Staying Well At Home members' reflections on lockdown - Issue No. 29 Autumn 2020 - RTAI Ireland
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The journal of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland
Issue No. 29 Autumn 2020
Staying Well
At Home
members’ reflections
on lockdown
Editorial comment
Staying Well at Home
RTAI office reopens
Dear Colleagues, number printed below.
We received a very positive response to the last issue of However, at branch level all RTAI activities and meetings
Comhnasc which had Keeping Well at Home as its theme. remain suspended for the time being. While we are
This edition continues with this theme and we have anxious to resume some activities as soon as possible, we
commissioned articles from expert writers to help us believe that in the context of the age profile of our
respond to the challenges of the current health crisis. members a cautious approach is warranted. The National
Dr Nina Byrnes advises on how to prepare for the colder Executive Committee will review this position at its
months ahead and suggests that this year it is more impor- September meeting in the light of the prevailing public
tant than ever to get the ‘flu vaccine. health advice and will decide a timeline for
Nutritionist Gaye Godkin outlines how we need resuming the Association’s activities.
to fuel our bodies with the right food groups to In our community there is widespread
maintain good physical and mental health. admiration and respect for the work of health-
Ms Anne Dempsey of SeniorLine – Ireland’s care workers and providers of other essential
dedicated peer to peer telephone service for services during this public health emergency.
older people – reflects on the impact of the The RTAI would like to pay a particular trib-
pandemic on their callers and the lessons to ute to the staff of the DES payroll section who
be learned from lockdown. ensured that the payment of fortnightly
In our last edition members were invited to pensions was uninterrupted during this time.
submit articles reflecting their experience in recent This was a significant achievement, as with little notice
months of living in the shadow of Coronavirus. Hope, most payroll staff were working from home. We are grate-
resilience and optimism for the future are the common ful for their professionalism and dedication.
themes in the many wonderful articles received. A selec- Finally, I’d like to wish all our INTO colleagues well in the
tion of these articles is featured in this Comhnasc and challenges they will face in the coming weeks as schools
more will be included in the next issue. reopen.
I am pleased to confirm that aer many weeks of With best wishes,
remote working our office reopened on Mon 10 August in
conjunction with the reopening of the INTO offices. We
can therefore be contacted again at our usual telephone
Comhnasc Editor: Correspondence to: Comhnasc is published by the responsibility will be taken by the
Billy Sheehan. The Editor, Comhnasc, R.T.A.I., Retired Teachers’ Association of R.T.A.I. for any error which might
Vere Foster House, Ireland and distributed to occur.
Design: David Cooke 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, members and interested parties.
DO1 ET35. Comhnasc is the most widely Except where the Retired
Cover Photograph: circulated magazine for Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland
Tommy Clancy Telephone: 01–2454130. Teachers in Ireland. has formally negotiated
Email: agreements as part of its services
Printing: Mullen Print. info@rtaireland.ie The views expressed in this to members, inclusion of an
journal are those of the individual advertisement does not imply any
Website: www.rtaireland.ie authors and are not necessarily form of recommendation. While
Office Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm endorsed by the R.T.A.I. While every effort is made to ensure the
Monday – Friday every care has been taken to reliability of advertisers, the
ensure that the information R.T.A.I. cannot accept liability
contained in this publication is for the quality of goods and
up to date and correct, no services offered.
Summer 2020 3
Staying well at home
Rely on each other
A Dhaoine Uaisle, pain, people suffered in isolation not being
We have come to realise that Covid-19 is able to bury the dead surrounded by the
going to be with us for a considerable time to support of the community and loved ones. To
come. We cannot be complacent. When we those suffering bereavement I extend my
were socially isolated we did our best, we sincere sympathy.
were patient, we persevered, we responded “Life is good when you are happy; but
responsibly, we acted with kindness, compas- much better when others are happy because
sion and extraordinary generosity and we of you”. (Pope Francis)
came through.
We can now enjoy our freedom carefully by Sé mo ghuí daoibh go léir:
being cautious. Let us respect others in
public, be kind and stay safe. We are one human family Go mairidh tú go sonasach,
relying on each other for our survival and wellbeing; avoid Go soilbhir is go sámh
close spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Go raibh beannacht Dé is Muire leat
We cannot control what is happening around us but A chóiche is go brách.
we can control how we respond. We must enjoy the
moments we have, don’t take any day, anything or anyone Let us Care and Connect.
for granted. Gach dea ghuí,
Everyone has a personal story of what life was like in
isolation. Friends recovered from the virus which gave us Mary Kyne,
hope, but sadly too we lost loved ones which caused great RTAI President, 2020/21
Neadaithe i Nua Eabhrac
le Mícheál Ó hAllmhuráin
Fada fada mé ag tnúth le saol nua Is breá lem chroíse m’intinn shaoithiúil Airím teangacha an tsaoil im
I gcathair i bhfad i gcéin A scaoileadh le fírinní, thimpeall ag fuaimniú
Ionas go bhféadfainn rúin a shaolú Féachaint an bhféadfaí aon síorshíniú Is Teanga na nGael ag filíocht i m’iúl!
De réir mo thuisceana féin A léamh ar eagar gach ní Is as an nead theolaí seo i mBrúiclinn
Ar cad a bhíonn ag tarlú sa saol mór … Nó binn d’Ailtireacht na bhFlaitheas a na mBlues
shoilsiú … Táimse chun véarsaí ‘chur ag eitilt
Idir niamhracht is naofacht mo
uaim –
nádúir Seo muintir mo thíre ag cur cló nua
Ranna a rianódh don saol mór slí,
Cuirfeadsa síolta mo dháin Ar an mbaile seo fé mhórstró,
binn le mór-rúin ...
I ndóchas go dtiocfadh saorbhláthú Ag cuidiú le saoithe cruth is cóiriú
Ar mo bheatha i ngach sráid A chur ar a bhfís i ngach treo
A chífeadh mé ag treabhadh go Chun go seasfadh foirgintí ar ód
sláintiúil … buan…
Mícheál graduated from St. Pats in 1968. After further studies in UCD he taught for some years with the Jesuits in
Mungret College, Limerick. His final teaching post was in his home place of Ballyheigue, Co Kerry. Some of his dánta
spring from his interest in the Diaspora.
4 RTAI Comhnasc
Preparing
for the
colder
months
ahead
by Dr Nina Byrnes
2020 has no doubt been a hard year when kilos at bay. Invest in some good warm winter clothes to
it comes to health. From the middle of keep you cosy in those hours outside.
March Covid-19 kept us in our homes and
on our toes when it came to illness aware- Get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Sunlight is our
ness. One positive outcome is the new best source of vitamin D. As we live far up in the Northern
interest people had in keeping well, exercis- Hemisphere there is not enough sunlight to boost our
ing and a new respect for the benefits of community and Vitamin D from the months of October to March. Vitamin
neighbours that we may not have had before. Winter, on D plays an important role in our general health. Oily fish,
its way, will bring months of shorter days and longer eggs and red meat can supply a certain amount. It is also
nights. While many welcome the cosy time indoors that possible to buy milk and yogurts that have been fortified
this may bring, it can also bring its own challenge when it with Vitamin D. However even eating a balanced healthy
comes to our health and wellbeing. Winter usually brings diet can leave you deficient in the winter months. Taking a
with it a peak in viral respiratory illness such as flu, bron- daily supplement may provide the extra levels you need.
chitis and the common cold. This year when we add
Covid-19 to the mix many will have all the more reason to Eat Well. Many of us crave comfort food during colder
be concerned. But winter doesn’t need to be all worry, days. While you may be tempted to load up on bread,
doom and gloom. Preparing for these colder months may pasta and potatoes, the end of summer salads doesn’t
be half the battle in keeping us well. have to mean the end of fruit and veg. Warm hearty
vegetable soups and casseroles can be a comforting
Keeping active is key to staying well. Shorter days nutritious meal. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
mean less sunlight exposure. The release of melatonin, these provide will also help keep you nourished,
our sleep hormone, is linked to exposure to light and energised and well through the dark, winter months. All
dark. More of this hormone means feeling more sleepy of this is important in keeping winter ailments at bay.
than usual. Try and stick to your normal sleep and wake
times. If you have a very late night you may need a little Protect yourself against flu and other viral
extra sleep but don’t start making late mornings a habit. illness. This year more than ever, having immunity to
Getting up and out in daylight hours can help. Make use influenza may be your best friend. Influenza is a highly
of the brighter hours. Don’t stay curled up on the couch contagious virus that attacks the respiratory system and
with the curtains pulled. Exercise in the late aernoon spreads rapidly from person to person. This viral
facilitates a good night’s sleep. Getting some fresh air and infection occurs in all age groups all over the world, but
exercise will really help. Exercising also keeps our joints infections reach a peak during winter months with the
and immune system healthy and helps keep those Covid peak flu season in the northern hemisphere running
Autumn 2020 5
Staying well at home
from October through April. Influenza is not just another your elbow rather than your hand.
simple viral respiratory infection. With real flu you will at Wash your hands properly and regularly especially aer
best feel terrible or in more serious cases may end up going out or touching surfaces outside your home. Carry
very unwell in hospital. Influenza can be is estimated to hand sanitiser and use it where you do not have easy
kill from 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide every access to soap and water. Gloves are not recommended
year. People oen refer to themselves having flu when in for day to day protection against viral infection.
fact they have another milder virus. Real flu comes on Social distancing provides protection against contract-
quite suddenly with fever, cold sweats and shivers, ing a viral infection. Where this is not possible or when
generalised muscle aches and pains, headache, extreme indoor in enclosed spaces, wear a mask. This protects you
fatigue and a cough that can become severe. and others. If two people wear a mask there is a 95% reduc-
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent flu and is tion in the transmission of respiratory droplets between
particularly important for those at risk of the complications them. Masks cannot reduce the oxygen into your body and
of influenza or Covid-19. These include adults over 65, preg- are safe to wear for hours a day if required. Medical grade
nant women, obese people with a BMI over 40, those with masks are not necessary. Buy one you can wash and re use.
low immunity due to illness or other medicines and thera- If you do buy disposable ones the blue side faces out! Keep
pies, and those of any age with underlying chronic disease your hands away from your face and mask. Every time you
such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease. The household touch your face you increase the risk of bringing a virus to a
contacts of people at risk of complicated illness should also point where it can enter the body with ease.
be vaccinated as should all carers and health care workers.
The vaccine is very safe, has been used for over 60 years Consider whole body health. With all the focus on
and given to millions of people worldwide. If you are keeping flu and Covid at bay some may forget that
unwell and have a fever over 38 degrees when your general health checks remain as important as ever. Don’t
vaccine is due it can be deferred. Those with egg allergy ignore any new or unusual symptoms. Go to your GP for a
can receive the vaccine but it should be done by a doctor health check. Screening should still be done and don’t be
and may be given in a hospital setting. afraid to attend a hospital if your GP advises further tests.
Contrary to popular myth you cannot get the flu from
the flu vaccine. Vaccines are a bit like a wanted photo. The Get an eye test done. Macular degeneration occurs
picture of flu is sent to your body so that if it comes across when the cells of the macula (the most light sensitive part
it in the future it will recognise it, know it’s no good and of the retina) become damaged and stop working. This
take steps to get rid of it. Once you have received the most commonly occurs as a part of ageing and the exact
vaccine it takes up to two weeks to have full effect and so cause is unknown. It results in central visual loss. Macular
any illness occurring in this time is not vaccine related. Flu degeneration won’t cause complete blindness but central
vaccination most definitely saves lives. It reduces flu vision is necessary for reading, driving and recognising faces
complications by 70 to 90% in healthy people. In the so this condition can be very debilitating. Macular
elderly it reduced the risk of serious illness by 60% and degeneration can run in families and is most common in
death by 80%. It is also known to be safe at any stage of those over 60 years of age. It affects Caucasians more than
pregnancy and babies born to mothers who were vacci- other races and is also more common in women. Lifestyle
nated are 50% less likely to be hospitalised with flu. factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and a diet low in fruits and vegetables also
Public health advice. By now we are all familiar with increase the risk. There is no cure for macular degeneration
our public health advice, but it cannot be stressed enough but treatment may prevent it from advancing. Research
how important these simple measures are. Protect your has shown that a specific combination of vitamins and
body inside and out. Viral respiratory illness such as flu antioxidants can slow progression.
and Covid-19 are spread largely by transmission of
droplets. This occurs most commonly when you cough or Care for your mental health. Finally mind your
sneeze. The virus can live on surfaces that have come in mental health. Some find the long nights can impact
contact with droplets so touching these can also lead to significantly on mood. 2020 has been a difficult one. Take
infection. A person with a respiratory virus is contagious time to reflect and relax. Keep up with health news and
from about one to two days before symptoms appear so supports but don’t over indulge. Activities such as
you can catch them from someone who is not obviously mindfulness, yoga and getting plenty rest can help keep
unwell. Practice good cough hygiene. If you must cough, our balance right and sustain us through the winter
use a tissue and dispose of it straight away or cough into months ahead.
6 RTAI Comhnasc
Eating
for Energy
How to fuel the body to maintain good health
by Gaye Godkin
Every animal and species on the planet knows how to feed food groups is the most effective way to ensure efficient
itself with the exception of the human. Historically, food release of energy and a sharp brain function. Unless, we
choices were uncomplicated. Food was scarce, are engaging in manual activity for most of the day, we
unprocessed and valued. It was respected and enjoyed only need to eat 3 meals. Each meal should consist of
and never taken for granted. Food has now many different protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
meanings in modern society. Its principal function Complex carbohydrates are: grains, pulses, fruits
is to fuel the human body which should not be and vegetables eaten in their natural state.
so difficult to achieve. Most of our current When they are consumed, they release
illnesses come from poor nutritional status glucose slowly into the blood stream which
and diseases of the metabolism. This arti- ultimately fuels the cells. Simple carbohy-
cle will address how to fuel the body to drates release glucose far too quickly and
maintain good health and wellbeing. don’t provide a slow release of energy.
Energy is the capacity of a physical These are typically foods which contain
system to perform and work. Energy is processed grains such as white flour that
generated in the human body primarily within have all the important fibre removed from
each cell. Glucose is the fuel of the human them. Consuming a diet of refined carbohy-
body. The human body uses the food drates interferes with energy production,
eaten, digested, absorbed and trans- blood glucose balance and causes slug-
ported to the cell to make energy. This is gishness and fatigue. More importantly,
easier said than done. Feeling energetic processed foods cause metabolic disor-
affects all systems of the human body ders, such as, type 2 Diabetes,
from one’s mental capacity to physical cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, high
capacity and the physiologically workings of cholesterol, arthritis etc.
the body. Grains that promote good blood glucose
It’s a truly wonderful feeling to wake up balance and a sustained release of energy
each morning feeling energised and ready are wholegrain barley, oats, whole wheat,
to embrace the day. There are many inter- whole rye, brown rice, millet, buckwheat
nal and external environmental factors and quinoa. As these grains are also high in
that positively and negatively affect how fibre, they support digestive health, liver
the body produces and uses energy. Food health, cardiovascular and brain health. It is
and what we eat exerts the greatest effect on recommended these grains are eaten three
energy production and alertness. times daily. Barley, oats and quinoa are particu-
As we age so do the cells within the body. All larly beneficial as they provide the gentlest rise in
processes slow down as each decade passes. What we eat blood glucose. The body does not respond well to sudden
aer the age of 60 becomes more important than ever to surges of raised blood glucose. Consuming biscuits, cakes,
prevent the onset of age-related chronic illness and sweets and processed breads hijacks blood glucose and
support the ageing brain. Maintaining a steady supply of triggers inflammatory diseases.
glucose into the cells throughout the day is required. A Protein is important for repair and growth. During the
healthy plate of food with lots of diversity from the main ageing process cells don’t reproduce as efficiently as they
Autumn 2020 7
Staying well at home the soer cheese is better, blue cheese is higher in nutri-
previously did. As cells replicate, DNA within the cell gets ents and live probiotic cultures. Goats cheese is an
damaged. This damage causes the onset of age related excellent choice. Sheep’s milk products such as sheep’s
chronic disease. Eating lots of good quality protein will yogurt and sheep’s cheese are higher in protein. For people
help to slow down this process. Protein comes in animal who have a dairy intolerance (not to be confused with a
and plant forms. Eating too much protein in the form of lactose intolerance which is very rare in Ireland) try sheep’s
meat is taxing on the body. Meat should only be yogurt and cheese. The protein in sheep’s products is
consumed about 3 times per week. Always choose good different to cow protein. It is easier to digest and compati-
quality Irish meat. Processed meats such as rashers, ble with many who suffer with dairy intolerances. For those
sausages, pudding, salami, chorizo and cold cuts from the who simply cannot take milk from any animal, the next
delicatessen should be avoided or kept as a weekend best product on the market in the plant milk arena is oat
treat. There is robust evidence showing that processed milk. When buying plant milks, always read the label.
meats wreak havoc on the body. Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet. Fats occur
Try to choose fish at least twice or three times a week, this naturally in nature and are there for a reason. This much
can come in the form of fresh fish, frozen fish, tinned fish or maligned nutrient has been the topic of debate in the
smoked fish. Try to buy Irish caught fish, preferably from the medical and nutrition community for many years. They
wild. Frozen fish or tinned fish are also good options. have received unfair bad press. They are the still being
Plant protein is excellent as it comes naturally packaged demonised as a group despite our better understanding
with fibre. Combining pulses, beans and lentils with some of their health benefits. Not all fats should be tarred with
vegetables and grains or potatoes brings much needed the one brush! There are ‘unhealthy’ fats and healthy. The
diversity to the Irish diet. Tinned beans, peas, lentils or ‘unhealthy’ fats are the fats which have been processed
frozen beans are perfect to use. Similarly, all nuts and and converted into margarine. They are then used to
seeds are excellent protein powerhouses. make baked goods. Fats re-used in deep fat fryers are also
Eggs are a wonderful source of protein. Contrary to the toxic. These type of trans fats need to be avoided and
old messages about eggs causing cardiovascular disease, eliminated from the diet. Olive oil is a healthy fat. It is
we now fully understand that this is not true. Eggs form considered the ‘king’ of fats. It contains plant chemicals
part of a healthy diet. There is a nutrient in eggs called which are cardio protective. It should be used daily. When
choline that protects the brain from ageing and certain cooking with olive oil, heat it gently and use it for frying or
dementia. Aim to eat a couple of eggs daily. stir-fries. Use it on salads and to make dressings. Butter
There is a lot of noise about ‘dairy foods’. Trying to navi- forms part of the Irish diet. Butter is 50% fat and 50%
gate the dairy selection in a supermarket can be daunting water. It is a natural product and is safe to use as a spread.
for many. There are far too many products and choices in It is far healthier choice than margarine.
the dairy fridges. Most of them are ‘gimmicky’ and are Nutrition is the king and exercise is the queen, put
responding to what is trending in the market at the them together and you create a healthy kingdom. Healthy
moment. There is a historic focus on buying low-fat no-fat living is a balancing act. While food is the most important
dairy products. There is concrete mounting evidence over modifiable factor, daily movement is necessary to both
the past decade that these foods should be avoided. create and sustain energy. The current species of human
Always buy dairy foods as they occur in nature. Fresh beings that occupy the earth are hunter gatherers. The
whole milk contains the fat soluble vitamins A and D. Both human genes have not evolved or changed in over a
of these vitamins are hugely important as we age. The million years. Modern man does not forage or hunt for
little amount of fat in whole milk is negligible by compari- food. Most live sedentary lives. To maintain health and
son to the abundance of sugar in low fat foods being reduce our exposure to the onset of age related disease
consumed in the Irish diet. Similarly, yogurt should be one must move. From blood flow to the brain, heart and
consumed in its natural state. When choosing a yogurt, lungs to musculoskeletal, immune and digestive health
look at the ingredients list, it should state milk and live exercise daily is a must. If you don’t make time for it, you
cultures only. Low fat products tend to be packed full of may need to make time for illness.
fillers, sugars, carbohydrates, starches and emulsifiers
which the body does not like. These products do not give Consultant nutritionist Gaye Godkin offers a one to one per-
satiety and ultimately cause weight gain. sonalised nutrition service dealing with a broad range of
Cheese is also a wonderful protein and contains a diver- lifestyle related conditions. Her consultations are now de-
sity of many needed minerals. Much like the rest of dairy livered via platforms such as Zoom and Skype and there is
products, it has gotten bad rap with the low-fat fanatics! a 10% discount for RTAI members. Gaye can be contacted
When buying cheese, try to buy locally produced products, at www.gayegodkin.ie
8 RTAI Comhnasc
When will we
dance again?
by Teresa Pollock
When will we dance again? No longer can we touch the hand
When will we turn and twirl around the room, Of those we love in our dear land.
Liing our spirits from the gloom? To save us from this evil guest
Oh! To twist and waltz and jive We need to do what serves us best.
And show the world that we’re alive. While this evil moves around
But something that we cannot touch, Many things are out of bounds;
We cannot hear, we cannot see Aernoon teas, trips overseas,
Is moving swily through our world Musical nights, bright city lights,
And is reaching out to you and me. Freedom to roam away from the home
From North to South, That now is a refuge from COVID 19.
From East to West, So much we had, so much we’ve lost,
There dwells a most unwelcome guest. Into a strange, new world we’ve crossed.
It aims to make the healthy ill But hope is always there within,
And render useless every pill. And yes, this battle we will win.
Worry and fear we cannot hide, The world will be a better place
So together we’ll journey side by side. And we will gather face to face
But side by side in spirit only, To smile, to hug, to laugh, to cry,
While many now are feeling lonely. And yes, we will dance again.
Teresa retired as deputy principal of Scoil Eoin,
Innishannon, Co. Cork in 2009, the school where she was
once a pupil. Among her many interests she enjoys social
dancing which has given her the inspiration for this poem.
Autumn 2020 9
Covid-Cloistered
by Michael Farry
i. Spy Wednesday ii. Easter iii. Release
I have taken the vows, and loyal to I was made for this Paroled, a ticket of leave
the order My world a rectangle for five weeks’ good behaviour
walk this rectangle day aer day, Confined cloister walks I set out early, unobtrusive.
following the exercises, keen to Tending a small earthpatch Everything’s older now,
survive. Study of the divine comedy the river lower, the hedges greener,
A well-trodden path is never the Writing of the slow mystery the park patched in brown.
same path. Teasing out of words, sounds A walker smiles across the metres
I contemplate all that I have Searching assonance and rhyme recognising in my face or gait
ignored, Lauds, vespers, compline a freed prisoner nervous of his
see things hidden up to now Vows kept, prayers chanted liberties
by life and business and On Tuesday next release begins fragile in an aged world.
blindnesses. A day of doubtful joys. The cherry blossoms have been
In these days there is time enough and gone
every garden cloister full of and I tread a soiled carpet of fading
wonders. petals .
Michael began his
teaching career in
Skerries BNS in 1968 and
then taught in Boardsmill
NS, Kilmessan NS and St
Michael’s BNS, Trim in
county Meath. He was
seconded as IT advisor in
Navan Education Centre
1998-2008. Michael has
published poetry
collections and history.
His latest poetry
collection, Troubles
(2020), is published by
Revival Press, Limerick.Lessons from
Lockdown
SeniorLine, Ireland’s National Confidential
Service for older people, looks back
by Anne Dempsey, Communications
Manager SeniorLine
SeniorLine shines a spotlight on how many older people callers, providing information on the medical aspects of
are faring during Covid-19. SeniorLine, Ireland’s dedicated the virus and details on the growing number of voluntary,
peer-to-peer national telephone service for older people, community and health services that sprang up in
has twenty-two years of experience in listening to older response to the unprecedented situation.
callers every day, and so has a keen insight into what is Having family and friends, an inner resilience, and a
needed for long term wellness. garden came through as major assets for older people
The service is open every day of the year from 10am to during Covid-19. SeniorLine analysed data over the first
10pm and received approximately 10,000 calls in 2019. three months and concluded that social, personal, and
Callers have phoned over the years environmental factors combine to play a crucial role in
“We were all due to loneliness, isolation, mental and emotional health as we grow older, and partic-
lumped together as one. worry, anxiety, or family ularly since the arrival of coronavirus.
I am an individual, healthy, conflict. Other serious issues The service has identified two worrying aspects that
involved in my family and include bereavement, suicide need attention. Firstly, the paternalistic attitudes, however
community. I did not recognise ideation, and elder abuse. All unconscious, held by many towards older people which
myself in the headlines,” SeniorLine volunteers are the virus revealed. Secondly, the potential negative long-
caller Elizabeth, 72. trained to listen effectively and term effects of isolation at home for over-70s. Callers to
empathetically to each caller and to SeniorLine in recent months have felt
give the time needed to discuss any problem. frustration and resentment at the “I have enjoyed
Callers are helped to explore options and may way they were represented to the this time. I learned how
be referred to other services when appropriate. Some general population. Everyone to Zoom and my
phone very regularly for company and conversation and understood the medical reasons; neighbours have been so
say that SeniorLine has been their lifeline. septuagenarians who contract the kind,”
SeniorLine has identified worrying aspects that have virus face greater risk due to physio- caller Roy, 67.
emerged due to Covid-19, and emphasises the need to logical changes in ageing. However, there
prepare for an ageing Ireland. At the start of the pandemic, was still hurt and indignation at the way this
calls increased by 200%. The regular callers were joined by message was conveyed. Thousands of over-70s
a new cohort: people who would not have needed were expected to fade out of the picture, without, it
SeniorLine’s services until they were abruptly separated seemed, any understanding of the effect this would have
from the mainstream population. Initially, some did not on their sense of self, and no debate on the loss to family,
manage this well, and found it difficult to be confined to community and society at this banishing.
their home. Older people in Ireland play a pivotal role in families as
SeniorLine responded by issuing twice daily updates to parents and grandparents, as good neighbours, as volun-
Autumn 2020Staying well at home death, the support available and their former experience
teers and community activists. The sanctions around of loss. A death can trigger earlier losses and raise again
Covid-19, however, seemed to consign them behind feelings about the past.
closed doors without a thought for the consequences. A death can leave people feeling sad, angry, guilty, or
Damian Leneghan is Programme Manager of fearful and bring with it a range of physical, mental and
SeniorLine: “One can become institutionalised very emotional symptoms. Bereaved callers are encouraged to
quickly. As the restrictions eased on older people going speak about the person that has died in whatever way
out or inviting family and friends into their home again, we they need. SeniorLine is part of an alliance with the Irish
found many callers were nervous and unsure. If you have Hospice Foundation and also has a list of dedicated
been told for over three months that the only safe place is bereavement resources to which callers can be referred if
home, on your own, it is understandable that many now they wish. Some bereaved callers phone daily. Supporting
feel unprotected and unsafe when going out. Callers need them gently and steadily through this crisis can make a
information and reassurance. We encourage positive difference, and while many such situations are a
them to begin taking up their social work in progress, many callers can in time feel less hope-
“Visiting my mother life again, to see friends, to exercise less and begin to be able to look forward.
in the nursing home was in the fresh air, all the time being Has Covid-19 been a wakeup call inviting us to examine
very upsetting. She could not safe and prudent. It is not good our attitudes to older people? Ireland is ageing. In 1900,
hear what I was saying for older people to be shut people aged over 65 in the population were one in 25.
through the mask and we away, and the community must Today this age group is one in nine. By 2030, it is predicted
both ended in tears,” not be deprived any longer than that older people will be one in four. This demographic
caller Joan, 55. is necessary of the presence of older change will have considerable implications for public and
people in our midst, of their contribution health policy and for the government
and their voice. Older people make a significant finances in the years ahead. “I got used to
economic and social contribution to families, However, is it helpful to see older being at home and feel
communities, and society as a while. Depriving them of people in mainly negative terms as quite nervous about
the opportunity to contribute means that we all lose out.” a drain on the public purse? Would going out now,”
The subject of loss has been a recurring theme on it not be more constructive to recog- caller Eddie, 76.
SeniorLine in 2020. Younger callers phoned to say they nise the contribution of this age group,
were unable to visit parents and grandparents in nursing and maximise the opportunities for this to
homes, and were worried about their older relations and increase?
being cut off from such contact. Many callers – similar to Áine Brady is The CEO of Third Age, SeniorLine’s host
the population at large – have felt the loss of certainty and organisation. “All Third Age programmes are delivered by
security as the headlines discussing a global pandemic trained older volunteers, over 3,000 people working in
generated global panic. Older people, for whom the their communities in useful programmes that help thou-
scarcer years ahead are doubly precious, feel this loss of sands of people of every age in every county. Covid-19 is
stability particularly keenly. Callers spoke of feeling very highlighting that we need to prepare for an ageing Ireland
afraid, of being worried for themselves and their families, in a more positive way, to realise the contribution that
and being deprived of a feeling of peace. Being alone with older people give and to implement policies to facilitate
fears negatively affected mental health. Some callers have this. Much of the preparation for societal ageing can
expressed this in anger, others in depression. SeniorLine concentrate on cost, on negativity. There is another side to
can and does refer such callers to a range of phone and this. Older people are an asset. Many families deprived
online services. recently of the physical presence and loving care of
Many calls have been about personal bereavement. parents and grandparents will endorse this. Moving from
Some deaths are Covid-related, others not. Being unable family to community, finding ways to support the physical,
to receive comfort from the familiar rituals of gathering mental and emotional health of older people and their
aer a death has added immeasurably to pain and grief. wish to contribute will benefit us all. We are learning many
Other callers, who lost someone close within the past lessons from coronavirus and acknowledging the place
year, have found being alone without support from family and value of older people in Ireland is an important one.”
and friends has made the loss more painful and harder to SeniorLine FreeFone 1800 80 45 91 (10am–10pm daily)
bear. SeniorLine volunteers are trained to support www.thirdageireland.ie
bereaved callers. There is an understanding that the way
people deal with death depends on their personality, their
relationship with the person who died, the manner of theA Little Rhyme for Coronavirus Time
by Caitríona Boyle
I choose to live this time well I have done
The only time And will do more,
And time will tell. Before I cross
Come July To the other shore.
How am I? The call is here
Have I lived To be right now,
Before I die? In all the ways
Yes and yes, That I know how.
All days are given
For getting on
With lots of livin.
Caitríona spent most of her teaching career in Killinarden, Tallaght and
only retired last November. She says that she was having an absolute ball
until the virus put a temporary halt to her gallop! Her writing arises out
of her meditation practise and a lifelong affinity with the natural world.
FYI RTAI Membership
Number
Updating
contact details If you need your membership number you can find it on your
pension slip. RTAI use your DES ‘Payroll Number’ to identify
you on our membership records. The ‘Payroll number’ is the
We would welcome the assistance of centre number on your pension slip.
members in updating our membership
records. Please let us know if there is a
change to your mobile number or email
address. For mailing purposes please Winners of Comhar Linn
also advise of any change to your postal
address. Crossword Competition
Any alterations can be sent to
info@rtaireland.ie or sent to RTAI, 35 The winners of the Crossword Competition in the last
Parnell Square Dublin 1. Comhnasc are: Marian O’Callaghan, Margaret Ryan and
Your contact detail will only be used Eileen Moynihan
in relation to RTAI business as set out in Each of the lucky winners received a €100 Dunnes Stores
the Association’s Data Privacy Policy. voucher.
Autumn 2020Staying well at home
In ainneoin gach rud
by Peggy Sweeney
Just when we thought we were as free as a bird. So now to occupy our enforced confinement
Along came Covid 19 and upended our world. Our days we filled with new ‘refinement’
And if you didn’t know how to cocoon, We ‘Tipped’, we ‘Chased’ and tried to ‘Be a Millionaire’
Being 70 or over you learned all too soon. Though even if we won we couldn’t go anywhere.
Our lives revolved around Scéimeanna agus Cúntais At times we became ‘The Weakest Link’
Míosúla, Our brains befuddled, we couldn’t think!
Sigma and Micra T’s amid much ruaille buaille. The suds in the ‘Soaps’ went down the drain.
Planning school tours, sports days and end of year We couldn’t wait for them to resume again.
Masses. We had ‘runs’ and reruns’ of programmes and matches.
Each year passing by as we greeted new classes. Marvelling at scores, tackles and catches,
So retirement brought freedom and joy unconfined, Ducking footballs, golf balls, hurleys and sliotars.
Until this dreaded virus our lives now defined. Though we already knew the results -
They still gave us the jitters!
Ach in ainneoin gach rud a bhí ar siúl.
Chan na héin gan stad, gan staonadh. Ach in ainneoin gach rud a bhí ar siúl.
Ó luath ar maidin go dul faoi na gréine. Chan na héin gan stad, gan staonadh.
Ó luath ar maidin go dul faoi na gréine.We painted, we polished, we dusted.
Found things we hadn’t seen for years.
Some of them brought us a smile.
Others reduced us to tears.
We sorted through photos trying to put names on faces.
Re-read old letters from far flung places.
Aifreann ar an raidío, séipéil dúnta.
But through it all, foremost in our mind
Socraidí príobháideacha, daoine buartha;
Were those who succumbed to the Virus
An sagart ina aonar ina theach is seipeál
And the loved ones they le behind.
Smaoineófá ar na péindlíthe sna blianta i gcéin
I only listened once a day to hear with trepidation,
Daoine sa bhaile ag obair faoi stró,
The facts and figures on the news, which brought such
Frontliners gnóthach d’oíche is de lá.
devastation.
Na scoileanna folamh gan foireann nó dalta
Trying to keep calm and busy and blot out the reality,
Osclófar arís iad-é sin ata geallta.
All I could do was pray and pray and try to preserve my
Páistí buartha faoi Dhaideó is Mamó
sanity.
Gan seans acu ám a chaitheamh in éineacht leo.
Ach in ainneoin gach rud a bhí ar siúl.
Ach in ainneoin gach rud a bhí ar siúl.
Chan na héin gan stad, gan staonadh.
Chan na héin gan stad, gan staonadh.
Ó luath ar maidin go dul faoi na gréine.
Ó luath ar maidin go dul faoi na gréine.
Ag cócaráil gan stad
I thanked the good Lord for retirement.
Ag cniotáil is fuáil
Being allergic to IT,
Is anois agus arís
I think the idea of teaching online -
Seal ag bácáil
Would signal the end of me!
Chaith mé go leor ama sa bhaile go séímh
I hope when all this is over,
I mo shuí go compórdach ag léamh, is ag léamh . . .
People will see the wood from the trees.
But as regards the reading –
And realise that teaching, as some people see it – as a
For escapism I have to admit
profession, is not such a breeze!
It wasn’t very high-brow
To a person who chose so to opine,
For the most part it was ‘Chick-Lit’!
I very quietly offered this line:
Ach in ainneoin sin is uile “I won’t pretend to know the stress of your job, if you don’t
Admháim go raibh mo chroí cráíte pretend to know the stress of mine.”
Ag smaoineamh ar mo bhaill clainne
Is gaire cabhair Dé ná an doras
Scaipthe ar fud na háite.
Lena chúnamh tiocfaimíd slán;
Ach in ainneoin gach rud a bhí ar siúl. Fásfaidh an féar is na bláthanna.
Chan na héin gan stad, gan staonadh. Seóda nádúir i ngach áít;
Ó luath ar maidin go dul faoi na gréine. Beidh an gealach go hard sa spéir
Éireoidh an ghrian is rachaidh sí faoi
Agus , in ainneoin gach rud a thárleóidh,
Canfaidh na héin gan stad, gan staonadh
Is arís beidh sport agus spraoi.
Peggy (Martin) Sweeney graduated from Mary Immaculate College of Education in 1970. She taught in St John's Girls'
N.S. in Limerick and Martinstown N.S. in Kilmallock. She retired in 2010 having spent 37 years in Bilboa N.S. Cappamore,
Co. Limerick, where she was Deputy Principal for the final 13 years of her career.
Autumn 2020Staying safe online
Financial scams you might encounter and how you can avoid them
By Denise Cusack, Community Protection Advisor, Ulster Bank
Coronavirus has forced lockdown. In short, criminals are from home or out of work due to the
many of us to change becoming increasingly underhanded pandemic, criminals are seeking to
our habits, not least and are targeting particular types of exploit the situation by increasing
when it comes to the transactions, maybe expecting their attempts at fraud and scams
frequency and manner people to be less careful. under the cover of the COVID-19
with which we interact In my role as Community pandemic.
with others online. A recent Ulster Protection Advisor with Ulster Bank, I The pandemic provides an
Bank survey on people’s changing aim to educate people about fraud opportunity to target people online.
behaviours due to Covid-19 showed and scams and how to spot them. Everyone needs to be extra vigilant
that 41% of adults say that they are We have all been at the receiving end and take time to do relevant checks
shopping online more since the start of a questionable email claiming to because scammers are always
of the pandemic. Coffee meetups be from your bank, Amazon or looking for new ways to separate you
have become Zoom gatherings, PayPal, saying you need to click on a from your money.
everyday banking is carried out via an link or send more money. Most of us
app or website, and a browse in the think we’re savvy when it comes to TYPES OF SCAMS
shops is oen done from the these scams, but if we’re not vigilant But what are the most common
comfort of the living room couch. at all times, even the most alert scams you might come across? And
This increased online activity among us could get caught out. how can you know what is safe and
means that we need to be more The Banking and Payments what is not to be trusted?
careful of scams and fraud. Gardaí Federation Ireland (BPFI) has new
say the number of fraudulent emails figures which show that card fraud Unwanted email and text message
and text messages tricking people to across the banking industry reached scams
share personal and banking details €12 million in the first half of 2019. This is when you receive an e-mail or
increased during the Covid-19 With thousands of people working text message which seems to befrom a real company or trusted €1 million to scammers. bigger and bigger amounts.
organisation such as your bank or a A romance scam involves meeting Romance scams are the most
government body. It might say you who you think is the perfect person sensitive and the most complex
missed a payment, are due a refund, on a dating site or message board, because matters of the heart are
or there are security issues with your they gain your trust and tell you all involved. That’s why it’s so important
account. about themselves. They then start to to be vigilant and wary of anyone
The email or text will make you ask for small amounts of cash a little asking for money or any private
feel pressurised into taking action. at a time, only to continue onto details.
You may be asked to click on a link
directing you to a web page
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
requesting personal information,
bank information, or your online With the number of scams out there, move your money for fraud reasons,
banking PINs or passwords. It may how do you know what to look for you should decline this immediately.
also encourage you to download an when deciding if something is real or Your bank will never ask you to do
attachment that can load malicious fake? We take you through the this. Also, you should never use your
soware (malware) onto your device. biggest pitfalls of modern scams. card reader or hand over card reader
Never, ever disclose your banking codes at the request of someone
details to a third party. Your bank will Out of the blue over the phone in any circumstances.
never ask you for your online banking Did you receive the phone call or
login details, full password or PIN. We email randomly? If you didn’t request Making you act quickly
urge anyone asked for these details your bank to call you, or didn’t ask for It is common in many scams to tell
to refuse and contact your bank any transfers or statements, this is you that you need to hurry or your
immediately. likely a scam. Always be wary of calls account will be suspended shortly,
that are unexpected, even if the caller for example, saying those face
Phone Fraud appears to know a lot about you. masks you wanted will all be sold out
This is when you receive a phone call soon. If they are trying to hurry you,
from scammers purporting to be Asking you to move money to a this is a red flag. Also, if the deal
from a legitimate company, for safe account sounds too good to be true (buy this
example a bank or a service provider. If you get a phone call claiming to be equipment worth €100 for just €10!),
A call like this can typically follow from your bank and they ask you to it usually is.
aer you have inadvertently provided
your personal details to a scammer
via an email or text.
They make you believe they are
calling from this trusted company,
and then trick you into handing over
personal details such as card details,
PIN numbers or online banking login
credentials and may even ask you to
move money from your account to
keep it safe.
They can steal money and take
your identity with even the smallest
of details. If someone asks for your
online banking PIN or password over
the phone, immediately hang up. No
legitimate organisation will ask for Always believe the
these.
old adage, ‘If it’s
Scamming the dating game too good to be true,
The Gardaí recently reported figures
of 75 cases of romance fraud in
it probably is’.
2019, with victims losing more than
Autumn 2020Notices
RTAI Office reopened
Following a 4 month closure the
RTAI activities remain suspended RTAI office which is located
All meetings and activities of the our priority it believes that a within the INTO building in
Association have been cancelled cautious approach is prudent for Parnell Square, Dublin, reopened
for the past few months in line with the time being, particularly as on 10 August last. We now look
government advice on public many of our members are aged forward to gradually returning
gatherings. The National Executive over 70. The government’s advice to our regular work pattern and
Committee at its July meeting for this age group is to limit their in particular resuming our
considered whether some of the contacts to a circle of close family normal telephone query service.
Association’s activities could and friends and to strictly adhere During the office closure the
resume in line with the phased to the two metre physical INTO has made alterations to the
easing of restrictions. distancing measures. layout of the building to facilitate
However, the NEC decided that The NEC will review their social distancing requirements.
the formal activities of the position at its September meeting New protocols and procedures
Association should remain in the light of the public health have also been introduced to
suspended for at least the months advice at that time and will decide protect the health and safety of
of July and August. a timeline for resuming the staff and visitors to the office.
The NEC is committed to Association’s activities. Hopefully Office hours are 9.00 a.m. to
resuming our schedule of activities at that point we will be in a 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
at the earliest possible time when it position to announce the The office telephone number
is safe to do so. However, as the resumption of at least some is 01 2454130. Where possible
health and safety of members is activities and events. we ask members to call in the
morning time as this enables us
to deal with each call on the day
it is received.
Public sector salary increase on The office can also be contacted
1 October 2020 – Implication for retirees by email info@rtaireland.ie or by
The fourth and final pay increase retirees is that this group have post at 35 Parnell Square,
due under the Public Sector lower pensions as their pay was cut Dublin 1, D01 ET35
Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020 is prior to their retirement and this
due on 1 October next. This phase impacted negatively on their
provides for a 2% increase on the pension.
salary scale and a 5% increase However, if the 4th PSSA Counselling – Inspire
across all allowances. increase is paid as scheduled on wellbeing
Whether this increase will 1 October next the pensions of RTAI members have access to a
transfer to a retired public service teachers who retired since 1 March confidential counselling service
employee depends on the date of 2012 will be coming back in line provided by Inspire (previously
her/his retirement. The key date is with the pensions of those who Carecall). This service can be
1 March 2012. retired prior to that date. accessed by calling 1800 409
The three previous PSSA Once this alignment is achieved, 673 (available on a 24/7 basis).
increases have been paid to public and parity is maintained, any Where ‘face to face’
service retirees who retired since 1 future increases in public service counselling is required up to
March 2012. This fourth increase pay will apply to all public sector three sessions are provided to
will be paid to this cohort also. retirees, irrespective of the date of RTAI members at no charge as
The reason the increases retirement. the service provider is paid
applies to the post 1 March 2012 directly by the RTAI.Thinking of
returning to
the classroom?
At the time of writing detailed plans are been
prepared to facilitate the reopening of
schools in September. One of the key issues
being anticipated is a significant increase in
demand for substitute teachers in the next
school year. This in turn may lead to an
increased reliance on the services
of retired teachers.
If you are contemplating a return to days a retired teacher can be Council; teachers who have let
the classroom the following points employed. However, ‘abatement their registration lapse should
may be of interest: rules’ provide for a reduction in note that the process of re-
• retired teachers have always pension, if total earnings in a registration can take at least 6/8
provided an essential source of school year – from pension and weeks;
substitute cover for schools and substitute work – exceed pre- • the RTAI strongly advises teachers
the employment of retired retirement salary; (these returning to service to maintain
teachers is permitted – although abatement rules are under their INTO membership. The RTAI
the recruitment of a retired review); is not a trade union and does not
teacher should not be a school’s • however, with the daily rate set at represent members in relation to
first option; €191.63 abatement is unlikely to matters that arise during the
• in the first instance, schools must arise; course of their employment as
endeavour to recruit a teacher • retired teachers returning to teachers.
who is not retired; school are asked to notify the • under procedures introduced last
• there are two rates of substitute payroll section of the DES of their year INTO deductions will
pay – one for teachers appointed resumption and there is a specific recommence automatically when
prior to 1 Jan 2011 and a lower form for this purpose (Form a teacher returns to employment
rate for ‘new entrant’ staff SPS/S51) which is an Appendix to – unless the INTO has received
appointed aer that date; DES Circular 7/2013; written instructions to cease the
• retired teachers returning to work • retired teachers (who previously deductions.
are categorised as ‘new entrants’ had a mix of Class D and Class A
and are paid at the lower of the PRSI) and are in receipt of a Schools are required to have a Covid-
two rates which is currently ‘supplementary pension’ should 19 School Response Plan in place to
€191.63 per day, (i.e. €170.55 plus note that the supplementary facilitate the safe re-opening of
€21.08 holiday pay which is paid element of the pension is not paid schools. This plan will require staff in
later); for the duration of any substitute advance of returning to school:
• the usual statutory deductions service; • to complete a Return to Work
including a pension contribution • the payment of salary by the DES Form (RTF); and
will apply; is contingent on the teacher being • to complete an online Covid-19
• there is no limit to the number of registered with the Teaching Induction Training module.
Autumn 2020Leabhar Cainte
le Cathal Ó Catháin
Tá páirt agamsa le hAisteoirí an Lóchrainn, Ceatharlach. I
mbliana, faraor, ní bheidh sé ar acmhainn againn ‘Dúirt
Bean Liom’ a chur ar stáitse de bharr an ordaithe
dhianghlasála, cé go mbímid á chleachtadh ar Zoom!
Mar sin féin, tá obair ar son na teanga á dhéanamh.
Cabhraímid leis an tionscadal atá idir lámha ag Seán Ó
Fearghail ó Scoil na mBuachaillí Easca, le dánta, scéalta
fada nó gearr, nathanna, foclóirín cainte, graiméar agus
ceachtanna phróiseáil focal a chur ar fáil ar YouTube.
Múinteoirí agus aisteoirí muid, cuid againn ar scor, an
chuid eile ag treabhadh leo go fóill. Cuireann Seán an t-
ábhar ar ríomhphost chugainn le guth a chur leis sa
bhaile. Bainim féin úsáid as ‘Audacity’ le scéal a thaifead
agus le ceol agus le fuaimeanna oiriúnacha a chur leis.
Seoltar an t-ábhar críochnaithe ar ais chuige, agus
cuireann Seán pictiúir aghaidh de réir mar a chuirtear ábhar nua ar líne.
agus téacs leis. Bíonn an I measc na scéalta a ndearna mé féin taifead orthu tá:
téacs sa chló Cat na Caillí, agus Róisín Méabh – tá amhrán nuascríofa
Rómhánach, nó sa chló agam agus guth Róisín Méabh (gariníon 7 mí) ann. Ábhar
Gaelach, nó sa seanchló fiú. samplach eile ná: Cúchulainn agus Seáinín (á léamh ag
Úsáidtear an córas Seán Ó Fearghail), Peig agus an Buachaill
‘Wondershare Aimsire/Na Buataisí Buí (Treasa Uí Néill), Cúl
Filmora’ leis an bhfíseán a chur ar a an Tí/Cabhair Ní Ghoirfead (Con Ó
bhealach YouTube. Cróinín), Luaithríona/An Préachán agus an
Is mór an acmhainn do mhúinteoirí, Mada Rua (Mairéad Ní Shúilleabháin), Dic
don óige agus don saol i gcoitinne í, gur agus a Chat (Gearóid Ó Tuama) An
féidir taitneamh agus tairbhe a bhaint Tórramh Meiriceánach/Lúidín Ó Laoi
aisti fiú mura mbíonn an graiméar i (Muiris Bric), Briathair8 (Máiréad Ní
gcónaí de réir an Chaighdeáin, m.sh. Chionnaith).
Na Trí Muca! Tagann na scéalta ó Tugann na haisteoirí Joe Doheny, Áine
oinsí éagsúla, seanleabhair Bric agus Caoimhín Ó Murchú gach cabhair
scoile, cuid acu ó ‘Ladybird’ i agus tacaíocht chomh maith!
nGaeilge, cuid eile Bainigí taitneamh as na Leabhair
nuascríofa. Is féidir na Chainte!
scéalta luaite agus Mhúin Cathal sa Ghaelscoil i
ábhar eile i nGaeilge a gCeatharlach, agus bhí sé mar
áil ar YouTube má phríomhoide i Maigh Géine, Co.
lorgaítear John Farrell Chill Dara. Chuaigh sé ar scor
nó Leabhar Cainte. 2011. Tá 16 phíosa ceoil
Má chniogann éagsúla leis seinnte go minic
duine ar an ar raidió/tv in Éirinn agus
gcnaipe thar lear, cuid acu le
‘Subscribe’ cloisteáil ar shuíomh John
cuirfidh Seán Farrell (YouTube).
fógra ar
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