24 June VOL 08 Issue 27

Home sweet home

Welcome to the 24 June @boutSeniors enewsletter.

The middle of winter is a good time to appreciate the roof over our heads, home heating and a cosy bed at night - but only if we are privileged enough to have these important ingredients for a happy life. Many Australians don't and many of those who do "own" their own homes are hurting as interest rates rise, petrol becomes unaffordable and food prices sky rocket. One AboutSeniors subscriber, Hazel, is suggesting that those with homes open them up to the less fortunate - we welcome your feedback. The "home" theme is also highlighted in our Pennies section where reverse mortgages and moving interstate are two recently received Q&A topics while Kaye's blog ponders the dilemma of whether to leave home, for the last time.

Keeping life choices affordable is our goal, and Debbie has worked hard this week to find not only the best travel deals going around, but also some exercises which can be done at home, including vital pelvic floor information for the ladies.

Last week we introduced Master Chef Andreas and this week a long-standing and much adored member of our team, Webmaster Drew Patchell, shares his life choices - and hottest techie tips.

Last week's poll on private health insurance received 574 responses - your thoughts on changes to the Medicare levy make interesting reading. And last week saw the loss of the fabulous "girl" with the million dollar legs - Ms Cyd Charisse. On our home page we celebrate her life and times.

Wondering about the strange image above? Wonder no more - it's just Anthony and Angela, the winners of last year's wife carrying contest in Sonkajarvi, Finland - the Australians who scooped the pool.

And our hero/heroine of the week - a double award to the fabulous Dame Elizabeth Murdoch still laughing and making a great deal of sense at 99 - and broadcaster, Andrew Denton, for having the good sense to interview her in his new series Elders on ABC TV at 9.30pm Monday nights. Brilliant viewing!

Stay warm
David & Kaye Fallick

Competitions

I spy...
Win a copy of The Spy in the... Collection on DVD, simply click here.

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Taking care of the pennies

Reverse mortgages
Mary, like many AboutSeniors' subscribers finds herself in the unenviable position of having to consider a reverse mortgage to fund day-to-day living.

Interstate concessions
AboutSeniors' subscriber Keith is considering moving interstate but would like to know what concessions are available so he can decide if it is a move he can afford.

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Retirement living

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Fun doesn't stop
There are many factors which drive a move from home to a retirement village and at those managed by PrimeLife, having fun is one of them.

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Wellbeing

Improve your pelvic floor
All women know the importance of pelvic floor exercises but how many actually do them?

Exercise at home
Exercise doesn't need to be expensive, or even involve leaving your house. Simple at home exercises can be very effective.

Stay at home assistance
Many people would rather stay in their own homes than move to an aged care facility. John and Jasmine would like to know what assistance is available to enable this.

Emergency aid
Judy is concerned about her 85 year old father, who although independent, needs a form of mobile communication to use in an emergency.

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Technology

Drew's top tips
 Our very own Webmaster, Drew, has kindly agreed to share his favourite little technology gems. Simple, but effective.

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For a good cause

Charity begins at home
Having a safe, warm, roof over our heads each night is something many of us take for granted, but for some Australian families, this is an unachievable luxury.

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Getting out there

Fiddle-dee-dee
Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers are heading for Tasmania. Check out the post on our Meeting Place for details of a two-for-one ticket offer.

Companions wanted
AboutSeniors subscribers are reaching out to make new friends. See if there is anyone in your area with whom you would like to catch up.

Christmas in July
There may not be much chance of snow this July but that shouldn't stop you getting rugged up and enjoying a Christmas Cruise.

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Travel express

Lost and found
Losing your personal effects when you travel can be expensive and time consuming. Now a simple tag or sticker can help you recover lost possessions.

Over the threshold
Maybe the last time you carried your wife or, as a wife you were carried, was over the threshold to your new home. The Finns have a new "fun" take on wife carrying.

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Travel deals

Cheap beans help fund travel
Buying your essentials for less could help you fund your next holiday. Who could say no to a tin of baked beans for 10c.

Breakfast for a buck
Stay at Rendezvous Hotel Auckland during June, July and August 2008 and start you day with a hot buffet breakfast from NZ$1.

Four-for-three
Book a small group adventure in Australia for four people and one of you stays free!

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Bookshelf online

Green house
Sustainability is not only the new buzz word in the construction industry, it's also the best way to ensure your home is one for the future.

Align your chi
Declutter your home and rearrange your living space by following the simple philosophies of feng shui, and enhance your life.

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Comfort food

Anne's windy soup
Dedicated to Joan in Sydney, Anne's Windy Soup will blow away those winter cobwebs!

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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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