Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper december 2014

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& Darling Downs Bringing you healthy lifestyle choices

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Vol 2 - Issue No 11

DECEMBER 2014

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Mayor’s Christmas party honours senior community members

Sharing the joy of the festive season are Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio and Santa at the Mayor’s Over 80s Christmas Party.

Photo: Tim Dunn, Toowoomba Photographic Society

TAKE 700 people over 80, put them in a room together and you have a lot of knowledge, wisdom and life experience, all in one place – at least 56,000 years between them according to Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio.These senior members of our community were guests of honour at the annual Mayor’s Over 80s Christmas Party and the Mayor gave them a warm and heartfelt welcome.

“The council is delighted to have you here,” he said. “We’d like to take this time to say thank you for what you’ve given to this community over many years.”

The Mayor praised the senior members of our region for their years of input which has made the area what it is today, a vibrant, goahead place that will provide for their children and their grandchildren. He went on to say that Toowoomba was Queensland’s most family friendly city which drew approval and a round of applause.

This year’s oldest guests were Ray Neil at 101 (and a half) years, and Bert Stewart aged 99.

The Travelling Tunes had everyone singing along with popular old songs and favourite Christmas carols, and there was a feast of sandwiches, cakes and cups of tea to be enjoyed. The many volunteers did their usual superb job and the councillors made time to chat with as many guests as possible.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Newspaper Run by Seniors for Seniors IN THIS ISSUE Law & Finance .............. Page 16 Health ............................ Page 18 Postcards ....................... Page 23 Crossword ..................... Page 34 Entertainment ................ Page 35 All Advertising, Editorial & Distribution enquiries:

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community news Caring for your dog in hot weather problem. To lose heat dogs pant, pushing air across the moist heated surfaces of the tongue, throat and windpipe, losing heat by evaporation. If your dog’s body temperature IN hot and humid weather our pets need a becomes too high, these mechanisms of heat loss little cooling off and can be overwhelmed, somewhere where they and your dog is at risk can escape the sun. of heat exhaustion.

Dogs are most at risk A dog’s temperature can from overheating, especially puppies, older reach these catastrophic heights if they are left in dogs and overweight a locked car or overdogs. Unlike humans, exercised on a hot day. dogs don’t sweat as a Overheated dogs can means of keeping cool, except minimally on their appear slow, unresponsive, disorientated, you paws, and their thick coat acts as an insulator, will find them panting excessively and they will which only adds to the

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www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Also publishers of • Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper • Brisbane Seniors Newspaper • Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73064061794) Printed by APN Print, Toowoomba Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspaper are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

late evening when it becomes much cooler.

If you know that it will be hot on your walk, take some water with you to prevent your dog from getting dehydrated.

When you get home, leave your dog in a shady place and a gentle hosing down or a cold wet towel can help keep them cool.

Make sure there is constant access to cold have very red gums, for a short period of which can progress to time, make sure someone water. If you think that coma and seizures. stays with the dog, with your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, So don’t leave dogs in the engine and air locked cars even if the conditioning turned on. telephone for veterinary advice immediwindows are open. The Also, avoid walking ately and do your best temperature inside a car your dog during the on a hot day can quickly hottest part of the day – to bring down their temperature en route to increase in a matter of take an early morning minutes. If you need to walk before the tempera- the vet, using cold wet leave the dogs in the car ture rises or leave it until towels.

THIS photo was taken along the banks of the Brisbane River in the heart of the State’s capital.

In case you’re scratching your head in wonderment, no, it’s not trick photography.

The scene was actually inside the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), which is

Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

set on the banks of the Brisbane River.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to view the dramatic Cai Guo-Qiang Falling Back to Earth exhibit will know that this installation, called Heritage 2013, was made up of 99 replica animals from around the world, gathered together to drink

from a single pristine waterhole.

Chinese-born artist Cai Guo-Qiang (pronounced tsai gwo-chang) based the work on an image that came to his mind after visiting North Stradbroke Island off Brisbane. Another work included in the exhibition was titled Head On and was made up of

99 replica wolves hurling themselves through the air only to hit a glass wall before returning to the beginning to start the journey again.

Although the exhibition has now finished, further details and explanations can be obtained by Googling the artist or exhibit name.

The ‘X’ in ‘Xmas’ doesn’t take the ‘Christ’ out of ‘Christmas’

THE spelling ‘Xmas’ is not a non-religious version of ‘Christmas’. The ‘X’ is actually indicating the Greek letter ‘chi’, which is short for the Greek meaning ‘Christ’. So ‘Xmas’and ‘Christmas’ are equivalent in every way except their lettering.

In fact, although writing guides discourage the use of ‘Xmas’ in formal writing, at one time it was a very popular practice, particularly with religious scribes, who are thought to have started the whole ‘Xmas’ thing in the first place. Indeed, the practice of using the symbol ‘X’ in place of Christ’s name has been going on amongst religious scholars for at least 1000 years.

Pic courtesy of 123greety.com www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Retired baby boomers: new breed of welfare recipients

A GOVERNMENT department is targeting a new breed of welfare recipients in Australia – baby boomers who ‘effectively retire’ on unemployment benefits.

According to a recent study, unemployment is rising five times faster for Australians in their 50s than for those in their 20s.

The number of over-55s on the dole has jumped 9% in one year.

Currently, job seekers aged over 55 do not have to search for full-time work; they can still get their benefits if they do 15 hours a week of voluntary work, paid work or a combination of the two.

There is now a proposal to change the requirements so that job seekers under 60 will have to search for full-time work, in line with other younger unemployed people.

In a submission to a Senate inquiry on the proposed changes, the Employment Department said the criteria was effectively

No time to take it easy . . . government proposes job seekers under 60 will have to search for full-time work, in line with other younger unemployed people

allowing people over 55 to retire on the dole, while only having to do a small amount of voluntary or paid work. “Given the ageing workforce and the fact that most people aged 55 have many potentially productive years ahead of them, it is no longer acceptable for 55-59-yearold job seekers to effec-

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OUR last meeting for the year will be held at a member’s home and will be a Xmas cake cutting and wrapping night for Meals on Wheels, followed by a short meeting and Christmas break up. The meeting will commence at 6.30pm on the 9th of December. If you are interested in joining us or finding out the other things we do in our community contact Shirley on 4635 9661 or Cheryl on 4635 6275.

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tively retire on Newstart while undertaking a bit of voluntary or part-time work,” the report said. To put it in context, most of the 45,000 jobseekers aged between 55 and 59 on Newstart are looking for full-time work. About 6,000 of those are currently receiving the dole by volunteering/working 15 hours a week.

Council on the Ageing chief executive Ian Yates hit back at the government department submission on employment reform.

“We don’t oppose the measures but throwing gratuitous insults against older people is appalling,” Mr Yates said.

He said the department should be focusing on how to improve employment outcomes for older workers, not maligning them. “Older workers do suffer from age discrimination,” he said.

“Some apply for hundreds of jobs but don’t get an interview.”

This has been acknowledged through the government’s Restart wage subsidy scheme that gives employers $10,000 over two years if they hire a worker

aged 50 or older who has been out of work for at least six months. So far, 384 Australians have been able to get work through this scheme. Mr Yates said as economic conditions got tighter, it was not a surprise that unemployment was growing among older people. He said there should be more focus on training and retraining these workers as soon as they became unemployed, instead of waiting for them to become demoralised and deskilled over time.

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ASSERT Services offers eligible clients $400 financial assistance towards the labour component of the job per household per year.

For further information about our Home Assist Secure Program please contact our friendly staff on 46327385 or email homeassist@assertservices.org.au.

ASSERT Services also delivers HACC eligible lawn mowing services and Home Modifications Programs. Please feel free to ask our staff about these programs as well.

Home Assist Secure Program is funded by the Queensland State Government. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Life in the balance

Australian Jingle Bells Dashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden Ute, Kicking up the dust, esky in the boot, Kelpie by my side, singing Christmas songs, It’s Summer time and I am in my singlet, shorts and thongs.

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer’s day, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!

Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden ute.

Danae (in red) practising tai chi with fellow members at the Toowoomba Taoist Tai Chi Centre

WE talk about the delicate balance between work and play, well-being and indulgence, eccentricity and genius. We strive for a balanced mind, balanced diet and a balanced opinion. By the time I’ve balanced the books, and performed a balancing act, quite frankly I have felt all out of balance.

I spoke to my medical specialist who asked me if I had ever tried tai chi. I began learning the 108 tai chi moves six months ago: fumbling, toppling and trying to decide which left foot to put where. It was engaging. While I did this I laughed a lot, made friends, and became involved with the Taoist Tai Chi Society™ in Toowoomba.

When I started I could not lift one foot off the floor for more than a nanosecond; could not turn 360 degrees without bending like a sapling in a willy willy; or regain any semblance of composure once the flailing ceased. Now, proud as a golden cock, I can stand on one leg.

Recently, I met with my pain management specialist again. I described how successful the past few months have been and how my need for pharmaceutical intervention had lessened. He went on to describe tai chi as an activity where mind and body

unite. The precision required in the placement of limbs in relation to the core strengthens muscles that often become wasted because of our lifestyle. I have found tai chi helpful in dealing with severe and unrelenting discomfort as well as keeping me balanced.

Now, my guide dog, Olive and I walk with a little more assurance, a lot less distress because the likelihood of falling due to lack of balance has decreased.

Thank you to the cosmos for the gift of tai chi.

Danae Sweetapple.

You can find out more about the Taoist Tai Chi Society at the Open house scheduled for 2 – 4.30pm on 31st January, 2015 at 10-12 Gregory Street, Toowoomba.

New beginner classes commence Monday 2nd February, 2015.

There is also a special ‘health recovery’ class available for people with particular health or mobility problems that may prohibit them from participating in a regular class.

Look for advertisements in local papers or check the website: www.taoist.org.au or ring 4638 5009.

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

Engine’s getting hot; we dodge the kangaroos, The swaggie climbs aboard, he is welcome too.

All the family’s there, sitting by the pool, Christmas Day the Aussie way, by the barbecue.

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer’s day, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!

Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden ute.

Come the afternoon, Grandpa has a doze, The kids and Uncle Bruce, are swimming in their clothes.

The time comes ‘round to go, we take the family snap, Pack the car and all shoot through, before the washing up.

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer’s day, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!

Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden ute.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Talented dressmaker creates hundreds of toys for charity Talbot has made more than 300 dogs and 400 kangaroos, many of which are donated to the Save the Children shop in Toowoomba, where they are sold to raise funds.

She said the colourful little joeys are popular with visitors, so she is currently keeping the Toowoomba Tourist Information Centre

Patricia Talbot has made more than 400 kangaroos and 300 dogs in the past 18 months. Many of these are given to charity for fundraising

By Jo Marsh AFTER meeting toy maker Patricia Talbot, a little song from Wizard of Oz pops into my head – Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my!

Over the years, this talented lady has made hundreds of bears, kangaroos, dogs, and yes, even lions and tigers. Add to that dolphins, rats, bunnies, bilbies, brides and grooms, and even trains –

there’s not much she hasn’t been asked to create. A former dressmaker, Mrs Talbot had been trained in drawing and cutting,and was able to turn these skills towardsdesigning and making toys. “When we lived in Canberra I made wedding dresses as well as dresses and outfits for diplomat’s wives.Then I started making toys – they were a lot easier than dress-

making.” She started out making Easter bunnies for a shop, then pandas for Multiple Sclerosis fundraising. Other bears soon followed and when the furry little teddies threatened to overrun her house, she opened a teddy bear museum in Bell Street, Toowoomba. Here, children would delight in sitting in the lap of a gigantic hand-made teddy. During the past 18 months, Mrs

Retirees feel crunch of interest rate cuts AUSTRALIA’S big banks are quietly making significant cuts to the interest rates paid on term deposits, as -lenders compete less keenly for household savings. While the Reserve Bank of Australia has not moved official interest rates since August last year, figures show interest rates of three-month, six-month and one-year term deposits have been cut in recent months. The cuts are likely to affect pensioners and self-funded retirees in particular, as rate reductions erode the income they receive from their savings.

Three-month term deposits have fallen the most; National Australia Bank, Westpac and ANZ have cut these rates by at least 20 basis points since June.

All four major banks are now paying less than 3% on a term deposit over the popular term of three months, a return only marginally ahead of the inflation rate.

Peter Arnold, analyst for financial services website RateCity.com, says the cuts raised the risk that savers’ funds would be “rolled over” into a product with a much lower rate when the deposit reached maturity. “It’s less competitive than it was six months ago,” Mr Arnold said. “Savers need to make sure they don’t roll over into a lower rate.”

The Reserve Bank has also highlighted the trend, saying there was less competition for term deposit funds and this was helping to lower banks’ cost of funding.

well supplied. With a sewing room full of fabric, wadding and doll’s eyes, there’s obviously going to be more than a few of these cute little critters still to come from Mrs Talbot’s magical hands.

“You have to do something to keep the old grey matter going,” she laughed.

Quota coffee & chat morning tea TOOWOOMBA Quota Club final coffee morning for the year will be held at The Coffee Bean House, the Ridge shopping centre, Hume Street Toowoomba on Saturday 2nd December at 10am.If you are interested in finding out a little about what we do in the community pop in and have a coffee with us. We always welcome new members.

Enquiries phone Shirley on 4635 9661or Cheryl on 4635 6275.

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community news Garden City Branch of NSA

Prostate surgery may be unnecessary for many men IT is a well-known fact that surgery on the prostate for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, the condition also known as an enlarged prostate) usually has a high incidence of complications and unwanted side-effects. Chief complaints after surgery are impaired sexual function and incontinence.

However there may be good news for those men suffering from this condition and considering surgery.

Magnus Shield approved for use in Australia has been clinically proven to help alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, thus eliminating the need for invasive surgery.

Distributed by Graminex Australia, Magnus Shield does not require a prescription and can be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies. Already in widespread use in Victoria and Queensland, Magnus Shield is now available locally in New South Wales at pharmacies and chemists.

John’s Pharmacy: Located at 338 The Entrance Road in Long Jetty, John’s Pharmacy is known for its friendly and knowledgeable service. According to Helen, the store pharmacist, many of the regular customers who start taking Magnus Shield quickly experience relief from their symptoms by the fifth or sixth week, if not sooner. Those who take it regularly according to the instructions have reported positive results. To find out if Magnus Shield can help you or someone you know, step into John’s Pharmacy and speak with Helen.

For more information about the Magnus range visit www.magnusprime.com or call 1300 360 289.

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

George and Valda Erhart

Esther Hollingshead and Pat Grassie

Keep safe when using decorative lights at Christmas

use”. Christmas lights require an Australian certificate of approval before they can be sold in Queensland. Buy your lights from a reputable dealer who will know the electrical equipment safety requirements for selling Christmas lights in Queensland. Don’t be tempted to buy online from overseas or to pick up a second hand bargain.

CHRISTMAS and decorative lights are an exciting way to add fun to festivities, but used incorrectly they can cause electric shocks or fires.

If you will be using lights indoors only and protected from the weather, then it’s acceptable to buy lights suitable “for indoor use only”. The marking “for indoor use only” will be on the Christmas light, usually on the plastic label tag near the supply plug or on the transformer rating label if the lights are extra low voltage.

It will also be clearly marked on the box.

If the lights are for outdoors or on verandas or where they can be affected by the weather, only buy Christmas lights marked “suitable for outdoor

Brain Fodder Inside each set of the following words, there is a pair of smaller words. By putting & between them, lo & behold, you’ll make a familiar phrase. For example, “Thighbone/Swallowtail” conceals “High & Low.” 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Firecracker/Misconstruing Blockbuster/Doohickey Shunting/Bespeckled Proliferation/Climbable Heartstrings/Consciences Answer 1. rack & ruin 2. lock & key 3. hunt & peck 4. life & limb 5. arts & sciences

Len Penrose gets in Christmas mood

GARDEN City Branch of National Seniors Australia played host to one hundred and fifteen members and visitors at their Christmas Luncheon Party on Monday November 24.

Visitors came from as far away as Warwick, Gatton, Dalby, Brisbane as well as from our sister branch, Toowoomba.

All enjoyed entertainment by Scott Tweedie on keyboard and the singing of many old favourites.

A delicious Christmas lunch was provided by the Drayton Bowls Club Ladies. Our youngest member Michael Reidell, cut the Christmas cake beautifully iced by Margaret Schwerin.

Everyone returned home with a Drakes IGA grocery bag containing pantry supplies. Some were also lucky enough to win one of the donated prizes in the multi-draw raffle. This was our final activity for the year, and we will meet again at Drayton Bowls Club on 19 January 2015 at 9.30am.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Warwick couple celebrate diamond wedding anniversary EACH week Terry Cahill and Dorothea Bradfield joined a group of friends and hit the dance floor for a night of ballroom dancing. It was the 1950s, and the friends loved nothing more than to dance the night away.

It was a pastime that led to more than one wedding within the group. Now 60 years later, several of the couples are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries, including Terry and Dorothea, and Dorrie’s sister Heather and her husband John Anstey.

It was a wet Saturday morning on November 20, 1954 when Terry and Dorriemarried at St Marys Church in Warwick. They set up home in Killarney where they resided forthe next 30 years. Both were involved with community groups and raising their family of three.

That family has now grown to include six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Towards their retirement they purchased a holiday unit at Kings Beach, Caloundra but only three months later

it was only earlier this year that Terry moved into nursing home care in Toowoomba where he continues to enjoy his favourite pastimes – winning at bingo and having a bet on the races. Dorrie follows

her many interests with U3A and keeps active in her garden.

Terry and Dorrie celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a family luncheon using some of the silver and

crystal they had received as wedding gifts. The table setting included a touch of pink, the colour worn by the bridesmaids at their wedding, and a cake made and decorated by their daughter.

Dorothea and Terry Cahill celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 20

Terry had a dreadful accident in the surf which resulted in a broken back. He spent many months in Brisbane’s PA Hospital but his injuries were severe, and he was eventually discharged to

face life as a paraplegic.

The couple had a new home built in Warwick which they moved into on their 32nd wedding anniversary. The ensuing years saw continued involvement in the community, and

Meetings held to establish new political party QUEENSLAND’S mature-age and senior citizens, the disabled,

and the disadvantaged including self-funded and pensioner retirees -

may soon find a new voice to air their grievances, publicly, to

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Governments.

Meetings have recently been held to establish the Mature Age Party (MAP) which aims to give all mature-age groups a stronger voice, and a stronger say, in State and Commonwealth policies and decision-making.

Depending on public response and support, that could include the endorsement of MAP candidates in the next State and Federal elections, and it is planned to hold formal launches before Christmas.

M.A.P. would not be aligned with any political party (State or Federal) but would liaise with and co-operate with all parties who supported its thrust for a “fairgo” for all matureage electors, retirees, veterans, their dependants and their families.

M.A.P. Steering Committee spokesman for the Sunshine Coast, Mr Warner Madden of Palmwoods may be contacted at warner@themap.org.au.

Magnus ShieldTM

Terry White Chemists Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, James St. Toowoomba QLD 4350 MacLean Country Pharmacy Shop 3a / 4664 Mt. Lindesay Hwy. North Maclean QLD 4280 Terry White Chemists Burpengary Now Available Shop 16 Burpengary Plaza, Station Rd. Magnus Shield Burpengary QLD 4505 TM is available at Terry White Chemists good pharmacies Shop 138, 400 Stafford Rd, Seek advice from your doctor if you suffer from these symptoms Stafford QLD 4053 and health food 1 in 3 Australian men above 50 will suffer from an enlarged prostate Terry White Chemist Wynnum stores. Ask your Shop 19 Wynnum Plaza Magnus ShieldTM contains CernitinTM, the Swedish pollen extract proven in extensive pharmacist or call 2021 Wynnum Rd, Wynnum West QLD 4178 1300 760 627 clinical trials to support a healthy prostate and treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Terry White Chemists for more “Thank you for sending out Magnus Shield. I really believe they have been a great benefit to me. Before Shop 16 Stockland Shopping Centre information, if our 47 Bowman Rd., Caloundra QLD 4551 Magnus Shield, I was going to the toilet 3 or 4 times a night, now using Magnus Shield I’ve been going lines are busy Terry White Chemists once a night, sometimes not at all” John W, Benalla, VIC – 18 Jan 2010 please call again.

Shop 120 Sunshine Plaza, “I found these tablets Magnus Shield from a magazine. I found it helped me to empty my bladder at Maroochydore QLD 4558 night time and relieve the pain while passing water. It really works for me” Paul E, Ormond – 22 April 2008. Selina Street Pharmacy AUST L: 123642 152 Selina St., Wynumm North QLD 4178 Visit magnusprime.com for clinical studies Priceline Pharmacy Station Square and information. For nearest stockists Shop 27 Lennox St., please call: 1300 760 627 Always read the label. If symptoms persist seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner. - Approval No. CHC36636-04/07 Maryborough QLD 4650

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www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

community news Movember Q&A

NATIONAL Seniors Toowoomba Branch got Movember off to a great start with a special morning tea on Thursday November 6.

A Q&A panel session with Glen Postle, patron of TOMNET, Rob Nielsen from the Men and Relationships program at Lifeline and Neville Black a member of the Toowoomba Prostate Cancer Support Group discussed problems experienced by older men in the community and how their organisations encouraged and helped men to deal with their problems.

Glen and Rob described their own experiences of abruptly ending a long professional career and the associated relationships with colleagues while Nev outlined how his ongoing battle with prostate cancer has changed his life.

All three commented on the deep-seated reluctance of men to discuss their health and emotional problems with others, and the resulting prevalence of depression and even suicide

Who invented Rudolph?

QandA Panel: Chairman Neville Fry in a Movember moustache is joined by (L to R) Glen Postle from TOMNET, Rob Nielsen, Lifeline and Nev Black, Toowoomba Prostate Cancer Support Group for a panel session on Men’s Health

amongst older men.

They stressed the enormous benefits of simply getting older men to talk about anything at all as a starting point to letting them feel comfortable about discussing health issues. The many organisations like TOMNET and Lifeline through which men can work together in various voluntary community activities provide older men with a renewed sense of self-worth as well as a group in which they can get talking and find mutual support.

Nev also talked about the on-going advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and the importance of regular PSA blood tests and RDE’s - rectal digital examinations - in its early detection.

The morning tea raised $400 towards Regents on the Lake host MoBro Col Scrivener’s fundraising efforts for the Movember Foundation. If you or someone you know need a bit of advice, support or just someone to talk to about men’s health, here are

some organisations that can help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au Beyond blue: 1300 22 46 36 or www.beyondblue.org.au Cancer Council: 13 11 20 or www.cancerqld.org.au Prostate Cancer Support Group: 1800 220 099 or www.prostate.org.au Advanced Prostate Cancer Support: (07) 3878 4567 or www.jimjimjimjim.com TOMNET: 4638 9080 or tomnet.org.au Or if the situation is lifethreatening, call 000.

Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year to our Senior Readers and Advertisers!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with a glowing red nose, is the lead reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. His nose shines so much that it illuminates the team’s path through the night skies. Rudolph first appeared in a 1939 childrens’ booklet written by Robert L. May for a store in the USA.

Name that Christmas carol or song 1. Quadruped with crimson proboscis 2. 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. without noise 3. Miniscule hamlet in the far east 4. Ancient benevolent despot 5. Adorn the vestibule 6. Exuberance directed to the planet 7. Listen, aerial spirits harmonizing 8. Monarchical trio 9. Yonder in the hay bed 10. Assemble, everyone who believes

11. Hallowed post meridian 12. Fantasies of a colourless December 25th 13. Tin tintinnabulums 14. A dozen 24-hour Yule periods 15. Befell during the transparent bewitching hour 16. Homo sapiens of crystallised vapor 17. I merely desire a pair of incisors 18. I spied my maternal parent osculating a fat man in red 19. Perambulating

through a December solstice fantasy 20. Aloft on the acme of the abode 21. Slumber in ethereal quiet.

22. Hey there! The announcing celestial beings carol.

23. O greetings of ease and happiness.

24. On commencement of Yuletide my honey bestowed upon me.

25. Decorate the passage with branches of evergreen sprigs.

Answers on page 10

Our first issue for 2015 is the first Thursday in February To our readers: Please continue to support our advertisers because it is their advertising that allows us to give you this great paper each month.

To our current advertisers: Thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you again in 2015.

To our prospective advertisers: The Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors paper is a perfect platform to promote your business to our 52,000 readers who are your potential customers! Let us help you grow your business.

For advertising enquiries call Liz today on

0448 882819 Have a Great Christmas everyone!

Toowoomba

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

& Darling Downs

Newspaper www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news New prostate research centre puts a focus on men’s health AUSTRALIA’S first health care service focused specifically on the health of men was opened in Melbourne last month.

The Australian Centre for Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health will cater to male patients experiencing conditions such as prostate cancer, infertility, sexual dysfunction, depression and addiction.

The federal Minister for Health Peter Dutton said the centre was a positive step forward for Australian men, whose health outcomes lagged significantly behind those of Australian women.

“Australian men have a lower life expectancy than

women and have different health conditions and risk factors throughout their lives,” Mr Dutton said. ”It is totally appropriate on the one hand to have health centres focusing on women’s health and diseases, like breast cancer, and on the other hand to have a centre like this focusing on men and their particular problems.”

Mr Dutton said the new centre’s emphasis on prostate cancer was particularly welcome given the high incidence of prostate cancer in Australia. In 2010, 19,821 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed, representing 30% of all new cases of cancer

Peter Dutton . . . new centre helps prompt men to think more seriously about their health

in Australian males. “Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, apart from common non-melanoma

skin cancers, and has a big impact on our community,” Mr Dutton said The Australian Centre for Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health will create a blueprint of best practice in health provision for men, which could be followed around the nation.

“As a side effect, I hope that this centre prompts more men to think more seriously about their health and seek medical help as soon as they encounter a problem,” Mr Dutton said.

To support men with prostate cancer, the federal government is funding the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia with

$6.2 million over four years for 14 prostate cancer nurses around Australia. The government also funds prostate cancer re-

search, including $18.5 million over four years for three dedicated Australian prostate research centres and around $8.8

million for prostate cancer research from 2014 to 2016 through the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Queensland’s First World War digital legacy launches

STATE Library of Queensland (SLQ) has launched a new online space to discover and share First World War stories from Queensland communities.

Using the innovative online space, Historypin, Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation enables people from different generations, cultures and places to explore and build on the stories of the Queensland experience of the First World War in the form of photos, video, audio clips and text.

State Librarian Janette Wright said that as part of State Library’s four-year First World War legacy project Q ANZAC 100, Historypin will globally connect Queensland’s First World War stories — before, during and after the war, including contemporary commemorations.

“We encourage Queensland communities through

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their local libraries, RSLs, schools, academic institutions, historical and family history societies, community organisations, museums, heritage network, and groups interested in First World War history to get involved by exploring Queensland’s unique stories and creating their own project within the Q ANZAC 100 focus on Historypin,” Ms Wright said.

“State Library’s ‘Egypt Experience’ reveals the 1st AIF departed Australia for Europe but arrived in Cairo instead, revealing the fascinating and varied insights of those young Australians throughout To find or contribute your First World War stories to Q ANZAC 100 Memories for a New Generation visit www.qanzac100.slq.qld.gov.au Follow the conversation with @slqld @Historypin #qanzac100 and #ww1

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Cutting the Renewable Energy Target puts jobs at risk THE renewable energy industry’s peak body says it is extremely disappointed that the Federal Government is refusing to drop its

plan to dramatically slash the Renewable Energy Target (RET), putting at risk more than 21,000 jobs and Australia’s reputation as a

safe place to invest. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said recent comments by the Labor Party that talks

Did you know that swimming is one of the best exercises for seniors?

It is important to remain physically active as we age. If you are not used to exercising, high impact exercise can have a detrimental effect on our bones and joint muscles.

That’s why swimming is a perfect exercise for over 50’s to get in shape and improve overall well being.

Come along and exercise in our fantastic 25m heated pool • Great for all year round swimming • Easy ramp access • Lap swimming, walking and group classes available • Fantastic gentle exercise to help you keep fit

Phone Jodie for further information on 0429 465 316 Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre Cnr Tor and Hogg St., Toowoomba

www.tjsswim.com

Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

on the future of the RET had broken down would leave the jobs of 21,000 workers hanging in the balance. “The Federal Government’s proposal to slash the RET is a clear broken promise that would result in a reduction of the future target by more than 60 per cent, decimating the renewable energy industry and risking the $10 billion worth of investment already made in good faith under the policy,” Mr Thornton said.

“The renewable energy sector is completely frozen until this can be resolved.

The RET review started at the beginning of the year, and every week that goes by puts more of the 21,000 direct jobs in the renewable energy industry at greater risk.”

Mr Thornton said Australia was effectively closed for business as far as renewable energy is concerned, as major Australian and international investors face a massive change in the policy, after they had already made $10 billion worth of investment based on the Government’s long standing commitment to the current scheme.

“Many of the world’s major economies, such as the

United States, China, Germany and Britain, are leaving Australia behind on renewable energy investment,” he said.

“We need to resolve these negotiations while we still have a skilled and capable industry left to build renewable energy projects

here. Keppel Prince Engineering, which locally manufactures wind towers for wind farms using Australian steel, announced last month it would lay off 100 staff as orders had dried up.

This is just a taste of what is to come if we can’t resolve the current situation

quickly. “It’s critical that the government resolves the current impasse as quickly as possible to give the thousands of businesses and tens of thousands workers in the industry a clear future.”

Media release: Clean Energy Council

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Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Silent Night O’ Little Town of Bethlehem Good King Wenceslas Deck the Halls Joy to the World Hark the Herald Angels Sing We Three Kings Away in a Manger O Come All Ye Faithful O Holy Night I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas Silver Bells The Twelve Days of Christmas It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Frosty the Snowman All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus Walking Through a Winter Wonderland Up on the Rooftop Sleep in heavenly peace... “Silent Night” Hark! the herald angels sing O tidings of comfort and joy... “God rest ye merry gentlemen” On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... “The Twelve Days of Christmas” 25. Deck the halls with boughs of holly... “Deck the Halls”

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Beware those dreaded mozzies as summer approaches!

THEY look like fragile little creatures but they pack a deadly punch. They are not just annoying little pests but transmit nasty diseases. Thousands of people contract mosquito borne illnesses like Ross River fever and Barmah Forest virus each year, and these diseases can be very debilitating for a long period of time.

Protection is the best deterrent as there is no specific treatment for either illness. As best you can, avoid the times of the day when they are most active, as the mosquitoes that carry these viruses are usually most active around dawn and dusk. If you must be outside at this time, it’s a good idea to protect yourself from mosquitoes. You can do that by wearing loose fitting, light coloured

clothing, preferably long sleeves and long trousers and wear a personal insect repellent. To stop mosquitoes breeding around your home, take a few simple steps.

Mosquitoes will breed in any accumulation of water, including flower pots, discarded tyres, guttering and water tanks. Empty bird baths at least once a week and wipe the surface to dislodge eggs; fill pot plant saucers with sand or discard the bases; clean and refill pet drinking water daily; remove any items from the garden that may hold water including tyres, buckets and children’s toys; clean house gutters regularly and check tarpaulins covering boats, pools etc. to ensure that no water is collecting.

Australian men now likely to live past 80

NEW data shows Australia is one of only four countries where both sexes have a life expectancy of 80 years or more. The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that an Australian male born now could expect to live to 80 and a female could expect to live to 84.3 years.

“We’re now among a very rare group of countries,” said ABS director of demography, Denise Carlton.

“The others are Switzerland, Japan and Iceland - where both men and women have a life expectancy of over 80 years.

“Australian women pushed past the 80 year mark back in 1990, so it’s taken

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men nearly a quarter century to catch up.

“It’s worth considering that 80 years is an expectation from birth, and statistically, the older you get, the more likely it is that you’ll live to an even older age.”

Carlton said that a man who is now 50 could expect to live to 82, a 65 year old to 84, and a man who is 85 this year could look forward to a 91st birthday.

In 2013, for both males and females, the Australian Capital Territory had the highest life expectancy, while the Northern Territory had the lowest.

Courtesy: National Seniors ‘Connect’

Warwick seniors bring message of Christmas to Rose City

Under is funded by our local churches and their parishioner volunteers.

Copies of the schedule of the services offered by the Christian churches of the area during Christmas week will also be available.

For more information please contact Sue Nalder on 0427 962281 or at sue.nalder@gmail.com or Dianne Cahill on 4661 3527 or 0427 000887.

Seniors Jenny Kleidon, Maria Ryan, Dianne Cahill, Jean Reid and Sue Nalder prepare for Christmas Down Under in Warwick

SENIOR parishioners from Warwick’s Uniting Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mark’s Anglican Church are again front and centre in the organisation of this year’s ecumenical family outreach ministry Christmas Down Under. For more than 11 years, volunteer parishioners have offered families of the region the chance to spend a little time in activities that are about the real reason for Christmas. We aim through themed craft, music, stories and the use of interactive nativity figurines along with face painting to explain that we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

We show that the greatest gift humankind could ever receive came wrapped up in the tiny package that starry Bethlehem night when Jesus was born in that animal stable in Bethlehem. The families of the Southern Downs are invited to join us for these celebrations. Christmas Down Under runs from Wednesday to Saturday, December 17 to 20, from 9:30am to 1:30pm at the top of the travelator in Rose City Shopping World, Warwick. All activities, including a family photo by the nativity scene and mounted on a souvenir card, are free of charge. Christmas Down

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Mayor’s Christmas party honours senior community members

The Travelling Tunes entertained guests at the Mayor’s Over 80s Christmas Party

Brodribb resident Ros Bailey (left) shares a laugh with Melissa Skobe Cr Sue Englartgets into the Christmas spirit with members of Oakey Men’s Shed,Ron Scheuerle (left) and Bruce Hoppe

Mobile Foot Care Service in the comfort of your own home!

Do you suffer with problematic feet?

Are you tired of having to pay travelling costs to attend Podiatry appointments? At Gentle Soul Mobile Foot Care, we provide a “TOTALLY Mobile Foot Care Service” in the comfort of your home for the Senior aged care clients

We also specialise in

Hector Scholl looks forward to singing along with the Christmas carols

• Skin problems • Calluses and corns • General nail care, nail disorders (thickening of the nail) • Pressure padding care • Massages Don’t let your feet suffer anymore and give Mandy a call at Gentle Soul!

Servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs

Call Mandy today!

Left: Win Rogers (left) and Muriel Price joined in the Christmas fun with antlers and Santa hats www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

0408 412 731 mandy@gentlesoul.com.au

Mastercard, Visa Card & Paypal Now Accepted December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 13

community news Celebrate Christmas around the region Toowoomba Christmas Carnival in the CBD THE centre of the city will come alive on Thursday, December 4, from 5.30pm to 8pm. Live entertainment will start at 5.30pm at Kwong Sang Walk and on the corner of Margaret and Ruthven Streets. The CBD tree will be lit up at 7pm, followed by City Hall at 7.15pm. The kids are invited to meet Santa at Kwong Sang Walk at 7.20pm. St Luke’s Church will host markets from 4.30pm till 8.30pm.

4GR Mayoral Christmas Carols THE annual 4GR Mayoral Christmas Carols will be held on

Sunday, December 7, at Queens Park, Toowoomba. Events start at 3pm with ICC Cricket World Cup visit at Godsall Street Park.

There will be rides from 4pm and entertainment

by Brendon Walmsley from 5:30pm. Carols commence at 6:30pm and the evening concludes with fireworks. Entry free.

Christmas Wonderland HEAD to the Botanical Gardens in Queens Park for a magical evening of spectacular Christmas light displays at this year’s Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland.

Organised by Lions this year’s event will support three major beneficiaries: Lifeline Darling Downs

A sacrificial anode is a vital part of your hot water system, and having it inspected can be the difference between an efficiently working system or a costly replacement. Manufacturers recommend that you maintain the anode in your system in order to prevent damage from rust + corrosion. After its 5th birthday warranty expires.

THE ANODE IN YOUR SYSTEM SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO CORRODE AWAY WHATEVER TYPE OR BRAND OF SYSTEM YOU HAVE. SOLAR - Electric, Gas or Heat Pumps.

FOR A LIMITED TIME we will check your anodes free of charge.

“REMEMBER YOU CAN’T LOSE, NO ANODE REPLACEMENT NO CHARGE” Comes with a 5 year warranty Make your Hot Water System last for up to 30 years without replacement.

AUSSIE ANODES

spinning at 6! Friday, December 12, Victoria Street, Forest Hill.

& South West Qld Ltd, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and Toowoomba Hospice.

Christmas Wonderland will run from 7pm to 10pm each night from December 6 to 24. Entry is by gold coin donation.

Allora Christmas Tree Festival Creekside Carols MIDDLE Ridge Uniting under the Stars CHRISTMAS carols by Church will transform the creek will be held at into “The Colours of Dalrymple Creek Park, Christmas” with Allora on Saturday, Christmas trees decoDecember 6. Entry is rated by community free. Bring blankets, groups, local churches and organisations. Local chairs, picnic etc.

Concert starts at 6.30pm choirs, bands and and Santa will visit at performers will provide 8pm. Markets run from entertainment daily at 10.30am and 7pm. There 3pm to 6pm with stalls for hamburgers, coffee, will be a craft stall and cake, sausage sizzle, refreshments will be Indian cuisine, craft, available. The Festival plants, jewellery, and runs from December 10 more. Fire engine rides to19, 9am to 9pm, at for the kids.

Middle Ridge Uniting Church, 264 Stenner Cecil Plains Street, Toowoomba.

Carols by Candlelight Entry is by gold coin CAROLS by candlelight donation. on Wednesday, December 10, at the Cecil Plains Wilsonton Memorial Hall Geraghty Community Carols Street Cecil Plains, from THE 16th annual 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

Wilsonton community Sausage sizzle starting carols will be held on 5.30pm, carols from7pm.

Friday, December 19, Christmas bag for from 5pm to 9pm at children under 12. Santa McGregor Street Oval, arrives 8.30pm. with rides for the kids, Santa and market stalls, Clifton face painting and the Christmas Carols TRC fireworks show at Friday, December 12.

Smile with confidence Prof Matthias Bickel Dr med dent (berne, Switzerland), Phd, Specialist SSRD

Dentist/Prosthodontist

OPEN SATURDAYS

8.50pm. Join us for a night with the award winning Toowoomba Municipal Band plus Doctor Love and Toowoomba’s own Bandicoots Bush Band will get our toes tapping.

Specialising in • Comprehensive, natural looking restorations • Crowns • Bridges • Removable or fixed full or partial dentures • Implants and implant based restorations • No Referrals Necessary

Unit 108 Medici Centre, 15 Scott St, Toowoomba www.betterpros.com.au

1300 242 535

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

Gatton Community Carols and Concert THE Gatton Community Carols and Concert will be held on December 7 at the Gatton Shire Hall, North Street, Gatton.

Doors open at 5pm, with food and drinks on sale.

Entertainment, coffee, sausage sizzle, fairy floss, snow cones plus lots more. Carols and concert start at 6.30pm.

Christmas Carnival NORTH Street, Gatton comes alive with all the excitement of Christmas at the free Christmas Carnival on Thursday, December 11 from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Stage entertainment with local dance groups and live music, rides, face painting, roving entertainment, colouring-in competition, raffles, and much more. Santa arrives at 5.30pm.

Laidley Christmas Carnival TAKE the whole family to Laidley Showgrounds on Friday, December 5, from 5pm to 9pm to celebrate Christmas with the local community. The entertainment kicks off with rides, pig racing, stalls, entertainment, raffles and more. Food and drinks will be on sale, and there is ample parking on site at the showgrounds, MacGregor Street, Laidley. Entry is free.

Oakey Santa Fair SANTA is going to hit the streets of Oakey for this year’s Oakey Chamber of Commerce Christmas street carnival on Wednesday, December 10, from 6pm.

Featuring market stalls, sideshow rides, local entertainment, Christmas gift bags and much more.

Come and see Santa arrive by helicopter and sleigh.

When Love Was Born OAKEY combined churches choir present a Highfields Christmas cantata at the Highfields Block Party Oakey Uniting Church, THE annual Highfields Block Party runs from 5pm 16 John Street, Oakey, on Sunday, to 9pm on Saturday, December 14, December 6, and will from 7.30pm. feature the 2014 finalist Offering will be from The Voice, Mat taken up for Verevis as the headline Oakey Schools act. You can also enjoy Chaplaincy. other musical entertainment, delicious food, fantastic amusement rides Community Christmas and a spectacular Carols fireworks display as the CELEBRATE finale to the evening. the spirit of Highfields Village Christmas with Shopping Centre, Cnr O’Brien and Highfields Roads, Highfields.

local churches, carols and the nativity story, on the lawn in front of the Oakey Cultural Centre, 64 Campbell Street, Oakey, Saturday, December 20, from 6pm.

Pittsworth Christmas Carols Friday, December 12.

Warwick Carols in the Park HEAD to Leslie Park, Warwick, on December 14 for traditional and contemporary Christmas carols. Get in the festive mood by entering the Christmas dress-up competition. Food and drink stalls available.

Santa arrives at 6pm.

Entertainment on stage from 6.30pm to 8.45pm.

Withcott Community Carols ON SATURDAY, December 13, the Withcott community celebrates Christmas at Spring Brook Park.

There will be carols, general entertainment, food and drinks on sale it is a great night of entertainment finished off with a fireworks display.

Peacehaven Christmas Carols HIGHFIELDS combined Crows Nest churches Christmas carols Christmas in the Park at Peacehaven Botanical CROWS Nest District Park will be held on Tourist and Progress Association, in conjunc- Saturday, December 13, tion with the Crows Nest from 5pm to 8pm. BBQ, Lions Club, would like to drinks, ice-creams, coffee invite you to the annual van. Gates open at 5pm, Christmas celebration – carols commence 6pm, Christmas in the Park on fireworks at 8pm. This year, the carols committee Friday, December 12. invites all visitors to bring Come along for a bbq, a gift for a child along with drinks, rides and gift bags for children. Carols them to the carols. All gifts will be passed on to Santa start at 5.30pm and Santa arrives at 7.30pm. on the night and donated to the Toowoomba Centenary Park, Charlotte Street, Crows Nest. Hospital Children’s Appeal. Peacehaven Park, 58 Kuhls Road, Highfields.

Dalby Carols by Candlelight Kingsthorpe December 14.

Santa in the Park and Carols by Candlelight Forest Hill SHARE the joy of Christmas Festivities Christmas at FOREST Hill Christmas Kingsthorpe Recreation Festivities, has been a Grounds on Sunday, long standing family December 7, from 2pm to Christmas event for 8pm. Jumping castle, more than 80 years.

Come and join the fun – water slide, face painting and of course, the jolly ham wheels, Santa and man in red, Santa. Carols family, rides, food, commence at 6.30pm. drinks, BBQ, free entertainment, and loads Kingsthorpe Recreation Grounds,Goombungee more. Fun starts at 5:30pm and wheels start Road, Kingsthorpe. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Gift cards the popular choice this Christmas

WONDERING what you might be getting for Christmas this year?

Odds are you’ll receive at least one gift card.

New research from Australia Post found 75 per cent of people surveyed planned to purchase a gift card this Christmas. And you’re most likely to receive a gift card from someone in your family, with a third of respondents also stocking up on cards for close friends.

Australia Post spokesperson Michelle Skehan said the main reason for purchasing a gift card was to ensure someone receive a gift they wanted, with around half saying it was also an easy option.

“Gift cards continue to increase in popularity and this is for all the reasons you might expect, such as convenience and solving the problem of what to buy for a particular some-

one,” she said.

“While more than 75 per cent those surveyed said they purchase cards for family members, we’re also noticing a big increase in the giving and receiving of gift cards between husbands and wives. For some years it’s always been a popular gift choice between boyfriends and girlfriends but it seems that once you are married, you’re three to

five times more likely to receive a gift card than when you dating!”

MsSkehan said gift and cash cards had become a convenient solution to gift giving.

Media Release “It can be very hard to know what the grandkids might want or in-laws that you may not see very often,” MsSkehan said.

Australia Post tips for giving gift cards include: do gently

remind the recipient that the card is equivalent to cash, and should be stored safely. It can sometimes be difficult to replace a card that is lost or stolen. Also remind them that gift cards have an expiry date and they should make a note of when this is.

Gift cards can be personalised with a special card with a hand written Christmas message.

Newly elected chair of NSA Zone 109

Doubled risk of dementia for 1 in 5 with diabetes ALZHEIMER’S Australia Vic launched a Dementia and Diabetes Toolkit on World Diabetes Day to support the estimated one in five older Australians with diabetes who have an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment or dementia. Around 280 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes each day with population studies suggesting people with type 2 diabetes, on average, have double the risk of developing dementia compared with people who do not have the condition.

Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Professor of Psychiatry of Old Age at the University of Melbourne, who contributed to the development of the toolkit, said we know that people who have diabetes and dementia often have more difficulties managing daily diabetes tasks, such as measuring blood glucose levels, injecting insulin and preparing meals, which unless managed effectively, may lead to an increased risk of diabetic complications.

“The toolkit addresses the

challenges and impact dementia has on diabetes management and provides tips and strategies on how people living with diabetes can reduce their risk of developing dementia,” Professor Lautenschlager said.

Dr David Sykes, General Manager Learning and Development at Alzheimer’s Australia Vic said acknowledgment, awareness and understanding of dementia and diabetes, and the link between the two, is imperative in achieving better health outcomes for

people living with the conditions.

“Ultimately what we have achieved with the Dementia and Diabetes Toolkit is the ability for families, carers and friends to best support people living with dementia and diabetes in realising better health outcomes. “The toolkit has achieved this by presenting a range of resources addressing the challenges associated with both conditions, and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia for those currently living with

diabetes,” Dr Sykes said.

The Dementia and Diabetes Toolkit contains information on understanding dementia and diabetes, how to support someone living with these conditions, a case study, selftest questions, and sources of further information. It is available via www.fightdementia.org.au/ understanding-dementia/ dementia-and-chronicconditions-seriestoolkits.aspx.

You can also contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Mark Furness, Brisbane; Hazel Gillies, President Garden City; Allan Henschell, President Dalby; Carmel McQueen, President Warwick; Neville Fry, President Toowoomba

MARK Furness, Zone and Relationship Manager for National Seniors Australia, announced at Garden City Branch’s Christmas Party on November 24, that Hazel Gillies has been elected Chairman of Zone 109.

Zone 109 includes the branches of: Roma, Chinchilla, Dalby, Warwick, Lockyer, Garden City, Toowoomba and Highfields.

The position became vacant following the untimely death of Bob Holden.

It is expected that representatives from each of these branches will be attending the next conference of the zone in Dalby on 20 May 2015.

Courtesy: seniorau.com.au

Everyone in the region knows Graham Healy Born and raised in Toowoomba, Graham knows the area better than most • He talks to locals about local issues • He invites you to call in on a range of topics • He interviews the stars • He has regular lifestyle segments • He plays fun contests and the best hits

. . . all part of 4GR’s Focus On The Downs . . . 11am-1pm weekdays on 864 4GR

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

community news

Sunshine Coast Getaway for NSA Toowoomba

BOOK

Review

New book helps those dealing with death of loved one

Elaine Freestone, Jan Hill and Carmel McQueen enjoy a glass of pink bubbly before lunch at the Mapleton Hotel

A GROUP of members and friends of National Seniors Toowoomba Branch recently enjoyed a relaxing four-day break on the Sunshine Coast.

After calling in at the Yowie Park in Kilcoy and lunching at Woongooroo Estate winery, the group settled in at the Oasis Resort at Golden Beach, Caloundra as the base for their holiday.

Next morning a misty mountain drive took them up the Blackall range to Montville and on to the historic Mapleton Hotel for lunch. An afternoon cruise on the calm waterways of Mooloolaba and Kawana Waters followed by dinner at the Caloundra Power Boat Club rounded off a busy day.

The second day on the Sunshine Coast included a visit to the Ginger Factory at Yandina, a lunchtime

visit to Noosa’s iconic Hastings Streetand a walk on the beach followed by a scenic drive along the coastal route back to Caloundra.

A highlight of the trip home was a visit to the amazing Parrots in Paradise for morning tea and a spectacular show by the feathered performers led

by Whoppa the eclectus parrot. Being highly intelligent, the birds love to perform. The tricks they learn are an extension of their natural behaviour, and provide mental stimulation and a form of play.

The final port of call was at Cobb and Co Restorations for lunch and an inspection of the magnificently restored horse-drawn vehicles.

Planning is already under way for another getaway trip in 2015.

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

AMMANDA Smith’s book, Life and Death Matters, has just been published.

Here she tells us what led her to write it.

In April this year my Dad passed away.

I have been putting together a jigsaw puzzle since then and now realize that so many people are in the same boat and many wouldn’t even know. I had a simple idea that would save a lot of grief and heartache – a publication where your own important details and wishes are enclosed and stored safely until required. So simple! This planner and guide gives those left behind the answers they will need. It’s not until you have experienced the loss of a loved one that you understand how important these details are. What can be considered trivial at the time holds a lot of value when a family or individual are going through the grieving process and trying to work out where to begin. Each book comes with a book mark that is later cut in two and contains ICE (In Case of Emergency) details. On one side

is a section to complete regarding where the book can be located. This planner is much more than meets the eye. It is a personal informative guide that includes funeral, estate, personal and medical information. From the initial conception stages right through to the final product being published, I have had a goal to help people through the most difficult time of all by preparing for something that we all have to face at one time or another. ‘Life and Death Matters’ is available online at www.lifeanddeathmatters.

Neighbours keeping watch

LIVING alone and growing older raises the question, what if...? What if I fell, what if I broke my hip or leg, would anyone know?

If no one knew, no one would come to help, possibly for days. A small group of residents in a local retirement village have devised a simple yet effective way of checking on their neighbour’s wellbeing. It puts a whole new slant on Neighbour(hood) Watch. The three women each put a flag or a marker in their window every morning, visible from their neighbour’s house, as a signal that all is well with them. To date they haven’t needed help but it gives them a comfortable sense of security. One of the women also keeps her phone on a low table. Although she has a call button she says if she fell she could not reach it, but if she could crawl to the phone she could call for help. If you have a helpful hint for older people living alone and concerned that no one would know if they were in trouble, let us know.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news New transport option meets individual needs for seniors

FOR many seniors the ability to get out and about often reduces as we age.It maybe that you can no longer drive, or that public transport is not suitable any more, and soon you find yourself unable to get to your favourite bingo session or even to visit a friend on a regular basis. The result is that many people can find themselves unwillingly isolated.

Life Without Barriers is an organisation that is helping to change this by offering safe, reliable and flexible transport options to seniors in Toowoomba, from as little as $5 per trip.

Disability and HACC Coordinator Judy Dempsey said the staff at Life Without Barriers is passionate about helping seniors get more out of life by offering a transport service that fits in with where they want to go.

“It’s important for people to keep up the social connections in their lives,” she said. “Transport for seniors is about more than just getting to and from medical appointments. Our transport service can also help seniors stay involved in the social and community activities they enjoy.”

lationships with their clients, respecting individuals, being responsive to client’s needs, and work-

ing to inspire people to be able to do more with their life. If you would like to find out more about how

their transport options can help you, please call 4616 3100 or you can email toowoomba@lwb.org.au

Judy Dempsey (front) and the team at Life Without Barriers (from left) Caroline Pedersen, Larissa Dempsey, Eileen Bauer and Janine Smith are keen to help seniors by offering affordable, flexible and reliable transport around Toowoomba

For Judy it’s important to get to know all her clients so she can organise the best possible service for them, and she is keenly aware that the “one size fits all package” doesn’t work for everyone.

“We do have a mini-bus, but that’s not suitable for everyone, so we have a variety of vehicles,” she said. “Our team is also happy to assistpeople to get in and out of those vehicles.”

The transport service operates within business hours, however, Judy and her staff recognise that life doesn’t stop outside those hours, so they offer taxi vouchers which can be used whenever needed, by eligible clients.

Life Without Barriers has been operating in Toowoomba for seven years.

While the organisation is well known for its great work

A Christmas Cake Recipe 1. Sample the brandy to check quality.

2. Take a large bowl, check the brandy again. To be sure it is the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

3. Repeat.

4. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

5. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

6. Make sure the brandy is still OK. Try another cup.

7. Turn off the mixerer.

8. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

9. Mix on the turner.

10. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers pry it loose with a drewscriver.

11. Sample the brandy to check for tonsisticity.

12. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Whatever.

13. Check the brandy. Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

14. Add one table.

15. Add a spoon of sugar, or something. Whatever you can find.

16. Greash the oven.

17. Turn the cake tin 350 defrees.

18. Don’t forget to beat off the turner.

19. Throw the bowl out of the window.

20. Check the brandy again and go to bed.

A safe and happy Christmas and New Year to all of you!

The team at Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year. We hope that you will have good food on the table to share with loved ones, plenty of love and laughter and time to remember those less fortunate.

May the New Year bring you good health and fill your heart with hope for the future.

Just a reminder – send in your community notices for our first edition of 2015 before 28 January, 2015.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

in support of people witha disability in the region, the HACC transport serviceis a relatively new addition to Life Without Barriers’services in Toowoomba.

“Just like our disability services, our approach to the transport service is all about relationships and meeting the individual needs of the people we support,” said Judy.

They are passionate about building strong re-

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phone 4633 1229 now to reserve your table 561 Boundary St, Toowoomba I www.clubglenvale.com.au

SENIOR CITIZENS DAY RESPITE CENTRE Caring for our guests Enhancing their lives Providing respite for their carers The Centre provides centre-based care for people who are: • HACC eligible • Frail Aged • Younger people with a disability • Qld Veterans under 65 years The centre offers morning tea and a two course lunch as well as programmed activities focused on providing opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment with peers.

Activities include board games, card games, bingo, musical activities, gentle exercise, indoor bowls, craft, picnics, outings, information mornings and many more. Transport, including wheel chair friendly is available to guests living within the Toowoomba City region.

Referrals may be made through health professionals, Carers, relatives, friends and other service providers. Self-referrals are encouraged. Personal care and mobility assistance are available for those who need it.

The Centre operates Monday to Friday Flexible hours can be arranged for Guests and Carers. The cost for HACC eligible people is $15 per day, all inclusive.

All enquiries are welcome

39 Victoria Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: 4639 1915 Email: rayleen@seniorcitzrespite.com.au Web Site: www.seniorcitizensdayrespitecentre.com.au December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Managing your superannuation FOR many of us, retirement may seem a long way off and our superannuation may not get the attention it deserves. The reality is that in most instances, super is second only to the family home as your biggest asset. That makes it essential to take an active interest in it, but, it is not only the retirement aspect of super that deserves our attention.

Many people have not considered what happens to their super if they die

prematurely. It’s not a pleasant thought, but such an event can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for those left behind, so it should be dealt with. The assumption by many is that whatever has been built up in our super fund over the years will automatically be paid out to whoever is surviving, but it is not always that simple. Without express written instructions from you, it may take quite a deal of time for the money

to actually come through.

This could leave your family without adequate cash resources just when they need it most.

Avoiding disputes and ensuring a smooth transition No doubt most people have a fairly good idea as to who they would like their super benefits to go to if they die, but it takes more than good intentions to make this happen, it is something that needs specific attention to ensure that loved ones are not unnecessarily delayed in obtaining the cash or burdened with the extra worry at a difficult time in their lives.

The goal is to have as smooth and quick transfer as possible, without any ambiguity over who is entitled to payouts from the deceased’s super fund.

Money issues can often drive a wedge between families and can magnify personal disagreements out of proportion, which is another reason to get the paperwork in order as soon as possible.

Make a beneficiary nomination The key is to make sure you complete a nomination form to specify who you want your super paid to. There are two common types of nomination available. The most definitive and direct way to ensure your chosen dependants get your super money quickly is to make what is called a ‘binding nomination’. This is a simple form that may only take a minute or two to complete, but can save your loved ones a lot of angst. The form allows you to nomi-

nate your spouse, your children or any other permitted beneficiary and because it is binding, the trustee is obligated to pay the money to the nominee unless it is invalid. You may also choose to make a binding nomination to have your super fund proceeds paid to your legal personal representative, who will then distribute the funds according to your will.

One alternative is to make a non-binding nomination.

In this case, your nomination form will indicate who you want money paid to, however, there may be no obligation on the trustee to comply with this, they have the right to make the final determination. This is an especially important issue if you want money to go to someone who is not a dependant. The trustee may overrule your nonbinding nomination if there are other dependants involved.

An important point to note if you are making a binding nomination is to consider the needs of all your dependants when it comes to distributing your assets. The trustee cannot overrule a valid nomination, so if some dependants have inadvertently been left out then they may not benefit the way you intended.

There is a need to keep your binding nominations up to date. It may come as a surprise, but a binding nomination is not an indefinite one. In most cases, your wishes need to be renewed or re-confirmed every three years, otherwise your nominations may lapse. Keep in mind

that if funds are not left to a person who is a dependant for tax purposes such as a spouse or child under 18 years old then there may be up to 31.5% tax liability and Medicare levy on the payout figure, which a financial adviser can discuss with you in more detail.

Too much money to leave to chance The amounts of money involved can be very large, making it a very important financial decision.

There may be life insurance benefits held in the fund, as well as super ac-

cumulation from personal and employer contributions. The last thing you want to happen is for your family to have those valuable funds languishing in limbo, waiting for the trustee to make decisions.

In an age where divorce and blended families are common, the situation can become quite complex and this will delay the trustee until they are satisfied all avenues have been explored. All the more reason to make sure you have a current nomination completed. If you have concerns about whether your

nomination is current and in order, then contact RI Toowoomba on 07 4639 3733 today to discuss your situation confidentially and with no obligation.

RI Advice Group Pty Limited (ABN 23 001 774 125), Australian Financial Services Licence 238429. This article does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only.

You should not act on the information provided without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

Scam warning: Classifieds not all black and white THE Office of Fair Trading is warning consumers to watch out for classified scams after reports of a sophisticated scam involving fraudulent shipping business websites.

Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said scammers are listing fake advertisements on trading websites and in local newspapers selling second-hand vehicles, caravans, motorcycles and boats.

“Consumers looking to purchase these items make contact with the scammers.

They are told the seller has moved overseas but the goods are being held by a shipping company in Australia and are still available,” Mr Bauer said.

“The scammers, using a website and company name that mimics that of a legitimate shipping company, claim they will provide free shipping of the goods on payment.

“The scam’s websites look legitimate because the scammers use photos and logos from real businesses.

“Unfortunately for the consumers, they are paying for goods that don’t exist.

“We have reports that consumers have lost thousands of dollars to this scam, with little chance of ever recovering the money.”

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from classified scams.

“The most important tip is to never direct deposit or wire transfer money for an item you’ve never laid eyes on

in person,” Mr Bauer said.

“If you absolutely must buy an item without having seen it first, always use an escrow service that will hold your money until you verify receipt of your purchase. It may cost a little more, but it’s worth it to protect yourself.

“Always be wary if the seller insists on immediate payment, especially by money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer.

“Consumers should also request a number of photos of the item from the seller. If they refuse, it could be that they have stolen a photo from a genuine advertisement and don’t have any more to provide.

“Don’t assume an advertisement is legitimate just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or classifieds website, because scammers use these as well.

“If you aren’t sure about an advertisement, call the business. Remember to look up the phone number online or in the phone book and don’t use the phone number provided in the advertisement.

“If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank immediately and have them close your account.”

Consumers can report scams or find more information at www.fair trading.qld.gov.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au.

• Wills • Powers of Attorney • Estate Administration • Elder Law • Complex Estate Planning & Succession • Family Trusts & Structures

MOBILE SERVICE - WE COME TO YOU Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

• Senior Living Arrangements

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs office in the Darling Downs region is located at 99 Russell Street Toowoomba and is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Our office can provide information on the complete range of DVA benefits, pensions and allowances and if necessary, personalised assistance with one on one interviews . We also provide a regular on base advisory service to the nearby Oakey and Cabarlah Defence bases.You are very welcome to visit our office but for more complex matters requiring an interview such as pension claims, aged care assets assessments and financial updates, please phone ahead to make an appointment, this will avoid delays with your enquiries. 07 4638 1555.

Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to assist you. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

LAW, FINANCE and YOU More retirees to draw on support system as world’s population heads to 11 billion

AS a nation’s population ages, more and more older people may draw from support systems such as social security, yet fewer workers may be around to pay into those systems.

The problem is more worrying than we think; the ratio of workers to retirees will drop precipitously in numerous countries worldwide this century, potentially sending nations into a financial tailspin. An international study published in respected global research journal Science Express last month received a lot of press for predicting that global population is likely to hit 11 billion by 2100, much more than the 9.6 billion high that had previously been predicted for this for this century.

But the very end of the study, which did not garner much attention, provided some shocking details about how the nature of that growth would skew the ratio of workers to retirees. The ‘potential support ratio’ – the number of people aged 20-64 divided by the number of people aged 65 or over – in many

countries will plummet.

The ratio, the report authors noted, “can be viewed very roughly as reflecting the number of workers per retiree.”

In the US, the ratio today is 4.6, and it is projected to decline to 1.9 by 2100 – fewer than half as many workers to support a retiree as there are now.

Increasing the Australian working-age population, lifting labour force participation rates and raising productivity have been identified by the Australian Treasury as critical in addressing the economic challenges posed by an ageing population.

While there is an economic

incentive to lift labour force participation rates, says Treasury, there are also benefits to the individual. Labour force participation can lead to greater individual wellbeing in terms of financial security, self-esteem and social engagement. The labour force participation rate for males has historically been much higher than the rate for females. However, a range of cultural and economic shifts in recent decades has seen a dramatic increase in the proportion of females participating in the labour force.

So it seems Australians need to keep working

rather than retire at 65 be- Yates has backed the call, thology” of workers and ing to a retirement in the cause baby boomers saying the “cultural my- employers mutually agree- 60s should be abandoned. reaching the pension age are intensifying pressure on the nation’s finances.

As the pension bill rockets from $16 billion in 2001 to $48 billion in 2016, the Labor Party has called for a ‘national conversation’ on the opportunities and benefits of increased life expectancy while managing the cost of pensions, health and aged care.

“This is the healthiest, wealthiest, best-educated generation of retirees in human history,” says former Minister for the Ageing Mark Butler.

“We need people to stay on and work longer,” he says. “The demographic balance of people coming into the workforce versus people reaching that age in their 60s, where traditionally they would have left work, is shifting.

“We need more people to stay in work to keep our levels of economic activity up. “People are healthy enough to do that, more than their parents’ and grandparents’ generations.” Council on the Ageing chief executive Ian

It takes specific attention to ensure that loved ones are not unnecessarily delayed in distributing your assets or burdened with the extra worry at a difficult time in their lives.

What many don’t realise is that super monies will initially pass to the trustee of the super fund after the death of a fund member. Without written instructions from you, it may take quite some time for the money to actually come through.

If you’re concerned about your super nomination, call RI Toowoomba on 07 4639 3733 or visit our website www.ritoowoomba.com.au to discuss your situation with no obligation

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

community news Australia enters the Great War

CONTRARY to defended by a popular belief, small force of Australia’s first German battle casualties of soldiers and the Great War did about 20 not occur at Anzac natives. In the Cove on 25 April fight to capture 1915. Seven the radio months earlier, station on 11 when Australian September, forces invaded Able Seaman German New Billy Williams Guinea, the first became deaths occurred of Australia’s first Australian casualty of the Commonwealth World War, and military personnel.

Lieutenant The first AustraThomas Bond lian action of the DSO our first soldier to be war was carried out by a mixed decorated for gallantry. By naval and infantry group known as nightfall the radio station the Australian Naval and Military had been Expeditionary captured, and Force (AN&MEF). next day both This group had Rabaul and been formed Herbertshoe following a (the capital of request from the German New British governGuinea) were Painting of the wireless station at Bita Paka in Rabaul ment in August found to be

by Charles Bryant.

1914 for Australia devoid of Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial, ID ART03639.

German military to neutralise the radio stations scattered throughout the South West personnel, and were captured without a shot being fired. On 17 September, the German governor Pacific, and used by the German Pacific fleet.

The AN&MEF sailed from Townsville on 7 Septem- signed the formal surrender, and was granted safe ber 1914, and reached Kabakaul Bay, SE of Rabaul, passage back to Germany. German civilians were allowed to either remain in the territory, after four days later. The radio station at Bita Paka was signing an oath of neutrality, or to return to Germany. Both Australian submarines, AE1 and AE2, accompanied the AN&MEF, and the disappearance of AE1 and its crew of 35 while on patrol off Rabaul on 14 September was Australia’s worst loss of this brief campaign. The wreck of the AE1 has never been found.

The AN&MEF remained in New Guinea until January 1915, before returning to Australia where most of the soldiers joined the AIF. A military administration was left to govern the territory, and in 1920 the League of Nations issued Australia with a mandate to govern. This lasted until PNG independence in 1975.

Contributed

by John Graham.

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Community Notices

Calling miniature makers and dollhouse enthusiasts DO YOU enjoy making miniatures and/or dollhouse items? Why not join other like-minded people on a regular basis to share ideas and have fun with this fascinating hobby? Mini makers working to any scale welcome. Contact Darling Downs Miniature Makers at ddminimakers@gmail.com or phone 0408 858 849.

All aboard!

Warwick to Clifton return by steam train TAKE a leisurely steam train trip in the country on Saturday, December 13 with Southern Downs Steam Railway. Train departs Warwick Station at 10am and arrives at Clifton at 11.30am. There’s time to enjoy lunch at one of the pubs or a cuppa in town or maybe visit Clifton Historical Museum, housed in the old butter factory. Train departs Clifton at 1pm, arriving back in Warwick at 2.20pm. Adults $40, concession $35. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning 4661 9788 or online at www.southerndownssteamrailway.com.au/tours/clifton.php.

Take the grandchildren to Santa’s Workshop at Cobb+Co Museum WITH stories, crafts, games and fun, Santa’s Workshop is a wonderful way to spend time with family and celebrate the countdown to Christmas. This year’s theme is ‘An Outback Christmas’ and will feature bush-inspired decorations, stories and activities. Join in the fun on weekdays from Monday, December 8 through to Christmas Eve. Suitable for children 3 to 8 years. Drop in to Cobb+Co Museum, Lindsay Street, Toowoomba, between 10am and 3pm. Cost is $6.50 per child, includes activity pack.

Toowoomba Stamp Club monthly meeting THE December meeting of the Toowoomba Stamp Club will be held on Saturday, December 13, starting at 1pm, at the Salvation Army Hall, cnr West Street and Anzac Ave. The visiting dealer will be Stewart Robbins, and Sherwood Club will be present with their club books. A stamp auction will be held, with approximately 100 lots available. Come along to the largest stamp club meeting in Queensland. For more information phone 4635 5623.

Date claimer: 2015 winter garden school GARDEN lovers rejoice and make a note in your diary for the Leafmore Garden Society’s popular biennial winter garden school, to be held at the City Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday, June 17 and 18, 2015. Hear from garden experts, meet other gardeners, exchange ideas, shop for gardening books, plants and other items at the various stalls. Register your interest now and a program will be sent to you when details are finalised. Contact Marjorie 4636 1580, Val 4635 5232, or Joan tj.cahill@bigpond.com.

Brain Training Answers

Crossword Solutions from page 30

from page 31 Mind the Gap: Eclipse, Stealth, Servant, Subdued, Teenage, Tripods, Pebbles, Corrode The essential oil is: LAVENDER Add Up: 42 Logical: Alan, Honey, 4 Bobby, Chocolate, 3 Charlie, Lemon and Sugar, 5 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

SLEEPING Solutions Burn calories while you sleep

DON’T you wish you could burn calories at a faster rate even in your sleep?

The good news is you can – if you follow a few simple tips.

Burning more calories while sleeping can help you maintain a healthy weight.

The trick is to increase your body’s metabolism throughout the day; then at night when you’re resting, your body will continue to burn calories at a faster rate. Here are some tips to help you burn those calories during sleep and keep your body’s metabolism elevated.

• Eat small frequent meals: An easy way to increase your metabo-

lism and burn more calories at night is to eat small frequent meals throughout the day. Believe it or not your body burns calories while digesting food, but your metabolism slows down when you’re hungry and don’t eat.

Eating small meals or snacks every few hours will not only increase your metabolism but will keep your appetite up as well. A good rule of thumb is to try to eat a meal or snack every three to four hours.

Remember to keep your meals small, don’t overeat, and only eat when you’re hungry.

Try to keep your fat intake less than 30% of your total calories, limit

Night-time workout .. regular exercise in the day will help burn calories while you sleep

sugar and saturated fat, and eat plenty of highfiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and

whole grains.

• Don’t go to bed hungry: When you’re hungry and don’t eat,

Hidden health risk for Aussie women uncovered

A NEW poll has revealed that 77 per cent of Australian women feel tired, sleepy or exhausted each day, fuelling concerns they could unknowingly be living with sleep apnea, putting themselves at risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. While commonly thought to be a man’s disease, women with sleep apnea tend to experience worse health status than men, use more psychoactive drugs as well as sedatives to sleep, and have higher healthcare costs. Women with sleep apnea are also at increased risk of longterm, serious health conditions that can reduce their quality of life, such as cardiovascular disease, despite sleep therapy solutions potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular.

Even though one in two women aged 20-70 years are thought to be living with the condition,7 evidence suggests women are often under diagnosed, or diagnosed with other conditions, such as depression, despite complaining to their doctor of a lack of energy, constant tiredness and morning headaches.

In fact, a recent online poll of 1000 Australians found that women were more likely to go to a doctor about their sleep than men (24 per cent versus 20 per cent), however they were less likely to then be referred

to a sleep study (8 per cent versus 15 per cent). “There appears to be two issues at play when it comes to women being accurately diagnosed with sleep apnea,” said Professor David Hillman, Chair, Sleep Health Foundation and Director of the West Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute, Perth.

“Firstly, when women speak to their doctor they often don’t mention that they snore which is a key indicator for sleep apnea. Rather, they complain of less classic symptoms such as depression or restless legs that don’t trigger suspicions of sleep apnea for doctors.”

“Furthermore, evidence also suggests women may consider snoring “unladylike” and therefore not mention it to their doctor while also being more likely to attend medical appointments on their own, and so information from a partner on snoring, which may assist in a diagnosis, is not be as

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

readily available as it is for men,” explains Professor Hillman. The survey found that three in 10 women (28 per cent) reported they had been told by their partner that they snore but they either didn’t believe them or felt embarrassed so did nothing. The release of the findings of the poll coincides with the availability of the first sleep therapy solution The Airsense™ 10 AutoSet for Her therapy device - which is tailored to the unique needs of women with sleep apnea, such as the way they breathe compared to men. The device, manufactured

by ResMed, uses the first-ever dedicated algorithm tailored to respond to femalespecific characteristics of sleep apnea. Typically, women with sleep apnea take longer to fall asleep, have more flow limitations (reduction in volume of air going into the lungs), and more frequent sleep arousals than men, and The Airsense™ 10 AutoSet

for Her therapy device accounts for this.

“With women representing nearly 40 per cent of all newly diagnosed sleep apnea patients, it’s important that there are options that consider their unique needs,” said Professor Hillman.

“But it is equally important that Australian women - and their doctors - recognise that feeling sleepy or exhausted during the day, regularly waking up with a headache or constantly having difficulty falling asleep should not be ignored, but investigated further, as they could be signs of significant sleep health issues such as sleep apnea. For those women living with sleep apnea, being able to access therapeutic options that help manage the condition could improve quality of life and overall sense of wellbeing for those affected,” said Professor Hillman. For more information about sleep apnea in women visit www.sleepvantage.com.au/ forwomen

your body automatically goes into starvation mode by lowering your metabolism to

conserve calories.

Eating a snack before bed if you’re hungry is fine, but make sure you’re making healthy food choices.

A high-fat snack before bed isn’t the best choice, while a piece of fruit or high-fiber cereal with skim milk won’t add extra calories. Of course if you don’t feel hungry, skip the bed time snack.

• Don’t skip meals: Every time you skip a meal, your metabolism will start to slow down to conserve calories.

To prevent that from happening, don’t skip meals and when you start to feel hungry eat at least a snack to keep your metabolism going strong.

A high metabolism during the day means you’ll also burn more calories while sleeping.

• Get regular exercise: Regular exercise will not only help you burn more calories during your workouts, but will keep your metabolism high throughout the day and at night as well.

It’s important to include both cardiovascular and resistance exercises in your workout program.

Cardiovascular exercise will help you burn more calories during your workout while resistance training will help you burn extra calories throughout the day (and at night).

What are REM and Non-REM Sleep?

A LOT happens in your body while you sleep. When you get your ZZZs, you cycle between REM and non-REM sleep.

REM stands for rapid eye movement. During REM sleep, your eyes move quickly in different directions. That doesn’t happen during nonREM sleep.

What Is REM Sleep?

Usually, REM sleep happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep. The first period of REM typically lasts 10 minutes.

Each of your later REM stages gets longer, and the final one may last up to an hour. Your heart rate and breathing quickens.

You can have intense dreams during REM sleep, since your brain is more active.

Babies can spend up to 50% of their sleep in the REM stage, compared to only about 20% for adults.

First comes non-REM sleep, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep, and then the cycle starts over again. Dreams typically happen during REM sleep.

What Happens During Non-

REM Sleep?

There are three phases of nonREM sleep. Each stage can last from 5 to 15 minutes.

You go through all three phases before reaching REM sleep.

Stage 1: Your eyes are closed, but it’s easy to wake you up.

This phase may last for 5 to 10 minutes.

Stage 2: You are in light sleep.

Your heart rate slows and your body temperature drops. Your body is getting ready for deep sleep.

Stages 3: This is the deep sleep stage. It’s harder to rouse you during this stage, and if someone woke you up, you would feel disoriented for a few minutes.

During the deep stages of NREM sleep, the body repairs and re-grows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system.

As you get older, you sleep more lightly and get less deep sleep. Aging is also linked to shorter time spans of sleep, although studies show you still need as much sleep as when you were younger.

Maintain your Confidence with Continence

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Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

endent p e d In g in y a t S d an

BOOK Review

Lindy Clemson, Jo Munro and Maria Fiatarone Singh - Sydney University Press - $25

Owlbition $3 Bootcamp Toowoomba & Oakey

GET together with friends and family and head down to Newtown Park (Toowoomba) on Mondays at 9am or Gordon Park (Oakey) on Tuesdays at 9am for a 30 minute group LiFE is an individual program of activities embedded fitness session! Classes are fun and social, and are suitable for all fitness levels. into daily routine and tasks. In a randomised control trial published in the British Medical Journal in 2012, the risk of falls in older people was reduced by one third, the ability to do everyday tasks was improved and physical activity levels increased. LiFE is a different approach to a traditional exercise program. In the LiFE program, unloading the dishwasher can become an opportunity to improve strength. Brushing your teeth can be a chance to improve balance. Your home or your garden can be your ‘gym.’ LiFE activities are tailored to individual lifestyles. The LiFE manuals will introduce you to the key elements of LiFE, the underpinning concepts of embedding LiFE activities in daily routines and strategies for changing habits.

Using this system, TOOWOOMBA BODYTALK can help you to: The participant’s manual provides detailed descriptions of the strength and balance activities and out• Heal: acute & chronic conditions, mental & emotional lines the principles of LiFE. It shows how the actividisorders, injuries & illnesses, allergies & intolerances, pain, ties can be incorporated into an everyday routine fatigue, pre-& post-surgery & child-birth and includes several stories of successful participants.

• Grow: in awareness and understanding of the factors that are You can order the book online at sydney.edu.au/sup affecting your health and wellbeing or by mailing Sydney University Press, Level 5, Fisher • Shine: think more clearly, be more positive, perform better, Library F03, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006. and achieve more Contact 02 9036 9958 or email sup.info@sydney.edu.au for more information

Festive season . . . time for a positive change THE festive season is upon us and everywhere everything is getting busier.

It’s a joyous time, but it can be a stressful time with the many demands on our time and energy; for some, Christmastime will be a time of uncertainty, anxiety or sadness. We might be struggling to cope with changes in our lives, or finding it difficult to be positive.

If we are under physical, mental or emotional stress, our bodies cannot work as efficiently as they should.

This means that we are less able to cope with everyday life. It also means our body’s ability to maintain and heal itself may be compromised, and we are more likely to become unwell.

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BodyTalk is guided by your body’s own inner knowing to identify the priorities for you and to address your individual needs.

Body Talk has been under the supervision of Claire Moore, a certified practitioner, since 2008.

“With BodyTalk, the practitioner is completely guided by the client’s body’s inner knowing (innate wisdom) to identify what underlying issues are leading to their health problems and to address them in the best way to achieve healing for that person,” says Claire.

Book your appointment today to experience how BodyTalk can help you to be less stressed, cope better, think more clearly, have more energy, and

New Healthy & Active Directory 2014-15 THE new Healthy & Active Directory 2014-15 is now available! Pick up a copy from your local Toowoomba Regional Council service centre for information about a range of free and low cost opportunities across the Toowoomba region to help everyone be active, eat well and live well.

Keeping you Mobile & Independent

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We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season

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December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

FEELING GOOD QUEENSLAND has claimed the title of the heaviest state in Australia, with one quarter of all deaths directly or indirectly linked to diet, the 2014 The Health of Queenslanders Report has revealed. Cancer Council Queensland has backed calls from the Chief Health Officer for Queenslanders to get moving, bin the junk food and make better diet decisions for their overall health. The new report reveals Queensland has the highest rates of both adult

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and Queenslanders weigh heavy on health report card

and child obesity nationally, with 65 per cent of adults and 28 per cent of children weighing in as overweight or obese. Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO said the report was a wake-up call.

“The overweight and obesity epidemic is more than just a personal problem for those affected – it’s a community challenge that we must address by working together to find ways of getting people moving more and eating less un-

healthy food,” Prof Dunn said. “The Chief Health Officer’s report is a wakeup call for workplaces, schools, community groups, non-government organisations and all levels of government.

“We must find ways of arresting this crisis to preserve future quality of life for Queenslanders. ”Beyond the debilitating personal toll of overweight and obesity, and the increased risks of cancer and other chronic diseases, this epidemic

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

threatens to stifle our productivity and severely hamper the health system.”

The report found obesity had increased by 22 per cent in four years, with 40,000 people becoming obese each year. Prof Dunn said it was particularly concerning that the average weight of Queensland adults had increased three kilos in just a decade.

“If this trend continues, our next generation will tip the scales at an average

adult weight never before seen in history,” Prof Dunn said. “More than a million Queensland adults are now impacted by obesity, although one-third of overweight and obese Queenslanders do not recognise they have a health problem.

“We must find ways of encouraging one another to work towards a healthy weight, limiting sedentary behaviour and boosting health and happiness through physical activity and a healthy diet.”

According to the report, junk food comprises onethird of the average Queenslander’s daily energy intake.

“Too many cakes, pastries, biscuits and sugary drinks are threatening to cut our lives short,” Prof Dunn said. “Soft drink has supersized us, with as many as 12 per cent of Queensland adults and eight per cent of children drinking it every day.

“Food and drink that were once considered occasional treats have made their way into our daily diets, with damaging consequences for our health.

“Diet choices are the leading risk of disease burden in Australia, accounting for one in four deaths in Queensland.”

The Health of Queenslanders Report 2014 also revealed a decline in smoking rates, with 14 per cent of Queensland adults smoking daily in 2014, a 26 per cent reduction in the past decade.

“The smoking trends in the report are encouraging, but there are still 500,000 adult smokers in Queensland,” Prof Dunn said. “With one in four Queensland cancer deaths caused by smoking, we urgently need smoke free spaces at bus stops, taxi ranks, ferry terminals, and pedestrian malls.”

Earlier this week, a Queensland Parliamentary Committee recommended statewide smoking bans at public transport waiting points and pedestrian malls, in response to Cancer Council recommendations.

“Smoke free spaces will protect people from the harmful effects of smoking, encourage more smokers to quit, and prevent more young people from taking up this lethal habit,” Prof Dunn said. “We commend the Queensland Parliamentary Committee for its action to protect the public from harm.

“We also welcome the Committee’s recommendation that the Department of Health consider extending existing and proposed smoking bans to outdoor areas frequented by the public, including, for example, TAFE colleges,” he said.

Smokers can obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, 13 QUIT (13 7848), or join the QUEST to quit at quest.org.au.

Cancer Council Queensland commended the Health Minister and Chief Health Officer on The Health of Queenslanders Report, and their recommendations to help Queenslanders live happier, healthier lives.

The link between type 2 diabetes and incontinence

ONE of the lesser understood consequences of type 2 diabetes is its potential to exacerbate bladder and bowel control problems. Constipation: Constipation, which affects nearly 60 per cent of people with diabetes, increases the risk of urinary incontinence. This is because an enlarged bowel compresses the bladder and reduces its holding capacity, thereby risking accidental leakage.

High blood sugar levels: If blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, the body will try to remove the excess blood sugars by producing more urine and a fuller bladder, which can also lead to accidental leakage.

Obesity: Being overweight puts people at higher risk of both type 2 diabetes and incontinence. Overweight is a major contributor to bladder and bowel control, because the excess strain on the pelvic floor can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Nerve damage: Poorly controlled or longterm type 2 diabetes can cause damage to nerves, which can lead to a loss in sensation about whether or not to pee, or if the bladder’s full or empty, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Reduced immunity: Diabetes also interferes with the immune system, putting sufferers at greater risk of infection and UTIs. Medications: Medications such as metformin, acarbose and repaglinide can cause diarrhoea.

Five steps for good bladder and bowel health: 1. Eat well and include at least 30 g of fibre daily.

2. Drink about 1.5 -2 litres of fluid daily, limiting caffeine and fizzy drinks.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Keep your pelvic floor toned.

5. Practise good toilet habits For further clarification on any of the above information, or for advice about your bladder or bowel health, phone the free, confidential National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. The Continence Foundation is the national peak body working to improve the quality of life of the 4.6 million people affected by incontinence. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

O P C S A T D R S TRAVEL Travel for over 50s

per p o H d n a l Pacific Is ier Reef or a Barr ise? u r C y r e v Disco

S U L L E T YOU !

T N A W U 27 O Y T A H W age Turn to P tails e d e h t l for al

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Overnight Camel Safari: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan India AN overnight camel safari Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. What fun!

One hour by car and 35 km later we were in the desert complete with sand dunes, sparse bushes and small plants. A ‘train’ of 4 camels waited. Let’s go!

Just getting on a fully grown seated camel is awkward. I managed to get half way then the camel tout pushed me from behind to get me into the saddle. The instant I was in the saddle the camel stood up – first its 2 hind legs while I screamed and tried not to fall over its head, then the front legs. All that saved me from falling off was a tiny wooden pommel and the rope stirrups.

“We go!” The camel touts were ready beside us, on foot.

“You first go!” They said to my husband whose camel had already started to gavump into the desert.

The Rajasthan desert has amazing wildlife. We saw deer, cattle, wild camels, many birds and miles of sand dunes. It was February – winter and 10 degrees at night and about 25 by day. Perfect weather for a safari. Camels don’t look so tall until you are sitting on one. My camel looked innocent but was obviously the boss male and quite aggressive. Every now and again he would stop still, flick his head down so I felt I would fall off then he’d rotate his entire neck and look at me while bubbling and gurgling. He’d then poke out his huge pink tongue and give me a slobbery raspberry. I learnt to sit totally still and wait for the finale. If I put both arms over my face with my elbows crossed most of the slime would stick to my jumper and after it dried could be picked off.

I only imagined that I was ever in control of this beast. He was just toying with me and could destroy me if he wanted to!

After an hour I just had to get off and walk. My legs and back were

ck Austr a tb u O h g u ro th g in ll Travtheis notice on a hotel door.

alia

BUDGET or BOUTIQUE

I saw s standard Minimum dres S, THONGS SINGLET, SHORT ents dress requirem (The MINIMUM ls and te ho t os use in m struck me beca ed!) hes are outlaw clubs these clot consternation: r fo e us r was ca Reading furthe SHOOTERS ATIONS HEALTH REGUL g the premises l persons enterin al at Require th ACES REMOVE ALL TR n. tio pa ILDING. of your occu AT REAR OF BU D TE CA LO E AR SHOWERS han oyce Mc Cro J PLEASE USE . ill be REFUSED If not - service w

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aching and my right foot had been crushed by the rope stirrup. If I thought getting on was bad then getting off a camel was worse.

Without warning my camel knelt on his front legs leaving me trying to lie back while gripping the pommel in terror. Then he finally folded in his other two legs and sat down fully. To dismount I just leant over and slid off.

I concluded that going on a 3 hour camel ride when you are over 60 is about two and a half hours too long. And as for sleeping in a tiny tent without an airbed to soften the hard sand while listening to four camels make washing machine sounds all night? Well that’s another story!

Margaret Mourik

Fast FACTS AROUND THE WORLD

PHILLIP ISLAND, EA EATT Victoria RSL–seniors menu: soup of the day $2, mains

WHA WHATT : $12, dessert $2.

Melbourne’s playground at the entrance to SLEEP Westernport Bay Amaroo Park – cabins from $99.50 p/night. Solar-heated WHY: Wildlife, Motorsports, Fishing, Stunning Scenery BONUS: Less than 2 Hours drive from Melbourne

Win a P&O Cruise

TOKYO – largest city (metro population 37,126,000 at 2012 census) VA TIC AN CIT Y VATIC TICAN – smallest city (pop 920) ASIA – largest continent (44,391,162 sq km) AUSTRALIA – smallest continent (7,692,024 sq km) RUSSIA – largest country (17,098,242sqkm) VA TIC AN CIT Y VATIC TICAN – smallest country (0.44sqkm)

BUDGET

If you have a humorous travel story, photo or travel tips to share with our readers please send them to Email: editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au and in the subject matter write Travel Tales. Also include your name, address and daytime phone number, or you can the post the above to Travel Tales, PO Box 1062, Tewantin, 4565.

If you would like your photo to be returned please include a stamped self addressed envelope. Please keep your entries brief and photos should be in high resolution.

All entries will automatically go into the Win a P&O Cruise Competition from Ucango Travel & Cruise, P&O and Seniors Newspaper which will be drawn on 22nd December 2014.

BOUTIQUE

EA EATT Sherwood’s Restaurant – Sumptuous seafood platter for two $126.

SLEEP

swimming pool, free Wi-Fi. Close to Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and Penguin Parade.

Rhyll Haven Cottage. $360 p/night. Set in an acre of hilltop garden and orchard, this very romantic cottage offers luxury, space and privacy.

DO

DO

Buy a three-park pass for $40 and see koalas, seals and an evening penguin parade. Day tour of Phillip Island Grand Prix racing circuit, $19. Explore the many beautiful beaches and the island’s rugged coastline.

Take a scenic helicopter flight and see the island and Mornington peninsula from above, $395. Get up close and personal with racing car drivers and their machines, and experience the raw thrill of the V8 Supercars with a 2 day Paddock Club membership $940.

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

WIN a 7 Night Cruise for Two!

Travel for over 50s

Holiday with us . . .

Discover Southeast Queensland

Ucango Travel & Cruise Centre and P&O along with Seniors Newspapers are offering readers the opportunity to go in a draw to win a fantastic fun filled cruise for 2 people. The winner will be able to choose from P&O’s Pacific Island Hopper Cruise or the Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise. Both cruises are ex Brisbane for 7 nights and to whet your appetite read more about the cruises up for grabs.

Pacific Island Hopper “Nothing says ‘tropical holiday’ like island hopping from one tropical destination to the next, and when it comes to the Pacific Islands, we do it best! There’s the Frenchy-chic vibe of Noumea, the ancient culture of Lifou and the Caribbean atmosphere in Vila. Oh, and the beaches...we’d never forget the beaches!” – P&O Barrier Reef Discovery “This itinerary is dedicated to the incredible Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the natural world. With three ports from which you can explore the pristine reef, coral cays and tropical islands, take the opportunity to fall in love with Australia all over again.” – P&O

TO ENTER ENTER: Simply tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win a P&O Cruise.

Email or post your entry along with your name, address and day time contact telephone number to Email: office@seniorsnewspaper.com.au and in the subject line write Win a Cruise or post your entry to “Win a Cruise Competition” P O Box 1062, Tewantin Q 4565 Conditions of entry entry: Entrants must be aged 50 years and over, and only one entry per person per month. The competition will be drawn on December 22nd when one lucky person will be announced as the winner. The winner will be notified by telephone and post, and announced in our first newspaper published in 2015 being our February issue (No Jan issues are published)

For all your Travel needs contact Ucango Travel on 5451 8600 or 5437 4000

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Central Asia’s Great Silk Road . . . By private train!

IN recent years, the accessibility of the ancient Silk Road between East and West has been revitalised by international tourism, particularly the Chinese section between Xian and far western Kashgar.

Travel Masters, the Gold Coast’s leading Small Group and Experiential tour operator, has for many years led the way with innovative and culturally stimulating itineraries across this

legendary trade route.

Bob and Beth Malcolm, joint Managing Directors of Travel Masters have for many years harboured the dream of exploring the more isolated and in many ways even more interesting section of the Silk Road – Central Asia!

In March 2015, they are offering a very select group of travellers, the unique opportunity to join them on a culturally magnificent journey from

Central Asia’s Almaty to Ashgabat in the comfort of a specially chartered private train. For 19 amazing days, the group will explore what many believe to be both a cradle of early civilization and the site of many ancient cities of great learning. The tour departs Australia on the 31st March 2015, and journeys to Beijing, China for a couple of nights before flying to Almaty in Kazakhstan and the

Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

commencement of a stunning and life changing journey. Over the next fourteen days, this fascinating itinerary will visit Turkestan, Tashkent and Shakhrisabz, the former ancient city of Kesh. One

SILK Road Few Facts

of the highlights of the journey will be two nights spent in the fascinating city of Samarkand – known as the Crossroads of Culture.

Once considered the most beautiful city in the ancient world, Samarkand is the home of the Registan, the central square which is

home to three of the most influential pieces of Muslim architecture to be found anywhere in the world. The journey continues through Kiva, Bukhara (one of the world oldest cities), Merv and finally Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. Returning via Chengdu in China, the group will also enjoy

a special Giant Panda experience before flying home. The central Asia Silk Road Small group Experience is unlike any other ever offered. Space is limited on the train and a full colour brochure is now available from Travel Masters.

All enquiries to: 1300 852 799

BOOK Review

The Silk Road extends 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometres), the Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in Chinese silk carried out along its length, beginning during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).

THE LAST DAYS OF THE BUS CLUB Chris Stewart

PROFILE BOOKS $22.99 It has been two decades since Chris Stewart moved to the mountains of southern Spain. In this latest, typically hilarious dispatch from El Valero, we find Chris, now a local literary celebrity, cooking a TV lunch for Rick Stein; discovering the pitfalls of Spanish public speaking; and, most movingly, visiting faminestricken Niger for Oxfam. At his beloved sheep farm, he weathers a near calamitous flood to emerge as a newly certified organic farmer. His cash crop?

The lemons and oranges he once so blithely drove over, of course.

Chris Stewart is the million-selling author of the Driving Over Lemons series. He lives on a farm in Andalucía. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

The new face of Hong Kong

BY PHIL HAWKE

MANY Australians are familiar with Hong Kong… the alleys and markets of Kowloon and Central, the luxurious [and expensive] hotels, the crush of locals, mainland Chinese and tourists from all corners of the earth, all jostling and hurrying somewhere.

This time we decide to avoid the usual Central/Wanchai area of Hong Kong Island, and all of Kowloon.

Been there, done that.

So guided by local friends and expat survivors we find ourselves booked into a hotel in Causeway Bay and the adjoining Tai Hang area around Victoria Park. It’s only 3 stops on the MTR subway from Central, yet miles away in feeling.

It’s only a short walk

from the crowded Causeway Bay streets to the oasis of Victoria Park where we rest for a while watching the old-timers practising their tai chi moves until out of the blue comes an old man insisting we join in. It’s all good fun, and great exercise as well..

Towards evening we wander across the road from the park to the Tai Hang area. This is even more surprising. Just 5 to 10 years ago, this was a backwater populated by car repair shops, tyre wholesalers, taxi depots and some rather more questionable establishments.

Further back in history, it was a swampy no-go area in line with the literal meaning of tai hang in Cantonese…”big drain”. Hardly the stuff of tourism brochures and glossy magazines.

Now, it’s a thriving new bar and restaurant precinct where locals congregate, we suspect, to avoid the tourists and the overpriced Central, Wanchai and Kowloon scene. It’s still a work in progress, and we find some irony in the idea of a smart café

next to a grotty car workshop….coffee with an oil change. But there’s a huge range of tiny eateries of many types…Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, German, Irish, Italian and even a burger bar. Some of these places are so small that they have waiting stools streetside because only 10 or so people can fit inside. It’s all very chummy.

Best news of all is that Causeway Bay/Tai Hang now has a raft of new hotels in addition to the ageing Excelsior, Regal and Park Lane.

There are budget digs, 3 star and 4 star lodgings and an interesting “boutique” choice called Lanson Place Hotel. With 194 rooms and suites it doesn’t strictly qualify as a boutique but it’s run along similar lines with a high level of personal service and a typically “European” ambience, including sculpted Murano glass chandeliers and a grand piano in the lounge which doubles as a breakfast room.

Rooms have a sofa and desk, two flat screen TVs, beds provide extreme comfort and the modern bathrooms with rain showers are squeaky clean. And the electric blackout blinds are so effective that we have to make sure the alarm clock is set, otherwise we’d be

sleeping all day.

One extraordinary feature of Lanson Place is the smart phone we’ve been given (on loan of course) at check in…to make not only local calls but free calls back to Australia! This is the first time we’ve seen this offered in any hotel, and it’s a trend we hope will continue across the board.

Likewise with the complimentary “goody basket” and a bottle of Italian wine. Classy!

We depart with the feeling that most Aussies will find the revitalised Tai Hang area appealing for many reasons… quirky bars, cute restaurants with names like Blisshive Bakery Café, Locomotive Vietnamese, The Pudding Nouveau and Peace Park… and an affordable boutique hotel to come home to late at night. For life starts after dark, and a superb Lanson Place breakfast awaits in the morning.

GO The best-value flight from the Gold Coast to Hong Kong is offered by Air Asia with their “FlyThru” service via Kuala Lumpur…the transit time in KL’s new Terminal 2 is painless, and fares are far less than the usual direct flights even in Premium Flat Bed class. hongkong.lansonplace.com discoverhongkong.com airasia.com

Victoria Park Hong Kong

Lanson Place Ho tel,

Causeway Bay

Do you want an Exciting, Fully Escorted African Adventure filled with up close and personal Interactions with Wildlife?

FastFACTS Hong Kong

Hong Kong

1842 – Ceded to United Kingdom following First Opium War 1898 – Britain obtains 99 year lease from China 1941 – Surrendered to Japan in WWII 1945 – WWII ends; British rule returns 1997 – 99 year lease ends ; Britain transfers sovereignty to People’s Republic of China www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

community news Straight Clues

Seniors Twospeed Crossword

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Garden pests (4,7) 7 Ethical 8 Go away 11 Important 12 Small tower 14 At that time 16 Times in history 19 An Arctic plain 22 A material 24 Attempted 25 Young women 26 Good eaters

1 Flea changes in special groups for plant pests (4,7) 7 Initially, men of revolution are legally concerned with principles 8 Permission to remove oneself 11 Pertinent piece of revival idealism 12 True and right in a small way about small tower 14 Certain article born at that time 16 Sound hesitant as shown in historic periods 19 Large cask half draped in huge northern plains 22 Posed in special smooth fabric 24 Tested with time to ride out 25 I’m sad about young female servants 26 Go on as terms provided for those who love dining

1 Meant to move after left in a dirge 2 Consumed about period to charge with gas 3 Lied about right of non-worker 4 Loves to get around and work out an enigma 5 Small company all left off a type of fuel 6 Took to court when badly used 9 One who takes sustenance or erodes 10 Right to travel via southern transport

DOWN 1 Song of sorrow 2 Put air into 3 Loafer 4 Find the answer 5 Type of fuel 6 Took to court 9 Diner 10 Permission to travel 13 Release 15 Grey with age 17 Racial bias 18 Flow stoppage 20 Beneath 21 A fiend 22 Male deer 23 Points

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 20

Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy Christmas

Available Sunday to Thursday this DECEMBER

December SPECIAL “Each Tuesday in December leading up to Christmas we invite you to play a round of golf or join in the bowls comp and then down to the Dining Pavilion for Bubbles and Nibbles. Lets celebrate Christmas together with a bit of fun!

Cheers, Stephanie, Philip and Andrew.”

13 One leaves female relative to let loose 15 Soho area somewhat white with frost 17 Car returning on doctrine in aggression to members of another nation 18 Stagnation of blood flow in a way in present condition 20 Below in noun derivation 21 Made monster hold a devil 22 Male party finishes as hot hula gig 23 Dumps helpful hints

Word Trivia Johnny -jump-up and niminy -piminy , each 12 letters long, are the longest words that can be typed using only those letters normally typed with the right hand. Lollipop (8 letters) is more common.

Oakey RSL sub-branch celebrates 80 years with book launch THE history of the Oakey RSL has been recorded in a new book now on sale at the Oakey RSL Club. Those Who Served, co-written

by Jan Lowry, the granddaughter of the first Oakey RSL president Mr Fred Lowry, and John M Coombs of the Oakey sub-branch was launched at the subbranch’s annual reunion dinner by Mr Max Foot, OAM, (Western District RSL president).

Mr Foot said it was a “personal honour to provide a forward to such a magnificent book”. Because the Oakey RSL has always been so involved in the Oakey itself. community, the book is The book, in 150 gloss as much the history of the sub-branch as it is of pages with older black

and white photos and modern coloured photos, details the

AN OLD woman prospector shuffled into town leading a tired old mule. The old woman headed straight for the only saloon to clear her parched throat. She walked up and tied her old mule to the hitch rail. As she stood there, brushing some of the dust from her face and clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other.

The young gunslinger looked at the old woman and laughed, saying “hey” old woman have you ever danced” The old woman looked up at the gunslinger and said, “No, I never did dance... Never really wanted to.” A crowd had gathered as the gunslinger grinned and said, “Well, you old bag, you’re gonna dance now,” and started shooting at the old woman’s feet. The old woman prospector - not wanting to get her toe blown off – started hopping around. Everybody was laughing. When his last bullet had been fired, the young gunslinger, still laughing, holstered his gun and turned around to go back into the saloon.

The old woman turned to her pack mule, pulled out a doublebarrelled shotgun, and cocked both hammers. The loud clicks carried clearly through the desert air. The crowd stopped laughing immediately. The young gunslinger heard the sounds too, and he turned around very slowly. The silence was almost

Page 30 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - December 2014

origins of the Oakey RSL, the soldiers memorial, the war

trophies and the memorial hall and later refurbishment. It also honours the hard working men and women of Oakey who have made such a great contribution to their community, including the RSL women’s auxiliary who cut 5000 sandwiches to go with the truck load of ice cream consumed in Oakey on the day of the royal visit in 1954.

On sale for $35, with profits going to welfare projects, the book is available at the Oakey RSL Club during trading hours. Also available are beer steins, wine glasses and spirit glasses with the Oakey RSL 80 year logo etched on them, for $10 each.

deafening. The crowd watched as the young gunman stared at the old woman and the large gaping holes of those twin barrels.

The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in the old woman’s hands, as she quietly said, “Son, have you ever kissed a mule’s backside?

The gunslinger swallowed hard and said, “No Maam... But...

I’ve always wanted to.” ****** There are a few lessons for us all here: 1 - Never be arrogant.

2 - Don’t waste ammunition.

3 - Whiskey makes you think you’re smarter than you are.

4 - Always, always make sure you know who has the power.

5 - Don’t mess with old women; they didn’t get old by being stupid... www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

WHAT’S ON Celebrate the joy of Christmas with Jackie Love JACKIE Love sings the Christmas carols that we all know and love today such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells and many other favourites.

Winner of awards including The Variety Club of Australia’s Excellence in Variety Heart Award and MO Awards Best Female Vocalist, Jackie Love has had a long career in music and theatre, producing three albums and performing a number of starring roles on stage. Empire Theatre, Thursday, December 11.

Camerata of St John’s – Heroic!

HEROIC! draws Camerata together with its outstanding alumnus, the Australian cellist Jamie Hey (principal cello of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra) and conductor and ABC Keys-to-Music presenter, Graham Abbott. It includes a relatively rarely played, superb cello concerto by CPE Bach and Camerata’s first ever performance of a Beethoven Symphony, in a season finale to remember. Empire Theatre, Friday, December 12.

ntthh moon this m Old time dance at Jondaryan Woolshed

ENJOY an old time dance on Saturday, December 13, in the beautiful Flagstone Creek Public Hall, now at the Woolshed at Jondaryan. Although not an original building from Jondaryan Station, this building typifies the determination and community spirit of the rural pioneers. Take a step back in time and enjoy a live band with a lucky spot and Monte Carlo, lucky door raffle and supper. Accommodation and camping facilities are available on site - reservations required. Phone 4692 2229 for more information.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Woolshed FINISH the year with an evening of fun and dancing at the New Year’s Eve Bush Dance at the Woolshed at Jondaryan. On offer this year will be bush dancing and a live band, fully licensed bar, delicious hot and cold dinner buffet, caravan and camping available onsite, big breaky on New Year’s day. Entry to the bush dance with the dinner buffet is $50 for adults, $30.00 for children. One free drink is included. Gates open at 5pm with the band starting at 6:30pm. Bookings are required so please phone 4692 2229 to save your place or for further information.

Glengallan Markets GLENGALLAN Homestead plays host to a seasonal market on the first Sunday of each season. Find an array of stalls and entertainment in the shadow of the impressive Glengallan Homestead. Relax in the beautiful grounds, take a tour of the homestead or take in the atmosphere while having a coffee and morning tea at the on-site cafe. The market is an ideal place to take home a handmade souvenir or homemade treat. Glengallan Homestead, New England Highway, between Allora and Warwick, Sunday, December 7, 8am to 1pm.

The Pops puts excitement into New Year’s Eve THE Queensland Pops Orchestra will again have the entertainment destination that will encompass musical fun at New Year. The Pops will ignite a celebration of the year gone and a joyous expectation of the year to come in a New Year’s Eve Gala Concert.

Featured artists Jason Barry –Smith and Katie Stenzel will lead us in Auld Lang Syne as well as songs from great theatre and musicals.

There will be a touch of G & S and the frivolity that Jason brings to these characters. The great love songs of music theatre will set your hearts on fire as we move towards the start of a new year. Along with stunning soloists from the orchestra, this year’s concert will feature award winning pianist Alex Raineri in the iconic Gershwin piano solo Rhapsody in Blue. Adding even more excellence to this stunning program will be young virtuoso violinist Cherin Lee. To ensure

patrons get the best concert experience there are two performances 6 pm and 9:30 pm. To complete the nights entertainment these concerts are scheduled to end in time for you to see the fireworks on the Brisbane River. A limited number of the Black Tie Packages are still available for the ultimate experience. Enjoy Moet and canapés on the rooftop of QPAC and mingle with the stars.

The Pops has launched its 2015 Concert Series and will again bring you a wide selection of musical experiences. Tickets are on sale now. Phone 136 246 or online qpac.com.au We are excited to announce that in 2015 the orchestra will also perform regionally in Toowoomba and Caloundra. For more information visit qldpops.com or join the Friends of the Pops and be the first to know what Patrick Picket has in store for you. Phone: 2378 1913

Twilight is the new black BESPOKE is a new boutique market situated in the beautiful Culliford House, 1 Godsall Street adjoining the picturesque Queens Park in Toowoomba. Showcasing unique and individual items made by talented artists and artisans from around the region, the first twilight Bespoke market will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 4pm to 8pm.

Answers on Page 20

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December 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

Brand NEW 2 & 3 Bedroom Units in All Suburbs in Toowoomba

Brilliant Spacious Floorplans • Classy Finishes • Value Packed HARRISTOWN - 4 / 6 PHYLLIS STREET 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Single Garage - $310,000

MIDDLE RIDGE - UNIT 1 / 7 COLLINGWOOD COURT 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Double Garage - $425,000

GLENVALE - TARAGON STREET 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single Garage, Duplex Units - $320,000

GLENVALE - TARAGON STREET 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single & Double Garage - from $335,000

MOUNT LOFTY - UNITS 1 & 2 / 23 SIDNEY STREET 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single Garage - $340,000 each

HIGHFIELDS - UNIT 1 / 10 ALEXANDER AVENUE 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single Garage - from $340,000

HIGHFIELDS - UNIT 1-4 / 41 HIGHGROVE DRIVE 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Double Garage - from $350,000

All Units AirbeConditioning • Dishwashers Blinds • Landscaping & Fencing We also have 2 and include 3 BR units• to constructed in Middle Ridge, East •Toowoomba, South Toowoomba and Highfields. All will be completely TURN KEY and will include blinds, screens, landscaping and fencing.

Buy and rent or move in immediatelly.

Ready to move straight in & enjoy - these could be for you!

If you have to sell your home before you can buy, no problem, call & discuss Lynn McLean 0419 650 370

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