Welcome to the About Seniors Hobbies and Activities page! What do you enjoy in your leisure time? Are you looking to sit down and enjoy a good book or movie? Check out our Book Reviews and Movie Reviews pages to read up on the latest releases, and while your there, check our the Senior Food and Wine page where we feature hundreds of great recipes to light up your evening, including some great beverage ideas! Laugh along side other members and read our Jokes.
If your looking for a challenge, then playing our Sudoku, Daily Crossword Puzzles or Aussie Crossword Puzzles may be for you! They are great for brain health also!
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Hobbies & Activities
The Activity Finder
How do I search for an activity?
The About Seniors activity finder has been programmed specifically to search for postcodes and for certain words, or even a combination of both. For example if you live in Glen Iris, Victoria, your postcode would be 3146. So you enter 3146 into the activity finder and it will show any related searches in your area. If you cannot find something in your area that you like, type in a specific word for example flower. This will show you all activities Australia wide related to that word!
Visit our activity finder page now!
How do I add an activity?
On the activity finder page, you can click on the “Add your own activity here link” or simply click here now.
*Please note when you are adding an activity that if you do not fill in all the required areas, that it will not submit, so if there is no details for that area, put in a dash.*
Melbourne morning melodies
Rachael Beck and Ian Stenlake
Stars of the stage and screen, Rachael Beck and Ian Stenlake, have handpicked their very favourite songs in this show all about love, life and new adventures.
Ian and Rachael are regular performers at the Carols By Candlelight concerts. You’ll also remember Ian from his work on television shows Sea Patrol and Stingers, as well as the recent season of Guys & Dolls. Rachael has been delighting audiences for years with her stage work including Singin’ in the Rain and Beauty & the Beast, as well as the television shows It Takes Two and Hey Dad!
Date: Monday 15 March 2010
Time: 11am and 1.30pm
Location: the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall
Tickets: from $16
Book Now!
1300 182 183
the Arts Centre Box Office
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Ali McGregor’s Music Hall and Variety Hour
You’re in for a treat as operatic star Ali McGregor returns for a Morning Melodies encore performance of her variety hour of rousing songs and tantalising specialty acts.
While singing some favourites like My Funny Valentine and Georgia, Ali will take you into a fabulous world of sing-a-longs, vaudeville hits and fancy tricks!
Ali will be backed by swing band The Shuffle Club and performing alongside her will be one of Australia’s finest musical theatre singers, Peter Cousens, and a stellar line-up of stand-up comedians and sideshow acts.
Date: Monday 12 April 2010
Time: 11am and 1.30pm
Location: the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall
Tickets: from $16
Book Now!
1300 182 183
the Arts Centre Box Office
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The Australian Ballet School
The Australian Ballet School is one of our most popular shows in the Morning Melodies program. With their talent and energy, the young performers, many of whom are destined for The Australian Ballet, are sure to charm and delight you.
Highlighting this year’s program will be George Balanchine’s dazzling Divertimento 15 featuring breathtaking choreography and stunning costumes. Also featured will be Paul Knobloch’s beautiful Valetta showcasing the artistry and strength of the male students. Finally, a new work by Leigh Rowles will be premiered demonstrating the energy and athleticism of the younger students.
Date: Tuesday 4 May 2010
Time: 11am and 1.30pm
Location: the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall
Tickets: from $16
Book Now!
1300 182 183
the Arts Centre Box Office
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Melbourne Welsh Male Choir
The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir will transport you to the mountain ranges and river valleys of the Welsh landscape with their repertoire of traditional songs, old favourites and a couple of new songs.
The sheer magnitude and limitless passion of the 50 plus choristers singing in harmony will send shivers down your spine.
Date: Monday 7 June 2010
Time: 11am and 1.30pm
Location: the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall
Tickets: from $16
Book Now!
1300 182 183
the Arts Centre Box Office
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Insults with class
There is an art to insulting someone without losing your dignity and these are some of our favourite insults, uttered by great men and women over the years.
The exchange between Winston Churchill & Lady Astor:
Lady Astor, “If you were my husband, I’d give you poisoned tea.”
Winston Churchill, “If you were my wife, I’d drink it.”
A Member of Parliament to Prime Minister Disraeli: “Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease.”
“That depends, Sir”, said Disraeli, “whether I embrace your policies or your mistress.”
“He had delusions of adequacy” - Walter Kerr
“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” -
Winston Churchill
“I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.” Clarence Darrow
“He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.” - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).
“Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I’ll waste no time reading it.” - Moses Hadas
“I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” - Mark Twain
“He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.” - Oscar Wilde
“I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend… if you have one.” - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill
“Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second… if there is
one."- Winston Churchill, in response.
“I feel so miserable without you, it’s almost like having you
here.” - Comedian Kip Ado
“He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” - John Bright
“I’ve just learned about his illness. Let’s hope it’s nothing
trivial.” -Irvin S. Cobb
“He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others.”
-Samuel Johnson
“He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up.” - Paul Keating
“In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily.” -
Charles, Count Talleyrand
“He loves nature in spite of what it did to him.” - Forrest Tucker
“Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?” -
Mark Twain
“His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.” - Mae West
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” – Oscar Wilde
“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts… for support rather than illumination.” - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
“He has Van Gogh’s ear for music.” - Billy Wilder
“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn’t it.” - Groucho Marx
Staycations
As all those currently either reading this newsletter or familiar with all neological terms, ‘staycationing’ is in right now. With continued economic downturn forecasted and the addition of the term into the 2009 Webster’s dictionary, it seems more and more likely that staycationing is here to stay.
The great thing about ‘staycationing’ is that many people can honestly say that within their home state they have never visited some of the landmarks that make it special. Many of the historical landmarks and natural wonders that make Australia great remain underappreciated and ignored by the very people who have the opportunity to visit them every day, but because of work or a lack of interest, have since neglected to. But now, thanks to staycationing, these great attractions are getting a new breed of tourist, their very own neighbours!
Eager to try ‘staycationing’, but don’t know where to start? Here is a list of twelve places any ‘staycationer’ cannot miss, but probably has!
Melbourne
1. Eureka Skydeck – Not for the faint hearted, The Eureka Skydeck will have you on top of the world. Well at least on top of the Southern Hemisphere, quite literally. The Skydeck is Melbourne’s newest and hottest attraction, and its main attraction is ‘the Edge’ - a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building. The Edge’s opaque glass eventually reveals itself to leave you standing on top of the sky! For a similar trip, why not take up in one of Melbourne’s many advertising hot air balloon’s that line our sky every morning?
2. Old Melbourne Gaol - Not many buildings have as much heritage as the Old Melbourne Gaol. With past inhabitants such as Ned Kelly and other famous prisoners, it is steeped in National History. There is also the fact that many claim it is the most haunted building in the Southern Hemisphere! Try the night tour for both an interesting trip back through Melbourne’s history, and maybe a few frightening surprises along the way!
Sydney
3. Art Gallery Of New South Wales – The Art gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions. A centrepiece of art and culture in Sydney, the Gallery has roughly 40 collections a year. The gallery holds collections of art from Australia, Europe and Asia, which means that you can get vacation art for ‘Staycation’ convenience and price.
4. Manly Ferry – Just 30 minutes from Sydney, Manly is famous for its amazing beaches and great surf. The Manly ferry sails across Sydney harbour and takes half an hour from Sydney, and along the way possesses such natural and man made wonders such as the National Park, the Harbour Bridge and the Royal Sydney Opera House. However while the trip is fun, it is the relaxed beachside nature of Manly that is the true attraction, with restaurants, shops and café’s all competing for your dollar.
Perth.
5. Swan River Foreshore – There are options galore along the foreshore. Regular ferries operate up and down; while a dual cycling walking track mirror’s the river path, allowing active staycationer’s to stay in shape during their break. For the perfect day trip, a regular ferry service operates between Barrack Square and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth. Catch the ferry from the city and then garb some dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in South Perth.
6. Kings Park - With so many options, Kings Park is the ideal Staycation choice for the whole family. For a challenge, why not try DNA tower, a 101 step climb that is situated right at the top of the park, giving any West Australian a whole new view of their home city/state.
Adelaide
7. National Wine Centre Of Australia – With many Australia’s benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of South Australia’s wine making region, South Australian’s themselves can get in on the action. This educational facility not only lets you make your own virtual wine but taste a variety of South Australian Vintages, as well as gaining knowledge and expertise from and about Australia’s 53 wine regions.
8. Glenelg Tram – These historic trams take you back to a simpler time as you are transported along seaside Glenelg from the City West Terminus in North Terrace. With an old fashioned tram, conductor and great views, as well as cafés, shops and Glenelg Pier s attractions, the Glenelg tram is a must do for anyone who has an air for the nostalgic.
Brisbane
9. Star City Casino - They don’t call it Brisvegas for nothing! Star City Casino is your way to spoil yourself and live like a king, right in your backyard. With a world class casino, bars, entertainment and 5 Star accommodations available, it’s perfect for a One Night treat. Who knows, your ‘Staycation’ may just pay for itself!
10. Golf at Coolum - Each year we see Australia’s best golfers compete in the Coolum Classic, and feel particularly envious. But now, with the money saved by staycationing, Queenslanders can drive up to the Sunshine Coast and have a hit themselves and try and compete with the best. Watch out for the lakes on the 9th and 18th though!
Tasmania
11. Spirit of Tasmania - Getting there is half the fun, so sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Spirit of Tasmania. Taking the night cruise is a great option allowing you and friends to enjoy the trip sailing from 8pm. Make a night of it with fantastic entertainment options, top class dining experiences and an onboard cinema with a big screen… not a tiny TV in the back of a chair like on an airplane!
12. Tasmanian Devils – What’s better than learning about and meeting some of the worlds cutest little devils? Driving through stunning scenery to get there! Located on the edge of the Cradle Mountain National Park World Heritage area, devils@craddle is a sanctuary that focuses on a number of aspects of conservation to assist in the survival of the Tasmanian devil in the wilderness of Cradle Mountain.
Find more outdoor activities.
Shopping for one
Getting used to shopping for one when you’ve been part of a couple for so long can be difficult, as About Seniors subscriber, Anne, has discovered. There are ways to make your money go further and the experience more enjoyable.
Q. Anne
I am a recent widow, of 14mths, I would love to see some fat free recipes for one, I have a friend who also has the same problem. I find myself either cooking for two or not being bothered to eat much. I have found myself cooking a roast and sharing it with the dogs, who think its heaven. I also need advice on how to shop economically for one, I find that I over buy and throw out.
A. Making the leap to shopping and cooking for two to just one can be difficult and take time. Following a few of the simple steps below can get you on the right track.
Make a list
One of the simplest ways to cut your shopping bill and the time spent shopping is by making a list and sticking to it. Take it one-step further, list your meals for the whole week, and only buy the things you need to make these dishes. Use the supermarket discount catalogues that come through your letterbox to find the best deals on what you need.
Alter recipes
You may be put off some recipes as they are for two or four people. Try cutting a recipe down to size, freezing the second portion or splitting it with a friend. Taking turns at cooking for each other can be fun and cost effective. If you don’t have a host of recipes to hand, get yourself a basic cookbook. It doesn’t have to be one by the latest celebrity chef, one from an op shop or garage sale will do just as well. Once you get a little more confidence with cooking the recipes, you’ll be able to change them to suit your tastes and requirements.
Bulk buying
On the face of it, buying in bulk can seem the cheapest way to stock up but you need to be realistic about what you are going to use before it spoils. Why not get together with a few friends once a month and do a bulk shopping together, splitting your purchases and the cost.
Expiration dates
Supermarkets will put the products with the closest expiration dates to the front of the display, great if you’re going to be using the product within a few days. If you want a product that will last longer, look to the back of the shelf.
Portion control
If there’s a piece of meat or fish or a large cauliflower or cabbage that would be just too much for you, ask the stores butcher or greengrocer to cut it for you and charge you accordingly.
Closing time bargains
The best bargains are to be found just before a store closes or when it is planning to be closed for a public holiday. Buying your meat, fish etc at these times and freezing them is a great way to save money and is a good time to try the little luxuries that you can’t otherwise afford.
Avoid processed and convenience foods
Not only are these expensive but they’re not altogether healthy. With a little planning you can make most of these items yourself for less money and they’ll probably be tastier.
Never shop hungry or lonely
Most people know never to shop hungry as you’re more likely to over buy or buy food you don’t really need or want. Also, shopping when feeling a bit blue or down can result in sugar and fat laden purchases. Gear yourself up for a trip to the shops or share the burden with a friend.
Grown your own
By far the cheapest and most rewarding way to get the freshest, tastiest produce to your table. You don’t need a lot of space; you just need to plan your planting wisely.
Shop from home
If you’re just too tempted by the rows of food on offer, do your shopping online. Most large supermarkets will deliver to your area and you’ll only get the food you order! There is a small charge for delivery but considering travel costs, it can be worth it in the end.
Got your own shopping tips, why not share them on About Seniors Meeting Place.
Add life to your years
Exercise and activity can not only help pass the time and keep you healthy, they can also provide you with an important social network.
Finding the right activity, exercise or group for you can take time but you shouldn’t be down-hearted if nothing seems right immediately, the more you try, the more you’ll experience. This week is Seniors’ Week in NSW, a perfect time to find out what’s available in your area and try new things, often provided free during this time. Seniors’ Weeks are held in each state or territory throughout the year. Find out when your state or territory are holding their Seniors’ Week.
If you can’t wait until then, there are several organisations that have details of what can be enjoyed in your area, simply click on the links below for details.
Seniors Recreation Council of Western Australia
Queensland Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation
Securing Australia’s future
There can be no doubt in our minds that global warming is real and a threat to our environment and the way we live.
Carbon emissions, wasting energy and using water unnecessarily all have a negative impact on the environment. Simple energy and water saving initiatives can save money, time and make our world a better place to live.
Save energy
· In winter, aim to heat your house between 18 and 20 degrees, while in summer aim for 26 degrees
· Switching appliances off at the wall can drop your energy use by up to 10 percent a year
· Switch to energy saving light globes which last 4 to 10 times longer and use much less energy than regular light globes
· Turn the light off when you leave a room
· Washing your clothes in cold water when applicable instead of hot water can save a lot of energy and money in the long run
For more information on saving energy or to calculate how much energy you can save, visit Save Energy.
Save water at home
Households use roughly 70 percent of the water Australia wide, with two thirds of this being used indoors
· Take shorter showers
· Install a water saving showerhead
· Before putting the washing on, make sure the load is full, as every load takes 17 buckets of water
· Put a plug in the sink rather than running the water when shaving
· Wash your vegetables in a plugged sink
· Use the half flush on your toilet more frequently as this saves up to four buckets of water
Save water in your garden
· Wash your car on our lawn so that the grass soaks up the water. Car shampoos are similar to fertilizers as they use phosphates, so this is advantageous to your lawn.
· Adding water crystals to soil enhancing water retention by up to 40 percent
· Before purchasing plants, do your research and only buy plants that are compatible with the climate and soil in your area
For more information on saving water, visit Save Water.
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