HEALTHY Sunshine Coast is the Sunshine Coast Council’s flagship community health and wellbeing program, offering affordable ways to stay active, connected, and healthy.
The holistic initiative encourages participants to move well, eat well, sleep well, think well, connect well, and enjoy time in nature with sessions suitable for all ages and abilities.
Activities start from just $10, or $5 with a Health Care or Pensioner Card. Children under 18 can join for $5 when accompanied by an adult, or $10 for childrenonly activities. Sessions run for at least 45 minutes, with a wide range of classes available across the Coast.
Registration is free and essential before attending any session. For details, activity schedules, or to register, visit sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au and search ‘healthy Sunshine Coast’.
You can also join the Healthy Sunshine Coast Facebook group for updates and new class announcements.
Celebrating our local Seniors
A month of connection and care
By RangeCare
OCTOBER in Queensland brings with it a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate Seniors Month. It’s a time to honour the enduring contributions of older Australians, whose wisdom, resilience, and generosity continue to shape our communities in profound ways.
At RangeCare, we believe Seniors Month is more than a calendar event, it’s a mirror of the values we live by every day: Community, Dignity, Relationships, and Support. These aren’t just words on a wall,
they’re the heartbeat of our work.
Community means creating spaces where seniors feel they belong. Whether through inclusive events or simple moments of connection, we strive to ensure older people are seen, heard, and valued. Dignity is central to our care. Every individual deserves kindness and respect, and we honour the rich tapestry of life experiences they bring.
Relationships are the threads that bind us. A morning tea shared, a story passed down, a laugh between generations these
moments build resilient, joyful communities. And support means empowering seniors to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle, fostering independence and wellbeing.
This October, as we celebrate Seniors Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ageing with joy, respect, and connection. Because at RangeCare, we don’t just care for seniors we celebrate them. Their legacy is our foundation, and their future is our shared responsibility.
RangeCare Social Centres
You’re Invited to Join Us! Discover Friendship and Fun. At RangeCare Social Centres, we believe that staying active and social is key to a happy life!
Free Trials Now Available
What is included in a Free Trial Day:
Morning tea
Hot lunch
Dessert
Join in the daily activities
Your welcome to attend for Morning Tea only 10am – 11.30am or join in for the day 10am – 2pm.
Feel free to bring a carer, family member or friend to the trial day.
We have spaces available at all our Social Centres in Flaxton, Gympie, Nambour. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your social life and make lasting memories.
For more information call the RangeCare office on 07 5445 7044
Your local Eye Doctor with heart
Local eye surgeon, Dr Kris, embraces care, community and country life
By Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists
AS Queensland celebrates Seniors Month this October, Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker stands as a reminder that healthcare can be both world-class and deeply personal.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Dr Rallah-Baker is Australia’s first and only Indigenous ophthalmologist - a trailblazer in his field, yet warmly known to many simply as “Your Local Eye Doctor.”
With an impressive career spanning communities across the country, Dr Rallah-Baker now leads Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists (SCO), a practice he took over five years ago. Under his leadership, SCO has earned a reputation not just for clinical excellence, but for its inclusive and
compassionate approach to patient care.
“Medicine isn’t just about procedures - it’s about people,” he says. “I wanted to build a practice that reflects the values of our community: respect, kindness, and connection.”
Outside the clinic, Dr Rallah-Baker finds balance on his cattle farm, where he swaps scrubs for steelcapped boots. “You can’t stress about work emails when you’re chasing livestock,” he laughs.
This hands-on lifestyle keeps him grounded and reflects his broader commitment to the community.
A proud supporter of local sporting clubs and advocate for First Nations health, Dr Rallah-Baker combines medical skill with cultural insight - offering care that goes beyond the consultation room.
As part of SCO’s “Let’s
everyday life - just like slip, slop, slap.”
With a rare blend of
wills and estates
By Spire Law
PLANNING for the future can be overwhelming, but when it comes to your estate, having a clear and legally sound will in place is crucial. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and belongings will be distributed after your death. It can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your wishes are respected and minimise potential disputes among family members.
In Queensland, without a will in place, your estate will be divided according to the Succession Act 1981, which may not align with your
book an appointment, visit www.sconoosa.com.au or call 1800 EYE DOC (393 362).
This could lead to unnecessary delays and complications, especially if you have specific wishes for your children, pets, or charitable donations. A will allows you to appoint an executor to manage your estate, ensuring your assets are distributed as you wish.
In addition to financial assets, a will can also
specify guardianship for minor children and address other important matters like funeral preferences. However, it’s important to regularly update your will to reflect any significant life changes—such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children. For those with more complex estates, a trust can be used to manage assets, reduce tax liabilities, or protect beneficiaries from creditors. Consulting with a lawyer specialising in wills and estates can ensure that your will is legally sound and that all your wishes are addressed appropriately. By creating a will and making informed decisions about your estate, you can protect your loved ones and provide clarity during a difficult time. Contact the lawyers at Spire Law to take these steps now, which can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the future. Spire Law- Ph (07) 5440 4800 or visit our website spirelaw.com.au
Dr Kris from Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists.
OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
for eligible Medicare cardholders if you are attending a new cataract consultation
Bulk billed cataract consultations available for Medicare-eligible patients
Experienced and caring team of professionals
Comprehensive care tailored to your needs
& Conditions Apply: Bulk billing is available for Medicare cardholders meeting eligibility criteria Please check with our team for details
AT The Wellness Practice Beerwah, we’re passionate about helping seniors live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. We understand that staying well means caring for both body and mind, and our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.
Our services include Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Dietetics, Psychology, and Remedial Massage, all designed to
Honouring Seniors and the power of connection
strengthening connections and recognising the achievements of older people.
At our practice, we see every day how social connection, good health, and community support make a real difference in maintaining independence and wellbeing as we age.
We encourage families, friends, and neighbours to take the time this month to
A phone call, a cup of tea, or joining a local group activity can go a long way toward building connection and reducing isolation.
Glasshouse Mountains Medical Centre is committed to supporting healthy ageing through regular check-ups, preventive care, and community engagement. Together, we can ensure our seniors continue to
help you move better, feel stronger, and enjoy life more. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a long-term condition, or simply wanting to stay active, we create personalised care plans tailored to your goals. Our Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists can help reduce pain or improve mobility, strength and confidence in your movement. Our Dietitian supports healthy eating and energy levels.
compassionate mental health support, while our Remedial Massage Therapists help ease tension and improve circulation.
We work closely with clients receiving aged care packages, and we also
DVA, and NDIS referrals. If you’re ready to take positive steps for your health, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help you stay active, independent, and well, for today and the years ahead.
The nurse team at Glasshouse Mountains Medical Centre.
as house prices and rents soar, while also freeing up housing for the wider community.
StewartBrown’s latest survey found the median entry cost for a twobedroom retirement unit is 53 per cent of the median house price in the same suburb, rising to 66 per cent for three bedrooms. The lower cost allows retirees to stay close to family, boost savings and ease financial stress.
When then-62-year-old Karen Cook moved into her Victoria Point village seven and a half years ago, it was to help her husband, Paul, who had Parkinson’s.
she says.
The couple downsized from the Gold Coast within 12 weeks. “I’m a bit of a goer - a doer, so I just put my mind to it,” she says. She urges others not to wait. “I tell people: don’t wait until you can’t manage.”
After Paul’s passing, soaring prices and a strong community convinced her to stay. “You can close the door, lock the unit and off you go,” she says.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson says retirement living offers “freedom, community and long-term affordability,” with higher wellbeing scores than the national average.
Seniors
community engagement.
“Think of someone who is lonely. They are often quiet and retracted,” a Dr Floyd Gomes, founder and CEO, explained. “Now, picture a person singing. They are forced to stand taller, take a deep breath that expands their lungs, and project their voice. That action alone is empowering, both physically and mentally. It literally pushes the boundaries of
This approach
creative way to partner with communities and individuals to inspire and guide healthier, more fulfilling lives.
A Prescription for Connection
The simple act of singing— whether a rousing chorus or a gentle ballad—is being positioned by the healthcare provider as a critical tool for senior health, moving beyond traditional medical metrics.
For older Australians, social isolation remains a serious public health concern. The contest is designed to fight this by encouraging participation, self-expression, and
event to build broader social networks. By encouraging clients, family, and friends to participate and film the entries, it fosters a shared, goal-oriented activity. This demonstrates a core value of teamwork, where quality and efficiency are achieved through flexible cooperation.
evidence that engagement to improved physical health. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging has highlighted the tangible benefits of music, noting that its power to “connect us, improve mood and energy... means it could be a powerful tool” for healthy ageing.
rhythm, and control breath provides a comprehensive mental workout, helping participants stay sharp and mentally agile. How to Enter and Claim $3,500
or
Building Health with Teamwork and Kindness
The contest’s design— easy video entry and public engagement—reflects the organisation’s internal culture, which values teamwork, kindness, and creative solutions.
Mark & Sylvie’s is using this
Furthermore, the focus on individual expression, regardless of skill level, taps into the principle of genuine kindness. The organisers stated that the initiative is “Driven by Soul,” spontaneously bringing humanity to interactions. It’s a bold, creative move in the often-clinical healthcare sector, encouraging bold thought and action to reimagine the future of care. Singing itself is an excellent tool for cognitive health. Engaging the brain to recall lyrics, manage
The competition is exclusively open to Australians aged 65 and over residing in Queensland or Victoria. To enter, participants simply need to record a video (under three minutes) of themselves singing their favourite song and submit it before the final deadline of 12pm on Saturday 26 October 2025. (www.mshomecare. com.au/idolcontest)
The prize pool is significant: $3,500 cash for the winner, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third.
The Mark & Sylvie’s Idol Contest serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the most effective path to better health doesn’t involve a prescription—it involves a microphone, a big breath, and the courage to sing. For full terms, conditions, and entry submission, interested participants can visit the Mark & Sylvie’s website.
Karen Cook and her husband Paul attend a dress up party at the retirement village.
Jack & Stephen (Stef) on a Blind Date
By Jack Wilcox
Jack (92) and Stef (70) met through a mutual interest in chess. Both have a vision problem. Stef has been battling glaucoma for 20 years. Although his vision has stabilized, he no longer plays chess. He can’t see the pieces. In recent years, Jack has developed macular degeneration which is expected to further deteriorate.
with each other and he believes, may not have the remedial qualities claimed by the manufacturer. He strongly defends his legal right to reject medical advice or intervention.
Stef’’s frequent quote is ‘can you imagine having
a needle in your eye.’ This is a treatment given to people with ‘wet’macular degeneration. Jack has ‘dry’ macular degeneration which unfortunately does not respond to this treatment.
computer is waiting for him to hit the wrong button. He tries to fix it resulting in a visit by Concept Computers to unscramble Jack’s efforts.
This is a snapshot of how these two men are coping with these disabilities.
After so many years of living with glaucoma, Stef has become disillusioned with the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry.
Uncertainty, due to conflicting advice on the risks associated with eye surgery. He has become anti pills on the basis that he believes the human body is not designed to absorb the range of drugs which confl
The rise of the ‘ageless workers’
retirement at 65 marked the end of work and the beginning of leisure.
Jack hasn’t had Stef’s bad experiences and is more laid back about medical issues. He accepts the advice of any doctor he trusts.
Banking is a special hell for people with poor vision. Attempting to pay bills online is hazardous. Quoting the wrong BSB or Account Number can be very expensive. Jack’s wife Nancye won’t let him do the banking anymore.
But that tidy divide is fading fast, with new research showing more Australians are choosing –or needing – to work longer.
Compared to Stef, Jack’s main irritants are more mundane. More of the ‘toilette’ variety. He is very deaf, and he cannot hear the trickle, on his visits to the bathroom. Bracketed with poor eyesight, ‘pointing Percy at the porcelain’ demands marksman skills that sometimes desert him.
Credit cards are a special challenge if like Stef you don’t have a Nancye to help with cards designed to be read by few older people. Then there is the instruction ‘Don’t show your pin to anyone’. How many times have they asked tradesmen to put in the pin.
According to a recent KPMG report, the expected retirement age has climbed steadily over the past decade.
Men now expect to retire at 67, up more than two years since 2014–15, while women are retiring at 65.3, up by just over a year.
structural feature of the modern labour market. However, not all seniors can take advantage of this trend. National Seniors Australia (NSA) says many older Australians who want to work face barriers such as tax complexity, pension income limits, and age discrimination. NSA’s Fairness in Retirement Income campaign is calling on government to make the system simpler and fairer. Among its proposals:
Exempt employment income from pension income tests.
Stef’s eyesight is much worse than Jack’s. But for an author like Jack, being unable to read books, newspapers and other research material, is catastrophic.
In recounting this story, there is one thing they didn’t expect when they decided to put these thoughts on paper. Listing things they can’t do any more was sad – listing of ‘come and gone’ signposts of their mortality, was so sad.
The next time you are in the company of someone with poor eyesight, be kind. One day it could be you.
Several factors are driving the shift – including higher Age Pension eligibility ages, flexible work options, and the rise of remote working. Many older Australians are embracing “semiretirement,” supplementing their savings with part-time or consulting roles.
Introduce a universal pension without means testing. Make deeming rates fair and transparent.
He is convinced that the
“It fosters social interaction and offers a sense of purpose,” says KPMG economist Terry Rawnsley, noting that the “ageless worker” is
Increase gifting limits so retirees can better support family members. With Australians living longer, healthier lives the challenge now, says NSA, is to ensure older Austsralians who want to stay in the workforce are encouraged –not penalised – for doing so.
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.
New chef and new menu at Glasshouse Country Care
“We know how
it is for people to enjoy meals that are both nourishing and enjoyable,” says Todd. “I’m excited to share my love of cooking with our clients and make every meal something they can really look forward
Better hearing starts here
Glasshouse Country Meals are extremely ordable and can be purchased at subsidised prices for Home Care Package and CHSP clients. The new menu can be viewed at www.ghcare.org.au/ mealdelivery.
For more information or to place an order, contact Glasshouse Country Care on 07 5494 6948.
IN the lead up to QLD Seniors Month Sounds Good has been busy helping those with their hearing needs and helping them start their improved hearing future. Free testing has been a real success and will continue for the near future with some same day appointments available. Whether you already have a hearing loss or haven’t had an opportunity or need for a test before, Sounds Good is happy to assist. Call the clinic on 0410467090 to arrange a test or to just have a chat to Ben about your hearing concerns or queries. Ben’s experience over the past 25+ years in the hearing industry means he will most likely
have a solution or some free advice for those in need of assistance.
The clinic is totally independent and can access all makes and models of hearing instruments enabling even existing users of hearing aids peace of mind and support for their journey. Sounds Good is also accredited with the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and can access and arrange services for eligible pensioners. If you’re unsure of your eligibility simply have a chat to Ben who will explain the process in detail.
Wax removal is always available in the clinic by appointment and is a standard flat rate of $80. Micro-suction is the most
efficient and safe method of this procedure, however the clinic supports and can use other proven methods when and if needed. Methods used means in all but a few occasions the concerns can be alleviated on the one visit. If you have concerns with wax reach out and have a chat to Ben.
Hearing aid trials have also been very popular for those who want to experience improved hearing in their own environments. The clinic has a policy of extended trials so that benefits can be experienced in a wide range of real-life situations, not just in the clinic. All trials are obligation and cost FREE.
