Ireland Package
All from JUST
€134
• 2 Nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast • 4 Course Dinner on Both Evenings PPS • 20% Discount on Afternoon Tea • 20& Discount on Round of Golf on Championship Golf Course • 10% Discount Card for Rathwood Garden & Lifestyle Centre • 20% Discount on Spa Treatments over €80 in Award Winning Spa with Indoor Beach
For upcoming events checkout www.carlowtourism.com Telephone: 059 91 80100 • www.mountwolsely.ie
Ennistymon Co. Clare
Three Nights Break
Whist Breaks
€220
€265
from
per person
per person
3 nights Dinner, B&B, Tea & Biscuits on arrival
September 30 – October 4, November 11-15 4 nights Dinner, B&B, whist sessions every day, afternoon activities in Hotel
15% Discount in our Spa
No Single Supplement!
Page 48 |
Country Music Residential Week John McNicholl, Gerry Guthrie, Mick Flavin & Trudy Lawlor
€330
per person sharing October 7 – 10 2018, 4BB & Dinners, entry to all shows
Autumn Bridge Breaks
Bowling Break
€280
€268
October 14 – 17 November 4 – 7 November 18 – 21 4 nights dinner, B&B, bridge clinic, afternoon activities in the hotel No single supplement!
November 25-29 Winter bowling break includes 4 night B&B and Dinner, afternoon activities and bowling every day
per person
per person
No Single Supplement!
Contact Reservations at the Falls Hotel & Spa for bookings and more details on 065-7071004 or email reservations@fallshotel.ie • www.fallshotel.ie Mature Living Magazine
Page 54 | Mature Living Magazine
FF 10% O P GROU GS KIN BOO
Page 55 | Mature Living Magazine
HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS
Page 58 | Mature Living Magazine
FR. PEYTON C.S.C., MEMORIAL CENTRE ATTYMASS, BALLINA, CO. MAYO
A modern attractive building welcomes you to: • Experience the multimedia presentation that tells the fascinating story of Ireland’s most famous priest The “Rosary Priest” ! • View the photographic exhibition of Fr. Peyton’s life • Visit our oratory and contemplation garden • Spiritual direction and counselling • Restaurant, Souvenier and craft shop • Heritage room and archives
Visit our website: www.fatherpeytoncentre.ie Tel: 096-45374 • Fax: 096-45375 Email: ppmc@eircom.net
`çãÉ=~åÇ=îáëáí=çìê=ÄÉ~ìíáÑìä=NIMMM=~ÅêÉ=Éëí~íÉ=áå=íÜÉ=ÜÉ~êí=çÑ=`çååÉã~ê~K eçãÉ=íç=íÜÉ=_ÉåÉÇáÅíáåÉ=kìåë=ëáåÅÉ=NVOM=~åÇ=çéÉå=íç=îáëáíçêë=~ää=óÉ~ê=~êçìåÇK qÜÉ=mÉêÑÉÅí=Ç~ó=çìí=Ñçê=~ää=íÜÉ=Ñ~ãáäó √=S=^ÅêÉ=sáÅíçêá~å=t~ääÉÇ=d~êÇÉå √=oÉëíçêÉÇ=oççãë=áå=íÜÉ=^ÄÄÉó √=kÉçJdçíÜáÅ=`ÜìêÅÜ=√=eáëíçêó=q~äâë √=tççÇä~åÇ=~åÇ=i~âÉëÜçêÉ=t~äâë √=`~Ѩ=~åÇ=qÉ~=eçìëÉ=√=`ê~Ñí=C=aÉëáÖå=pÜçé mÜçåÉ=MVRW=ROMMN==√=ÄççâáåÖë]âóäÉãçêÉ~ÄÄÉóKÅçã=√=ïïïKâóäÉãçêÉ~ÄÄÉóKÅçã Page 59 | Mature Living Magazine
SERVICES
Aluminium & PVC Repairs
SEAMUS CROGHAN
GROUNDWORKS Groundworks & Concrete Specialists
To windows, doors and patio doors
Expert patio door repairs! • Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc
Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669
Furniture recovering and restoration including covering of chairs, 3 piece suites, headboards, car seats and boat seats. Hotel and Bar seating, Office furniture and other Contract / Commercial furniture. Repair of sails, tents and other outdoor gear for sports and leisure. We provide a service of Colour consultancy and Interior advice. We retail upholstery fabrics and essentials. Collection and delivery can be arranged at a small fee, depending on distance. Boradruma, Snugboro, Castlebar • Tel: 094 9023532 / 086 8350608 Open Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Visit us online at www.boradrumaupholstery.ie
Specialsing in: • Civil Engineering • Site Clearance & Site Layout • Raft & Strip Foundations • Pipework and Septic Tank installation to E.P.A. Standards FREE • Kerbs & Concrete Quotation Driveway & Advice • Fully Insured Offered • C2 Registered
Mobile: 086-8720720
W R &S illiam ith
yan espect
ons ympathy
FUNERAL DIRECTORS est 1914 Suitable for: • People with limited mobility • People who have had hip surgery Unit 10B Old Dublin Road Business Park 071-9304960
WHY GET YOUR ROOF POWER WASHED WHEN IT DISCOLOURS THE ROOF?
WE USE SPECIAL PRODUCTS TO CLEAN ROOFS FOR A FREE QUOTATION COVERING ALL OF CONNACHT, BASED IN SLIGO - FULLY INSURED AND REGISTERED CALL JS SERVICES 087-9500766 OR 086-8849050 Page 60 | Mature Living Magazine
• People with back aches
For details of your local stockist
Phone Noel: 087-9896948
MULTIPURPOSE GARDEN SHEDS & GARAGES Sheds delivered & Erected Nationwide
“You tell us the size you want and we will price on that exact size”
We are a family run firm in it’s fourth generation offering a complete & professional 24hr funeral service. Office: Dangan, Summerhill, Co. Meath F/Home: Church Street, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Call in confidence today William: 087-2053129 Mark: 086-9881771 info@williamryanandsons.com IRISH ASSOCIATION OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS
SHS SCAFFOLDING Over 20 years in business supplying throughout Sligo & North West Scaffolding and Acrows available to Buy or Hire from our yard Supply and Erect Service Available Tube and Fitting Scaffolding also available with plastic planks for clean room environments Our Fully Trained & Certified Professional Teams specialise in providing tailored scaffolding hire solutions, using the right equipment in the right place at the right time.
All the main supports of our garages are constructed of heavy duty box section steel for strength and durability and are hot dipped galvanised for longer Life. Our Units are built to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The sheeting is hot dipped galvanised and pvc coated to the colour of your choice.
Contact: Ray Lynch Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086-8943034 or 094-9621938 • AGENTS REQUIRED
Phone: 086-8039502 Email: johngriffinshs@gmail.com www.scaffoldinghiresligo.ie
PAVING
ASPHALT
IMPRINT
GRAVEL
ROLL ON LAWN
Our Services include: Cobblelock • Asphalt • Tarmacadam • Concrete • Gravel • Landscaping • Concrete Imprint • All Types of Patios • Wall Building NATIONWIDE SERVICE • CONTACT FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE
Email: dublinpaving@yahoo.com • Website: www.dublinpaving.com
East Brothers GARDEN MACHINERY
WESTERN WINDOWS & GLASS WESTERN WINDOWS & GLASS Aluminimum, PVC-U Windows, Doors & Conservatories
Aluminimum, PVC-U Windows, Doors & Conservatories
Add Extra Room to your home!
• Petrol Chainsaws for Property Maintenance • Chainsaws for Agriculture and Horticulture • Electric / Cordless Chainsaws
BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON
Tel/Fax: 071-9662710 • Mobile: 086-2427554
Suitable for most bungalows
• A cost-effective way to add an extra room to your house. • Doors can be positioned on any of the three sides of the conservatory for maximum choice and flexibiliy. • Two or four opening windows to ensure good air circulation and effective temperature control • Lead-free A1 rated windows
Abbey Business Park, Ardnaree, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096-25514 / 096-75521 / 086-8171442 • tahennigan@eircom.net
WESTPORT
Foot Clinic Westport, County Mayo
DON’T SUFFER WITH FOOT PROBLEMS... ALL UPHOLSTERY WORK UNDERTAKEN Bars, Hotels & Private Houses Fabric Books Available Cashel, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 071-9622700 Mob: 086-3486267 Email: txupholstery@yahoo.ie Web: www.txupholsteryservices.town.ie
Visit our friendly clinic for all your foot care needs we offer a wide range of treatments including:
• Routine Footcare • Problem and Ingrown Nails • Corns, Callous & Verrucae • Nail Surgery • Biomechanical Assessments • Insoles & Orthotics • Footwear advice Too book an appointment please call Chiropodist Martin McNally on 087-2226260 CLINIC EVERY MONTH IN CLIFDEN IN THE WELLBEING HEALTH AND JUICE BAR
GIBLIN STONE ...everlasting
Choosing a memorial for a loved one is a very personal thing. Quality • Experience • Service
GRANITE COUNTERS & FIREPLACES IN MARBLE, GRANITE ALSO AVAILABLE, CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS
Church Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo Phone: James 087 9061833 • Brian 086 1957788
www.giblinstone.com Page 61 | Mature Living Magazine
Angelscopes October Fiona Faery is a spiritual intuitive and medium. Her readings offer insightful guidance, clarity and comfort. She has worked on television, radio and hosts a regular Facebook Live show every Tuesday at 9.09pm, to connect with her followers. Her Angelscopes and poetry have appeared in various publications throughout the country. Fiona gives private 1-to-1 sittings at The Sligo Park Hotel on the last weekend of every month. She is also available for private consultations or One Question readings on her website www.fionafaery.ie
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Lucky day: 15th October Lucky Crystal: Carnelian Card: Angel of Self Acceptance Learn to take a compliment Aries. Know you are worthy of love, success & opportunity. Seek Balance this month. Allow a favour to be repaid. You show the world how to treat you.
Lucky day: October 22nd Lucky Crystal: Jade Card: Angel of Listening Listening in today’s busy world is a feat in itself. Too often we are waiting to jump in with our viewpoint instead of listening to what the other person is saying. Learn to listen this month. For if you do, you will gain an important insight into what a certain individual is saying or not saying as the case may be!!!!
Lucky day: October 27th Lucky Crystal: Citrine Card: Angel of Serenity Take a walk in nature. Watch the waves crash across the beach. Spend some time alone this month Gemini. You may feel “peopled out”. Reboot & Revive your energy. Nourish your spirit.
Lucky day: October 14th Lucky Crystal: Rose Quartz Card: Angel of Abundance It’s either feast or famine with you this month Cancer. Stay positive, otherwise you will attract a lack vibration. Know you are worthy of success, luck & opportunity. Surround yourself with positive people & affirmations.
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Capricorn
Lucky day: October 17th Lucky Crystal: Clear Quartz Card: Angel of Romance If you are single, romance beckons in a group activity, hobby, casual setting. Don’t stick with familiar faces, introduce yourself to someone new. For couples stuck in a rut, try something new. Take time out together to connect. Listen to what is being truly said.
Lucky day: October 28th Lucky Crystal: Rhodochrosite Card: Answered Prayer Your Angels have heard your cry for help. Loved ones in spirit send you signs. Look for the robin, Feather, Rainbow etc. You are never truly alone. If you need help, Ask for it. You are responsible for your happiness.
Lucky day: October 19th Lucky Crystal: Rainbow Obsidian Card: Angel of Nature This month sees you take care of your body. Start by listening to what your body is saying, it could need sleep, rest, water, nutrition or love. Connecting with nature, pets will lift your spirit. Attending a yoga course or meditation class will help relax your mind. Feel where you are guided & act on it.
Lucky day: October 20th Lucky Crystal: Amethyst Card: Angel of ideas & Inspiration Creativity surrounds you this month. Take up a hobby. Do a D.I.Y. Project. Allow a Rainbow of colors inspire you to paint or decorate to your heart’s content. Just go for it! Practise makes perfect!
Aquarius
Pisces
Sagittarius
Lucky day: October 29th Lucky Crystal: Rainbow Moonstone Card: Angel of Forgiveness Let go & let God. The gift of forgiveness is to yourself. As you Are imprisoned in a tomb of pain by holding on to grudges & slights. You can forgive the act but not the person or vice Versa. Ultimately, you hold the keys to your prison cell. It’s time to move on & let your success be the greatest revenge to those who would try to destroy your inner peace.
Lucky day: October 21st Lucky Crystal: Aventurine Card: Angel of Children Your inner child is always looking to laugh & play. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Connect with a good friend, watch a funny movie. Lift your spirits above the drudgery. You are responsible for your happiness. Don’t let one negative person spoil your day. Focus on the positive.
Lucky day: October 31st Lucky Crystal: Black Tourmaline Card: Angel of Meditation This month sees you cut chords with a toxic individual. Have a salt bath. Clear the clutter from your life, be it emotional or physical. See how much lighter you will feel. Take a meditation class or keep a gratitude journal. You are worthy of happiness & respect.
Scorpio
Lucky day: October 16th Lucky Crystal: Moonstone Card: Angel of Bodycare This month may feel like hard work Scorpio, as you have been burning the candle at both ends these last few weeks. It’s time for you to get your priorities in order & give your body the care it is crying out for. Be aware of those who have no heed for your welfare. When someone shows you who they are....believe them!
You can contact Fiona to Book a Private Reading @ 086-3736143 • www.fionafaery.ie Fiona Faery - Psychic Medium June 2013 • Sligo Now Magazinefionafaery • Page 38 • FionaFaery • FionaFaery
T ’was the night before Christmas and all through the house...’ Christmas Residency Available 24th – 27th December
Let us tempt you with our fantastic three night Christmas Residency package, make our home your home away from home this Christmas... Christmas Eve Arrive at your leisure to Homemade Scones with Tea/Coffee Gourmet Buffet Dinner in Cascades Restaurant Christmas Mass in the Hotel Mulled Wine & Mince Pies and Live music in the Dylan Thomas Bar Christmas Day Opening of Christmas Presents with Santa Claus Five Course Festive Lunch with Harpist entertainment in Cascades Restaurant Evening Buffet in the Dylan Thomas Bar Live music in the Dylan Thomas Bar St. Stephens Day Brunch served until 12noon Four Course Gourmet Dinner in Cascades Restaurant Live music in the Dylan Thomas Bar The three night Christmas Residency is €450 per person sharing, €60 single supplement. A voucher from The Falls Hotel is a wonderful gift, vouchers can be purchased over the phone or online at www.fallshotel.ie. To make a booking or for further information contact reservations on 065 7071004 Or email reservations@fallshotel.ie • www.fallshotel.ie
CHY6015 RCN: 20010027