February | March 2014

Snow Siren Antarctica’s Icy Charms

Classic Chocolate Mousse The French Way

Taking Flight Sochi’s Older Skiers

Your Medicines Question! Question! Question!

Setting Up A Business All You Need to Know

Kathy Lette Why I Rejected George Clooney contents February | March 2014

20 In It Together No one First Up expects to get Alzheimer’s 9 Letters 18 Live & Lette Live at age 63. Sandra Kimble London-based shares her personal journey. 12 News Australian author, 14 Executive Diary Kathy Lette, gives 24 Open For Business Rosemary Desmond Every good business 16 Campaigns a glimpse of her starts with a plan. hectic life. Lawyer Natasha Maynard Epicurean outlines the basics. 35 Books & Movies

28 Drum Beats Byron 37 Top S helf A light mauve Bay’s older residents have flower found in Cape York a novel way of dealing is our most coveted orchid, with loneliness. Casey-Ann says Mark A Clements. Seaniger checks it out. 38 Smooth as Silk Emmanuel 30 Agony Planner Mollois shares classic chocolate Struggling with mousse and crème caramel with superannuation, pensions Sarah Saunders. or property investments? 40 Snow Siren Adventurer Tom Colin Lewis has the Muller braves the cold to discover answers. Antarctica’s legendary charms. 31 Spare Change If money’s tight you can Time Out draw on your super 44 Tech Spec The golden and still work part time. rule of photo composition Craig Hall explains. 46 Winter Olympics 33 Your Medicines Drug Sochi’s older athletes side effects can be mistaken 48 Puzzles for a new illness. Question your doctor and know what 50 The Last Word you’re taking. Change at National Seniors

28 38 40

Cover Kathy Lette, high on life Photo: Nicky Johnston © 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 5 editor

This issue is about love. It’s for her son Julius. On page 18, Sarah Saunders Deep enduring love. she tells of her experience raising Editor In “First Up”, we mark 50 years since a son with Asperger’s and of the [email protected] Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton incredible young man he is now. first married. In the photograph, On page 20, love shines through Taylor walks the Oscars red carpet adversity. Relationship counsellor wearing a gift from Burton – a 69.42 Sandra Kimble, more used to carat diamond. They met on the set navigating other couples’ lives, Publisher of Cleopatra in 1963. She played generously shares her own story National Seniors Australia the title role and he, her lover Mark about husband Tom’s Alzheimer’s A.B.N. 89 050 523 003 Antony. Their marriage lasted ten diagnosis at only age 63. Suddenly, ISSN 1835–5404 years. A year after their divorce she says, they were two ordinary they remarried. A year later they people facing extraordinary Editor divorced again. It was, people said, circumstances. Sarah Saunders s.saunders@ a love too big to last. This Valentine’s Day take a moment nationalseniors.com.au For the vivacious Kathy Lette, to honour your own deep enduring the love is not for actor George love. An exquisite mauve orchid National Advertising Manager Clooney who she turned down while (p37) and a silky chocolate mousse Mark Smith working as a Hollywood scriptwriter. (p38) will inspire. [email protected] National Office contributors Level 18 215 Adelaide Street Sandra Kimball has worked in mental health for over 25 years as a Brisbane Q 4000 therapist, writer and educator in Australia and internationally. She is a relationship counsellor who offers couples retreats in Northern NSW Phone: 07 3233 9191 and the author of Relationships in Our 50’s, 60’s and Beyond – How Fax: 07 3211 9339 Yours Can Survive and Thrive, available at www.byrontherapy.com.au www.nationalseniors.com.au

Mark Clements is head of orchid research at the Centre for Australian Disclaimer National Biodiversity Research at the Australian National Herbarium, National Seniors Australia [NSA] in Canberra. His current research includes an orchid recovery plan for accepts no responsibility for the two nationally threatened species. He also maintains the Australian accuracy or completeness of any Orchid Names Index for all native orchid taxa. material herein and recommends readers exercise their own skill Natasha Maynard, from Brisbane firm CRH Law, completed a Bachelor and care with respect to the of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in 2005, and was admitted as a Barrister contents of the magazine. The magazine contains views and Solicitor in New Zealand in 2006 and as a Solicitor in Queensland and or recommendations which in 2008. Natasha’s practice areas are commercial, property and not-for do not necessarily reflect the views profit law. of NSA or its commitment to a particular course of action. Thomas E. Muller has spent a total of two months in Antarctica, his A reference to a particular person, favourite continent. The 74-year-old retired professor and National product, organisation or service in an advertisement or elsewhere in Seniors life member explores the far reaches of the Earth, hoping to the magazine in no way implies any encourage others to do the same. His adventures are featured on form of endorsement by NSA of www.KnowYourEarth.net that person, organisation, product or service. NSA disclaims to the Ian Malin has written for and Observer newspapers extent permitted by law all liability for for the last 30 years. He is the author of two books, Mud, Blood and claims, losses, expenses, damages Money, English Rugby Goes Professional; and a history of the England and costs the reader may incur as a result of, or associated with, the use rugby union team. This issue he goes in search of the Winter Olympics’ of the information contained herein oldest competitor. for any reason whatsoever. The publisher reserves the right to accept 50 something’s Agony Planner scribe is ipac technical services head, or reject any advertising or editorial Colin Lewis. Colin has over 20 years’ experience in superannuation matter. No part of this magazine and retirement incomes and has held senior may be reproduced, reprinted or otherwise duplicated without written regulatory, consulting and technical roles permission of the publisher. throughout the financial services industry. Printed by Horizon Media

6 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 letters

Men’s business Your 58-year-old patient, Vince, should have a cardiology referral for a number of reasons (Doug Lording, “Men’s Business”, 50 something, Dec 2013/Jan 2014). His GP should stop him smoking, as smoking is a contributing factor to his erectile dysfunction (ED). He should also be sent to a dietician, but because the ED is presumably caused by vascular disease, he should see a cardiologist, not only to have his blood pressure treated (any elevation of blood pressure should be treated and not ignored, provided the pressure rise is persistent and not just a one off “white coat” hypertension). He should have a full cardiac work up and, depending on the findings by the cardiologist, he may also have an angiogram (dye into the heart blood vessel) to see if he has a blockage of any vessels. Most importantly he must stop smoking. Dr Tibor Pietzsch Townsville Q

Family home in the assets test? close neighbours, rules and regulations, Work and save We are concerned the federal not because they’re miserly. I am nearly 78-years-old and growing government or a lobby group may Free camps allow one to get close to tired of the complaining about how hard want to include the family home in nature, build camp-fires in appropriate life is for retirees. an assets test that would seriously places, and enjoy the beauty of the I divorced at 50-plus and had less than disadvantage a large number of night sky while listening to natural $8000 to see me out. At that age work people dependent on the Age Pension. sounds in peace and quiet. was scarce, so I went contracting, with no overtime, holiday pay, or penalty This would be an impost not on Some people prefer the natural rates, just a flat rate per hour. today’s value but later in life as the environment, rather than spending home increases in value over time. their time in a miniature “suburbia”, Over the next 20 years I worked in every state of Australia and also Papua Often government puts out these meeting people instead of native fauna. New Guinea, all on contract. suggestions to test public reaction These grey nomads are more likely before proceeding. We hope National than their city counterparts to enjoy the A lot of years were spent in outback Seniors looks into this and provides environment and treat it with respect. mine sites but by working up to 60 hours serious opposition on behalf of per week, not buying caravans, boats, Don’t knock them. current model cars and such, I managed those currently receiving the pension H Beneke to gradually build up a bank balance. and those who would be eligible in Banksia Beach Q the future. I put any spare money into properties over a lot of years and by frugal living Ian & Sandra Gillies created my own ‘superannuation’ at Angaston SA Enjoy time left the time the government brought in Ed: National Seniors will oppose any My experiences tell me that behind their compulsory system. moves to include the family home in Peter Talbot’s brief note there is a I retired at 71 by realising my assets. the age pension assets test. This is great deal of pain, bewilderment and I now own my modest home, my car, a proposal raised by another interest a sense of hopelessness (“Letters”, have more shirts than I will ever wear group in the Commission of Audit 50 something, Dec 2013/Jan 2014). out and have enough left over, thanks submission process. If this is important May Peter and his wife enjoy their time to the pension to have an occasional to you, let us know. Email us at left together. I, too, have experienced holiday in a hired motor home. [email protected] the saga of my husband’s serious Life could be a lot worse. medical situations as a country town All I can say to those approaching ‘that resident. This lasted over 11 years and age’ is get yourself right out of debt Free camping is taking more to describe than a brief by busting your backside, and don’t Michael Kuilboer (Letters, 50 something, letter. A lesson must surely be learnt waste your production on gambling, Dec 2013/Jan 2014) should know from these stories. expensive trips and ‘McMansions’. that there are grey nomads who avoid Elspeth Hennessy JM caravan parks, their bright lights, Broome WA Redcliffe Q

50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 9 letters

Pay on time Vale David Deans I was dismayed and disappointed, I was very sad to read in 50 something (‘The Last Word’, Dec 2013/Jan 2014) that our former to read that “almost 250,000 senior chief executive David Deans had passed away. households have been unable to pay their utility bills on time” I was fortunate to be appointed as Charter President of the Brighton Branch in South (‘Bills stack up’, 50 something, Australia of National Seniors Association from 2001 to 2004 and Zone Chair for South Dec 2013/Jan 2014). Australia from September 2001 until May 2008. I thought most Centrelink customers At zone meetings and the AGM, both David Deans and I were early risers and when I went would be aware that it costs nothing into the dining room, David inevitably invited me to join him for breakfast. to get Centrelink to make regular This talented gentleman always gave me confidence in myself and good advice on my duties. periodic payments to utility providers on your behalf. Just make an David was a 24/7 hands-on person with National Seniors and I was very sorry when he appointment and then arrive with your resigned in 2006 due to ill health. utility bills, including council rates, and, Many thanks David. within a few minutes, arrangements will be in place to make payments. Ray Edwards Brighton SA This will not stop people getting bills but when they do arrive the bills will be greatly reduced to the point that after about 12 months many people Chatter Blogs will receive their accounts and they On car industry subsidies… may be in credit. The other benefit is that pensioners will know that “Holden is like any other business, it has to remain viable to exist. I had whatever Centrelink deposits in their my own business and if I failed to make a profit it was my responsibility, account is money for their own use and I didn’t expect a Government to come to my aid” – Grimbo after the bills have been paid. “If we want to trade internationally we must have something to trade and Kev Cummins manufacturing provides that for us. The Government has some serious Nowra NSW thinking to do to better place Australia for the future” – Bob B On a $6 GP charge… Expensive coffee “I disagree with this proposal as I see it as the thin end of a wedge. My week started with a coffee bought This is a cynical exercise in wealth distribution from the poor to at my favourite shop but it turned the rich” – Romaine out to be the most expensive coffee “We have to do something to stop the spiraling cost of health care. I have ever bought. $5 per visit is peanuts” – Young Val

I was well known to the shop’s staff, Find the Members’ Forum blog at www.nationalseniors.com.au except to the new girl who served me that day. I went about my daily business until I received a call from my bank to ask Write next issue’s best letter to WIN a Telstra if I had been doing my Christmas Easy Discovery 4 Mobile Phone (RRP $192). Shopping online. a The Easy Discovery 4 has big raised buttons I told the bank that the last transaction WIN and large fonts, and a simplified menu with I made was at the coffee shop. TELSTRA quick access to frequently used phone functions. It turned out that the new girl who Its ‘Hear the Number’ function means the phone served me that day didn’t return my MOBILE will speak each number back to you as you type. card, instead she went shopping, Dr Tibor Pietzsch wins a TEAC DVD Micro spending $6000 in three hours! System for the letter on page 9. I nearly fainted. Fortunately, within a PHONE week the bank refunded my money and the girl was caught red-handed. Please keep a close eye on your Write to: 50 something Letters, credit cards as you never know who is serving you. GPO Box 1450, Brisbane QLD 4001 Fax: (07) 3211 9339 Freda Garas Email: [email protected] Melrose Park SA Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity 10 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 first up executive diary

We have all seen the consequences of the ‘Not In My Backyard’ or Welfare groups want stronger safety NIMBY movement. Think of that social or industrial development nets, and the slashing of industry that has wide community support – as long as it’s in someone subsidies and retiree incentives. else’s neighbourhood. Retirees themselves have little capacity I have been reflecting on the NIMBY circumstances that arise in to respond to the costs resulting from Michael O’Neill a different context. My reflections were fine-tuned by the many unforseen policy changes. Pre retirees CEO National Seniors Australia reports about how the Government could manage the financial want their savings and superannuation outlook. Some of the commentary is quite extreme, far removed outlook maintained. Both groups from human realities. question measures such as school kids’ bonuses and extended maternity leave. Much of the reflection has been in the context of the Federal Government’s Commission of Audit. Commentators suggest In the fragmented health sector, competing interests will efficiencies can be found in the public service; foreign aid and press to protect their patch while pushing reform in other areas. research budgets; the Coalition’s proposed maternity leave So far, the focus has been on the $6 GP visit fee with little mention scheme; and industry subsidies such as those enjoyed by of drug subsidies, the Pharmacy Agreement, the medical colleges, General Motors Holden. Fees for Medicare-funded GP visits and dental services, and state and Commonwealth duplication. overseas consular support are being touted as revenue raisers. For a new Government the challenge is significant. Unemployment This comes not long after 2013 National Seniors membership is tipped to trend upwards, exacerbating the pressure on welfare polling which revealed a strong emphasis on economic demands. The community wants better economic management but management and a sustainable budget. In what’s shaping up not at the expense of core values such as a fair go and strong safety to be a year of cost-cutting, how do we reconcile better economic nets. It will also expect any pain is distributed across society – management with preserving long-accepted initiatives in areas consumers, business, all age groups and interests. No exceptions. ranging from health to retirement income? Finally, cutting expenditure has a role but so too does stimulating This is classic NIMBY territory for all interest groups. economic growth. The lessons from Europe provide a lesson on the Industry wants cuts in social areas but demands further need for growth and stimulation. deregulation, export development and training support. Now, watch the Nimbians run riot. n

The recent constitutional overhaul has given National Seniors members greater opportunity to contribute to, and influence, the direction of their organisation. We want you! Now, we want to hear from people who would like to be part of this new era. We need to establish a reformed National Council, an expanded Board Appointments Committee and create a National Policy Congress. Opportunities also exist in our State Policy Advisory Groups. All are central to the success of the organisation. The over 50s are a diverse group. If you believe your life or professional experience would be valuable to National Seniors, please contact us. Your contribution, whilst amounting to only several days a year, will be vital to the organisation. For full position descriptions visit www.nationalseniors.com.au or ring Gail (07) 3233 9189 for a printed copy. Written expressions of interest will be required to assist with the selection process.

David Carvosso Michael O’Neill Chairman Chief Executive cover story Live & Lette Live! A witty and still ‘fiercely proud Australian’, author and girl-about-London-town Kathy Lette, 55, gives Rosemary Desmond a glimpse into her very busy world.

From bored high school dropout to a Surviving one puberty is difficult enough. literary tour de force, Kathy Lette has Well, I’m about to endure my fourth. First been turning the book world on its head there was my real puberty, then the book since Puberty Blues burst on the scene Puberty Blues, then the Bruce Beresford in 1979. film and now, in my 50s, I’m reliving it all again in the TV mini-series. I recently She can add to her CV “writer in watched the Beresford movie for the first residence” at London’s Savoy Hotel, as time in 25 years. It was like watching well as the authorship of a number of a home movie. The boys I grew up with books, including a water-resistant one disproved the theory of evolution. They designed to be read in the bath. were evolving into apes. Yes, they had The often outrageous Kathy once serious pecs appeal and twinkly eyes, took friend to but also a three grunt vocabulary of “na”, a lap dance club for his 80th “dunno” and “ergggh”. Women were little birthday. She has also been more than a life support system to a pair photographed meeting the of breasts. All we were allowed to do Queen in an outfit screen- was mind the towel, fetch the Chiko roll printed with corgis. and massage male egos. Still, it’s been exciting to have the book reinterpreted Kathy, who once turned for a younger audience. The book and down a date with a budding film have achieved cult notoriety. I have American actor named lived in London for 23 years and young George Clooney, is now Aussies still dash up to me in the street married to high profile gasping “Go get me a Chiko roll and human rights lawyer DON’T TAKE A BITE OUT OF IT ON . THE WAY OR YOU’RE DROPPED!!” Together they have a son and a daughter. Why did you turn down a date with George Clooney? I read that you left school at 16 …why so young? A couple of producers at Columbia Studios had read my novel Girls’ Night Out and I’m an autodidact – it means invited me to Hollywood to work as a self-taught. I was bored at school. staff writer on this very successful sitcom I couldn’t understand why teachers called The Facts of Life. One of the female spent the first few years teaching teen characters needed a boyfriend, so we you to talk …and the rest of the cast this unknown actor called George time telling you to shut up. Even Clooney. He asked me out. I said no. though I was an A student, I “I’m a writer,” I said, haughtily. “I don’t left straight after my school go out with actors. They put other people’s certificate, much to my mother’s words in their mouths…and you never horror. She was a headmistress. know where they’ve been!” Years later, I’m But my determination to show in London, two babies, covered in vomit, her that failure wasn’t the only haven’t slept for years…when one of my thing I could be a success at, did old writer pals visited me from Hollywood. prove a strong motivating factor. ER was on in the background. “Oh, look at that Doctor Ross,” I sighed. “I could How much of Puberty Blues swim through my own drool to get near is based on your own life that love god.” My writer pal looked at experiences? me askance. “But that’s George Clooney. 18 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 He’s the guy we cast in the Facts of Life. People with autism have no filter. Do you visit Julian Assange in the I lay in the fetal position for two weeks, They say whatever they are thinking. Ecuadorean Embassy and is Geoffrey sobbing. This means socially, I sweat more than still representing him? Paris Hilton doing a Sudoku. For example, The Boy Who Fell to Earth tackles the Hugh Jackman was at my home for dinner I am very fond of Julian. Why shouldn’t subject of autism. Was it difficult for one night and I was flirting for Australia. we know what our government is doing you to write that as the mother of a son In my besotted, deluded mind we were in our name? I do visit him in the Embassy, yes. It’s the only place where I diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome? both just about to leave our spouses and elope to the Caribbean, when my son, don’t have to lock up my bike outside, as Two years ago I started writing my 11th then aged 13, walked in. I leapt up to there are so many police! And yes, Geoff comic novel, and suddenly this other book kiss him, casually commenting that he still advises him. When Julian made about a single mother raising a child with was growing a moustache. My son gave a cameo appearance in the Simpsons Asperger’s came pouring out. The Boy me a measured, objective once over. 500th episode, JA asked me to write his Who Fell To Earth ‘Well, so are you,’ he said, matter-of-factly. dialogue. My favourite quip involved the is a fictional tale socially, I sweat I could have deep-fried chips on my cheeks. barbecue Julian’s cartoon character was – I planned not ‘See all the hairs on your top lip? preparing for Homer and Marg. Marg to mention my more than Paris There’s millions of them. You have one asked for the recipe, to which Julian personal angle Hilton doing a or two on your chin as well.’ ” replied “I never reveal my sauces.” on the story. But Sudoku Not bad at short notice! then I was asked Did your friend John Mortimer enjoy by a journo, if it being taken to a lap dance club for his I read you have a lamp covered in notes was true that my own son has Asperger’s. 80th birthday? written by such people as Stephen Fry. I was flummoxed. Lying would imply that What else do you give a man of 80 who Are there any other big names on it? I was embarrassed about my child and has everything? At the very least I knew It sounds ridiculous, but it is quite fun, the opposite is true. I am fiercely proud he’d get a good Rumpole story out of it! after a few drinks, when people pen their of him. As my son was then 21, I decided The only trouble is, he was myopic so we quips for my light. Especially people like to ask his advice. Jules loves the novel had to sit right under the pole. John was Douglas Adams and George Harrison and and is sure, in his words, ‘that it will my best friend. I use to call him my toy John Mortimer – who are all so dearly make people more understanding and boy. But he’d laugh and say “Yes, but it missed. Their wit and wisdom shine on, less judgmental.’ He hopes the book will would take me two weeks to get a soft on.” on my poem light. encourage acceptance of eccentricities, I miss him every day. idiosyncrasies and difference. And show I understand your next book has a legal ‘aspies’ in all their quirky, off-beat, As another high profile ex-pat, do you setting. If it is not too soon to reveal, what brilliant glory. still call Australia ‘home’ or are you more is the title, when will it be released and Mothering a child on the autism spectrum of a ‘recycled Australian’? did Geoffrey help with some of the legal is like trying to put together a giant I’m not really an ex-pat. I went back to ‘background’? jigsaw puzzle without the benefit of Oz five times in 2013 for three or four having a coloured picture on the box. weeks at a time. And I’m fiercely patriotic. It’s tentatively called Subpoena Envy. Jules was diagnosed with autism, aged I spend a lot of time on BBC radio and And yes, Geoff is reading it right now three. All I knew was that it’s a lifelong TV defending my beloved homeland. for verisimilitude. disability characterised by an inability to And, as I’m related to a convict from the Do you think older women get a raw deal? communicate effectively. I now know that first and the second fleets, that makes it means not getting a joke, not knowing me the crème de la crim! Actually, Ageing to women what to say, then saying the wrong things, whenever any Brit is condescending to I fully intend is like kryptonite being told off but not understanding why, me about my Australian background, to have a to superman. doing your best but still getting it wrong, I repeat what my Grandma said when Show me a woman feeling confused, frightened, out of synch, I told her I was leaving to live in London. leopard skin who is happy all day, every day. “Oh, Kath, you can’t possibly go and Zimmer frame with her age and live in England. That’s where all those I’ll show you the Many, many experts, tests and schools terrible convicts come from!” electro-convulsive later, my son was re-diagnosed with therapy scorch marks. The trouble is, Asperger’s Syndrome, which is the high Your novels have been translated women suffer from facial prejudice – we functioning end of the autism spectrum. into several languages, which shows get judged on our looks in a way that men I no longer think there is any such the subjects have universal appeal. don’t. thing as normal and abnormal. Just That must be pretty satisfying for a writer? ordinary and extraordinary. And people Do you believe people should grow old I’m actually in about 17 languages with autism are the most interesting, “disgracefully”? exceptional people. My own son is now, which shows you that ‘girltalk’ Wikipedia with a pulse. is universal! Sadly, the sex war is still Yes! You may only be young once, but you raging. I do think it’s time to call a can be immature forever. That’s my motto. Tell me about the episode with Hugh truce…starting with blokes negotiating I fully intend to have a leopard skin Jackman and your son Julius… their terms of surrender! Zimmer frame. n

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DRUM Beats True to form, Byron Bay’s older residents are moving to their own beat. Casey-Ann Seaniger ventures into Northern NSW to meet members of the local drumming circle.

28 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 “I feel alive again,” declares Feather, as she “As they react to the beat of the drum, strides toward me in a flowing white kaftan. you can see more vocal activity, increased Upbeat and unreserved, Feather dons a eye contact, changes in their facial silver halo made out of Christmas tinsel expressions, their upper body is moving, as she floats among a crowd that has the blood is flowing into their fingers gathered at the local community centre and you can see their mind is thinking,’’ to celebrate the last drumming class of he says. the year. After conducting drumming classes to Within seconds, the facilitator, Gareth, people with a disability, Gareth – who strikes the first drum. owns his own business Sound Synergy – The faces around me light up, toes was inspired to comfort the elderly with start tapping, and the energy in the what he knew best – music. theatre is electric as the hypnotic rhythm “Music is one of the last things your mind reverberates through the theatre walls. holds on to and with even late stage Outside, Byron Bay’s streets are buzzing dementia, it (drumming) started working. with tourists, mostly backpackers and “Carers have told me, ‘we’ve never seen young hippies keen on drinking, drugs that person react, she never joins in, this and surfing. is the first time we have seen her smiling But the town is also occupied by a or anything like that’”. forgotten group, the many elderly people Gareth is paid a modest amount by the who have called this region home for community centre to conduct the weekly many years, long before Byron became Feather with drum facilitator, Gareth classes but it is clear he is much more the holiday mecca it is now. “They feel respected. They have being invested in the project. Over time, older people had become given this activity which has traditionally less visible in the community, with many “My whole idea behind this is to make aged been viewed as an activity for younger choosing to stay in the sanctuary of their care facilities think about activities that own homes instead of people but it’s something stimulate the mind and body. they are perfectly venturing outside. “For them, it’s an emotional release, they toes start tapping, capable of doing feel free to express themselves.” And it was the local and the energy in and they find it really Byron Community elating and energising. The drumming circle is just one initiative Centre, located on the the theatre is electric the community centre is running in an effort “Since it started it’s main strip of the town, to tackle social isolation. which noticed the been a huge success changing landscape on the streets outside, and we’ve had some saying their As part of the Byron Healthy Ageing prompting it to address social isolation arthritis has improved; we had another Project, the centre also runs weekly singing amongst the town’s older people. guy who has had a drop in his blood groups, free computer training sessions pressure and others who’ve said and is documenting local elders’ stories Staff at the community centre had it’s contributed to a more positive on a video blog. One of those sharing her heard about drumming classes making a difference to dementia patients in mental health.” stories is Feather Thompson, a Byron Bay neighbouring towns’ aged care homes. Drumming circles for the elderly local of 25 years. The centre’s community services manager, are rapidly spreading worldwide Feather knows what it Cat Seddon, approached the man behind in forward-thinking organisations is like to feel isolated. the work in aged care homes, Gareth like the one in Byron Bay. Feather knows After her husband died Jones, to trial the classes at Seniors Week. Therapists have long used what it is like of bone cancer 15 years music to connect people, ago, she struggled to be They were a hit, and the centre began particularly the elderly, and, to feel isolated social. After five years, running regular drumming classes. unlike speech, music is she decided it was time Every week around 35 seniors, who have processed in multiple areas to break free and says dubbed themselves the ‘Byron Elder of the brain. Drumming has drumming has helped soothe the pain. Beats’, gather to mingle, make friends and also been linked to reducing loneliness “The drum has soul, it just speaks to you,’’ release their energy through drumming. and isolation, and nursing homes have she says. Seddon says one of the key goals of the reported seeing increased energy levels project was to create a more age-friendly, and morale since drumming became part Wendy Saville, 74, from Lennox Head socially inclusive society. of the routine. is another singing the praises of the drumming group. “For many, it’s given them a purpose each It’s something Gareth can vouch for after week because it’s not like going to play seeing remarkable changes in people “I just found a whole new life had opened bingo or lawn bowls. suffering late-stage dementia. up for me; I couldn’t stop smiling’’. n

50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 29 DESTINATIONS

We’ve got the guide to some of the Members from: $5,820* globe’s best destinations at the best Non-members from: $6,001* Members SAVE: $181 member prices! Our brand new Departs: Multiple departures travel brochure, Destinations, is out Airfares included now and it’s filled with ideas and 21 Day Magnificent China inspiration for your next trip. Experience a journey through China’s most famous sites. Commencing in Beijing, take a walk along the Great Wall and discover the Forbidden City. Get in touch with us to find out more! Marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian and relax on a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River. If you wish to savour the many wonderful sights of China, you will find this tour to be quite magnificent!

LAST SEATS

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Members from: $11, 440* Members from: $4,329* Non-members from: $11,840* Non-members from: $4,529* Members SAVE: $400 Members SAVE: $200 Departs: 24 Oct 2014 Departs: 17 Oct 2014 Airfares included. Partner fly free Airfares additional 24 Day South America Explorer (Amazon Lodge) 15 Day Cruise the Panama Canal Explore the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo, take the Vistadome Train Enjoy a 14 night cruise in a mini suite from Miami to Los Angeles on board to the famous Inca City of Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour. Take a the Norwegian Star. Sample the Latin American flavours of sultry Miami. guided walking tour of the Brazilian Falls and Argentinian Falls in Iguazu, tour Discover the ancient walled city within dazzling Cartagena, a UNESCO World the floating Uros islands on Lake Titicaca, experience gaucho life with an Heritage Site. Discover the natural beauty of unspoiled Huatulco. Enjoy the Estancia stay and enjoy a tango show and dinner in Buenos Aires. truly beautiful Puerto Vallarta with its pristine white shores.

Members from: $6,780* Members from: $9,350* Non-members from: $6,990* Non-members from: $9,640* Members SAVE: $210 Members SAVE: $290 Departs: Multiple departures Departs: Jul, Aug 2014 Airfares additional Airfares additional 23 Day Norwegian Coastal Voyage and Nordic Cities 20 Day Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari Combine the spectacular voyage along the Norwegian Coast with an Experience the annual wildlife migration in Kenya and Tanzania. Enjoy independent tour of the Nordic capitals: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and spectacular scenery including Shaba/Samburu, the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru’s Helsinki. This is an all-encompassing itinerary offering a variation of traditional flamingos, the waterholes and grasslands of incredible Ngorongoro Crater culture, breathtaking scenery and modern city life. Enjoy a 6 day voyage on and the infamous Masai Mara. Finally, relax and explore the exotic spice the Hurtigruten Mail ship of Norway as well as the famous Flåm Railway. island of Zanzibar. Shorter safaris are available upon request.

*Prices are per person twin share and were correct at the time of printing but may fluctuate. Bookings are only confirmed with a deposit and are subject to availability at time of payment. For full terms and conditions visit nationalseniorstravel.com.au or speak to your National Seniors Travel consultant. Call us for a full itinerary on these 1300 88 37 50 tours or visit our website. nationalseniorstravel.com.au Winter Olympics time out Top of the World

Boasting events like bobsleigh, curling and aerial skiing, Ian Malin goes in search of Sochi’s older competitors and finds some true characters of the Men’s Slalom Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe, Winter Olympics. this year’s oldest competitor, at the 2010 Winter Olympics

In the Black Sea resort of Sochi about to become the second polished granite stones being slid the Winter Olympics are about to oldest Winter Olympian in history. across a rink towards a target of start with the familiar greeting to Von Hohenloe will not be standing four concentric circles, is not the “youth of the world” to come garlanded on the winners’ podium in necessarily the preserve of the together in the spirit of Baron Pierre Sochi. The prince has never finished fifty-something. Britain’s curlers de Coubertin. The French aristocrat higher than 26th in 14 Olympic ski are in their twenties and thirties. and founder of the modern Olympic races since he first qualified for the Their most high-profile competitor movement would not have imagined 1984 Sarajevo games. Eve Muirhead. She is 23. that among the competitors in He may be one of sport’s eccentrics Von Hohenloe is not alone, though, Russia would be but eccentricity in his quest to defy anno domini. a man who, at the Launching yourself into only carries Clyde Getty is aiming to compete opening ceremony, you so far in for Argentina in aerial freestyle skiing. had just passed his mid-air from the height of the demanding Getty was born in the United States 55th birthday. Harbour Bridge discipline of the to Argentinian parents 52 years Hubertus Rudolph may seem foolhardy Alpine skiing ago. He is the oldest competing von Furstenberg- slalom. Yes, freestyle skier in the world. von Hohenlohe- there will be “Age doesn’t matter,” is the mantra Langenburg (or Hubertus von shades of grey on the white slopes of Getty but most men 30 years Hohenlohe for short) is the name of Sochi but the cold fact of most younger would surely cringe at the the headline writers on sports winter sports is that they are tougher idea of launching themselves off a pages everywhere have come to than ever for the middle-aged to terrifyingly high ramp and performing dread. Like the French aristocrat compete in on the world stage. a triple back-flip in mid-air. de Coubertin, he is from a Even the odd sport of curling, Getty did his little bit of aerial ballet wealthy family, a German prince a game first played in medieval at the Turin games of 2006 and of Mexican descent, and he is Scotland and which features landed face down in the snow. 46 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014 He got up again to middle-aged people acknowledge the happy to watch the cheers of the crowd Sochi Games from the who feared the worst. comfort and warmth That, eight years on, of their armchairs but he is competing again there will always be is proof of his raw older competitors for courage if nothing else. whom the adrenalin As is the courage of rush of winter sports Noriaki “Kamikaze” is hard to resist. Kasai, a 41-year-old My own favourite is Japanese ski jumper another Briton, James who is about to contest Coats, who competed his seventh Winter in the skeleton bob at Olympics. Kasai, who St Moritz in 1948 at the has taken part in a age of 53. Coats was record 484 World Cups, a veteran of the Cresta says he wants to break Run at St Moritz. “She is more records. a powerful and attractive Launching yourself into mistress and severe are mid-air from the height the rebuffs she will give to of Sydney Harbour even her ardent suitors,” Bridge may seem said the daredevil and Photo: Clive Rose/Getty © foolhardy for most utterly potty baronet. n

Ten years ago a national dream was realised with the completion of the rail line between Alice Springs and Darwin. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this epic event you can experience this unforgettable adventure with an incredible20% off our 10 most popular packages. But with a strictly limited number of these popular packages available, you’ll need to be quick. Feel free to ask about our other holiday packages. 5 days 6 days 4 nights 5 nights

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PEAK SEASON 20% OFF PRICE PEAK SEASON 20% OFF PRICE Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta Darwin, Jumping Crocodiles Cruise, PP PP $ ADULT and Outback. $ ADULT Katherine & Alice Springs. 1741 TWIN Package Code 208AU 2368 TWIN Package Code 2050AD Includes: • Two day Central Australia tour by Includes: • City tour of Darwin sights. • One night on board The Ghan, Gold Service luxury coach, Uluru sunrise and sunset • Two nights onboard The Ghan, Gold Service • Jumping Crocodiles plus Fogg Dam and Twin Share. tours, guided Mala Walk, Kata Tjuta Twin Share. the Window on the Wetlands tour. • Transfers to Alice Springs and Uluru. including walking at Walpa Gorge and • Station to hotel transfer in Darwin. • All meals and beverages onboard. • Two nights accommodation in Alice Springs. accommodation. • Three nights accommodation in Darwin. • All meals and beverages onboard.

*Save up to price based on the 20% peak season discount applied to the Adult Gold Service Package per person twin share price, with single pricing available. 20% discount not available on the brochure low season package prices. Pricing in Australia’s Great Train Holidays brochure may not match the package pricing included in this brochure due to this brochure being based on peak travel season. Package prices may also vary with different hotel selections. Alternative directions of travel available on some packages and prices may vary. For new bookings from 6 January 2014 to 28 February 2014, for travel from 1 May 2014 to 31 October 2014. Pension Concession fares also available. All fares listed are one way. All fares include fuel price surcharge. Offer subject to availability at time of booking and may not be available on the date first requested. Blackout dates may apply. A 50% deposit is required at time of booking. Full payment is required 45 days prior to departure date. Offer is non-refundable; 100% cancellation fees apply. Booking, credit card and amendment fees may apply. Not available with any other offer except Accompanied Motorail 50% discount for Platinum and Gold Service guests. All fares and timetables are subject to change without notice. All fares quoted in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply. For general terms and conditions of carriage please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au Travel Agent License No. TTA16419 04112CDBD 0114 The Last Word time out

For the past two and a half years, the The National Council has resolved Board of National Seniors Australia that a consideration in selection has been working to a strategic for these particular positions will plan, developed in 2011 to guide be demonstrating involvement with the organisation through the years branches or zones. The other five 2012-2015. members will simply be selected on merit – based on their ability to Under two of the key priority areas in demonstrate knowledge of, and that plan, the Board was committed to ability to represent, the issues achieving strong governance standards affecting the over-50s. built on transparency, independence and accountability and undertook to • The establishment of a National refine the structure of the organisation Policy Congress comprising the to ensure it supported the achievement Board plus Policy Advisory Group of our purpose. Chairs from all States and Territories, together with five representatives With the direction established in our of National Council and five Strategic Plan, the Board and senior members from the general executive reviewed the constitution membership, all selected through and members had the opportunity an expression of interest process. to give feedback on the draft. This was amended as a result of the Expressions of interest will be assessed feedback and vigorously discussed by a Board Appointments Committee and debated at the National Council which, under the new constitution, meeting held in late November 2013. will comprise three members of The new constitution was put to the National Seniors (selected by an vote and accepted at the National expression of interest process) Seniors Annual General Meeting and two directors. held on the 25 November 2013. These two major reforms to the What do the changes mean for governance of National Seniors National Seniors members? ensure that we are truly responsive to, and informed by, the diverse Besides tidying up the constitution needs and expertise of all our legally, the two major changes are: members in drawing on their • The new constitution recognises knowledge and their deep equally, all members of the understanding of the priorities organisation. The previous of over-50s. constitution denied members who On page 14 of this edition, were not branch attendees, the expressions of interest are right to be on the National Council being sought for the various new and therefore the right to vote at governing bodies of our organisation. the AGM. The new constitution I urge members with the zeal and gives all financial members an equal demonstrable belief they have a right, through an expression of contribution to make in these interest process, to nominate and forums, to take the time to submit be selected to be part of a more an expression of interest as set compact National Council comprising out in the special insert. the Board plus 10 members. Five of these members will be drawn from geographical areas and will represent David Carvosso not only branches and zones, Chairman but all members in those areas. National Seniors Australia 50 50 SOMETHING February/March 2014