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"It was devastating": Grandfather loses $1 million in scam before his death

A "vulnerable" and "lonely" grandfather lost over $1 million in a complex scam in the months before he died, with his son now issuing a warning to others. Adrian Heartsch was described by his family as a "frugal" man, who had no experience with online banking before becoming involved in the scam. “Unless he knew exactly what he was paying for – he wouldn’t pay for it,” his son Simon Heartsch told A Current Affair. “I said to him if somebody can scam you, they can scam anybody.” He soon connected with someone online, who called themselves a woman named Vida and charmed him with sweet talk and pet names, and soon earned his trust. “He wasn’t alone, but he was lonely. He had no company, he didn’t even have his dog anymore to talk to,” his son told ACA. “So I guess he’s vulnerable in that way.” The woman convinced Mr Heartsch to send her several Apple gift cards, claiming he would be given over $20 million worth of gold bars or gold bullion in return. She also promised the grandfather that she would come to Australia and live “happily ever after” with him. Simon only discovered the truth about his father's finance and the long-running scam when Adrian landed in hospital. “We brought up these emails that were just gobsmacking,” he said. “The story grew from $300,000 to $600,000 to up and up and up … over a million dollars.” The ruse had been going on for three years, and saw Mr Heartsch buy up to $10,000 worth of Apple gift cards from several shops in a single day. Simon said his father was “mortified” after learning the truth and didn’t want to pursue a case with the police. The scam cost the 77-year-old almost everything, robbing him of his savings, truck and caravan, leaving him with only his home. Shortly after, Mr Heartsch fell “sicker and sicker” as his health deteriorated, and he passed away a month after his family learned of the scam. “It was like all this was the nail in the coffin, it was devastating for him, his whole life savings he’s lost,” said Simon. Adrian's family went searching for answers, and with the help of a cyber security expert, discovered that the scammer was operating out of Ghana in West Africa. Following his father’s death, Simon urged others to watch out for loved ones who may be vulnerable to “horrible” scammers. “They’re ruining peoples’ lives. They’re speeding up people’s deaths,” he said. “They’re preying on the vulnerable.” Image credits: A Current Affair

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COVID is surging in Australia – and only 1 in 5 older adults are up to date with their boosters

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adrian-esterman-1022994">Adrian Esterman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Do you have family members or friends sick with a respiratory infection? If so, there’s a good chance it’s COVID, caused by the JN.1 variant currently circulating in Australia. In particular, New South Wales is reportedly experiencing its <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-09/nsw-sydney-covid-variant-virus-pandemic-hospitalisations/103298610">highest levels</a> of COVID infections in a year, while Victoria is said to be facing a “<a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-in-midst-of-double-wave-of-covid19--as-jn1-triggers-infections-surge/4dada2cb-7d56-436a-9490-cad1d908a29a">double wave</a>” after a surge late last year. But nearly four years into the pandemic, data collection is less comprehensive than it was, and of course, fewer people are testing. So what do we know about the extent of this wave? And importantly, are we adequately protected? <h2>Difficulties with data</h2> Tracking COVID numbers was easier in the first half of last year, when each state and territory provided a weekly update, giving us data on case notifications, hospitalisations, ICU numbers and deaths. In the second half of the year some states and territories switched to less frequent reporting while others stopped their regular updates. As a result, different jurisdictions now report at different intervals and provide varying statistics. For example, <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/victorian-covid-19-surveillance-report">Victoria</a> still provides weekly reports, while NSW publishes <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/respiratory-surveillance-20240106.pdf">fortnightly updates</a>. While each offer different metrics, we can gather – particularly from data on hospitalisations – that both states are experiencing a wave. We’re also seeing high levels of COVID <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/victorian-covid-19-surveillance-report">in wastewater</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="https://health.nt.gov.au/covid-19/data">Northern Territory Health</a> simply tell you to go to the Australian government’s Department of Health website for COVID data. This houses the only national COVID <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/reporting?language=und">data collection</a>. Unfortunately, it’s not up to date, difficult to use, and, depending on the statistic, often provides no state and territory breakdowns. Actual case notifications are provided on a separate <a href="https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/">website</a>, although given the lack of testing, these are likely to be highly inaccurate. The <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/reporting?language=und">Department of Health website</a> does provide some other data that gives us clues as to what’s happening. For example, as of one month ago, there were 317 active outbreaks of COVID in aged care homes. This figure has been generally rising since September. Monthly prescriptions for antivirals on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme were increasing rapidly in November, but we are not given more recent data on this. It’s also difficult to obtain information about currently circulating strains. Data expert Mike Honey provides a regularly updated <a href="https://github.com/Mike-Honey/covid-19-genomes?tab=readme-ov-file#readme">snapshot</a> for Australia based on data from GISAID (the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data) that shows JN.1 rising in prevalence and accounting for about 40% of samples two weeks ago. The proportion is presumably higher now. <h2>What’s happening elsewhere?</h2> Many other countries are currently going through a COVID wave, probably driven to a large extent by JN.1. These include <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/506301/covid-19-complacency-waning-immunity-contribute-to-fifth-wave-epidemiologist">New Zealand</a>, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/facemasks-mandatory-spain-hospitals-b2475563.html">Spain, Greece</a> and the United States. According to cardiologist and scientist Eric Topol, the US is currently experiencing its <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-01-04/covid-2024-flu-virus-vaccine">second biggest wave</a> since the start of the pandemic, linked to JN.1. <h2>Are vaccines still effective?</h2> It’s expected the current COVID vaccines, which target the omicron variant XBB.1.5, are still <a href="https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/seven-things-you-need-know-about-jn1-covid-19-variant">effective</a> at reducing hospitalisations and deaths from JN.1 (also an omicron offshoot). The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updated their <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-on-the-covid-19-vaccination-program">advice</a> on booster shots in September last year. They recommended adults aged over 75 should receive an additional COVID vaccine dose in 2023 if six months had passed since their last dose. They also suggest all adults aged 65 to 74 (plus adults of any age who are severely immunocompromised) should consider getting an updated booster. They say younger people or older adults who are not severely immunocompromised and have already had a dose in 2023 don’t need further doses. This advice is very confusing. For example, although ATAGI does not recommend additional booster shots for younger age groups, does this mean they’re not allowed to have one? In any case, as of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-update-8-december-2023?language=en">December 6</a>, only 19% of people aged 65 and over had received a booster shot in the last six months. For those aged 75 and over, this figure is 23%. Where is the messaging to these at-risk groups explaining why updating their boosters is so important? <h2>Should we be concerned by this wave?</h2> That depends on who we mean by “we”. For those who are vulnerable, absolutely. Mainly because so few have received an updated booster shot and very few people, including the elderly, are wearing masks. For the majority of people, a COVID infection is unlikely to be serious. The biggest concern for younger people is the risk of long COVID, which research suggests <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02051-3">increases</a> with each reinfection. <h2>What should we expect in 2024?</h2> It’s highly likely we will see repeated waves of infections over the next 12 months and beyond, mainly caused by waning immunity from previous infection, vaccination or both, and new subvariants. Unless a new subvariant causes more severe disease (and at this stage, there’s no evidence JN.1 does), we should be able to manage quite well, without our hospitals becoming overwhelmed. However, we should be doing more to protect our vulnerable population. Having only one in five older people up to date with a booster and more than 300 outbreaks in aged care homes is not acceptable. For those who are vulnerable, the usual advice applies. Make sure you’re up to date with your booster shots, wear a P2/N95 mask when out and about, and if you do get infected, take antivirals as soon as possible.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/220839/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adrian-esterman-1022994">Adrian Esterman</a>, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-is-surging-in-australia-and-only-1-in-5-older-adults-are-up-to-date-with-their-boosters-220839">original article</a>.

Body

1 in 4 adults think smacking is necessary to ‘properly raise’ kids. But attitudes are changing

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/divna-haslam-893417">Divna Haslam</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> “Do you want a smack?!” This has been a common refrain from many parents across history. Right along with “just wait till your father gets home”. Somehow parents thought this threat of violence would magically improve their child’s behaviour. The United Nations <a href="https://www.right-to-education.org/sites/right-to-education.org/files/resource-attachments/CRC_1989.pdf">Convention on the Rights of the Child</a> considers smacking and all types of physical punishment, however mild, a violation of child rights. It’s banned in <a href="https://endcorporalpunishment.org/countdown/">65 countries</a>. Yet it remains <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/resources/resource-sheets/physical-punishment-legislation#:%7E:text=Physical%20punishment%20by%20a%20parent%20towards%20a%20child%20remains%20lawful,'">legal</a> in Australia for parents to use “reasonable force” for discipline. Children are the only group of people it remains legal to hit. Our <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajs4.301">new research</a> found one in four Australians still think physical punishment is necessary to “properly raise” children. And half of parents (across all age groups) reported smacking their children. But attitudes are slowly changing, with newer generations of parents less likely to smack their kids than previous ones. <h2>What is physical punishment?</h2> <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1njkrb">Physical</a> or “corporal” punishment is the use of physical force to cause pain, but not injury, to discipline a child for misbehaviour. It’s distinct from physical abuse which is more extreme and not used to correct behaviour. Physical punishment is <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajs4.276#:%7E:text=Corporal%20punishment%20(CP)%20is%20the,and%20Christian%20missionaries%20during%20colonisation.">the most common type</a> of violence against children. It usually involves smacking, but also includes things like pinching, slapping, or using an implement such as wooden spoon, cane or belt. Smacking doesn’t actually work and makes behaviour <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797617729816?casa_token=YHpEf1m4GiwAAAAA%3A8VRH5_z9fufHJiFGpWVYAk0kuTZCCRB-zneATDatqfLomERAhcyyIES30hMPdIIQ-E-IHOTekiC0Zg&journalCode=pssa">worse over time</a>. And it’s <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ffam0000191">associated with</a> children internalising problems, increased child aggression, poor parent-child relationships, poorer metal heath and more. In contrast, there are a lot of non-violent parenting strategies that <a href="https://theconversation.com/research-shows-its-harmful-to-smack-your-child-so-what-should-parents-do-instead-186739">do work</a>. <h2>Assessing the state of smacking in Australia</h2> We conducted the first <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajs4.301">study</a> to comprehensively assess the state of smacking and physical punishment in Australia. We wanted to determine if smacking was still common and how many Australians believed we need to smack our kids. We interviewed more than 8,500 Australians aged 16 to 65 years. Our sample was representative of the national population so we can be confident the findings represent the thoughts and experiences of Australians as a nation. Using such a large age range allowed us to compare people across different age groups to determine if changes are occurring. <h2>What we found</h2> Overall, six in ten (62.5%) Australians between 16–65 years had experienced four or more instances of smacking or physical punishment in childhood. Men were slightly more likely to be physically punished than women (66.3% v 59.1%). Young people, aged 16–24, reported slightly lower rates (58.4%) than older people suggesting a slight decline over time. But these rates remain unacceptably high. Overall, one in two (53.7%) Australian parents reported using some type of physical punishment, mostly about once a month. However, older parents reported on this retrospectively (what they did while raising children) and there were clear age differences: <ul> <li>64.2% of parents aged over 65 years had used physical punishment</li> <li>32.8% of parents 25–34 years had used it</li> <li>14.4% of parents under 24 had used it.</li> </ul> So younger generations of parents are substantially less likely to use physical punishment. <iframe id="3dcJw" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3dcJw/2/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> Concerningly, one-quarter (26.4%) of all Australians still believe physical punishment is necessary to properly raise children. But the vast majority (73.6%) do not. And generational change is occurring. Some 37.9% of Australians older than 65 believe physical punishment is necessary compared to 22.9% of those aged 35–44 years, and only 14.8% of people under age 24. <iframe id="NT51y" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NT51y/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> Socioeconomically disadvantaged people are 2.3 times more likely to believe physical punishment is necessary than those with no disadvantage. Parents who had been physically disciplined when they were children were both more likely to believe it is needed and more likely to use it with their own children. This indicates this form of violence is transmitted across generations. <h2>Time for change</h2> Law reform works best when changes in community attitudes and behaviours are already occurring. So it’s encouraging that younger people are much less likely to believe physical punishment is necessary and are much less likely to use it. This suggests Australians may be open to prohibiting this common form of violence. All states and territories should immediately enact legal reform to prohibit corporal punishment and protect the rights of Australian children. This should be paired with public health and education campaigns about what parents can do instead. If you are a parent looking for effective non-violent parenting strategies the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/406-million-to-support-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-of-aussie-kids">government</a> has also made the <a href="https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-en/free-parenting-courses/triple-p-online-under-12/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_mmMmbY3khwvp306pGOijqntKzYh6dDI5lQYszLgl6_BOGnuk8HMeEaAn_vEALw_wcB">Triple P Positive Parenting Program</a> available for free. This online program provides practical strategies parents can use to encourage positive behaviour and calm, alternative discipline techniques that can be used to instead of smacking. A number of other evidence-based programs, such as <a href="https://tuningintokids.org.au/">Tuning Into Kids</a>, Parents Under Pressure and <a href="https://www.pcit.org/pcit-in-australia.html">Parent Child Interaction Therapy</a>, are also available. Australia has an opportunity to capitalise on naturally occurring societal changes. We can interrupt this cycle of violence and give more Australians a childhood free of violence. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/218837/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/divna-haslam-893417">Divna Haslam</a>, Senior Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-in-4-adults-think-smacking-is-necessary-to-properly-raise-kids-but-attitudes-are-changing-218837">original article</a>.

Caring

About 1 in 6 older Australians experiences elder abuse. Here are the reasons they don’t get help

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/eileen-obrien-95332">Eileen O'Brien</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/catriona-stevens-1455614">Catriona Stevens</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/loretta-virginia-baldassar-1485078">Loretta Virginia Baldassar</a> Each year, many older Australians experience abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, usually at the hands of their adult children or other close relatives. A recent <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/research/research-reports/national-elder-abuse-prevalence-study-final-report">national prevalence study</a> revealed one in six older Australians living at home experiences elder abuse. This may encompass various forms of abuse, such as emotional, financial, social, physical and sexual abuse, or neglect. Despite elder abuse being such a common problem, older people often don’t get the help they need. With the right responses, we can make it easier for those working with older people, and the wider community, to support them. Our <a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2023-11/everyones_business_research_into_responses_to_the_abuse_of_older_in_wa_report.pdf">new research</a> reveals the key reasons older people experiencing harm do not receive the support they so desperately need. Our study included a survey of nearly 700 service providers throughout Western Australia. Respondents worked in diverse fields including healthcare, law, aged care, financial services and law enforcement. We found four key obstacles to people getting help with elder abuse. 1. Older people are too scared to report abuse. Older people are often afraid to report abuse because they fear repercussions both for themselves and for the perpetrator, usually an adult child or other close relative. These concerns can mean an older person endures abuse for a long time. They may only seek help when the situation escalates to an extreme level or when someone else notices the ongoing mistreatment. Equally important, they may fear other negative outcomes of reporting abuse. They may fear having to leave their home and enter residential care. They may fear increased isolation and loneliness, or that the abuse will get worse. All these fears combined create a formidable barrier to older people promptly reporting abuse and getting the help they need. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElderAbuse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElderAbuse</a> is more common than people realize. It can happen: In their own homes In hospitals In nursing homes or other kinds of long-term care facilities Learn more, including how to prevent elder abuse: <a href="https://t.co/CAkBHQO4gm">https://t.co/CAkBHQO4gm</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alzheimers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alzheimers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dementia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dementia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aging?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aging</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/geriatrics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#geriatrics</a> <a href="https://t.co/gO3Dc6Dy3Z">pic.twitter.com/gO3Dc6Dy3Z</a> — Ian Kremer (@LEAD_Coalition) <a href="https://twitter.com/LEAD_Coalition/status/1720567529200918550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2023</a></blockquote> 2. Older people don’t know where to turn for help Elder abuse cases are often complex, involving long family histories and complicated relationships. Older people trying to improve their situation may need support from multiple service providers. The challenge of accessing the right services and acting on their advice can be daunting. Addressing complicated matters may require intensive support and advocacy for an extended time. In the words of one experienced advocate, <blockquote> People don’t need to know the next ten steps. They need to know one step, maybe two, and then see where they are at. </blockquote> Helping older people feel empowered to seek help requires simple, accessible channels of assistance, promoted through multiple formats and outreach efforts. 3. Government-funded responses to family violence are more focused on intimate partner violence and child protection, leaving elder abuse out of the picture Most programs targeting family violence prioritise intimate partner violence and child protection, inadvertently sidelining elder abuse. Services such as shelters and perpetrator programs are not always compatible with the distinct characteristics of elder abuse. Additionally, the gendered nature of family violence responses fails to address the diverse demographics of elder abuse, which includes older men. As a result, older people, regardless of gender, may struggle to access supports suited to their needs. A refuge manager explained: <blockquote> When a bed becomes available we have this awful job of deciding who’s more high-risk and who gets the bed. If an older person needs the bed, as opposed to a single mum with a newborn, unfortunately we would go with the mum. That really presents a barrier where there isn’t refuge accommodation specifically for older people. </blockquote> There is a pressing need for a shift in focus to better recognise elder abuse as a significant issue and tailor responses to meet the specific needs of older people. This includes creating safe and accessible refuge options and providing specialised support services to address the multifaceted nature of elder abuse. 4. There’s low public awareness about what elder abuse looks like or how to respond Awareness of elder abuse remains surprisingly low, hindering effective responses. Changing this requires clear public information campaigns and community-wide conversations about abuse. This includes greater awareness of the challenge for well-meaning adult children who might limit the choices of their older relatives, thinking they know best. This can result in unintended social isolation or even neglect. A society that speaks openly about elder abuse, without stigma, is better equipped to support victims and intervene. By building public knowledge and promoting a culture where such issues can be freely discussed, we lay the groundwork for reducing its incidence. We are living longer lives than ever before, meaning we can expect to spend more years in older age than previous generations. This is good news, but also means we need to do more work to support people to age well. Positive steps we can all take include tackling ageism when we see it and normalising conversations about abuse so older people can feel confident to seek help when it’s needed.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216827/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/eileen-obrien-95332">Eileen O'Brien</a>, Professor of Law, Discipline of Law, Justice and Society, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/catriona-stevens-1455614">Catriona Stevens</a>, Forrest Prospect Fellow in Sociology and Anthropology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/loretta-virginia-baldassar-1485078">Loretta Virginia Baldassar</a>, Vice Chancellor Professorial Research Fellow, School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/about-1-in-6-older-australians-experiences-elder-abuse-here-are-the-reasons-they-dont-get-help-216827">original article</a>.

Legal

1 in 6 older adults fall victim to impersonation scams

More older adults are likely to fall victim to scams than are currently recognised according to new US research. The problems are global. <div class="copy"> A research team from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, US, says older Americans who aren’t cognitively impeded, are also at risk. In their study <a href="https://10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35319" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> today in JAMA Network Open, the group reports on a behavioural experiment where they targeted 644 adults aged 64-104 in Rush’s Memory and Aging Project – a local scheme that draws on participants from metropolitan Chicago to participate in research – with a pitch mimicking a real-world impersonation scam. The study’s fictitious ‘US Retirement Protection Task Force’ pitched itself to participants as a government social security initiative. This USRPTF told participants via either post, email or a telephone call there’d been irregular activity on their Medicare or social security file and the inquiry was a routine account security check. As part of this, the fake agency asked participants to call a telephone hotline or login to a provided website to provide their details. Over two-thirds of the study failed to respond to any attempts to obtain information by the phoney scheme. The remainder were evenly split by either responding to requests for contact, but expressing scepticism at the authenticity of the USRPTF, or by responding and engaging with the request for information. Those who were engaged with the request for information, but expressed doubts, were also those with the highest cognitive performance, and lowest proportion of dementia. They were also the most financially literate participants, while those who provided their details had the lowest literacy. Those who provided details were also found to have the lowest scam awareness of all participants. Among this group, 1 in 10 willingly provided personal information and 1 in 5 provided details of their social security number. “If extrapolated to a population level, these numbers are astounding and suggest that a very large number of older adults are at risk of victimisation,” the authors say. They also note that, given the use of a fictitious US government organisation name, the number of people vulnerable to well-organised scams is likely much higher. Last year, the US National Council on Aging reported 92,371 older Americans were defrauded of a total of US$1.7 billion. Most were victims of government department impersonation, sweepstakes and robocall scams. Often such scams will simply demand payment while ‘spoofing’ the phone number of a government agency to add the veil of legitimacy. It’s a similar story around the world. This year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found Australians lost a record $3.1 billion last year, mostly via phone scams. Australians over 65 years of age accounted for a quarter of losses and reports. The UK’s Action Fraud initiative found Britons lost about ₤2.35 billion in the 2020/21 financial year, with those aged 50-69 most susceptible to falling victim. <div> <noscript data-spai="1">&lt;img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-198773" src="https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/cosmosmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Issue-100-embed.jpg" data-spai-egr="1" alt="Subscribe to our quarterly print magazine" width="600" height="154" title="1 in 6 older adults fall victim to impersonation scams 2"&gt;</noscript> </div> Image credits: Getty Images <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/society/1-in-6-older-adults-fall-victim-to-impersonation-scams/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="null">Cosmos</a>. </div>

Legal

1 in 6 women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. But this diagnosis may not benefit them or their babies

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-glasziou-13533">Paul Glasziou</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jenny-doust-12412">Jenny Doust</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> When Sophie was pregnant with her first baby, she had an <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279331/#:%7E:text=Oral%20glucose%20tolerance%20tests%20(OGTT,enough%20by%20the%20body's%20cells.)">oral glucose tolerance</a> blood test. A few days later, the hospital phoned telling her she had gestational diabetes. Despite having only a slightly raised glucose (blood sugar) level, Sophie describes being diagnosed as affecting her pregnancy tremendously. She tested her blood glucose levels four times a day, kept food diaries and had extra appointments with doctors and dietitians. She was advised to have an induction because of the risk of having a large baby. At 39 weeks her son was born, weighing a very average 3.5kg. But he was separated from Sophie for four hours so his glucose levels could be monitored. Sophie is not alone. About <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/how-many-australians-have-diabetes/gestational-diabetes">one in six</a> pregnant women in Australia are now diagnosed with gestational diabetes. That was not always so. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2827530/">New criteria</a> were developed in 2010 which dropped an initial screening test and lowered the diagnostic set-points. Gestational diabetes diagnoses have since <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/how-many-australians-have-diabetes/gestational-diabetes">more than doubled</a>. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536691/original/file-20230710-23-v8weyw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>Gestational diabetes rates more than doubled after the threshold changed. AIHW, Author provided</figcaption></figure> But <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2204091">recent</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33704936/">studies</a> cast doubt on the ways we diagnose and manage gestational diabetes, especially for women like Sophie with only mildly elevated glucose. Here’s what’s wrong with gestational diabetes screening. <h2>The glucose test is unreliable</h2> The test used to diagnose gestational diabetes – the oral glucose tolerance test – has poor reproducibility. This means subsequent tests may give a different result. In a <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2214956">recent Australian trial</a> of earlier testing in pregnancy, one-third of the women initially classified as having gestational diabetes (but neither told nor treated) did not have gestational diabetes when retested later in pregnancy. That is a problem. Usually when a test has poor reproducibility – for example, blood pressure or cholesterol – we repeat the test to confirm before making a diagnosis. Much of the increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes after the introduction of new diagnostic criteria was due to the switch from using two tests to only using a single test for diagnosis. <h2>The thresholds are too low</h2> Despite little evidence of benefit for either women or babies, the current Australian criteria diagnose women with only mildly abnormal results as having “gestational diabetes”. Recent studies have shown this doesn’t benefit women and may cause harms. A <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2204091">New Zealand trial</a> of more than 4,000 women randomly assigned women to be assessed based on the current Australian thresholds or to higher threshold levels (similar to the pre-2010 criteria). The trial found no additional benefit from using the current low threshold levels, with overall no difference in the proportion of infants born large for gestational age. However, the trial found several harms, including more neonatal hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar in newborns), induction of labour, use of diabetic medications including insulin injections, and use of health services. The study authors also looked at the subgroup of women who were diagnosed with glucose levels between the higher and lower thresholds. In this subgroup, there was some reduction in large babies, and in shoulder problems at delivery. But there was also an increase in small babies. This is of concern because being small for gestational age can also have consequences for babies, including long-term health consequences. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=349&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=349&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=349&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540643/original/file-20230802-29-1dw2rw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>NEJM, Author provided</figcaption></figure> <h2>Testing too early</h2> Some centres have begun testing women at higher risk of gestational diabetes earlier in the pregnancy (between 12 and 20 weeks). However, a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37144983/">recent trial</a> showed no clear benefit compared with testing at the usual 24–28 weeks: possibly fewer large babies, but again matched by more small babies. There was a reduction in transient “respiratory distress” – needing extra oxygen for a few hours – but not in serious clinical events. <h2>Impact on women with gestational diabetes</h2> For women diagnosed using the higher glucose thresholds, dietary advice, glucose monitoring and, where necessary, insulin therapy has been shown to reduce complications during delivery and the post-natal period. However, current models of care can also cause harm. Women with gestational diabetes are often denied their preferred model of care – for example, midwifery continuity of carer. In rural areas, they may have to transfer to a larger hospital, requiring longer travel to antenatal visits and moving to a larger centre for their birth – away from their families and support networks for several weeks. Women say the diagnosis often dominates their antenatal care and their whole <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32028931/">experience of pregnancy</a>, reducing time for other issues or concerns. Women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities <a href="https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-021-03981-5">find it difficult</a> to reconcile the advice given about diet and exercise with their own cultural practices and beliefs about pregnancy. Some women with gestational diabetes <a href="https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-020-2745-1">become</a> extremely anxious about their eating and undertake extensive calorie restrictions or disordered eating habits. <h2>Time to reassess the advice</h2> Recent evidence from both randomised controlled trials and from qualitative studies with women diagnosed with gestational diabetes suggest we need to reassess how we currently diagnose and manage gestational diabetes, particularly for women with only slightly elevated levels. It is time for a review to consider all the problems described above. This review should include the views of all those impacted by these decisions: women in childbearing years, and the GPs, dietitians, diabetes educators, midwives and obstetricians who care for them. This article was co-authored by maternity services consumer advocate Leah Hardiman.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205919/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-glasziou-13533">Paul Glasziou</a>, Professor of Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jenny-doust-12412">Jenny Doust</a>, Clinical Professorial Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-in-6-women-are-diagnosed-with-gestational-diabetes-but-this-diagnosis-may-not-benefit-them-or-their-babies-205919">original article</a>.

Body

1 in 4 households struggle to pay power bills. Here are 5 ways to tackle hidden energy poverty

<a href="https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/news/how-increases-in-energy-prices-are-impacting-consumers#:%7E:text=Energy%2520affordability%2520is%2520not%2520just,in%2520the%2520past%252012%2520months.">One in four Australian households</a> are finding it hard to pay their gas and electricity bills. As winter looms, <a href="https://www.aer.gov.au/news-release/default-market-offer-2023%25E2%2580%259324-draft-determination">energy price rises</a> will make it even harder. Cold homes and disconnections resulting from energy poverty threaten people’s health and wellbeing. <a href="https://www.acoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ACOSS-cost-of-living-report2-March-2023_web_FINAL.pdf">Income support for welfare recipients</a> and retrofitting homes to make them more thermally efficient – by adding insulation, for example – can ease the burden. And when homes are not too cold or hot, <a href="https://theconversation.com/fuel-poverty-makes-you-sick-so-why-has-nothing-changed-since-i-was-a-child-living-in-a-cold-home-201787">people’s health benefits</a>. This in turn <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/319556">eases pressure on the public health system</a>. However, many people are missing out on assistance as programs often do not recognise their difficulties. Their energy vulnerability is hidden. <h2>What forms does hidden energy poverty take?</h2> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629623000737">Our newly published study</a> has revealed six aspects of hidden energy vulnerability. These are: <ol> <li> underconsumption – households limit or turn off cooling, heating and/or lights to avoid disconnections </li> <li> incidental masking – other welfare support, such as rent relief, masks difficulties in paying energy bills </li> <li> some households disguise energy poverty by using public facilities such as showers or pooling money for bills between families </li> <li> some people conceal their hardship due to pride or fear of legal consequences, such as losing custody of children if food cannot be refrigerated because the power has been cut off </li> <li> poor understanding of energy efficiency and the health risks of cold or hot homes adds to the problem </li> <li> eligibility criteria for energy assistance programs may exclude some vulnerable households. For example, people with income just above the welfare threshold are missing out on energy concessions. Energy retailer hardship programs also ignore people who have voluntarily disconnected due to financial hardship. </li> </ol> <h2>5 ways to help these households</h2> Our studies suggest trusted intermediaries such as people working in health, energy and social services can play a vital role in identifying and supporting such households. First, energy efficiency and hardship initiatives may be <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/property-construction-and-project-management/research/research-centres-and-groups/sustainable-building-innovation-laboratory/projects/care-at-home-system-improvements">integrated into the My Aged Care in-home care system</a>. Energy poverty risk identification, response and referral could be built into the national service’s assessment form. This could leverage existing client screening processes. The system’s front-line staff could connect at-risk householders with energy counsellors. These counsellors could help people access better energy contracts, concessions, home retrofits and appliance upgrade programs. A new Commonwealth “energy supplement” could help pay for essential energy-related home modifications. This would help avoid My Aged Care funds being diverted from immediate healthcare needs. Second, general practitioners and other health professionals could help identify energy vulnerability among patients with medical conditions of concern. They could also provide letters of support emphasising renters’ health-based need for air conditioners or heaters. Third, energy providers could use household energy data to identify those that seem to be under-consuming or are often disconnected. They could also identify those that are not on “best offer” deals. They could be proactive in checking struggling householders’ eligibility for ongoing energy concessions and one-off debt relief grants offered by states and territories. Energy providers could also make it easier for social housing providers to ensure concessions for tenants renew automatically. Fourth, local councils could use their data to identify at-risk householders. They might include those with a disability parking permit, discounted council rates or in arrears, on the social housing waiting list, Meals on Wheels clients and social housing tenants. Maternal and child health nurses and home and community care workers making home visits could call attention to cold or hot homes. Councils could employ in-house energy counsellors to provide assistance and energy literacy training. Council home maintenance teams could develop bulk-buying, insulation and neighbourhood retrofit programs. Strategies to reduce vulnerability to energy poverty should be part of municipal public health and wellbeing plans. Under these strategies, net-zero-carbon funds set up by states and local councils to reduce emissions could finance targeted housing retrofits. We also suggest setting up a central helpline to improve access to energy assistance via local referrals. Fifth, residential energy-efficiency programs could become more person-centric. For example, we already have <a href="https://www.homescorecard.gov.au/">Residential Efficiency Scorecard</a> audits to assess the thermal quality of a home. These audits could also explore whether concessions and better energy deals are available to the household. <h2>Building capacity at all levels</h2> <a href="https://cur.org.au/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tackling-hidden-energy-final.pdf">Capacity-building strategies</a> are needed at all levels – individual, community and government – to overcome the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629623000737">challenges</a> of reducing energy poverty. Current obstacles include the competing priorities of service providers, lack of time and resources, and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214629622003553">poor co-ordination between siloed</a> programs and services. Access to essential energy services should be part of state and local governments’ strategic health plans. Housing, energy and health departments could work together to include housing retrofits in preventive health programs. A comprehensive approach is needed to overcome hidden energy poverty. It must include public education, integrated services and well-funded energy-efficiency programs. Regulatory reforms and ongoing funding are both needed to improve the availability of energy-efficient, affordable homes for tenants. Our suggested strategies start with improving the skills and knowledge of trusted intermediaries. Doctors, social workers, housing officers, community nurses and volunteers can play a central role. Using these front-line professionals to help identify and act on energy poverty offers a novel, cost-effective and targeted solution. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-in-4-households-struggle-to-pay-power-bills-here-are-5-ways-to-tackle-hidden-energy-poverty-204672" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Schumacher’s family suing German magazine over fake interview

Michael Schumacher’s family is preparing to take legal action against German tabloid magazine Die Aktuelle, for publishing an AI-generated “interview” with the star. The publication has been slammed for using Michael’s face on their April 15 front cover, promoting the piece as “the first interview” since the star’s skiing accident in December 2013. “No meagre, nebulous half-sentences from friends. But answers from him! By Michael Schumacher, 54!” read the text in the magazine. “It sounded deceptively real,” they added in the strapline, which was the only indicator that the piece was fake. The “interview” included quotes that insensitively described Schumacher’s recovery, following the accident where he suffered a serious brain injury. “I was so badly injured that I lay for months in a kind of artificial coma, because otherwise my body couldn’t have dealt with it all,” the quote read. “I’ve had a tough time but the hospital team has managed to bring me back to my family,” they added. It was only at the end of the article that the publication revealed that they used Character.ai, an AI chatbot, to create the interview. A spokesperson for Schumachers confirmed their intention to take legal action against Die Aktuelle to Reuters and ESPN. This isn’t the first time Schumacher’s family have taken action against Die Aktuelle. In 2015, Michael’s wife, Corinna Schumacher filed a lawsuit against the magazine after they used Corinna’s picture with the headline: “Corinna Schumacher – a new love makes her happy.” The story was actually about their daughter, Gina, but the lawsuit was dismissed. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Type 1 diabetes sufferers in for price hike

Those suffering from Type 1 diabetes will be hit with a steep hike in prescription costs when a life-changing insulin is removed from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in April 2023. Local Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston have revealed 15,000 Australian families will be affected when the drug Fiasp becomes less accessible from April 1. Fiasp is a mealtime insulin that is designed to improve blood sugar control in diabetes sufferers at a faster rate than alternative diabetes medications. Mr O’Brien said he was made aware of the issue by the mother of a young high school student on the Sunshine Coast “whose quality of life will now be at risk from the government’s decision”. “Freya Goldston is a 14-year-old, high-performing student in my electorate who will tell anybody about the remarkable impact that this medicine has had on her life,” Mr O’Brien said. “Freya’s family will have her prescription go from around $7 to more than $280 at a time when households are already under serious financial pressure. “The Labor Government needs to provide an immediate solution to support the 15,000 families who will otherwise need to start making decisions about what household expenses they can cut back on to afford this life-changing medicine.” Mr O’Brien shared the former Coalition Government listed Fiasp on the PBS in 2019 to ensure accessible prices to the fast-acting insulin for diabetes patients. “But now, without any consultation or support for the patients impacted, the government’s decision to suddenly remove Fiasp from the PBS is sending the price soaring,” he said. A spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Butler said his office was alerted of the drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk removing Fiasp from the PBS on February 22 2023. “The minister’s office is now working with the department and Novo Nordisk,” the spokesperson said. “We understand the decision by Novo Nordisk to remove Fiasp from the PBS has been concerning for many Australians living with diabetes and their families.” The spokesperson did not comment on whether there was consultation or support for impacted diabetics when Mr Butler was approached about the removal of Fiasp. Nearly 28,000 people have signed a petition online created by Belinda Moore called “Save Fiasp from falling off the PBS”. “The Australian diabetes community will keep advocating until we witness no evidence of inequitable access to diabetes services, clinicians, technology and therapies.” Ms Ruston also said he was disappointed in the government's decision as Australians are already suffering from a cost-of-living crisis, and the removal of Fiasp from the PBS will affect thousands of Australians. “The government must urgently guarantee that they will provide sufficient support to ensure the viability of affordable diabetes medications in Australia,” Ms Ruston said. Image credit: Shutterstock

Caring

Pumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss

Music is an integral part of human life. It’s all around us, just like sunshine, lifting our mood. We enjoy it so much that many of us take it with us everywhere on our phones or we spend weekends hitting the club scene, live-music venues or concerts. Meanwhile, many of us may have felt annoyed by loud sound from music venues or remarked on sound emanating from someone else’s headphones. We’re probably aware we should prevent hearing loss from loud industrial noise at work or from using power tools at home. A systematic review released today in <a href="https://globalhealth.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010501">BMJ Global Health</a> reports unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults from using personal listening devices (such as phones or digital music players) and going to loud clubs and gigs are common, and could be a major factor contributing to hearing loss. In fact, the authors estimate the pumping tunes could be placing up to 1.35 billion young people at risk of hearing loss worldwide. <h2>What the study looked at</h2> Systematic analysis involves looking across multiple studies to identify consistent findings. In this study, the authors included 33 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2021, involving over 19,000 people, aged 12–34. In the study, unsafe listening was identified as listening at levels above 80 decibels for over 40 hours per week. For context, this is the level above which most Australian states <a href="https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/noise/overview#:%7E:text=Workers%20must%20not%20be%20exposed,on%20decibels%20and%20time%20exposed.">require industry</a> to implement noise protection processes such as use of hearing protectors. The study confirms the rate of unsafe listening practices is high in adolescents and young adults: 23.81% of them were listening to music on personal devices at unsafe levels and 48.2% at loud entertainment venues (though this rate is less certain). Based on global estimates of population, this translates to up to 1.35 billion young people at risk of hearing loss globally. The World Health Organization <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/hearing-loss#tab=tab_1">estimates</a> over 430 million people worldwide already have a disabling hearing loss and prevalence could double if hearing loss prevention is not prioritised. The results tally with our previous studies conducted by Australia’s National Acoustic Laboratories and HEARing Cooperative Research Centre. More than a decade ago we <a href="https://acc.hearingservices.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/hso/f1f6299d-96f3-408e-be4b-0775af6d7f41/Lifetime_profile_exposure_sound_what_safe_HLPP2.pdf?MOD=AJPERES">reported</a> a high potential for hearing loss from attendance at nightclubs, pubs and live concerts in young Australians aged between 18–35 years. Back then, we found 13% of young Australians (aged 18–35) were getting a yearly noise dose from nightclubs, concerts and sporting activities that exceeded the maximum acceptable dose in industry. In 2015, the WHO launched the <a href="https://www.who.int/activities/making-listening-safe">Make listening Safe</a>initiative to encourage young people to protect their hearing. <h2>Why it’s bad for your hearing</h2> So what’s the problem with loud music? Like sunshine, overexposure can lead to harm. Loud noise, including music, can <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html">kill off hair cells and membranes</a> in the inner ear (the cochlea). Once hearing is lost, a person mightn’t be able to hear or understand speech or sounds around them. <a href="https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss">Research</a> shows hearing loss results from a combination of sound being too loud (and it doesn’t need to be painful to cause hearing damage), listening to loud sound too long (and the louder the sound, the less time you can listen before your hearing is at risk) and how often you are exposed (and hearing damage is cumulative over time). A good “rule of ear” is that if you hear ringing in your ears at or after listening, you are at risk of damaging your hearing. This type of hearing loss is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html">permanent</a> and may require use of hearing aids or cochlear implants. <h2>Wait, so no loud music at all?</h2> So what can we do, short of throwing away our headphones and avoiding clubbing and live music? First, just like with the sun and skin, we need to be aware of the risks to our hearing and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves. We need to be aware of how loud sound is around us and how to keep our exposure within safe levels. We can do this by using personal hearing protection in clubs (such as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-earplugs-for-concerts/">ear muffs or ear plugs</a> that are fit for purpose), or limiting how often we visit noisy music venues or how long we stay at really loud ones. In Australia, people can access a free <a href="https://knowyournoise.nal.gov.au/">noise risk calculator</a> to calculate their personal risk using an online sound level meter, and to explore how changes in lifestyle could protect their hearing while still allowing them to enjoy music. Most phones now come with software that can <a href="https://www.headphonesty.com/2022/03/iphone-headphone-safety/#:%7E:text=Key%20features%20of%20the%20iPhone%20Headphone%20Safety%20feature&text=According%20to%20the%20WHO%20standard,risk%20of%20sustaining%20hearing%20damage.">monitor safe listening levels</a> and limit exposure. Hearing protection at the venue level is more challenging and may require regulatory and industry-based approaches. Our <a href="https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/64/4/342/5811673">2020 research</a> identified hazard controls for entertainment venues, such alternating volume between louder and softer levels, rotating staff, providing quiet rooms, and raising speaker locations above head height. We also showed DJs and venues were open to initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of hearing loss for their patrons and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19338244.2020.1828241?journalCode=vaeh20">staff</a>. Compromises are possible and they could enable enjoyment of music at live-music venues, while still protecting hearing. That way everyone will be able keep enjoying music for longer. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/pumping-loud-music-is-putting-more-than-1-billion-young-people-at-risk-of-hearing-loss-194537" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Music

Why Rod Stewart turned down a $1 million gig

Rod Stewart has shared why he turned down a $1 million deal to perform in Qatar. The 77-year-old rockstar said that he was offered the seven-figure deal over a year ago, but refused because of the Gulf state's human rights record. When discussing the controversy surrounding the World Cup host nation, where homosexuality is illegal, the singer told the <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dfab9724-5f6f-11ed-8611-a128c33d7159?shareToken=f282a0832e5a291ac08bf40e06ba678c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunday Times</a> he thought it would be wrong to play a set there. "I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago," he said. "I turned it down. It's not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms," he said in reference to drones supplied by the country to Russia, which was barred from the tournament. He added that he thinks fans attending matches in Qatar, where being gay can lead to imprisonment and even the death sentence for Muslims, "have got to watch out". Stewart has been considered an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, previously saying he was "surrounded by gay men in the 70s". One of the singer's hit songs, The Killing of Georgie, is about the murder of a gay friend and made waves when it came out in 1976, when very few mainstream songs discussed the experiences of gay men. He said it would have been "good" to sing the song as a protest during the opening ceremony of the football tournament. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Aussies warned of “nightmare variant”

NSW’s chief health officer Kerry Chant has warned that Australia is on the brink of another Covid wave. The health official said that sub-variants BQ. 1 and XBB are well on the way of becoming the dominant strain over BA.5 in Australia Dr Chant said the XBB strain, which recently emerged in Singapore, is ripping through the nation at an alarming rate. Some international experts have described the XBB strain as the “nightmare variant” and the “most vaccine-resistant yet”. “We're starting to see an increase in Covid-19 cases and changes in the variants circulating in NSW, which tells us that we're entering the next Covid wave,” Dr Chant said in a video. “By looking at all the local information we have, and what's happening overseas, we believe Covid cases will rise in the coming weeks.” She asked Aussies to keep up to date with their vaccinations to ensure the protection of the vulnerable. “The protection the NSW community has from vaccination and previous infection continues to reduce the risk of severe illness,” she continued. “However the elderly and those with underlying health conditions continue to be at risk.” Image: ABC

Body

"Be strong, Ma”: Krygios' touching message after beating World No 1

Nick Kyrgios has shared an emotional message for his mother after his victory at the Canadian Open. The Aussie tennis champ claimed victory over world number one Daniil Medvedev 6-7 6-4 6-2, just after a stunning display at the Citi Open in Washington. American tennis icon Andy Roddick believes Kyrgios is now the favourite for the US Open, which kicks off in a couple of weeks, while Aussie tennis great Rennae Stubbs was in awe of what the Canberran is producing on the courts. “@NickKyrgios I mean when he plays tennis and keeps his s**t together, he is seriously close to the best tennis player in the world,” Stubbs tweeted. “His serve is untouchable at the moment. Fitness level is HIGH and his tennis acumen is unreal. That effort after losing the 1st set was impressive.” Despite receiving global attention for his defeat of Medvedev, there was another thing on Kyrgios' mind after his winning match. His mother Norlaila is in hospital back home in Australia, and he wrote “be strong, Ma” on the camera after his victory. Before he took to the court for his battle with Medvedev, Kyrgios spoke about his parents’ health and the challenges of being away from family. “It’s hard because even travelling now, my mum is in hospital at the moment, my dad hasn’t been very well, my brother just had a baby and I don’t get to be there with my family when normal people would like to be with them,” Kyrgios said. “It’s hard being from Australia because we can’t travel back and forth. There’s a lot of things people don’t see. They only see me winning, losing, throwing a racquet, doing those things. They don’t really understand the challenges that I face or what people on tour face, what’s going on in their personal lives.” Norlaila was diagnosed with <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/nick-kyrgios-mum-reveals-why-she-doesn-t-watch-him-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terminal cancer last year</a>, as she told A Current Affair she is battling to keep doing for the sake of her kids. She told A Current Affair earlier this year, "The doctors said, 'You won't live after Christmas'. But I was so determined because my kids needed me still." Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Caring

Princess Charlotte joins her dad in rare video message

Princess Charlotte has joined Prince William in a rare video message as the royal father and daughter wished England's football team good luck in the Euro 2022 women's final. In the video shared by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Instagram, William and Charlotte sent a message to the Lionesses, who later made history by winning their first major women's tournament by beating Germany 2-1. "We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck for tonight," William said. "You've done amazingly well in the competition and we're rooting for you all the way." Sitting on her father's lap, Charlotte chimes in with a short and sweet declaration of her own, saying, "Good luck, I hope you win. Bye!" and signing off with a wave. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cgq4TEyFBbg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cgq4TEyFBbg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)</a> </div> </blockquote> The women's team responded to the royal message with their gratitude for the well wishes. Queen Elizabeth later sent a message of congratulations to England, after the match went into extra time on Sunday. "My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women's Football Championships. It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff," Her Majesty said in a statement. "The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned." "You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today." Prince William attended the final match at Wembley, and handed out the trophy to England's winning team. Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images

Family & Pets

UK woman takes home from dump to dream starting with just £1

A UK woman has shown how she took a derelict property from a dump to a dream address, having paid just £1 ($AU 1.75). Maxine Sharples was still a university student when she successfully bid for a ramshackle Victorian terrace in Liverpool under the council-run Homes for Pound Scheme. The scheme allowed residents to pay just £1 for a derelict home on the condition that they would renovate it, per <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/woman-transforms-1-house-dream-27496752" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a>, and was so popular that 2500 people applied for just 106 houses. But, when Ms Sharples was handed the keys to her new home four years later, she admitted she was worried about how she would fund the work, particularly given that new owners had just 12 months to renovate according to <a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/homeless-woman-turned-1-house-24498719?_ga=2.75979477.1998441293.1658101018-39617459.1654734058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Liverpool Echo</a>. Ms Sharples was able to take longer due to Covid restrictions, telling local news she spent £60,000 ($AUD 104,000) to bring the home up to a livable standard and transform it into a sweet first home. She now has about £10,000 ($AU 17,400) left to spend to enhance the property further. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/uk-woman-house1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Maxine Sharple, a 35-year-old yoga teacher, bought her first home for just £1, but had to put in plenty of work to get it up to scratch. “Although initially I didn’t have the funds, I applied anyway and thought, ‘I’ll cross that bridge’ if I was shortlisted. In 2019, four years later, I got a phone call to ask if I was still interested in a home for a pound,” Ms Sharples told the Echo. Though she has walked away with the deal of a lifetime, it was a difficult journey to get her home to where it is now. Ms Sharples lived in a caravan during the renovations and had to do plenty of work herself. “It has taken me 27 arduous months to get it signed off. It was gruelling, I couldn't have been more naive about the process,” she said. “As a yoga teacher I couldn’t have been less experienced in construction management. “With tradespeople in short supply, I took to a lot of labouring myself.” Going beyond just updating the interior and façade, Ms Sharples changed the layout to make the home lighter and more airy. “I began the rip out by myself. It took me nine months to get the house back to brick with a rotary hammer and borrowed electricity from my neighbours,” she said. “A hole in the roof meant a tree had taken root, water ingress, asbestos, rat infestations, you name it, it had it all.” Images: The Liverpool Echo

Real Estate

Top Gun: Maverick surpasses $1 billion worldwide

Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick has officially surpassed $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Over the weekend, the film saw a huge $30.5 million domestically and $44.5 million in overseas markets. This overall totals to $521 million domestic and $484 million international, putting it just past $1 billion globally. According to Paramount, more than 16 percent of the Top Gun: Maverick audience has seen the film more than once in theatres, while four percent have seen it four times or more. This is only the second time since the pandemic began that a Hollywood title jumped over the $1 billion behind Sony and Disney’s Spider-Man: No Way Home ($1.89 billion). The movie officially became the highest-grossing movie of Cruise’s career when it toppled over $800 million. His 2018 film Mission Impossible: Fallout previously held the highest rank with $791.1 million. Analysts don’t think the momentum will last long with Elvis hitting the screens and Top Gun sitting around the $900 million mark. Image: YouTube

Movies

Which Centrelink payments are going up from July 1

From July the 1st, over 1.4 million Australian families will benefit from an increase to their Centrelink payments. The federal government has announced increases to the Family Tax Benefit (Part A and B) to keep up with the rising cost of living. Under the Family Tax Benefit Part A, payments for families with a child aged under 13 will increase up to $204.40 over 2022-2023. The payments will also increase by a maximum of $255.50 for families with a child 13 years and older. For those receiving Family Tax Benefit Part B, there will be an increase of as much as $164.25 per year where a family has their youngest child under 5. For those families on Family Tax Benefit Part B with a youngest child aged between five to eighteen will receive up to $116.80 more per year. The changes are expected to impact more than 1.4 million families, Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said. It was also announced that the amount of income or assets an Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment recipient can have before their payment is affected will increase. “Social security and family payments have a built-in safeguard where they are automatically indexed at regular intervals to help them maintain purchasing power,” Rishworth said. Those who receive other family payments, such as Multiple Birth Allowance and Newborn Supplement are also set to receive an increase. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Why Viking is No.1 in the world for river and ocean cruising

When it comes to cruises, you want to make sure you’ve made the best possible choice in terms of picking the ship, the itinerary and the quality of services on hand. After being consistently voted the world’s best when it comes to river and ocean cruising, this is definitely where Viking comes in. Viking’s river, ocean and expedition cruises are perfect for curious travellers to set off and explore the world in comfort and style – not just this year, but in 2023 and 2024 as well. From their exquisite dining experiences to their wholesome cultural enrichment programmes, incredible onshore experiences and unmatched inclusions, let’s dive (literally and figuratively) a little deeper into what Viking are doing – and what they most definitely are NOT doing – to set themselves apart in the world of ocean cruising. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60_SKY_Lofoten_Midnight_Sun_MXL0691_Red_lightSkyWide.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> More bang for your buck Viking’s Inclusive Value mantra means they include everything you need and nothing you do not. Worth more than $200 a day, guests will benefit from features and services ranging from a free guided excursion in every port of call to complimentary WiFi, plus beer, wine and soft drinks on board with lunch and dinner. You’ll also enjoy 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, with access to their top-rated spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre. You can also access self-service launderettes, avoid port taxes and fees, as well as ground transfers with Viking Air purchase. Your stateroom includes a private veranda, a king-size bed with luxury linens and pillows, as well as a separate seating area where you can enjoy a 42-inch flat-screen LCD TV with complimentary movies on demand. Each room is decked out with a spacious closet and drawers, a mini-bar (of course), security safe, a hair dryer, spacious glass-enclosed shower with heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. You will also be covered head-to-toe by Premium Freyja toiletries and enjoy plush robes and slippers. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60-Chefs_Table_Plate_16-650.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> Exquisite dining The Restaurant, the main dining venue onboard each state-of-the-art Viking vessel, offers delicious regional cuisines from only the best locally sourced ingredients. This gives passengers not only the opportunity to explore their destination, but also the chance to explore different cultures through food. However, if you’re looking for something a little more specific, say Italian, then Manfredi’s is the place to be. Be transported to the farms of Tuscany or the city of Rome with its divine and authentic Italian meals. Those looking to extend themselves even further in a culinary sense and learn a little more about food and wine pairings will find themselves drawn inexorably to The Chef’s Table – where you’ll experience several courses, each paired with select wines all thoughtfully prepared for your enriching experience. If you’re into something a little more dynamic and want to observe the world-renowned chefs working their magic, then the World Café is the place to be. The open kitchen will have you watching on in excitement as your phenomenal sushi and seafood dishes are prepared, set against a backdrop of the breathtaking panoramic views from the Aquavit Terrace. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60-CC_SEA_Restaurant_Window_Views-1280x720-1.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> However, if you want to switch places with the hard-working chefs and actually have a hand in cooking yourself, you are more than welcome to head over to The Kitchen Table to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine. Here, the on board cooking school gives passengers a thrilling first-hand experience in how the chefs prepare meals for guests. If you’re looking to relax a bit before dinner then the Wintergarden is the place to be, where you can indulge in several different teas under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood while listening to a soft string quartet. Otherwise, head on over to Mamsen’s in the Explorers’ Lounge, which offers some of the best culturally enriching Norwegian specialties for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack or evening treat. Looking to keep it simple for an afternoon snack? Look no further than the Pool Grill, which has casual meals prepared to order. Otherwise, head up to your room and take advantage of the 24/7 room service on offer (we won’t tell anyone about that extra tempting midnight snack). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60-STAR_Wintergarden_Horiz_124-1280x720-1.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> Cultural enrichment How extraordinary to be able to gain invaluable insights and knowledge while also relaxing on holiday. That’s right, Viking has so much on offer for its guests and it’ll have you wanting more. First on the list are the world-class guest lecturers, all of whom are experts in their field and include archaeologists, authors, former diplomats and even news correspondents. It’s their job (and passion) to share important information with you on your destinations’ art, architecture, music, geopolitics, the natural world and so much more. Alternatively, you can have one-on-one discussions with the onboard historian ready to enrich your mind with their in-depth stories and facts. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60-CC_ORION_Resident_Scientist_Book-Ocean-Entertainment-Option-2.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> Another powerfully enriching Viking experience is the performing arts sector, where you are more than welcome to enjoy an incredible work of art or one of dozens of destination experiences. Could it be the Portuguese fado with its melancholy melodies and poignant lyrics? Or traditional Greek dancing or Italian opera. The choices are staggering. If you’re intrigued to see what’s on offer at your next onshore destination, there are informative multimedia presentations on Amsterdam, Bergen, Venice, San Juan, Vancouver, Tokyo and even Sydney that highlight the must-see landmarks during your shore visits. Viking’s knowledgable local guides are passionate about their unique region. They will introduce you to the iconic and the obscure, so you can soak up the culture, art, history and architecture of your destination while gaining an insight into the local way of life. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60-Arles_Arena_Group_Excursion_2913.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> The cultural enrichment continues on board with a unique collection of original artworks on board every ship. Viking also has an exclusive deal with Oslo’s Munch Museum where guests can explore the entire collection of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch. This museum brings “magic” on board with an interactive event daily and showcasing the amazing artworks curated by Munch. Otherwise, indulge your mind with a TED Talk, where passengers can enjoy short and powerful talks about the arts, history, geography, science and even longevity. Fancy a night at The Met? Well, all you need to do is head to The Theater and enjoy the world-class production under the starlit “sky”. If you want to keep it simple, then there’s a special spot for you in the small cinemas where you can enjoy short films that will inform you about the iconic destinations you’re travelling through. Kick back and relax by listening to the classical music from Viking’s resident pianist, guitarist, violinist and cellist. Or head over to the onboard library, which have been expertly curated by independent London bookseller Heywood Hill – who dedicated hundreds of hours of his time into understanding what Viking guests most want to read on their journeys. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/O60-CC_-SEA_Dubrovnik_Sunset_SKY_red.jpg" alt="Viking" width="1280" height="720" /> What Viking definitely is NOT If we haven’t managed to convince you as to why you should be travelling with Viking, then let these be the cherries on top of your next cruising adventure. Each Viking cruise ship absolutely promises no casinos, no children under the age of 18, no umbrella drinks, no photography sales or art auctions, no charge for beer or wine at lunch or dinner and you can dine in a choice of restaurants at no additional cost. Wi-Fi comes included and you won’t be charged for using the laundry, there are no hidden entry fees for the spa and no undue pressure on spa sales of any kind. And perhaps most important of all, there’s no waiting in endless queues. All that’s left is a clear focus on you, on the quality of the service, and on making sure that every journey provides you with memories to last a lifetime. For more information and to book your next Viking adventure, <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/index.html?utm_medium=content&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=native-findacruise-ocean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/index.html?utm_medium=content&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=native-findacruise-ocean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Viking</a>.

Cruising

How the Mediterranean diet became No. 1

The Mediterranean diet was voted by a panel of 25 health and nutrition professionals as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/02/health/best-diet-worst-diet-2020-wellness/index.html">the best diet for 2020</a>. Characterized by plant-based meals, the diet emphasizes eating less red meat and dairy, and more fish and unsaturated fatty acids like olive oil. Red wine can be enjoyed in moderation. Even if you are familiar with the Mediterranean diet, you may not know that it “involves a set of skills, knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, processing, cooking and particularly the sharing and consumption of food,” as described by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 2013, UNESCO added the diet to its <a href="https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mediterranean-diet-00884">list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity</a>. <h2>The Mediterranean region and its food traditions</h2> The Mediterranean area covers portions of Europe, Asia and Africa around the Mediterranean Sea. While many nations share that bio-geography and elements of the diet, only the nations of Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain sponsored the diet’s addition to UNESCO’s list. Mediterranean food traditions have deep history, but different ingredients arrived at different times. Olives were first <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218001">pressed for olive oil</a> sometime before 2,500 years ago. Grapes were likely first enjoyed as wild harvests, but by 6,000 years ago <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/aug/30/traces-of-6000-year-old-wine-discovered-in-sicilian-cave">full wine production was underway</a>. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073%2Fpnas.1009363108">Domesticated grains and legumes</a> like wheat and lentils appeared between 9,000 and 10,000 years ago. Fish would have been one of the earliest resources, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2018/01-02/what-is-garum-rome-fish-sauce/">traded even into non-coastal areas</a>. <div data-id="17"> </div> In spite of the diet’s guidelines, various red meats and dairy products also enjoy a long history in the region. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073%2Fpnas.0801317105">Domesticated herd animals</a> such as sheep, goats, cattle and camels arrived on the scene at least 10,000 years ago, and <a href="https://www.heritagedaily.com/2016/11/early-evidence-of-dairying-discovered/113234">dairying goes back at least 9,000 years</a> in Europe. The prominence of red meat and dairy foods in daily meals may have varied regionally, but both are deeply rooted in Mediterranean history. But these are just the ingredients. Defining a single Mediterranean diet is tricky business. The Mediterranean region encompasses hundreds of languages and cultures, culinary techniques and styles. The ancient past was equally diverse, with millennia of migration and trade across the region bringing new ingredients and culinary innovations. Ask someone in Lebanon if their food is the same as Spain’s, or someone in Morocco if their food traditions are identical to those in Greece. And no one in the Mediterranean would agree that their diet is identical to that of their ancestors. The multinational group that nominated Mediterranean food traditions to UNESCO might agree on the broadest framework, but culturally each region in the Mediterranean is distinct. <h2>What’s wrong with the Mediterranean diet?</h2> We are anthropologists who study biological and cultural aspects of nutrition and past foodways as part of human gastro-heritage. And we are simultaneously excited and concerned about the Mediterranean diet in public health messaging. Health professionals should focus on food traditions rather than just nutrients, but it worries us when one cultural food tradition is held up as superior to others — especially one that has been associated with a history of Western political and cultural imperialism. Historian <a href="https://experts.mcmaster.ca/display/levenst">Harvey Levenstein</a> writes that <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/F/bo12778615.html">the Mediterranean diet was created</a> by physiologist Ancel Keys and his biochemist wife, Margaret Keys. In 1952, the Keys travelled to Italy and Spain and conducted some quasi-experimental surveys of blood pressure, blood cholesterol and diet. Many epidemiological studies later, the couple promoted the Mediterranean diet in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/23/obituaries/dr-ancel-keys-100-promoter-of-mediterranean-diet-dies.html">their popular diet book How to Eat Well</a>, later repackaged as How to Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way. In the 1990s, <a href="https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/olive-world/olive-oil-health/">the International Olive Oil Council</a> promoted olive oil as a key ingredient in the diet, and the Harvard School of Public Health built <a href="https://memory.ucsf.edu/sites/memory.ucsf.edu/files/MediterraneanDietHandout.pdf">the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid</a>. <h2>Promoting the value of all food heritage</h2> The promotion of the Mediterranean diet is an example of what anthropologist Andrea Wiley calls bio-ethnocentrism. Wiley’s <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Re-imagining-Milk-Cultural-and-Biological-Perspectives-2nd-Edition/Wiley/p/book/9781138927612">study of milk</a> argues that although milk has been promoted as a healthy and nutritious food for all, only a segment of the human species — predominantly those whose ancestry comes from Europe, where there is a long history of dairying — are able to digest the primary sugar in milk (lactose). Bolstering one region’s diet as universally ideal ignores the long evolution of social, biological and environmental human food traditions through the development and conservation of regional and local cuisines. This includes, as found in <a href="https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mediterranean-diet-00884">UNESCO’s description of the Mediterranean diet</a>, the production, preparation and consumption of food through human skills, knowledge, and social and cultural practices. In a globalized world with increasing migration, retaining traditional cuisines may seem meaningless. But in fact, it may be more important than ever. Anthropological research shows that <a href="https://doi.org/10.17730/0018-7259.76.1.15">migrants work hard to maintain their traditional cuisines as part of their ethnic identity</a> and to support their health and well-being. When a health-care provider suggests to their patient that they adopt a Mediterranean diet, there are several things that can go wrong. Unless the diet is explained in detail, a patient may have a very different idea of what constitutes the Mediterranean diet. More harmfully, if a patient believes that their own cultural food traditions are bad for their health, they may give those up to adopt a diet seen as medically approved. A survey of global food shows that the core principles of the Mediterranean diet can be found in the traditional cuisines and food traditions of many people. In Mexico, for example, the combination of corn tortillas and beans — accompanied by foods like squash and tomato salsas — has yielded complete plant-based proteins that provide <a href="http://www.fao.org/3/T0395E/T0395E0c.htm">a nutritious and sustainable diet</a>. Research on soy-derived and fermented foods found in traditional Chinese cuisines shows they are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2016.08.009">high in bioactive peptides that can provide protection against disease</a>. In a world where we are rapidly losing diverse biological and cultural heritage, we should be celebrating the plurality and unique qualities of traditional foods rather than attempting to promote and universalize one regional diet over another. Diverse traditional diets can and should be promoted through public health messaging that is culturally sensitive and inclusive. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-the-mediterranean-diet-became-no-1-and-why-thats-a-problem-131771" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Food & Wine

Why Norway should be No.1 on your cruising bucket list

The borders are open. The Fjords are calling. From stunning Northern Lights to breathtaking landscapes, here are our Fab Four must-do experiences in the land of the Midnight Sun... International cruising is now back on the agenda and it’s time once again to start ticking off all those incredible destinations you’ve always dreamed of seeing one day. We’ve got some good news for you, cruise fans: Norway, the home of spectacular cruising experiences, is now open, safe and ready to welcome you back to experience all of its delights, from the fjords to the stunningly breathtaking Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun in summer. To sweeten the deal, Norway has now completely removed its entry restrictions, so it’s the perfect time to experience all of the majestic landscapes and beautiful opportunities this country has on offer. Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal Express has been cruising the coast since 1893 and will give you access to small fishing villages, locally sourced cuisine and off-the-beaten-track excursions, allowing you to really explore the country like a local. So, what are you waiting for? Book before April 30 on selected departures in 2022 and you may receive <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/au/share-the-most-beautiful-voyage/?_ccid=20927&_ccst=1000&_hrgb=2utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to 50% OFF</a> the second guest. Here we’ve outlined just a few of the things you can expect on one of these must-do cruises. 1. Explore the majestic fjords <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/FJORD_Geiranger-Norway-HGR-49268.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Yes, <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/inspiration/experiences/where-to-find-norways-best-fjords/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Fjords are calling</a> – and if you’re still unsure of what that is after reading this, then here's a little explainer. A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland, and is made when a glacier retreats, resulting in an incredible U-shaped valley with soaring cliffs on either side. Cruising in Norway will take you to the heart of these jaw-dropping natural creations which you can finally tick off your bucket list. Some of the best and most unmissable fjords in Norway are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord with its spectacular waterfalls, the epic 180km long Hardangerfjord, the pretty Trondheimsfjorden that’s home to the gorgeous port city of Trondheim, and the unspoilt surrounds of tiny Trollfjord – which, while only 3km in length and just 100 metres wide at its mouth, contains enough jaw-dropping scenery to leave you in awe. 2. Gaze up at the Northern Lights <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/LIGHTS_Northern-lights-Norway-HGR-104675_1920-Photo_Photo_Competition.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Yes, you are actually guaranteed to experience the <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/inspiration/experiences/northern-lights/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northern Lights</a> during their spectacular winter viewing season in either September or next year in March. If the lights don’t present on your cruise, you’ll be given a free 6 or 7 day voyage the following season with Hurtiguten's amazing ‘Northern Lights Guarantee’. Known as nature's own mesmerising light show, the Aurora Borealis lasts up to 15-30 minutes, and what we see from the ground is caused by electrically charged particles from space entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere at a very high speed. Interestingly, the famed Northern Lights also look substantially different to all who view them, with some people seeing different colours making their way across the sky, or rays of light going up into space. Another item to check off your bucket list? We think so! 3. Experience the land of the Midnight Sun <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/SUN_Passenger-on-deck-Norway-HGR-12274_1920.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> What do you think of when you read the words “Midnight Sun”? We are betting it is exactly what you think it is. If the words of <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/destinations/norway/the-original-norwegian-coastal-express/sailing-under-the-midnight-sun/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">past guest of Hurtigruten Bronwen Pyle</a> are anything to go by, experiencing this phenomenon from the deck of the Norwegian Coastal Express is something you will never forget. “The day kept on going and going, never getting dark, even all through the night. The non-stop day actually gave us even more time to admire the scenery on the route,” she says. Bronwen says that the crew and passengers were all lovely, saying it was definitely the almost never-ending sunlight that helped everyone’s mood. She suggests staying on the ship’s deck to secure a seat and enjoy the Midnight Sun as much as possible. A word of caution from Bronwen, though: Don’t get stuck behind the camera; enjoy what is actually there in front of you in the present moment, and create some memories that will last a lifetime. And one last tip: If you feel like you’re struggling to sleep because of the extra hours of sunlight, then the awesome onboard gym is the place for you before knocking off! 4. Dine on delicious locally sourced meals <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/FOOD_MS-Polarlys-King-Crab-HGR-116417_1920-Photo_Carsten_Pedersen.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Hopping on board the Norwegian Coastal Express will help you not only see the dramatic coast in all its splendour, but taste it too – thanks to the <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/norways-coastal-kitchen/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">delicious onboard meals</a>. All food is locally sourced, with its provenance resting in very ports that the ship pauses at along the way, making it an even more special experience to appreciate the freshness and flavours. Other than the food, you can choose to get involved in endless excursions (there are more than 70 on offer!), learn about regional specialities, discover how food is at the heart of local life, and listen to the life stories of brewers, chefs, farmers and more. So, are you ready for the cruising experience of a lifetime and to fall in love with the beauty and people of Norway? If you are, don’t forget to share the adventure with a friend and get up to <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/au/share-the-most-beautiful-voyage/?_ccid=20927&_ccst=1000&_hrgb=2utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50 per cent off</a> for a second guest on summer voyages if you book before the end of April. Check out the gallery below for more stunning images of what to expect on a Hurtigren Norwegian Coastal Express cruise. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com.au/destinations/norway/?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=APAC_COA_Awareness_Brand_B2C_W01_YR_2022_NO_22-23&utm_content=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hurtigruten</a>.

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