Don’t let your age stop the party…there are many new aids that will keep you at the top of your game. Here are some of our favourites for the kitchen!
CAN / TIN OPENER MUTI USE WITH RING PULL
This gadget is quick to clean, lightweight and easy to use. It is ideal for users with limited dexterity, weakened grip or arthritis. It can be used to open a large variety of jars, bottles and cans, even those with a ring pull opening!
This innovative product makes the task of tearing off paper towels much easier, especially using just one hand. The design incorporates an upright tearing blade which makes tearing easier. It has a heavyweight, non-slip base which provides added stability and excellent resistance when each sheet is pulled.
HELIX GARLIC PRESS
Most garlic presses require strong hands to operate. With the Helix garlic press, however, its unique, twisting mechanism multiplies the force used, which means you get more squeezing power from less effort.
TWIZOFF ONE TOUCH AUTOMATIC BOTTLE OPENER: ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT
This handy tool opens bottles with one touch! You can count on it to break the seals on all types of bottles. It is easy to clean and is a compact size, so it is easy to store.
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*Battery operated
HELIX CITRUS PRESS
These citrus presses have a unique twisting mechanism. Most hand-held juicers require strong hands to operate and their vertical squeezing action can often be awkward to use. With the Helix juicer, however, the squeezing force is applied horizontally. Because, it is much easier and utilises the power of the shoulders.
REFLEX SLICING KNIFE
The Reflex Slicing Knife has a long narrow blade made from high-quality stainless steel. The scalloped edge makes it ideal for slicing bread, meat and vegetables. It has a contoured grip closed handle that is set at an angle to reduce the need for wrist movement. Additionally, the handle has also been designed to counterbalance the weight of the utensil, which makes the knife easier to use.
Welcome to the whole bag of crazy that is the Shitbox Rally. It’s a super-fun way to raise money for charity. This year, the event finishes up at the Gold Coast. And then, it starts from the Gold Coast again just a few days later!
Cars participating in the Shitbox Rally
This is not a race. It is a challenge to drive cars worth just less than $1,000 across Australia via some of the Outback’s most formidable roads. This is all in the name of raising money for cancer research.
Sea of Cars Participating in the Shitbox Rally
The founder of the Shitbox Rally, James Freeman, started the event after losing both his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other. His amazing idea has now turned into a wildly expanding spectacle. Says Freeman, “In every rally, we drive to – and through – the Outback. But for Shitbox Rally Autumn 2021 we are starting there! This unusual route has us starting in the centre of Australia, travelling North initially to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria before heading South East for the long drive to the Gold Coast.
Cars participating in the Shitbox Rally
Fifty per cent of the route is unsealed with plenty of river crossings to keep the teams challenged. Even the sealed road sections will be interesting and incredibly varied – from the red earth of Central Australia, to the Devil’s Marbles, to National Parks and to the mountainous terrain of the Great Dividing Range. There are plenty of challenges, plenty to see, and a huge amount to experience in just under 4,000 kilometres and seven days.”
SHITBOX RALLY
The route in 2021 will cover over 3962 kilometres. In both the out and back legs, there will be 250 teams of 2, driving their wildly-decorated shitboxes. There will also be around 50 support personnel, who each pay their own way to make the rally a reality. All will traverse some of Australia’s dustiest, most iconic outback roads for seven days of fun, dust, and sweat. They will also be dressing up in some outrageous costumes – not just at night, but all day! Participants spend the entire day in costume. That’s breakfast, driving, repairing, and, if there’s a pub at the end, they are in costume for that as well!
Area where Shitbox Rally starts
This event is officially endorsed and supported by Cancer Council. Fundraising records continue to be broken year after year by the rally, with more than $20 million donated to Cancer Council since the event began in 2009.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
Interesting in applying? If you don’t like to get your hands dirty, or spend any time away from civilisation, this rally is not for you. This is a challenge for those who want to get their teeth into something meaningful and crave something different. Remember, you could be in the middle of Australia, miles from anywhere, trying to fix a split radiator hose with duct tape, string and pliers. You will be dirty, dusty, and maybe muddy…but you’ll still have a smile on your face, and you won’t be alone. There will be no motels, few showers, and you’ll be camping at every night. So you’ll need to bring plenty of wet wipes as well as your own tent, sleeping bag and mattress or swag. It’s an adventure in the true sense of the word.
Trouble in Paradise
Each team is made up of a car with two drivers. Back seats are kept clear so they can carry passengers when other shitboxes don’t manage the entire journey. That said though, the support crews will do absolutely everything within their power to get as many cars as possible to the finish line. The cars are an asset, donated by all the teams, and sold at a public auction the day after the rally ends.
END GOAL FOR SHITBOX RALLY
The Shitbox Rally is not a race; however awards are given at the end of the rally. There are awards decided in the early stages – such as the coveted “least likely to finish” trophy.
Vibrant and youthful participants
There’s an award given for the team (or individual) who is deemed to have gone the furthest above and beyond what would normally be expected the “Spirit of the Rally.” And there are awards for the highest fundraisers. For more information Jump onto shitboxrally.com.au. While you’re there, check out some amazing videos of past rallies. If you’re into social media, you can follow the action on Facebook and Instagram with the tag @shitboxrally. ■
Phil Usher has been part of the aged-care sector for almost 20 years. Here, he gives us an insight into this opportunity to simplify your life and free yourself in your later years.
A Brand New Adventure: Don’t Doubt Downsizing
So, you’re downsizing. You’ve reached that inevitable next phase in life to simplify, de-clutter and take stock of what’s really important to you. But don’t fret, downsizing can also mean that a whole new adventure is on the cards!
To some, the prospect of downsizing can evoke uncertainty or fear. This big change in life can be more akin to pulling teeth, or getting cornered into a gruelling timeshare presentation. But downsizing doesn’t have to dampen your spirits or create unnecessary worries – in fact, it should be the exact opposite!
First and foremost, you need to change your mindset and see downsizing as an opportunity for a new beginning, because that is exactly what it is. It should be viewed as a new era; one we should encourage ourselves and our loved ones to approach with zest and excitement.
Odyssey Residents: Don’t Doubt Downsizing
The people we see at Odyssey often feel a little daunted and overwhelmed with the idea of moving from a large home into a smaller setting. And of course, it is difficult when you or a loved one has been in the same house for many years and then it’s time for the next stage. But it’s also important to feel comfortable with the process.
Downsize and lead a comfortable retired life
Life is full of stuff and most of us spend a significant amount of time accumulating bits and bobs over the years to remind us where we’ve been, what we’ve seen and who we love. But as we age, clutter can become an issue, creating trip hazards, and making it difficult to find things.
Downsizing can be beautiful if done correctly
When you start to declutter, don’t view this as a painful departing process, but instead see it as a way to empower either ourselves or our loved ones with choice and control. It’s often thought that our children or grandchildren will want to hold onto various items, but sadly and unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Don’t Doubt Downsizing, Pick Out Items Close to Your Heart
Hold onto the things that have meaning, whether it’s family pictures, a favourite reading chair or a few items that hold special memories. Everything else is mostly just ‘things’. A general rule to follow is, if it hasn’t been used in six months, it’s probably not needed.
One of the best things about downsizing is the ease of living in a low-maintenance environment. While it can be challenging to adjust to a new schedule and a whole new lifestyle, it’s always a pleasant surprise to have more freedom and time to do the things you love.
Whether it be spending more quality time with family and friends or engaging in new social activities, downsizing is a chapter of life that should not cause angst. It truly is a time for you to live your best life, and perhaps take up a new hobby that you didn’t have the time for before. Downsizing can bring out a whole new era of self-discovery for you that maximises the most essential elements of life – having fun and being happy and healthy.
When considering your new space, identify the things that are important to you. Things like access to quality care, remaining independent, maintaining a sense of control, living in a pet[1]friendly setting, and being able to bond with those you love.
Choosing the Correct Location
Choose somewhere that aligns with your values, what you want, and what kind of lifestyle you want to maintain. You want to be able to focus on continuing life as normal as possible in a great atmosphere – while feeling safe and secure about where you live. My whole goal is to ensure that Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities combine the best of retirement resort community living with first-class care built in.
Remember, the moral to the story is to change the way we see downsizing. Don’t doubt downsizing. It’s a new beginning and something you can take on with a smile and excitement. It’s about decluttering, but also about experiencing something new – a space where you’re comfortable, safe and happy. ■
For more of Phil’s insights, and the opportunity to ask questions, check out odysseycommunities.com.au.
Picture of Phil
Phil Usher
PHIL USHER has been part of the aged care sector for almost 20 years. He has a keen understanding of what seniors want when it comes to living out their twilight years on their own terms.
Phil’s Mum, who passed away from dementia-related complications, was the driving force behind why he’s created an alternative to traditional aged care. When considering aged care for her, Phil couldn’t find a place that offered her the kind of life she wanted. So he made improving aged care his odyssey. If it’s not good enough for the people Phil loves, it’s simply not good enough.
Phil’s determination to create the best alternative to aged-care led to a fresh, heart-centred approach known as a Lifestyle Care Community. At Odyssey the power is given back to residents. People are put first, they have their own home in a lifestyle-orientated community, couples stay together, pets are welcome, grandkids have sleepovers and most importantly – comfort, dignity and independence are the first priorities.
Click here, to know more about the lifestyle of silver citizens.
RIGHT NOW, GENE GILMER is as sharp as ever at 90 years of age. A retired school superintendent who earned his doctorate in math decades ago, Gilmer lives alone. He worries about losing the memories that defined his life. That’s part of the reason he enrolled in an unusual clinical trial.
TREATMENT BY VIDEO CHAT
The treatment being tested: Conversation. Four times a week for a half-hour each time, he taps a button on a tablet computer. And talks face-to-face with a research assistant. The conversation is invariably pleasant, always a half hour in length, and curiously themed.
“A lot of the questions seem to reflect back to when I was a lot younger,” he said. “They seem to be testing my memory.”
Testing – not quite. But targeting? Definitely. Researchers are conducting a study to see if regular conversation can stave off dementia.
Conversational Clinical Trial
Known as the Internet-based Conversational Clinical Trial, or I-CONECT, the project connects socially isolated seniors for regular half-hour conversations with trained conversationalists through online video chat. Previous pilot studies showed promising results, clearing the way for the National Institute on Aging to fund the full[1]scale clinical trial that’s now underway.
“This could be an actual clinical intervention your doctor would prescribe. Like exercise for a healthy heart,” said Jacob Lindsley, a senior research assistant in the OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Centre.
Social isolation is a major problem for seniors. A recent report by the Lancet Commission noted that 2.3 percent of dementia cases could be prevented by reducing social isolation.
The conversations aren’t just shooting the breeze. That is why research assistants lead participants through conversations that are specifically designed to exercise areas of the brain. Mainly, associated with abstract thought, memory and higher-level executive functioning skills.
Final Words
Researchers demonstrated in a 2014 study that seniors who participated in video chats significantly improved in some cognitive tests. Whereas, compared to a control group that did not engage in video chats.
So there you go, Silvers. Video chatting is actually good for your brain. Call up a mate and off you go! ■
Click here, to know more about the silver citizens of Gold Coast.
Thinking about downsizing? Then check out this upcoming event – it has free tips for seniors preparing for retirement.
SENIORS CAN DISCOVER valuable insights into preparing for retirement living when one of the country’s foremost experts, Rachel Lane, shares her tips at a free event. The gathering will be hosted by RetireAustralia’s The Verge at Burleigh G.C. retirement community.
Rachel is the Principal of Aged Care Gurus, and has authored several books on age-related issues.
RetireAustralia: Seniors Looking to Downsize
RetireAustralia’s CEO, Dr Brett Robinson said the free session was designed to demystify the process of buying into a retirement community. “Getting ready for retirement can seem overwhelming at first. That is why RetireAustralia is committed to providing seniors with free access to leading industry experts, to help them find the right home to suit their needs. Seniors can discover what they need to know about the ingoing, ongoing and outgoing costs of retirement living at this session, gain a basic understanding of the way different contracts work and how to approach the task of downsizing.’’
Rachel said that while there were many factors to weigh up before moving into retirement village living, there were many benefits. “Initially for many it may seem easier to stay in your own home, but there’s usually a turning point such as the loss of a spouse or health concerns that exacerbate social isolation and prompt a reconsideration. Once people move into a village, they commonly ask themselves why they didn’t do it sooner.’’
TOP TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING INTO RETIREMENT VILLAGE LIVING
■ Get a feel for the community: Many retirement communities host Friday night happy hours. Or in the case of The Verge, regular Meet Your Future Neighbours events. Join in these activities for a sense of how you will fit in.
■ Understand your contract: Your contract may have consequences for your pension. Your ability to afford the lifestyle you want as well as aged care into the future. Unfortunately, contracts are rarely looked at after they are signed, and the unexpected happens. Break the contract into three time zones. Before you move in, while you live there and when you leave to help identify what happens when.
■ Crunch the numbers: A lot of people look at just the upfront costs. But for a true comparison you should factor in ingoing, ongoing and outgoing costs such as exit fees.
■ Seek advice: As with any major purchase, it is important to seek independent advice from reputable legal and financial experts, as well as understand how downsizing may affect your investments. pension and how you structure your superannuation.
The exclusive Rightsize your Retirement information session will be held from 10am to 12noon. March 30 2021, at the Ocean View Room at North Burleigh Surf Club, 293 The Esplanade, Miami.
Places for the Rightsize your Retirement session are limited. RSVP is essential by visiting the website at thevergeburleigh.com.au/events or call 1800 955 070. A light morning tea will be served before the presentation.
