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Seniors Card
Magazine
In this issue:
Through
the Decades
2018 Victorian
Seniors Festival
Staying active
Puzzle
1
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2
Welcome to
Seniors Card Magazine
Turning 60 is a special age for Japanese people
and marks a new beginning or birth. Called Kanreki, it’s seen
as a second chance to reflect on what to build on
and what to leave behind.
In this edition of Seniors Card Be sure to check out Seniors Online To receive this publication in an accessible
Magazine we explore how Victorian at http:/j.mp/scm-2018 which includes format phone 1300 797 210 using the
seniors are embracing their new a Seniors Card Discount directory, the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required.
beginning or phase of life. We look at day’s temperature, games, puzzles,
maintaining good health as you age and services and information and stories on Authorised and published by
staying socially connected. how to stay healthy, happy and active. the Victorian Government
To help you stay healthy and active, You can connect with us on 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
the Victorian Seniors Card program Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/ © State of Victoria, Department
offers many discounts to make it more SeniorsCardFacebook of Health and Human Services,
affordable to get out and about. August 2018.
This magazine, along with the
Seniors Card e-News, not only ensures ISSN 2206-6071 Print.
you are up to date on Seniors Card Seniors Card holders - Available at
program offers, it helps you keep pace your free off-peak travel vouchers http:/j.mp/scm-2018
with the latest developments, views are enclosed in your mail pack
and advice on living your life to the full Cover image: Sue Broadway, Performer
after 60. and Director. (see story p. 25)
If you are among the 60,000 new
seniors who joined the Seniors Card
program this year – welcome! We hope
the magazine inspires you to stay vital –
in mind and body.
3
INFORMATION FEATURE
Seniors Card
Frequently Asked
Questions
What benefits do I receive with my • You can then either search by a key
Seniors Card? word or by category
• A Seniors myki card with concession
fares on trains, trams and buses, What types of discounts are on offer?
including V/Line trains and coaches. • Automotive services
This equates to a 50 percent discount • Food and drink
from the full fare. • Shopping
• Free weekend travel in any two • House and home services and
consecutive zones and on regional products
town buses. • Professional services
• Free off-peak travel vouchers • Health and beauty
(enclosed with this Magazine). • Leisure and recreation
• Free travel during Victorian Seniors • Travel and transport
Festival from 7-14 October 2018.
• Concession public transport in all How can I contact the Seniors Card
other states and territories. program?
• Thousands of shops, services and Visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/
businesses offering discounts of 10 seniors-card/contact-us
per cent or more. Call 1300 797 210
• Access to discounts from participating Opal card that never expires. For use
businesses when travelling interstate on public transport services across How do I replace my card, change
and in New Zealand. Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central my address, phone number or email
• Free entry to the Melbourne Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern address or cancel a card?
Museum, Immigration Museum and Highlands capped at $2.50 a day no Visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/
Scienceworks. matter how much you travel. seniors-card/manage-your-card/
• Exemption from a Fishing Licence in • A partnership between the Victorian manage-your-details
Victorian waters. Government and Telstra to provide
• E-newsletters with discounts, news social media story telling training
and happenings. through the Victorian Public Libraries
Network to help seniors Victorians Are you online?
What is new in the Seniors Card tell their stories. Subscribe to the Seniors Card
program in 2018? e-News by visiting
• Seniors Card has launched its How do I access the Seniors Card http:/j.mp/scm-2018
Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/ online discount directory?
SeniorsCardFacebook • Visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/
• Victorian Seniors Card holders can seniors-card/discount-directory
now obtain a Gold Senior - Pensioner • Click on the Advanced Search link
4
CONTENTS
Features p. 40 Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi
pathway to active mind, body
p. 8 Through the Decades and soul
Four seniors share their stories
across the decades p. 57 101 years of life lived to the full
p. 24 2018 Victorian Also in this issue
Seniors Festival
Get social at this year’s Festival p. 6 & 19 Commissioner
for Senior Victorians
p. 27 Proudly dancing to the
LGBTI beat p. 23 Receiving super care
The Coming Back out Ball out of hours
p. 35 Hitting the right chords p. 28 Staying active
towards 60
Message Aboriginal singer songwriter
p. 31 Men’s Health and Fitness
Robbie Bundle reflects p. 44 Victorian Senior of the
from the Minister Year Awards
“Ageing is not ‘lost youth’ – but a new Privacy which may arise from you relying on
stage of opportunity and strength.” The Seniors Card program collects any information in this publication and
This quote, by American writer and uses your personal information enclosed material, and does not represent
Betty Friedan, encapsulates the for the purpose of administering the or warrant that any service or product
theme of the 2018 Seniors Card Seniors Card program. This includes specified in this publication or enclosed
Magazine – staying vital. mailing to you your Seniors Card, free material is of a particular standard or
Inside this year’s edition, you’ll travel vouchers, publications, surveys, is suitable to your needs, and has not
find stories about senior Victorians government information and special assessed whether the services or product
making remarkable contributions offers from participating businesses. is of a particular standard.
to their communities. The Seniors Card program respects Before purchasing any goods or
You’ll also find information about your privacy. If you would like to read services or relying on any information
the Seniors Card program, which offers our ‘Seniors Card: Your privacy’ notice referred to in this publication or enclosed
discounts on goods and services please call 1300 797 210 or visit us on material, you should make your own
from more than 4,000 participating www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au. enquiries about whether the goods or
businesses across our state. If you would prefer not to receive services are of good quality and are
And you’ll find everything you the Seniors Card publications in future suitable for your needs, and if necessary,
need to know about the 36th or would like to access or update your seek independent financial, legal or
Victorian Seniors Festival. personal information, please call Seniors medical advice.
The theme for this year’s festival Card on 1300 797 210. The Seniors Card Except where otherwise indicated, the
is Get Social – so this October, come program is part of the Department of images in this publication show models
along and experience the full range Health and Human Services. For more and illustrative settings only, and do
of exciting arts, music and culture. information on the department’s privacy not necessarily depict actual services,
Senior Victorians lead lives full policy please visit www.seniorsonline.vic. facilities or recipients of services. This
of meaning and opportunity. gov.au/support/privacy. publication may contain images of
I’m proud that Seniors Card deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Magazine is telling their stories. Disclaimer Islander peoples.
I hope you enjoy this year’s edition. This publication and the enclosed Where the term ‘Aboriginal’ is used it
materials have been provided to you for refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait
information purposes only. The State of Islander people.
Victoria: does not endorse any particular
organisation, product or services named Printed by: Franklin Web
in this publication or enclosed material; 25-33 Fourth Avenue, Sunshine
does not accept any responsibility for any (1803026_2018)
Martin Foley MP errors, omissions, or inaccuracies that Editor: Jennifer Smyth
Minister for Housing, may be contained in this publication or Design: Forde + Nicol
Disability and Ageing. enclosed material and disclaims all liability Writer: Anna Malbon
for error, loss or other consequence Photographer: Nicole Cleary
5
INFORMATION FEATURE
Staying connected
using your local library
Libraries
After Dark:
from the gambling lounge
to the community lounge
From board games and film
screenings to decluttering workshops
and knitting groups, four Melbourne
libraries have been open until 10pm every
Thursday night, providing community
lounges that local residents are
embracing with gusto.
Including libraries in the Preston,
Mill Park, Glenroy, and Broadmeadows
Commissioner for Senior Victorians areas – this new program is the brainchild
of Judy Spokes from Moreland City
Council and Councillor Sue Rennie from
Libraries have been around for libraries to read, learn, borrow books, Darebin Council, offering safe, warm and
thousands of years, from the Great movies and access the internet. We take welcoming venues as an alternative to the
Library of Alexandria constructed around our children and grandchildren to baby pokies. “One gentleman told me he was
the 3rd century BC to the Harvard Library rhyme time and story time sessions. We going to take his friends to the casino that
in the US with some 10 million volumes, go to try new crafts, exhibit artworks, night, and when he heard about this, he
the vast collections of knowledge stored celebrate culture and research family and came here instead,” says Judy.
in libraries never ceases to astonish. community history. Funded by the Responsible Gambling
I wonder if library users in ancient A gathering place, a quiet place, a Foundation to reduce gambling harm in
times would have envisaged the evolution comfortable and welcoming space – areas of high pokies losses, there are
of libraries to the present day, keeping libraries are great places to go if you're hopes the program will be scaled up, so
pace with changes in education as well feeling a bit lonely, or just want to read more libraries will can take part and more
as society and the way we consume the paper or a magazine and I encourage people can benefit.
information. Providing a social space for you to pop into your local library and see
informal learning, they’re the original hot what's on.
desk or shared office space. I am also proud to announce I have
However Public libraries are more been chosen as an ambassador for For more information about your local
than stacks of books. They are fantastic the upcoming Victorian public libraries library visit the Public Library Victoria
social and cultural activity hubs that play campaign: Libraries Change Lives. To Network website
an important role in our communities. help raise awareness of the incredible www.publiclibrariesvictoria.net.au
Free to attend, open and welcoming to work these institutions do in their email execofficer@plvn.net.au
all members of the community, the 275 communities. Keep an eye out for more or call your local Council
municipal libraries across Victoria provide information about this campaign by
spaces for creativity to thrive. following me on Facebook at
Has it been decades since you were www.facebook.com/
last in a library? These days we go to SeniorVicCommissioner.
6
INFORMATION FEATURE
a Learn Local in Sunshine. Through the “The course could just
Seniors Adult, Community and Further Education
as aptly be named –
Board, the Victorian Government
connecting with IT funds around 300 community-based pass IT back – as some
Learn Locals across Victoria to deliver seniors share their IT
The play on words in the title of their education and training programs.
technology course for seniors perfectly YouthNow’s CEO Colleen Bergin says knowledge with their 27
describes the intergenerational values intergenerational knowledge sharing is year old trainer Amanda.”
underpinning YouthNow’s “Pass IT on” what has made the course so popular.
course. “At first we thought it would be a Now, she says, her world has
Although some days, the course one-way flow of passing on knowledge opened as she searches for recipes and
could just as aptly be named – pass IT from young people to older people, but gardening tips and reads the news – all
back – as some seniors share their IT we were delighted to see the knowledge translated to Chinese – on her computer.
knowledge with their 27-year-old trainer flowing both ways,” Colleen says. “My English isn’t very good and
Amanda McDonald. “The seniors just love it,” she the teachers are so patient with me –
“Sometimes they actually teach me,” says.“Many say their children or showing me slowly. The teachers are very
Amanda laughs. “One woman showed grandchildren don’t have the patience to nice, I am so happy there,” Jane says.
me how to use the filters in Instagram – I show them how to use theirsmartphones.”
didn’t even know Instagram had filters.” “Many tell us they appreciate the one-
And that is what happens, says on-one style of the class as our young
Amanda, when course participants start volunteers move around and show them For further information please visit
gaining confidence with technology, how to use their smartphones, or how to Seniors Online
they start playing around on their Skype their grandchildren or use email.” http:/j.mp/scm-2018
smartphones and computers and get Before she started attending the Pass
brave enough to discover new things. IT on program 18-months ago, Jane Ding,
Pass IT on is an initiative of YouthNow, 68, didn’t know how to use a computer.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
8
SPECIAL FEATURE
Through
the Decades
The Sixties – The getting of wisdom
and passing it down to the next generations
When describing the importance of young people the value system of and wisdom so we can be closer
community elders imparting their respect for humanity and the value of to the values of Ubuntu, which is
wisdom and experience to younger structures that enhance and strengthen behaving well towards others or acting
generations, Dr Apollo S. Nsubuga- each other for the betterment of all. in ways that benefit the community.
Kyobe turns to the Ubuntu philosophy. “When you have the knowledge “My elders passed on many
Ubuntu from the Nguni language has of older people – the way they have stories with lessons on how to be
several definitions, and at the heart of seen the world – it’s important to have resilient, flexible, compassionate
each definition is the connectedness systems and structures that can impart and understanding of others. These
that exists or should exist between that knowledge in a humanistic way that lessons became vital when I came to
people. Apollo sees the handing down forgives and respects and improves. Australia as a young man to study.”
of wisdom from older to younger “This handing down of wisdom; Apollo says the gift of ageing has
generations as one of the Ubuntu values the passing down of this repository provided him with more vigour and
of connecting with each other in ways of knowledge through storytelling, excitement about the possibilities
that benefit and grow the community. mentoring and role modelling can of change, of what can be done,
Apollo, 67, a university lecturer in benefit and strengthen all communities not what can’t be done to make the
Management at La Trobe University and not just African communities.” world a better place for everyone.
and vice-chair of the African Think Apollo has fond memories of The father of five and grandfather
Tank, is excited by harnessing the hearing stories from community elders of two, has no plans of retiring from
experience of older Africans like himself by the fire-side as a boy. He says anything – academia or advocacy.
– who have decades of experience today’s challenge for seniors is to find “I have to keep going because
of living in Australia – in helping to ways to deliver “fire-side wisdom” what this journey has shown me is that
create inclusive and sustainable using modern communication styles whatever I have done to drive change it
economic and social opportunities that are relevant to young people. is a drop in the ocean and that there is
for Victorians of African heritage. “That is today’s challenge so much more to be done,” Apollo says.
Growing up in Bweruga, a village in whether we are in Australia or Africa “As long as I can keep putting
southern Uganda, Apollo was immersed – the challenge for older people is to one foot in front of the other, I want
in a culture where the older people in the understand how younger people work, to continue to work collaboratively
village were seen as sources of wisdom. what makes them tick, so we can with people and groups and
“Similar to other waves of migration, more effectively pass on our wisdoms governments, not only for the
the African communities’ integration into in a way they will understand and in needs of the African community,
Victoria has presented some challenges, a way that benefits them,” he says. but for the needs of humanity.
particularly for our young people,” “There are two worlds – younger “I am not thinking of sitting back
he says. “For some communities that and older – and it’s important for us and doing nothing when there is still
can mean that some traditions, such to always keep the bridge between so much to do. My biggest problem
as the role of elders are disrupted.” the two open. That is our challenge is how am I going to fit it all in.”
“That’s where I see the Ubuntu as seniors or elders to find a way to
philosophy as a pathway for teaching pass on knowledge and experience
9
SPECIAL FEATURE
“Some people think they are old. Rather than looking at your
age as a reason to hold you back, you should be asking: ‘what
can I do that’s going to keep me going for the next 10 years
better than if I did nothing”.
— Maria Baade
The Seventies –
Fine tuning a soundtrack for retirement
Maria Baade was nervous about isn’t a check-out ticket and she because they think they are too old,
retiring. That’s why a whisker before strongly advises having a strategy or that other people might think they
her 70th birthday she went out and or plan in place before retirement. are. They look at people walking
bought a baby grand piano in preparing “You need to take up a new interest,” or running and think I couldn’t do
for her new life away from paid work. she says. “ You can’t just retire from that – and they are not willing to try.
Now 71, Maria says the baby grand something you have loved, and enjoyed But I have found that no one judges
was part of her grand retirement and worked hard in and then all of a you. Regardless of age, limitations
planning – a plan that ensured she sudden stop, and have nothing. Some or appearance, I have found people
would be ready mentally, physically, people do that and they fall apart. encourage you all the way,” she says.
socially and emotionally. Having Well that wasn’t going to be me – so “And being active is so good for your
never played a note in her life, she I thought I’ll take up music – because health - it’s good for your blood pressure,
decided she would engage her brain I love music – and then I found new for your heart, it’s good for everything.
in learning a new skill and enrol in friends and that led to running.” And it’s good mentally – you come back
a piano group to meet new people, Running? Yes, Maria now runs from a run and you think I’ve been out in
and build new social connections. marathons after a few 60-year-olds in the world, I’ve seen people, I’ve achieved
Working full time as workplace her piano group asked her to join their something – and you feel great.”
safety manager for a manufacturing social running group. Eighteen months Between spending time with her
company was a job she “loved”, after starting gradually she now runs three grandchildren, piano groups,
yet Maria realised on approaching three times a week, and made third place running and the many social spin-offs
retirement that the majority of her social in the 70-years-and-above category from those activities, Maria has shifted
connections were with work colleagues. of the Lara Fun Run last November. her gears into another level of life.
“At first I hated the idea of retiring,” “If you had told me 10 years ago “Some people think they are old.
she recalls. “It took me ages to I’d be running in marathons in my 70s Rather than looking at your age as a
make the decision because I loved I’d have laughed you out of the room, reason to hold you back, you should
my job, and I loved being part of the because I never really liked running,” she be asking: ‘what can I do that’s going
company, and being part of their ideas says. “But it doesn’t have to be running, to keep me going for the next 10
for improvement, and I was worried it can be a walking group, a riding group, years better than if I did nothing’.
that things would go on without something active that suits you.” You need to ask: ‘what’s good for my
me – as they should – but I wouldn’t “I think some older people don’t mind? What’s good for my body?’.”
be a part of anything anymore.” join active groups because they feel “I’m going to keep doing
Maria, who is living a rich and self-conscious and have a fear of what I’m doing until I can’t do it
active life in Geelong, says retirement getting out there in front of people anymore – and then I’ll walk.”
10SPECIAL FEATURE
11SPECIAL FEATURE
12SPECIAL FEATURE
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity
to make a difference. It keeps me active in both mind
and body. And I love the work.”
— Maureen Fontana
The Eighties –
Too happily busy in retirement to think about getting old
When Maureen Fontana retired at 74 “I loved my job working in the healthy both physically and mentally –
from her job as a carer in the disability disability sector and when I retired I just it’s a great opportunity to help people,
sector she felt she was far too young to knew I needed something to do,” she to make a difference and to use your
be “sitting at home doing nothing” and says. “I had always had such a busy life wisdom and life experience.”
so she applied to be a community visitor and I wanted to keep my mind occupied Maureen says that with a large family
for the Office of the Public Advocate. and also give something back to the there is always something happening,
These days the 84-year-old mother community. I didn’t want to retire and but she also likes to do her own thing in
of 10, grandmother of 18 and great- so I knew I needed more from life when maintaining her independence. She lives
grandmother of 10 spends a lot of her I retired.” in a retirement village, grows her own
time as a volunteer regional convenor But Maureen believes she gets back vegetables, maintains a healthy diet and
and senior community visitor for the a lot more than she gives. is very close with her family and loves
Office of the Public Advocate. Her role “It’s a privilege to have the time with them.
includes visiting people with disabilities opportunity to make a difference. It’s “I am very fulfilled and it’s a really
who live in group homes, writing reports, stimulating my mind the whole time, and happy time of my life - I still drive my
attending meetings and training new I love the work,” she says. “It keeps me car, I still write reports, I still get out and
volunteer community visitors in ensuring active in both mind and body and that in about with friends and family - I find life
the residents are receiving quality care, turn keeps me healthy and young. I never is just great, actually it’s wonderful. I
their human rights are being upheld and think about my age and when another don’t feel anywhere near my age.”
they remain free from abuse, neglect year comes around I think: ‘Oh I’m a Advice to people turning 80?
and exploitation. year older’.” “Stay active, stay involved in your
It was in this role as a volunteer that “At every age it’s important to be community, join groups, volunteer if
Maureen was a finalist in the Leadership active and involved, but it’s even more you can, and maintain a healthy diet,”
category in the 2017 Premier’s Volunteer important the older you get, not only Maureen advises.
Champions Awards. does volunteering keep you active and
13SPECIAL FEATURE
“It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to be able to do things
to help others, especially for those patients
who have no family support.”
— Olive
The Nineties –
A lifetime of caring as a nurse then moving into volunteering
keeps Olive on the go into her nineties
It’s the weekend before the Medical in hospitals. Through her nursing “All her life, she’s put the care of
Mission Aide’s Autumn Festival in career she lived in Western Australia, others before her own by offering them
Balwyn, and Olive is at home cooking Queensland and the Northern Territory, her support; especially towards those
up a storm and potting plants for the working for the medical boards in who can be at their most vulnerable,”
fundraising stall at the annual event. Four each state, and nursing vulnerable and Kate says. “She inspires others every
date and walnut loaves, a dozen jars of disadvantaged Australians in many day with her bubbly disposition and
lemon butter, two lemon slices, a tray remote locations. Returning to Victoria, her caring nature. Clinical staff at St
of biscuits, a potted maiden hair, two she undertook a number of roles George’s, especially young nursing
potted parsleys and four Pelargoniums including as Matron in charge of Kilmore students are truly inspired by Olive
later, her work is done. Hospital for many years and as an infant - who has spent her lifetime helping
Olive wants to get things moving for welfare nurse in East Kew. The mother others. Everyone knows Olive and
Wednesday’s stall because she won’t of one and grandmother of two, retired looks forward to Mondays, when
have time during the week, because from the paid workforce in 1982 and has she spends four hours on the ward.
her weeks are always crowded. Every been volunteering ever since. She lifts everyone’s spirits.”
Monday she spends two to three hours In March Olive had to stay home for Olive says she is very fortunate
visiting sick and frail aged patients at St a week with her feet up to help heal a to have kept fit and well to be
George’s Health Service in Kew, and on small ulcer on her foot. “I was sick to able to volunteer. She believes
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays death of sitting at home and knitting – I it’s important to stay active, eat
she volunteers at the Medical Mission couldn’t wait for my foot to heal because well and look after others.
Opportunity Shop in Balwyn. I have so much to do,” she says. “It’s important to keep active – to
One of the residents at the “By being a volunteer I am still keep going,” she says. “ If you like
retirement village where Olive lives in an involved in the caring profession which dancing, then go dancing, if you enjoy
independent unit, asked her if she was I enjoy,” she says. “It gives me a great gardening or walking then keep doing
new to the village as she hadn’t seen her sense of satisfaction to be able to do it,” she advises. “And you don’t have
around before. “I told her I’ve been here things to help others, especially for to retire if you don’t want to; you can
15 years, but I’m in and out like a Yo-Yo, those patients who have no family work part time or work as a volunteer,
always on the go with my volunteering support.” because working is good for your brain,
commitments,” she says. Kate Bellamy, the coordinator of it keeps you socialising with people and
Olive, 92, a former nurse who Volunteer Services at St Vincent’s it keeps you active and healthy.”
trained at the Gippsland Base Hospital Hospital, says Olive astounds the clinical Olive says some people when they
in Sale in 1942, has been volunteering staff at St George’s – a campus of St reach a certain age think they “can’t do
at St George’s for 18 years. She says Vincent’s Hospital – with her bright this, or can’t so that”. But “Why can’t
her nursing background steered her and caring nature and her unwavering you,” is her reply. “Why not try?”
towards spending her retirement as a commitment to enhancing the lives of
volunteer visiting sick and aged people others around her.
14SPECIAL FEATURE
15INFORMATION FEATURE
Are you scam savvy?
speak to them, ask them to leave. If they
refuse, they are breaking the law.
Investment scam
Scammers typically offer ‘get rich quick’
schemes and investments based on
‘secret’ information or special software.
They claim to be able to predict the
outcomes of sports or share trading.
After you pay their expensive fees, you
will discover that their claims of past
performance and guarantees about
future results are false.
Tip: Do not let anyone pressure you
into making investment decisions, ask
for written information and always get
independent financial advice.
Online selling scam
Scammers pose as sellers and post fake
Not long after retirement, Roger Common scams advertisements offering non-existent
received an email from a portfolio products for low prices. These may
manager about an investment
and tips to avoid them appear on genuine websites, online
opportunity. It couldn’t have come at a – Consumer Affairs classifieds and online auction sites
better time - he’d been thinking about Victoria Tip: When buying items online, use
smart ways to invest his hard-earned secure payment options such as Paypal or
money. The manager promised Roger Telephone/rebate scam credit card as you may be able to seek a
quick and high returns if he followed his Scammers pretending to be from a chargeback from your bank or credit card
advice. All he had to do was pay a fee government, bank or other well-known provider if you lose money in a scam.
and leave the rest up to the manager. institution will call, email or text you, saying
Martha was forced into early that you are owed money. However, first Romance scam
retirement due to a back injury. Money you must pay an administration fee or Scammers approach you on legitimate
wasn’t tight, but the medical expenses similar to ‘reclaim’ the money. dating websites and build an online
were piling up so when she got an email Tip: Watch out for unsolicited emails, relationship with you, often over weeks,
saying the government owed her $5,000 phone calls or letters saying you have months or years. Once the relationship
in overpaid taxes, it was a dream come unclaimed funds or are owed money. is established, they will start asking you
true. All she had to do was pay a ‘reclaim for money.
fee’ into a Western Union account and Travelling con men scam Tip: Avoid sending money, personal
the money would be hers. Travelling con men are dodgy tradesmen or financial details to someone you have
While Roger and Martha are fictional, who knock on doors of homes and small never met in person, especially if you are
unfortunately these types of scenarios businesses, offering to do maintenance looking for love online.
are real, and a warning of how easy it work. They may ask for cash before
can be to fall for a scam, according to starting work and frequently disappear as
Consumer Affairs Victoria. soon as you pay them. If they do any work,
Scammers are professional criminals, it is often unfinished or of a poor standard. For more information please visit
using sophisticated tricks to dupe They move quickly and usually only give Seniors Online http:/j.mp/scm-2018
thousands of Victorians every year. a first name and mobile number – so To report a scam, contact Consumer
Scammers are also hard to find and contacting them afterwards is difficult. Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit:
prosecute, with many based overseas Tip: If you suspect a travelling con www.consumer.vic.gov.au/reportascam
or working anonymously from behind man is knocking, do not answer. If you do
a computer.
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17Once you become a
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18INFORMATION FEATURE
Your voice —
Trust your choice
Commissioner for Senior Victorians
When choosing your enduring power Sophia. Sophia listened and asked rights and are equipped with good
of attorney it’s important to trust your questions to understand Jan’s wishes information on choosing an attorney.
instincts, says Commissioner for Senior and preferences - as a long-time friend Your voice- Trust your choice – is a
Victorians, Gerard Mansour. she understood how important privacy plain-English guide for seniors making
Although the cautionary tale I am is to Jan. Sophia said she would be enduring powers of attorney. The guide
about to tell uses a fictional character happy to arrange services for Jan if that – a joint project between the Office of
called Jan, the scenario is based on a became necessary and if that is what the Public Advocate and my office, and
series of events that can unfortunately she wanted. funded by the Victorian Government – is
happen to seniors when choosing their just one part of an awareness-raising
enduring power of attorney. campaign to ensure seniors have the
“Jan” started thinking about Due to cultural support they need when making an
appointing a power of attorney who enduring power of attorney.
could make personal and financial and family The guide covers ways to plan
decisions on her behalf, just in case one ahead, how to choose someone you
day there was a situation or a series of expectations Jan trust to make decisions for you, how
events where she would not be able to to decide what powers to give, how
make those decisions herself. felt she needed to to decide when the powers will start,
When she raised choosing a power helpful tips and sample wording for
of attorney with her son, Francis, they appoint her eldest completing the enduring power of
discussed the types of decisions that attorney form and where to get help.
might be needed to be made, including son as power of Importantly, the enduring message
engaging services to assist Jan with her is: it’s your voice and trust your choice.
daily living, if that became necessary. attorney. Equipped with the right information,
However, Francis told his mother it and planning early, is a great way to
would be silly to waste her money paying Following the conversation ensure that your wishes are respected
a stranger to care for her when he would with her friend, Jan appointed when you are no longer able to
be available to support her and was Sophia as a power of attorney for make decisions.
more than willing to assist. personal and financial decisions.
Jan explained that she wanted to This scenario shows how important
maintain her privacy by engaging a it is that you trust the person or people
professional carer rather than her son. you appoint, and that they have the For more information please visit
Francis still insisted that it would be ability to manage finances well, stay Seniors Online
much better for Jan if he looked after calm in a crisis, are confident to speak http:/j.mp/scm-2018
her, and said that he was the type of son up on your behalf and willing to listen to or call Victorian Legal Aid
that would always care for his mum. and act on your wishes and preferences Ph: (03) 9269 0223.
While Francis had good intentions, rather than their own.
Jan’s instincts told her that apart from As I talk to seniors across Victoria,
not wanting her son to be undertaking I come across real stories similar to the
personal caring, he was also very busy pressures faced by Jan. But they are
and maybe unreliable. A little concerned, stories we hope to hear a lot less as
she decided to run it past her friend, more seniors become aware of their
19Never overestimate your abilities.
Never underestimate the risks.
Last year we saw a 45% increase in the drowning rate of those aged 65 and over
in Victoria. Many drowned as a result of accidental slips, trips and falls into the water.
That is why the risks around water should never be underestimated.
Changing fitness levels as we get older can impact our swimming abilities,
as too can medication and alcohol.
Remember to never swim alone, even if you believe you are a great swimmer.
And, if you are someone who enjoys boating, wear a life jacket as it can keep you afloat
if needed while help arrives.
Know the risks and how to best prepare yourself to continue to enjoy Victoria’s vast and
spectacular beaches, oceans, rivers, and waterways while staying safe.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
20INFORMATION FEATURE
Drawing on personal
experience of gambling
harm to help others
Elizabeth Papettas, 73, was a mother “As a recovering
of five young children when she first
experienced the consequences of compulsive
risky gambling. Her then husband, who
controlled the finances, loved to gamble gambler, I can
and drink with friends. She quickly learnt
that if she didn’t go to the restaurant empathise with
where he worked as soon as he got paid
each week, his wage was gone. those who still
At 50, Elizabeth divorced her
husband, got a job as a live-in nanny and gamble and
started enjoying the freedom of earning
her own money. And, for the first time in struggle to live a
her life, she started gambling.
“The pokies seemed a safe place for normal life free
a woman my age to go on her own in the
evening,” Elizabeth recalls. from gambling.”
“As I lived where I worked, I had no
household bills to pay, so most weeks — Elizabeth Papettas
I’d gamble my whole wage. Sometimes “Sometimes a traumatic life event,
I’d lie to my children about why I had to such as losing a loved one, can act as a
borrow money from them.” trigger for a person to start gambling in
It was stealing money from her a risky way. Older people can also feel
friend’s purse that was the catalyst for isolated and may see going to the pokies For more about the options
Elizabeth joining Gamblers Anonymous. as an opportunity for company and to available if you need support, visit:
Two years ago, when her counsellor socialise,” Louise says. www.gamblershelp.com.au
asked her if she wanted to volunteer for “It’s important to have options, which Ph: 1800 858 858
the Gambler’s Help Peer Connection is why the Foundation funds a range
program, she jumped at the chance. of alternative recreational activities for For more information about
“The program gives phone support to older people, as well as support services the Prevention Partnership Program
people going through rough times like for people who need them.” which includes culturally diverse
I did,” she says. If you have experienced harm from information sessions, please email:
“As a recovering compulsive gambler, your own or someone else’s gambling, contact@responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
I can empathise with those who still you can call Gambler’s Help on 1800 858
gamble and struggle to live a normal life 858 for free and confidential support.
free from gambling. One of my clients You can also telephone Gambler’s Help
says our call is the highlight of her Peer Connection on 1300 133 445 to
fortnight, and that makes me feel good.” talk to someone who has gone through a
Louise Glanville, CEO of the Victorian similar experience.
Responsible Gambling Foundation,
says older people are not immune to
gambling harm.
21Open 24 hours with 6pm-10pm nursing service
22INFORMATION FEATURE
very helpful, and she also showed me
Receiving super how to manage the wound and gave me
a large piece of bandage to change the
care out of hours dressing,” Neil says.
“I just found the service brilliant and I
Neil Yeomans is a 69-year-young, was very happy with the nurse.
cat-loving, retiree from St Leonards. “I’ve since told many of my friends
As an active retiree, Neil spends much about this great service. A lot of my
of his time volunteering in the community friends didn’t know the service even
and enjoys his volunteer role acting as a existed. I tell them to just go if they have
liaison between older residents and the a problem and see the nurse. At least
Bellarine Community Council. she can advise whether to go to the
Recently Neil had an accident in the hospital or not. I just think it’s a great
shed when a spanner slipped and his arm thing, it’s a great system and there
shot backwards crushing the ulnar nerve should be more of it. Just too bad I can’t
in his elbow on a piece of steel. take my cat to the nurse, too,” he jokes.
Neil described the pain: “It was like There are 20 Supercare pharmacies
when you hit your funny bone really hard, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
it was a very painful experience”. throughout Victoria.
As a result, Neil had to have ulnar “I couldn’t actually go to the doctor,
nerve transposition surgery to take the because I had to rely on my wife to drive
pressure off the nerve and reposition it in me and she works during the day and
the elbow. the doctor is 15 kilometres away – so A pharmacist is on staff 24/7
A week after the surgery, the bandage there was no way to get there during and a registered nurse is available
was removed, but every time he put his the day.” between 6pm and 10pm for
arm down it rubbed on the wound. When Neil was waiting to be free-of-charge consultations.
“It was just annoying and even my served he saw the Curlewis Supercare No booking or Medicare card required.
shirt on it would irritate me,” he says. Pharmacy sign showing there was a Information about Supercare
“In the evening I suggested to my wife registered nurse on duty. Neil told the Pharmacies can be found at:
that we go to the chemist and ask what I nurse about his operation and she www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
should put on there, just something soft provided a large tube bandage to stop supercarepharmacies
to cover it. anything touching the wound. “She was
Supercare Pharmacy Curlewis Curlewis Pharmacy 4 Less, Reservoir Reservoir Pharmacy 4 Less,
10-11/90 Centennial Blvd. Ph 5251 6781 Summerhill Shopping Centre,
Locations— Hoppers Crossing Hoppers Crossing 27/850 Plenty Rd. Ph 9471 0222
Ascot Vale Ascot Vale Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse, Shop 24-25, Ringwood Ringwood Chemist
67-69 Union Rd. Ph 9370 4146 428 Old Geelong Rd. Ph 9931 0040 Warehouse, 131-133 Maroondah Hwy.
Ballarat UFS Dispensaries, Keilor East Keilor East Chemist Ph 9870 5022
717 Sturt Street. Ph 5331 9811 Warehouse, Lot 3 233 Milleara Rd. Shepparton Shepparton Chemist
Balwyn Balwyn Day and Night Ph 9325 4660 Warehouse, 425 Wyndham St.
Pharmacy, 310-314 Whitehorse Rd. Keysborough Parkmore Pharmacy Ph 5821 6000
Ph 9836 3245 4 Less, Shop J01, 317 Cheltenham Rd. Traralgon Traralgon Chemist
Bendigo Bendigo UFS Pharmacies, Ph 9798 1936 Warehouse, 92 Franklin St.
Corner View and Barnard Streets. Melbourne HealthSmart Pharmacy Ph 5174 2003
Ph 5443 4610 Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Wantirna South Pharmacy@Knox,
Coburg Coburg Pharmacy 4 Less, Centre, 311 Grattan St. Ph 9045 9777 Shop 2081 Westfield Knox,
1 Louisa St. Ph 9386 6655 Melton Melton Chemist Warehouse, 425 Burwood Hwy. Ph 9800 5199
Craigieburn Amcal Pharmacy, 2A/340 Unit 4 Melton Gateway, 66-84 High St. Yarraville Carnovale Pharmacy,
Craigieburn Road. Ph 9308 4981 Ph 9746 8733 149 Somerville Rd. Ph 9314 7557
Cranbourne North Cranbourne North Mildura Mildura Chemist Warehouse,
Chemist Warehouse, 180S William 114A -118 Langtree Ave. Ph 5023 2383
Thwaites Blvd. Ph 8391 9509
23Victorian Seniors Festival FEATURE
Victorian
Seniors Festival
Welcome to the 2018 Victorian Seniors Festival
This year is the 36th Victorian Seniors
Festival and we are excited to have a
new brand that positively reflect the
diversity of the Victorian community,
and a new theme: Get social.
Get social builds on last year’s theme of
You’re welcome. We want people to see
and experience the Festival as a great
way to get out and about in their local
community and beyond.
The Festival is a celebration and an
occasion for fun, pleasure and a time to
experience something new or different
in a friendly atmosphere - at little or no
cost. This understanding of what the
Festival offers guides our programming
and promotional activity.
So come on – Get social and enjoy.
Festival programs are available at
Coles stores, Libraries, Neighbourhood
Houses, Councils and many
seniors organisations.
To download a program or view the
online calendar visit Seniors Online
http:/j.mp/scm-2018
24Victorian Seniors Festival FEATURE
Circus elders “It’s a good time in your life to look jumping as high in the air anymore but
back on the past, but also to look forward some things get better with age, and
show you’re to a fun and exciting future,” she says. I’ve become more confident expressing
After turning 50, Sue thought her myself as a performer and a person.”
never too old for circus performing days were over, and “It’s been really great for me to
she focused on producing, directing rediscover that I can still perform and
daring acts and teaching her unique skills. How I still get pleasure from it. For 20 years
wrong she was. She returned to the I had been limiting myself by imagining
Their acrobatics and hijinks circus stunts stage with a vengeance four years ago circus as something that belonged to
may not be as physically daring as in their as a double-act with Debra, and has people under 40 - but actually it belongs
youth, but Circus Oz elders Sue Broadway been surprised at how “wonderful” to whoever wants to do it. And that’s a
and Debra Batton present a high-energy it feels to challenge the notion of fantastic discovery to make.”
show with a bolder daring they believe age being too old by getting back on the Advice to people turning 60? “Find
and experience permits. road – performing circus tricks. something you love to do and keep
One and the Other is raw, honest and “When we starting working together doing it,” she says.
funny - combining classic stunts, acerbic on our show around four years ago we
truths and audacious acts in an illuminating had this invigorating excitement that
and messy celebration of the glories there was so much to be done,” Sue
of “ageing disgracefully”, a show they says. “It’s crazy to think that before we One and the Other is showing as part
describe as a lot more daring than anything met I thought I was past it, that I couldn’t of the 2018 Victorian Seniors Festival at
they would have attempted in their youth. perform anymore in circus and physical La Mama Courthouse Wednesdays to
Sue, in her early sixties and a founding theatre and that my role would be solely Sundays from 17 to 28 October, 2018.
member of Circus Oz and Ra-Ra Zoo as a director, producer and teacher. Information and bookings at:
hopes a take-home message from their “Now we are attempting things we www.lamama.com.au/ticketing
show, which is part of the Victorian Seniors didn’t have the confidence to try when Ph: (03) 9347 6948
Festival, is that getting old isn’t the end of we were young – and the older we get
everything, it can be a fresh beginning too. the funnier we get,” she says. “I’m not
25Victorian Seniors Festival FEATURE
the way for Melbourne to be the centre “We are looking
Lord Mayor’s for philanthropy in Australia connecting forward to celebrating
donors, charitable organisations and
Charitable those facing disadvantage. our 95th anniversary
Tens of millions of dollars has been and saying hello to
Foundation granted to charitable organisations
many of our donors at
over its 95 years, including $9.8 million
95 years of age in 2017. This included grants to help the Victorian Seniors
increase the supply of affordable
Festival in October.”
and still looking housing and prevent homelessness
with projects such as the Affordable
after Melbourne’s Housing Challenge and supporting
— Catherine Brown
older women who are ageing in
health and poverty to lead better lives through
the Time of Our Lives? project.
wellbeing In the early years, the foundation To learn more about Lord Mayor’s
raised funds for Melbourne’s public Charitable Foundation visit:
In 1923, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sir hospitals and charities who were www.lmcf.org.au
John Swanson had a vision to inspire supporting the healthcare needs of Ph: (03) 9633 0033
community fundraising and ensure servicemen and women returning from
Melbourne’s heart would collectively and World War 1.
continuously beat to express the city’s The Foundation’s chief executive
compassion and kindness. officer Catherine Brown said foundation
Celebrating its 95th anniversary, donors and grant partners helped
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has make Melbourne a more healthy and
inspired generations of giving, and paved resilient community.
Inspiring philanthropy
Since 1923
Join our story
Visit lmcf.org.au or call
03 9633 0033 to learn more
26Victorian Seniors Festival FEATURE
Proudly dancing and second annual The Coming Back wake of the passing of the same-sex
Out Ball, being held this year as part of marriage bill.
to the LGBTI beat the Victorian Seniors Festival. The other “The ball was amazing,” she says.
reason? She loves dancing. “Not only did it have fabulous music,
When she was a young mum and her “The monthly dances and the ball are entertainment, food and decorations, it
baby wouldn’t sleep, Elisabeth Bridson a chance to publicly celebrate the lived was such a strong and moving tribute to
found herself joining a group of other experiences of elder LGBTI people who LGBTI elders,” she says.
young mums who also had babies who fought for LGBTI rights, to share stories Tristan Meecham, artistic director of
were unreliable sleepers. On some early and experiences; and have lots of fun,” All The Queens Men, which organises
mornings with a sleepless child, being she says. the ball, hopes The Coming Back Out
part of a group with a similar experience Elisabeth came out as a lesbian 28 Ball will become an annual event on
made it easier. years ago, she was a mother of five, Melbourne’s social calendar “as a
“I’d be up with a crying baby and heavily judged and ostracised by many, public celebration and declaration to
think: ‘it’s OK, such and such is probably including some family and friends. LBGTI elders of their worth and value,
doing the same thing’,” Elisabeth, 62, But those experiences, as difficult as acknowledging their experience and
recalls. they were, are no comparison to the rich lives”.
Elisabeth says that people with struggles many older gay men and older
similar experiences usually feel a degree lesbians faced, she says.
of comfort being together sometimes, Elisabeth delights that at the LGBTI
including people who are seniors and Elders Dance Club, all people are The Coming Back Out Ball will be held
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and welcome regardless of sexuality, race, on Thursday 25th October 2018 as part
Intersex (LGBTI). age, religion, disability and gender. of the Victorian Seniors Festival,
Sharing similar experiences is one “They don’t discriminate,” she laughs. at Melbourne Town Hall. For tickets and
of the reasons Elisabeth travels around “Anyone is welcome.” further information visit:
120 kilometres most months to attend Elizabeth says last year’s inaugural www.comingbackoutball.com
the monthly LGBTI Elders Dance Club in The Coming Back Out Ball was
Fitzroy, and is excited about the pending particularly special because it was in the
27HEALTHY LIVING
Staying active
As you age, an active lifestyle becomes Tips for getting active:
more important than ever for maintaining • Choose activities you find interesting.
good health. What you do in your 50s You are more likely to keep up with
will influence your quality of life in your an exercise routine if it’s fun rather
60s, and what you do in your 60s will than a chore
influence how you live in your 70s and so • Exercise with friends. Make physical
on. Staying active and engaged in your activity an enjoyable social occasion,
community increases your odds of living and checkout Seniors Online
a happy, fulfilling and healthy life through to discover the many discounts
every decade. available on a range of activities
Getting active is not just about adding
years to your life, it’s about adding life to
Physical activity available through your Seniors Card.
• Weight training can increase your
your years. You’ll not only feel better when
you exercise, you’ll feel sharper, more
for seniors muscle mass – programs as short as
six to eight weeks can be beneficial
energetic and experience a greater sense – Tips from Victorian • Start off slowly and aim for small
of well-being. improvements. Keep track of your
Fashion doyen Coco Chanel is reputed
Government’s Better progress in a training diary for added
to have said: “the best things in life are Health Channel motivation
free”, and so staying active doesn’t have • Check your pulse frequently to make
to break the budget. Walking, gardening Various studies show that it is never too sure you aren’t overdoing it
and cycling are free and fun ways to stay late to get fit. The human body responds • Choose appropriate clothing and
physically and mentally active. Consider to exercise, no matter what the age, safety gear
starting or joining a social walking group and there are many health benefits • Don’t let yourself dehydrate – drink
with friends or participating in the many particularly as you get older. About half plenty of water.
low cost or free health and wellbeing of the physical decline associated with
activities on offer at Victoria’s 400 ageing may be due to lack of physical People with chronic illnesses:
Neighbourhood Houses or checkout the activity. So the good news is – if you stay Some older people have chronic
many free or low cost activities and clubs active you may prevent or reduce many illnesses (such as severe arthritis,
advertised on your local council’s website. health problems as you age. Remember osteoporosis or advanced
The Seniors Card program is another to check in with your GP before cardiovascular disease) that limit their
way to stay active and involved in the commencing an exercise program. choice of physical activities. In these
community without breaking the budget. situations, it is best to consult closely
Use the program’s concession public Common Myths: with your doctor, physiotherapist
transport to make getting out and about Many older people believe that exercise or health care professional to devise
a regular thing – whether it’s catching is no longer appropriate. Some of the an exercise program that is healthy
a train to the Royal Botanical Gardens common misconceptions that prompt and safe.
for a picnic or to the wander through older people to abandon physical activity
Melbourne Museum, where Seniors Card include:
holders and Seniors Business Discount • Older people are too frail and
Card holders receive free entry physically weak to exercise For more information on physical
and are eligible for concession prices • The human body doesn’t need as activity for seniors, visit:
on exhibitions. much physical activity as it ages www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/physical-
The Seniors Card program was • Exercising is hazardous for older activity-seniors
created to encourage older people people because they may injure
to keep active and engaged in the themselves
community, so check the Seniors Online • Only vigorous and sustained exercise
website regularly for updates on the is of any use.
thousands of discounts and offers But don’t believe these misconceptions,
available. as the benefits are many.
28You can also read
