The Burleigh Bears Leagues Club is centrally located in Miami, just over 1km from the pristine Gold Coast coastline. The Club has long held the reputation on the Coast as the go-to place to spend time over a beer or a meal, discussing all things Rugby League.
Community
The Bears is a Community Club. This means that proceeds earned are distributed to grassroots rugby league initiatives – and of course, the renowned Burleigh Bears Rugby League team. The Bears have enjoyed success on the football field for a number of years in the NRL Queensland Cup.
Last season they left the field as grand final winners! As the feeder club to the Gold Coast Titans, you may be lucky enough to watch a future State of Origin star in action at one of the home games. ‘The Bears’ as it is affectionally called by locals, is one of the larger Clubs on the Coast. It has a sprawling restaurant, and alfresco dining adjacent to the football field. In addition to a well-appointed Sports Bar with one of the few remaining ‘good old fashioned’ TABs, with full facilities and plenty of tap beer available.
The Bears also facilitates two Bingo sessions each week on Monday and Friday mornings with great jackpots to be won.
SUMMER MENU
The Club has just launched their 20/21 Summer menu with plenty of options for everyone. From shared meals, hearty burgers, perfectly cooked steaks, plenty of options for those with dietary requirements, and a selection of home-made desserts. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth or are a fan of peanut butter you can’t go past their Salted Carmel Peanut Butter Ice Cream. Lovingly made in‑house, it is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.
The Specials
Back by popular demand is also The Bears famous $15 lunch specials. Choose between a Rump Steak, classic schnitzel or parmy, battered hoki, a pasta bake and even a vegan option of roast vegetable, quinoa and rice salad. The meals are fresh and delicious and are available between 12pm – 2pm, Monday to Saturday.
The bar also offers plenty of variety with an extensive wine list, local and imported beer on tap and a range of boutique cocktails, unique to The Bears. You are sure to find something to sip on that is right up your alley!
MEMBERSHIP
Membership at the Club gives you access to a range of discounts at the bar, restaurant, and bottle shop. Your membership card also means if you fancy a flutter, you can earn reward points as you play any of the 150 pokies in the gaming lounges. Only $1 for 1 year, membership gives you a $2 discount on your mains and varying discounts over the bar. Signing up is easy, just bring your driver’s licence or photo ID. As well as the discounts and reward points, you are directly contributing to a community club which adds an extra layer of warm and fuzzies to your dining experience.
The Club is open from 10am every day, it’s well worth the trip to check it out! ■
Hundreds of thousands of boomers are deciding to volunteer abroad. An increase of more than 60 percent in less than a decade, a recent study found. While Covid-19 issues will skew the statistics this year, the trend seems likely to stay.
Adults aged 55 and older are increasingly interested in performing volunteer work in other countries, and host communities are clamouring to recruit them. This is especially true if the boomers have professional and specialised skills that may not be readily available in local labour markets. This is according to researchers Benjamin J. Lough and Xiaoling Xiang, who authored the study.
Rising Boomer Volunteer Population
Of the millions of people who volunteer overseas annually, the greatest percentage are teens and young adults ages 15-24. However, participation by older adults has risen steadily in recent years, driven in part by the growth in the over-55 population.
Accordingly, charity organisations that traditionally catered to younger people have ramped up efforts to recruit greater numbers of late-life volunteers.
“Growing numbers of adults age 65-plus are going abroad to volunteer, partly because boomers have more free time with retirement and are interested in active engagement,” said Lough, a professor of social work. “They spent their lives working and raising children, and now that they’re retired, they want leisure, but they also want to give back while satisfying their thirst for adventure.”
Preference for Experience
Host countries consistently express a preference for older workers who have greater experience and skills to offer, Lough said. Nearly half of the older adults in the study who volunteered abroad had master’s, doctoral or professional degrees. “As volunteers age, they have more professional skills to contribute, and that’s what hosting organisations want. Hosting organisations and communities are less interested in hosting young people who have fewer skills. They want competent people who can contribute something really useful, who have lifelong experience doing things. There is a consistent demand for volunteers who have meaningful skills and can stay for longer periods of time.”
The average duration of older volunteers’ stay abroad was about 13 weeks. This is the same amount of time as the youngest volunteers, who were ages 15-24.
International service organisations could better meet communities’ needs for skilled workers by addressing some of the barriers that prevent older people from volunteering abroad. These barriers are things like concerns about access to health care services and financial constraints, the researchers said.
Older adults with higher incomes were more likely to serve abroad, the researchers found. Nearly a quarter of older international volunteers in the study reported annual household incomes of $150,000 or more.
Offering stipends or help with travel expenses could boost participation of older adults with lower incomes, the researchers suggested.
Rather volunteer closer to home? Check out this website that gives you all the details on volunteering on the Gold Coast.
Jonathan Freeman is the founder of Club Active. He tells us about his vision to help each and every one of Club Active gym members to change the way they age.
When I worked in a private practice, I was operating out of a commercial gym. I saw an opportunity to support and nurture the over 50s into exercising for their health. The biggest barriers for them going to the gym was the intimidation factor, not knowing what to do and needing a sense of community.
The fastest growing demographic in the world (50+) is largely not catered for in the mainstream fitness space. Over 50s need a safe, fun and non-intimidating environment that is supported by both professional staff and their peers. But now, they have Club Active. I have worked with thousands of people to help them change the way they age. I apply this knowledge to the classes, programs and overall mission at Club Active.
As an accredited Exercise Physiologist and a specialist in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, I understand the benefits of exercise and movement for everybody. When exercise is embraced, health is improved without the need for medication. The traditional fitness industry does not have a strong focus on health for all ages. This is why Club Active was born.
I wanted to create a space with modern, lightfilled open areas. These centres are between 450m2 and 600m2 with an allied health clinic adjacent to the gym, offering exercise physiologist, dietician and physiotherapist services.
Gym and Exercise Improving Lives
There’s growing evidence to show the positive impact exercise has on individuals to improve health, particularly on chronic health conditions and managing the treatment processes. Everyone who joins Club Active receives a thorough review of their medical history prior to beginning their exercise journey. This allows us to understand what types of programs and classes may be best for them. Understanding their limitations and goals are also the key to adopting an exercise program for the long term.
Following this, a carefully designed tailored program is uploaded on to their Club Active ‘key’ which holds all their information and then they begin their exercise journey. The key allows the member to follow the program easily and may be able to increase or decrease their intensity depending on their level of fitness and goals. The key will only work on the machines that we have programmed for that specific member and their goal.
The word ‘fit’ is a very subjective term and everyone needs varying levels of fitness to pursue their daily wants or needs. If you want to live a healthy retirement and go on that trip of a lifetime you’ve been longing for, then exercise and movement is paramount. I have personally witnessed people who have lost a substantial amount of weight, and then climbed a mountain in Europe. These are the milestones that make Club Active what it is.
Club Active, the gym for over 50s
Expert Bio
Jonathan Freeman is the founder of Club Active
Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation). He’s also a sessional academic and adjunct professional fellow at Southern Cross University, teaching Biomechanics, Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. He’s worked in high performance sporting organisations, with Olympic champions, world title holders and state and national level athletes. He has even rehabilitated A-list celebrities and helped over thousands of patients improve their lives. Jonathan presents workshops both nationally and internationally, has been featured in many health and fitness publications, and has published academic literature in injury prevention.
Don’t let your age stop the party… there are so many new aids that will keep you at the top of your game. Adaptive Equipment will help you achieve what you want even through the restraints of old age.
Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive Equipment are a Gold Coast family-owned and operated business. Silver Magazine had a spin around their products. They have everything from mobility scooters, walkers, wheelchairs to daily living aids. Here are our favourites!
Uccello Tipper Kettle
This amazing gadget gives you effortless pouring action. Its non‑weight-bearing ’tilt and pour’ action directs hot water to the fixed position of the cup, without removing the kettle from its cradle. It has an ergonomic handle. The weighted base arcs on a rotating axis to deliver hot water safely and easily. You can pick it up for $143.
The Uccello Tipper Kettle
Merits Transit Wheelchair
If you are out and about with relatives or friends this is a great lightweight mobility aid that can be thrown into the boot of any car. This handy wheelchair is a superlight gadget that weighs just 9.5kg in total. Its aluminium frame is easy to fold, and the backrest folds for a quick pack‑up. It has puncturefree tyres and is a bargain at just $379.
The Merits Transit Wheelchair
Jarkey Jar Opener
With the JarKey hidden away in your kitchen drawer, all your jar problems will be solved – for good! Just position the JarKey against the rim of the lid of the jar you want to open and gently lift the key until the middle of the lid pops up. The JarKey provides you with the leverage you need to open any jar…and you don’t need to be Hercules to use it! And it is just $15!
The Jarkey Jar Opener
TOPGUN TG1150G Golf Mobility Scooter
This is the Rolls Royce of scooters. This beast commands respect with its authoritative presence. Designed for dynamic performance under all conditions, the TG1150G delivers remarkable standard features like multi tilt steering adjustment for ergonomic positioning of the tiller, classy alloy wheels, and LED lighting for maximum brightness. It has two side mirrors and centre review mirror, sturdy canopy roof, protective full windscreen and a huge lockable rear box included as standard. It has a lightweight lithium battery combined with a powerful 1300W motor and world class electronic. The TopGun Scooter range has an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The TOPGUN TG1150G Golf Mobility Scooter
TOPGUN Tranzforma Mobility Scooter
This is mobility genius. This indoor-outdoor transformer goes from power chair with indoor manoeuvrability to outdoor scooter in seconds. So many fantastic features are jam-packed into this gadget. It has a lightweight, long life lithium battery. But they have thought of the little things too, like a double drink holder. It has on-board storage under the seat, as well as a front carry basket on the scooter section. The tyres are puncture proof, and it has a quiet, seamless motor. You’ll be at that party in no time. This is a snip at $3,799. The TopGun Scooter range has an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The TOPGUN Tranzforma Mobility Scooter
Etac Immedia Swivel Cushion
This little piece of brilliance is a soft swivel cushion that makes it easier for the user to get in and out of a car or bed. It helps prevent strain on your knees, hip and back, while the non‑slip underside prevents you from sliding out of position. And it is just $150.
The Etac Immedia Swivel Cushion
Aspire Vogue Carbon Fibre Walker
This flash-looking walker is super lightweight – it has a 5kg carbon fibre frame. And, it comes with a bonus cane holder. It has a luxury look and feel – Danish design, profiled tubing, moulded fittings, ergonomic handles and refined colours. It has a small turning circle for excellent manoeuvrability. It locks when folded, making transportation and storage easier. Also, it features advanced locking handbrakes – for increased user safety when walking and sitting. The removable utility bag can hold up to 5kg and can be removed for shopping. This is a hot deal for $665.
Did you know that Pacific Fair hosts a number of activities available to Gold Coast seniors?
Head over to Pacific Fair Caffe Cherry Beans on the first Tuesday of every month at 9.30am for a FREE senior’s morning tea and games! Enjoy a social morning out with old and new friends and catch up over a free coffee, cake and games.
Looking for something a little more active? A weekly walking club in partnership with the Heart Foundation walks every Thursday morning. Be there at 7.30am – participants meet at the Concierge Desk near Coffee Club. Walk throughout the centre taking steps to a healthier lifestyle while making friendships along the way. You’ll even receive a FREE coffee afterwards! This walking club is open to all ages and walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace.
Whether you are new to physical activity, bringing your pram or are recovering from a health issue, this club is for you. Why not stay back on Thursdays after the walking club and take advantage of Event Cinemas new seniors’ screenings? This happens every Thursday at 11.15am. There are dedicated sessions for Cinebuzz senior members to enjoy a $10 movie ticket (including a Parlour Lane choc top!) Visit pacificfair.com.au/community for more details of senior activities incentre at Pacific Fair.
Senior Guide to a Daycation at Pacific Fair!
Valet Parking– Just $5 for seniors!
Hand over the keys and Pacific Fair will take care of the rest with their Valet Parking service. This premium service gives customers the opportunity to enjoy convenient, personalised parking for quick and easy access to the centre.
The Valet Parking team have increased hygiene procedures to ensure your shopping experience is as safe as possible. Contactless parking is also available on request. You can self-park within Valet Parking at a reduced rate, while the team keep an eye on your prized possession.
Coffee
Caffeinate yourself for a day of retail therapy at any one of more than 20 coffee shops including local brewer Foster & Black (located outside Kmart).
If you are after a sweet treat we suggest heading to the newly opened French patisserie and café Le Bon Choix, located on Level 1 next to David Jones.
Shop ‘til you drop!
Pacific Fair offers the largest collection of designer and luxury brands in the one location in Queensland. Among the unmissables are Uniqlo, David Jones, Myer, RM Williams, Midas, Seed, Witchery, Country Road, Blue Illusion and over 350 more!
Lunch Break
Once you’ve shopped up a storm, the next decision will be which one of the many fab Pacific Fair eateries you’ll choose. Some of our suggestions include Outback Steakhouse, Betty’s Burgers, Yum Cha Cuisine, Chong Co Thai, Bin 232, Wild Fish & Chips, Max Mex and more!
Pamper Yourself
When you put your feet up after a days’ shopping, you’ll want those toes to be perfectly painted! Indulge in the beauty services at Pacific Fair and finish the day with a glow. From skincare products to facials and pedicures, be sure to visit Rationale or Jurlique to fill your beauty basket or select from the pampering menu at Ella Bache or Massage Aroma to name a few.
Personal Styling
Imagine your own fashion expert, a personal stylist just for you – someone who isn’t tied to any one fashion brand and is here to offer you honest advice on how to dress, look and feel your best. Whether you’re short on time, unsure of where to shop, in need of a look for a special occasion or a complete wardrobe overhaul, they will curate looks that are unique and tailored for you plus enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee whilst doing it. It’s never been so simple, with three stylists to choose from.
