volume 7 number 35 26 September 2026
salvosonline.org.au print post approved PP100001474
Ret iremen�
Writing life’s next chapter
5 A different journey
10 The secret life of jigsaws
12 Making each day brighter
Personal reflections on retirement
Hope and a future without the full picture
Everyone deserves dignity, care and respect
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ” – C S Lewis
26 September 2026
Editorial What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Vision Statement Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus. Mission Statement The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities • Working for justice The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Scan here to connect with The Salvation Army services
Scan here to subscribe to Salvos Magazine
Founders: William and Catherine Booth Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker Editor: Simone Worthing Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58 Press date: 4 September 2026 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
What really matters A relative of mine has recently started a new phase of life in residential aged care. He had been struggling with cognitive decline and was looking forward to being somewhere with new things to do, people to be with and no domestic responsibilities. One day he was telling me about an activity at his centre that he had particularly enjoyed. When I asked who attended, he told me that, as always, it was every resident who wanted to be there. “We include everyone and make them feel welcome,” he said. “Every person matters; every person counts. That’s what life is all about.” I have thought about those words many times since then. This relative can no longer do much of what he could in previous years, but his focus on seeing each person, regardless of age or ability, as someone worthy of dignity, inclusion and care, is perhaps stronger than ever. He sees clearly what really matters. Jesus tells us to love one another, to be humble like children, and to respect the aged. Something for us all to think about. Simone Worthing Editor 3
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Ret irement: writ ing life’s next chapter Thinking of retirement?
The United Nations International Day of Older Persons is held annually on 1 October. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution older people make to families, communities and society, as well as to focus on their particular needs and challenges.
For information and assistance, check out:
Under the theme ‘The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives’, this year’s International Day of the Older Person will also allow governments to examine how policies can help ensure that longer lives are healthier, more productive, financially secure and lived with dignity.
•
Additionally, this is a time to recognise that ageing and retirement are experienced differently by everyone. For some, it is a chance to pursue long-held dreams including travel, moving house, increased leisure and more social contact; for others, it brings new responsibilities, adjustments or challenges such as financial struggles, changed family roles, loss and health concerns. Regardless of your circumstances, help is out there – whether you’re planning and setting goals for retirement, wondering how you will cope financially and psychologically, struggling with financial and other burdens, lonely, enjoying life – or a range of other situations. 4
•
Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au) Moneysmart (moneysmart.gov.au) National Seniors (nationalseniors.com.au) Anglicare (anglicare.org.au)
•
•
Key statistics 2024-25: • 156,000 people aged 45 years and over retired, with an average age of 63.8 years. •
A total of 4.5 million people aged 45 years and over were retired (retirees).
•
The average age at retirement of all retirees was 57.3 years.
•
The average age people aged 45 years and over intend to retire is 65.6 years, a slight increase on 2022-23 (65.4 years).
•
Government pension remained the most common main source of income for retirees.
(The Australia Bureau of Statistics 2024-25)
26 September 2026
Feature
An exciting new journey Retirement began in quite an unexpected way during COVID lockdowns in March 2020. During those early days of ‘mandatory confinement’, we sorted through resources and belongings that had mysteriously accumulated and we learned new skills, including online Scrabble and baking various breads and buns.
Navigating the various state restrictions during COVID was challenging, but we eventually settled happily in Caloundra, where we have found a welcoming over50s lifestyle community. We are actively involved in a vibrant community life and have learned to play cards and lawn bowls and enjoy the numerous exercise and social activities available.
At first, retirement carried a sense of novelty: slower mornings, spontaneous outings and the simple pleasure of not rushing or being bound by the demands of working life. Over time, however, it has become less about stopping work and more about choosing how to live well.
The local corps (Salvos church) has become our spiritual home, and we are both actively involved. Like most retirees, we continue to manage health challenges, but we are grateful for good medical support and for numerous opportunities we have had to travel, serve, connect and grow. These initial years of retirement have formed a rich and meaningful experience, and we are truly contented with this exciting retirement chapter! – Major Maree Strong
Just as we were becoming settled though, we felt a real prompting to move north from Canberra, back to the place where our lives together had started - the Sunshine Coast.
5
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Three times retired I retired three times, really. The first time was in 2000 when I was 56, after almost 40 years as a journalist in mainstream media and completing a Master of Arts (Journalism) degree late in my career. I then worked for four years in a friend’s international computer (IT) consulting company. When I retired from that company in 2005, a Salvation Army Divisional Commander asked if I would consider becoming full-time manager of a Salvation Army welfare centre. I did that for five years, also writing a feature article once a month for Salvation Army magazines, finally retiring in 2010 at 65. I suppose that in the last 10 years of working, I was gearing myself for retirement, ensuring I had sufficient superannuation and looking at ways I could get through each day with something meaningful. I remained at the welfare centre as a volunteer two days a week, assisted at a school breakfast program one day a week, joined a Lions club, assisted at English conversation classes once a week and, later, joined the board of an organisation assisting homeless people. I still volunteer in welfare, English conversation classes and the Lions club (currently Service Chair). I also do other things, like pastoral care and life group (Bible study) organisation at my church. I bought the first of my pedal-assisted e-bikes the first time I retired and still ride it most days. My hopes and dreams for retirement were to be available to better assist my wife. I am now an expert weekly grocery shopper. I also wanted to spend valuable 6
Retirement is a different story for everyone.
time assisting our three sons and our seven grandchildren. Those hopes and dreams have been met. I live my retirement life doing all of these things, as well as travelling overseas and interstate to meet up with friends my wife and I made during my working days. I don’t think I would change anything about how we planned and live our retirement. My wife and I are very content with what and who we have in our life. We have had some sadness. But this is where God has done his best work for us. We know the peace he promised. – Bill Simpson
26 September 2026
Feature
Opening new doors Retirement came to me earlier than expected. At 58, I retired so I could be with my husband, David, and care for him full time. Those years were both demanding and deeply precious – an opportunity to love, support and walk closely with him. After David’s passing, I returned to officership (Salvation Army pastor) for five years and then retired again in 2019. This second retirement opened new doors. I found joy in supporting my children and grandchildren, travelling overseas and embracing new experiences. The greatest surprise was falling in love and marrying. Marriage brought significant changes – new home, new opportunities,
•
•
•
and the need to downsize twice – but it also opened a beautiful avenue of service at the corps (Salvos church) as prayer coordinator, nurturing spiritual growth in me while encouraging others in their spiritual journey. Through every transition, keeping my eyes on Jesus has been essential. Remaining connected to my family, praying, travelling, and sharing life with John have brought deep blessing. Looking back, I see God’s wisdom guiding each step. Retirement has not been what I first imagined, but it has been rich with obedience, resilience, delight and unexpected enrichment. – Major Coral Hodges
Unexpected struggles Retirement is good, but it’s not • I really struggled with retirement what I thought it would be. I look at first. I was bored and lonely. after my young grandchildren A few years down the track several times a week due to a and I have got involved in the marriage breakdown. I love them community, made new friends and I love being with them, but it and wonder now how I ever had is very tiring. I don’t have much time for work! – Kevin energy left for things I would like • Costs are rising and we can’t to do. – Joanne afford the things we used to, but I would like to fully retire but I we have enough to eat, a place to can’t. If I don’t work, I don’t eat. live, and people to connect with. I am just grateful that I have a Really, that is all we need. – David part-time job. – Jenny • Early retirement was good for a My health hasn’t been good since while, but then I missed routine, I retired, but I have a supportive colleagues and challenges that family, encouraging church and I was good at solving. I now work much to thank God for. It’s not part-time and, while my health what I planned, but that’s reality. is good, I am happy with this Overall, I am content. – Rob balance. – Susan 7
News
Salvos Magazine
‘Merry Widows’ group eases loneliness Every week, a group of ladies meets for lunch at a club overlooking Lake Macquarie in the Hunter region of NSW. Some of them have known each other for a long time, while others have only just met. But they all have something in common. They’re all widows who gather to support one another and, importantly, to share in fun and laughter. “They love each other so beautifully and support each other through the tough times and keep each other smiling,” said Corps Officer (pastor) AuxiliaryLieutenant Terri Muendel. “The ladies are part of our CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) women’s group that meets on Tuesdays and have found camaraderie with each other. They call themselves the ‘Merry Widows’.” One of the ‘Merry Widows’, Maureen Abdilla, said the friendship group is a highlight of her week. She added that, apart from the regular Wednesday lunches, the group encourages and supports each other through life’s ‘ups and downs’. “We get along so well. It’s a happy, loving group,” she said. Maureen said they don’t dwell on the people they have lost in their lives but share meaningfully together (in between laughs!). “We talk about what’s important to each and every one of us, what our goals are, what our obstacles are, what we find an obstacle in living on our own and things like that.” 8
The Merry Widows of Eastlakes Salvos who meet regularly to support each other.
As well as being a ‘Merry Widow’, Maureen also led Eastlakes Salvos CAMEO group for a few years, until the end of last year. During that time, the group grew from six to about 25 people and included not only women who attend Eastlakes Salvos, but also community members. “Anybody can come; they don’t have to be in The Salvation Army,” she said. The group gets together once a week at Eastlakes Salvos, hears from interesting guest speakers, and participates in craft activities and occasional outings. – Lauren Martin
26 September 2026
News
Last payslip: Hanging up your work hat It’s all about PREP: Purpose: Find activities you can do that will help you feel like you’re still contributing something to the world. It could be through volunteering or taking on a new hobby. Relationships: Staying connected is a vitally important part of the human experience, and relationships in retirement are a great way to keep that connection. Extra help: There is help available when it comes to financial plans for retirement. For independent support, speak to a Financial Information Service (FIS) Officer at Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
The Moneysmart website also has lots of independent information and calculators to help you plan. Plan: This will include working out things like where you will live, looking after your health, and making a financial plan. At retirement, you may be eligible for government benefits such as the Age Pension or a concession card. This will usually depend on your age, assets and income. If you’re unsure how much income you’ll have when you retire, and what age pension you may receive, try the Moneysmart Retirement planner calculator. 9
FOR THIS AND OTHER FINANCIAL TIPS, DOWNLOAD YOU'RE THE BOSS AT SALVATIONARMY.ORG.AU/MONEYCARE/LEARN/YOURE-THE-BOSS
While we’re often told that retirement is the ‘golden years’, the reality is that adjusting to the change can be quite a challenge.
Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
THE SECRET LIFE OF JIGSAW PUZZLES Hope and a future without the full picture by Faye Michelson
A piece slotted in here and another there. Gradually, as you move the shapes around, they start to merge into the scene pictured on the box. There’s nothing like a quiet hour or two spent finding all the straight edges and corners. And what a triumph if you’re walking past the table and spy just that piece you’ve been looking for! That’s the slow satisfaction of doing a jigsaw puzzle. It was a surprise to learn, then, that jigsaw puzzles have a secret life. They aren’t all designed to provide a quiet way to relax. Quite the opposite. I was introduced to the edgy side of jigsaws while I was making small talk during a morning tea break at a recent function. I asked that easiest of conversation starters, “Did you have a good weekend?” This woman had had a very good weekend, as it turned out. She had attended a jigsaw puzzle competition with her teenage daughter. Racing to finish There’s a vibrant jigsaw puzzle community in Australia and, indeed, around the world. Puzzlers meet at regular events to compete against each other as well as swap puzzles, look at the latest merchandise and 10
Faith Talk socialise. Victoria’s state championships were held in August, with solo, pairs and team events. Competitors, assigned to their tables, are given the same puzzle in a bag or with the box facing down until the timers start. Some competitions even add an extra layer of difficulty by not providing an image on the box. In the Victorian championships, a solo competitor doing the 500-piece puzzle was given a time limit of two and a half hours. According to one game site, it typically takes between two and six hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw, depending on complexity of the puzzle and, of course, the person doing it. The Victorian championship winner completed it in 34 minutes 46 seconds. What a fascinating scene to watch – a hall filled with people intensely concentrating as their eyes and hands move quickly over the pieces in their quest to make the puzzle in the shortest possible time.
26 September 2026
A work in progress How similar is life to that puzzle box facing down on the table? We can’t see what the completed picture looks like. As we go through our lives, some of the pieces will fit together easily, some will be harder to find and probably some will be missing. Sometimes we’ll be racing to find pieces because we want to complete the puzzle right now; other times we’ll sit back, only able to add a piece here and there. We’ll never have the full picture of our lives because, like a puzzle, we’re still working on it. But God sees it all – our past, present and our future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11, New Living Translation). I love that those words spoken many centuries ago to his prophet Jeremiah still stand. Whatever the puzzle of our life is like today, for those who have faith in God it’s a work in progress, with a future and a hope.
11
My Story
Salvos Magazine
Making each day brighter Everyone deserves dignity, care and respect
Two Salvation Army Aged Care Chaplains – Carissa Dockary and Envoy Christine Jameson – share their reflections on working with older people in residential care. Can you briefly describe your role? Carissa Dockary: My role is to care for the spiritual needs of the residents and our staff. We ensure residents have someone to talk to, someone who will advocate for them, and someone who also cares for their family or caregivers. Besides providing a chapel service and Bible studies, we care for all our residents and support their families at end-of-life. Christine Jameson: I am a retired Salvation Army officer (pastor) and volunteer. I conduct chapel fortnightly on Sundays and lead a weekly Connect Bible Study. I also lead chapel in the Dementia Support Unit and do pastoral visits when residents are in the local hospital. What motivates you in your work? CD: From the moment I arrived [in this role], I felt very passionate about older people being treated with care, dignity and respect. I am motivated to come each day and make their day just a little brighter, even if that is just through a quick chat or by listening to their concerns and helping them to have a voice. 12
CJ: (In the Bible) the Apostle Paul says, “the love of Christ compels me” (2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 14). I have a passion for sharing Christ’s love with our residents who have so much to share of life and the changes in this world, as well as with their families. What has working with older persons taught you? CD: I have learnt that every person has a purpose. Our residents had a full life before coming into aged care, and many can feel they no longer have value to add. But every person has something to contribute – a smile, a story, some knowledge or wisdom, their cheeky sense of humour, and their memories. What are some of the myths or stereotypes around older persons that you would like to dispel? CJ: I would like to dispel the myth that our older persons have nothing to offer as they age.
My Story
CD: I get frustrated when people assume that older people cannot think or do things for themselves! Where safe and possible, allowing older people to continue to do tasks for themselves and make the decisions that they can, brings dignity. What are some of your particular joys and challenges in your work? CD: The greatest joy I have in my role is seeing people smile and enjoy the simple things in life – a nice meal, a visit from a friend or pet, listening to their favourite music, sharing stories. I also bring my little dog Winston in to visit once or twice a week, and he brings so much joy. The hardest part is saying goodbye. We get to know our residents and their families, and when end-of-life is near and we journey with them to the end, it’s hard. CJ: The joys for me are not only ministering to those who are in our care, but being a part of their family.
26 September 2026
now Teddy, a very energetic Poodle puppy! Teddy brings so much joy when he visits. The challenges are that very few come into Residential Care and go home. Some residents sneak into your heart, and it hurts when it is time to say that final goodbye, but a joy and privilege to conduct their funeral service. Is there anything else that you would like to add? CD: I would love to encourage those who have older people around them to stop by and have a chat. You will be amazed at what you learn from them and, in return, you will make their day just a little bit brighter.
Scan here for more information about Salvation Army Aged Care
And I’ve had dogs with me – first Sooty, and 13
Taste of Life
🍳
Cauliflower balls
💡
Salvos Magazine
Quiz
1. What do you call a male pig who is no longer able to reproduce? 2. When a dog gives birth, what is it called? 3. What is called when a cat gives birth? 4. What is a group of geese called? 5. What is a young female cow called? 6. What type of animal is a Rhode Island Red?
Ingredients 1 head cauliflower, ¼ cup oil, 1 egg, 1 ½ cups grated cheese, seasonings, dipping sauce. Method Finely chop or grate cauliflower to produce ‘rice’. Remove excess moisture by pressing cauliflower into paper towels. In a large bowl combine cauliflower, 1 tbsp oil, egg, cheese and preferred seasonings. Mix well and form into 3cm balls. Heat remaining oil in frypan and cook balls in batches until golden brown. Drain and serve with dipping sauce. These can be frozen in single layers for 3 months.
☺
Believe in Good: Tips
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus chapter 2, verse 7 New Living Translation 14
📆
On this day
28 September 1980 Cosmos: A Personal Voyage made its debut. A 13-episode science series presented by Carl Sagan, it is one of the most watched science-based television documentaries. 28 September 1924 Saw the completion of the first flight around the world. Four Douglas World Cruiser planes, named Seattle, Chicago, Boston and New Orleans, with their pilots, set out on April 6, 1924 from Seattle, Washington, to circumnavigate the world. 175 days later, Chicago and New Orleans touched back down in Seattle. Boston and Seattle did not complete the journey.
Take Five
😆
Have a laugh
Why was the sheep so shy? It was feeling a little woolly. What do you get when a chicken lays an egg on top of a barn? An eggroll. Why did the pig become a comedian? Because he was a real ham. Why did the duck go to the doctor? He was feeling a little down. What do you call a critical horse? A neigh-sayer
🔍
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
✏
Answers
🧩
26 September 2026
Word search
E J S S M O C WWJ M K L R C S WN S V D S G P A P L V I H B F D U N N A N F K Y P D L K S A J O L T X Y B L I T C I M K A O V R F R O V L D G C Z E L E R J P M M N S Q N E T E K U L M J N E R E R M I F B G S S N S F H O M I A A Q WE A D S I E C T M C R G X V R E F A Y A K P H S Y D Z B Z E H M V N H U B E M Y X I S I E O P D V E B P G WA F L O WG B D R S I B O V I T O C A N T I N S X B X S T S Y G WA N D T D T T WO L A D L G M T I E M A C U R R E N T S I G E WC B X X P L Q N N V V O L G A R WWP D U P B I P L X Y N G Y T F M G D H D A N U B E R I O S H L R E D Z A P E O I B T L U O P L WO N Y X N S E C X P Z K D WA X P Z K P R I V E R P E P H T O V D WM B A B C O N G O X T O R N Q H Z H M WU U I U A M A Z O N V M U R R A Y N G C R Y A F H H I T N WH Y T M A C K E N Z I E N F
Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Amazon Amur Clarence Congo Creek Currents Danube Depth
📖
Flow Ganges Lena Mississippi Murray Nile Onyx Rapids
River Tocantins Volga Volume Waterway Wildlife Yangtze Yellow
Bible byte
“Young people take pride in their strength, but the grey hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.” Proverbs chapter 20, verse 29 Contemporary English Version 15
Tum-Tum: is hiding behind the hat rack on page 9.
Quiz: 1. Barrow 2. Whelping 3. Queening 4. On ground – gaggle, on water – plump, in the air – skein. 5. Heifer 6. Chicken
2026 COMMISSIONING Ordination, Commissioning and Sending Out
THE
PROCLAIMERS OF Please mark your calendars for this significant occasion as we celebrate the Ordination, Commissioning and Sending Out of our Cadets and Auxiliary Lieutenants.
SAVE THE DATE 22 NOVEMBER THE KING’S SCHOOL FUTTER HALL 87-129 PENNANT HILLS ROAD, NORTH PARRAMATTA, NSW
The event will be available to stream online
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17