DARE | July-August 2023

“Don’t

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According to the federal government’s latest intergenerational report, the number of Australians aged over 85 will triple to 1.9 million by 2060.

With our life expectancy also increasing, there’s greater importance on future planning. But as we uncover in our special report on aged care (page 70), many of us are unprepared for the next steps – for ourselves and our family members.

diminishing health (as many as one quarter of us worry about being a burden to our family when considering our retirement and care plans).

We hope our special case study with the Silbery family from TV show Gogglebox (page 73) shines a light on the positive outcomes from having these important conversations, no matter how difficult.

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The vast majority (82%) of us agree that having conversations with our family around ageing and our future care needs is important, yet the Australian Seniors Quality of Life Report 2022 found that nearly half (47%) of us avoid having these tough talks due to emotions involved with

Another vital discussion that often goes into the too-hard basket is around inheritance, so we’ve asked our experts for tips on how to start conversations about your wishes, sooner rather than later (page 76).

So what are you waiting for?

Australian Seniors has helped hundreds of thousands of Australians protect the most important things in life –whether it’s their family’s future or their valuable assets.

OUR AWARDS: Australian Seniors is a multi-award winning insurance brand, with several accolades for its outstanding products and service over the years, including the Reader’s Digest Gold Quality Service Award, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award in the Funeral Insurance category, ProductReview.com.au Insurance Annual Award, and the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award in 2023.

OUR MAGAZINE: DARE magazine was created to provide policyholders and over 50s with stories that will inspire you to connect with the world around us.

The vast majority of us agree that having conversations with our family around ageing and our future care needs is important.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AUSTRALIAN SENIORS

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

As they age, many people sadly decide they can no longer own a pet, but there is a great alternative – to adopt a senior animal. Our article on the joys of older pets won overwhelming support in comments on the Australian Seniors Facebook page.

If you ever wanted an example of someone challenging ageist stereotypes you need look no further than our cover star, Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh (page 20). In an industry that doesn’t often celebrate people beyond a certain age, let alone from diverse backgrounds, the 60-yearold has smashed through significant barriers – often literally – to remind us all about the importance of perseverance and never giving up.

Issue: January-February 2023

That’s a great idea to get a pet as we age.

We have a senior pet, he’s a permanent foster. We’ve had others, they and our little one are so worthwhile. Unlike a puppy they are usually well trained in every way. So loyal, too.

Absolutely I will take care of an old pup.

I adopted my greyhound at seven years of age, she is almost nine now. She is such a gentle soul.

Yes, people think with good sense, what happens to their lovely pet when they are gone? They love those pets so much.

Of course, there are plenty of great examples closer to home, such as the growing cohort of savvy over 50s taking control of their futures to launch their own businesses. As our Big Issue feature highlights (page 24), entrepreneurship is not just a young person’s game, with a growing number of mature-aged Australians making the most of their experience to launch new businesses – contributing $12 billion dollars to the economy each year, to boot.

Once again there’s much more to inspire you this issue, including fitness, travel, home interior trends and more, but if there is anything else you’d like to read about in the future, be sure to let me know at daremagazine@ mediumrarecontent.com

Discover

08 A world of inspiration

What’s new and trending?

Caravan makeovers, rock’n’roll classics, spaceage teeth cleaning and Australia’s weirdest festivals, all designed to inform and improve your life. Includes Deborra-lee Furness on her mission to help children

Explore

20 Michelle Yeoh

How she finally won over Hollywood at the age of 60

24 Be your own boss

Join the growing league of mature-age entrepreneurs

30 Finding friends

Where to make new connections in later years

34 Show of strength

Why weight training can help you live your best life

38 Perfect pet names

The nation’s favourite monikers for cats and dogs

42 Bucket-list travel

Indulge

50 Spice up your life

New recipes from Good Food columnist Katrina Meynink

54 Home styling trends

Inspiration for furniture, accessories and colours

58 Beauty foods

Plan

70 Special report

Aged care explained – and why you need to plan ahead

76 Let’s talk about it

How to start a conversation about what’s in your will

80 Career boost

Volunteering can make a great addition to your CV

82 Vanishing act

Why ‘ghosting’ someone is the height of bad manners

85 Travel tech gadgets

These smart ideas for your next trip are just the ticket

88 Ask the doctor

Five things to know about the thyroid as we grow older

What to eat to transform your skin, hair and mood

62 Mountain style

Women’s and men’s fashion picks for alpine breaks

64 Use it or lose it

Seize the moment and book your dream holiday (90.)

Puzzles and brain-teasers (Solutions on page 84)

68 Entertain me!

Our top picks for going out and staying at home

89 Funeral directors

Where to find them, how to hire them, what to ask

90 Annabel Crabb

The writer and TV star shares her own story

Headstrong. Determined. Restless.

Beloved bestselling author Kate Grenville imagines her way into the life of her grandmother, a complex and remarkable woman.

‘Grenville is one of our greatest writers.’

Sunday Mail

textpublishing.com.au

MODERN RETRO TAKE THE STAND

It’s the iconic kitchen staple whose very shape conjures cherished memories. DARE shines the spotlight on a true appliance heavy hitter: the stand mixer.

The recipe is simple. A cup of nostalgia, a fair slab of solid technology and a hearty dose of efficiency, combine and allow to rise over a century, and you have something truly timeless to savour: the stand mixer.

One look at the classic design – a firm base and a strong arm powering two blades in a rotating bowl – and you’re transported back to watching your mother or grandmother whipping up a Victoria sponge (and hoping, usually in vain, to lick the mixture off the beaters). One used by culinary

TV legend Julia Child has even found its way into the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

“Before the Mixmaster there was the spoon,” laughs Anni Turnbull, one of the curators at Sydney’s esteemed Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, which, like the celebrated Smithsonian, has various stand mixers and domestic appliances within its own vast collection of artefacts that tell our history.

That history includes the rotary hand mixer from the late 1800s (which remarkably remains available today), but it was the

arrival in the early 20th century of the stand mixer that revolutionised home baking. The kitchen classic celebrated its 100th birthday in 2019, marking a century since American home appliance brand KitchenAid debuted a domestic iteration of an industrial-sized version.

As household electricity was rolled out, our appetite for such appliances took off. “Australians have traditionally bought electrical kitchen appliances because they generate less heat and therefore reduce the temperature of the kitchen,” Anni explains.

Above: Smeg Dolce & Gabbana stand mixer, $1,899. Opposite page (from left): artefacts from Sydney’s Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences include a 1950s Sunbeam Mixmaster; a cooking guide from the same era featuring 214 tested recipes; and a Mixmaster model from the 1980s designed in Australia.

Taking off during the 1940s and 1950s, stand mixers became synonymous with one brand: Sunbeam, which launched the Mixmaster in 1946. They haven’t changed much since. “However, I think there’s always a finessing of the design and making it slimmer, and materials making them lighter and more durable, sometimes making it so that one part can be easily exchanged if it’s broken. I’m sure they’re a hell of a lot lighter than earlier ones,” Anni says. These days, mixers range in price from accessible (under $100)

to I-really-want-to-show-off. A collaboration between Smeg and fashion label Dolce & Gabbana not only delivers a stand mixer decorated with eye-popping bright colours and flowers, but a pretty staggering price as well, at $1,899. Now the humble mixer is set to get a whole lot smarter, with US brand GE Profile this year unveiling a ‘smart’ mixer, featuring a built-in scale, guided recipes, voice control capability and auto sense technology that detects changes in the texture and viscosity of what’s being mixed. Now that’s unbeatable!

Australia’s wackiest festivals

Weird and wonderful local events attracting global attention.

CHINCHILLA MELON FESTIVAL

Held every second February in Australia’s ‘melon capital’, this fourday festival in Queensland’s Western Downs region attracts around 20,000 visitors, with highlights including watermelon skiing, pip spitting and melon chariot races. melonfestival.com.au

DENILIQUIN UTE MUSTER

It began as an event to inject money into a town experiencing a crippling drought, now thousands of visitors head to Deniliquin, NSW, each year to listen to tunes (Keith Urban headlined one year) and see spectacular driving competitions. deniutemuster.com.au

HENLEY ON TODD REGATTA

Taking place every third Saturday in August, this is the world’s only dry river boat race. Participants race mock boats, Flinstone style, down the sands of the Todd River, NT. henleyontodd.com.au

TUNARAMA Home of the ‘world famous’ (rubber) Tuna Toss, this annual festival in Port Lincoln, SA, dates back to 1962, and celebrates the city’s tuna industry. Held across three days around Australia Day. tunarama.net

PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL

The brainchild of Elvis fans and Parkes locals Anne and Bob Steel, the celebration is held in the regional NSW town each January, coinciding with Elvis Presley’s birthday. Into its 30th year, it attracts 25,000 fans. parkeselvisfestival.com.au

MARSHALL AMPS

The amps have been a favourite of the rock’n’roll set for more than six decades and now Marshall’s replica speakers are carving a wider reach among non-musician types, too.

Picture the scene: it’s swinging London in the 1960s, and a bunch of young musicians that hang around your hip and happening music store – people like future members of The Who and Deep Purple – start complaining that they can’t get the right tones from the guitar amps that they use. What do you do? If you’re drummer Jim Marshall, aka ‘The Father of Loud’, and his son Terry, you decide to build your own amps designed specifically for the cool crowd, with the gear soon becoming one of the most iconic items of musical equipment ever built. Despite not being guitarists themselves, Jim, Terry and a small team combined their talents to build the JTM45 Marshall amplifier, aka the ‘Number One’, putting it on sale in 1962. With its trademark crunch, volume and distortion, the Number One proved such a hit that the Marshalls opened a second store by the end of the year, then an entire factory dedicated to making amplifiers in 1964. Since then, Marshall has become one of the most

famous brands in the world, its amps being used by artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Justin Timberlake. Over the years the iconic brand has branched out from amplifiers to also make speaker cabinets, drums and bongos.

Marshall headphones and Bluetooth speakers began arriving after Marshall partnered with Zound Industries in 2010. The speakers – on sale in Australia in retailers like Officeworks and JB Hi-Fi – replicate the look of Marshall’s amps, albeit significantly smaller than the legendary Marshall system beloved of Angus Young and AC/DC.

It’s a pretty wild ride from such humble beginnings, although Jim would have been just as happy selling amps in his shop to people like The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, who told him that his non-Marshall amp wasn’t loud enough. “I would have been delighted if we could have built and sold just 50 amps,” Jim said before his passing in 2012. “I didn’t dream that the endeavour would last over 50 years.”

SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES by Jojo Moyes

Penguin Australia, $32.99

Nisha loses her marriage, glossy lifestyle, and even her designer shoes. When Sam finds and tries those shoes on, she decides her life must change.

FABULOUS READ LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

As a renowned fashion PR, Natalie Lewis, 53, enjoys a front-row look at this glamorous, but sometimes surreal world – making it the perfect setting for her debut novel.

The world of fashion PR is a mixed bag (preferably Hermès). “You’re at the amfAR Gala in Hong Kong with your friend Kate Moss, who’s not really your friend, and you’re having a great evening, and then you go back to your hotel room and think, ‘I wonder how my cats are?’” says Natalie Lewis, whose debut novel Don’t Believe the Hype captures the bizarre reality of life in the high-profile publicity lane.

Having helmed her own London agency, and worked with prestige clients like Jimmy Choo and Victoria Beckham, Natalie has seen it all. In fact, the original title for her book – which follows graduate Frankie as she lands her first job at a fast-paced PR firm – was Seriously…? “Because that’s what everyone said with everything I told them about work,” Natalie explains. “My daughter

kept saying, ‘You need to write a book!’”

After becoming bored “about threeand-a-half minutes” into a sabbatical, she signed up for writing classes and the novel took shape. Now her book has been picked up in the US for a potential TV adaptation.

The story of Frankie, who finds herself working for an intimidating boss, has hints of The Devil Wears Prada, but rather than skewering the industry, Natalie is keen to illuminate a broader tale. “I wanted to tell a professional coming-ofage story that shows you can become really good at something if you don’t put yourself into a box,” she says.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE (Hachette Australia, $26.99, is out now)

It’s a lesson she’s learnt herself. “I was 50 when I started creative writing and had never done anything other than fashion PR for 30 years. If you have something to say – do it.”

THE DINNER PARTY

Subtitled A Chef’s Guide to Home Entertaining, the book features nine expert, fine-dining menus for you to create in your own kitchen.

50 BOOKS TO READ IF YOU’RE A HOPELESS ROMANTIC

A guide to 50 iconic books centred on a love story, with space to record your own star ratings and reading lists.

THE TREND PANTRY RESET

The food organising craze that is proving to be more than a fad.

F or better or worse, the pandemic dramatically changed the way people think about their homes and their relationship to food. With more people spending time at home and cooking their own meals, pantry organisation became a popular trend that is still gaining momentum in the post-COVID world.

“People that were once timepoor suddenly found themselves with an abundance of spare time with nowhere to go but inside the

walls of their homes,” says Sherree Franklin, founder of Melbournebased home storage retailer Blissful Little Home. “They needed an outlet and a form of satisfaction, which having a clean, neat and well-organised home brings.”

So she launched her business in 2020 off the back of this trend. “I wanted to do something where I could help other people achieve that satisfaction.”

People are flocking to the pantry organising trend for a range of

reasons, Sherree says. “Not only does it make your space more pleasant to be in, but it can also help save money in food wastage, and improve your productivity when planning shopping lists, cooking and general cleaning.

“When your home is organised you can easily find what you need and save time. This can lead to less stress and more free time. A well-organised home is the key to a well-organised life.”

Many celebrities have jumped onboard the pantry tidying phenomenon, with Christina Applegate and Gwyneth Paltrow among its fans. And Netflix has created a reality show – Get Organized With The Home Edit – that

140 % rise in household debt for people aged

follows celebrities and regular folks who have their homes decluttered and revamped by expert organisers, including many pantry makeovers.

But Martha Stewart, queen of all things kitchen, took it to a whole different echelon, admitting to owning 47 salt varieties and 27 types of olive oil that are carefully arranged in her dedicated “savoury pantry”.

Martha’s approach is driven by her belief that a well-organised kitchen promotes efficiency and ease in preparing meals, and she’s been sharing her tips and tricks about proper labelling and food storage for years through various cookbooks, television shows and her marthastewart.com blog.

WE PLAN ON WORKING LONGER

Intended age of retirement for people aged 45-64

PEOPLE WE ADMIRE CAROLYN AND DAVID STEDMAN

The couple have six children and 26 grandchildren, yet they’ve still found room in their hearts and home to foster 74 babies.

In 1976, Carolyn Stedman heard a radio ad appealing for foster carers. At the time she was loving being at home with her young children and had no desire to go back to work. “I thought: ‘I could do that,’” she recalls.

When husband David was first presented with the idea, he rolled his eyes, Carolyn tells DARE. “But he’s got on board along the way.”

Indeed he has. Over the past 46 years, Carolyn, 76, and David, 80, have fostered 74 babies, their generosity last year recognised with Order of Australia medals.

Their devotion is especially admirable since almost every

baby they take in is born to a drug-addicted mother, and suffer from withdrawal themselves.

“They’re miserable and in dreadful pain and they’re a handful for the first four or five months until they settle down. The only thing that soothes them is constant movement, and sometimes I’ll be rocking a bassinet with my foot for five hours at a time.”

Witnessing the neglect and abuse of some babies is tough; some have broken limbs and cigarette burns. Then there are the painful goodbyes. Sometimes the whole family has waved a baby off then gone inside to weep together.

How do they cope? Carolyn says they draw on their faith and support from friends when they are having a really tough time. “I’m also involved in a wonderful foster carers support group. We get together monthly and that’s fabulous.”

Of course, the Stedmans’ two sons and four daughters have also provided support.

“Teenage girls love a baby and I missed my daughters when they married and left home as I had to do everything myself!”

But the boys enjoyed them too. One son, when at high school, would meet Carolyn at the gate, lift the baby out of the stroller and say:

“Off I go. This is my chick magnet!”

Despite the tearful goodbyes, the Sydney couple opted for shorterterm placements from the start, with babies staying from between five days and two years. It was a decision based on selflessness. “I knew there were so many out there who could only build a family by having long-term foster children, so didn’t think it was fair to deprive them.”

While the Stedmans’ friends marvel at their longevity, they have no plans to retire. “We’re both quite well and no-one ever says we’re too old,” says Carolyn. “In fact, as soon as one baby leaves, they say: ‘Let us know when you’re ready for another.’

“Giving a child a good start in life is very rewarding. Although most of the children come to us as newborns, I hope something remains in their brains so they know they were loved and safe when they were with us.”

GETTING INVOLVED

The one thing that hasn’t changed since the Stedmans started fostering is the continuing shortage of foster carers, and they hope their story will inspire others to consider it. “Do the training for short-term care and take on one short-term child. Know it’s not forever but just give it a try,” Carolyn suggests.

She has fostered through the Wesley Mission and the Department of Communities and Justice, but advises exploring all compatible options, which can include a range of charitable, private, government and faith-based agencies. Go online and search ‘foster care’ in your local community.

HACK GOOD VIBRATIONS

Teeth brushing is getting a makeover we didn’t know it needed, thanks to innovative technology hoping to change the dental hygiene game forever.

Thanks to technology advances, even daily routines like brushing our teeth are getting an upgrade, with a number of cleaning innovations touting to change the way we care for our chompers. Front and centre are fully automatic toothbrushes that, shaped more like a mouthguard, clean a row of teeth all at once.

Two brushes showcased at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Y-Brush (above) and Sonic Brush, claim to clean (even whiten, and massage) your pearly whites in a flash. Hundreds of silicon bristles in the Sonic Brush get the job done in 30 seconds, while Y-Brush creators say you need just 10 seconds to clean teeth, top and bottom, thanks to the 35,000 vibrating nylon fibres in the tool. Prices start around $90 for Sonic (and $30 for replacement heads) and about $130 for Y-Brush’s

basic model ($58 for new heads).

Given the newness, the dental jury may still be out on just how well these devices tackle oral hygiene, but they’re bound to inject a bit more fun into the routine – both brands come in junior versions, if you’re looking for gift ideas for the grandkids – and Y-Brush was recognised as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards honoree.

Speaking of the grandkids, and innovative dental tech, another 2023 CES honoree is the Truthbrush, a small decorative tracker that attaches to any traditional toothbrush (manual or electric) and maps its brushing routine –yes, there is an app for that. Get started with a tracker and wi-fi hub for around $80, and download the free app for a revealing look at actual brushing times and the areas that need more attention.

PAY IT FORWARD

DEBORRA-LEE FURNESS

A driving force behind shifting Australia’s anti-adoption culture, the actor and producer tells DARE how she is taking her fight to the world.

Words MONIQUE BUTTERWORTH Main photograph RUSSELL JAMES

Aself-confessed optimist, actor and adoption advocate Deborra-lee Furness always trusted the universe would be on her side when it came to helping vulnerable children.

As founder of the charity Adopt Change and National Adoption Awareness Month in Australia, and more recently the co-founder of Hopeland in the US, the 67-yearold star of stage and screen has worked tirelessly to remove the collective stigma around adoption, and promote the message that every child needs access to a

permanent, stable, loving home.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in 13 years. The fight has been arduous and at times, I have felt worn down, thinking it was all just too hard,” says Deborra-lee, who recently celebrated her 27th wedding anniversary with actor Hugh Jackman, 54. “Somehow we would make a little breakthrough in the mire of weeds and it kept me and the whole team going.”

She draws on her own difficulties trying to adopt children in Australia to inspire her work – she

and Hugh eventually adopted their children Oscar, now 23, and Ava, 17, in the US. “Australians would be surprised how large the adoption community is and how little support it has been given. Knowing there are children who need a loving home, I cannot unsee that. I know we need to and can do better.”

She says that in NSW alone, almost 17,000 children and young people live in foster or kinship care.

“I am proud we have pre-screened and referred over 2,500 potential new carer homes across NSW, and created and distributed over 700 MyPack first-night backpacks for children entering foster care,” Deborra-lee says.

“I am personally proud Adopt Change has become a resource for support in this community and we are now advising policy with politicians. They now look to us for direction.”

Deborra-lee in her own words

The star reveals how she is working hard to help all children find loving homes.

Having kept Adopt Change going all these years has been so far from easy. We had very little engagement from government for a long time, as the sector had an antiadoption culture.

Right now, 4,000 homes are urgently needed across the country. In Australia, 46,000 children and young people can’t

live with their parents, often due to abuse or neglect. They have experienced trauma. These children typically enter foster care or kinship care – either short-term or until they reach adulthood and age out of the system – at which point they are on their own.

There are even children under five who don’t have a home. They are currently in residential group settings – meaning they aren’t in home-based care and they are looked after by workers on shift – because there are not enough carer homes.

We want to see every child have a secure home, inclusive

education, easy access to support and for young people who have experienced trauma to enter adulthood equipped and supported.

Hopeland is a non-profit organisation headquartered out of New York City that I co-founded [in 2014] to tackle the global issue of vulnerable children and families facing poverty. We partner with organisations to support vulnerable children the world over. For example recently we have partnered with Save Ukraine to assist in the devastation of abandoned and refugee children and families.

Through Hopeland I also had the honour of addressing the United Nations General Assembly at the time of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. At that same meeting the General Assembly passed a groundbreaking resolution highlighting the value of family and calling for the elimination of orphanage care in a responsible way.

Hopeland is building a platform for action and advocacy to benefit children worldwide growing up without a safe, loving family. We have formed partnerships with global public and private leaders to develop cutting-edge solutions that impact thousands of vulnerable children around the world. These partners include Google, Minderoo Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, UNICEF and doTERRA.

On the creative front, I have recently finished shooting Force of Nature, directed by Robert Connolly in Victoria, which is due for release this year [August]. I am also working on a screenplay that I hope to direct in Australia in the near future.

I continue to do my creative work with design and art – my passion. And the lifelong project of working on myself. Know thyself is a gift to all and I believe French-American artist Louise Bourgeois said it beautifully: “Art is a way of recognising oneself.”

“We want to see every child have a secure home, inclusive education and easy access to support.”

OLD VAN, NEW TRICKS

If you’re keen to hit the road but can’t wait for – or afford – a new caravan, try a more nostalgic adventure with these expert vintage van renovation tips.

Australians enjoy an ongoing love affair with carvanning, with the number of overnight journeys hitting record numbers in 2023. At the same time, waiting lists for new vans are long and prices have soared, making it unachievable for many to pursue their road-trip dreams.

Husband-and-wife team Michael and Carlene Duffy – who burst onto the Australian design and renovation space on the 2014 series of The Block – believe they have the solution. Along with a career building and designing homes and hosting renovation shows, the couple have transformed five vintage vans.

“Why a vintage van and not a new van? It was plainly and simply the only thing we could afford,” they explain in their new book This Old Van, which offers step-by-step guidance to planning, renovating and styling a vintage caravan. But they soon found passion in their pragmatism. “It became the most impactful and reverberating project we’ve ever done. We’ve connected with people from around the world who have been swept up in the idea of what a van can add to their lives.

“Nothing is cut and paste when it comes to vintage vans and the transformation may take a few weeks or a few years, but we promise it’s always worth it.”

See right for their first-time renovator tips (and images) from the book.

1.

The number of people you need to accommodate should be your first consideration when looking to buy a vintage van. How many beds do you require? What size beds?

2.

The type of van to buy is very personal to your specific situation, including your budget and skill set. Do you have the time and skills to tackle a substantial renovation, or do you have the budget to outsource the entire project to professionals?

3.

Prices for second-hand vans are typically upwards of $3,000 for something towable. Your renovation costs will depend on the unique brand of van, its condition and how much of the work you plan to do yourself.

4.

Start your design concept by deciding your colour palette; locking this in will help guide all your other choices. Step outside your comfort zone and remember, these are vintage vans. The 1950s, 60s, 70s and even 80s were times of confident choices, vibrant colours and dynamic patterns.

5.

All electrical work involving mains power supply must be outsourced to a licensed electrician, and we’ve also always sent our upholstery to a professional.

6.

We like to keep small decor and loose furnishings to an absolute minimum. Make sure if you’re adding things like art and clocks that they are installed very securely so they will survive travel.

“Nothing is impossible. Look at me!”

Invisible at 60? Not so for Michelle Yeoh. The Academy Award-winning actress is smashing down barriers and proving the best is still to come.

STEPPING ON STAGE TO ACCEPT HER history-making Best Actress Oscar – the first Asian woman and only the second non-white woman to do so in the 95-year history of the Academy Awards – Michelle Yeoh’s words resonated the world over.

“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is the beacon of hope and possibilities,” she said at the awards ceremony in March. “This is proof [to] dream big, and that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”

Michelle’s film Everything Everywhere All at Once, in which she stars as Evelyn Wang, a stressed laundromat owner trying to save an imperilled multiverse and heal a frayed relationship with her daughter, was nominated for a total of 11 Oscars, taking home seven. Her role includes comedy, drama, martial arts, some horror – “like five genres made into one”, she says –and highlights just what she is capable of.

Now 60-year-old Michelle, who began her career starring in Hong Kong martial arts movies, wants the world to know older women can still have crazy adventures. “If people learn nothing else from this movie, I hope it’s that!” Michelle told the Los Angeles Times “You get to be my age and you can see it literally slipping through your fingers, because you are no longer

that prime age. The worst is when people think, ‘Oh, she doesn’t look like she did in her 20s, so she can’t physically do the same things.’

“What they don’t understand is that I’ve learned some things over the years, and I’m more clever and smarter in how I can sustain my stamina. I’m as fit as I was before, because I know how to look after myself much better than when I was younger.”

This is no mean feat, given she has been making movies for four decades. “I’m still here today; finally, after 40 years, I get this!” Michelle told the gathered press after winning the Oscar. “It just goes to show we will win the battle. So, don’t give up. Never give up! Because once you give up, then it’s a total loss.

“Don’t let anyone put you in a box. Don’t let anybody say, ‘Oh, you’re past your prime’ because we are proud. We believe in what we do. We love what we do,” she added. “Light that fire in your soul and stay on the path. Believe. Dare to dream. Nothing is impossible. Look at me. I’m here!”

For many Hollywood actresses, as they get older, the roles get smaller. It’s an experience Michelle is familiar with. “It seems like the numbers go up and these things go narrow and then you start getting relegated to the side more and more. So, when Everything Everywhere came, all at once it was very emotional because this means that you are the one who’s

leading this whole process, who’s telling the story,” Michelle told entertainment podcast The Envelope. “It’s about this ordinary woman who becomes a superhero.

“You know, as you get older, people start saying, ‘Oh yeah, you should retire. You should do this. You should – no, guys. Do not tell me what to do. I should be in control of what I am capable of, right? There are beautiful stories that still need to be told for us older women, and we should not back down. But then, those roles are not so many. So, we have to find ways to tell them. Don’t look at us as being older women. Just look at us as great actors and actors who can help you tell your story.”

Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Michelle was a keen ballet dancer from an early age, studying in London as a teenager but failing to make it as a professional. On a return trip to Malaysia in 1983 her mother entered her into the Miss World Malaysia beauty pageant. She won. (Speaking years later to UK talk show host Graham Norton, Michelle said she only agreed to take part to “shut my mother up!”)

After finishing 18th in the Miss World contest, then-21-year-old Michelle landed in Melbourne, where she was crowned 1984 Miss Moomba International.

Her beauty queen success led to a commercial for luxury watch brand Guy Laroche with legendary Hong Kong actor, filmmaker, martial artist and stuntman

ALL-ACTION STAR

1962-1984

Born in Malaysia to an ethnic Chinese family, Michelle’s first love is ballet, and she moves with her parents to the UK to enrol at the Royal Academy of Dance. On a trip home, Michelle wins the Miss World Malaysia contest (right), and the next year is crowned Miss Moomba International in Melbourne.

Jackie Chan. It would be the beginning of their action-comedy screen relationship, with the pair going on to make 15 films together. (The lead role in Everything Everywhere was originally written for Jackie, but he turned it down, so the filmmakers rewrote it to make Michelle’s character the main protagonist.)

Although not trained in martial arts, Michelle’s dance and choreographic skills

allowed her to shine. “When I first started out, I walked into a man’s world because I started my career in Hong Kong, and all of us women tended to play the damsel in distress. For me, because action was just like one kind of movement and it was choreographed, everything was planned,” Michelle told The Envelope. “I’ve had training as a dancer, as a ballerina, and I’m a sports person, so I understood and was fascinated by that. But then it was very much the boys’ club.

“So, it’s very easy to say, ‘I want to join your club,’ but you have to prove your worth. At some point you go, like, ‘Be careful what you wish for,’ because it’s a tough, tough world. But luckily, I’m a tough, tough kid as well.”

1985-2000

Michelle kickstarts her Hong Kong film career, becoming a martial arts star, regularly partnering with action hero Jackie Chan (left). A superstar in Asian cinema, she makes her Hollywood debut in 1997 as a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies with Pierce Brosnan (right) and three years later wows the world in acclaimed martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (far right).

Considered to be one of the greatest female action movie stars, Michelle was known for performing her own stunts. And calling on her background of martial arts and dance for Everything Everywhere was made easier because she practises her skills every day.

“My flexibility is there. My stamina is there. So, it’s like when you wake up, the first thing you do is you brush your teeth. You wash your face. So, as I’m brushing my teeth, I’m doing my squats,” she told The Envelope. “And then I will do my kicks and things like that. I’ve worked it into a routine where it’s like multitasking.

“Before I even get out of bed, I start meditating and I do my mantra. I wake my body up slowly. I’ve had injuries over the years, so I have to rectify them. It starts from within, I tell my body, ‘I’m sorry. Forgive me of all the things I’ve done to you. And thank you.’ After that I move to stretching, then core exercises and then, if possible a hike, or if not, I’m on the elliptical machine.”

Bathing in her Oscars after-glow, Michelle is already back on our TV screens starring in the new Disney+ action comedy series, American Born Chinese, and she will also be appearing in the forthcoming Kenneth Branagh film, A Haunting in Venice. Seems there is nothing stopping this fabulous woman. “Yes! Finally! I’m cool!” she laughs. 

THE COMEBACK KIDS

All four of the acting winners at this year’s Academy Awards, including Michelle (above centre), were stars over 50 who received their first Oscar.

KE HUY QUAN, 51 (top left)

The Vietnamese-born child star of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies made his comeback acting role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, winning Best Supporting Actor. “Dreams are something you have to believe in,” he said in his acceptance speech. “I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive.”

BRENDAN FRASER, 54 (top centre)

The star of 1990s blockbusters including George of the Jungle and The Mummy received his first-ever Oscar nomination in 2023 for The Whale – and took home Best Actor. “I started in this business 30 years ago. Things didn’t come easy to me but there was a facility that I didn’t appreciate at the time, until it stopped,” he reflected at the ceremony. “I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement.”

JAMIE LEE CURTIS, 64 (top right)

The original scream queen known for her horror films, including the Halloween series, won the Best Supporting Actress award for Everything Everywhere All at Once. “To all of the people who have supported the genre movies that I have made for all these years, the thousands and hundreds of thousands of people, we just won an Oscar together,” she said on stage. “This is the thrill of my life.”

2004

By now divorced from her husband of six years, Hong Kong entrepreneur Dickson Poon, the actress starts dating Jean Todt, (right), a motor sport executive who is later appointed UN Special Envoy for Road Safety. The couple live in Geneva.

2016-2023

Michelle enjoys notable roles in Trek: Discovery Crazy Rich Asians but it’s her dazzling turn in Everything Everywhere All at Once that lands her multiple best actress wins, including at the Academy Awards (right, at an afterparty), Golden Globes and SAG Awards.

Beyond the side hustle

Increasing numbers of mature-aged Australians are taking charge of their careers and finances by starting their own businesses, and discovering that their experience and knowledge is a big asset.

Words TRUDIE M c CONNOCHIE Main photography JULIAN KINGMA and NICK CUBBIN

THE EXPERTS

ACROSS OUR LIFETIMES, WE will spend a huge chunk of our lives working – around 90,000 hours. For many of us, as we get older our priorities shift, and it becomes more important to spend those hours in work that’s meaningful or allows for more focus on our relationships and interests outside the workplace.

But what if you can’t find work that meets your needs? Or, say, you’ve retired but realise you want (or need) to be working again? Finding a new job in the second half of your life – let alone one that ticks all your boxes – can be a challenge, with 98% of over 50s saying it becomes harder to find a job as we get older, according to Australian Seniors Ageing in the Workforce research.

The same survey reveals that 75% of seniors are now taking, or planning to take, more control of their career, making the prospect of starting a business – where they can choose how, when and where they work –an attractive proposition for an increasing number of us.

One expert in this field is Alex Maritz, professor of entrepreneurship at La Trobe University, who has conducted multiple recent research projects into senior entrepreneurship in Australia. In 2021 he led research that

found that mature-aged entrepreneurship is on the rise, with the cohort contributing over $12 billion to the economy each year across about 380,000 businesses, and an additional 14,000 new businesses launching each year.

Entrepreneur Bambi Price, 66, who works closely with mature-aged people wanting to change the way they work, believes the number of people in this age group wanting to start businesses has increased since the pandemic, now that working from home – or anywhere – is a more realistic possibility.

“COVID threw everything up in the air,” she says. “It didn’t just open up where you want to work, it opened up: what do I want to do?”

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

A desire to have more control over her workload saw Bambi leave a successful career in the tech sector and become a consultant at age 56.

“I just got sick and tired of the corporate world, and I thought, ‘I want to do something else’.” While consulting, she became interested in supporting older people seeking career transition, so in 2013 she launched SeniorPreneurs, an organisation aimed at helping people over 50 who were starting out in business. Bambi soon realised jobseekers needed support, too, so she teamed up with two other women and formed War on Wasted Talent in 2019, which

“With maturity comes fearlessness”

Some of the most successful businesses in history were inspired by a problem that needed a solution – and that was certainly the case for regional Victoria entrepreneur Kerry.

During a holiday to Tasmania, Kerry and her mother Barbie, who was living with MS and used a wheelchair, arrived at a holiday house they’d booked, only to find the shower wasn’t accessible for wheelchairs – despite Kerry’s prior enquiries. Given that one in five Australians are living with disability, Kerry suspected this was a common problem.

“It was one of those moments where you just go: something’s got to change,”

she says. “I basically realised that there was a lack of a forum to get accurate and up-todate information on accessible accommodation. And I also discovered that tourism operators weren’t setting out to be deceptive at all, they just simply didn’t understand what accessibility meant to someone with mobility needs.”

Kerry set up her company Accessible Accommodation

runs programs to help seniors change careers, and connects businesses with older employees.

“There are so many people we’ve talked to – and even people I know –whose whole aim was to retire. They worked in jobs they didn’t like to have the money to retire at 65,” she says.

“And now they’re nearing 70 and saying, ‘I can’t stay home anymore. I have to go and do something.’ They’re missing the stimulation of working. And they’ve got superannuation, but it’s based on what they thought they needed originally.”

As well as additional financial support at a time when the cost of living has risen significantly, quality of life is a big driver. For Bambi, having better work-life balance has been the single greatest benefit.

“If I want to take a day off during the

in 2019 as a business she could run on the side – a space where owners could list their holiday homes, detailing all the specific provisions that someone with a disability might need, depending on their own unique requirements. Within six weeks it became clear that demand was bigger than she’d realised, so she quit her marketing job and dove in full-time.

“I didn’t write a business plan until the six-month mark,” she recalls. “When you’re over 50 I think your intuition is finely honed, and you’ve got to trust it.”

Today, Accessible Accommodation has nine staff – all of whom either

week, I can – in the corporate world, you can’t do that,” she says. “It’s about being able to dictate and control your own life. I think that’s a big one with a lot of older people – they want to have far greater control over their own life.

“It also gives them a feeling of selfworth, too. If you can start something and actually see a change happening, people just feel so happy.”

WELLBEING IMPACTS

For most mature-aged entrepreneurs, starting their own business is less about maximising wealth and more about creating a sense of purpose in their lives, and the flow-on effects for their wellbeing are immense, Professor Maritz says. Importantly, being in business also fosters social connection, he says.

have a disability, or a family member with disability – and processes more than $2 million in bookings each year.

Kerry doesn’t think she could have started the business in her younger years. “I turned 50 and it was a defining moment for me – I just had nothing to fear,” she says. “I realised that with maturity comes fearlessness.”

The best reward of entrepreneurship is knowing she’s created something that’s making a difference. “I have hundreds and hundreds of comments from people who said, ‘I didn’t even know it was possible to have a holiday. I had just given up.’ I keep every one of those.”

“Our most recent study has shown that of people who participate in entrepreneurial activities, their wellbeing is more superior to people who do not. We interviewed over 1,000 mature-aged people and we had a control group of people who weren’t participating in business, and we found that the entrepreneurs’ wellbeing was a lot better than those who had not been involved in start-up activity.”

Interestingly, the professor’s research also found that mature-aged entrepreneurs tend to work fewer hours than younger business owners. That doesn’t mean they are doing less work, he’s quick to add. “We did some tests on productivity between senior entrepreneurs and middle-aged entrepreneurs, and we found that senior entrepreneurs were more productive.”

RISK AND REWARD

One of the greatest advantages matureaged entrepreneurs bring to the table, Professor Maritz says, is a different relationship with risk. “Mature-age people have greater human capital. What we mean by that is the knowledge and skills that they’ve acquired over time. And due to that, their fear of failure is less than the younger cohorts’. Because let’s call it, eight out of 10 start-ups don’t make it beyond the first 12 months or so.”

But while your fear of failure might be lower, your risk tolerance is not. Bambi explains it’s hard for mature-aged people to get loans from banks, and while some might be able to self-fund a new business, they might be reluctant to gamble their finances.

“With most seniors who have put a significant amount of money into a start-up, they can’t really afford for it not to work,” Professor Maritz says. “Let’s say they lose their money – the younger cohorts can bounce back, but it’s very difficult for senior entrepreneurs to bounce back because they just don’t have that luxury of time.”

ADVICE AND SUPPORT

Currently there are no specific support systems for mature-aged entrepreneurs, so Professor Maritz is developing an ecosystem aimed at this sector – a cohort that is likely to grow as Australia’s population ages. In the meantime, he says, anyone aged over 50 wanting to start a business would benefit from getting a mentor or joining a start-up accelerator program, such as one of the free programs offered by state or territory governments, universities and TAFEs.

Bambi’s advice is to team up with other people, especially those with different backgrounds to you, so you’ll have a stronger combined skill set.

A little courage goes a long way, she adds. “Work out what you want to do, how you’re going to do it and just do it. If you think for too long or too hard, you’ll never get going.” 

Every weekday for almost 15 years, Elaine spent two hours travelling from Western Sydney to the CBD and back –an onerous journey that made any sort of work-life balance impossible.

In 2021, while the pandemic raged, caring for her elderly parents, children and grandchildren became Elaine’s number-one priority, so she resigned from her role – and knew exactly what she wanted to do next. As a NSW Sheriff’s Officer, Elaine had performed many evictions and seen homes in rough conditions that she knew she could have cleaned up nicely. So after sourcing a high-quality vacuum cleaner, bulk cleaning supplies and a van, Clean Sweep Property Maintenance was born.

“At first, there was a stigma in my head about being a cleaner,” Elaine admits. “Once I overcame that with the support of my family, the next challenge was getting the courage to approach property managers at local real-estate agencies. I started with the agent who looks after my own investment property and ones I’d met in passing through my previous job.”

A lifetime of organising and repairing meant Elaine already had the practical skills for her new business. “I grew up in Malta, where if you wanted something done, you learnt how to do it yourself,” she says. “I can thank my father for a lot of my handywoman skills. I have always been very selfsufficient, and I’ve taught my children to be the same.”

Being a business owner has transformed Elaine’s life, allowing her to work closer to home and schedule jobs around family commitments. Every time she wins a contract, her confidence gets a boost. “I wish I had done it earlier!” she says. “The freedom I have working for myself is better than I thought it would be.” In fact, Clean Sweep is going so well that Elaine is now focused on growing the business, and is seeking other staff.

Her advice to any mature-aged entrepreneur considering starting a business? Go for it. “Figure out how much money you need to make to live until your business picks up,” she says, adding: “Stop overthinking it – deep down you know you can do it.”

“I wish I had done it earlier!”

ELAINE FRIGGIERI, 56

Let’s be friends

Living alone, loss of family or friends, chronic illness and retirement all increase the risk of social isolation, with potentially severe health impacts. But how do we go about forging new friendships in mature age?

THE SCIENCE IS IN, AND IT’S irrefutable: making friends is good for our health. Loneliness is more damaging to our health than smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and estimated to shorten our lifespan by as many as 15 years, research from America’s National Institute on Aging finds. Social isolation and loneliness is also associated with an up to 50% increased risk of dementia.

But making friends as we get older is not always easy, as Graham and Toni Lee discovered upon retiring, when they realised their circle of friends was getting smaller. “Some had moved away, some had died – we no longer had our workmates and thought we really should get involved with something to meet new people,” the former scientists recall.

They tried a Probus club, which connects retirees in local communities, and then U3A (University of the Third Age), a self-help group that offers courses and activities for retired and semi-retired over 50s. Both

>

options increased their social circle, but Graham noticed that some groups were less inclusive than others. So when the Sydney couple set up their own U3A walking group, they modelled it to maximise the possibility of making friends.

“We made a point of saying this is a social group. If you come with friends, don’t walk with them all the time. We want you to mix with other people,” Graham explains. “We walked every two weeks and tried to find somewhere at the end of each walk to have coffee.

“We had a trip away each year. We’d all stay in the same hostel or hotel and everyone was expected to eat together, join in the after-dinner entertainment and not isolate themselves.”

It worked well. “We’ve been enormously pleased we got the group going and met so many people we’re such friends with now and who we’d never have met otherwise,” he says.

Graham, now 84, and Toni, 81, still go walking with friends but don’t do hard walks any more. “Some days we only have the coffee, but people really like that too!”

PASSION MEETS PURPOSE

When Adelaide-based Susan Lloyd, 61, left her job at Centrelink, she looked to join groups that aligned with her passions of sewing and the environment, reasoning

that even if it took a while to make friends, she’d still enjoy the activities and would keep turning up.

It’s a theory that’s paid dividends. She regularly meets up with a group to sew Boomerang Bags (reusable shopping bags) and is a member of a Repair Café (a community group that performs free repairs of small items).

“That works well because you don’t

have to work on a project, you can just bring your mending down and make it into a social event.”

Realising that bringing people together and keeping it simple is the key, Susan founded a ‘makerspace’ two hours a week in a local library. “People bring their own project – knitting, crochet, scrapbooking –and we work together and chat.”

She’s also been instrumental in setting up local Buy Nothing groups, where neighbours advertise unwanted items for free online. Just the action of picking up an unwanted stick blender and stopping to chat can result in a new friend, Susan says.

GOOD NEIGHBOURS

Having neighbours as friends is of course ideal, but that’s not always easy. Yupin Keller lived in her Sydney suburb for 30 years, only knowing those on either side of her until a WhatsApp neighbourhood group was set up, initially to ensure no-one struggled alone during COVID.

Neighbours were suddenly lending each other household tools and helping out with anything from moving heavy

every week and are exuberant and jolly and talk while we play.”

YUPIN KELLER

“We’ve been enormously pleased we got the group going and met so many people we’re such friends with now.”

GRAHAM LEE

furniture to finding a plumber, says Yupin, 70. When new neighbours moved in, they were added to the group and welcomed. “It really helped us get to know one another.”

The app really came into its own in March, however, when Yupin had a fall and cut her head. Within 30 seconds of her posting a plea for help, she had the first of five neighbours by her side.

“They all stayed with me until I was loaded into the ambulance, called my husband Victor, and checked up on me when I got home. It was priceless. Afterwards, I invited them all round for dinner to say thank you.”

Coming to Australia from Thailand, Yupin always understood that it’s essential to make an effort to make friends – introduce yourself with a smile, remember names, and look for things in common.

Apart from that, two other things that have helped her make friends since her retirement are learning to play mahjong and getting a dog, Diesel. “I tried bridge first but it was too solemn. With mahjong we meet every week and are more jolly and exuberant and talk while we play. There’s no gambling, so no stress, and afterwards we sometimes go to a Chinese restaurant to socialise.

“I got Diesel four years ago and I’d really encourage older people to get a dog. When you’re young, you go to a playgroup and talk about your children. When you get older you chat about your dog instead. It really opens the door to friendship.”

PET POWER

Dogs also opened the door of friendship for the 8,200 people who belong to the Bayside Dog Owners Group in Melbourne. The Facebook page and website was set up for dog lovers eight years ago by Kate Mularczyk, 59, and has been the catalyst for many friendships. “Our slogan is ‘connecting community’,” says Kate.

These friendships have developed organically, she adds. So while there are some organised meet-ups, such as Christmas parties and fundraisers, often

GETTING CONNECTED

If you don’t know where to find new friends, the following groups offer a good starting point. Choose an activity you will enjoy and put some effort into making connections – learn someone’s name and ask them to go for a coffee.

• Love sport? Masters sports groups, especially athletics, are great as you compete against others your age and there’s lots of encouragement to try a new event. Reach out to your local sports or athletics clubs to find out what’s available near you.

• Golf and bowls are increasingly popular as we age, but if you want to remain connected to your local football, netball or cricket teams, offer to coach, umpire, run the sausage sizzle or take on an administration role.

• Search online for seniors’ walking groups. Even if you’re living with conditions like arthritis, there may be groups specifically for you.

• Groups such as Men’s Shed and Country Women’s Association are all over Australia and a great place to connect with others.

someone will just post that they walk at a certain park or beach and ask if anyone wants to join them. And many sub-groups have since emerged. “I’m in a Goldie Gang. There are seven of us with golden retrievers, or cross, and we meet up for dinner,” explains Kate.

“Another group were The Oldies, because they all had old dogs, but they stuck together when they got new dogs and now go camping and on pub crawls with their dogs.

“We’ve got one lady who’s in her 70s and in lots of groups. She’s widowed, and after she broke her leg she posted asking for help walking her dog. Someone did a

• If you love music, try a community choir, ukulele group or dance club.

• Community gardens or gardening clubs are good for making connections, or volunteer for an activity such as bush regeneration.

• Ulysses Club organises social activities for motorcycle riders aged over 40.

• U3A offers a range of daytime groups and courses, including languages, music, board games, discussion groups, film and book clubs and lectures. Members pay a small annual fee and can attend as many activities as they like, and can also set up their own groups.

• Volunteering can be a rewarding way to meet others but choose an activity where you’ll be working alongside people on a regular basis, and have a chance to chat and connect.

roster and many friendships developed from that.

“One lady told me: ‘My husband died last year and then my dog died and the group was so fantastic, it helped get me through’,” Kate says. “We have a system now that when people lose a dog, they can post about it on the website page and we organise a portrait of their pets.”

Her group now facilitates strong community support. “People really reach out and it’s not just about dogs. We’ve done things like take food round to people who were isolated during COVID, too. We’ve evolved into a lovely community. What we really focus on is kindness.” 

Weights gain

If lifting a coffee cup a few times a day is about as close as you get to resistance training, something’s got to change. Here’s why we all need to embrace the dumbbell, regardless of age.

WE ALL KNOW THAT MOVING your body is great – whether it’s a long walk here, a yoga class there. But if you’re not doing weights too (at home or in the gym), you should be, especially if you’re over 50, say the experts.

Why? Well, it’s the number one thing that can keep you functioning, independent and living longer, says personal trainer Gary Wagner from Recalibrate Australia, Melbourne. “We get so many health messages about gentle exercise, doing 10,000 steps, opting for water workouts if you have trouble walking – but what we don’t have enough of are the messages about challenging yourself with appropriate resistance training,” he explains. “And we should, because if you do it right, it has untold benefits for your health.”

Physiotherapist, sports scientist and pain management specialist Melanie McAuliffe agrees. “I have people in their 40s and 50s coming to see me who already have arthritic knees and are overweight and have low energy and I’ll say, ‘You might just live another 40 years and is this how you want to be living your life? Because you’ll be on the couch watching re-runs all day if you don’t do something about it.’ They’ll say, ‘Oh I didn’t really think about that.’ But we need to. Weight training is our best defence against osteoporosis, muscle loss and keeping body fat down.”

“I can deal with stresses a lot easier than I could four or five years ago. And the back pain’s gone, too.”

LAURIE RIGONI, 55

BENEFITS OF WEIGHT TRAINING

Did you know that we can lose up to 50% of our muscle mass by the time we hit 80?

It’s why the World Health Organization recommends all adults, even those aged 65-plus, do at least two sessions of muscle strengthening exercises every week – either in a gym or at home with the right equipment. Here are just six reasons why it’s so critical for anyone aged 50 and beyond.

1. It builds strong bones

“Regular weight training helps stimulate the bone building cells to start working again, and form more bone tissue, which guards against sarcopenia, or muscle loss, and osteoporosis,” says Melanie. “It also increases circulation, and preserves what we call your power muscles, which stops you becoming frail and helps eliminate those aches and pains.”

2. It protects you against injury

“Our balance and eyesight can deteriorate as we get older, and if you don’t have much muscle mass to start with and you have a fall, you’re behind the eight ball in recovery, constantly trying to play catch up,” says Gary. “If you weight train, you’re less likely to fall – and if you do, you’re less likely to have a fracture.”

3. It boosts your grey matter

“We know that weight training promotes brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), a gene that instructs a protein to preserve neurons and plasticity – which is important for learning and memory,” says Melanie. “The same gene is also closely associated with depression and cognitive impairment and there’s information coming out that weight training will attenuate that to a certain extent.”

4. It helps you look better Gary works with a lot of over 50s who do weight training and he says the difference in these people compared to those

SETTING UP RESISTANCE TRAINING AT HOME

who don’t do resistance training at all is significant. “They have less chronic conditions, they look younger, present younger and carry themselves younger.” Adds Melanie: “Weight training gives you a younger shape – that’s for sure!”

5. It can help you ditch your meds

“Doing weights can improve blood glucose levels, helping you potentially reduce your meds if you have diabetes,” Melanie says, adding that regular resistance training is so powerful to your health that if weights were prescribed the way medicines were for chronic diseases, the health system would be completely different. “I basically wouldn’t have a job any more.”

6. It has other knock-on effects

“People who weight train feel more capable; they might not think twice helping a friend move house, or doing things they took for granted in their younger years,” says Gary. “And it improves your performance in other areas, too: I had a client who trained with me for a year before going on a big golf trip and he not only lost 9kg and fixed his back pain, but on the trip, he took five strokes off his game. That’s all thanks to strength and movement training.”

3.

According to Gary, you should also look for a good-quality adjustable dumbbell set with a small footprint and lots of weight options. Celsius 20kg weight set, $119.99, Rebel Sport.

“Weight training is our best defence against osteoporosis, muscle loss and keeping body fat down.”

MELANIE M c AULIFFE Physiotherapist

“A

HOW TO START SAFELY

To start resistance training, ensure someone looks at your individual exercise history, injuries, conditions and gets you started on an informed basis, says Gary. “Don’t just rock up to the gym and try to do what you did 20 years ago or follow a generic YouTube clip – too risky. Start with someone qualified and experienced who can tailor a workout to where you feel comfortable, and evolve your journey from there.”

“Hate sweating? An air-conditioned gym might suit you. Can’t get motivated working out on your own? Group training is for you. It’s about making it non-negotiable, but also choosing what you’ll know will work for you,” says Melanie. “I also talk about the ‘magic three months’ to build that habit, and tying a ritual into the habit, whether it’s a coffee after or a massage once a week, to keep you doing it.”

Be prepared for unexpected medical expenses with Seniors Health Insurance . Call 1300 936 012 or go to seniors.com.au

Work, life, family… the demands of your day-to-day life can make it easy to drop the ball on exercise. But when you’re older, making time for it becomes much more important than just looking good and keeping up appearances, says Laurie.

“I was 49 when I got out of bed one morning and couldn’t walk a foot due to back pain,” he recalls. “I reached for my mother-in-law’s cane – I think I used it for one day to get around – and that was the epiphany. I remember saying to myself, ‘This is not going to happen.’ It was a turning point and I knew I had to do something different.”

He ended up working with Gary Wagner at Recalibrate in Melbourne (above). “Initially, it was all about flexibility. I hadn’t really had a personal trainer before and I knew I wanted the mobility to walk my children down the aisle, and to be active when I do retire. I wanted to be able to do things with my family and friends, and for when the grandchildren come along. And we went back to basics with weight work, getting the technique right, and then increasing the weight.”

4. You will also need a bench to operate from, he adds.

Celsius BC2 FID bench, $229.99, Rebel Sport.

Over five years on, Laurie still sees Gary twice a week at 6am – “It sets me up for the day” – and credits the weights, mindset changes and other lifestyle tweaks he’s made to turning everything around.

“I’m fitting into the suit a lot better, I can deal with stresses a lot easier than I could four or five years ago. And the back pain’s gone, too.” 

“Reaching for a cane at 49 due to back pain was an epiphany”

For Melbourne town planning consultant Laurie Rigoni, 55, lifting weights has been life-changing.

What’s in a name?

From Milo and Teddy to Coco and Luna, we explore some of Australia’s most popular cat and dog names.

HARRY

AUSTRALIA’S MOST BELOVED PET names are an intriguing mix of traditional, trend-setting and downright adorable. There’s plenty of crossover from our favourite human names – no surprise given the number of fur babies being strolled around in buggies these days!

According to database research, the most popular current names for male dogs are Milo, Teddy, Archie, Charlie and Buddy. For the female dogs it’s Luna, Daisy, Bella, Ruby and Coco. Meanwhile, the most popular cat names are similar to their canine friends. For males, Oliver, Leo, Milo, Charlie and Max lead the list, while female felines are most often called Luna, Bella, Lily, Lucy and Nala.

Looking to get ahead of the pack? Newly trending pet names include Waffles, Violet, Tank, Pearl and Douglas. Be warned, though, naming trends for our furry companions are always evolving, says Dr Tim Hopkins, emergency vet at Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH).

“We see over 33,000 pets per year across our four specialist hospitals and we see every possible name under the sun,” he says. “In the last 12 months the most common dog names we’ve seen at SASH are Bella, Coco, Charlie, Max, Luna, Ruby, Frankie, Molly, Buddy and Daisy. The most common cat names are Luna, Coco, Charlie, Bella, Milo, Leo, Simba, Oscar, Ollie and Cleo.”

MEANING BEHIND THE NAME

Some pet owners will use names associated with their pet’s breed, such as Bluey, for a blue heeler or Scotty for a Scottish terrier. “We’ve seen lots of Charlies that are Cavalier King Charles spaniels, for example,” says Dr Hopkins. “But again, we’ve met cats and guinea pigs named Charlie.”

Other pet names are linked to popular characters, like Nala and Simba, big cats from The Lion King. There are retro classics that never go out of style, like Kitty or Rover, or names that are linked to a pet’s size – Baby or Bean for a teacup poodle, or Maximus (largest/greatest in Latin) or Ookii (big in Japanese) for a Great Dane. Then there are names that reflect your pet’s personality – like Bruiser and Rambo for alpha pets, or Hush, Boo or Lamb for more gentle, timid animals.

The choice in name often reflects what’s most important to us – for example, our favourite foods, entertainers, lucky numbers, characters, historical figures or cultural background. Actress Jennifer Aniston went down the regal route for her rescue pup, calling him Lord Chesterfield. Names might also reflect the pet’s appearance or quirky character traits.

If you’re a foodie, there’s no end of inspiration for delicious pet names. Ed Sheeran named his cats Dorito and Calippo, after his favourite convenience store snacks. Other popular food-inspired pet names include Cinnamon, Mochi,

Cookie, Chilli, Oreo and Peanut. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift looked for inspiration in her favourite TV shows and movies – naming her trio of cats Olivia Benson (Law & Order), Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy), and Benjamin Button (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). For nature lovers, Bear, Panda or River might be good name choices for your pet. Or if you’re keen to use a distinctly Australian moniker, there are lots of great options, with Bindi, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin or Matilda among the popular local choices.

A TASTE OF THE WEIRD

If you’re looking to buck the trend, unusual or funny names can make your pet stand out from the crowd. “I’ve met an enormous dog named Mala, which in Serbian translates to ‘little’,” says

Dr Hopkins. “We’ve also met a Tonkinese cat named Baron Von Wittgenstein, a budgie named Lord Augustus and a bunny named Bennington.

“One of our internal medicine specialists, who looks after pets with acute kidney injuries, named one of her cats Aki, which is the medical abbreviation for acute kidney injury. Today I met a dog called Sir, which is apparently Beyoncé’s son’s name. None of this has any bearing on their wellbeing, but as an emergency vet I would strongly suggest that you avoid calling your pet Lucky, it’s a recipe for disaster!”

IMPACT ON BEHAVIOUR

Both cats and dogs can recognise their names and respond to them when called. But as pets react to certain sound cues, calling their name alongside a command can muddle their reaction. “The pronunciation and tone of their name will ingrain into them, depending on how you train them, and can complicate a command with a call for their attention,” explains Dr Hopkins.

“This is why working dogs are trained based on sounds that do not relate to their name. The name is used only to specify the dog being called upon, while the task-specific sounds are the vital pieces of information conveying one’s wishes. This works really well with working breeds, like kelpies, who when working with sheep or cattle, associate a certain whistle or command with rounding sheep in a particular direction.” 

Protect your beloved cat or dog with Seniors Pet Insurance , providing cover for accidental injury and illness.

Call 1300 375 903 or go to seniors.com.au

The choice in name often reflects what’s most important to us. Names might also reflect the pet’s appearance or quirky character traits.

Spot cheetahs and other big cats on a safari to the great wildlife parks of Kenya and Tanzania.

Stop dreaming, start travelling

No longer prepared to wait, a growing number of over 50s are taking charge and turning their bucket-list getaways into reality. Want to join them? Here’s plenty of inspiration to plan your ‘some day’ adventure, now!

ARE YOU STILL DREAMING of heading out on an African safari? Marvelling at huge herds of wildebeest migrating across the plains, watching a pride of lions slinking lithely through the bush, enjoying sundowners by a waterhole as hippos let loose their mighty bellows?

Or perhaps you have always wanted to stand in awe before the artefacts of vanished civilisations: the ancient temples at Angkor, the stone citadels of the Maya or the magnificent Machu Picchu, perched in lonely splendour on a jungle-shrouded peak.

Whatever is on your travel bucket list, the time to start planning is now. The travel industry is seeing a surge in bookings from over 50s who are done with waiting for ‘some day’ to come. “We’re hearing a lot of guests say I’m not missing out – I’m booking this now,” says Michelle Mickan, head of marketing at luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent.

While many travellers are booking the destination of their dreams, others are choosing to revisit old favourites through a new lens. “We had one guest who last went to Morocco in the 1970s as a 20-something hippy who had always wanted to return,” says Evan Petrelis, managing director of Renaissance Tours, which offers special-interest tours covering everything from art and architecture to ballet, opera and food. “Going back 40 years later, looking at it through different eyes, was a dream trip for her.”

Older travellers are also eager to check out newly-accessible destinations.

Cruises through the Northwest Passage in the Arctic are one example; another is Saudi Arabia, which has six UNESCO World Heritage sights and has recently opened its doors to tourism.

“We are running an archaeology tour to Saudi Arabia looking at the ruins of some ancient civilisations such as the Nabateans, the same kingdom that built Petra in Jordan,” Evan says.

Australia has plenty of its own bucket-list destinations. Some older travellers are finally taking long-planned trips to Tasmania or Kangaroo Island; for others, the remote Kimberley coast is top of the list.

One common trend among these travellers: they don’t want to rush the experience. “People have looked forward to these trips for so long. They want to do everything that there is to do; they don’t want to get home having missed something out. It’s about treating themselves,” says Michelle.

That doesn’t have to mean splurging on five-star hotels: it could just be extending a trip from two weeks to four weeks so you can really savour each day.

The most essential luxury, according to Michelle, is investing in a good guide. Their insights into the local people and culture can lift a trip from ordinary to extraordinary.

“If you’re going to Egypt, see it with an archaeologist who will have you living that history. The best guides know how to make the experience work, right down to when to visit each temple so that you’re not seeing it with all the crowds.”

24% are planning indulgent, luxurious holidays

49% are searching for new experiences

72% don’t worry about spending the kids’ inheritance on holiday

To see the full results of The Australian Seniors Series: Travel Trends Report 2022 , go to seniors.com.au and search ‘travel trends’.

THE SAFARI

No matter how many wildlife documentaries you have watched, nothing matches the thrill of encountering Africa’s wildlife in the flesh.

Try this: Enjoy an uncrowded safari experience with Abercrombie & Kent’s 12-day Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari. Limited to just 18 people, the trip takes in two of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, the Serengeti and Masai Mara, with predator sighting safaris and a visit to see orphaned elephants included on a packed itinerary. abercrombiekent.com.au

THE SEE-IT-ALL ADVENTURE

When you have always wanted to explore a particular part of the world and haven’t been there yet, what do you do? Book a samplerstyle trip that takes in the region’s greatest hits.

Try this: Experience South America’s don’t-miss highlights on the Chimu Adventures 21-day Signature South America Circle.

From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Peru’s Incan ruins to sophisticated cities such as Buenos Aires and Santiago, this trip lets you choose your own departure date and accommodation style. chimuadventures.com

THE WALKING HOLIDAY

It’s the ultimate in slow travel, and a great way to discover a new destination. Whether you plan your walking trip with mates or make new friends along the way, indelible memories are guaranteed.

Try this: No prizes for guessing what sets the UTracks 15-day Food Lover’s Spanish Camino apart. The northern Spain trip combines fully supported day walks along the Camino de Santiago pilgrim paths, with a range of food experiences from cooking demonstrations to meals at Michelin-starred restaurants. utracks.com

THE CLOSE-TO-HOME VACATION

You don’t have to leave the country to have a luxury adventure. Australia’s more remote corners offer some unforgettable and popular wilderness experiences. Try this: The Kimberley is Australia’s big-sky country, known for its spectacular gorges and waterfalls and a rich Indigenous culture. Outback Spirit, part of Journey Beyond, has a 13-day Jewels of the Kimberley tour, including visits to the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles as well as a helicopter trip to the Mitchell Falls. outbackspirittours.com.au

THE DIY OPTION

A self-drive tour lets you discover Australia’s remarkable landscapes and attractions at your own pace, timeframe and budget.

Try this: If you’re headed to South Australia for a trip round its celebrated wine regions, or are after a shorter bucket-list break, head across to Kangaroo Island on a SeaLink six-day Island Getaway Self-Drive Package. Take your own car (or hire on the island) and explore the rugged coastal scenery at your leisure, staying overnight in oceanfront hotels and spotting sea lions, penguins and koalas by day. sealink.com.au

THE CRUISE

If you are looking for a stress-free travel experience, river cruising is hard to beat. Settle into your cabin, watch Europe’s prettiest landscapes drift pass, and stroll through one historic town after another.

Try this: Explore two mighty rivers on Scenic’s eight-day Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle itinerary. The cruise from Frankfurt to Zurich takes you past fairytale villages, medieval castles and terraced vineyards. scenic.com.au

Darwin Cairns

CRUISE, RAIL & STAY

Darwin Litchfield National Park

Australia’s Eastern Seaboard & Top End Getaway with Coral Princess® & The Ghan

15 nights departing 29 February 2024

• 5 night stay in Darwin including breakfast.

• Litchfield National Park tour including lunch.

• 2 nights aboard the Ghan travelling from Darwin to Adelaide in Gold Service including meals.

Coral Princess® West Coast Cruise with Kakadu & Litchfield Highlights

• Darwin City Sights tour.

• Overnight Kakadu & East Alligator River tour.

• Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise.

• Litchfield National Park tour including lunch.

• 7 nights aboard Coral Princess® cruising from Darwin to Perth (Fremantle).

Ultimate Northern Coast to Coast Explorer with Indian Pacific & Coral Princess® from Perth

19 nights departing 25 February 2024

pp

• 3 nights aboard Indian Pacific travelling from Perth to Sydney in Gold Service including meals.

• 1 night stay in Sydney including breakfast.

• 15 nights aboard Coral Princess® cruising from Sydney to Perth (Fremantle).

Southern Australia In Depth with Coral Princess® & Indian Pacific from Perth

15 nights departing 15 March 2024

• 11 nights aboard Coral Princess® cruising from Perth (Fremantle) to Sydney.

• 1 night stay in Sydney including breakfast.

• Sydney City Sights tour.

• 3 nights aboard Indian Pacific travelling from Sydney to Perth in Gold Service including meals.

Fr $9,229*pp

Ultimate Northern Coast to Coast Explorer with Coral Princess® & Indian Pacific from Sydney

20 nights departing 29 February 2024

• 15 nights aboard Coral Princess® cruising from Sydney to Perth (Fremantle).

• 2 night stay in Perth including breakfast.

• Margaret River & Busselton Jetty tour.

Southern Australia In Depth with Indian Pacific & Coral Princess® from Sydney

20 nights departing 6 March 2024

pp

• 3 nights aboard Indian Pacific travelling from Sydney to Perth in Gold Service including meals.

• 6 night stay in Perth including breakfast.

• Pinnacles & New Norcia tour.

• Rottnest Island Grand Island tour.

• 11 nights aboard Coral Princess® cruising from Perth (Fremantle) to Sydney.

holidaysofaustralia.com.au holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au 1300 854 897 or contact your local licensed travel agent & THE WORLD

THE VINTAGE RAIL TRIP

Step on board for period dining cars, cocktail lounges, cosy cabins and traffic-free vistas rolling past, with sightseeing trips at every scenic stop.

Try this: Vintage train Aurora Australis recreates Australia’s firstclass regional rail journeys of the 1960s, complete with restored carriages, sleeping compartments and onboard chef. The five-day Golden West Rail Tour from Sydney to Sydney includes a lunch cruise on the Hawkesbury, guided Hunter Valley and Orange wine tastings and a rare opportunity to ride the rail line up the Capertee Valley. holidaysofaustralia.com.au

THE DEEP DIVE

Is there a destination you have always wanted to revisit? Then find an itinerary that lets you discover the places that most travellers miss.

Try this: The Renaissance Tours

15-day Autumn Colours of Japan explores the less-visited northern island of Hokkaido and immerses guests in all aspects of Japanese culture, from its art and food to its gardens and temples. Tours end in Tokyo to experience the city’s beautiful landscape gardens. renaissancetours.com.au

Explore the world with Seniors Travel Insurance Call 1300 697 031 or go to seniors.com.au

DREAM TRIPPING

Chris McIlroy, 53, and her husband Rod, 52, marked a milestone birthday and anniversary with tours to far-flung destinations.

If it wasn’t for COVID, Chris and Rod, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary cruising down the Nile, might still just be dreaming of seeing the pyramids. “We had watched so many documentaries on Egypt and always said we wanted to do the trip one day, but COVID made us reassess,” Chris says. “We decided to prioritise our big destinations – those places where we would be most disappointed if we never went.”

Their Egypt holiday isn’t their only bucket-list experience. Three years earlier, Rod offered Chris a trip to anywhere in the world to celebrate her 50th birthday. She chose India, and spent her birthday at the Taj Mahal (top).

Chris says that choosing your destination is only the first step. The important thing is to have an itinerary that will let you enjoy every day rather than rushing through it, taking the time to really experience the destination.

“Instead of doing Cairo in just two days and ending up exhausted, we stayed for four nights. We did half-day tours and had our afternoons at leisure. We went for walks, found beautiful little restaurants, and felt fresh every morning.”

Having ticked off two dream destinations, Chris is already thinking about what’s next. “My advice is don’t just think about the next trip – think about what else you want to do, and book it in as far in advance as possible.” 

TREAT FOR THE TASTEBUDS

Drawing on her long and credentialed cooking career, Good Food columnist Katrina Meynink ramps up the flavour in her easy new recipes that make sauces and spices the stars of the table.

Words ANNA NEVILL E

Portrait KAIT BARKER Food photography KATRINA MEYNINK

Katrina Meynink is a culinary powerhouse who wears many hats: recipe developer, author, food writer, TV cook, mother. And it’s fair to say she knows the struggles of putting together a daily meal that’s both delicious and nutritious, which she tackles in her latest cookbook, From Salt to Jam

“I am constantly asked for ideas to get through the dinnertime rut,” Katrina tells DARE. “The recipes in this book are a way of elevating the midweek dinner to make it feel special without having to do a whole lot of work. It’s a first aid kit for flavour via condiment-led cooking.”

She explains that condiments are “where flavour and convenience collide”, and if home cooks focus on the sauces, spices and dressings, all meals will flow from there. “Having an arsenal of salsas, dressings, pastes and more on hand makes it easy to add flavour to a dish quickly, and without too much fuss.” To prove her point in her cookbook, she supplies instructions for making a condiment or spice first, and then shares the recipes to showcase them in.

Katrina’s wealth of experience shines throughout. A respected voice in the food publishing industry, she is also a proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, the famous cooking school in Paris (Julia Child is another famous alum). Her time at the world-renowned

culinary institution helped foster a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. “It reinforced my work ethic,” she says. “It’s not worth doing if you don’t do it properly. It was an environment that only wanted 100% and I loved that.”

Since graduating, Katrina has appeared as a guest cook on two seasons of Channel Nine’s Good Food Kitchen and written five books. And for the past six years, she’s been a columnist for Good Food (found online and in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald), where she has developed her own unique style of cooking that she describes as “unpretentious with a body slam of flavour”.

More often than not, her recipes taste like “comfort feels”. “I am very emotionally connected to what I eat,” Katrina says. “For example, if I had some apples and was seeking comfort I would reach for my grandmother’s crumble recipe. Or if I was seeking energy and vitality it might be an apple, greens and yuzu salad. It always flows from the feeling for me.”

Despite her already impressive list of accomplishments, Katrina enjoys the little wins, too. “It might be a recipe in The Age that I am particularly in love with, or seeing my kids flick through my cookbooks picking their favourite recipes. Little moments and wins big and small are all important. I can’t wait for what might be coming next.”

From Salt to Jam by Katrina Meynink (Hardie Grant Books, $40) is out now.

Turn the page for two recipes from the cookbook.

Katrina Meynink

Harissa

Makes 280g

Harissa is so full of flavour, one spoonful will slap you around the chops, then slap you again just to be sure. Have a fresh pot in your fridge and you’ll transform all manner of dishes.

INGREDIENTS

7 dried guajillo chillies [widely available from food stores online]

1 red chilli, chopped 125ml grapeseed oil (or other flavourless oil)

2 garlic cloves

1½ tablespoons each cumin seeds and coriander seeds, toasted in a dry pan until fragrant, roughly ground ¼ preserved lemon, pith removed, skin diced

2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika

2 teaspoons tomato paste (concentrated puree)

Pinch of sugar

Pinch of caraway seeds

METHOD

1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the dried chillies, reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer to rehydrate the chillies, about 20 minutes. Drain and then, when cool enough to handle, remove and discard the stems. Make sure to drain any water that may be trapped inside the chillies.

2. Add the chillies with the remaining ingredients to a blender and blitz until you get a smooth paste. The oil will eventually separate a little when this settles but I love that. If you want a really spreadable harissa, blitz for a little longer and add a tablespoon or two of water – this will emulsify it and make it a little creamier in texture.

3. Will keep for up to three months in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge.

Roasted beetroot with whipped feta, harissa, coriander seeds and honey

Serves 2-4

The sweet, earthy flavour of the beetroot is brilliantly matched with the harissa. Serve as a cold salad or with the beetroot still warm from roasting.

INGREDIENTS

½ small bunch each red, yellow and Chioggia beetroot, leafy tops removed, well-scrubbed

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons lightly crushed coriander seeds

3 tablespoons honey

2-4 tablespoons harissa to drizzle

For the whipped feta

75g crumbled Persian feta

250g crème fraîche

60g plain yoghurt

1 garlic clove, crushed

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C.

2. Place the beetroot in a roasting dish. Combine the vinegar, olive oil, coriander seeds and honey in a bowl and stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the beetroot and toss to combine. Cover tightly with foil and pop in the oven to cook for about 40 minutes or until the beetroot can be pierced easily with a knife. Remove the foil and cook for another 1-2 minutes until all the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beetroots are glossy. Leave in the dish to cool while you prepare the whipped feta.

3. Add the whipped feta ingredients to a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Spread the mixture over the base of a serving plate. Halve some of the beetroots, then add them and any remaining pan juices and spices from the roasting dish over the whipped feta. Drizzle with the harissa to taste, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

ROASTED BEETROOT WITH WHIPPED FETA, HARISSA, CORIANDER SEEDS AND HONEY

INTERIOR STYLE TRENDS

While some home styling fashions are fleeting, others offer enduring appeal. And as we become more mindful of what we buy, interior trends are now reflecting sustainable purchases and considered curation. The results are spaces layered with a mix of new and old, and form paired with function. Here are the key design movements.

RETRO RESURGENCE

In a nod to nostalgia, retro and mid-century styles are making a return. “We’re looking to design styles reminiscent of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, when clean simple lines and subtle curves, paired with bold hued fabrics, metals and sturdy timber structures prevailed,” explains interior designer Helen Carter, of DCB Interiors. “Mid-century sofas, timber sideboards and chairs are particularly popular, due to their familiar, timeless appeal and a rekindled appreciation for quality craftsmanship.”

Original pieces you have hidden away may simply need a sand and polish or reupholster for a new lease of life. Alternatively, if buying

new, Helen suggests investing in classic wellmade pieces with the view to buying once and buying well.

‘Hipstoric style’ encompasses a further reimagining of old and new to create a truly personalised look, explains Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia co-host and director of The Interiors Edit. “It’s about celebrating the architectural details of older homes, paired with a looser, more urban decorative style.

“We’re seeing a return of wallpaper with delicate patterns and scenic landscapes, lush rugs and vintage collectibles, but don’t go overboard,” she suggests. “A little restraint, balanced with a few glossy finishes will keep the look covetable rather than kitsch.” >

COLOUR DIRECTION

Colour in your home should bring joy, and rather than playing it safe, we’re now embracing a spectrum of shades. Each year, the Dulux Colour Forecast predicts the palettes that will influence Australian design, based on global and local trends. “This year’s three palettes offer plenty of inspiration to find colours you connect with, and can work in your space,” says Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.

“The Revive palette featuring uplifting brighter colours is pairing unexpected colour combinations to create a playful individual look.”

The Connect palette draws from the natural environment, with a mix of warm, earthy and muted tones of moss, wasabi, sandstone, muddied yellowgreen and burnt charcoal for a cosy safe haven feel. And the Balance palette of marine blues, gentle greens and accents of deep garnet evokes a tranquil vibe.

“Whichever hue or combination you gravitate towards, the beauty of colour is its transformative ability to personalise and freshen spaces without a huge monetary investment,” says Andrea. “Whether you want to paint an entire room or use colour as an accent on a feature wall, doors, trims or furniture pieces. It’s all about creating spaces you feel good in and be your authentic self.”

RESOURCEFUL APPROACH

“As people tighten their purse strings, they’re starting to become more resourceful with clever configurations and multipurpose furniture,” explains Vanessa Colyer Tay, head of studio, Temple & Webster. “Instead of investing in a wall of cabinetry, they might consider different sized bookcases and console tables to serve as storage, and as needs change, the use of this furniture can be adapted accordingly,” she explains.

We’re also looking to furniture and homewares made from recycled materials and sustainable sources as we seek to minimise our environmental footprint.

Top: the 2023 Dulux Colour Forecast Revive palette features uplifting brighter colours of rose pink, breezy blue, yellow, green and butternut, while the Connect palette (above) is influenced by nature, with earthy, muted tones and a country weekender feel.

Country kitchen: Idanäs high cabinet, $599; and Glittran mixer tap, $179; both IKEA

COUNTRY KITCHEN

“The last few years have seen Australians move out of the cities in droves, but if a big move is not on the cards, the desire to create a piece of country in your home is being reflected in the kitchen,” says Wendy. “Think butler sinks, thick timber benchtops, woven furniture and Shaker style cabinetry details.”

To gradually introduce the look, she suggests adding a signature pendant light over the kitchen island and switching to taps with a heritage shape.

NURTURING NATURE

An increased awareness of the importance nature plays in our physical and mental wellbeing has enhanced our desire to bring a sense of the outdoors into our homes, to create calming environments.

“This has been reflected in the dominance of green as an interior colour and huge resurgence in indoor plants, but we can also interpret it in more

Nurturing nature (left): Newport grey marle chunky knit throw, $199.99, Adairs. Retro resurgence (below left): Ophelia Spice mug, $14.99, Adairs Softer edges (below centre): Sage & Olive French flax linen scalloped European pillowcases, $120 for two, Bed Threads. Artisanal touches (below right): Spotted Begonia mustard tall vase, $145, Bonnie and Neil.

subtle ways,” says Wendy, who suggests embracing organic materials. “The key is to include natural touch points – a timber bench in the kitchen, jute and wool rugs underfoot, metal finishes that age naturally, such as nickel, brass and bronze. Leather is also a great way to introduce texture and warmth for the cooler months.”

In the living room, consider a simple leather or linen cushion, paired with a chunky knitted throw for a luxurious and welcoming feel.

SOFTER EDGES

Curves have become the go-to shape, permeating every corner of the home. “Rounded shapes and forms have replaced sharp angles, with scalloped or fluted edges seen across furniture and homewares,” explains Vanessa.

Consider curved sofas, arched mirrors and doorways, sweeping benchtops and dome lighting, which visually soften spaces and create a more organic free-flowing feel.

ARTISANAL TOUCHES

Personalisation is shaping interior selections, and with it a desire for unique, handmade objects, art and natural materials. “There’s a growing need to connect to a special piece and its maker, and add depth with textured surfaces that invite touch and create a sensory experience,” says Helen. “It may be an unexpected grouping of ceramic vessels or vases, a hand-loomed rug, or layers of textiles individual to you.”

Decorative wall coatings using traditional trowelled techniques and natural finishes like lime and clay are also on the rise. To create a DIY textural patina, Helen suggests using stone-based paints and lime washes that are easy to apply. “It’s all about creating warmth and interest through movement, so the more irregular the brush strokes the better.” 

Protect your precious home and its contents with Seniors Home & Contents Insurance Call 1300 611 384 or go to seniors.com.au

FOODS TO GLOW FROM HEAD TO TOE

Choosing to eat these strategic – and inexpensive – ‘beauty’ foods can help add shine to your hair, firm and tighten up your skin, and put a sparkle in your eyes.

Slathering on a facial moisturiser can only go so far in keeping your skin looking its beautiful and glowy best; what we eat plays a much bigger role than you might think.

But you don’t have to eat loads of nutrient-dense – often expensive – fresh seafood to look good. There are plenty of foods that can help improve the health of your skin and hair, and boost your energy and mood.

Foods high in protein, healthy fats such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and antioxidants help support the skin membrane by keeping it hydrated and plump. On the other hand, foods high in sugar damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, which is what keeps it looking soft and supple.

So what should we be eating? Here are some not-so-obvious foods and snacks that have elevated beauty-boosting qualities.

Edamame beans are a nutritional powerhouse.

GLOW-BOOSTING FOODS AND SNACKS

FOR SKIN

Sprinkle seeds like chia, pumpkin, linseeds and hemp onto salads or into yoghurt and smoothies daily. Hemp has greater nutritional content than the already amazing chia seeds and is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The tiny seeds are also a good source of vitamins and minerals and other skin-boosting antioxidants. In case you’re wondering, although they come from a cannabis plant, hemp seeds only contain trace amounts of THC, so they cannot get you high.

Add edamame to salads, fried rice or eat a handful as a snack (buy them frozen in supermarkets). A nutritional powerhouse, these immature soybeans are a complete plant-based source of protein, sans cholesterol. They are rich in micronutrients – zinc, calcium and potassium – needed for the normal functioning of cells, as well as antioxidant-rich isoflavones (plant-based compound) that fight skin-damaging inflammation.

Sip organic bone broth Although you can buy this commercially packaged (read: expensive) it’s simple and cheap to make in a big batch and freezes well. Technically a stock made by simmering bones with vegetables, spices and herbs for a number of hours, bone broth is rich in skin-plumping collagen (which depletes in skin from our late 20s).

LEARN TO MEDITATE

Eat more carrots. They are filled with betacarotene, a precursor for vitamin A, which helps to protect the skin from damage, and is also a good source of vitamin C, which is needed for collagen production.

Snack on raw peanuts, preferably freshly shelled, eating the antioxidant-rich skin too. Peanuts are a significant source of biotin, healthy fats and minerals like zinc, which is known to both stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Eat more canned sardines. They aren’t the most popular fish but they have considerable nutritional value, including being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight hair loss and are a beauty all-rounder, and hair follicle-supporting vitamin D. Plus their tiny bones provide a calcium boost to keep hair shiny and healthy.

Boost gut health with fermented

A healthy microbiome is crucial for digestion, absorbing nutrients and fuelling your brain and body while also producing the happy hormone we all need, serotonin. Choose sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, kimchi or plain yoghurt. Or add them all to your day; they’re far more potent than popping a probiotic pill.

To discover the 15 best anti-ageing foods, go to seniors.com.au and search ‘anti-ageing’.

Stress can harm hair and skin, so take the time to learn how to breathe deeply and mindfully, and then practise daily. Meditation can benefit a clearer mind, reduced stress levels and deeper (beauty) sleep. Easy and purse-friendly.

APRÈS & CHILL

When you’re finished hiking through hills or sliding down slopes, here’s what to wear to wind down in the mountains this winter.

Words ADRIANA DONNOLA

Even if you prefer snuggling up with a book by the fire to hitting the slopes, when you’re in the mountains and the lifts stop turning, it’s après-ski time and the real fun begins. The French term translates literally as ‘after skiing’ and, apart from the snow, is arguably the best part of being in a white winter wonderland.

Whether you’re skiing, hiking or simply enjoying the cooler climate, there’s nothing

quite like sipping hot cocoa or drinking a hot toddy by the fire at the end of the day. And transitioning from outdoors action to a more social vibe requires just a few tweaks, adding classic pieces you’ll lean on all season, whether on holiday or back home.

Keep the foundation of your outfit simple – think relaxed pants or jeans and a warm knit – then add personality with accessories. Here’s how to elevate your mountain style.

OUTDOOR WEAR

Look for long, colourful scarves and buttery-soft cashmere gloves.

The bigger the better – think Audrey Hepburn in the Alps in the film Charade (above).

a neutral cable knit.

Beanies are cool again, and make a statement with patterned socks.

Look for earthy or pastel colours and a relaxed fit.

A puffer is slim-line yet protective against the elements.

The puffer style is cosy for outdoors, yet comes with a tailored silhouette.

Dress up for drinks while remaining in relaxed holiday mode.

A wide leg accommodates boots, but still looks tailored.

Strike the balance between alpine-appropriate footwear and contemporary trends.

CRYPTIC & STRAIGHT CROSSWORD

Tackle either set of these clues – you can even mix and match them, because the solutions are the same for both sets.

RED HERRINGS

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1. Sends away for footwear, apparently (5)

4. Nothing in mist gets damp (5)

7. Woods delivers golf warning on streets (7)

8. Pass off as gullible mugs (4)

12. Flower garlands from foreign isle (4)

14. Aware of right to be replaced by weekend (5)

15. Sit tight and you’ll be seen first (4)

17. Draws construction site (4)

21. They fly around and put out fire (7)

23. Looking eastbound, run off to get married (5)

24. Bridges cover narrow elevation (5)

DOWN

1. Analyses tin in ship (5)

2. Model Sofia is leaving buffoon (3)

3. Insurers confident at heart (4)

4. Sam’s out to get bulk (4)

5. Topic of beef? (5)

6. Nails the ending of Mars Attacks (5)

9. Even carrots displayed as gallery pieces (3)

10. State opinion (3)

11. Butler opens silver suitcase (3)

12. Rent in Little Tokyo (3)

13. Irene shows extreme anger (3)

15. Bares mystical sword (5)

16. Recorded sound of some fraud I overheard (5)

18. Races, creating panic (5)

19. Cooks beak in roast (4)

20. Beauty initially connected with rower, but found a pig (4)

22. Not joyful, or alternatively, staid (3)

STRAIGHT CLUES

ACROSS

1. Chases (off) (5)

4. Slightly wet (5)

7. Large tracts of trees (7)

8. Depletes (4)

12. Hawaiian necklaces (4)

14. Conscious (5)

15. Remain (4)

17. Bonds (4)

21. Fantasy reptiles (7)

23. Flee to wed (5)

24. Sharp crest (5)

DOWN

1. Reads quickly (5)

2. Klutz (3)

3. Certain (4)

4. Form a crowd (4)

5. Magazine edition (5)

6. Changes course (of yacht) (5)

9. Special skill (3)

10. Utter (3)

11. Knapsack (3)

12. Permit (3)

13. Wrath (3)

15. Cavalry weapon (5)

16. Related to hearing (5)

18. Startle (5)

19. Swelter (4)

20. Wild swine (4)

22. Dejected (3)

RED HERRINGS

Fill in the gaps with letters to find the names of eight herbs and spices. Only eight? Yes, two of the examples are red herrings and won’t produce anything but frustration. All the answers have seven letters.

Fill in the gaps with letters to find the names of eight flowers Only eight? Yes, two of the examples are red herrings and won’t produce anything but frustration

All the answers have seven letters

SEEING DOUBLE

Red Herrings 057

© Lovatts Puzzles

SOLUTION:

Each pair of words share two middle letters. The first has been filled in as an example. Complete the remaining words to find the mystery keyword reading down.

Fennel, Ginger, RED HERRING, RED HERRING, Chives, Nutmeg, Garlic, Chilli, Parsley, Cloves

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

BRICK IN THE WALL

How many five-letter words can you find reading down the face of our wall? The letters of each word can only read downwards on touching bricks, taking one only from each line.

WORDSEARCH

Move through the listed words, crossing them off as you find them in the grid. The letters left over will spell out a motivating saying.

Theme: MOVEMENT

BARGE

BARREL BOP BOUND BURROW CANTER

CAPER CLAMBER

DASH

DIVE

DOGTROT

DRIFT

GAIT

GALLIVANT GOOSE STEP

HURDLE

JERK

LEAP

MARK TIME

MEANDER

MOONWALK

PACE

Solutions on page 84

INDULGE / PUZZLES

MEGA CROSSWORD

FOR CLASSIC BALLET Giselle

The Tokyo Ballet is renowned for its international tours to the world’s most famous stages, and in July it brings its talented artists to the State Theatre in Melbourne for a production of much-loved ballet Giselle. Overseen by artistic director Yukari Saito and hosted by The Australian Ballet, the tragic love story, set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score, was first performed in Paris in 1841, and is still considered a masterpiece. 14-22 July; details at australianballet.com.au

FOR A GOOD LAUGH Kitty Flanagan Live

Australian comedian Kitty, 55, is a seasoned stand-up performer, as well as the star of hit TV shows Fisk, Utopia and Have You Been Paying Attention?. Her new show promises “hard laughs, handy hints and a catchy little tune about underpants”, and from July, Kitty’s nationwide tour comes to Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Until 15 October; details at

FOR TROPICAL ARTS Darwin Festival

With average daytime temperatures of 32°C, the Top End’s hot winter arts festival offers a program of events designed to capture the vibrant and colourful spirit of Darwin and its unique Indigenous and multicultural population. Taking place over 18 days and nights, it includes outdoor concerts, workshops, theatre, dance music, comedy, cabaret, film and visual arts. 10-27 August; details at darwinfestival.org.au

FOR A FOOTBALL EXTRAVAGANZA

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

The largest women’s sporting event in the world heads Down Under for the first time in its history, with 32 countries competing in the month-long tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Reigning champions the US will be looking for their third consecutive world soccer title, but our own Matildas, led by the mighty Sam Kerr (right), will be hot on their heels. 20 July-20 August; details at fifa.com

FOR A FUNNY FILM

About My Father

Two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro (above) plays widowed Italian immigrant Salvo, who is reluctantly invited by his son to join him on a holiday weekend hosted by his American fiancée’s wealthy and eccentric family. Co-starring comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and Kim Cattrall, the break develops into a hilarious clash of cultures.

In cinemas 3 August

FOR A TOP TIPPLE Perth Gin Festival

Challenge your juniper-loving palate at the three-day festival featuring over 200 boutique gins from 55 of Australia’s most exciting craft gin distillers. This year, the festival moves to a new venue at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the ticket price includes all drinks, including gin tastings, coffee, water, tonic and soda.

18-20 August; details at ginevents.com.au

Below: Three Cuts Gin and Hickson Rd are two of the awardwinning pours at the Perth Gin Festival.

FOR THE GRANDKIDS Disney On Ice

Treat young family members to Disney’s magical 100 Years of Wonder show, featuring beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Elsa from Frozen and Woody from Toy Story. With acrobatics, stunts and worldclass ice skating, the show features The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and more. July shows are in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle. Until 23 July; details at disneyonice.com

FOR TASMANIAN NOIR Bay of Fires

ABC TV’s eight-part crime/ thriller drama series follows Stella (Marta Dusseldorp, above) and her children, who move to a small community rife with simmering feuds, crime and sometimes murder in the wilds of Tasmania. Featuring a talented cast including Kerry Fox, Toby Leonard Moore and Yael Stone, expect dark humour and stunning landscapes.

Screening on ABC and ABC iview from 16 July

FOR THE FOODIE The Curated Plate

Showcasing diverse dining experiences across Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the 10-day culinary festival celebrates local produce, beverages, producers and chefs in locations from the sea to the hinterland. Events include a sunrise pop-up picnic and lunch at Australia Zoo’s new fine dining eatery, Warrior Restaurant & Bar, honouring the legacy of Steve Irwin. 28 July-6 August; details at thecuratedplate.com.au

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT…

The next steps

By 2042, the number of people aged 85 and over in Australia is expected to hit one million – and yet so many of us don’t put enough thought into aged care options for us or our loved ones.

DARE’s experts suggest how to navigate the complex system.

Illustration

CERTAIN LIFE EVENTS LIKE weddings or the birth of a first child, are typically overprepared for, with every outcome carefully considered so you’re not left with any surprises on the day (spoiler alert: there are always surprises).

When it comes to other major life events, like moving into an aged care home, or considering that option for a loved one, we are often woefully underprepared, typically having stuffed the topic into the ‘things I don’t want to think about’ box.

Dr Sarah Russell, a public health qualitative researcher and director of community group Aged Care Matters, says most people are thrust into the aged care system after being caught off guard by a major health crisis, like a heart attack or serious fall.

“I have been advocating very strongly that families should have this discussion with their parents early, because if you have it late, it’s because most people have moved into an aged care home after an acute illness or emergency situation where they are swiftly transferred from hospital to an aged care home,” says Dr Russell.

“An aged care home is the last place you go to before you die, and we want that experience to be as good as possible. The best way to do that is for families to start to talk about it when their elderly loved one is well, because if you wait too long, they’re going to have to make choices on the run and that mostly don’t have good outcomes.”

IN AT THE DEEP END

Dr Russell says it’s far more likely that families haven’t had that conversation, leading to people being thrown in the deep end to navigate what she admits is an overly complicated system. “You’ll notice the first report the Royal Commission into Aged Care brought out [in 2019] was called ‘Navigating the maze: an overview of Australia’s current aged care system’. The words ‘navigating’ and

‘maze’ suggest to me that things have become far too complex.”

If you do find yourself in hospital, it’s likely you’ll be transferred into an aged care home that has a bed available, as opposed to a place that has been chosen to suit your individual needs.

“Hospital social workers often make the decision and unfortunately they aren’t always attuned to the elderly person’s requirements and needs, and the family’s needs, so they don’t always choose the right place,” says Dr Russell.

close to 50 years’ experience and the CEO of Maroba Aged Care in Newcastle, agrees the system can be “a nightmare”. “Even now, navigating aged care – ‘Where do I go? Who do I seek out? Where will I get that information?’ – is difficult. The My Aged Care website is not a helpful site for older people who, incidentally, aren’t surfing the net, but that’s where they’re supposed to find their information and get a referral to get an aged care assessment.”

Viv suggests making personal connections with people who look after admissions and inquiries at aged care homes. “That way people have someone to call if they need help or have a question, because you’re far more likely to find out what you need rather than going through a nonuser-friendly website,” she explains.

“I’m a big believer in community groups like Toastmasters, Rotary, Probus, or your local bowling club getting guest speakers in from aged care facilities, that way you can ask questions and you and your friends are all hearing the information together, which can help stop misinformation from spreading.”

EXPERT MONEY HELP

She also warns about being “sucked in by the glossy brochures” that promise the world. “Questions you should be asking the managers before you even consider moving into your home are, ‘What is your staffing like? How many registered nurses do you have on every shift?’ And ask about the night shift as well, because the more nurses, the less likely there’s going to be a catastrophe.

“Also, ask them what sort of complaints they’ve had in the last 12 months. They probably won’t tell you, but you can still ask the question. If they respond by saying, ‘That’s commercial in confidence’, don’t go there, because you want openness and transparency.”

For the financial side of things, Viv recommends seeking advice for those who are unclear about the ins and outs. “I tell people who need it to seek financial advice before they sign anything with us,” she says. “It may not help if someone’s 95 and very frail and they have cognitive decline, but it may help their guardian who’s sorting everything out for them.”

Dr Mike Rungie, director at Australian non-profit Global Centre for Modern Ageing, recommends employing the services of an aged care broker. “The paperwork involved can be a drag as it’s quite complicated, but there are an amazing number of brokers around who just do it all for you for about $1,000,” he says.

“They’ll talk to you and work out what kind of facility you want, find it for you and do all the paperwork, because who wants to do all that? Honestly, it’s good value.”

Viv Allanson, a registered nurse with >

On a practical level, loved ones might

“I want aged care to be joyful places and they can be joyful places. Something that is not feared.”

DR SARAH RUSSELL Aged Care Matters

CASE STUDY

As stars of Gogglebox Australia, the Silbery family – Isabelle, 38, her grandmother Emmie, 94, and mother Kerry, 70 – have shared their frank views from their Melbourne sofa since 2016. Now Kerry, who until recently was sharing a home with her mother, tells us how life has changed since Emmie’s dementia diagnosis.

It’s all a bit of a blur. We’ve had so many difficult decisions to make since last October. We realised something was seriously wrong with Mum, so on the GP’s recommendation we took her to a geriatrician. After a number of tests and brain scans we had the dementia diagnosis. I knew I couldn’t keep her safe anymore.

When I was recovering from shoulder surgery, I booked Emmie in for respite at a local aged care centre, which had been recommended. She was there for three weeks and she loved it.

When Emmie came home, she regressed, took to her bed and refused to get up. Fortunately, I was able to place Emmie back in the aged care centre. It was a huge relief. Emmie is

a seven-minute walk from my house and a five-minute walk from Isabelle’s house. All her friends can visit. Doing an Advance Care Directive with Emmie three years ago was hard work because it was very emotional for both of us. I wrote down everything Mum said verbatim. Of course, she wanted to stay at home and not go into care, but it became a safety issue. Mum has 24-hour nursing care and the nurse calls me regularly, which is wonderful. When Mum came to live with me, I registered as a carer with the government. I connected myself with Carer Gateway Australia where I met a wonderful counsellor who advised the best place for Emmie and helped me make that happen. Form filling is relentless and

you need absolute perseverance when dealing with Centrelink. There are so many organisations you need to navigate and it is awful.

If you’re struggling, there are agencies who can advocate for you. You can also seek the support of social workers at your local council. You can’t give up.

I still haven’t got used to cooking for one, and the dog misses her terribly. As Isabelle said recently, it’s a long goodbye.

I visit Mum every day because I want to see her and make sure she is OK. On Fridays, Isabelle, my eightyear-old grandson and I go there for happy hour, where we have a glass of wine, nibbles and sing along to Neil Diamond. It’s just wonderful.

“We had so many difficult decisions to make”

be confused when moving into a facility, so the transition can be made easier by bringing furniture, photographs, or familiar items with them. “That is a really good strategy for making them feel it’s their home,” says Dr Russell.

“The photos are so important as it also gives the staff the opportunity to ask questions about them, so they get to talk about grandchildren and all that sort of stuff.”

CAN PETS COME TOO?

Pets also need to be taken into consideration, Dr Rungie says. “About 50% of Australian households own a dog, so if dog ownership is important to you and the dog gets taken away when you move into an aged care home, they’re not really doing the best thing for that person to thrive.”

Work is currently being done in this area by Companion Animal Network Australia, which aims to prevent pets from being surrendered. CEO Trish Ennis says the company’s research shows only 18% of aged care facilities consider allowing residents to keep a pet.

“We are asking the government to increase the number of pet-friendly aged care facilities and promote the social benefits of pets to aged care villages,” she says.

“People who are separated from their pets upon entering an aged care facility often experience an extra layer of grief at a time of loss and sadness. If people were allowed to keep their pets, aged care take-up by elderly people will increase and the number of pets being surrendered to animal shelters will decrease. Now is the time to understand the value of pets and develop policies that recognise their role.”

Given the significance of the move from a family home into an aged care facility, Dr Rungie agrees more needs to be done to make the process a pleasant one. “The decision of where people go is usually made in the carpark of a hospital where the staff are incredibly kind, but not in any way skilled to help people make significant life transitions,” he says.

Despite the stigma around aged care homes, Dr Russell questions why the

WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU?

AGED CARE HOME

Good if... You have high-care needs and enjoy the company of others.

“In days gone by, there used to be a tri-level village with self-care units, colocated with a hostel for people who needed a bit more support, then a space for those with high-care needs,” says Viv Allanson. “Now there is no low care, so all those hostels have been transformed into nursing homes or residential aged care services. These will have nurses on duty.”

RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Good if... Your care needs are low and you prefer more privacy.

“Traditionally a retirement village was self-care, but a lot of new villages now offer assisted living that people pay another premium for,” says Viv. She warns that some of the new villages don’t fall under each state’s Retirement Villages Act, which sets out rights. “Residential care and the traditional retirement village are under legislation and you are protected under that. So that’s worth checking first.”

RETIREMENT RESORT

Good if... You enjoy the high life and you can function largely independently. “This is more of a lifestyle choice, if you like things to be a bit fancier,” says Viv. Alysia Nechvoglod, sales manager of Palm Lake Resort, which builds luxury resort-style communities for over 50s, explains: “Our newest resorts are filled with homeowners who still want to live in spacious, luxury, designer homes with premium fixtures and fittings, but they don’t want to deal with the maintenance that a family home requires.” She adds that the typical homeowner enjoys staying active and healthy, and is looking for a warm and welcoming community.

COMMUNAL LIVING

Good if... You have a solid social circle and want to be largely independent. “I know people who have bought a whole floor of an apartment block with 10 apartments on the floor, nine for couples and the spare one for a live-in carer,” says Dr Sarah Russell. “This is a more expensive form of communal living, but there are cheaper options where friends are choosing to live together and pool resources, including paying for a shared nurse.”

transition can’t be a positive one. “When you were a toddler, you couldn’t wait to go to kindergarten, and then you couldn’t wait to go to school, then it was university, and then it was getting married,” she says.

“However, no-one is saying, ‘I can’t wait to get into aged care!’ But I want aged care to be so good that I think to myself, ‘Right, I can stop cooking for myself. I can live with friends, do these great activities.’

“I want them to be joyful places and they can be joyful places. Not something to look forward to necessarily, but something that is not feared. Right now, we’ve got it at the wrong end of the spectrum, and that needs to change.” 

This article is provided for general information purposes only and not personal advice.

“The decision of where people go is usually made in the carpark of a hospital.”

DR MIKE RUNGIE Global Centre for Modern Ageing

A LITTLE MORE CONVERSATION

Giving and receiving an inheritance can be life-changing, provided it’s done wisely – including having some difficult discussions about your wishes sooner rather than later.

Ever wondered what it might be like to go to your own funeral, and sit back and listen to all the (hopefully) wonderful things people say about you? The best chance of doing that – without dying – say the experts, is to start a conversation with your loved ones about your will and what you’ll be leaving everyone after your passing.

Yet it’s something more than 40% of us have never done, recent research carried out by The Digital Edge has revealed. This is despite Productivity Commission forecasts that Australians over the age of 60 will be transferring $3.5 trillion in wealth across the next two decades, as the baby boomer generation retires.

“There’s going to be a hell of a lot of baby boomers handing over a huge amount but so many have never had those critical conversations with their families about their assets,” says money educator Vanessa Stoykov, who commissioned The Digital Edge survey of more than 1,000 Australians.

“And without having those discussions in advance, the potential for rifts within families is huge. It’s so much better to start talking about inheritance as early as possible,

so everyone knows the situation and it’s completely transparent. Of course, no-one likes talking about death, it’s still a taboo subject for many, but it’s absolutely vital.”

Those conversations can provide everyone with clarity over what’s going to happen in the future, and can even pull families closer, Vanessa believes. Parents can talk to their children about their long-term goals and what they want to achieve in life, and they, in turn, have an opening to express gratitude.

EARLY INHERITANCE

Sometimes such discussions result in the older generations deciding, instead, to give with ‘warm hands’, that is, part with some of the inheritance early, before their death, by perhaps downsizing from the large family home and giving some of the proceeds to their children, taking out a reverse mortgage or cashing in shares.

“They might realise that’s a great way to help their kids or grandkids, and earlier rather than later,” says Vanessa, author of The Five Conversations About Money That Will Radically Change Your Life. “It might help them start their own business or buy a home or pay for the grandchildren’s education. The earlier the conversations

start, the easier it is to tease out what the younger people want and work out ways to help them on their life’s trajectory.

“It puts power in the giver’s hands because, if you start a dialogue, you can control it and make sure everyone has a chance to talk. And giving with warm hands is a really nice way to give, as you’ll still be there to see the results of your giving and watch your kids follow their dreams; it’s almost like going to your own funeral!”

KNOW YOUR OWN NEEDS

Of course, it’s important to have good financial advice before anything is signed, sealed or delivered to make sure you’ll have enough resources to look after yourself into old age, and at a time when we’re all living much longer.

“You have to think of yourself first,” says Nathan Fradley, senior adviser with Tribeca Financial. “It sounds selfish, but you’ve worked hard for a long time and, in all likelihood, supported those who are

going to inherit your money, and you shouldn’t underestimate what you’ve already provided.

“Everyone wants to enjoy their retirement and you need enough money if you plan to move into a retirement village later, or even to stay in your own house. But you should have a conversation with beneficiaries about their inheritance, or pre-inheritance – if you want to be around to enjoy it together.”

The easiest way is to call a

“Giving with warm hands is a really nice way to give, as you’ll still be there to watch your kids follow their dreams.”

VANESSA STOYKOV Money educator

family meeting, connecting anyone who lives far away via Zoom or FaceTime, and creating an agenda that you can work through and spell out your thoughts. Then set a date for another meeting maybe a month later, so everyone’s had time to think, and they can give their considered responses, rather than having to frame them in the heat of the moment.

Everyone should have a chance to present their views. There may be some people who disagree with your plans but, as long as they know in advance, there will be less room for anger or bitterness afterwards.

“It can be more difficult if you’re planning to skip a generation or maybe there’s a black sheep in your family you’re missing out,” says Nathan. “Blended families can be difficult too. But that’s where you need a wellwritten will from a lawyer.”

CONSIDER A MEDIATOR

If you anticipate discussions may become rancorous, you might want to ask an outsider to come and mediate. Lisa Christo, senior associate at NDA Law, has often been involved in family meetings.

“It can be helpful to guide people through complex issues and field any questions, like concerns with tax issues, and help move towards consensus,” Lisa says. “It can get a bit tense from time-totime, but it’s surprising how often the conversations go really well.

“Everyone is generally grateful for the opportunity to have their say and having a third person there can be good for deflecting any conflict. It’s good not to let any discord fester and anxieties grow, so that no-one’s left wondering.”

As well as leaving money to their loved ones, many people also like to make bequests to a favourite charity or cause. This can be done as part of the will, or by adding a codicil to an already existing will. As with the rest of your will, it’s recommended to talk to your family about what you’re doing, and why you feel strongly about it, so that they can help carry out your final wishes.

At Cancer Council NSW, bequests make up around a quarter of income and they’re absolutely treasured. “These make a huge difference to us, as with any

Professional advice is recommended, however, to help make sure your assets go exactly where you want them to, and to minimise any tax burden. It’s a complex area. There’s no inheritance tax in Australia as there is, for instance, in the UK, but there may be other tax implications depending on the type of assets, such as superannuation or shares. Those things should also be raised and discussed in the family meeting. “There can be bitterness

other organisation, and we’re always grateful for any amount left to us,” says Jasmine Hooper, the charity’s gifts in wills manager.

“All that revenue goes into research, prevention, advocacy, and programs.

“It’s the most amazing gift that people can ever give and even a small bequest can make a massive impact for an organisation close to someone’s heart. For us, it really helps other Australians and more people around the world through our research, and it’s leaving something for the next generation who will follow.”

in families about inheritances, but the best way to avoid that is to have that conversation as soon as possible,” Vanessa says. “Once everyone has had a say about what they think, then often everyone feels so much better. They can get on with their lives, and hopefully live the best lives possible.”

Make your wishes for your loved ones and legacies clear in a will. For a free legal will kit from Australian Seniors, go to seniors.com.au and search ‘will’.

This is general information. You should seek appropriate professional advice specific to your circumstances.

“It’s the most amazing gift that people can ever give and even a small bequest can make a massive impact.”

JASMINE HOOPER Cancer Council NSW

VOLUNTEER BOOST

We’re big on volunteering in Australia, and while it has untold benefits for the community, it can give you a leg-up in your career too.

W

Australians typically volunteer in three stages – as young adults, older adults and just before or after retirement. “Older adults still working who are time-poor will volunteer doing things like coaching sport,” Gemma says. “We see a lot of volunteers about to retire or who have retired, too. Volunteers will always tell you they get so much out of it – and while it very much depends on the type of volunteering you do, there are well-known health benefits to doing it, too.”

Beyond the ‘helper’s high’ of giving back, there’s a great sense of feeling connected to your community and like you’re a part of something. “Plus, if you’re volunteering for a cause such as the environment, you can often actually see the difference you’ve made,” says Gemma. “It makes you happy, which can’t be underestimated. Some studies suggest it helps you live longer, too – which is probably down to that feeling of being connected, being engaged and thinking, and staying active.”

hether you’re delivering Meals on Wheels or mucking in on weekends for an environmental project, many of us like to donate our time to a good cause. And volunteering is about much more than a warm, fuzzy feeling and sense of reward; it could also be good for your career, too.IMPACT ON YOUR CAREER

“We log around 1.5 billion hours of volunteering per year in NSW alone,” says Gemma Rygate, CEO at The Centre for Volunteering.

“And while we don’t want to always measure everything against the dollar, there’s a massive financial benefit to volunteering for the

Ever worked for a company that let you volunteer in work hours as part of professional development? It’s a thing, and it can lead to a happier, more engaged workforce (and enable the company to tick a box on corporate social responsibility, too). “This is a great trend and we’d love to see more of it, especially by companies in regional areas because it would have great benefits for those

communities also,” says Gemma. One of the best times to volunteer is if you’re between jobs, as it looks great on your CV and can open doors into paid work, too. “It’s easy to search for a volunteering role at volunteer.com.au and I definitely recommend highlighting those volunteering stints on your résumé, because this shows a different sort of attitude to an employer. It tells them that you’re open to giving your time willingly to something beyond yourself, which is really appealing.”

Gemma explains that volunteering can give you a career boost in three ways:

1. It helps you upskill. Many people don’t even think about the skills they’ve acquired through volunteering, but they should. “These are credible skills and they can definitely transfer into paid work.”

2. You get to try a niche. Volunteering can help guide you towards your chosen career, or career change. “It’s a great opportunity to dabble in an area you may not have had exposure to in the past and a good precursor to working in that sphere.”

3. It may lead to paid work.

The people you connect with as a volunteer really can open doors for you. “Many, many people start volunteering for an organisation, display their skills and commitment, and end up in a paid role or are able to take the skills they’ve learned into other paid work. The networking can be hugely beneficial.” 

When Joy’s firstborn son, 18-year-old Anthony, died suddenly, she remembers going to a place of grief that she’d never imagined. “I felt like I was living on another planet,” she remembers. “One night I couldn’t sleep, so I went to the library and found a book in the grief section by a US organisation called The Compassionate Friends. I ended up in a support group held by the Sydney office, and for the first time, I had this sense I was going to be OK.”

Joy started volunteering for The Compassionate Friends and 20 years later, is the recipient of the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award 2022 from The Centre for Volunteering.

She initially started volunteering one day a week while working as a nurse manager and health researcher and says volunteering also had great impacts on her own career. “When you’re a bereaved parent your confidence goes out the window

and volunteering helped build up my self-esteem again, which had an impact on my own job,” she say. “The skills I learned as a volunteer, like [business management program] MYOB and bookkeeping, also boosted my computer skills and the statistical analysis I was doing at work, on the health research side of things.”

Joy, who retired at 58, now volunteers two days a week doing everything from training group facilitators to organising events and supporting other grieving parents. “I remember once speaking to a bereaved mum on the phone who said it was the first time she felt heard,” Joy says.

“I love being amongst a group of volunteers from all walks of life; we’d never have crossed paths if our children hadn’t died.

“We’re honouring them. I call it my ‘Anthony time’ when I volunteer, because I like to think he’d still allow me in his life as his mum, and it’s a way of keeping him in mine.”

“Volunteering helped build up my self-esteem again”

JOY RAPPO, 69 2022 Senior Volunteer of the Year

GHOST STORY

What does it mean to ‘ghost’ somebody, is it really as scary as it sounds – and what prompts people just to disappear from someone’s life?

This is a tale of the ghosts that walk among us, those people who for no apparent reason decide to simply vanish from your life. They ‘ghost’ you.

The term ghosting first appeared almost a decade ago and is now a firm part of the lexicon, used to describe the silent end to all sorts of relationships, be it between relatives, friends or work colleagues. But it’s the romantic ghost who predominantly comes to mind; the person who absconds after you’ve moved on from the initial flirting or even dating.

And while this behaviour is not necessarily new in the world of courting, it’s definitely been enabled

in the modern world, thanks to the role of apps and messaging.

“Because people are hiding behind a screen, they are doing things they wouldn’t normally do to someone face to face,” says Melissa Ferrari, psychotherapist and relationship counsellor. “So technology is absolutely contributing to that. And it’s causing a lot of problems for a lot of people.”

Many of those ghosted can feel overwhelming rejection and confusion, trying to work out what they’ve done to justify such treatment and making them hesitant to start dating again. “Someone can think that they’re just subtly letting someone go, but actually it can have

a really detrimental effect,” Melissa says. “Most people will question, ‘What is wrong with me?’ And in fact, it probably has nothing to do with you.”

What, then, is the reason that someone would turn and leave without explanation? Melissa has a few theories. One is that the ghost simply can’t deal with closure. “A lot of people [ghost] because they actually can’t confront you, they don’t want to go through the process of ending.”

For others, she says, there could be more to their story than you’re aware. “Some people genuinely do have something going on in their lives and realise, ‘Gee, I can’t do this relationship thing right now’. They may have their own mental health issues, or are dealing with problems. They may be seeing if they can start an affair, then get cold feet.”

What can you do if you find yourself ghosted? “Reframe it,” is the first step, says Melissa. “Say to yourself, this is not about me.”

Even though the relationship may not have been long lasting, experts advise treating it as such. Allow yourself to grieve it and move on. Treat yourself. Spend time with those who do appreciate you. If you’re still finding it hard, do see a professional.

For those who may be prone to acting in this way, it’s never too late to change tactics. The key to avoiding ghosting behaviour is empathy. “Realise that there is somebody at the other end,” Melissa says. “It’s really about what you would do to someone if you were in front of them.”

YOUR LEGACY WITHOUT BORDERS

A gift in your Will to Médecins Sans Frontières will ensure we can continue to respond rapidly to emergencies whenever they occur and provide medical aid, where and when it is needed most.

Find out how to leave a lasting legacy.

msf.org.au/bequest

CRYPTIC & STRAIGHT CROSSWORD

BRICK IN THE WALL

Blown, braid, brain, brand, brown, feint, flint, flirt, gland, glint, grain, grand, grant, groin, grown

RED HERRINGS

Fennel, Ginger, RED HERRING, RED HERRING, Chives, Nutmeg, Garlic, Chilli, Parsley, Cloves

SEEING DOUBLE

1. HELIUM

2. FELINE

3. MIGHTY

4. TIGHTS

5. LATHER

6. METHOD

7. TROUGH

8. CLOUDY

9. ABSEIL

10. DESERT

Mystery keyword: LIGHTHOUSE SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

MEGA CROSSWORD

SMART TRAVELLER

Whether you’re jetting off overseas or just heading down the coast, the right tech in your bag can be your ticket to a stress-free journey.

The smartphone in your pocket is your most valuable travel gadget, says veteran travel and technology journalist Angus Kidman. “Along with taking photos, your smartphone gives you easy access to all your bookings and other travel details while you’re on the road,” he says.

“It also puts your favourite map application in your pocket and I always download maps before I travel, so if there are reception dramas I can still get around easily.”

Considering how often your

smartphone might save the day, a portable power bank is critical for those times when there isn’t a power outlet at hand. Look for at least 15,000mAh capacity, Angus says, to ensure you’ve got enough juice.

PLUGGING IN

When it comes to overseas travel, power adaptors let you plug in your Australian devices – but they don’t convert the voltage, so ensure your devices support 100V-240V dual voltage, which means they can handle all AC voltage outlets. (Many travel gadgets are dual voltage.)

Universal adaptors work with any

wall socket and save you carrying multiple adaptors if you are on a world trip. On the downside, Angus says their bulk means you often can’t use them in low wall sockets and they tend to fall out of sockets.

“Instead, plan out where you’re travelling and take an adaptor for each place. A combination of European, UK and US adaptors will cover you pretty much everywhere – maybe pack a compact Australian power board if you need to charge a few things at the same time.”

WEIGHING BAGS

Other handy items are travel scales, which help you escape excess baggage charges. “I have two sets of travel scales: a super-cheap light digital scale, which I use when I’m aiming for a sub-7kg bag for flying with a bargain airline, and a more expensive version that can handle a 20kg case,” Angus says.“The key is to have a solid hook and strap, so you can lift the heavier bag without breaking the scale.”

TRACKING LUGGAGE

Smart luggage can offer a range of handy features, from built-in tracking to a battery for charging your gadgets, but make sure the battery is removable to avoid problems at airline check-in. Alternatively, electronic luggage tags such as Apple AirTags can make for a wise investment in this era of airline chaos. “If your bag does go missing, you’ll often know where it’s ended up before the airline does,” Angus says.

For our comprehensive guide to travel tech gadgets, turn the page 

Charging Australian devices from overseas wall sockets (devices must support 100V-240V dual voltage) PLAN / TECH / TRAVEL

Charging your devices on the go

SCALES Avoiding excess luggage fees

LUGGAGE TAGS Finding lost luggage

SMART

LUGGAGE Tracking your bag and/or charging your devices

1.

WHAT IS THE THYROID?

It’s a gland in the neck that makes hormones – chemicals that travel and act on target organs elsewhere in the body. Thyroid hormones govern growth in childhood and metabolism in adulthood. Disorders can include hyperthyroidism, where the gland speeds up, thyroid nodules, and cancer of the thyroid – but the most common problem as we age is hypothyroidism.

2.

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?

It’s a condition where the thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. The most common cause is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s disease, which damages the gland. Our work suggests that over 10% of the general population in Australia have Hashimoto’s, and that’s probably a conservative estimate; past the age of 65-70 around a quarter to a third of the population have antibodies that show a risk of hypothyroidism. It’s more common in women than men and runs in families.

4.

WHEN TO GET TESTED

SPOTLIGHT ON THE THYROID

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in our health throughout life, but as we get older it can become prone to dysfunction. Endocrinologist Professor Creswell Eastman, from the University of Sydney, explains five essential things you need to know about it.

Words HELEN FOSTER

3.

KEY SYMPTOMS

Age-related thyroid disease develops very slowly – sometimes over many years – and symptoms are often just put down to old age. My own mother was diagnosed with heart disease and Alzheimer’s in her 70s, but as soon as I saw her I knew it was her underactive thyroid. Symptoms can include a decline in intellectual sharpness, weight changes, slow pulse, yellowing of the skin and/or palms, hair loss and facial bloating, like swelling under the eyes – all caused by a slowing of the system.

My message is simple. If you have symptoms of an underactive thyroid, ask for a thyroid hormone test and a test for thyroid antibodies. Even if your thyroid is performing normally now, the presence of antibodies indicates a greater risk of developing hypothyroidism in the future. In this case, you should be checked regularly and ensure there is enough iodine (found in dairy, seafood and iodised salt) in your diet. Iodine is essential for thyroid health.

5 .

MEDICATION WORKS

If an underactive thyroid is diagnosed the treatment is a drug called levothyroxine, which replaces our T4 thyroid hormone. It’s very effective but it must be taken regularly and on an empty stomach. If symptoms don’t improve, 1-2% of patients also need to replace a second hormone called T3, but more commonly it’s another condition, like sleep apnoea or Type 2 diabetes, causing the ongoing symptoms. If your symptoms continue, speak with your doctor.

For further information, the Australian Thyroid Foundation (thyroidfoundation.org.au) offers advice and support.

A FITTING SEND-OFF

In the midst of grief after losing a loved one, it can be hard to know which way is up. Here are some practical tips for choosing a funeral director to help you navigate the red tape of saying goodbye.

In Australia, it’s legally possible to arrange most aspects of a funeral yourself, without the help of a professional. However, strict government regulations and industry policies can make DIY a more complicated and drawn-out process. To alleviate stress, most people opt to hire a funeral director to handle the legals and logistics; allowing loved ones to focus on myriad other arrangements that need to be made after a death.

WHERE TO BEGIN

There are lots of steps to consider when you’re planning a funeral. First, find out if your loved one had prepaid for theirs, purchased

a grave site, or specified their wishes around burial or cremation – look for a legal will or a set of instructions left in the home. Also find out if they had any insurance policies that may contribute towards the funeral, or if they belonged to any club, pensioner association or trade union that may entitle them to a funeral benefit. Centrelink also offers bereavement payments in some circumstances.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR’S ROLE

A funeral director can offer advice and support during a very difficult time. They usually take on responsibility for collecting and caring for the body, preparing and

lodging legal documents (including registering the death), supplying the coffin or casket, contacting the cemetery or crematorium, paying all fees and arranging flowers and newspaper notices for the ceremony.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Canvass friends and family for recommendations for funeral directors and then meet with at least two candidates to discuss their options and your requirements. There is usually a lot of information to take in, so bring a friend or family member to take notes.

Funeral costs vary widely, depending on how simple or elaborate the ceremony is, and funeral directors are required to provide a detailed quote before you enter into any agreement with them. Make sure you ask how and where the body will be cared for and if you will be able to view or visit without extra costs. Also inquire about more affordable options for coffins or caskets, what is and isn’t included in the packages offered, and if there are any hidden fees. From music to transport – make sure you know what you’re paying for.

Ultimately, it’s important to choose a funeral director who understands your needs and has both your budget and best interests at heart. If they are not transparent about their services, costs and protocols, it is perfectly acceptable to look elsewhere. 

To help loved ones with your funeral costs, consider Seniors Funeral Insurance . To find out more, call 1300 356 681 or go to seniors.com.au

The Last Word Annabel Crabb

The Walkley Award-winning political correspondent has cooked and dined with the who’s who of Australian politics in Kitchen Cabinet, taken us Back in Time, and this year marked her 50th birthday with a one-woman stand-up show at the Adelaide Fringe.

Who has been the most surprising guest on your Kitchen Cabinet TV show? I don’t have favourites because I work at the ABC! But former National Party senator Nigel Scullion marooning me in a dinghy in a croc-infested creek then releasing an angry mud crab into the dinghy was… surprising.

The best (and worst) cook? Nigel was actually a terrific cook. And the mud crab was delicious! Tanya Plibersek is also seriously good. The worst? Well, I do recall that Joe Hockey was unable to locate the knife drawer. In his own kitchen.

One ingredient you put in everything? I can find a way to include capers in just about anything. I love them. Especially fried in butter, which is my other favourite ingredient.

What do you prefer, being behind the keyboard or in front of the camera? Keyboard, because writing is my first love. But TV lets you show people stuff in a really powerful way.

Something you’ve learned from filming the Back in Time ABC TV series? I love that show, because it gives you a little glimpse of ordinary life and the sorts of things that have disappeared from everyday experience. I love seeing the kids be utterly flummoxed by a rotary dial phone.

Do you have a favourite item of clothing? Yes, a Vivienne Westwood asymmetrical silver lamé cocktail dress that I bought on eBay 20 years ago (I love op shops and second-hand). It makes me feel absolutely fabulous, every single time I wear it.

The most adventurous thing you’ve done? My show at the Adelaide Fringe. That was quite scary. Also, weirdly, making Kitchen Cabinet for the first time [in 2012] was quite scary. I was a political reporter and I feared that people would think I was ridiculous for doing a cooking show.

Your guiltiest pleasure? Reading in bed. I’d rather be doing that than almost anything else in life. But it makes me feel guilty that I’m not working, or doing stuff with my three kids!

Best advice you’d give to your teenage self? I’d give her a talk about whose opinion to care about. And she’d ignore me. And that’s probably the way it should be.

What would you like on your tombstone? “She tried.”

Kitchen Cabinet With Annabel Crabb returns to ABC TV soon with a new series. Catch up on previous series now on ABC iview.