Wide Bay, September 2019

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

INDEX 3 News - John Watts 4 Cover Story - Jack Charles 8 News - Multi-generational household 10 News - Phil’s living with dementia 12 News - Best friend fights for dogs 15 Wanderlust 21 Wellbeing 22 Living 23 Community group guide 25 Money 26 Classifieds 27 Puzzles

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Community news and local events

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Phil’s living well with dementia

Big life, big adventures Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor EVERYBODY has a story, some good, some bad and some that can only be called inspiring.

This month’s cover personality, Jack Charles, faced and overcame enormous adversity in his life – no wonder he was named Victoria’s Senior Australian of the Year (2016).

On page 3, we introduce you to John Watts and it was a surprise to find out that, without his expertise, we may not have been able to communicate with the Apollo 11 spaceship and see man’s first steps on the moon.

We also follow up with Ricci Bartels – the lady who spoke up on national TV about the difficulties of older-age unemployment and the fact that Newstart has not risen in 25 years.

Have you ever thought of living with the family?

This month Tracey Johnstone has spoken to families in various parts of Australia who have, for various reasons, chosen to live in multi-generational household.

In our regular two-page news feature Tracey gives us a first-hand account of their experiences of living with a few generations of family.

In terms of travel, the man in charge of Seniors News online, Graeme Wilson, gets off the screen and into print

with an interesting story on the National Trust’s Great Walks of Qld. If you wish to skip planes and boats, doing one of these walks looks like an amazing experience.

On the other hand, if you seriously want to stretch your horizons further, why not think about Armenia – check out our Wanderlust section for the story. Our travelling correspondent Paul Coffey sends us his impression as he travels through this country.

Thanks for sending in your community notes and photos, you can see what your local groups are up to on our dedicated Community Guide on page 23 Our Wellbeing section presents a wide range of practical advice for keeping in good health and closeby, as usual, we have published our very popular puzzle page.

Don’t forget that you can also find us online at seniorsnews.com.au or facebook.

Enjoy

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Mark Smith – 07 3327 3327 mark.smith@newsregionalmedia.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Wide Bay Seniors Newspaper”.

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Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

Older Queenslanders to get best health care out of hospital OLDER Queenslanders will be supported to receive health care in their homes rather than going to hospital, giving them better health outcomes and quality of life thanks to a $20 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government.

Health Minister Steven Miles said the funding would support

improvements in three key areas.

“Additional support services – for example clinicians with specialist geriatric skills will visit residential aged care facilities – to increase residents choices about where they receive care and to improve the safety and quality of care provided.

“When they do need to

go to an Emergency Departments, the staff will be trained in early identification of care needs, specialist geriatric assessments in the ED and fast tracking patients home or admitted to hospital.

“And expansion of models of care like ‘Eat, walk and engage’ to reduce complications like delirium and

deconditioning in hospital and to increase discharge back to your home.

“This funding will help us continue to deliver high quality care as Queensland’s population grows and ages.”

An additional $5 million one off payment will also deliver expanded mobile X-ray services.

“In Queensland we have a growing and ageing

population,” Mr Miles said. “Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the number of people aged 65 years and older will increase by 68 per cent.”

“The more elderly Queenslanders we can keep out of hospital and care for in the community or discharge and get them home quickly, the better.

“We know a third of

Queenslanders over 80 years old who are admitted to hospitals are discharged with reduced mobility.

“And a third of Queenslanders over 80 who are admitted experience delirium.

“Just 10 days in a hospital bed can lead to the equivalent of 10 years ageing in the muscles of people over 80.“

Class above: How does your grandchild’s school compare?

An exclusive education series every grandparent must read.

To find out more visit education.news.com.au THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO DECIDE YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

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John Watts showed us the man on the moon Last-minute connections brought us space trip FIFTY years ago, the Apollo 11 mission took 600 million humans to the moon for the first time as they watched Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s other-worldly voyage on their black-andwhite televisions.

As Apollo 11 touched down on the moon, our kind entered a new era of discovery and innovation.

Across the globe, we celebrated Neil Armstrong’s “one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind” in a moment that still captures our imagination today.

But it may not have been possible without the incredible technological skills of local legend and now-participant in Coastlink’s Aged Care Program John Watts.

John installed the large-scale purpose-built computer system at the Deakin Telephone Exchange in Canberra that was used to communicate with the Apollo 11 spaceship.

The Australia-wide

network was, in fact, the central point of control for all communications between Australia and NASA for the Apollo program.

It was this system that helped broadcast Armstrong’s first steps live from the moon, over 384,000km away.

Our work proved the Apollo 11 mission was a success.

Mr Watts said he was contacted by NASA through his employer to support the Apollo 8 and 11 missions.

“A few days later, I received a call from the NASA Control Centre in the USA saying their people were having trouble contacting the spaceship. We were told to get the system working as soon as possible,” he said.

NASA staff were having issues connecting their equipment to the Australian system, so John and his team worked around the clock, testing and re-testing their equipment to ensure it

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: John Watts with his Apollo XI certificate “in recognition of support to the first lunar landing mission”. worked perfectly.

Their dedication to transmitting clear and accurate data back to NASA meant the whole world could see the first eight minutes of Armstrong’s moonwalk.

“Our work proved the Apollo 11 mission was a success,” Mr Watts said.

In recognition of his support of the first lunar landing, John received a Certificate of Recognition signed by Neil Armstrong, Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin, Michael Collins and

network director Dale Collins.

“It was a great reward,” Mr Watts said.

“I also have a piece of the moon somewhere around the house,” he added.

Thanks to John’s work sharing the monumental steps on the moon, the Apollo legacy lives on to inspire the world’s ongoing pursuit of space and new horizons.

Source: www.coastlink.org.au

Project Apollo certificate.

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COVER STORY

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Living with no excuses, Tracey Johnstone

TWO ARTISTS: Anh Do chatted with Australian actor Jack Charles while painting his portrait on an episode of Anh's Brush with Fame.

Photo: ABC

THE stage is set, the lights are dimmed and the audience is anticipating an enlightening encounter with renowned Australian actor Jack Charles.

He doesn’t disappoint.

The Aboriginal elder, who has spent his life searching for his stolen identity, has offered a glimpse of his extraordinary life, revealing the lows and highs of his journey, in his book, Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella.

In this memoir, Charles is brutally honest about where the fault lies, while retaining his cheeky take on many encounters.

Removed from his mother’s arms at four months under the White Australia Policy and taken to the Salvation Army’s Box Hill Boys Home, in 70-odd years Charles has done more damage and good in life than almost imaginable in his quest to answer the question of where he came from.

“I was confounded by my heritage right from the get-go at the Box Hill Boys

Home,” he said.

Charles was a bright student who learned to read and write, memorise and recite works, and mimic radio voices, which helped him develop his acting voice.

He also experienced ongoing sexual abuse, like many of the other boys in the home.

There was a brief moment when Charles thought he met one of his siblings, Artie, but the brothers put a stop to him finding out more.

Denied the right to connect with “blood kin” and turfed out on the streets in his mid-teens, Charles gained work skills, both legal and illegal.

“I believe that I was easily conned as a young fellow by my fellow comrades from the Box Hill Boys Home who were living around Auburn at the same time,” he said.

“They were in a Salvation Army hostel.”

He remembers his boss bailing him out of Turana reception centre to get him back to work, and putting him in a gentlemen’s residence in

Glenferrie.

“So, I was mixing with the crowd from the home and many of them were already on a life of crime,” Charles said.

“One of them convinced me to go with him and we robbed a supermarket in Hawthorne. That was my first crime. I was easily led; a young, impressionable child, not knowing anything.

“They were my first and foremost siblings I thought,” he added.

“I ran amok with them, while at the same time staying on this journey of discovering who I was.”

Homelessness, burglaries and drugs became an integral part of his life. And so did acting.

He has appeared in many plays and Australian movies including The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Bedevil, Blackfellas and the international film Pan. But throughout all that, Charles still searched for his family connections.

He was delighted to finally find out his mother was still alive and living in a humpie in a “blakfella camp” in NSW, and that

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

COVER STORY

no regrets he had several living siblings.

“She was well respected and even called a sergeant,” he said. But, there was also a dark story around her that has stayed with him well after his mother died.

Charles is unapologetic about the crimes he committed, leading to 22 incarcerations, and for his heroin addiction.

“I have outed myself and admitted to my crimes,” he said.

“I remember clearing up the police books and they did suggest: ‘Jack, I think you are admitting to too many more crimes than we envisaged.

Instead of 700 we will charge you for 75. Is that okay?’.”

Undertaking the *Marumali Program at Loddon Prison, near the completion of his last prison sentence in 2008, proved a final turning point for Charles.

“Those weeks of undertaking that journey of discovering the missing link in our lives, the missing denied heritage, really got many of us at those sessions pretty

upset,” he said.

“It was the catalyst that relit the burning embers of my life: my drugged up, grogged up, mucked up dreamings.”

Some of his confronting story has already been shared through the film Bastardy and in the play

‘‘

I have outed myself and admitted to my crimes

Jack Charles vs The Crown. He used the play as a chance to apologise to all from whom he had stolen and who he had disappointed.

Has he finally found himself?

“I am pretty happy now,” Charles said.

“Through the Koorie Heritage Trust and Link-Up, I have discovered who I am now.

“I won’t be around forever so the idea was to write a memoir, my ideas and to share it with

Australians.

“I am 76 this year and I have been leaving a number of legacies in one form or another. The book just tops it off. I do intend to write further insights, sharing the journey of jumping off the methadone for instance.”

Now an Aboriginal elder, Victorian Senior of the Year and recipient of the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement, Charles is using his “fine sense of com-artistry” to drive changes in the future of the younger generations as he enthusiastically continues his volunteer community leadership work.

He’s still on stage, recently completing the last of the ABC’s Black Comedy series, and is booked for the Te Rehia Theatre play Black Ties.

Charles plans to keep acting as long as he keeps getting asked.

“I never audition; I am too far up myself to audition and I fear rejection. I am only a little fellow,” he said cheekily.

Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella is in bookshops now.

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Ricci Bartels raises her voice on unemployment

It’s been 25 years since a Newstart increase

Tracey Johnstone

LOUD AND CLEAR: Ricci Bartels speaks about her experience Newstart allowance.

SPEAKING out on national television about the devastating experience of being forced on to Newstart has been a surreal experience for senior Ricci Bartels.

Ms Bartels was in the audience of the ABC television show Q&A where she spoke up about her experience of being caught in a downward spiral of unemployment and welfare, when all she really wanted to do was to get a job and pay her own way.

It was particularly disconcerting for Ms Bartels, who had spent a good deal of her life employed in positions where it was her job to empower people.

“All my life I have been a social justice activist,” Ms Bartels said.

The opportunity to

speak out came about by accident. Members of the Q&A audience were invited to submit questions for panel to consider but Ms Bartel’s was the first to be read out.

The now 66-year-old asked: “What would you or how would you suggest people like me have a go to get a go?”

“Put in a nutshell, it was the worst time of life.

“The loss of dignity.

The loss of friends because you can’t go out, you can’t socialise.

“Not eating proper foods even though I suffer various ailments,” she said.

The story was posted on the Seniors News Facebook page, prompting a deluge of responses from people who were in similar position.

Ms Bartels believes an increase of $75 a week, which is what the Raise

the Rate campaign is calling for, is needed.

“The other side of the campaign is to raise the rent subsidy,” she added.

Even though Ms Bartels is now on an aged pension, she plans to continue actively supporting the work of Raise the Rate as she sees the current situation with Newstart as wrong.

It’s now 25 years since Newstart, previously called the dole, was increased by the Federal Government.

Dr Kirsty Nowlan, a Benevolent Society executive director and a leading voice in the Raise the Rate campaign, said Newstart had only been indexed.

“It moves with the level of CPI but it doesn’t move at the level of wages,” she said.

“It has declined relative to both the pension and minimum wage.”

Older workers and rights

OLDER workers can learn their work rights with a new online toolkit that details the rights of older workers and the economic benefits for hiring older workers.

The Australian Human Rights Commission recently published the Multigenerational workforces: a guide to the rights of older workers under the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth).

The guide also provides information about the Act. It addresses a variety of workplace issues including what is age discrimination, when it is and isn’t unlawful to discriminate, what constitutes an offence, promotion of inclusion through recruitment, training and flexible work, and who to contact to discuss workplace issues and complaints.

The guide may also assist employees and workers in understanding their rights under the Act. The guide can be downloaded from humanrights.gov.au/ olderworkers.

Focus on helping others A can-do attitude has meant big adventures for Danielle Gail Forrer WHAT does it take to win one of Australia’s most prestigious journalism awards?

One person who can give you an answer is photo journalist Danielle Lancaster. Her video titled Healing Cambodia’s Wounds highlighting the role of the White-Robed Nuns after the devastation of the Pol Pot regime, was awarded the Nikon-Walkley Queensland Slide Show Award in 2013.

In this short video, she portrays an aspect of healing and rebuilding that took place in Cambodia after the years of genocide (1975-1979) led by Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge government.

During that time, between 1.5 to two million people lost their lives as the government sought to bring about a classless, communist society and in the process eliminated intellectuals, city residents, ethnic

Vietnamese, civil servants and religious leaders.

In gentle and moving terms, the essay video documents the work of the Don Chee, the women left without husbands or sons, who shaved their heads, donned white and went to work sweeping temples and doing basic work to show a way out of the despair and into a better future.

Danielle’s own Cambodian journey began in 1998 when she was on assignment as a photographer. The country’s social and economic wreckage made a huge impression on her and she arrived back in Australia with a vision of setting up schools for children.

Today, after years of fundraising and negotiations, she counts the building of four schools among the things she was able to contribute to the betterment of this ravaged country.

Perhaps it was Danielle’s start on a cattle and later wheat station in the Goondiwindi area that

Danielle Lancaster.

Photo: Sheryn Ellis

GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE: Danielle Lancaster with Cambodian school children. gave her the solid grounding she used to make her dreams a reality.

“I think I was in a pack saddle at six days old,” Danielle laughs. (These days trucks or helicopters are used to muster cattle, but more than 50 years ago, when people had long days in the saddle, they took their supplies in the “pack saddle”).

As with many station children, Danielle went off to boarding school, and although she doesn’t have a lot of fond memories of

the time, she does appreciate the high standard of education she received there.

Indeed, she went on to train and work as a registered nurse specialising in the care of young children. However, all through her years of studying she continued her hobby which began on the station.

Danielle’s mother was a keen amateur photographer and she had a daughter who watched her every move.

“We used to get the

“National Geographic” delivered and I couldn’t wait to run out and get it every month,” she recalled.

Danielle’s passion for photography and nursing aligned when she was employed as a Charge Nurse at Mackay Base Hospital. Management knew of her photographic experience and when she was offered the position of medical photographer, she accepted without hesitation.

It was this experience which later landed her a job as a Courier-Mail photographer. Danielle took to it like a duck to water and covered every category of news, but her first work was as a sports photographer.

“I was the first official female photographer to cover the Bathurst Hardie

1000,” she said.

“I met Dick Johnson there and he took me under his wing and gave me some great opportunities.”

By the time Danielle hit Cambodia, her combined media and nursing experience had supplied her with the skills to help the local people move forward. Ultimately, she come up with funds, connections and support to build the first basic institutions of learning.

“There were no schools left, or teachers, but I knew education was the only way forward for these people,” she said.

So she went to work building the schools which today are self-sufficient.

Now, aged 57,Danielle specialises in two areas: social documentation and tourism photo journalism.

She also designs and leads tours nationally and overseas.

You can see Danielle’s video on YouTube at: youtube.com/watch? v=uOWbzQE3ijY. For more on Danielle’s tours/photography, go to bleu-dog.com.au or email info@blue-dog.com.au.

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Can you live in a multiTHE number of Australians living in multi-generational households is creeping upwards.

The 2019 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey reports the number of people living in multiple-family households has risen by 1.2 percentage points to be the household type for 3.7 per cent of Australians in 2017.

The reasons for this are predominantly finance (55 per cent) and the provision of care (28 per cent) according to the University of NSW’s City Futures 2015 research report Living Together: The Rise of Multi-generational Households in Australian Cities.

The senior research fellow Dr Edgar Liu said: “If it involves older people, there is the assumption that they are an endless source of free child care, without considering that they also have their own lives that they may want to live; it also costs money to house and feed the older people, so it’s never really ‘free’.

“There is still that stigma where you should only live with your parents/in-laws if there is a genuine need rather than just because you want to.

This is especially the case when people found the company being the most valued aspect of multi-generational living, rather than physical and emotional care.”

FAMILY LIVING: Judy Gordon (back left) with the three generations, and one large dog, who live in the family home.

TRACEY Johnstone asked four families what it was like living in their multifamily household.

PRACTICAL SOLUTION JUDY Gordon, a 66-year-old retiree, lives in southwest Sydney house with her adult son, daughter-in-law and their two young children.

“We talked about doing something together for ages,” she said.

Two years ago they found the perfect two-storey house that needed just a few renovations.

“I wanted a separate space and they also have a 50kg dog and three cats,” she added.

The house is owned jointly.

“It’s been done legally,” Judy said. “I own 50 per cent and they own 25 per cent each. If anything happens to me, my share would go to Scott, my only child, as per my will.”

If the couple splits, Judy says “it won’t work”.

“I have told them they can never get divorced.”

She pays half of the rates and mortgage, and one-third of the household bills. She also keeps a record of what she has spent and what is owed to her.

Judy has her own self-contained area which

is adjacent to the garage and laundry.

“You need to have enough space of your own,” Judy recommended.

She has an internal, lockable door so her grandchildren can visit at any time.

“I mind them two days, so I see a lot of them.

Now we have joined a gym so I go off there with my son.

“The kids love it when I eat with them so they always want me to come upstairs or I do a baked dinner and they all come down here.”

The blended family doesn’t have structured times where it gets together.

“As I get older, it will be good for me to have them close,” Judy said.

“I’m not planning on going to a retirement village. We look at this as long-term.”

The downside would be if there was more than one child or you didn’t get on, Judy said.

“We don’t have cross words. We have worked this out cooperatively.

“They don’t take advantage of me.”

ALL ABOUT FAMILY IN the hinterland of northern NSW, 65-year-old retiree Maria* can have up to five generations,

and a few friends, living in her house at any time.

It started with her ailing father-in-law and has grown from there. Luckily the house is large and surrounded by acreage.

“Basically, they can’t get on their own feet out there with the cost of everything and give the children a good life,” Maria said.

“The house is built with the intention that everyone has their own private domain. It works lovely; we are a family.

They are independent of me even though they are so close.

“Each has their own dwelling. They have their privacy and the kids have stability.”

It’s all about family, said Maria, who has a Maltese

background.

“We were raised knowing it’s our responsibility to care for the elders.”

Maria and her husband, who bought the house 20 years ago, retain full ownership.

“They contribute to the upkeep of the mortgage,” she said. “They have taken their inheritance while I am still kicking.”

When it comes to looking after the property, Maria said the rule was two hours a week from everybody who could stand.

“They choose what work needs be done; if you see it, do it,” she said.

“Many hands make light work. When you are reliant on it being your home, you

have a tendency to care for it.”

Having family around has meant Maria and her husband have the freedom to travel while their home is looked after.

“You are supported in every way whether you are present or absent,” she said. “We’re family. You’ve got to get on.

“We’ve grown up together so we are used to each other,” she added.

“You don’t have the difficulty of trying to share your home with strangers or long-term friends.”

When it comes to family conflict, Maria said the trick was to “keep a lid on people’s privacy” and not get involved too much.

“What I have learnt in the long run is, if you give enough time for the

Mortgage stress is hitting older Australians NEW figures showing more older Australians are suffering mortgage stress is a significant risk factor for an epidemic of mental health problems for seniors, according to National Seniors Australia.

The study, by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, revealed mortgage debt among older Australians had gone up a massive 600% over the past 30 years.

Nearly half of all these Australians, aged 55 to 64, are still paying off a mortgage.

National Seniors Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said it was no coincidence that people aged 55 to 64 also represented the largest age group on Newstart.

"Older Australians right now, face the perfect storm of rising debt, job insecurity, caused by ageism, and pension poverty,” he said.

‘‘

the perfect storm of rising debt, job insecurity, caused by ageism, and pension poverty "There are 184,790 Australians aged 55 to 64 on Newstart and on average they stay there for three and a half years.

"If you don’t have a job and you’re still paying off

a mortgage, then you are eating into your savings and are left with nothing to retire on, which has a major impact on mental health."

Mr Henschke urged the Federal Government to

rethink its refusal to include Newstart as part of its upcoming review into retirement income.

"Ruling out Newstart from the review is completely wrongheaded thinking as the statistics show," he said.

"Both the government and the opposition appear to be asleep at the wheel as this car crash is happening.

"If the best form of welfare is a job, where are the targeted training and employment

programs?"

Mr Henschke said mortgage stress, ageism, long periods on Newstart and pensioner poverty were all linked.

"We have a retirement income eco system that to be healthy, requires people in their 50s and 60s to keep their jobs,” he said.

“That’s when most people traditionally had their best earnings and savings years as often their children had grown up and left home."

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

NEWS

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generational household?

MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING: Colleen Robinson and her daughter Belinda Uhlmann. supportive of me when I had my children and I am now supportive of her while she is ageing and so are my children.”

While Mary ensures Esme’s medical appointments are done, home help looks after the personal care.

The home has a separate area downstairs with an ensuite for Esme but the living area is upstairs where the family eats together on weekends.

Mary and her husband own the house.

“She has very much given me everything she has,” Mary said.

If Mary’s family and Esme were still living in Singapore they probably would have the same arrangement.

“It may be partially cultural but I haven’t taken to it as a cultural thing,” Mary said.

She found it beneficial for her children to spend time with their grandmother learning about their Singaporean heritage.

The limitation is, as Esme ages, Mary has started to make arrangements which ensure Esme has someone looking after her when the family goes away.

Sandwiched between her daughters and her mother, Mary admits: “I do have responsibilities”.

“I think it has advantages and disadvantages.

“I don’t think I would do the same with my children. It’s not

necessarily because it hasn’t worked but because we all live in a fast-paced environment.

“I am an independent person so I wouldn’t want to feel I am dependent on them or that they are responsible for me.

“Having said that, this has worked reasonably for me.”

HIT THE JACKPOT BELINDA Uhlmann, 47, and her mother, Colleen Robinson, 83, are tight and happy.

They live in a Brisbane home with Belinda’s husband Paul and their two young daughters.

Belinda said her sister, Del, would have done the same for her mum “in a heartbeat”.

Del and her husband already had the

with the family upstairs, but not always.

The plan is for Colleen to live there forever.

“If Mum needs that money to go into a facility where she needs more care, then that is her money,” Belinda said.

“It wouldn’t be just the third she has put in because we have been here about nine years, it would be what the third of the house would be concurrent to the price.”

The former aged care nurse fiercely retains her independence wherever possible but, if personal care is needed down the track, the women are adamant neither wants Belinda to take on that role. Instead they will get in a carer.

“I want to be honest about this, I would not be comfortable toileting Mum,” Belinda said.

“Mum and I are very good communicators and we are very honest with each other so I would love Mum to be here for the long run and we will find ways around that when the time comes,” Belinda added.

“I consider all my children my friends now,” Colleen added.

“But we’re still her children, don’t you worry; she tells us what to do,” Belinda joked.

Colleen said she had thrived as a result of actively engaging with her family.

“I don’t feel as old as my age,” she said.

“It’s been wonderful for my girls,” Belinda added.

She thinks the same arrangement could work with her daughters and herself when she is much older.

*Names changed at the request of interviewees.

Win a double pass to see RIDE LIKE A GIRL at Event Cinemas on October 2 See the amazing true story ‘RIDE LIKE A GIRL’ at the Seniors Morning Tea and screening on Wednesday 2 October at BCC and Event Cinemas.

As a little girl, Michelle Payne dreams of the impossible: winning the Melbourne Cup – horse-racing’s toughest two-mile race. starring Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill,

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pressure to release, the parties usually find a way.”

It’s not a fairytale existence but, Maria said, living in this household meant she didn’t miss out on important family moments.

EXPECTED SOLUTION? MARY* lives in Sydney with her husband and three daughters aged 23 to 27 and 86-year-old mother Esme*.

Mary, 59, is the only sibling living in Australia; the others live in Singapore. Her parents came to live with Mary when her father had a heart attack and the arrangement has continued.

It has meant Mary could continue working full-time.

“It’s mutual support,” Mary said. “She was

experience of living with her father-in-law, but it didn’t work for them.

“It disintegrated; they couldn’t sustain living all together,” Belinda explained.

“Unfortunately, there were too many personality clashes.”

After Colleen’s husband died in 2002, she struggled to live alone for six years in their townhouse.

“I was finding the stairs were a bit of a problem,” Colleen said.

Over several years, Belinda, Paul and Colleen discussed living together.

“I am lucky as my husband grew up with his grandfather in exactly the same situation,” Belinda said.

“We had lots of discussions (before Colleen moved in) about the future and the plan for Mum to be here forever,” Belinda added.

It took them quite some time to find an affordable and suitable house.

Finally they found a two-storey house with what Colleen needed to stay independent and private, including an outdoor sun area.

The family lives upstairs and Colleen has the downstairs area.

Ownership of the house is split equally three ways.

“I went to the solicitor when we were getting organised,” Colleen said.

“There’s a statutory declaration we made as the bank wouldn’t let Mum go onto the loan because of her age,” Belinda said.

“Mum is very adamant about paying her way. She felt she didn’t want to mooch.”

Colleen does her shopping and has someone come in to clean for her.

Sometimes she eats

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Phil’s living well with dementia Difference between living life and prognosis Tracey Johnstone PACK your bags and get your affairs in order was the first bit of clinical advice early onset dementia patient Phil Hazell was told.

Never mind the fact that he was already doing everything he could to live with the condition within his own environment.

He also had to contend with finding a GP willing to take him on as a new patient. Four phone calls later he finally found one that was open to spending time with him.

Mr Hazell was diagnosed with dementia in his mid-50s and kept working as an optical

laboratory representative with the support of his Melbourne employer until he resigned three years later.

“The real impact is I was diagnosed at 55 and now I am 60 and it’s only going to get worse to be perfectly honest,” Mr Hazell said. “I still have a bright outlook on life. I’m not a half glass full, but a full glass full.”

He’s been doing a “s—tload” since stopping work.

The frustrations of dealing with some people in the medical profession who seemed not to want Mr Hazell to continue living a full and engaged life has driven him to be proactive in profiling how

people with dementia can in its early stages, live well and outside of care through his advocacy work.

“I’m not cactus yet,” he said. “If I don’t get it done quickly in the next five or 10 years, I won’t get anything done. It’s getting quite urgent.”

Mr Hazell is an advocate for Dementia Australia, chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee, and advocate for assistance dogs for dementia and participating in research trials.

“In one of these I mentor people who have just been diagnosed with dementia so they can see it’s not the end of the

REALITIES: Dementia advocate Phil Hazell and his assistance dog Sarah. world,” he said. “I am a living example of living well with dementia.”

“With dementia, it’s not all the time that you are living with it,” he added.

“Sometimes it can one day out of a fortnight or a couple of days a week.”

At home Mr Hazell is responsible for keeping his home tidy while his wife, Jan, is out at full-time work. He also does some cooking.

When it comes to exercise, he says he is “slack”. “I should be doing it, absolutely.”

He does get moving when he walks Sarah, his assistance dog.

Sarah is with him

everywhere, flying around Australia as Mr Hazell takes his living well message to all states.

The specially trained labrador even has her own boarding ticket which she carries to the check-in gate.

If he gets lost when he out of the house or gets confused: “Sarah comes in very tight and cuddles me. That gives me the chance to sit down for 10 minutes and get my mind back as to where I am or what I should be doing.”

Sarah finds Mr Hazell’s keys, phone and wallet before he leaves home each day. “Otherwise I would be wandering the

house trying to find all these items to get out of the house,” he said.

“If I can’t find these items I literally can’t get out of the house.” And that is critical to Mr Hazell as he is on the move as much as he can for as long as he can.

His advice to people with dementia and those caring for them is to contact the counsellors at Dementia Australia on 1800 100 500.

“I was at my wit’s end and they listened to me, and when I got off the phone, I felt a lot better,” Mr Hazell added.

Generation experiment Old people’s home where the very young are welcome Tracey Johnstone QUALITY time spent in the company of some lively four-year-olds has opened up a whole new world for octogenarian and retirement village resident Maureen.

Maureen is one of 11 residents, aged 78–95, who participated in a social experiment conducted and filmed by ABC studios’ Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.

In the experiment, residents were paired with preschoolers from the area, and over eight weeks they met in a specially prepared preschool space for four full days each week.

The experiment sought to determine whether the inter-generational contact could improve the health and well-being of the older people, thus leading to happier and healthier lives.

Maureen, 82, sees great potential in the relationships formed.

“The development in the people and the children in that short time was absolutely fantastic,” she said.

“Some of them were very reticent in the beginning but they gradually warmed to it.”

She felt an immediate connection when she met four-year-old Michaela.

“She was the most delightful thing you would ever meet,” Maureen said.

“She would rush across the room to me.”

Maureen has two grandchildren who live close by.

But, because of busy lives, she doesn’t see as much of them as she would like.

At the start of the experiment the usually upbeat Maureen was stressed trying to cope with significant health issues confronting both her and her husband.

“This was the answer to my prayers,” she said.

Even though her physical health problems

FRIENDS: Michaela and Maureen at the Anzac Village . continued during the filming, she said: “It psychologically lifted me out of myself.”

Critically for Maureen, it was knowing she was wanted and loved during her time together with Michaela.

While Maureen isn’t sure how much she taught Michaela, she certainly knows she gained significantly from their

contact.

“She was very patient with me as I couldn’t physically do a lot,” she said.

“I felt the love was there and we clicked.

Anything I needed, she was there for me.

“I must have been a security for her. She’s from a one-parent family who has a mother who is fantastic.”

Photo: Nigel Wright

The participants shared a structured timetable that encouraged physical activity, social interaction, learning and happiness.

Maureen and Michaela walked hand-in-hand, did relay races, made slime and cooked.

“We had a great time,” Maureen said.

Michaela has now effectively become part of Maureen’s family, as has

her mother Debbie. The new unlikely friends see each other every month, sometimes with Michaela’s grandmother joining in, and Debbie regularly shares family photos with Maureen.

“I’ve got a new family,” Maureen said. “It’s made quite a bit of difference to my life.

She said she no longer felt she was living locked up in the retirement village.

Maureen has also become friends with one of the other women who participated in the experiment, who has taken to lobbying village management for an ongoing program.

“There’s a heck of a lot of kids that don’t have grandparents in Australia, or they are living somewhere else, and they don’t have that association,” Maureen said.

“I could just see the magic that came out of this.”

Screening: The show can be viewed via ABC iView.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

BEST FRIEND: Tricia Miles with Shelly, who was surrendered to YAPS at 3.5 years-old as she was eating all the chooks on a farm.

Photo: Contributed

Best friend fights for dogs Tracey Johnstone

TRICIA Miles is the best friend of many a dog living in Queensland.

The retired foreign affairs personal secretary is a prolific letter writer and petition signatory, and woman of action.

Her passion is championing the wellbeing of all animals, and dogs in particular, in Cairns and the nearby Aboriginal communities.

“I have developed a social conscious in my old age,” Tricia, 75, said.

“There is so much animal cruelty everywhere.”

After working and travelling overseas for 28

years without a pet in sight, Tricia found her permanent home in Cairns with husband Nev. It was then she realised how much she had missed not having a pet in her adult life.

With time on her hands, she found delight in being around dogs and helping make a difference to the lives of those that had been abandoned, mistreated or needing support.

Tricia founded the volunteer group Animal Care for Seniors at Home (ACSAH) which brings together older community members and their pets with volunteers who help to do some of the basic tasks involved in ensuring these pets receive the necessary care in their

owners’ homes.

“We try to keep them together for as long as possible,” she said.

“I was seeing old dogs being surrendered to YAPS because people couldn’t care for the animal. That was heartbreaking.”

Tricia set up ACSAH in 2013.

“We coerced, nagged and bribed people to turn up for a meeting which ended up with 30 or 40 people,” she said.

“Everybody said it sounded like a good idea.

That was the impetus to keep going.

“People were interested and did think there was a need to help our elderly and frail so they could stay together in their home with their pets.”

The group started with just Tricia and a few like-minded friends but has since grown to 64 volunteers working with about 55 clients.

“The delight and relief when you knock on a client’s door – and Fido is even more happy to see you than the human client – that makes it worthwhile to keep them together in their own home,” she said.

Tricia has since stepped back from a day-to-day role with ACSAH so she can spend more time volunteering with the Young Animals Protection Society (YAPS).

“I’d rather be a foot soldier now than a general,” she said.

“There are now so many more younger and more

competent people helping ACSAH.” Five days a week she is at the YAPS refuge exercising dogs and helping with fundraising.

They deal with cats and dogs at the no-kill refuge.

“Animals end up at YAPS for a variety of reasons – abandoned, surrendered, found – all terribly sad and bewildering for the animal,” she said.

“There is a dog for everyone,” she added.

“YAPS, for me, is a happy place.

“There is hope for a better life for the dogs and cats.”

Tricia keeps beating the drum even though at times it’s hard and she is starting to feel tired.

“One of the ways that I

keep coping without being on the front line and seeing a lot of the atrocities, is by not running things any more; just being there when someone needs me,” she said.

Tricia continues her ongoing bombardment of state and federal politicians, journalists and animal defenders.

“A sympathetic indigenous voice is desperately needed to educate community people on the benefit to children of having a healthy pet,” Tricia said.

“It would create so much love.

“This is just one of the many things in my head, but I can’t put them into practise as I don’t have the capabilities.”

Aussie men are living longer AUSTRALIAN men are now living longer than any other group of males, Australian National University (ANU) researchers have found.

The study introduces a new way of measuring life expectancy, accounting for the historical mortality conditions that today’s older generations lived through.

By this measure, Australian men, on average, live to 74.1.

The news is good for Australian women too.

The study shows they’re ranked second, behind their Swiss counterparts.

ANU’s Dr Collin Payne, who co-led the study, said: “popular belief has it that Japan and the Nordic countries are doing really well in terms of health, wellbeing, and longevity.

But Australia is right there”. The results have a lot to do with long term stability and the fact

Australia’s had a high standard of living for a really, really long time.

Simple things like having enough to eat, and not seeing a lot of major conflict play a part.”

Dr Payne said there were a number of factors which might have contributed to the new rankings.

“Mortality was really high in Japan in the 30s, 40s and 50s. In Australia, mortality was really low

during that time,” Dr Payne said. “French males, for example, drop out because a lot of them died during WW2, some from direct conflict, others from childhood conditions.”

Dr Payne is now hoping to get enough data to look at how rankings have changed over the last 30 or 40 years.

The research was published in the journal Population Studies.

LONGER LIVES: Long term stability and a high standard of living has helped Aussie men.

Photo: Purestock

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

Walking on the wild side

Take Queensland in your stride

PAGE 17

The Carnarvon Gorge is a feature of the Carnarvon Great Walk.

Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Travel Briefs BARGE CRUISE IN UK

JOIN Magna Carta, a unique floating hotel, for the six-night journey from London.

Bypassing the traffic, it meanders through past and present, stopping off at the historic cities, old-world villages and stately homes that line the Thames River.

Departing from May to September 2020 from $11,595 per person. Book before November 30 for Fly Free Superdeal offer of a return economy airfare per person. Info: phone 1300 196 420 or go to aptouring. com.au/travel-styles/ barge-cruising.

MILITARY HISTORY CRUISE CRUISE & Maritime Voyages new five-night Military History Cruise departs Sydney on December 1 on board the 1220-guest Vasco da Gama which includes 40 cabins for solo travellers. Info: cmvaustralia.com /cruise/v002/ east-coast-discovery.

FAN ABOUT KAKADU

EXPLORE Bamurru Plains, a region of natural beauty and unique biodiversity, on an airboat a 4x4 safari or walking safari. The region is on the edge of the Mary River floodplains just a short distance from the coast and the western boundary of the Kakadu National Park. classicsafaricompany .com.au/activity/ bamurru-plains.

ON THE GO SPECIALS

GET a great discount with On the Go tours for solo travellers and over 50s, departing within the next two months.

Choose your preferred destination and check out the last minute deals. Info: onthegotours.com /Last-Minute-Deals or phone 1300 855 684.

FIND TOUR SPECIALS

CHECK out this website – tourradar.com – for tour and travel specials worldwide.

The site provides travellers with everything they need to plan and book their next great escape in one place.

From thoughtfully crafted tours and their itineraries, videos and photos, to how-to guides and travel

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NEW BUNNIK EUROPE TOURS

BUNNIK has released four new small group 2020 tours.

Combine the ancient wonders of Greece and Egypt with experiencing the old-fashioned hospitality in England, Scotland and Wales.

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STEAMBOAT THROUGH AMERICA’S PACIFIC NORTHWEST

THE American Queen Steamboat Company is offering savings of up to US$1000 per couple on its eight-night cruise packages along North America’s historic Columbia River.

The special offer is for departures in March, April May, October or November 2020 if booked by December 31. Info: phone 1800 507 777 or go to cruisetraveller. com.au.

TRUFFLE HUNTING IN NSW CENTRAL WEST

FEEL immersed in the age-old craft of truffle hunting in NSW’s Central West. Attend the Black Tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt and take part in the age-old craft of truffle hunting, before enjoying the fruits of their labour with a five-course truffle degustation dinner; visit Heifer Station Vineyard located on the volcanic basalt slopes of Mt. Canobolas, it has vineyard tours, a petting zoo and farm for the grandkids and special events year-round,Info: visitnsw.com.

DEADLY DINING ON COUNTRY

JOIN the Mandingalbay Yidinji people on their country for a four-course Deadly Dinner featuring traditionally inspired local produce and Australian native ingredients.

Cruise from Cairns city across the water with a Traditional Owner to the natural environment of East Trinity Reserve to be welcomed with a smoking and cleansing ceremony, traditional dance, storytelling.

Info: mandingalbay. com.au.

Stay and play in Waikiki Kerry Heaney HOME to Hawaii’s rulers for centuries, Waikiki’s gently curved, reef-protected beach offers ample room to pull up a canoe but is more famous for surfboards today.

Known as the birthplace of surfing, Waikiki has a rich history, great shopping and plenty of dining choices.

With Diamond Head in the background, it’s famous surf break is dotted by regulars every morning. Visitors can hire their own board under the 2.7-metre-high bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968). The Duke was Hawaii’s first Olympian who is credited with bringing Hawaii’s ancient sport of surfing to the world.

From the beach, you can see Diamond Head, and if you are feeling energetic, it’s a great walk to the top. The 2.5km summit trail takes around 30 minutes and is rated “very easy” and suitable for non-hikers, although there are some stairs and tunnels.

Rent an audio headset from the ticket booth, and you can have a guided tour as well. On Saturdays, there is a Farmers Market near the tunnel entrance.

Just on the edge of Waikiki are Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Kapi’olani Regional Park.

Head to the zoo to see komodo dragons and 905 different animals or the aquarium to view some of Hawaii’s beautiful sea life.

It’s a half-hour drive, but you won’t want to miss the chance to see Pearl Harbour where an aerial attack in 1941 left thousands dead and hundreds wounded. Start at the Visitors’ Centre with a walk through the USS Arizona Memorial Museum. The USS Arizona Memorial has been closed since May 2018 for repair work but is expected to reopen later this year.

You’ll be amazed by the size of the guns on the 60,000-ton USS Battleship Missouri. Walk around the ship and see where the documents ending WWII were signed.

Each location can take up to two hours to explore so allow plenty of time.

Just remember, no bags are permitted inside the Pearl Harbour Historic Sites unless they are wallet-sized. Bag storage is available.

The Bishop Museum is where you’ll find Hawaii’s

HAWAII RULES: Waikiki Beach known as the birthplace of surfing. most extensive collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian artefacts. It’s a fascinating look at the rich history of the islands.

There’s much more to discover about Hawaiian royalty at Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States!

Completed in 1882, this grand house looks as though the residents have just stepped out for a moment. Take a guided or self-led audio tour.

Hawaii’s history from the 20th century is just as fascinating, and the Liljestrand House will take you back to the 1950s and Hawaii’s Tropical Modernism style.

Designed for doctor and nurse Howard and Betty Liljestrand by Vladimir Ossipoff, It has the sort of cool vibe that makes you think of Dean Martin and Natalie Wood.

This exceptionally well-preserved house is a treasure trove of memory prompters. The views from the secluded hillside block overlooking downtown Oahu are expansive. Guided tours are available.

There’s one souvenir you must bring home from Honolulu, even if it is just for yourself. Pop into the Honolulu Cookie Company and taste before you buy their Hawaiian inspired cookie flavours. The signature pineapple-

Waikiki Beach from Moana Surfrider. shaped biscuits are memorable.

Where should you stay in Waikiki? It’s hotel central along this famous stretch of beach, so your options are many. The Royal Hawaiian, known as the Pink Palace, holds a highly coveted beach spot dotted with cabanas. The luxury hotel has heritage rooms dating filled with 1920s glamour.

Almost next door is another luxe resort Moana Surfrider. Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, it opened its doors in 1901 and offers

beachfront views with a historic banyan tree courtyard.

Just one block back from the beach, The Laylow, combines mid-century modern style with Hawaiian charm. . Fly with Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and your Hawaiian experience starts at the airport with miles of smiles and a taste of Hawaii menu designed by Executive Chef LeeAnne Wong.

The writer travelled as a guest of Hawaiian Airlines.

17

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

There are views forever at Lake Wabby on Fraser Island.

‘‘

It’s just made me so proud to be a Queenslander now

LIQUID REFRESHMENT: Lisa Marshall takes a dip at the Zoe Falls on the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island.

Photo: Contributed

The amazing Carnarvon Gorge amphitheatre.

next year to highlight the state’s offering.

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Great Walks are suggested as ideal starting points. Each provides the option to extract yourself at points along the way and stay with accommodation providers rather than being committed to camping.

“So you’ve got the ability to create your own version of the walk with different start and end points,” Luke said. “With other walks, the further inland you go the more remote you are, so you need to be fully self-sufficient.”

While most walks offer multi-day experiences with set start/finish points, Lisa said there was always the option to do day walks.

“At Hinchinbrook, it’s just like being in a dreamworld for a day,” she said. “Carnarvon Gorge and Fraser Island also have spectacular day walks.”

Lisa said the aim was to get as many people as possible out on the walks, but it was crucial they were well prepared. Hikers needed to do their homework, pack the right gear and train properly.

“We will be encouraging them to take their time, stop at all the beautiful towns along the way, and be realistic about what they can achieve in the time they have available,” she said.

Lisa has written an online e-guide on how to get trek-ready, covering everything you need to know when you’re actually out walking, plus a 16-week training guide (visit trekcoach.com.au).

NTA (Queensland) CEO Jonathan Fisher said the National Trust had always been committed to conserving and celebrating natural heritage, and was proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government in promoting the Q10 Great Walks.

“We are really about promoting active lifestyles and getting people to celebrate the diversity of Queensland’s stunning landscapes,” Mr Fisher said.

Environment and Science Minister Leeanne Enoch said Queensland was unlike anywhere else.

“All of these places are incredibly valuable to our state, and help provide unique environmental experiences to visitors,” Ms Enoch said.

Queensland invites the world to its Great Walks Graeme Wilson QUEENSLAND believes it has hiking trails to match the best on the planet and two energetic explorers have completed a 10-day adventure gathering proof to present to the world.

The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) and Queensland Government have combined to launch the Q10 Great Walks and intrepid duo Luke Edwards and Lisa Marshall accepted the challenge to complete one walk a day for a combined 400km of hiking from Currumbin to Cooktown.

The Q10 Challenge had the two Queensland adventurers zig-zagging 4000km across the state.

Luke, a National Trust employee, devised the idea to tackle all 10 walks in just 10 days and Noosa Trek coach Lisa Marshall was happy to join him.

Both set off thinking they already had a pretty good idea of what lay ahead, but what they discovered surpassed all expectations.

“I haven’t lived in Queensland that long and it’s just made me so proud to be a Queenslander now and to

realise there’s so many amazing walks for us to do,” Lisa said.

“There’s some beautiful trails out there and, among the many highlights for us, the standout was Hinchinbrook Island … the Thorsborne Trail is just stunning. And Carnarvon Gorge. And Fraser Island. Everything really.”

In particular, the pair loved the community spirit associated with Carnarvon Gorge.

“The locals really came together to make us welcome,” Lisa said.

“They’re so proud of what’s out there and so they should be. It’s just beautiful.”

Unlike South Africa-raised Lisa, Luke is a born and bred Queenslander but he too was stunned by what they saw.

“The exciting part is you think you know Queensland but then you go a bit off track and it’s so diverse,” he said.

“We didn’t leave the state and look what we saw. At Hinchinbrook, everywhere you go you’re like ‘what, wow how can that be?’.”

Publicity surrounding the challenge threw a

STEP OUT: The 10 Great Walks, from south to north, are: . Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk . Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk . K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk . Carnarvon Great Walk . Mackay Highlands Great Walk . Whitsunday Great Walk . Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail (includes kayaks) . Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island . Goldfield Trail, Wooroonooran National Park . Gamaay Dreaming Track, from Cooktown spotlight on what will be producing a range of Queensland has to offer, informative and 2020 is targeted to get documentary-style videos on more hikers heading out on each Great Walk to help one or more of the walks. people make informed Luke’s dream is for decisions on their choices,” hikers seeking bragging Luke said. rights to mention one of the Each Great Walk has its Queensland walks in the own static page on the same way they now talk of Department of Environment New Zealand’s Milford and Science website Track, Italy’s Dolomites or (parks.des.qld.gov.au) with Tasmania’s Three Capes maps and other vital Track. information, but the idea of “At the launch we said wethe videos is to bring those wanted to find a bragging pages to life. right to throw on the table “People will be able to see and we absolutely found the beauty of each walk but that,” he said. also understand what they Part of the purpose of need to do in order to the 10-day adventure was successfully complete to gather promotional them,” Luke said, adding material for next year’s that the walks are all push to get hikers out available now, with April to exploring Queensland.

October the peak season.

“We have a huge amount The team is also of great footage, lots of producing a documentary interviews we did with the about the trip and plans to rangers on the trails so we head out with a road show

18

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

There seems to be a spirit under the surface that would take a little time to appreciate.

ARMENIAN SUMMER: The rustic charm of an old church at Lake Sevan, Armenia

All Photos: Paul Coffey

Armenia and the end

Paul Coffey reports on his stay in Armenia – the last city to visit before the end of his tour through the Caucasus.

THE landscape has dried out as we travelled further south through Georgia, ie. away from the Caucasus mountains, and Armenia seems drier still.

The land is more undulating with high hills scattered about, but only the valleys are the least bit green, although it is summer after all. Together with a slightly more basic housing stock here in the rural areas, the impression is that Armenia is poorer than Georgia. The GNI per head is not greatly less, however.

Modern Armenia is a small landlocked country of only about 30,000km sq (less than half the size of Tasmania), with a population of about three million, similar to Georgia’s.

The lack of a port of its own, and of any oil, are major disadvantages; we’re told that the main industries are tourism (which is still nascent), agriculture and surprisingly IT. Chess is taught in the schools.

Earlier Armenian civilisations and populations covered far greater areas even as they waxed and waned, primarily further to the south in eastern Anatolia, and to the west in northern Persia including the current-day

Azerbaijan. There are only around 50,000 Armenians in Turkey today, down from well over one million prior to the Armenian Genocide, and very few in Azerbaijan other than in the Armenian-controlled, disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabach. The area that has become modern Armenia was variously controlled by Hellenistic kings, Persian satrapies, Muslim khanates, the Ottomans, and of course the Russians.

Wars and treaties between empires over the centuries, and especially after WW1, left Armenia in its present reduced state, something over which Armenians are resentful.

Armenia proudly lays claim to being the first Christian nation, a king having converted and declared the kingdom Christian in 301AD. The Roman (or Byzantine) Empire was declared Christian in 380AD, some time after Constantine converted in c.312AD. The Armenian Apostolic Church was an important vehicle for a sense of cultural identity under Muslim rule, and remains central to Armenian identity today.

Armenian Churches are very spartan, with none of the rich icons and ageing frescoes that feature in

Dancing in the square, Armenia.

Georgian churches.

En route to the capital, Yerevan, we stop at the gorgeous Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude and freshwater lakes, c.70km long. At 1900m of altitude, it freezes over from time to time. When we were there it was a brilliant greeny aquamarine colour, quite beautiful. Invariably, there’s a church involved.

Our first glimpse of Yerevan is of armies of dull apartment blocks in the distance.

Unfortunately the whole city turns out to lack colour: grey to dun-brown is the limit of the colour range, and there are almost no buildings that distinguish themselves.

The better inner-city

buildings have facades of local stone, which varies from a grey through to a range of browns, some attractive as individual stones, including tones of orange and even rose among them. But on the larger scale, the whole is less than the sum of the parts.

The very dry hills surrounding the city don’t add to the city’s visual appeal. It would be very different in the winter, with snow on the hills and mountains all around.

However the city grows on us all, as people appear on the streets in the balmy, temperate evenings and nights. On the Friday night we are lucky to witness local people in their hundreds doing their traditional

dancing to that marvellous high-pitched middle-Eastern flute music that I love, in a main square. The next night provides a free water music show in another square, again with hundreds present. The streets are alive in a very European way.

In fact, despite another a very different script here, there is a European feel to the look of the people as well as the way of life. All seems familiar.

We had only one full day here; it’s a city that one could easily live in for a time. There seems to be a spirit under the surface that would take a little time to appreciate.

I gave a visit to another carpet factory a miss and instead wandered the

19

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

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examples of large-scale ethnic or religious massacres, not merely the human flaws that underlie the frictions between peoples.

To the south of Yerevan lies the famed Mt Ararat, situated in Turkey but very visible at 5,165 metres at the summit. The summer haze makes it difficult to see well, but I got a shot from the airport on leaving, with its cap of ice visible adjacent to a small cloud.

We’ve felt safe and seen absolutely no cause for concern on this whole trip. We had only one warning here in Armenia at a tourist site to watch out for boys selling

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Hardly life-threatening! It’s striking how often we assume that places that we know little about are dangerous. But it’s a very human trait – valuable for survival in the long run.

On my last morning my plane leaves too early to have breakfast at the hotel, but while waiting for my airport transfer I was spontaneously offered a tea and some dried fruits, which are ubiquitous here.

They are plumper and less desiccated than our dried fruits and quite delicious.

A simple thing but an enduring memory.

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local streets nearby. They featured several depressing Soviet-era apartment blocks, of about 15 storeys: grey, drab and unornamented.

They had bitumen surrounds except for a couple of tiny parklets. As so often in such countries, I thought: Where do the children play?

The Genocide Museum was largely what was to be expected, in terrible detail. Such a contrast with the version I heard when in Turkey in 1981.

The Museum has an emphasis on eye-witness accounts, as if to deliberately counter Turkey’s decades-long denial. Only 31 countries officially recognise the Genocide: Australia, the UK and the US do not, while Canada, France and Germany are among those who do. Politics usually determine countries’ positions on it.

As to the eternal question of why, there’s a long and complex history, with periods of tolerance and periods of oppression of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks. My quick conclusion was that politics ultimately played the primary role, although that story is also a complex one. And on reflection, it probably is politics that triggers and/or sustains the worst

20

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

Bob and Robyn have dabbled in port, and now produce a Frenchstyle rose

NEW CAREER: Bob and Robyn Holland's Crows Nest winery, started after retirement, offers both wine tastings and the largest collection of Arnott's biscuit tins on public view.

Quirky trip to find fine wines and vintage tins BOB Holland knew he couldn’t just sit still when he retired … and his thoughts turned to winemaking.

Having bought their Crows Nest, Queensland property as a weekender in 1996, he and wife Robyn decided creating a vineyard and making their own wine “on a hobby basis to fill in a bit of time” was a good idea.

The hobby has since become a new full-time career, and includes cellar door wine tasting and sales, attending markets, running a gift shop, and providing morning and afternoon teas and finger food in the gardens.

But Bob admits it has been a steep learning curve.

Having planted vines from 1998-2000, the couple discovered lorikeets were enjoying more of the grapes than they were.

The grapes they did manage to salvage were

never sweet enough to produce a good taste.

Having invested in netting, in 2005 they notched their first full vintage.

“That created a new problem, because now we had too much for me to handle myself … so I had to pay someone else to make the wine for me,” Bob said.

Having done that and completed their first goal of “producing a wine that was drinkable”, they found they had a new problem on their hands.

“One tonne of grapes makes about 800 bottles of wine, so even if we drank two bottles a day we couldn’t drink that in a year and we had a storage issue, so I had to build a cellar,” Bob laughed.

By 2007, they had further fine-tuned the taste of their wine, but realised they couldn’t just keep producing and storing bottles, so Bob began taking his Holland

Wines to the district markets.

Still there was more to learn, including that people wanted a wider choice than shiraz and chardonnay.

Bob and Robyn have since dabbled in port, and now produce their own French-style rose, a light merlot called Ravishing Red, medium and heavy reds including a sweet red, an unwooded chardonnay and a sweet pink moscato.

They’ve developed a good following of return customers.

However, Bob said it was still difficult to get word out about the local winery and to encourage people to try its produce rather than buying interstate and overseas wine from the chain stores.

At generally $15 a bottle, he said, Holland Wines were a comparable price for a good quality wine.

“I know when you start a new business you’ve got to be patient, but I’ve got a good product, I just need people to try it,” he said.

Under the new banner of High Country Hamlets, he believes the area is going to grow significantly in terms of tourism, and sees the winery as having an integral place in this food, art, accommodation and rural attractions destination.

And, Bob has another string to the Holland Wines bow which is attracting visitors in its own right.

The cellar boasts the largest display of Arnott’s biscuit tins on public view in Australia – over 400 – some dating back more than 100 years.

“People are amazed by the designs and shapes,” Bob said.

“A lot of people identify tins from when they were kids and it becomes a real talking point.”

None of their success to date has come easily, and Bob said the drought had made things that much harder on both a production and sales basis.

“People are very money-conscious at the moment and they see buying wines as a bit of a luxury,” Bob said.

“We didn’t get enough rain this year to make a product … the dam just has enough water in the bottom to be sure it doesn’t crack, but that’s all …

“It’s a critical situation for everyone with the water.”

However, in good Aussie farming tradition, Bob remains upbeat.

“Things are going to pick up … you’ve got to be positive,” he said.

The cellar door is generally open from 9am-5pm, but with weekend markets – including Toowoomba’s Cobb+Co and Queen’s

Park, Nanango and Murphy’s Creek markets – the rule is “if the gate is open, so is the cellar door”.

To avoid disappointment, or if your group is interested in wine tasting and finger food, phone 07 4698 2277 or 0408 172 387 before visiting to confirm, or go to hollandwines.com.au.

Crows Nest is a town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia.

The town is located on the New England Highway, 158 kilometres (98 mi) from the state capital, Brisbane and 43 kilometres (27 mi) from the nearby city of Toowoomba. It is within the Toowoomba Region local government area.

At the 2016 Census, Crows Nest had a population of 2160.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

21

Roll back the clock

Wellbeing

Iis time to get out and active

BOWLS Australia has joined the Sports Australia Better Ageing Grant program by promoting more older Australians to get more active.

Its Roll Back the Clock initiative aims to boost physical activity rates through bowls, light exercise and education.

Each four-week program has two sessions per week which incorporate activities lasting 30 minutes each and targeting both the body and mind through bowls, functional training, fitness and wellness education, and socialisation.

Each session is adapted for individuals, with benefits ranging from enabling participants to perform activities of daily life more easily, to withstanding injuries and providing a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

Fitness gains from the program will include flexibility, muscular endurance and strength and in some instances aerobic/cardiovascular exercise.

The first week focuses on the importance of exercise, how to get going and the ingredients to a healthy life. The second

week works on healthy brain meets healthy body, exercising it and learning to relax and mindfulness.

In the third week, the focus is on supporting the body through movement with good posture and healthy pelvic floor.

Finally, in week four the session focuses on how to continue the good habits, have fun and the keys to success, and bowls games are introduced.

The program is open to anyone and the cost to participate is $20 for the full four weeks.

“In addition to the physical health benefits, engaging in physical activity and group sports for older Australians provides increasingly important opportunities for socialisation, peer-support, and conversation that reduces the possibility for loneliness related physical and mental illnesses,” Bowls Australia Better Ageing Program Manager Michael Haarsma said.

Roll Back The Clock is staged regularly at local bowls clubs around Australia.

For more information, go to bowls.com.au/ roll-back-the-clock.

BOWLING ACTIVE: Bowls Australia has introduced a new program coming to your local bowls club and called Roll Back the Clock.

Photo: Bowls Australia

Fast action saves her husband’s life A STROKE survivor has paid tribute to his wife for knowing the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and saving his life in the lead up to National Stroke Week (September 2-8).

In 2015, Rocco Giandomenico, 82, was with his wife Cecilia, 78, in their kitchen when Cecilia noticed Rocco’s speech sounded strange and she couldn’t understand what he was saying.

They had sat down to eat fresh watermelon from their garden when Rocco kept touching his forehead and slurring his words. Recognising the signs of a stroke, Cecilia rushed Rocco to the near-by local hospital – five minutes away.

On seeing the seriousness of Rocco’s condition, health professionals quickly organised a transfer by ambulance to the larger

F.A.S.T signs of stroke and saving his life in the lead up to National Stroke Week (September 2-8).

Rocco Giandomenico with his wife Cecilia.

Tamworth Hospital for treatment in the stroke ward. Here, Rocco was given a brain scan and treated for stroke.

Rocco said he would forever be grateful Cecilia knew the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and sought medical help quickly.

“Cecilia is my love and my hero,” he said.

“I would never have gone to the hospital without her taking action and next year we’ll celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary, with our children and 13 grandchildren.”

Using the F.A.S.T test involves asking these simple questions: ■ Face Check their face.

Has their mouth drooped?

■ Arms Can they lift both arms?

■ Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

■ Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It occurs when

blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a leaking blood vessel.

Treatments can stop this damage, but they must be delivered quickly.

Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly applauded Cecilia on her quick thinking.

“Cecilia‘s quick action in recognising the signs of stroke and getting Rocco to hospital meant he reached treatment quickly

and is able to live well after his stroke with his family,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.

“The more people who know the F.A.S.T signs of stroke message and to call an ambulance at the first sign, the better.

“Share this important message with your friends, family and colleagues this Stroke Week.”

For more on National Stroke Week, go to strokefoundation.org.au.

22

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Living

Program brings joy to seniors BRAND INSIGHTS AN INNOVATIVE combination of group exercise and musical trivia – choreographed to a soundtrack of greatest hits – is empowering Wide Bay seniors to feel “Forever Young”.

Aged care and disability services provider Feros Care’s industry-leading Forever Young program is a 26-week group exercise regime set to music that tests participants’ knowledge of songs from the 1920s to the late 1970s.

The program is open to seniors of all fitness

levels and abilities designed to support them to meet the Australian Government’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults by improving balance, strength, endurance and flexibility.

Physiotherapist and clinical lead at Feros Care, Ben Happ, has been in the creation and development of the Forever Young program, which since its inception has benefited hundreds of seniors in Wide Bay and throughout New South Wales and Victoria.

Mr Happ said the unique combination of exercise, music and trivia allowed seniors to work

FOREVER YOUNG: The program is a unique combination of exercise, music and trivia that allows seniors to work out their bodies and minds to improve their overall fitness picture. out their bodies and minds to improve their “overall fitness picture”.

“Our seniors exercise to everything from big band music to ‘60s pop and Australiana,” he said.

“Participants sing along during the classes - they really love it and want more of it, to the point where we have a waiting list.

“The quiz component of the classes is a favourite — training seniors’ long-term memory and encouraging interaction between participants, so

it’s also great for socialising.

“The music is a welcome distraction from exercising for seniors and is no different to plugging in our headphones when we go for a run or head to the gym.”

Mr Happ said first-time participants usually demonstrated ‘dramatic improvements’ to their agility, leg strength and balance.

He said the ultimate goal was to reduce the risk of falls for seniors, while keeping them living

independently in their homes for longer and reducing the burden on residential care facilities and the healthcare and hospital system.

Bev Klingbiel, 83, said the Forever Young program enabled her to overcome setbacks after a number of falls where she sustained significant injuries, including two broken wrists.

“I’m much more active now and I’ve enjoyed a huge boost to my confidence. I’m stronger and fitter than I have been

in a long time,” she said.

“Day-to-day, things are easier for me now and I’m spending more time in the garden and going for strolls around the neighbourhood - and I don’t need to get in the car to go to the shops any more, I just walk.”

The Forever Young program is funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program . For more information on Feros Care’s full range of classes, go to feroscare. com.au/group-exercise.

Feros Care has a suite of group exercise programs specially designed for over 65s available in the Wide Bay region.

These programs are government-funded, and promise to have you feeling healthier, more active and better connected.

Each program is run by our experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists over a series of weeks. Classes are safe and suitable for people of all levels of mobility and fitness.

Call 1300 763 583 to register your interest today Visit feroscare.com.au/group-exercise Aged Care • Disability Support • Technology

Disclaimer: Although funding for these programs has been provided by the Australian Government through Commonwealth Home Support Programs, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.

FER0841 09/19

GROUP EXERCISE 65s AND OVER

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

23

Community group guide

Community notes

WE welcome your neighbourhood news. If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

QUOTA INTERNATIONAL OF MARYBOROUGH INC.

OUR 16th Annual Bookfest is on October 3, 4 and 5 at the Maryborough Showgrounds. Quota is asking the public of the Fraser Coast for donations of books in good clean condition.

Any type of book is needed including fiction, non-fiction, war, Australiana, hobbies, trains, cars, biographies, children and craft etc.

We no longer accept encyclopaedia sets and Condensed Readers Digest novels, although 2018-2019 magazines are okay. Books can be delivered to Maryborough Undercar, 120 Richmond Street, Maryborough or in Hervey Bay, 175 Cypress Street, Urangan. Phone Dell on 07 4125 5994.

Proceeds to Ovarian Cancer Research, Disadvantaged Children and Local Charities and Community Projects.

PROBUS CLUBS

Bargara and District Mixed WE CELEBRATED our 28th birthday at our general meeting on August 12. Fifty members attended and the cake was cut by foundation member Del Cox and life member Patti Hardy. Our motto of Fun with Friendship continues to provide a wide range of activities each month and will always make visitors welcome.

We meet at Club Bargara on the second Monday of each month from 9.30am.

There is a guest speaker and morning tea is served. More information is available from Ray on 07 4154 7775.

Fraser Coast-Hervey Bay Combined WE VISITED Tandora Station on the Mary/Susan estuary. We were guests of Lindsay and Nola Titmarsh.

The original homestead at Tandora was built in the 1900’s and Linday’s grandfather bought the property in 1907. This 11,000 acre property has been owned by the Titmarsh family ever since. Many Aboriginal artefacts have been found on the property over the years, and our members were able to inspect the remains of a 2000 year old midden. The property supports cattle and horses and a colony of koalas. The last koalas on the property died out in the 1920’s, but with government support, Tandora is home to a new colony of up to thirty koalas. Vets stay three to four days at a time, and this colony is disease free. Their favourite tree is the peppermint gum.

Tandora also has a commercial Grass Tree Nursery. The grass trees grow in thousands on the property. Lindsay is the author of three books, and also has been a guest speaker at our club.

It was a wonderful day out for our club.

OLDER MEN UNLIMITED

OMU is a non for profit organisation in Hervey Bay and Maryborough; we visit older men in hospitals, nursing homes,

WALK AND TALK: The Hervey Bay VIEW club enjoyed their annual “Walk for View” and spreading the VIEW message. retirement villages, caravan parks, and private homes. OMU has a morning tea on the first Tuesday of the month in Maryborough, and the fourth Monday of the month in Hervey Bay. OMU aims to address loneliness, depression and social isolation with Club Room activities, including morning teas, art, as well as walking, fishing and dining groups.

Phone Ross on 07 3324 3800 for more information, and score a free morning tea with a guest speaker.

FREE SUPPORT SERVICE FOR SENIORS

THE Seniors Legal and Support Service is a community service providing free legal advice and support for seniors 60 years and over, who are experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, mistreatment or financial exploitation. The service can provide information, advice and support including: Short term counselling/advocacy; Information on your legal

Bargara and District Mixed Probus Club Life member Patti Hardy and Foundation member Del Cox celebrate by cutting the club’s birthday cake.

rights; Advice on Enduring Power of Attorney documents; Referrals to other support, legal and consumer services and Community education.

For further information, phone the service on 07 4124 6863 or call into their office situated at Shop 6, 16 Torquay Road, Hervey Bay (opp RSL) – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm.

VIEW CLUBS

Hervey Bay OUR meetings and luncheon are always the second Monday of each month at the club house, Tooth Street, Pialba from 10.30am and usually includes a guest speaker.

Monthly socials are on the fourth Monday at various venues from 9.30am.

Our annual Fifth Avenue Jewellery display at our August meeting kept the ladies interested and new bling was the flavour of the month. During August we had our annual “Walk for View” and with red and blue balloons we walked through the Urangan markets to spread the View message and give

Fraser Coast-Hervey Bay Combined Probus members Gay Lavery and Susan Lilley at Tandora Station. balloons to eager youngsters before having lunch at Kondari Resort.

Our monthly trading table continues to raise much needed funds for the Smith Family and the education of disadvantaged children.

New or interested ladies are always welcome to join our very friendly club.

For more information, phone Bev on 07 4128 2692.

SWAP MEET AND SHANNONS SUMMER SHOW AND SHINE

THE Hervey Bay Swap Meet and Shannons

Summer Show and Shine will be held on Saturday, November 2 at the Hervey Bay High School, Old Maryborough Road, Pialba. Gates open at 6am-1pm. Admission $2.

Something for everyone, not just car parts. All proceeds go to Hervey Bay High School P&C to improve student facilities. ●Swap Meet: Single sites (10mx6m) $20 Inquires with Kylie on 0407 746 073. ● Shannons Show and Shine: $10 per car/$5 bike (includes passengers Swap Meet entry) Inquires with Des on 0416 334 700.

Bev Jackson and Ann Riley in front of the Fifth Avenue jewellery display at the Hervey Bay VIEW Club's August meeting.

24

NEWS

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Life at Carlyle Gardens is a breeze .... with ocean breezes to boot A sense of security and community for residents

BRAND INSIGHTS LIKE honey to a bee, Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village attracts residents from all over the world, who seek sunshine, ocean breezes and a relaxed beachside lifestyle.

Take Noel and Judy Bowman, who have lived in Carlyle Gardens for almost 12 months.

After raising their children in Tasmania, they travelled for nine years, lived in Japan and then drove their caravan north to visit their daughters in Gladstone.

“We dropped into the Sunshine Coast but kept travelling to get away from the traffic!” Noel said. Our daughters told us, ‘you have to go to Bargara’.

And when we visited, we knew this was it.”

They lived in a house in Bargara for a few years and, when it was time to downsize, originally chose an apartment on the waterfront. However, they didn’t envisage the difficulties of apartment living – “there was small parking underneath and it was a process to take the rubbish out,” Noel said.

“Living in Carlyle Gardens is a breeze compared to that. In hindsight, we should have moved from the house direct to Carlyle.”

Fellow Carlyle Gardens resident Eleanor McGiveron, who goes by Lenny, moved into the village in mid-July.

After growing up in Canada, she moved to Australia 40 years ago to start a bird watching tour company with her partner in Cairns.

“Cairns was coming along in tourism at the time,” Lenny said. “We would normally take four people out on a tour, either over two weeks or as little as one day. A lot of people from the US would come.”

Lenny is an adventurer at heart and loves to travel and see the world.

Judy and Noel Bowman have been residents at Carlyle Gardens for almost 12 months.

ADVENTURER AT HEART: Eleanor 'Lenny' McGiveron has travelled the world and likes the village feeling and the community aspect that Carlyle Gardens brings.

Her partner was an archaeologist and she once quit her job to go backpacking with him while still at university, going through Mexico, Belize and Peru.

“With him being an archaeologist, we got to see all the sites!” she said.

She moved away from Cairns 30 years ago to settle in Coral Cove and found this area offered the best of both worlds.

“I’m still able to walk to the beach but I’m much happier in Bargara away from the heat,” she said.

As for what prompted her move to Carlyle Gardens, the management and maintenance of a large property proved too difficult.

“I lived on three quarters of an acre in a big house and it was getting hard to manage, with the pruning and weeding. I knew I had to size down,” she said.

“I like the village feeling and the community aspect to Carlyle,” she said. “The best thing about it is the care of the grounds. I love the privacy of the shrubs, rather than fences. It’s open and breezy, I love it!”

Noel agreed.

“Just look about you!”

Judy is an avid bridge player and has found many friends in the village to play with. She also loves the beach activities that the location allows.

“When the weather is right I do water aerobics and swim every day,” she said. “I usually do 1km early in the morning.”

Judy loves her bridge so much that when Noel recently ripped his arm open while tinkering in the garage, he calmly called the emergency call button. But, when maintenance manager

he said. “Carlyle gets nice breezes off the ocean and you can hear the waves at night. It’s the sense of freedom about this place; you can get involved in as much or little as you like.

And it’s Carlyle Gardens – this is what sets it apart, and its spaciousness.”

Noel recently went travelling in his caravan, taking in Cobar in Western NSW as well as Melbourne. He left Judy behind knowing she would be safe – “and she had bridge to attend!” Noel laughed.

Graham Lauriston came to help, he was under strict instructions from Noel: “Don’t call Judy – she’s at bridge!”

So Graham wrote a note to Judy saying, “Noel’s had an accident, but don’t worry, just call the hospital as he’ll be fine.”

That sense of security and community is part of what makes Carlyle Gardens special. When asked about his favourite memory from living in Carlyle Gardens, Noel didn’t hesitate.

“Friendships, in a word,” he said.

As for Judy, she said “all the entertainment has been absolutely first class. It’s the balance. I am happier here and couldn’t recommend it more.”

“This is one of the best moves we’ve ever made,” Noel said.

If you’d like to book a personal tour of Carlyle Gardens, phone 1300 687 738 or go to retireaustralia.com.au /carlylegardens.

Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village attracts residents from all over the world, who seek sunshine, ocean breezes and a relaxed beachside lifestyle.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

25

Stay scam aware It pays not to drop your guard at any time of the day Scamwatch IMAGINE you’re sitting at home having dinner when the phone rings. You answer and the person on the line says they’re from Medicare.

They know your name and address, and they tell you you’re owed a Medicare refund.

All you need to do is make a small initial payment to cover administration fees, and they’ll deposit the rebate into your bank account.

What would you do?

“Hang up the phone,” Emma Cuthbert, from the Department of Human Services, said.

“This is a scam. We’d never ask you to pay us money to issue you with a rebate.

If you hand over your money you’ll be left out of pocket.

“If scammers get your credit card or banking details, they can drain your accounts or rack up thousands of dollars in

charges.”

Telephone scams can seem very convincing, especially when the scammer knows details about you.

They might claim to be from well-known organisations, and try to get you to act quickly, or give them your personal information.

How the department can help you “It’s so important to keep your personal information secure, and not to freely share it without verifying who’s asking for it and why they need it,” Emma said.

“Our website has lots of great information to help you identify, report and protect yourself against scams pretending to be from us.

“If you need tailored support, staff on our helpdesk can provide expert advice on how to protect your personal information, and can confirm if information you’ve received about our services is a scam.

SCAM WATCH: Be aware, be wise and report scams to Scamwatch.

Photo: herraez “We also support customers who responded to a scam, which may include adding additional security measures to their records.”

Emma said they get calls from people who have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the department.

“They hang up and call us, so we can check to see if the call was genuine or not,” Emma said.

“This is exactly the right action to take.

“We do call, SMS or email people from time to time, and may ask

questions to confirm we are speaking to the correct person.

But our staff never ask you to provide personal information or documents by email, text message or social media.”

What to look out for Although text messages and emails are common ways for scammers to contact people, Delia Rickard, the deputy chairwoman at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, said older Australians are still most commonly scammed over the phone.

“It’s easy to get access

to landline numbers, and older people are more likely to have a landline and be home to answer the phone,” Delia said.

Emma added that many people call the department’s helpdesk after noticing suspicious activity in their online accounts, or after responding to a scam.

“One of the most common scams older Australians call about is the promise of an increase in their pension,” Emma said.

“Scammers promise back payment of their pension, but only after they pay a small application fee using gift cards.

People may also be told the application fee will be refunded later.

“All this combined means these scams are more likely to be successful.

“Other signs it could be a scam are when the caller tells you a debt needs to paid immediately over the phone and threatens you with legal action or fines if you don’t comply.”

Money What to do if you think you’ve been scammed If you think your identity documents might have been compromised, Emma said people should contact the department’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.

“People who call the helpdesk can sometimes be embarrassed to talk about their experience,” she said.

“They may ring to say they want a new Medicare card, but they don’t want to say why.

“When we slowly unpack what has happened, it becomes clear they’ve been scammed. It’s important for people to know they’re not the only ones to fall victim to scams.”

Delia also encouraged people to report scams to Scamwatch.

“The easiest way to do this is using our online form at scamwatch. gov.au.

“It helps the ACCC let Australians know the scams doing the rounds, how to avoid them and what to do if they see one.

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26

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Call or place an ad online 13 11 13 or buysearchsell.com.au

Welcome to Australia’s leading network of trusted local classifieds

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Fraud is the real deal If someone is requesting money to be transferred to an address or account prior to receiving the goods it may be fraudulent.

Don’t be a wally, exercise caution before you respond to a request. Always verify the authenticity of persons requesting your credit card or bank details prior to making any transfers. For more info from the experts visit buysearchsell.com.au/staysafe

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Find a cleaner (or a dog trainer) at Buy Search Sell.

Looking for car parts?

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

1

2

3

4

8

5

6

ACROSS 1 Whose ashes were dumped in an East German river in 1970 by Russian agents? (5,6) 8 What are bundles of reaped cornstalks? (7) 9 Who (Andrew ___) played Manuel in Fawlty Towers? (5) 10 At 5600m, Mt Demavend is the highest peak of which country in the middle East? (4) 11 On which record label did Frank Sinatra record from 1953 to 1962? (7) 12 What is a small island in a river? (3) 13 What is a religious image typically painted on a small wooden panel in an Eastern Church? (4) 15 What is a former name of Thailand? (4) 17 What is a habitual or chronic drunkard? (3) 19 What type of beans are used for tinned baked beans?

(7) 20 Hautbois is French for which musical instrument? (4) 23 The hickory tree produces what edible nuts? (5) 24 What are place names derived from the names of real or mythical people? (7) 25 Which fictional horse began life as Darkie? (5,6)

7

9

10

11 12 13

14

15

16

17

18 20

19

21

22 23

24

PUZZLES

27

DOWN 1 What make of car had models Somerset, Cambridge and Westminster? (6) 2 A libretto is the text of what? (5) 3 How many senses do we have? (4) 4 What type of creature makes up the largest class of the phylum Arthropoda? (6) 5 What bugle call is sounded at military funerals? (4,4) 6 What soft Italian cheese is used in making ravioli and gnocchi? (7) 7 Deposits of what dark, volcanic rock sometimes form columns? (6) 12 What snake is also called the great water boa? (8) 14 What type of pipe did Huckleberry Finn smoke? (7) 16 Who composed the piece nicknamed the “Minute Waltz” (6) 17 What is to run naked through a public place? (6) 18 Which river reaches the sea at Liverpool? (6) 21 In the southern US, what is a marshy tributary of a river? (5) 22 Which city was first to reach a population of one people? (4)

31/8

25

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

8

5

6

7

9

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

A E

11 12

16

T

15 17

G

18 20

19

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Adolf Hitler, 8 Sheaves, 9 Sachs, 10 Iran, 11 Capitol, 12 Ait, 13 Icon, 15 Siam, 17 Sot, 19 Haricot, 20 Oboe, 23 Pecan, 24 Eponyms, 25 Black Beauty.

Down: 1 Austin, 2 Opera, 3 Five, 4 Insect, 5 Last post, 6 Ricotta, 7 Basalt, 12 Anaconda, 14 Corncob, 16 Chopin, 17 Streak, 18 Mersey, 21 Bayou, 22 Rome.

SUDOKU

5x5 C E L T S

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Superficial 8. Retract 9. Adage 10. Poll 11. Nourish 12. Sod 13. Magi 15. Rage 17. Guy 19. Replete 20. Urge 23. Stout 24. Skilled 25. Experienced.

Down: 1. Seraph 2. Petal 3. Roam 4. Intend 5. In a hurry 6. Leasing 7.

Crèche 12. Sidestep 14. Approve 16. Crisis 17. Geyser 18. Wedded 21.

Relic 22. Cite.

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 20 Very Good 24 Excellent 28

DOUBLE CROSS Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: INEPT, JILTED, KEEPING, LAMENTED, MUTILATES.

O R

WORD GO ROUND

E

Down 1. Angel (6) 2. Flower segment (5) 3. Wander (4) 4. Mean (6) 5. Pushed for time (2,1,5) 6. Renting (7) 7. Nursery (6) 12. Avoid (8) 14. Give permission (7) 16. Critical situation (6) 17. Natural hot spring (6) 18. Married (6) 21. Outdated object (5) 22. Quote (4)

WORD GO ROUND

P O

S

cert cooper cope coper copter core corer cote crept oreo pert poet poorer pore porter project PROJECTOR recto rector report repot repro retro rooter rope rote tope toper tore torero trooper trope

J T

S

SOLUTIONS

25

R C

PEN IT JET LID PINE KEG METAL END STIMULATE

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

24

Across 1. Cosmetic, skin-deep (11) 8. Recant (7) 9. Saying (5) 10. Survey (4) 11. Sustain (7) 12. Turf (3) 13. The three wise men (4) 15. Wrath (4) 17. Man (inf) (3) 19. Full, satisfied (7) 20. Impulse (4) 23. Portly (5) 24. Adept (7) 25. Practised (11)

L E

R

21

22 23

I

I S L E T

14

P A I R S

13

C S

S E R G E

10

P

A L T E R

SUDOKU

B Q I K C W I V N W S F F I K

D U M B O F C H E V A L I E R

E V P B U M O U O U G X G T E

V I E T N A M N P R O B L E M

O S R G T E M C H X H C E S A

I T I N E R A R Y B C L A N K

D Z L E R E A Z T B O L F I E

S D D H A L F P E N N Y J A G

R P D Y C T U Q Y K C E V M S

E X E R T I T U R Q U O I S E

W Y S J T Z U C E K S B B E P

I N C I S O R G M U S K R A T

N Z E S P B I K I F I X A C I

D I N N E R S E T V O P T I C

O P D D W P M A F A N N E G D

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

C H N E V S A L F I E R D U I M B C O

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

M U S K R A T I N C I S O R

I O N P A T E I I C N D I E N D N P E W R I S M E I T

28

WIDE BAY

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

MASTERS LODGE RETIREMENT VILLAGE

HOMES AVAILABLE FROM

$231,000*

AN AFFORDABLE, COASTAL HERVEY BAY LIFESTYLE Masters Lodge Village is conveniently located in the quiet leafy area of Pialba, within easy reach of shops, clubs, doctors and hospitals.

Experience the freedom of not having to take care of home maintenance and gardening, or worry about your home when you’re away. At Masters Lodge your home is safe and secure. With maintenance free community areas, you are free to enjoy the best years of your life.

Enjoy affordable living in a fully self-contained, low set, two bedroom brick and tile unit with a single lock-up garage and storage area. At Masters Lodge each unit is refurbished to a quality standard to give you a wonderful retirement lifestyle. *Price current at time of print.

Masters Lodge Village 33 Jensen Drive, Pialba Email info@easylivingretirementvillages.com.au www.easylivingretirementvillages.com.au

Welcoming and friendly community Affordable, self-contained, fully refurbished units Close to shops, transport and health services Within easy reach of Hervey Bay township Safe and secure Co-located aged care facility Easy access to Blue Care Help at Home OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAYS 10:30AM TO 11:30AM

or by appointment

CALL TODAY 07 3155 2146