29 July VOL 08 Issue 37

Staying safe at home

Welcome to the 29 July AboutSeniors enewsletter.

Sometimes technology feels more like a threat than a blessing. This week in Travel express we highlight the progress of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic sub-orbital space experience.

For most of us in the AboutSeniors office this is way too advanced and scary to even contemplate. Although we do applaud the naming of the space ship after his mum, Eve. But there is a flipside to new technologies and that is the way we can use them to care for elderly parents, friends & relatives who live far away. This issue we highlight some of the great developments that allow our loved ones to stay safe - in their own homes and online.

And speaking of homes, the sad news of the sanctions placed on Kirralee Aged Care facility in East Ballarat in Victoria is further evidence that we need to get far more serious about Elder Abuse - now.

The hottest topic on AboutSeniors Meeting Place this week is pensioner housing - Elsie wonders why she is being given the runaround while Geoff's blog questions the economics of solar power. Your responses are welcome as well as your vote on the most whacky words. To sweeten the debate, make sure you whip up a batch of Debbie's Caramelised Pears beforehand - needed more than ever after you read the news of this year's appalling super fund returns.

We have two heroes this week - firstly, fabulous Golden Girl, Estelle Getty, 84, who slipped away earlier this week. And we couldn't fail to mark the 65th birthday of a man who doesn't seem to stay home much at all - let alone safe. It is, of course, rocking (Sir) Mick Jagger, who has famously stated he will never apply for a seniors' card. Nice for some, Mick, many others need that discount!

Stay safe, but don't miss out on any fun!
David & Kaye Fallick

Competitions

Winning words
Send us your favourite or most unusual word and its definition for the chance to win a copy of BBC Insiders travel documentaries on Paris or Venice.

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 funds dive
The numbers are out - super funds have posted the worst ever negative returns since 1992 when compulsory super was introduced.

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Wellbeing

Emergency mobile communication
AboutSeniors Subscriber Judy is concerned about her 85 year-old fathers wellbeing, especially when he's out and about.

Prevention better than cure
Even if you have lived in your home for many years, getting around as you get older does get more difficult.

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Technology

Keep your PC bug free
 Drew, AboutSeniors webmaster, tells us how to protect your computer from that winter flu, for free!

Home hotspots
 Common sense should help keep our home safe from fire but a gentle reminder never goes amiss.

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For a good cause

Missing you
 Someone goes missing in Australia on average every 15 minutes, that's approximately 35,000 people each year and for many familes, it's the not knowing that's the hardest.

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Getting out there

Handy home tips
We all know how annoying those little jobs are around the home that just never seem to get done. If all you need is a little know-how, then grab your tool box.

Big kids at heart
Keeping fit just got more fun. Del, an AboutSeniors subscriber has kept us up-to-date with the opening of a playground especially for big kids!

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Travel express

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Indian summer
Many people shy away from India during its summer months but if you can stand the heat, summer is a great time to visit India.

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Travel Q+A
This week we introduce one of our new travel experts Stephanie, who has taken the time to answer AboutSeniors' subscribers' question on Peru, the Middle East and volunteering holidays.

To infinity and beyond
The age of space travel just got closer with Virgin Galactic unveiling WhiteKnightTwo(WK2), which heralds commercial space travel one step closer.

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Travel deals

Cruise Vanuatu, fly free
Enjoy and intimate cruise around the islands of Vanuatu from Coral Cruises and take advantage of free return flights.

Queensland getaway bonus
Getaway to Queensland for a last minute winter break and save with three nights for the price of two.

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Bookshelf online

Quiz your doctor
Doctors can be intimidating, especially when quoting medical gargon at a ferocious speed. Be informed and stay in control.

Fire safety advice
Many of us think we are aware of the fire dangers in our own home yet accidents still happen.

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Comfort food

Debbie's Creamy Caramelised Pears
Finish off your evening meal with a nice glass of brandy and this easy recipe for Debbie's Creamy Caramelised Pears.

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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 newsletters@aboutseniors.com.au

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