15 November VOL 07 Issue 26

Tackling technology

Welcome to the 15 November @boutSeniors enewsletter.

We enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many @boutSeniors subscribers at the Telstra- @boutSeniors seminars and Meeting Place during Victorian Seniors Week. We were also impressed with the vigour with which seniors are tackling technology, from basic functions on PCs, to networking online, to building their own PCS…so this issue we are highlighting some of the fun to be had with technology, as well as some solutions for when things go wrong, courtesy of ASCCA members.

Pictured to the right is the fabulous author Hazel Edwards – many will know Hazel for her bestselling book There's a Hippopotamus on My Roof Eating Cake. Hazel writes about a whole lot more than just big pink creatures on the roof, and she has agreed to share with us, on an ongoing basis, the secrets to writing non-boring family histories (the best sort!).

Some of the fun to be had online is playing games, shopping, and planning travel so we have featured a selection of our favourite sites for you to enjoy, while this issue's Comfort Food celebrates a Yankee Potato Salad, courtesy of Pennsylvanian Gary.

We are also happy to announce our new all Australian crossword page, with the support of our good friends at Lovatts (thanks Coll!) Enjoy an Aussie crossword now. The Internet is becoming a first stop for those seeking travel companions. In our personals section this week we are listing a call for single seniors interested in cruises to New Zealand and Japan.

And don't forget @boutSeniors is always open for business when it comes to competitions for DVDS or even winning a trip for two to Canada worth $20,000. As the saying goes, what are you waiting for?

Keep smiling
David and Kaye Fallick

Technology

Q&A – Jack's computer upgrade
Q. I wish to change from a computer running Windows 98 to one running Microsoft XP. What would be transferable and how should it be done?

Compare the policies
The website nowwearetalking.com.au, has a new election section highlighting different parties' policies.

Kaye's blog
Some agreed, some disagreed with Kaye's blog about politics and the Age Pension. Read these comments and post your own now

Feeling lost
And we'd love to hear your opinions on Geoff Holt's latest blog on feeling lost – and being found.. It's easy to type in your thoughts in the comments box at the bottom of the page or just email admin@aboutseniors.com.au with your feedback.

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Government news

Useful financial websites
The FIDO and Understanding Money government websites are a useful resource for up-to-date information and to educate and empower yourself in money matters.

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Taking care of the pennies

Q&A – John's self-funded super
Q. We are going to be self-funded retirees next year when I turn 60 years of age. Does this allow us to be eligible for a health care and concession card? Is this means tested and what are the requirements for this?

Super calculators
 Most bank websites now include a superannuation calculator. But for an independent comparison of funds and to get an idea of how much your super will be worth one day, try the FIDO Super calculator.

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Wellbeing

Medicare rebate
Are you aware that Medicare offers some rebates on services for those with chronic conditions requiring specialist care, such as psychology, speech therapy and podiatry? Find out more

Weight loss website
Looking for information on a healthy diet and exercise? Try the extensive resources and easy 'energy needs calculator' on this weight loss website.

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Volunteering

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Get involved
Do you have menopause and suffer hot flushes? If so, you may be eligible to participate in an international study investigating the treatment of hot flushes.

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Getting out there

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Retirement redefined – thanks to Baby Boomers
“Retired at 60, learnt to fly, built two aircraft, one vintage car, bought a Russian YAK Aircraft and will fly around Australia with my wife, love breaking all the rules!” More and more this is the reality of 'retirement' in modern Australia.

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Need a companion?
Online sites like RSVP are a safe and exciting way to meet new people, which is why over one million Australians have turned to RSVP to find someone for love or friendship!

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All that jazz
Eight active retirees have come together to perform old time happy jazz in the Okeh Jazz Band. The band's unusual name comes from the American record company Okeh, which recorded most of the jazz classics from the 1920s and 30s.

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For a good cause

Carers find a voice
Carers Australia has a new website aimed at raising awareness of carer issues in the lead up to the federal election. They are encouraging everyone to support them and to help spread the message.

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Travel express

Singles wanted for cruising
Seniors Holiday Tours are seeking two men and one lady to go on three different cruises leaving soon (Jan, Feb. & March)

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Exploring Ireland
Discover Ireland with Insight Vacations. Sit back relax, let someone else do the driving and enjoy the unhurried pace of beautiful Ireland.

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Affordable New Zealand
New Zealand – fly from just $99 each way (plus air taxes). Valid on all FreeSpirit Touring of 10 days or more, ex SYD/MEL/BNE, subject to availability, enquire for other ports, book by 30 November 2007. FreeSpirit Touring combines the best of small group touring, with the freedom and choice of independent travel.

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Royal India
India has a choice of accommodation styles from deluxe hotels to mountain chalets, jungle lodges and houseboats. But for a unique experience, there's little to compare with choosing a palace hotel.

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West Coast Tassie
The award winning West coast Wilderness Railway is now back on line after a short interruption to services in October

Travel deals

Other great deals in our Holiday ideas section...

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Bookshelf online

Buying books online attracts a 10% discount for all @boutSeniors subscribers so make your selections now

Online is easy
 This easy-to-read guide to the world wide web is a practical and useful tool – and could make a great Christmas present.

Getting started
Computing for seniors in easy steps comes from the same publishing stable as the above book, this time covering general computer information. It's perfect for the novice.

Computer teacher
 Just pop this 'Internet essentials CD' into the CD/DVD slot of your computer and pictures and audio will guide you through a wide range of basic computer and internet functions.

These titles and many more can be purchased in the @boutSeniors online discount bookstore. Go there now

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Movie junction

Brilliant Beethoven
 Classical music historians may not appreciate this fictional account of Beethoven's last years but, forgiven its dramatic licence, Copying Beethoven, set in Vienna in 1824 and starring the wonderful Ed Harris, is a story of passion and artistic brilliance well told.

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Comfort food

Gary's Yankee potato salad
 After a childhood in Pennsylvania and post grad studies in California, Gary came to Australia a few decades ago to work in the resources industry. His accent has softened, but his Yankee Potato Salad retains its patriotic tang.


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Here to help

And don't forget the staff at @boutSeniors are here to help with all your queries, whatever the topic, on help@aboutseniors.com.au

To subscribe to the free fortnightly @boutSeniors enewsletter, put your email address into the subscribe here box on the left hand side of our homepage. Go there now.

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