1 July VOL 08 Issue 29

Rights of older Australians

Welcome to the 01 July @boutSeniors enewsletter.

It has taken some time, but gradually more and more decision makers have become aware of the rights and basic needs of older Australians. The first need is clearly to be able to live above the poverty line, and the need for changes to the pension is finally being recognised. Our Meeting Place continues to draw comments on this topic. Another high priority is to recognise the increasing incidence of overt and covert elder abuse in our community - and put processes in place to eradicate this sad trend.

A new movie released on July 24 highlights issues of elder care. Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Imelda Staunton, How About You is one of those small films which packs a huge punch through humour and candour. Win one of 50 double passes now. A recent experience has led our resident blogger, Geoff, to conclude that we are going to hell in a hand basket - or at that least elder abuse is alive and well on the streets of Sydney. Do you agree?

Books reviewed this week include an anthology of writing by Elizabeth Jolley, and a collection of great Australian eulogies, while our Comfort food features yet another winter warmer, this time it's Split Pea & Cumin Soup supplied by Martyna.

And our hero of the week most definitely has to be our favourite nonagenarian. Yes, it's the indefatigable Nelson Mandela, prisoner 46664, who celebrated his 90th birthday with 50,000 or so friends in London's Hyde Park last Friday night.

Keep smiling
David & Kaye Fallick

Competitions

50 reasons to respond
For your chance to win one of 50 double-passes to How about you, click here and fill out our poll on Elder Abuse.

Send to a friend
 Send to a friend for the chance to win a one year's subscription to Your Life magazine.

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Taking care of the pennies

Super fund results
Cash investments are up but balanced and growth portfolios the worst since the introduction of compulsory super in July 1992 independent research firm, Super Ratings reports.

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Government

Pension changes
It seems to take a community cabinet meeting to force further attention to the pitiful rate of the Age Pension. This week in Mackay saw an admission by Treasurer Wayne Swan the pension is indeed inadequate - and changes may be afoot.

Seniors' rights
Last week saw the launch of Seniors Rights Victoria, a new information, advocacy, legal and education and training service which has been established to address abuse of older people in the community.

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Wellbeing

Alzheimer's patch
For medical novices, the concept of a wearable patch which aids Alzheimer's sufferers sounds both futuristic and very far fetched. But believe it or not, such a patch is now available.

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Technology

Do you YouTube?
The real question is, why do you not YouTube! Everyone is doing it! YouTube is one of the biggest online community websites in the world. It can be used by the most computer illiterate of users, up to the "video blogging experts". Find out how.

First aid phone
We all know we should be up to date on first aid techniques and this could help save the life of a friend or family member in an emergency. Now there is a simple and affordable CPR download for your phone

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Getting out there

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Seniors discount at Sydney Harbour Marriott
Enjoy a 15% discount off the $37.00 regular buffet price at Icons Brasserie, when you present your Seniors Card. And a further 20% off best rates if you decide to stay the night!

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Travel express

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Canada by road and rail
It's time to discover Western Canada's Majestic Circle by road and rail onboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer.

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How faraway can you go?
This issue we highlight the destination of Faraway Bay, surely one of the prettiest names on the planet. Located on a cliff top, 280km north west of Kununurra, overlooking the Timor Sea, hosts Bruce and Robyn Ellison offer ecological touring at its best.

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Travel deals

Two for one cruising
Enjoy two for one cruising from Singapore aboard the Superstar Libra with Qantas Holidays. For a short time (before end September), travellers can purchase cruising for two people for the price of one.

Free fuel alerts
 The name isn't too glamorous, but motormouth is a site we like very much. A running list of the best fuel prices in major locations plus free email updates are too good to ignore.

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Bookshelf online

Fond farewells
Edited by 70s wild child, Richard Walsh, Great Australian Eulogies is a compilation of witty, wise and warm words spoken at the funerals of the great - and the not so...

Persistence personified
Years ago I was privileged to hear Elizabeth Jolley speak about the craft of writing. She described it in housekeeping terms - of polishing and repolishing until an atmosphere of warmth and light had been created. This collection of her writing offers warmth, light and personal illumination in spades.

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Movie junction

A small gem
Adapted from a short story by Maeve Binchy, How about you tackles themes of old age, loneliness and opportunities lost as seen through the eyes of residents of an aged care facility in County Wicklow, Ireland.

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Comfort food

Martyna's Split Pea & Cumin Soup
Another of our subscriber's favourites, Martyna's Split Pea & Cumin Soup is both tasty and affordable.

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Here to help

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

To subscribe to the free fortnightly AboutSeniors 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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