Queensland Seniors Month

Scams are harder to spot for all

ALMOST half of Australians say spotting online scams is getting harder, with nearly a third unsure if content is real or AI-generated. Among grandparents, this rises to 43 per cent.

One in three people worry about their loved ones’ ability to identify scams, while over a third need support when online problems occur.

Good Things Australia is inviting people of all ages, especially seniors, to take part in Get Online Week (20–26 October).

The initiative offers hundreds of free community events nationwide, where participants can learn practical digital skills in a safe, supportive environment. Activities range from spotting scams and paying bills online to trying AI tools and quizzes.

Jess Wilson, CEO of Good Things Australia, says rapid AI adoption can feel overwhelming.

“Learning new digital skills doesn’t have to be daunting. Get Online Week is a chance to connect with your community, learn something new, and leave feeling more confident,” she said.

When sadness becomes dementia

By Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care

ONE thing I love about being a GP is that it has allowed me to understand and be there with people through the ups and downs of their life. And as a support, I try to help them gain some reflection, as things unfold in the moment, especially when things are down.

I remember one lady in her late 70s, Patty, who became extremely jittery when her husband entered a nursing home. Patty’s sudden sense of isolation was made worse by her step children who somehow accused her of abandoning him. All of that emotional trauma was harrowing and disorientating. And as her mental health deteriorated, her physical health deteriorated as well, and her knee pains, chest pains and daily nausea all got worse. At the time I must admit, I was really worried that Patty would fall apart at home, and end up soon in a nursing home herself. However, as a team of health professionals, carers, and even her gardener, we

rallied around her, making sure she felt supported and listened to on a daily basis. And when she fell at home around that time, she knew she still had us to turn to. Fortunately as well as that she had a butcher she loved chatting to whilst picking up her favourite sausages (herb and garlic) and a neighbour across the street who was kind enough to lend a hand and an ear.

Amazingly, Patty made it through, and today when her carer brings her into the clinic aft cuppa, and I see her have a chuckle, it fills me with hope.

insurers were remarkably quick in helping him get new carpets, but losing

together his life started to come back together. These days, working with our OT,

Or another patient in his mid 80s, Doug, who had a bad run. First, Doug’s unit flooded due to a plumbing problem in the bathroom. Then he lost his licence and had to get a scooter. All virtually at once. The

Word is spreading through the hinterland about Maleny Grove’s expansion.

Our new release of luxury two and three-bedroom retirement villas, complemented by planned resident facilities and just minutes’ walk to Maleny village, has captured the imagination of those seeking a more natural approach to retirement.

With strong early interest, now is the time to secure your place in our thriving community.

tour

remembered him as a jolly soul. Indeed we’d shared a laugh and hearty fish n’ chips in the past. He loved those chips! The change in who Doug was then, to who he became, was dramatic. Again, as a team, we helped him work through his problems piece by piece, and like a jigsaw puzzle,

care, to help people live at home. When I reflect, I have no doubt that if not for the system of home care packages in Australia, Patty and Doug’s lives would have likely continued to spiral downwards, and the heavy fog of pseudodementia, cut their functioning

independently at home short. And I might have missed those many laughs we have shared since.

I feel grateful that I’ve been able to find people who share that purpose of helping older people fulfill that simple but precious wish, to live in, and enjoy their own home, for as long as they can. From nurses, to carers to cleaners, to doctors, to specialist geriatricians - in creating Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care, we created a diverse team of people to support the Patty’s and Doug’s of Australia, including now locally in Bundaberg. And walk hand in hand with them, through dark days, till together, we again see the light (and have sausages, chips and a cuppa!).

If you’ve just got a home care package, looking to change providers, or know someone who is, please call us - Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care on 1300 888 256. Our website www.mshomecare. com.au. Or drop into our local office at Maleny Community Centre, Shop 4 / 23 Maple St, Maleny. We’re here to help.

Bringing the farm to the home

Beerwah aged care enjoy a little horse time

By Bolton Clarke

BEERWAH aged care

residents have had the rural life brought to their doorstep, spending some time with a local pet therapy miniature horse, Halo.

Residents have enjoyed not only saying hello to Halo

around the home but also learning a little about their small but mighty visitor.

Glasshouse Views Lifestyle

Coordinator Michelle Gibson says pet therapy is a wonderful opportunity for residents to interact with animals that may be familiar or new.

“We have visits every few months from diff animals - we have had rabbits, goats, baby lambs, chickens and most recently the miniature horses,” Michelle said.

“For the whole visit residents will be smiling from ear-to-ear and particularly because of our location there are several who have come from farms or used to ride, so that sparks a lot of conversation within the home.

“Animals just bring out the best in everyone and bring so much joy - everybody just loves to sit, have a pat and maybe a chat with the pet therapy visitors.

“One of our residents has photos around her room of horses so you can imagine how ecstatic she was to spend some time with Halo – her face just lit up when they came in!”

Research shows apart from being lots of fun, spending time with pet therapy animals has emotional and physical benefits for residents, improving wellbeing and connection.

Welcome to Glasshouse Views

Supporting you to live and age positively

With spacious, modern and flexible accommodation options, on-site services and a range of activities, Glasshouse Views is centred around your health, happiness and wellbeing.

• Private rooms designed with care needs and comfort in mind

• Person centred care, dementia care and respite services

• High safety standards and a registered nurse 24/7

• Dedicated care, lifestyle, hospitality, housekeeping and maintenance team

Glasshouse Views Aged Care 96 Peachester Road, Beerwah QLD 4519 07 5439 2400

Bolton Clarke

full bloom bloom

about celebrating loyalty and supporting our retailers by showcasing what they have to offer. These people

parade was “fantastic” and encouraged others to try something new.

“It encouraged people to go into different stores and try new styles,” she said. “Even trendy stores aren’t just for young people – they’re for everyone. The accessories were amazing,

Featured models included Judy Moller, Heather Toye, Ernie, Pauline, Karey, Graeme, Glenda, Vicki, Gloria and Karen. Participating stores included Just Jeans, Target, Suzanne Grae, Connor, Sportsgirl, Big W, Lowes, Ghanda, Best & Less, Skechers, Platypus, Williams, Spendless, Catalog and The Stable

Over-50s lifestyle resort launched in Elimbah

Sales begin at $428 million GemLife

OFFERING the best of both worlds – luxury, resort-style living just minutes from local shops and services – the new over-50s lifestyle resort will feature eight hectares of green space and bushland across the 26-hectare site.

“GemLife Elimbah will give homeowners the chance

facilities and beautifully crafted homes,” said GemLife Elimbah Sales Manager Glenys Lowry.

“You’ll wake up to the sound of birdsong and maybe even spot a kangaroo on your morning walk, thanks to the neighbouring reserve.

“And if you’re looking for more adventure in your

Elimbah

D’Aguilar National Park.

Then, if you feel like a beach day, Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage are only a short drive away.”

At the heart of the resort is the Country Club – a two-storey hub of wellness, activity and connection.

Homeowners will enjoy everything from a heated lap pool, cinema and gym to a

private ballroom.

There’s also the laid-back Summer House, a casual space to unwind with neighbours and friends.

Homes start from $745,000 and include a choice of five contemporary designs, each with two bedrooms, a multipurpose room (MPR), quality finishes and spacious alfresco areas.

A standout example is the Aiden, priced at $744,000, offering 192.44 square metres of elegantly designed living.

It features two bedrooms plus a versatile MPR, hybrid flooring throughout, and a double garage with extra built-in storage.

The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area

flows into a large walk-in pantry, with stacker doors that open to an east-facing alfresco.

The master suite boasts a walk-in robe and private ensuite, while the main bathroom is conveniently placed between the second bedroom and MPR.

To learn more about the community visit gemlife. com.au/elimbah.

Settling into a new life at Halcyon Dales

A new chapter begins in the Hinterland

WHEN Judith and Grant Martin decided it was time for a new chapter, they didn’t have to look far.

After several happy years at Halcyon Nirimba in Aura, the couple were ready for a change – and Halcyon Dales, Stockland’s over-50s lifestyle community in the Sunshine Coast hinterland,

offered exactly what they were looking for.

“We really enjoyed living in Nirimba, but when we heard about Halcyon Dales with its bush setting and views of the Glasshouse Mountains, we knew it would be an ideal fit for us,” Judith says. “From our kitchen window we now look out at the trees and hear the birds. I’m a bit of a birder, so it’s just amazing.”

The move to Dales was made even easier by how effortless the process was. With Halcyon’s turnkey homes, the endless

decisions around colour schemes and finishes were already taken care of.

“When we bought at Nirimba, we had to make so many choices, but this time it was all done for us and honestly, it was way better than we could have done ourselves,” Judith says. “The Halcyon team felt like friends, and we really trusted them.”

“I think one of the big things for us was having confidence in the developer,” Grant adds. “With Stockland, you know what you’re going to get and they always deliver.”

you’re not there,” Grant says. “Since we started our Halcyon journey, we don’t worry about mowing lawns or cleaning a pool. It frees us up to actually enjoy life.”

Judith laughs, “I’m not

Judith says. “Our neighbour offered us his ute, and we helped someone down the street with their flat-pack furniture. That’s the beauty of Halcyon – there’s always someone looking out for

These seasoned Halcyon homeowners also appreciate the lowmaintenance lifestyle that comes with community living.

“When you’ve got a big house, it costs a small fortune to maintain everything, even when

I just pull out the occasional weed, and that suits me just fine.”

Even though the Dales community is still growing, the Martins say the neighbourly spirit is already strong.

“From the day we moved, everyone’s been so helpful,”

They’re also excited for what’s to come, from the two-storey clubhouse with its 25m swimming pool, op bar, undercover bowling green and mountain views, to a fully kitted out pottery studio complete with a kiln and

“I’ve never done pottery before, so I don’t know if I’ll be any good, but I can’t wait to give it a go,” Judith says.

For Halcyon Dales Sales Professional Rachael Boyce, stories like the Martin’s reflect Stockland’s vision for the community.

“Halcyon Dales is a nature-inspired boutique community surrounded by

rainforest and koala habitat, and yet it’s only a short walk into Beerwah thanks to the new Stockland-built footpath,” she says. “It’s the best of both worlds: a peaceful hinterland setting with everyday conveniences close by.”

The outdoorsy couple have already embraced the walk into town and have even bought a small shopping trolley for their trips.

“It’s a lovely walk through the park and past the sports fields,” Grant says. “We haven’t unpacked the bikes yet, but we’ll be cycling into Beerwah soon. Until then, the trolley’s getting a workout.”

Visit today and discover the homes, lifestyle and natural beauty that make this hinterland community so special: www. stockland.com.au/halcyoncommunities/qld/halcyondales

Healthy ageing is in your hands

UP to 75 per cent of your ageing journey is shaped by the choices you make every day meaning you have the power to decide what ageing looks like for you.

Simple changes to your daily routine can deliver lasting benefits, helping you stay active, independent and connected for longer.

Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, social connection, mental stimulation and home comfort all play a key role.

Assistive technology from easy-grip tools to mobility aids can also make everyday tasks easier and boost quality of life.

LiveUp offers expert guidance, hundreds of helpful products, and free personalised advice to help you age your way. Visit www.liveup.org.au or call 1800 951 971 to find out more.