december2018 : simplebooklet.com

Foreword Welcome to our latest issue of Retirement Australia Living featuring some great articles specifically targeting our dedicated over 50 s readership Dr Jeremy Cumpston from Ageless Clinics with over 50 years experience in preventative and aesthetic medicine contributes our must read lead article in Health and Wellbeing Thank you for the great articles from Chris O Brien Lung Foundation and Prostate Buddies Please take advantage of terrific savings exclusively for our Retirement Australia Readers with a 200 discount per person for Explore The World For Less with Gate 1 Travel Get active with Active Travel Thank you to Explore Motor Homes for those great ladies in vans Please enjoy the resort lifestyle with Living gems check out the exclusive limited edition land release at Bermagui or the superb properties at the Cove Forster the waterfront at Tuncurry and a new vision for over 50 s living from Seachange Lifestyle Resorts In finance we have illuminating articles from the Welfarefund and Easy Loan Checkout all that s mobile from Quingo Also a huge thank you to all our not for profit partners in Wills and Bequests The Sydney Chilldren s Hospitals Foundation the Cancer Council and many more A thank you to all our sponsors contributors and advertisers for your support and fantastic input Without you we wouldn t be able to produce this landmark edition of Retirement Australia Living Please check out our beautiful website at www retirementaustralialiving com au for comprehensive up to date news and articles targeting our over 50 s audience It is continuously being updated so remember to check in weekly for all the latest articles and browse through the different categories To receive the latest information please subscribe for our twice yearly glossy magazine and quarterly E News letters We strive to maintain our position as the number one over 50s platform in Australia Thanks again to our readers our sponsors contributors advertisers and those not mentioned in this brief foreword Best wishes to all our readers Please enjoy from everyone at Retirement Australia Living Retirement Australia David Hayes Executive Director 0450953619 david hayes onlinepublications com au Graphics Department nina onlinepublications com au Online Publications Retirement Australia Living PO Box 372 Newport Beach NSW 2106 www onlinepublications com au www retirementaustralialiving com au ageless CLINICS As publishers and owners of Retirement Australia Living we are declaring that the information contained in the publication is for general information purpose only While we endeavour to provide correct information we make no representations or warranties and give no advice any kind expresser implied about the completeness accuracy reliability suitability effectiveness correctness or availability of any information text data chart image contact details articles announcements advertisements products claims services qualifications or related graphics contained in the publication for any purpose Any action by you or failure to act by you or reliance you place on any information in the publication or any of the content of the publication is therefore strictly at your own risk and we take no responsibility and accept no liability for any consequences direct or indirect The inclusion in this publication of any advertisement article advertorial announcement information contact details listing image design chart data mark or representation does not constitute and does not imply advice recommendation or endorsement by us or the associated practitioners service providers services products claims opinions or views 3

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Looking to buy into a lifestyle resort If you re considering right sizing your lifestyle as part of your retirement plan then the question of how to finance this next stage of life can be daunting for some It is an often stated view that Baby Boomers are typically cash poor and asset rich making right sizing an attractive way to free up the equity in your home Living Gems General Manager Vlad Pullich said that Opal by Living Gems is designed for active over 50s and offers a popular formula to home ownership which is beneficial financially and offers peace of mind to homeowners Premium and affordable homes are available as part of a master planned community says Mr Pullich Homeowners can relax and enjoy the freedom of onsite management as well as the security of living within a gated resort Homes at Living Gems Toowoomba start at 350 000 and homes at Opal by Living Gems start as low as 282 000 Buyers have the option of two or three bedroom homes with two bathrooms impressive interiors and stylish standard inclusions If the average family home sells for 450 000 buyers can use part of this equity to buy into a lifestyle resort and allow the remainder to work as an investment Living Gems sales manager Victoria Dent said that each resort is located close to local amenities and picturesque day trip locations Marcoola beach is only five minutes from Living Gems Pacific Paradise one of Queensland s best beaches Homeowners can also drive 30 minutes to reach Noosa and enjoy scenic walks through the National Park Living Gems Toowoomba is positioned in the beautiful Darling Downs region home to the Toowoomba Flower Festival and an array of wonderful parks and gardens The Glass House Mountains are a short 20 minute drive from Living Gems Caboolture a truly breathtaking destination Homeowners also have easy access to Brisbane City which is 55 minutes from the resort Homeowners at Opal by Living Gems enjoy the resort walking trails that follow Quinzeh Creek and loop around the resort lake Mount Tamborine is also within 30 minutes of the resort The premium high set country clubs are the centrepiece of each resort and have been designed on a grand scale The country clubs are the central hub of activity catering to a myriad of recreational activities The facilities include the following a bar lounge area ballroom with dance floor theatre stage change rooms commercial kitchen meeting room arts and crafts room workshop cinema music room hair salon library games room consultation room BBQ pavilion lawn bowls heated swimming pool spa sauna and a tennis court Homes at the resort are stamp duty exempt also there are no deferred management fees to worry about when purchasing a home with Living Gems For more information 1800 785 594 www livinggems com au lyn livinggems com au LIFESTYLE RESORTS Designed for active over 50s Call 1800 785 594 www livinggems com au

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AUSTRALIA Seachange Lifestyle Resorts It s not just changing where you live but how you live A new vision for over 50 s living The Pradella Group is one of Queensland s longest running and most awarded privately owned property development companies In 2009 Pradella started Seachange Lifestyle Resorts with their first flagship resort on the Gold Coast Seachange Arundel Pradella s vision was to establish a benchmark in community living for over 50 s that would set the standard for everything to come The traditional retirement village model did not appeal with costly exit fees and complicated and purchasing structures Pradella knew that there had to be a more innovative alternative to bring to the market The multi award winning Seachange Arundel Gold Coast Their desire to create this vision took the company s directors overseas and it was in Florida in the United States that a refreshing new approach was found Pradella took the principles behind what they saw and built a first class facility that operates as a lifestyle resort filled a calendar of interesting activities and events where like minded residents could interact as a true community One where people would choose to live not begrudgingly but willingly at a much younger age A place where people could focus on what should be the best time of their lives Ten years on from this it is clear that their vision has been realised The Arundel project has flourished into a vibrant community of active residents and been awarded by industry bodies such as the UDIA Master Builders Association and Housing Industry of Australia The second Seachange Lifestyle Resort at Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast replicated this success selling out entirely in an 18month period With a tried and tested model clearly mapped out Seachange is poised for expansion with the launch this year of both Seachange Riverside Coomera on the Gold Coast and Seachange Toowoomba To find out more about Seachange Lifestyle Resorts you can visit www seachangelifestyleresorts com au or make a time to visit one of the resorts by calling 1800 546 655

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A Seachange Comes to Toowoomba Most often a sea change describes the move from a city in favour of a better life in a coastal community The release of the first stage of Seachange Lifestyle Resort Toowoomba has left many locals wondering how they can have a sea change whilst remaining in the beautiful Darling Downs region Pradella Property Ventures the company currently developing the new Seachange Toowoomba Resort on Hampton Street have taken this inherent concept of a change for the better and shaped it into a core philosophy A true seachange is not just changing where you live but how you live You don t need to move to a coastal location to enjoy a better lifestyle says Director of Sales and Marketing for Seachange Alex McMahon It s about enjoying an easier life where you have the opportunity to reward yourself for a lifetime of hard work The resident s country Club at Seachange Emerald Lakes Gold coast It will feature a 5 star Country Club and recreational facilities that have been design to nourish the mind body and soul Seachange Toowoomba will be the fourth Lifestyle Resort to be built by Pradella Property Ventures and like each of their existing award winning projects it will feature a 5 star Country Club and recreational facilities that have been design to nourish the mind body and soul Love the way you live Seachange Riverside Coomera is the Gold Coast s newest riverfront resort designed for over 50s This boutique development has set a new benchmark in innovative building solutions and architecture combining modern design with beautiful community spaces in a unique location Understanding the importance of the delivery of amenity upfront Seachange has committed to provide residents with one of its two facilities at an early stage the River House It is positioned on the eastern boundary and connects directly to the riverfront The River House will be finished by November 2018 It features a library billiards room kitchen and will connect seamlessly on to the large open alfresco decking onto the pool overlooking the beautiful Coomera River Much is said about the benefits of community living and this resort s amenity will allow Seachange s first residents to connect with family friends and their neighbours in an environment that promotes relaxed living and never ending options for activities and entertainment To nourish the mind they have incorporated a library arts and craft studio and workshop so you can continue to develop your life skills and hobbies To nourish the body there will be the best sporting facilities including bowls green tennis court indoor and outdoor heated pools and gym so you can keep fit and fabulous To nourish the soul they have designed beautiful community spaces where you and your friends can come together to share and create memories Stage 1 of Seachange Toowoomba is now under construction with the first homes and Summer house facility with swimming pool tennis court BBQ and entertaining facilities due for completion at the end of Octoer The resorts sales office is open Monday Saturday 9am 5pm for those who want to learn more Call 1800 546 655 or visit www seachangelifestyleresorts com au Seachange Toowoomba s Summer House facility due for completion October 2018 Pradella s newest Gold Coast Resort offers a stunning riverfront location HEALTH WELLBEING Retirement Australia 15

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NAD The Fountain of Youth Discovered NAD is the fuel of the energy production units of our cells called Mitochondria Mitochondrial decline is linked to the most crippling of age related diseases including Parkinson s Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer s High NAD levels are essential for mitochondria to drive normal cellular communication convert food into energy maintain metabolic rate and most importantly prevent and repair DNA damage DNA damage occurs daily through oxidation by reactive oxidation species or ROS s which are a simple by product of us living and breathing The DNA damage results in coding errors in our DNA This leads to the formation of abnormal proteins that ultimately lead to inflammation and life threatening chronic disease like Fatty Liver Alzheimer s Heart Disease and Diabetes Human NAD levels peak at age 20 By 40 years of age the levels have halved By age 60 they have dropped to 25 of the youthful levels This is not good news for the mitochondria fuelling our cells as they rely on NAD to maintain powering normal cellular function When NAD levels within mitochondria decline by direct damage tissue or brain injury or oxidative stress caused by normal ageing the mitochondria can no longer support normal cellular and intercellular communication When NAD levels become critically low the mitochondria mark themselves for death and when mitochondria die the cells die The cells of our body when NAD levels decline are like a toy with no batteries the whole organism comes crashing down More significantly scientists have now discovered that low NAD levels lead to the up regulation think turn on switch of age acceleration genes like the ones that code for Arthritis Heart Disease Alzheimers and of course Cancer In other words low NAD levels are the switch for accelerated decline of any living organism The most startling proof of this hypothesis came from a joint UNSW and Harvard University study published worldwide to much acclaim in March of 2017 In the study fifty control mice were provide a normal diet and lived to a human average of 80 odd years Fifty active treatment mice were given an NAD boosting vitamin supplement in their diet and lived on average 20 longer some reaching the human equivalent of 130 years or longer NAD is rightly being described as a wonder molecule since the discovery of its pivotal role in maintaining cellular vitality via the mitochondria In Sydney s Bondi Junction Dr Jeremy Cumpston has established the first NAD treatment facility in the Asia Pacific region called AgelessNAD He has been working with the NAD molecule for the last two years using a combination of intravenous NAD and oral maintenance doses of NAD to treat a variety of neurological based disorders Dr Cumpston trained in the USA with the After months of research I came to understand that NAD has been used in treating addictive disorders since 1930 in USA and has been used regularly in South Africa since the early 1960 s with unparalleled success in treatment of alcoholism and other mood and addictive disorders The positive effect on brain chemistry cellular communication along with the established cognitive benefits and DNA repair higher NAD levels confer made it an attractive natural treatment modality to offer Australian patients The results we have had in treating addiction anxiety depression PTSD and chronic fatigue with IV NAD have been exceptional and have led us to develop a more affordable and accessible oral NAD treatment protocol using high grade oral NAD A recent 2017 home grown peer reviewed paper in the New England Journal of Medicine by the Victor Chang Institute has confirmed that maintaining high NAD levels is the critical factor determining prevention of genetic abnormalities in newborns and prevention of spontaneous abortion Another paper published this year has shown oral NAD has been able to reverse cognitive decline associated with early onset Alzheimers disease More significantly scientists have now discovered that low NAD levels lead to the up regulation think turn on switch of age acceleration genes like the ones that code for Arthritis Heart Disease Alzheimers and of course Cancer In the last decade doctors geneticists and a plethora of Nobel Peace Prize winning scientists have realised one of the most important keys to extending human life has been sitting right in front of us for over 90 years It is the energy source of every living cell and it is a coenzyme think vitamin called NAD I came to be interested in NAD in 2016 after a patient of mine underwent a NAD Brain Boost treatment at a clinic on Harley Street in London The patient was a very successful young business entrepreneur who suffered from regular bouts of depression anxiety and low energy fatigue probably related to his high stress lifestyle His experience with a single treatment of NAD by IV infusion was so profoundly positive that he begged me to investigate provision of the same in Australia treatments pioneering doctor Dr Richard Mestayer III who has been using NAD for nearly 20 years for the effective treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders Dr Mestayer s use of NAD in his facility in Springfield Louisianna has to date delivered sobriety rates cure rates that are in the order of 60 80 three times that of standard rehabilitation clinics worldwide The NAD treatment has now been effectively extended to treat other neurodegenerative disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease Parkinson s and Alzheimer s with impressive results Says Dr Cumpston The last word is best summed up by Dr Cumpston The scientific community worldwide is aware of the importance of maintaining NAD has on repairing DNA and thus extending life and quality of life In terms of its use in humans we are at the beginnings of understanding the exact dose protocols Our work at AgelessNAD thus far has delivered results above expectation and certainly anyone with a family history of Alzheimers or Parkinson s would be advised to consider doing more research and considering NAD oral therapy It certainly improves mood and cognitive function in healthy adults and has been proven to aid memory and cognition in patients with early Alzheimers I think anyone wishing to prevent neurodegeneration may gain significant benefit from this affordable co enzyme vitamin supplement For more information of NAD in Australia go to www agelessnad com au Lucy Landers HEALTH WELLBEING Retirement Australia 17

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Turning Back the ClockSome New Developments in Anti Ageing Old age ain t no place for sissies Bette Davis Discoveries for restoration of vitality are improving welcome news for our community aging beyond our fifties and sixties Grumbles resound of inflamed joints burgeoning waistlines weakening muscles and wilting skin At Ageless Dr Jeremy Cumpston has formulated a system of living for vitality which he sets out below YOUR FORMULA FOR VITALITY Dr Jeremy Cumpston Ageless Clinics AgelessNAD Having spent years researching all manner of medicines practices and treatments that may not have promised a fountain of youth but at the very least offer a gulp at the cup marked Ageing Gracefully I thought I might share the very little things I have gleaned ATTRACT WATER MOLECULES TO FACIAL SKIN WITH BEAUTY BOOST Skin aging is a result of loss of volume mostly in loss of proteins that not only give skin its elasticity and bounce but most importantly draw water to the skin and keep it hydrated To preserve skin moisture elasticity and water volume use sunscreen and prevent UV related damage and removal of essential skin proteins to promote skin repair everyone over 40 should use topical retin A doctor prescribed three to five times a week at night remember to only use a pea sized amount and avoid thin skin under eyes and mucous membranes In order to replace skin hydration and elasticity there is no better treatment that I have found in 10 years of cosmetic practice than the Beauty Boost treatment that uses micro dots of injectable filler across the skin surface resulting in an even coverage of water attracting sugar molecules mixed with potent antioxidants and skin boosting amino acids One treatment can reverse skin age by 12 36 months and visibly tension and support sagging skin on the face and neck IT S ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT OR RATHER HOW LITTLE YOU CAN EAT The unequivocal scientific evidence is that the best way to stay healthy past 50 60 70 and beyond is to start intermittent fasting Fasting raises growth hormone and a molecule called NAD that is essential for restoring cellular DNA Basically ageing occurs because our DNA gets damaged by oxidative stress what happens when you eat and breathe and burn fuel to keep moving ie life Low NAD cellular decline and cell death Particularly not eating past 5 pm at night can literally double your NAD and hence help repair your DNA which slows body decline So if you want to keep going start fasting Try the 5 2 eating regimen of semi fasting twice a week eating around 500 calories and eating a regular healthy diet the rest of the week 3 EARLY TO BED Sleep is essential for keeping growth hormone and NAD levels high Without enough sleep the body will become inflamed on this will accelerate the loss of NAD An inflamed unrested body is under stress and this will literally takes years off your life 4 EAT THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW Polyphenols in bright coloured fruit are incredibly important anti oxidants that prevent vascular and cellular damage So if you can eat fresh and colourful you will be eating this way for a lot longer 5 CONSIDER MEDICATION NAD BOOSTER Science has reached exciting new levels with the potential anti ageing longevity potential of taking NAD enzyme supplements to boost your bodily level of NAD If you want to boost your NAD then I suggest getting a compounded formula of NAD double encapsulated tablets A dose of 200mg is appropriate for most requiring a doctor s prescription At AgelessNAD we specialise in NAD biochemistry methylation issues and the appropriate doseage of NAD to support healthy ageing 30 DAY BIG EVENT SKIN AND DIET PLAN Make young reunion a day to remember DIet Plan Day 1 30 Skin Plan Day 1 30 Drink more water2 5 L a day Take fish oil two times daily with vitamin B and Vitamin C Have a facial every week till the event Walk 30 40 minutes daily to improve skin circulation Cut out all sugars and wheat where possible So if its white or alcoholic it is GONE Use Retin A 4 5 x weekly at night Consider low dose antiwrinkle injection for excess facial wrinkles Replace one meal a day with a low calorie shake ie OPTIFAST MEAL REPLACEMENT Consider doing 3ml Beauty Boost 1 week prior to the event Do Not eat past 6pm at night and ensure your last meal is a small serve of protein and vegetables 18 Retirement Australia HEALTH WELLBEING For more information on the science of NAD go to www agelessnad com au

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Streptococcus Pneumoniae Urgent community plea to reverse declining vaccination rates against fatal lung infection this Pneumonia Awareness Week Lung Foundation Australia is teaming with researchers doctors and patients Australia wide during Pneumonia Awareness Week 13 20 May 2018 to call for proactive community action to address the declining vaccination rates against pneumococcal pneumonia1 an infection responsible for more than 15 000 GP visits 8 000 hospitalisations and 2 000 deaths among those aged over 65 each year 2 Their call coincides with an article published in MJA Insight by UNSW Vaccine and Infection Research Lab VIRL researchers Sydney urging governments and doctors to work harder to reinforce the public health message regarding the seriousness of the potentially life threatening but preventable infection pneumococcal pneumonia 3 The article reveals pneumonia ends lives prematurely even in wealthy countries today with access to the best health care It also reinforces that the main tools to prevent the most common cause of pneumonia streptococcus pneumoniae responsible for an estimated 20 per cent of pneumonia cases in Australia are vaccines 3 According to article co author and infectious diseases researcher Dr Rob Menzies UNSW VIRL Sydney right a healthcare professional s recommendation to vaccinate or otherwise is the most influential factor determining whether a person chooses to protect against vaccine preventable infections 3 22 Retirement Australia HEALTH WELLBEING

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We re achieving a 93 per cent pneumococcal vaccination rate among Australian children 3 Yet we re failing to achieve even a 50 per cent pneumococcal vaccination rate among equally vulnerable seniors 4 despite the publicly funded immunisation program a simple preventative health measure that could prevent serious disease or premature death Dr Rob Menzies UNSW VIRL Sydney The most recent data suggest pneumococcal vaccination coverage has actually declined to 47 per cent in NSW with more than half of these vaccinations occurring after 70 years of age 5 This decline must be urgently reversed Doctors should be looking to opportunistically vaccinate those at risk of pneumococcal pneumonia including people aged 65 and over the immunocompromised and Indigenous Australians in the same way they do for other population based programs 1 It is also important for individuals to take the initiative for their own health Anyone who smokes has a chronic disease immunocompromising condition or is aged 65 years or over should talk to their GP about whether they should have a pneumococcal vaccination or a re vaccination against the infection 1 Dr Menzies said Associate Professor Lucy Morgan left Specialist Respiratory Physician and Lung Foundation Australia Respiratory Infectious Disease Committee Chair Sydney says all adults aged 65 years and over are at increased risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia due to their age alone and many more have existing chronic medical conditions or lifestyle factors such as current or past smoking that places them at heightened risk of infection 5 Importantly the MJA Insight article reinforces the importance of vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia as a preventative health strategy from the age of 65 rather than delaying vaccination for a number of years Given pneumonia is a potentially life threatening respiratory infection should an individual develop a cough fever shortness of breath and feel generally tired and unwell they should head to their doctor without delay said A Prof Morgan Academic and grandmother to five Jane Mears 67 right Sydney was first diagnosed with pneumonia in 2006 In the ensuing decade Jane has experienced multiple episodes of pneumonia which have frequently rendered her hospitalised for days The infection has taken a significant physical emotional and financial toll on Jane Her physical ability is nowadays limited due to the difficulty she experiences with simply breathing I ll usually wake up at three or four o clock in the morning struggling to breathe By that stage I will know whether I m able to get myself to hospital or whether I will need to call an ambulance What follows is usually admission to hospital stabilisation of my condition treatment with antibiotics and more steroids and then eventual discharge The whole process takes around one week and it s exhausting When I come home from hospital I barely have the energy to have a shower and it takes weeks to recover Jane said HEALTH WELLBEING Retirement Australia 23

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There have been various occasions during these episodes when I thought I might die Despite the adversity she has faced Jane remains staunchly upbeat and has a strong message for Australians at risk of pneumococcal infection All Australians aged over 65 and those living with chronic medical conditions should protect themselves against the potentially life threatening but preventable infection pneumococcal pneumonia Everyone should get immunised Lung Foundation Australia CEO Heather Allan right said this year Pneumonia Awareness Week aims to encourage all Australians particularly those at high risk to recognise that pneumococcal pneumonia is potentially life threatening and to take appropriate steps to protect against the infection Lung Foundation Australia is teaming with public health researchers doctors and patients this Pneumonia Awareness Week to call for proactive community protection against pneumococcal pneumonia particularly in the lead up to winter Heather Allan Lung Foundation Australia CEO Pneumonia like illness is among of the top 15 contributing causes of deaths in Australia and your risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia increases with age 7 This serious respiratory infection is however preventable Symptoms of pneumonia such as chest pain coughing fatigue and difficulty breathing can require hospitalisation 8 so Lung Foundation Australia is urging at risk Australians to take steps to protect themselves through vaccination as well as to remember the importance of home and hand hygiene The pneumococcal vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program NIP Schedule for all Australians aged 65 and above Indigenous Australians aged 50 years and over Indigenous Australians aged 15 to 49 years who are medically at risk and infants under 12 months 9 A second dose of vaccine is also available to Australians with immunocompromising conditions or chronic disease or smokers a minimum of five years following their first dose 9 The vaccine is also available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PBS and the NIP in some States for all adults aged 18 years or over who are smokers or medically at risk such as those with chronic lung heart or liver disease or diabetes For more information about Pneumonia Awareness Week visit www lungfoundation com au pneumonia or call Lung Foundation Australia on 1800 654 301 References 1 Menzies R Gidding H Newall A Acts of omission pneumococcal vaccination of the medically at risk and the elderly To be published in MJA Insight May 14 2018 2 Earle K Williams S Burden of pneumococcal disease in adults aged 65 years and older an Australian perspective Pneumonia 2016 8 9 doi 10 11 186 s41479 016 0008 8 3 Yin K Jayasinghe S Charles P King C Chiu C Menzies R McIntyre P Determining the contribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae to community acquired pneumonia in Australia Med J Aust 2017 207 9 396 400 doi 10 5694 mja16 01102 4 National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance 2015 Adult Immunisation Coverage Report 2015 Available at http www ncirs edu au assets surveillance coverage Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2015 pdf last accessed May 2018 5 Hendry A Hull B Dey A Beard F NSW Annual immunisation coverage report http www health nsw gov au immunisation Documents 2016 annual coverage report pdf 6 NHMRC The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013 updated June 2015 Chapter 4 13 Available at http www immunise health gov au internet immunise publishing nsf Content 7B28E87511E08905CA257D4D001DB1F8 File Aus Imm Handbook pdf last accessed May 2018 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Causes of Death in Australia 2015 http www abs gov au ausstats abs nsf Lookup by 20Subject 3303 0 2015 Main 20Features Australia s 20 leading 20causes 20of 20death 202015 3 last accessed May 2018 8 Lung Foundation Australia Patient Support Pneumonia https lungfoundation com au patient support otherlung conditions pneumonia last accessed May 2018 9 Department of Health Pneumococcal immunisation service Available at https beta health gov au services pneumococcalimmunisation service last accessed May 2018 10 World Health Organization WHO Pneumonia fact sheet WHO Available at http www who int mediacentre factsheets fs331 en last accessed May 2018 11 State Government of Victoria Better Health Channel Pneumonia Available at https www betterhealth vic gov au health conditionsandtreatments pneumonia last accessed May 2018 24 Retirement Australia HEALTH WELLBEING

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KNOW PNEUMONIA KNOW YOUR RISK PROTECT YOURSELF Pneumonia is a common and potentially fatal lung infection that should not be underestimated One of the most life threatening types is Pneumococcal Pneumonia i WHO IS AT RISK Pneumococcal pneumonia can affect anyone but those at a higher risk are ii 65 years young Tobacco smokers SYMPTOMS People with medical conditions Indigenous Australians such as diabetes cancer or a chronic disease affecting the lungs heart kidney or liver Infants aged 12 months and under iv Difficulty breathing Cough HOW DO YOU CATCH IT Fever ix Pneumonia is easily spread through sneezing and coughing The infection can develop in just 1 3 days Fatigue TREATMENT Hospital admission v Chest pain Can include Plenty of fluids Antibiotics medication Rest PREVENTION Hand home hygiene i vii FAST FACTS BARRIERS The average hospital duration rises with age they are at risk steps to protect themselves the severity SUPPORT For more information resources and access to patient support services please contact Lung Foundation Australia vi vii viii ix x IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SYMPTOMS SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIND OUT MORE lungfoundation com au or phone 1800 654 301 World Health Organization WHO Pneumonia fact sheet September 2016 WHO Available at http www who int mediacentre factsheets fs331 en last accessed Feb 2017 NHMRC The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013 updated June 2015 Chapter 4 13 Available at http www immunise health gov au internet immunise publishing nsf Content 7B28E87511E08905CA257D4D001DB1F8 File Aus Imm Handbook pdf last accessed Feb 2017 Lung Disease in Australia 2014 Woolcock Institute of Medical Research Department of Health and Ageing Immunise Pneumococcal Disease Last modified April 2015 Available at http www health gov au internet immunise publishing nsf content immunise pneumococcal last accessed Feb 2017 State Government of Victoria Better Health Channel Pneumonia Last modified June 2015 Available at http www betterhealth vic gov au bhcv2 bhcarticles nsf pages Pneumonia_explained last accessed Feb 2017 Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Position Statement Immunisation of older people Australas J Ageing 2016 35 1 67 73 Jacups SP Cheng A The epidemiology of community acquired bacteremic pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Top End of the Northern Territory Australia Over 22 years Vaccine 2011 29 5386 5392 AIHW Australia s health 2014 Australia s health no 12 Cat no AUS 122 Canberra AIHW Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Pneumococcal disease Available at https www cdc gov pneumococcal clinicians clinical features html last accessed March 2017 Lung Foundation Australia Know Pneumonia 2017 research survey Conducted by YouGov commissioned by Lung Foundation Australia April 2017 IG0218V2PNEUM v x Why don t people protect themselves Research shows they don t know from 6 days for those under 65 to 13 days for those 65 vi iii iv Free for Australians 65 Indigenous Australians infants 12 months or under ii viii Over 77 500 pneumonia hospitalisations in Australia each year iii 2011 12 i ii Vaccination Quit smoking HEALTH WELLBEING Retirement Australia 25

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Sleepless and sore in Salvador Travellers can now go to many exciting places providing memories which we can treasure for years to come However some of these places provide standards of medical and dental care which may be of concern While away many prefer to delay treatment until they return home to their trusted doctor or dentist Trying to speak a foreign language can be fun but not when you are in pain trying to access medical or dental care Some travellers now pack additional medication spare glasses and prescription just in case while away from home Currently available medical travel kits can deal with a range of medical problems but lack any effective means of dealing with dental problems apart from readily available pain killers Occasional toothache due to a lost filling or broken filling may initially cause only minor inconvenience Without prompt dental attention this pain will become more severe causing problems throughout the day such as eating and at night disturbing sleep dizziness Unexpected effects can involve any medication purchased be over the counter alternative or even with a prescribed medicine Could you imagine trying to find a dentist away from home minimal or no free time and unable to speak the language Blutack and chewing gum don t work so how long can you survive on pain killers Regular dental care and a routine dental visit with your dentist before you travel is good advice when travelling locally or overseas However dental problems may occur and are often unexpected despite regular dental visits Dental problems are unlikely to be fatal but for those affected it can be irritating extremely distressing or profoundly debilitating Be careful when buying painkillers bought overthe counter for relief from toothache as some should not be taken with some prescribed medicines this combination can cause major medical problems Some stronger pain killers can also cause drowsiness and Don t rely on pain killers Minimise unexpected problems by regular dental care and make sure you have Dentist In A Box the no mess no fuss kit for common dental problems About the size of a CD case Dentist In A Box kits easily fit into the glove box hiking day pack or hand bag How many holidays have been spoilt by unexpected dental problems Whether you are travelling locally or overseas Dentist In A Box can temporarily care for a damaged tooth until you can see a dentist More information available at www dentistinabox com au or phone 1300 THE KIT 843 548 HEALTH WELLBEING Retirement Australia 29

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Quingo 5 Wheel Scooters Mobility Scooter Evolution Originally you could only buy mobility scooters of the 3 wheel variety While they were mostly compact light and manoeuvrable in tight spaces their flaw was they were dangerously unstable putting users at risk of and often inflicting serious injury due to tipping as soon as they were used on un even surfaces The solution was of course to build scooters with 4 wheels and while this addressed the stability issues experienced with 3 wheeled scooters it created a new set of problems By adding the extra wheel the leg space available was severely restricted leading to poor posture and therefore discomfort on even relatively short journeys Scooters became larger and more cumbersome Turning circles expanded and poor weight distribution resulted in restricted manoeuvrability and a new source of instability Engineers and manufactures simply accepted 4 Wheeled Scooter Forcing a Poor Posture for Legs 4 Wheeled Scooter Forcing a Poor Posture for Legs Hips Spine these problems and you the users would have to choose what was more important agility or stability and safety However the manufactures of Quingo Advanced Vehicle Concepts AVC came up with an innovative solution in the world s first true 5 wheel scooters featuring Quintell technologies The 5 wheel concept brings genuine stability and safety benefits with Quingo scooters being able to mount kerbs at anything up to a 45 angle something other scooters just cannot do Quingo Providesm the Ideal Anatomical Driving Position All this while maintaining agility that is comparable to many three wheel scooters with a turning circle of as little as just 107cm With the addition of Quintell Kerbmaster Powered Anti Grounding and Anti Tipping we believe we offer a range of the very safest scooters on the market today Thanks to their 5 wheel design all Quingo s benefit from a staggering 80 more foot area than a comparable length four wheel vehicle and ergonomic posture control and Quintell adaptive footplates this combines to bring greater comfort even on longer outings HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT Retirement Australia 31

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Flyte Docking Station The Quingo Flyte the NEXT next generation of mobility scooter The Quingo Flyte really is quite unlike other mobility scooters This compact state of the art scooter gives users unrivalled portability and is compatible with a huge array of cars making it an incredibly versatile mobility solution Here we explore why the Quingo Flyte really is at the forefront of the next generation of mobility scooters Effortless Car Docking and Portability Traditional 4 wheel scooters are often cumbersome making them difficult to transport With the Quingo Flyte however car docking could not be easier Every Quingo Flyte comes with an accompanying docking station ramp and remote control which allows you to effortlessly load your scooter into your car boot in less than 60 seconds Put simply the Quingo Flyte s docking station does all the hard work so you don t have to Quingo Quality You ve Come to Expect Quingo are the only scooter range to provide customers with the benefit of the 5 wheel difference Unlike traditional 4 wheel scooters all Quingo products offer enhanced stability unequalled agility better comfort safer kerb handling and superior adaptability and the Quingo Flyte is no exception backed up by a 3 year warranty and a network of trained Quingo specialists Australia wide Quingo scooters will get you where you re going No Dismantling Required The Quingo Flyte s unique design enables you to transform your scooter into an incredibly compact shape which will fit inside most small hatchbacks and estates without issue Unlike other portable scooters the Flyte does not need to be dismantled before transportation Thanks to its simple elegant design the Quingo Flyte s seat and tiller fold down easily creating a sleek and compact version of the Flyte which can be docked with minimal effort A Compact Scooter Big on Performance Given the Quingo Flyte s highly portable nature you d be forgiven for thinking that it might pack less punch when it comes to performance In fact the Quingo Flyte s superior design specification means that it comes with a highly powerful motor capable of easily carrying weights of up to 25 stone Not only is the Flyte s motor very impressive but the scooter is also capable of travelling up to an incredible 37km on its 400 Watt engine Visit www quingo com au or Phone 1800 QUINGO 784 646 to find out more 32 Retirement Australia HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT

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Starship Cruises Lady Kendall is fully licensed Bookings are required GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE BRISBANE WATER CRUISE 4 ISLAND CRUISE Brisbane Water on the M V Lady Kendall Departing the Gosford public wharf at 10 15am and departs Woy Woy public wharf at 10 40am Saturday through to Wednesday Tickets may be purchased Starship Cruises www starshipcruises com au Phone 02 4323 1655 onboard Cost Adult 38 Concession 33 Child 26 Group discounts available Fish and Chips are an option 10 00 per person not every day Lady Kendall is fully licensed Kiosk onboard Bookings are required Enjoy a fabulous trip through the amazing waterways of Broken Bay beautiful Lion Island Barrenjoey Head Pittwater Kuring gai Chase National Park Lower Hawkesbury Brooklyn and unique Dangar Island This cruise is approximately 6 hours worth of pleasure delicious food and new acquaintances Morning tea buffet lunch and afternoon tea will be served whilst cruising enjoy a good laugh at the Captain s commentary there is also plenty of time to take photos of the scenery The Lady Kendall is a licensed vessel Bookings are essential for this tour December 3rd 16th 19th January 9th 13th 27th 31st February 9th 12th 24th March 10th 17th April 2nd 7th 13th 28th Departing Gosford Public Wharf 9 30am Cost Adult 76 Concession 71 Child 46 Ask about our future dates for this tour HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT Retirement Australia 33 AW1909664 Relax and enjoy cruising the beautiful

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Having difficulty reaching your clothesline Problems solved with the portable Mrs Pegg s clothesline Mrs Pegg s Products Pty Ltd have successfully marketed their Handy Lines for 23 years and have been suppliers to the Department of Veteran Affairs since 2010 and are now accredited distributors through the RAP Programme The Handy Lines are ideal for anyone who has the chore of doing washing but are especially ideal for those with mobility problems arthritis workplace injuries shoulder replacements etc They have the capacity to dry more than a load of washing without having to use an electric dryer which is a huge saving on power bills There are two models Deluxe and Classic and each are available in two sizes 8 lines and 10 lines The large1 75m 10 line holds 4 kings sheets with 2 lines spare and the 1 50m 8 line dries 4 queen sheets Also an advantage of have a Handy Line is that if a person has chronic arthritis and using pegs is a problem washing can be just placed over a line without pegging if the Handy Line is placed in a sheltered position Also large items of washing e g woollen underblankets quilts quilt covers blankets and sheets can be tented over the top to dry and with the air circulation underneath they will dry in no time Jumpers can be laid across the top of the lines Being portable they can be placed anywhere for effective drying and for those with mobility problems the Handy Lines can be placed put near the house so washing doesn t have to be carried very far Also some people leave them up inside a spare room and of course in winter household heating can be utilized because there is absolutely no need to use an electric dryer Washing can be aired as well as dried on a Handy Line so there is no double handling and there is no going home to wet washing if the lines are undercover or inside Many people in wheelchairs are able to reach the one with 8 lines which gives them some independence and is so important for their wellbeing Constructed of powder coated aluminium the Handy Lines are lightweight but ultra strong and have the advantage of folding flat for storage although we do recommend that anyone with a mobility problem leave them unfolded It is an easy process to unfold them but for those with severe health problems it could be more difficult Also we do recommend the 8 line Classic model for those with injuries because they are a little lighter in weight and easier to move We displayed our products at the Occupational Therapy Seminar in June and the Physiotherapy Seminar in October where we had so many enquiries from health workers about our products and over the years have had many orders from them on behalf of their patients Mrs Pegg s Products Pty Ltd is an accredited distributor of the Handy Lines through Occupational Therapists Physiotherapists Doctors and the Veteran Affairs Department through the RAP Programme

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New home phone alternative ends the pain of nbn debacle for Australian seniors The rollout of the nbn continues to cause controversy and pain for Australia s senior citizens with many angry they re being forced onto a network that doesn t live up to expectations Some face the frustration of losing a landline number they ve held for years while enduring a stressful nbn installation Up until now there has been no alternative for people who just want a home phone service Internet phones are susceptible to connection dropouts and power failures once the internet modem goes down so does the phone service This is particularly troubling for our elderly population who rely on a phone service as their only outside contact if something goes wrong A huge benefit for people considering downsizing or moving to a retirement village These benefits become huge when downsizing or moving into a retirement village simply take myhomefone with you the number stays the same and no installation is necessary According to Daktel s CEO David Sweet myhomefone is an alternative to nbn based internet phones It is designed with the needs of seniors in mind and has battery back up for power blackouts critical for elderly Australians Sweet believes Australian seniors and small businesses shouldn t be forced into a deal they don t need on a network they can t always rely on Finally some good news for Australians looking to move away from the troublesome nbn project The simple home phone solution The good news is that a simple solution has been developed for seniors across the country as well as small businesses relying on their familiar landline number Daktel Australia s myhomefone looks and feels like a cordless phone but carries calls over the mobile network and allows customers to keep their existing landline number 36 Retirement Australia HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT

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Why Choose CMobile We started CMobile in 2013 after becoming frustrated with the big telcos confusing plans expensive bills and overseas call centres that are often unable or unwilling to help We knew there had to be a better way So we asked a bunch of older Australians what they wanted in a mobile service provider This is what they came up with Simple easy to understand plans that don t break the bank and have no hidden surprises A human being based IN AUSTRALIA answering the phone who knows how to solve my problem without bouncing me around different departments A network that works where I live and where I go No long term contracts 38 Retirement Australia We took that feedback and created CMobile CMobile is a 100 Australian owned and operated mobile telecommunications provider that provides clear low cost plans backed up by our award winning all Australian customer support team CMobile offers a choice of plans on either the Telstra C Blue plans or Vodafone C Red plans networks CMobile plans start from as little as 5 per month and you are always welcome to bring your own phone number With CMobile you are never locked in to a contract a plan or even a network This means you can change your plan up down or even change networks whenever you choose No other company provides this kind of flexibility No tricks no gimmicks just great value and service If you re on a budget it s very affordable to take a CMobile plan with unlimited calls and text messages to any standard Australian number from just 11 90 per month on the Telstra mobile network HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT You are always treated as you should be at CMobile as a valued customer Our all Australian expert support team pride themselves on providing the best service there is In fact independent consumer review company www productreview com au named CMobile as Mobile Service Provider of the Year at the end of 2017 Still not convinced We are so confident in our service we ll even give you your first month s access fee free You can try CMobile risk free Simply go to www cmobile com au plans Select your plan input your details and add the words Seniors Only in the promo code field to access this special offer Alternatively You can call us on 1300 545000 and speak to one of our award winning friendly staff All you ve got to lose is your large phone bill CMobile The choice is clear

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UNDERSTANDING MOBILE PLANS There are 3 main types of mobile plans in the Australian market Understanding which one is the best for you can save you plenty on your annual mobile phone spend Let s break down the options available 1 A contract with a large carrier Typically these are 24 months duration If you want the latest iPhone or Android device with all the bells and whistles but don t have a spare couple of grand to shell out for the hardware this is a good option 80 per month will get you unlimited calls and text plus somewhere around 4Gb of mobile internet data per month with the latest iPhone X thrown in For 10 a month more the carrier will usually up your data allowance significantly to 10Gb or more You can walk into any of the major carriers stores pay nothing and walk out with a brand new iPhone within half an hour Very enticing 24 month contracts also come with pitfalls You are tied to your carrier for the duration so coverage needs to be considered You might have great coverage at your house but what if you are thinking of travelling Do you have a weekender or spend time working at different places or at relatives homes Two years is a long time to put up with a black spot at a place you regularly visit Secondly if your phone is lost stolen or damaged beyond repair it doesn t affect your contract you still owe the money Your options are to pay out the contract which might be say 8 months x 80 640 or you can buy a handset outright and continue with your contract 2 Prepaid mobile plans By their very nature prepaid plans are far more flexible and much cheaper than a contract mobile phone plan You can typically get an unlimited call and text plan with a large mobile internet data allowance for around 20 per month on a prepaid plan As the name suggests with a prepaid plan you pay an amount upfront for an agreed period and you need to top up before that period expires to continue your service This period can be anywhere from 10 days to 365 days but the majority operate on a monthly basis Prepaid plans are a great option if like most of us you are on a budget You pay up front and therefore cap your spend each month You aren t tied in to your carrier for any longer than the expiry of your recharge so if you aren t happy with the service the coverage or anything else you can move on at any time On the down side international roaming is not available on most prepaid plans and you may not have access to things like a full voice mail service or premium services You need to be careful of expiry periods too Some carriers have replaced monthly expiry periods with 28 day expiry periods This is no different to when Cadbury quietly changed the size of the family block from 220 grams to 200 grams in 2015 A 28 day expiry period allows the carrier to charge you 13 times over a 12 month period Sneaky huh You also need to be careful to top up before your plan expires or risk you service being disconnected 3 Month to month post paid plans These are commonly known as BYO plans with the BYO meaning bring your own handset Like a prepaid you aren t tied in to a contract but you get a bill each month as opposed to buying a top up voucher Plans start as low as 10 per month and for 10 12 per month you can get unlimited calls and text within Australia and 1Gb of mobile data You aren t tied to the carrier you can usually access international roaming and your plan doesn t expire until you want it to Also like a prepaid you may have the up front cost paying for a handset but unless you want the new iPhone you can pick up a reasonable handset for 130 or less these days So there it is Each option has its merit and its downside For me I prefer the flexibility and price of a month to month post paid I come from an era where we didn t have mobile phones or pay TV I still consider them luxuries and I pay the bills with mild resentment My kids on the other hand see these things as necessities They will happily shell out 80 per month to have the latest hardware Go figure HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT Retirement Australia 39

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The 4 Biggest Myths About Escorted Tours Considering an escorted tour but still have a few concerns We asked Gate 1 travellers what they think are the biggest misconceptions about escorted tours 1 Escorted tours are expensive Tour companies are often able to negotiate special rates and their industry experience means that escorted tours are crafted to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness The price of an escorted tour may look higher than other trips but in reality it is a perfectly pre packaged holiday designed to take the planning out so all you have to do it show up says Jill Ginsberg 12 Day Classic Thailand 2 You ll have no time to explore on your own Leisure time is scheduled in each overnight stop or city visit on most tours Sure escorted tours have itineraries with action packed days because we don t want to miss out on things but you can often do as much or as little as you d like points out Shirley Stevens She travelled on 16 Day Classic European River Cruise and recommends taking advantage of your guide s expert local knowledge to make the most of your free time 3 You re stuck on a cramped bus all day Gate 1 s tours use a variety of transportation including modern coaches trains ferries flights and even rickshaws through the old towns of Delhi or Beijing Martin Burgess can attest that on his trip to Peru Time spent on the bus is very minimal in comparison to the rest of the trip and we had plenty of interesting stops 4 Tours are only for retirees Gate 1 travellers range in age from children on our family friendly tours to adults from 1880 Like many of our travellers Martin Carlton cited his tour group as a highlight of the trip Chances are you will have a melting pot of people of different ages and from all walks of life We had travellers in their early twenties through to senior group members in their seventies who had done up to 10 Gate 1 trips One of the favourite parts of my escorted tour in Peru was having the chance to get to know so many different people who shared the same curiosity about the world as I did For more information on Gate 1 Travel you can call 1300 653 618 or visit www gate1travel com au Plus Retirement Australia Living readers get an exclusive 200 discount on your next Gate 1 escorted tour or river cruise when you quote promotion code RAL200A Conditions apply 41

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China From Monumental Sites to Pandas Astounding Citie Tours When it comes to sheer size China tips the scales Just think of it in all the world it boasts the longest man made structure the greatest concentration of skyscrapers the largest hydroelectric dam the vastest public square To say nothing of a palace complex of 9 000 rooms hina is one of the most captivating C and compelling places on Earth Gate 1 Travel helps you get to the heart of its history its traditions and its people and yes its epic architectural achievements You ll stroll the quiet lanes of Beijing s ancient hutong neighbourhoods Walk Shanghai s historic Bund with colonial edifices to one side and the futuristic skyline of the Pudong on the other Sail the magnificent Yangtze River through its three famously scenic gorges Gaze in awe at the forest of skyscrapers that is Hong Kong And so much more All with Gate 1 s expert guides who know the nation they call home like no one else 42 Retirement Australia HOLIDAYS TRAVEL Dazzling Mega Cities To gain an understanding of how China s past present and future are interwoven a good place to begin or three good places would be its dominant cities Beijing Shanghai and Hong Kong each of which has its own character and story to tell Beijing is monumental literally The city is home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites among them some of the world s greatest treasures The Forbidden City is no longer forbidden to anyone after 500 years of turning guests away from the world s largest palace complex China now invites all to see the wonders of the stunning 178 acre complex encircled by two miles of fortified wall Over time 24 emperors lived in these 90 palaces composed of 980 buildings and almost 9 000 rooms As if that weren t enough to boggle the mind it rests on the largest public square in the world Tiananmen a massive acreage that salutes the grandiosity of China s past and present The little sibling to that royal complex is the Summer Palace built for the hottest months when the Forbidden City complex felt too stifling A small pond and reservoir were joined widened and dredged yielding a sparkling 540 acre lake big enough for royal navy vessels to run drills upon The dredged soil from the lake was used to make the adjacent Longevity Hill a 200 foot slope crowned with palaces pavilions temples and gardens To this day it remains as intended one of Beijing s loveliest locales a brilliant collaboration of man nature and time Just a short drive outside the city the Great Wall undulates over sloping hills like a serpent It is the longest man made structure in the world and though claims that it can be seen from space are debatable its imposing ramparts will surely impress you as much as the ancient marauders it was intended to keep out Whereas Beijing calls to mind the glories of the past Shanghai is decidedly a snapshot of the future While the city is certainly known for its gems that date back to previous eras such as the verdant Yuyuan Garden from the Ming Dynasty and the elegant colonial architecture

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More than 70 of Hong Kong is comprised of islands mountains parks and caves No matter where you are in the city proper you re just a tram ride away from a daylong hike in a green parkland with ocean views Inland Treasures and a Spellbinding River Xian was the final stop on the Silk Road and China s capital for 12 dynasties including the Ming era which gave the city its still standing fortified walls But the single most powerful draw for visitors is its immobilised army of 8 000 Terra Cotta soldiers and horses Crafted by hand this vast military consort attended the final resting place of the first emperor Qin Shi Huang Arrayed in neat rows these enigmatic soldiers remained underground from the 3rd century until their excavation in 1974 Remarkably each one was carved with a distinct expression hairstyle armour and footwear They have captured the global imagination eclipsing the fame of the ruler they were meant to honour The stars of Chengdu are less numerous but perhaps even more beloved The 80 pandas at the Giant Panda Research Centre have of the Bund it is Shanghai s jaw dropping new skyline that may leave you speechless Viewed across the Huangpu River the Pudong neighbourhood boasts a dizzying array of striking colourful towers Shanghai Tower the biggest of the lot is the second tallest skyscraper on earth But height is only one way that this metropolis dazzles The Orient Pearl looks like a stacking toy of ever smaller glass beads while the sinuous Financial Centre is a modernist masterwork even the low slung Ocean Aquarium impresses passers by with its flamboyant shark fin wings Hong Kong knows a thing or two about showing off its skyline too more buildings scrape the sky here than in any other city on earth with more than 270 rising 500 feet or more Within those glittering towers are some of the world s most highly acclaimed restaurants 64 of which have Michelin stars and bespoke tailors fitting the fashionistas of Asia and beyond But it is not all city here Hong Kong means fragrant harbour a reminder that nature not metropolitan life still holds the upper hand become envoys for China a source of pride as well as concern as the worldwide population of wild pandas has fallen to under 2 000 While visitors also absorb the fascinating architecture of Qin Dynasty era Jinli Street and marvel at the 213 foot stone Buddha in nearby Leshan it is these endangered ambassadors of the mountains which have become the face not only of Chengdu but of China The nation s life blood is the Yangtze River the world s third longest river Navigating the east flowing ribbon of water on a river cruiseis the only way to truly experience the legendary dramatic scenery that unfolds around its banks As you sail through the three mesmerising gorges of Xiling Wu and Qutang watched over by the fabled Twelve Peaks and fantastic rock formations towering above you ll wind past tiny villages soaring cliffs verdant groves and terraced hillsides It is hard not to fall under the timeless spell of the slowmoving current and the ethereal embracing landscapes that guide it The Yangtze though a beloved symbol of China was often prone to massive flooding Through the ages thousands lost their lives and their villages to a seasonal deluge Today the waters are tamed by the gargantuan Three Gorges Dam project a fascinating highlight cruising this incredible river Resting easy in China No one does China like Gate 1 Our knowledgeable guides use their longtime contacts to open doors to you that other travellers miss and introduce you to China s most remarkable resource its people We ve handpicked the best local accommodations for your journey to ensure your comfort And our Yangtze River cruise unfolds aboard a five star cruise ship purpose built for the river boasting roomy cabins and impeccable service Best of all we take care of all the details every step of the way so you can leave the logistics to us and spend your time uncovering the compelling mysteries of this enigmatic nation Follow this link to our exciting www gate1travel com au asia pacific china japan Or call to find out more 1300 653 618 Plus Retirement Australia Living readers receive an exclusive 200 per person discount on any China tour simply quote promotion code RAL200A when you book this year

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6 Reasons to Visit South America There s not much South America doesn t have to offer those who wander this vast continent From natural beauty wildlife experiences and historical sights to unique food music and diverse culture there s something for everyone to discover in South America 1 It s diverse and otherwordly landscapes will leave you breathless More than twice the size of Australia and possessing one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world South America has a nature playground for everyone If you favour picturesque mountain peaks and mammoth glaciers then Patagonia is the spot for you Once considered a trekkers paradise there are now many ways to explore this region that are easier on the knees Don t miss Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate Argentina For those who prefer tropical climates and beaches Brazil is unmatched On the border of Argentina and Brazil lies the must see natural wonder of the world Iguazu Falls Boasting 275 waterfalls and home to the cheeky possum like coatis this attraction is unforgettable Stunning Rio de Janeiro is another must visit Relax on Ipanema beach with a caprihiana in hand admiring the view of the Two Brothers Mountain known to locals as Morro Dois Irmaos 2 It is the mecca of bucketlist experiences Voted in 2007 as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Machu Picchu is high on most adventurer s bucket lists Although still very much a mystery historians believe that this 15th century Inca citadel located in the Cusco Region of Urubamba was built in 1450 and abandoned a century later when the Spanish conquistadors invaded It remained unknown to the world until it was discovered by an American historian by the name of Hiram Bingham in 1911 Now over 1 5 million tourists visit the site every year but with Gate 1 you won t feel like part of the crowd because you ll be there at the best times and escorted by the best local guides to make the most of this once in a lifetime experience Another South American icon which is also listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is the Christ the Redeemer Cristo Redentor statue which sits atop Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro Brazil The statue is 30 metres tall and 29 metres wide and weighs 635 tons While it is truly inspiring for those who visit the attraction also provides stunning vistas of the city of Rio De Janeiro and neighbouring Sugarloaf Mountain 3 Peru s capital of Lima is one of the world s leaders of gastronomy Ceviche lomo sataldo picarones oh my Peruvian cuisine has recently exploded onto the international culinary scene and now Lima is a well known hot spot full of gastronomic delights Indigenous foods which have been around for generations have been infused with 44 Retirement Australia HOLIDAYS TRAVEL Spanish flair as well as Asian flavours which were bought to Peru with a wave of immigrants Some must try Peruvian fare includes Peru s national dish ceviche a fresh fish dish whereby the fish is cold cooked in lime juice There s also lomo saltado a beef dish which represents the fusion of Chinese stir fry with traditional Peruvian ingredients and a type of doughnut called Picarones for dessert For the brave there is also Cuy roasted Guinea Pig Wash it all down with a pisco sour or a bottle of Inca Cola a sweet florescent yellow soda that s much loved by Peruvians and tastes like fruity bubblegum but is made with lemon verbena 4 It has a diverse culture and rich history South America is made up of 13 different countries each with their own unique culture heritage and even climate Even countries with similar traditions and heritage have distinct differences which set them apart For example Peru and Bolivia both still carry on traditions from the early Incan civilisations however their traditional dress is quite different In Bolivia it is common for local La Paz women also known as cholitas to wear bowler hats and pleated skirts which were bought to the countries by Englishmen in the 1800s Another example is Argentina and Chile who both share similar climates and beautifully preserved colonial cities however have distinct cuisines and Spanish dialects One cannot visit Argentina without trying their world famous Asado a barbeque cooked on a grill called a parilla or on an open fire For history buffs follow the steps of the Spanish Conquistodors and visit the cities of Cartagena in Colombia Cuzco in Peru and Cuenca in Ecuador to gain insight into these country s legacy and the era of colonial conquest 5 Astounding Wildlife Experiences Unique close encounters and wildlife experiences await nature lovers in South America The stand out is of course the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador which is home to 14 unique species of animals and birdlife Made famous by Charles Darwin during his development of the theory of evolution in 1859 this cluster of volcanic islands provides visitors the opportunity to get incredibly close to the wildlife due to the isolated environment and lack of predators Among the favourites are the Galapagos Tortoise Marine Iguana and Blue footed Booby Often referred to as the world s lungs the Amazon basin which crosses through 9 different countries is home to more than 40 000 species of plants and more than 4 500 animal species plus an estimated 200 local tribes Travellers can visit the dense jungle in the northern parts of Peru or the drier pampas region in Bolivia The Pantanal wetlands in Southern Brazil is another region known for its remoteness and those who venture there may even have the opportunity to spot a jaguar 6 Its festive culture will invigorate you If the Amazon is the lungs of the world then Buenos Aires is the feet and Rio De Janiero its heartbeat Music and rhythm runs through the veins of South Americans and they love nothing more than to dance sing and get festive Samba is the flavour in Brazil and Carnivale is its most famous celebration More than two million people gather in the streets of Rio De Janeiro every day of the festival in February to celebrate in honour of the gods and to respect the great waters In Argentina the locals move to the rhythm of the tango which has its cultural home in the Buenos Aires neighbourhood of La Boca Further north in Colombia the salsa is the most popular form of social dance and has its own distinct style Get inspired by the heat of the Latin night grab a partner and learn some new moves No matter where you are in South America there will always be time to move those hips No one knows South America like Gate 1 Travel with expert Tour Managers hailing from the very countries they re introducing you to Their insider knowledge and connections are invaluable in ensuring you get the most from your visit What s more our 30 years of experience in the continent lets us offer you more ways to discover its magical wonders Explore the very best of South America with Gate 1 Travel s 18 Day Classic Brazil Argentina and Peru escorted tour which includes visits to Machu Picchu Rio de Janeiro Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires Or choose from our wide selection of trips in Peru Bolivia Ecuador Colombia and more Retirement Australia Living readers can enjoy a special 200 per person discount on any of Gate 1 Travel s escorted tours of South America Simply visit our website www gate1travel com au or phone up 1300 653 618 to speak to one of our travel specialists and quote the promo code RAL200A at the time of booking to receive the discount

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The Seniors Loan Specialist FINANCE LOAN OPTIONS FOR SENIORS by Sandra Dignam From Age 50 From the age of 50 it gets increasingly more difficult to obtain loans That s not surprising as there is less time to pay the loan back If you still have a job you will be able to service a loan but the loan term will most likely be shorter with larger repayments making an approved loan smaller and ever more difficult to obtain The Seniors Loan Specialist will be able to source loans from lenders who will give you the most favourable outcome The lenders with possible favourable outcomes will however change frequently depending on how policy changes are implemented to satisfy constantly changing regulatory requirements Many Finance Mortgage Brokers do not provide Seniors Loans and yet as a Senior it will be most advantageous if you want a loan of any kind to use a Finance or Mortgage Broker especially one who specializes in Seniors Loans Paying for a Broker The Seniors Loan Specialist does not charge for most of their services and is usually paid a commission by the lender who supplies the loan A brokerage fee will only be payable if the service being sought is not one paid for by a lender For example some Bridging Loans are not paid for by the lenders or are only partially paid for The Brokerage fee if due will be payable at commencement of the service FROM AGE 60 and NO LONGER WORKING A Seniors Loan or a standard Reverse Mortgage can be a real Godsend to those reaching retirement with inadequate superannuation or savings to cover the rest of life It can be hard when people discover that They simply take part of the value of their home as a loan and then use that to enhance their retirement the pension does not provide for the lifestyle they are accustomed to or still dream of or insufficient to cover the medical expenses they weren t planning for Maybe it s a special holiday they would enjoy or a project they would like to be involved in Perhaps it is a whole bucket list still to be fulfilled What are your options Sell the Home and Downsize The obvious choice and the one most embraced by those with inadequate funds is to sell their home and downsize This can be costly On the selling side costs include Real Estate Agency selling fees which are typically 2 2 to 3 3 of the selling price plus marketing and advertising costs legal fees and moving costs Then on the buying side there is stamp duty and legal fees on the subsequent purchase not to mention the emotional cost of searching and settling for something less than desired Many older people want to stay in their family home and remain in the area they are used to They may be daunted by the idea of dispatching many of their loved possessions packing the rest and moving to a whole new area away from their friends and family The Reverse Mortgage Option There is however a better option which is enjoying increasing popularity among those who want to stay in their existing home They simply take part of the value of their home as a loan and then use that to enhance their retirement This is the Seniors Loan otherwise called a Reverse Mortgage and it is designed to provide Seniors with the financial freedom to enjoy their retirement FINANCE LEGAL INSURANCE Retirement Australia 49

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A Seniors Loan option avoids the previously mentioned expenses and at the same time takes advantage of the potential of greater capital gain on the more valuable current family home Depending on your age a set percentage of the value of your home can be taken as a loan with no repayments necessary provided one of the applicants is living in the home The amount available to be borrowed is calculated based on the age of the youngest borrower The percentage able to be borrowed starts at 15 at age 60 and increases to 20 at age 65 25 at 70 30 at 75 and up to 35 at 80 years old and 45 at 90 or over If the property is an investment or holiday home the maximum amount available is reduced by 10 A Reverse Mortgage cannot be secured against properties in some types of Retirement Villages and the property must have a valuation of at least 200 000 If you have any questions about any of the details of a Reverse Mortgage Loan check with The Seniors Loan Specialist on phone 02 9653 2034 or mobile 0414 903 443 If you would like to take advantage of the equity you have created over your working life without selling your home without incurring unnecessary expenses without disconnecting from the life and social contact you are used to as well as taking advantage of the potential of greater capital gain this is the option for you A WORD OF WARNING RECOMMENDATIONS This product is not a loan and you do not have full control over your home It is not easy to get back full ownership regardless of what you may be told and it is more expensive than a standard Reverse Mortgage Make sure you are taking a mortgage and are not selling part of your home When applying for a Seniors Loan it is recommended that you discuss your intentions with your family as well as investigate if your Center Link benefits or Government support payments or entitlements will be affected Then you can plan the loan accordingly It is quite surprising how many of the next generation are so pleased to see their parents take on a new lease of life when they are provided more financial freedom No longer do children need to provide for their parents and the parents are so much happier to know they are providing for themselves from their own resources Legal advice will be required when signing the loan documentation There is a type of Seniors Financial Product where the lender buys a share of your home and becomes a part owner of your home Although this is often called equity release this is a Home Reversion Scheme This product is not recommended by us Call The Seniors Loan Specialist on 02 9653 2034 or 0414 903 443 to clarify your options in detail in relation to your specific situation your property and your age or for more information and understanding about any Seniors Loan option The Seniors Loan Specialist will provide you with specific product information and how it applies to your requirements as well as make sure you understand fully the loan product you are applying for A minimum lump sum must be drawn on settlement A cash reserve option can be arranged for the difference between the maximum approved loan and the initial lump sum taken at settlement Additional amounts can then be drawn down as needed from the cash reserve Alternatively a regular payment option can be arranged for monthly quarterly or annual advances over 5 or 10 years There are no mandatory repayments Instead of making repayments to cover the interest or pay back the loan the interest due each month is added to the loan balance There is a guarantee that no matter what happens in the housing market the amount owed can never become more than the value of your home Repayments of any amount can however be made at any time A percentage of the equity of your home can be protected if desired This option in turn decreases the maximum amount which can be borrowed Additional loan amounts can be applied for as applicants get older and the percentage of valuation allowable increases and property value increase A Seniors Loan can also be refinanced within the percentages allowable and the current valuation of the property EXAMPLE this is for illustrative purposes only and not to be construed as the expected outcome for any individual circumstance or situation Home Value of 1 000 000 with annual increase in value of 8 per year Seniors Loan of 100 000 at a rate of 8 per year note current rate is 6 29 Value of the home after 10 years is 2 158 925 Value of loan after 10 years is 221 399 Remaining equity has increased over the 10 years from 900 000 to 1 937 526 The Reverse Mortgage Loan only becomes repayable when the last applicant passes away moves into permanent long term care or if the property is sold and the loan is not transferred to a different security Loan Purpose for a Reverse Mortgage A Seniors Loan can be used for almost any purpose such as home improvements motor vehicle needs in home care debt consolidation permanent long term care day to day living expenses or to travel and live one s dreams or fulfil a bucket list 50 Retirement Australia FINANCE LEGAL INSURANCE

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73 Years Young Independent This fund has been granting funeral benefits for over 70 years We used to be industry based and getting calls from the families of ex members for claims We quickly realized that there was a demand for affordable funeral cover for retirees On top of our discretionary fund The M Mortality Fund was formed in 2000 and began as a funeral savings fund Contributions accrued compound interest and we have been able to maintain a decent rate at 5 Being a not for profit the gains have been put back into the fund and the fund has been granted funeral contribution fund status through the Department of Fair Trading We then began to get a different set of enquiries What if I haven t saved enough for my funeral That is when we got the members underwritten by an insurance company and gave members a choice of combining savings with Funeral Insurance Our cover is a group policy making it cheaper and level premiums meaning the fees don t increase I am happy to talk all day about the features of 52 Retirement Australia our fund and am happy to oblige if you call us on 1300 327 747 This editorial is however more than just a straight advert for our fund I want to bring to you the of benefit of 30 years of experience that I have in this area Firstly everyone s approach to planning for a funeral is different Many clients I have spoken to are quite frank about their needs with many saying they want a basic funeral Whatever your denomination or taste there is a cost and that increases over time Be realistic is my advice If you have set aside more than you need then that will go to your estate It is the people who give life to a fund like this They are alpha and the omega Take Keith not his real name member no 1 he knew a good thing when he saw it and joined himself and his wife He was an astute administrator who had retied and kept up the retired men s association Naturally he liked a beer and a chat but there was more to him he was one of nature s gentlemen and the church was standing room only at his funeral One of the observations I made when visiting the homes of grieving families is the immediate aftermath of one s life gives a sense of peace FINANCE LEGAL INSURANCE or distress The only way I can explain it graphically is the idea of the wake of a boat can be liked to a human s wake Are we sailing through calmly or thrashing about causing a stir This fund was set when people understood the principle of mutuality Then there is member 4011 let s call her Maggie She had definite ideas about how much she wanted to spend on her funeral and where the proceeds should go her grandchildren She took out the insurance for

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10 000 and savings the gamblers out there would term it an each way bet We even gave her a will kit When her daughter rang I paused for a moment to consider the transient nature of life and then went into service mode as I explained options to a grieving family member I am pleased to say Maggie got to within 100 of her target Did I mention the transient nature of existence I would like you keep this in mind as you are going to purchase the means to put a punctuation mark at a significant interval of your life This fund was set when people understood the principle of mutuality These days it would be closer to the 80 20 rule It is arbitrary but what is implies is that the bulk of people support the people that need to use the service now I only mention this because I see how people have come to have certain expectations when they enquire about a service and this one is no different We are here for the long term it is no secret but often neglected that the earlier you start to plan for any economic purchase you have an advantage We are finding that many people in their 70s are enquiring and we are proud that we can actually offer an economic solution to their request People still think that there is room to move in trying to bring the price down However with limited time the amount of options available to you are reduced Even then if people realised the power of compound interest they would be far better off investing in the savings fund This takes me back to my work in the discretionary mutual fund There was a system of grants that were standardised and there was an option to request a separate grant for hardship I bring you the case in point of one of my unforgettable clients let s call him Fred My first observation is that war heroes are not all statuesque Fred was all of 5 2 and he had displayed heroic efforts in no less than three No matter who you are you are who you are you are worthy of living a life and ending that life in a dignified manner different arenas I first met him over a claim for assistance due to a storm He began to confide in me more and more and eventually let me in on a problem that he had with fainting On one eventful visit after he had exhausted many of his medical options I took him to the hospital to be further examined It turned out to be a brain tumour that had been overlooked because it was behind a fold in his brain That was the last time that I saw him completely lucid Eventually he passed away and we paid the funeral benefit The family appealed to me Be realistic is my advice If you have set aside more than you need then that will go to your estate to raise more funds as they wanted him buried close by and had exhausted all of his cash by paying out the mortgage I raised half of the necessary funds and began petitioning all of the different community agencies he had been volunteering for In the end it was the church that came up with the rest of the money and he received the burial that he deserved as a highly effective member of the community The word that is not used much anymore that applies here is dignity When you look into its origins it comes from deigned which is to be worthy of This is at the heart of what is perhaps a very old fashioned idea that no matter who you are you are who you are you are worthy of living a life and ending that life in a dignified manner I guess the final example I will give you comes from a comedian called Ben Elton where he had his main character explain that a thousand dollar meal don t be alarmed some people pay this much for a meal at a benefit is not a hundred times better than a ten dollar meal which can be still found in some pubs and clubs The philosophy behind the services at clubs is that again the many contribute through memberships and other activities so that services like reasonable dinners can be served So the things I want you to consider are that when you contribute to a mutual organisation don t feel that you are being taken advantage of For your turn will surely come and the strength of the organisation will ensure that it is still there at the time that you need it I also want you to think about what it is that you really want for yourself Because when you know what you want the means becomes a lot easier

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Chris O Brien Lifehouse Transforming Cancer Treatment and Care for Australians Chris O Brien Lifehouse Transforming Cancer Treatment and Care for Australians It was while battling an aggressive brain tumour that the late Professor Chris O Brien AO himself a brain surgeon began fighting for the rights of cancer patients to ensure they were valued and treated with dignity As a cancer patient he soon realised the indignity frustration and exhaustion many people felt when trying to navigate everything from blood tests to specialists Chris decided it was time to make a real difference by creating a cancer treatment centre that focused on patients And so Lifehouse was born Today Chris O Brien Lifehouse is an independent not for profit hospital treating over 40 000 cancer patients annually Our focus is on our patientand as we strive to deliver the highest possible standards delivered by skilled professional medical teams and friendly Staff Lifehouse follows its vision totransform cancer treatment and care for all Australians Medicine is constantly evolving says Professor Michael Boyer AM Chris O Brien Lifehouse s Chief Clinical Officer To ensure we remain at the forefront of the latest approaches to cancer care and treatment Lifehouse has dedicated research teams focusing on innovations in physics medical physics radiobiology radiation oncology radiotherapy gynaecological oncology medical oncology as well as an integrated clinical trials department proffessor Michael Boyer This provides a unique opportunity for our patients and team members to get involved in vital research including the trial of new drugs devices and pioneering treatment techniques Professor Boyer says that such opportunities have already led to advances in lung cancer research Now rather than using chemotherapy we can treat some patients with just one tablet a day These kinds of advances mean we are fulfilling our mission of making treatment easier and helping people with cancer to live longer Additionally Lifehouse aims to have the most innovative and technologically advanced medical and surgical equipment available The majority of major pieces of equipment in Lifehouse operating theatres have been acquired thanks to the generosity of our supporters In fact thanks to our donors our surgeons have recently performed the 100th robotic surgery on the da Vinci Xi Surgical System the most advanced robotic surgical system currently available At a cost of 5million Lifehouse could not afford to purchase this vital piece of life changing and life saving surgical equipment When the need was known our community of supporters made tax deductible donations from 5 up to 1million raising the much needed funds in just six months The da Vinci Xi Surgical System offers many patients the chance of minimally invasive surgery a shorter stay in hospital and a much improved recovery time For instance with traditional surgery a patient with throat cancer may have to endure having their jaw broken or even having a piece removed to then be rebuilt with a reconstruction from other bones This can cause disfigurement as well asdifficulty eating speaking and swallowing However through robotic surgery a surgeon can operate via the mouth an approach which not only results in no visible scarring or disfigurement but also aids the precise removal of cancerous tissue In fact our first robotic surgery patient back in December 2015 had cancerous tumour that from diagnosis to operation had grown to the size of tennis ball The patient a grandfather of two was able to have the lump completely removed and was back home in ten days with a slightly sore throat and was able to spend Christmas with his family Thanks to the vision and thoughtfulness of our supporters those who make donations during their lifetimes and those who leave a gift in their Wills we were able to offer this level of innovation to our patients requiring surgery As Professor Michael Boyer says Our work at Chris O Brien Lifehouse is about making a difference to our patients As Lifehouse is a not for profit cancer hospital we depend on the generosity of visionary people who want to give to help make a real difference to people s lives By leaving a gift in your Will you will help us to do even more in terms of research and our ongoing treatment and care for our cancer patients aged from 12 years and over You can make a genuine difference toc people s lives by helping us transform cancer treatment and care for cancer patients by leaving a gift in your Will to Chris O Brien Lifehouse No matter its size a gift in your Will or bequest is a vital contribution that will help Lifehouse s mission to transform treatment and care for cancer patients and support the lasting legacy and vision of Professor Chris O Brien to improve cancer care for all Australians To receive a free booklet about making a bequest to Lifehouse or for more information call Goldia Shum 02 8514 0626 Bequest Manager or Chris O Brien Lifehouse directly on 02 8514 0000 or visit www mylifehouse org au bequests WILLS BEQUESTS FOUNDATIONS Retirement Australia 55

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Retired financial planners Michele and Mario Topcic were planning an overseas trip a few years ago and knew the importance of putting their estate plans in order before travelling They decided to update their Wills and chose a few charities to include one of them being Sydney Children s Hospitals Foundation We considered children s charities that had a strong presence and good reputation within the community that directed funds to areas that needed it the most says Mario We knew of the incredible work the Hospital were doing to care for sick children and we wanted to help this continue says Michele Not a lot of charities get the support they need says Mario so it gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing that your contribution is going on to help others Our hope is that our gift along with other legacies will have a role in ensuring the Hospital is always there to provide the best care by investing in research technology and medical equipment that changes and saves children s lives When we told the Foundation we had left a gift in our Will they asked us to become Sunshine Guardians so now we re part of the Foundation family says Michele It s lovely to receive Hospital updates and invites to special events Mario and Michele feel so positive about their choice they now encourage friends to consider including Sydney Children s Hospitals Foundation in their Wills We can t think of a better legacy to leave than supporting future generations says Michele It gives so many children the best possible chance to lead a happy and healthy life We feel incredibly happy knowing we ll make a difference and proud that we can play our part in the Hospital s ongoing success Why leave a legacy Delivering world class paediatric care is expensive and there will always be a gap between the need for investment and the resources governments can make available Philanthropy is the key to ensuring that every child who needs the Hospital receives the best possible care A gift from supporters like Mario and Michele play a vital role in helping the Foundation support the Hospital and helps provide sustainable funding for the future The Foundation empowers your wish to make a difference aligning it with the Hospital s funding needs to help deliver the greatest impact More than 69 000 children a year from all over NSW are cared for at Sydney Children s Hospital Randwick The Foundation supports new equipment technology innovation and training that gives our health professionals the leading edge It also supports a holistic approach through providing art music and play education activities to distract children from their illness This is invaluable for our young patients wellbeing We improve physical spaces within the Hospital by funding refurbishments and new buildings to create a positive healing environment and increase the Hospital s capacity The Sydney Children s Hospitals Foundation is proud to support funding for ground breaking research and the positive transformation of clinical care to treat and ultimately cure many childhood diseases No matter how great or small your gift it will be a lasting legacy for generations of children For a confidential obligation free conversation about leaving a gift in your Will please contact Amanda Craze Philanthropy Manager on Phone number 02 9382 1161 Email amanda craze schf org au Website sunshineguardians org au

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Adventurous Women Share Stories of Australian Outback Motorhome Travels The best way to see the wide open spaces of Australia is to hit the road in a motorhome There s nothing quite like the experience of driving along with a great song on the radio and the long straight roads stretching out before you At Explorer Motorhomes 22 of owners are solo women and we asked some of these women owners to write about their experiences Their stories were all inspiring amazing heartwarming and funny These intrepid adventurers have driven their motorhomes all over Australia and have so many fascinating tales to tell Making Connections with other Travellers Kathryn from Adelaide named her Explorer Motorhome Dirty Dora and here she recounts her first big trip I decided that the first big trip would be to drive up to the Explorers Motorhomes Annual 62 Retirement Australia Get Together in Queensland to get some tips and meet the others very excited Had made no plans other than I would take 10 days off work to do Adelaide to Nambour return As luck would have it my brother and nephew were driving up to the Birdsville Races with a group and invited me along Yes I could follow their plans So after lessons on how to let tyres up and down Mum s corned beef and sultana cake to keep us sustained we left Adelaide one morning to get to Maree that night Long 8 hour drive for my first day but it was great to get out of town drive through the Flinders Ranges and get onto the dirt It felt so good By the end of the day me Dora were mates we understood each other Onto Mungarannie the next day Shorter trip rougher road lots of I met some fabulous people including solo travellers who gave me such good advice Solo motorhome travel is becoming a popular choice for Australian women travellers to explore their own country Touring Australia in a motorhome offers convenience freedom flexibility and endless adventure You can venture anywhere in this vast and diverse country and no matter where you go you ll have your bed and everything you need right there with you There really are no limits on what you can do and see particularly in a 4WD Explorer Motorhome corrugation lots of animals Next lesson how to operate the two way it was very handy sending warnings of animals on the road vehicles coming in opposite direction Mungarannie is a great spot to camp alongside a creek cold beers at the pub MOTORHOMES CARAVANS excellent showers and an eclectic mix of other campers on their way to Birdsville Some I don t think actually made it to the races Birdsville Races what an experience I had never been before and it was astounding the amount of people and variety of camping setups The Explorer Motorhome got lots of admiring looks as she handled the deep ruts in the ground left from last year s mud as well as the big butch 4WDs towing camper trailers As they spent hours it seemed scratching their heads setting up poles and such I parked and put out the table and chair poured a G T and watched Nothing more for me to do in Dora It was a great few days of camping campfires and sausages From Birdsville I was on my own towards Nambour while the others headed back to Adelaide The dirt road from Birdsville to Windorah was rough and long about 8 hours I was passed by idiots ripping along at stupid speeds only to come across them later on the side of the road with blown or flat tyres The trip across to Nambour took me 3 long driving days there I joined the 40 Explorer motorhomes gathered for the three day rally I met some fabulous people including solo travellers who gave me such good advice made me envious of their trips and shared many laughs Was the best what a club to belong to Out of that I am planning a couple of big trips together with other solos over the next year

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I am a GP who came to Australia from the Old South Wales in 1988 in my late twenties on a working holiday I fell in love with the outback camping experience with my own Crocodile Dundee in a twice rolled Mitsubishi Sigma Wagon swag and a box of camp gear We settled in Perth Western Australia Many wonderful family camping adventures followed kids grew up and left home I was looking for a new challenge and I needed to find the right vehicle for my future years of adventures had to be 4WD and comfortable In August 2017 after a bit of research and a lot of soul searching I proudly drove my brand new gorgeous Explorer Spirit from her factory birthing unit in Brisbane to Perth I had an open map wikki camps downloaded on my phone and I followed any road in the approximate right direction which led to a National Park That also included the Australian Alpine Parks via the snow fields to pamper my other passion skiing I proudly carried my skis hanging safely and silently where the boys in the factory had custom made a rack in my shower recess Perfect I was nervous at first Big vehicle compared to my other car strange mirrors and so many manuals to read The learning curve was exhilarating the scenery and wildlife sublime and I just enjoy the travelling always something new around the corner Time frame was my own in every aspect of the travels I was never lonely and I felt very free It s hard to know what the highlight of this maiden voyage was probably the strange natural rock formations in the middle of nowhere I renewed my appreciation of the vastness of this country and its weather patterns and the birdsong in the morning after the best sleeps ever back because I hadn t dropped the curtain Those poor people would have been looking straight at me hope it didn t put them off their cheese bikkies This is the advantage of traveling on your own via motorhome compared to going on a group tour You will be able to have complete control over your schedule and you can choose the bucket list experiences throughout Australia that you want to have Kathryn plans to make a couple of big trips with some of the other travellers she met while on her motorhome adventure Making Connections with Other Travelers Another one of the most powerful aspects of motorhome travel is the connections you make with other travelers while on the road At the end of a long day of exploring there s nothing better than sitting around a campfire with the new friends you have made sharing food and stories Kathryn fondly remembers the wonderful people she met on the road while travelling in Dirty Dora She says I met some fabulous people including solo travellers who gave me such great advice made me envious of their trips and shared many laughs Also she unwittingly provided some entertainment herself on one occasion after travelling the 8 hours from Birdsville to Windorah I was hot tired thirsty and hungry Pulled into a caravan park a couple were parked in front sitting outside having a drink as the sun set I got in the back put the lights on and stripped to have a shower Then remembered it was a straight through view from the front cab to the Driving around Australia in a motorhome means that you have complete freedom So by the time Dirty Dora got back to Adelaide I had driven 5 000 Kms over gibber and dust through some big storms overflowed the toilet twice met some real characters never once felt any fear only exhilaration that I can go travelling on my own and enjoy it all Another solo owner Hilary still works as a doctor in Perth but often takes her motorhome Hils Spirit on solo adventures all over the country She explains her experiences as a solo traveller Driving a Motorhome One of the concerning aspects of this form of travel can be managing the motorhome itself especially for someone who doesn t have any experience of motorhomes and off road driving However an Explorer Motorhome is designed to be as easy to set up and take down as possible and is built to handle the toughest of roads in comfort Plus they can hold a lot of travel luxurious Kathryn travels with a bar equipped with gin vodka champagne wine and more plus a variety of cheeses dips and olives The Explorer Motorhome Vision and Spirit models will fit into a normal car park space which means that they are versatile and easy to park Kathryn tells the tale of when she confided to the receptionists at Kingston Park Caravan Park that it would be her first time parking the motorhome They watched her from the window and gave her a standing ovation when she smoothly maneuvered into the parking space Travel Brings Freedom and Joy Driving around Australia in a motorhome means that you have complete freedom you are the one who gets to create your itinerary and plan your trip All it takes to fall in love with this style of travel is a little sense of adventure and a willingness to hit the road and see what happens When Kathryn returned from her trip after having driven 5 000 kms over the vast dusty terrain she explained that she never once felt any fear only exhilaration that I can go travelling on my own and enjoy it all 4WD Explorer Motorhomes are built to be easy travellers Driving the vehicle is like driving a car the same controls and feel The reversing cameras give you a complete view of the rear so no worries about backing into the car park of the supermarket for your supply shopping Buyers of a motorhome get a two hour induction handover to explain the operations of the motorhome for water power and bathroom facilities etc Nothing daunting about the workings every aspect is simple and nothing physically requiring a strong arm Although Australia must be one of the safest countries to travel through it is still reassuring for our solo women owners to know they have access to the drive cab from the motorhome so at any time they can drive off without going outside Also the 4WD ability of the vehicle ensures you will not get stuck or bogged down if you go off road or in a wet park Nothing to stop you from making your own Dirty Dora holiday home and hitting the highway For more nformation go to www explorermotorhomes com au MOTORHOMES CARAVANS Retirement Australia 63

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Useful Numbers Fire Police Ambulance 000 Police Assistance line 13 14 44 Lifeline 13 11 14 Department of Human Services Medicare General Enquiries My Gov Centerlink Retirement Disabilities Sickness Cares My aged Care 13 20 11 13 23 07 13 23 00 13 27 17 1800 200 422 Electricity Gas Energy Australia AGL Ausgrid 13 15 25 13 12 45 13 13 88 Transport NRMA Translink Traffic Trave info Premier Cabs Taxis Combined 13 11 22 13 22 32 13 27 01 13 10 17 13 33 00 ACT NSW QLD Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Department of Health Disability Advocacy ACT Seniors Card Cota ACT Legal Aid Career ACT Veterans Affairs 1800 020 103 02 6242 5060 02 6282 3777 02 6282 3777 1300 654 314 1800 555 254 133 254 Department of Health Disability Advocacy NSW Seniors Card Cota NSW Legal Aid Career NSW Veterans Affairs 02 9391 9000 1300 365 085 13 77 88 1800 449 102 1300 888 529 1800 052 222 133 254 Department of Health Disability Advocacy QLD Seniors Card Cota QLD Legal Aid Career QLD Veterans Affairs TAS NT WA Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Department of Health Disability Advocacy TAS Seniors Card Cota TAS Legal Aid Career TAS Veterans Affairs 64 Retirement Australia 1300 135 513 1800 005 131 1300 135 513 03 6231 3265 1300 366 611 1300 659 247 133 254 USEFUL NUMBERS Department of Health Disability Advocacy NT Seniors Card Cota NT Legal Aid Career NT Veterans Affairs 08 8999 2400 08 8953 1422 1800 441 489 08 8941 1004 08 8951 5377 1300 659 247 133 254 Department of Health Disability Advocacy WA Seniors Card Cota ACT Legal Aid Career ACT Veterans Affairs 1343 2584 1800 818 338 13 74 68 07 3316 2999 1300 651 188 1300 659 247 133 254 08 9222 4222 08 9721 6444 02 6282 3777 02 6282 3777 1300 654 314 1800 555 254 133 254

december2018

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