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Veteran ABC journalist dies at age 72

<p>Veteran ABC journalist Matt Peacock has died at the age of 72. </p> <p>The pioneering reporter had a stellar career with the public broadcaster after first joining in 1973, going on to be the chief political correspondent for current affairs radio in Canberra and foreign correspondent in London, Washington and New York.</p> <p>He also worked for several flagship ABC radio and television shows including AM, <em>The World Today</em> and PM.</p> <p>Peacock died following a battle with pancreatic cancer. </p> <p>ABC chair Kim Williams paid tribute to the journalist, saying, “Since starting at the ABC as a cadet in 1973, he was dedicated to pursuing the health impacts of asbestos in different communities, defending the marginalised and giving a voice to people who needed their story to be told.”</p> <p>“Our audiences trusted him and knew him as a courageous and principled journalist who pursued those who hid from their responsibilities."</p> <p>“He loved the ABC and believed in its integrity and standards and he urged his colleagues to uphold these values without compromise."</p> <p>“We will miss his friendship and advice. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.” </p> <p>Other media colleagues also shared their condolences online, including Aussie author, academic and community leader Everald Compton, who wrote on X, “Vale Matt Peacock. Quality journalist. One of the best ABC has had."</p> <p>Journalist, researcher and activist Wendy Bacon also wrote on X. “So sad to see Matt Peacock go."</p> <p>“I knew him for more than 50 years. Very good ABC News reporter but should also be remembered as a fierce anti-censorship campaigner and defender of prisoners’ rights and Indigenous Australian. Generous friend to many. A giant of journalism."</p> <p>During his time at the ABC, Peacock specialised in reporting on politics, the environment and science, and was best known for exposing how global materials giant James Hardie Industries covered up the deaths of thousands of Australians from asbestos. </p> <p>He also campaigned against censorship and defended the First Nations rights and those of the incarcerated.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p>

Caring

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How was Halloween invented? Once a Celtic pagan tradition, the holiday has evolved to let kids and adults try on new identities

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <figure class="align-left "></figure> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/linus-owens-457047">Linus Owens</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/middlebury-1247">Middlebury</a></em></p> <p>“It’s alive!” Dr. Frankenstein cried as his creation stirred to life. But the creature had a life of its own, eventually escaping its creator’s control.</p> <p>Much like Frankenstein’s monster, traditions are also alive, which means they can change over time or get reinvented. Built from a hodgepodge of diverse parts, Halloween is one such tradition that has been continually reinvented since its ancient origins as <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/T/bo46408548.html">a Celtic pagan ceremony</a>. Yet beneath the superhero costumes and bags of candy still beats the heart of the original.</p> <p>The Celts lived in what’s now Ireland as far back as 500 B.C. They celebrated New Year’s Day on Nov. 1, which they called <a href="https://www.loc.gov/folklife/halloween-santino.html">Samhain</a>. They believed that leading up to the transition to the new year, the door between the worlds of the living and the dead swung open. The souls of the recently dead, previously trapped on Earth, could now pass to the underworld. Since they thought spirits came out after dark, this supernatural activity reached its peak the night before, on Oct. 31.</p> <p>The Celts invented rituals to protect themselves during this turbulent time. They put on costumes and disguises to fool the spirits. They lit bonfires and stuck candles inside carved turnips – the first jack-o’-lanterns – to scare away any spirits looking for mischief. If all else failed, they carried a pocketful of treats to pay off wayward spirits and send them back <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/halloween-9780195168969?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;">on their way to the underworld</a>.</p> <p>Sound familiar?</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/halloweens-celebration-of-mingling-with-the-dead-has-roots-in-ancient-celtic-celebrations-of-samhain-191300">Although focused on the dead</a>, Samhain was ultimately <a href="https://utpress.org/title/halloween-other-festivals/">for the living</a>, who needed plenty of help of their own when transitioning to the new year. Winter was cold and dark. Food was scarce. Everyone came together for one last bash to break bread, share stories and stand tall against the dead, strengthening community ties at the time they were needed most.</p> <p>When Catholics arrived in Ireland around A.D. 300, they opened another door between worlds, unleashing considerable conflict. They sought to convert the Celts by changing their pagan rituals into Christian holidays. They rechristened Nov. 1 “All Saints Day,” which today remains a celebration of Catholic saints.</p> <p>But the locals held on to their old beliefs. They believed the dead still wandered the Earth. So the living still dressed in costumes. This activity still took place the night before. It just had a new name to fit the Catholic calendar: “All Hallows Eve,” which is <a href="https://www.loc.gov/folklife/halloween-santino.html">where we got the name Halloween</a>.</p> <p>Irish immigrants <a href="https://www.irishpost.com/heritage/how-irish-great-famine-brought-halloween-to-america-161376">brought Halloween to America in the 1800s</a> while escaping the Great Potato Famine. At first, Irish Halloween celebrations were an oddity, viewed suspiciously by other Americans. As such, Halloween wasn’t celebrated much in America at the time.</p> <p>As the Irish integrated into American society, Halloween was reinvented again, this time as an all-American celebration. It became a holiday primarily for kids. Its religious overtones faded, with supernatural saints and sinners being replaced by generic ghosts and goblins. Carved turnips gave way to the <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/the-history-of-jack-o-lantern">pumpkins</a> now emblematic of the holiday. Though trick-or-treating resembles ancient traditions like guising, where costumed children went door to door for gifts, <a href="https://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/jack-santino-five-myths-about-halloween/article_6fe79e19-d106-52cc-a895-4a3a72d09c93.html">it’s actually an American invention</a>, created to entice kids away from rowdy holiday pranks toward more wholesome activities.</p> <p>Halloween has become a tradition many new immigrants adopt along their journey toward American-ness and is increasingly <a href="https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-4438-0153-9">being exported around the world</a>, with locals reinventing it in new ways to adapt it to their own culture.</p> <p>What’s so special about Halloween is that it turns the world upside down. The dead walk the Earth. Rules are meant to be broken. And kids exercise a lot of power. They decide what costume to wear. They make demands on others by asking for candy. “Trick or treat” is their battle cry. They do things they’d never get away with any other time, but on Halloween, they get to act like adults, trying it on to see how it fits.</p> <p>Because Halloween allows kids more independence, it’s possible to mark significant life stages through holiday firsts. First Halloween. First Halloween without a parent. First Halloween that’s no longer cool. First Halloween as a parent.</p> <p>Growing up used to mean growing out of Halloween. But today, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/24/halloween-adults-costumes-elvira-mistress-of-the-dark/1593177/">young adults</a> seem even more committed to Halloween than kids.</p> <p>What changed: adults or Halloween? Both.</p> <p>Caught between childhood and adulthood, today’s young adults find Halloween a perfect match to their struggles to find themselves and make their way in the world. Their participation has reinvented Halloween again, now bigger, more elaborate and <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/halloween-prices-cost-more-expensive-pumpkin-candy-costumes-1754635">more expensive</a>. Yet in <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-has-halloween-become-so-popular-among-adults-104896">becoming an adult celebration</a>, it comes full circle to return to its roots as a holiday celebrated mainly by adults.</p> <p>Halloween is a living tradition. You wear a costume every year, but you’d never wear the same one. You’ve changed since last year, and your costume reflects that. Halloween is no different. Each year, it’s the same celebration, but it’s also something totally new. In what ways are you already reinventing the Halloween of the future today?</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/linus-owens-457047"><em>Linus Owens</em></a><em>, Associate Professor of Sociology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/middlebury-1247">Middlebury</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/how-was-halloween-invented-once-a-celtic-pagan-tradition-the-holiday-has-evolved-to-let-kids-and-adults-try-on-new-identities-192379">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Art

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Guy Sebastian drops bombshell news

<p>Guy Sebastian has shocked fans after announcing he would be taking a step back from his coaching role on <em>The Voice </em>after six years in the red chair. </p> <p>In a statement shared to Instagram, the Aussie singer revealed that he is having a break from the show to focus on his other musical pursuits, such as a new album and upcoming tour. </p> <p>“I have made the decision to take a break from the best red chair on the planet. It’s been six amazing years as a coach and it’s honestly been the best gig ever!” he said.</p> <p>“I have nothing but good things to say about the show itself, and sharing the panel with such amazing coaches has been a pleasure."</p> <p>“The best thing about the show is how positive it is and how much care and passion goes into making it a safe place for artists.”</p> <p>“For me right now, it’s time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music,” he added.“I am busy planning shows in Australia and worldwide and I am really looking forward to getting out and connecting with you all there."</p> <p>"For too long now, I have been reading comments from you asking when I will be visiting your town/country and it’s high time I come and visit!”</p> <p>Sebastian revealed he had been working his new album on and off for years, and is hoping he will now be able to give the new record his undivided attention.</p> <p>“I’ve worked on this upcoming album for four years and I’ve poured everything I have into it, so I need to pay respect to that effort and the art I’ve created,” he wrote.</p> <p>Signing off from the statement, Sebastian revealed he is planning to return to <em>The Voice</em> at a later date, while issuing a word of warning for his temporary replacement. </p> <p>He said, “Whoever has the audacity to take my chair, don’t get too comfortable ... I will wrestle for it back with zero dignity when I’m ready to return.”</p> <p>“Thank you everyone, it’s been a blast and let’s keep supporting fresh Aussie talent – it’s some of the best in the world!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Voice</em></p>

Music

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Tragic new details emerge about baby's death in Bali

<p>Tragic new details have merged about the sudden death of a toddler, who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/profound-grief-baby-dies-during-family-holiday-in-bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> while on a family holiday to Bali.</p> <p>According to Indonesian police, the 14-month-old boy drowned in a villa swimming pool at Villa Besar in Kerobokan, north of Kuta in Bali. </p> <p>Police spokesperson Avitus Panjaitan told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14017027/Tragic-new-details-emerge-cause-Australian-babys-death-Bali.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a></em> that the family did not report the death to police, and officers only found out details after interviewing resort staff.</p> <p>Staff reported that the family had returned to the villa from a water park in the evening shortly before the alarm was raised that a baby was drowning in the pool just minutes later. </p> <p>The staff recalled seeing a woman pull the baby from the water and desperately performing CPR to revive the child, but by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, the child was already deceased. </p> <p>In the wake of the tragedy, the child's father Brendan Sharp shared a gut wrenching update on Facebook, describing his son as a "one of a kind" child who filled every room with laughter and light.</p> <p>"He was always happy and cheerful, lighting up the room with whomever was there," he said.</p> <p>"His cheekiness and affection were like no other, and he was always dancing and having fun with a side of cheeky."</p> <p>"You were so special my boy - keep shining like the star you are and keep an eye on all of us down here," he said.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-grace-and-brendan-cope-with-the-loss-of-their-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up by the family to help cover the funeral, and to allow parents Grace and Brendan time to grieve without financial pressure.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / GoFundMe</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Jackie O donates profits from her new memoir

<p>Jackie O has revealed that she plans to donate all the profits from her book, just days after going public with the details of her past <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tearful-jackie-o-reveals-past-drug-addiction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drug addiction</a>. </p> <p>The radio host shared the news of her past addiction live on air last week, admitting she was abusing prescription drugs and also had an alcohol addiction, which led to her checking into the Betty Ford Centre in Palm Springs, California to seek treatment.</p> <p>In a lengthy statement on her Instagram, Jackie O shared that she had received messages from people who are also battling with addiction, but are financially unable to get the same level of help. </p> <p>"Since sharing my story last week, I've been deeply moved by the thousands of messages I've received from people facing challenges similar to mine but unable to afford rehab," she wrote online. </p> <p>"I was fortunate enough to have access to treatment and I recognise how privileged that makes me. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunity. Which is why all my profits from my book which is on sale tomorrow will be donated to Odyssey House Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre."</p> <p>Jackie O's memoir, <em>The Whole Truth</em>, shares more information about her battle with addiction, while also revealing secrets about her private life and extensive career. </p> <p>She ended the post with a message of thanks for the many people who have supported her and opened up to her with similar stories.</p> <p>"Thank you to everyone who has shared their personal stories with me. I'm still reading through your messages and will do my best to respond to each one. Your honesty and support means the world to me."</p> <p>Henderson opened up about her experience with addiction in a planned reading from her memoir on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em> last Thursday, where she told her co-host Kyle Sandilands, "I was scared to tell people and say this out loud, I know people will look at me differently and judge me, but I was in a really dark place."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Money & Banking

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“Is it really that bad?”: New mum slammed for baby name choice

<p>One woman has taken to social media to explain her dilemma after people around her made her second-guess the name she and her husband chose for their unborn son. </p> <p>The woman shared her situation on Reddit, and explained that the name has a special family significance to her, but so far people around her have absolutely hated it. </p> <p>"My grandpa was my favourite person in the whole world. Growing up, I always loved his name because I thought it was unique and I loved him. I always said if I had a son I would name him after my grandpa," she explained in the post. </p> <p>"Now I'm pregnant, and the very few people I've told the name to HATE IT. The name is Earl. Is it really that bad?"</p> <p>She added that she doesn't want her son to grow up hating his name, but she still wants to use it as it is so special to her. </p> <p>"Few other things: husband is on board and loves it, and it does sound really nice with our last name," she added. </p> <p>Many of the commenters urged her to go with the name if she loves it and to disregard what anyone else says. </p> <p>"This. Is. Your. Baby You don't need to poll the audience or tell anyone the baby's name before he is born. Protect your peace, and Earl's," replied one person. </p> <p> "I love Earl! Easy to say and spell. Uncommon but not made up. The emotional connection is wonderful too!" commented another. </p> <p>"It's a lovely name!!! Don't let other people shame you out of using it because you'll regret listening to them later," a third person assured her. </p> <p>"Earl is dated and country but it's cute and it means something to you and you both love it. It will be fine," another woman said. </p> <p>Some suggested that if she was really struggling with the name after the hate she received, there are other ways to incorporate it. </p> <p>"It's extremely dated but not bad. I personally think it's better as a middle name," replied one person. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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"One of the greatest men": Tarzan star dies at age 86

<p><em>Tarzan</em> star Ron Ely has died at the age of 86. </p> <p>The news of his passing was confirmed in an emotional statement by his daughter Kirsten, who wrote, “The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad."</p> <p>“My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person – there was something truly magical about him. This is how the world knew him.”</p> <p>“I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven sent honour that has been. To me, he hung the moon.”</p> <p>“My father’s life story was one of relentless perseverance, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved,” Kirsten continued.</p> <p>“It was also a story of joy and love – something everyone close to him had the privilege of experiencing. Once you knew my father’s love, the world grew to be a brighter and more meaningful place.”</p> <p>“I am doing my best to walk this path of loss with the strength and grace that I know he would want for me,” she added. </p> <p>“My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it’s etched into my soul. I will proudly carry all of my favourite pieces of them – lovingly cemented into my heart – until we all meet again.”</p> <p>Ely first one to fame in the 1960s with his role as <em>Tarzan</em> in the NBC TV series, which ran from 1966 to 1968. </p> <p>He later returned for Universal’s <em>Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze</em> in 1975, and took on guest roles on some of TV’s biggest shows, including <em>Wonder Woman</em>, <em>The Love Boat</em>, <em>Fantasy Island</em> and <em>Superboy</em>.</p> <p>Ely is survived by his daughters, Kirstin and Kaitland. In 2019, his son, Cameron, was shot and killed by Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputies after allegedly stabbing his mother, Ely’s wife, to death.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matthew Rettenmund / Banner/Kobal / Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Caring

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Legendary broadcaster dies at age 87

<p>Legendary broadcaster and journalist Colin Chapman has passed away at the age of 87. </p> <p>After years of suffering from poor health, Chapman - who was known for his work in the media and as an author - died over the weekend. </p> <p>Chapman’s career spanned three continents and saw him as a print reporter as well a TV presenter, working for <span id="U842243185388XfE">BBC TV</span>, as well as having stints at the <span id="U842243185388uG"><em>Sunday Times</em>, <em>Financial Times</em> </span>and <span id="U842243185388pRF"><em>Observer</em>.</span></p> <p>He said previously, “There will not be many journalists who have been both writers and executives in the print media, and also on-camera performers and senior managers in radio and television.”</p> <p>He also enjoyed stints at the <em>New York Times</em>, <em>Washington Post</em> and <em>ABC</em>, where he was a founding producer of the network’s <em>The World Today</em>.</p> <p>Most recently, Chapman was the editor-at-large for the <em>Australian Outlook</em>, where his work included columns on elections around the world this year.</p> <p>During his renowned career, Chapman was not only an expert political analyst but also a revered foreign correspondent, including covering terror attacks in Hong Kong in the 1960s and international conflicts in Africa and the Suez region.</p> <p>He spent three periods in Australia - the last in 2004 - and was granted citizenship.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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"Inhumane" sign at airport shocks travellers

<p>A sign at a New Zealand airport has sparked outrage among travellers, with the policy controlling people's emotional farewells. </p> <p>Photos of the sign at Dunedin Airport have gone viral, with the sign reading, "Max. hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells please use the car park,” in an attempt to combat airport traffic congestion. </p> <p>Despite the reasons behind the unusual signage, some users on Facebook slamming the “inhumane” limit on travellers’ allotted time to say goodbye to loved ones.</p> <p>“You can’t put a time limit on hugs! that’s inhumane,” one person wrote.</p> <p>Another person chimed in, “I love it. It shows warmth and compassion. My local airport it would be ‘you can’t stop there’ – there’s a £100 fine if you stop and a minimum £5.00 to drop someone off in the drop-off zone. I love Nice airport – they have ‘Kiss and Fly.’”</p> <p>Others also joined in poking fun at the strange new rule, with one person writing, “I can see the airport worker now … 2:56, 2:57, 2:58, 2:59 OK time to break it up!”</p> <p>Another joked, “In America, they don’t even want you to stop. Just come to a slow roll and push your passenger out.”</p> <p>The airport's CEO Daniel De Bono said that it redesigned its drop-off zone to improve safety and congestion around the terminal, telling New Zealand’s <em>RNZ</em> radio the change was made due to space considerations.</p> <p>He said, “There’s only so much space we have in that drop-off area and too many people are spending too much time on their fonder farewells in the drop-off area. There’s no space for others.”</p> <p>De Bono then citied a study that suggests a measly 20-second hug is enough to get the oxytocin and serotonin release people get from hugging, saying, “We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug for. It’s more a message of, ‘Please move onwards.’ If you’re going to spend however long, sit in the car park. You get 15 minutes free and it provides space for others who only want a 20-second hug.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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New $1m reward for cold case murder of three children

<p>A new $1 million reward is being offered for information about each of the murders of three First Nations children around 34 years ago. </p> <p>Four-year-old Evelyn Greenup, Clinton Speedy-Duroux, 16, and Colleen Walker-Craig, 16, disappeared from Bowraville, a town in northern NSW over a five-month period from September 1990. </p> <p>Evelyn and Clinton's remains were found in nearby bushland, but Colleen's have never been found. </p> <p>The murders were initially investigated separately before being linked by the homicide squad. </p> <p>Now, after various appeals over the decades, NSW Police have issued a re-appeal for information into the murders, with a particular focus on locating the remains of Colleen.</p> <p>“A $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each of the children’s murder remains in place, as well as for information leading to the location and recovery of Colleen’s remains,” NSW Police said on Monday.</p> <p>Detectives are also going to be spending the week in Bowraville to  speak to locals who may have information about the children's deaths. </p> <p>A man, who can't be named for legal reasons, was acquitted of Clinton's murder in 1994, and Evelyn's murder in 2006. </p> <p>The case was the subject of two police investigations, multiple trials, a coronial inquest, and a parliamentary inquiry. </p> <p>In 2018, the government tried to convince the NSW court of criminal appeal that there was fresh and compelling evidence – related to the disappearance of Colleen – in attempt to overturn the two acquittals and instead have a new single trial on three murder charges. </p> <p>However, the court refused to grant special leave to the NSW government to appeal against the decision. </p> <p>In 2019, hundreds protested in front of the gates of the Court of Appeal when a retrial was denied. </p> <p><em>Images: 7pm TV News NSW/ ABC News</em></p>

Legal

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Samantha Armytage hints at major career news

<p>Samantha Armytage has hinted at a major change, following reports that the former <em>Seven</em> star has joined rival network <em>Nine</em>. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The former <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> host </span>teased her new gig as she was being interviewed by <em>The Daily Telegraph </em>at The Everest in Sydney over the weekend. </p> <p>Last week, it was reported that Armytage had signed a deal with Nine to host the Australian version of the dating show <em>The Golden Bachelor</em> in the coming year. </p> <p>The publication also revealed that the deal is believed to be worth a significant amount, with insiders confirming the news to them. </p> <p>When asked whether she had signed with <em>Nine</em>, the TV veteran remained coy, saying with a smile: "Look, watch this space. Exciting times ahead."</p> <p>The news reportedly comes after months of negotiation between the TV star and her new network. </p> <p>"There was a bit of back and forth, but I believe the contract has been signed" an insider told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em> last week.</p> <p>The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of <em>The Bachelor</em> series, but the contestants of the show are senior citizens instead. </p> <p>"This is a smart move for Sam and Nine. She is well suited to this gig and breathed new life into <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>," the insider added. </p> <p>Armytage announced her departure from Seven in August after 21 years with the network. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Readers response: How do you handle changes in energy levels as you age?

<p>As we get older, our levels of energy, ability and agility can slowly start to decrease, making us change our day-to-day lifestyles. </p> <p>We asked our readers how they handle these changes, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Margo Courtney</strong> - Eat clean and healthy and your body will reward you with heaps of energy and vitality. I have a very big green smoothie most days as one of my 2 meals, along with 2 litres of water a day, and I don't even need much sleep.</p> <p><strong>Ron Stubbs</strong> - Up at 8am, can’t be late for my walk in the sun, and feeling great. Don’t need afternoon snooze then. I’m 77.</p> <p><strong>Kristeen Bon</strong> - I don’t handle them. I flop on the couch most afternoons for a quick five minute interior eye check!</p> <p><strong>Sylvia Brice</strong> - I have an autoimmune disease so my levels of energy are way down. I do what l can in small bursts and rest when l need to. Luckily l read and craft so can always do them. It's very hard to adapt but that's life and l am so much better for off than younger people with my disease. Think positive.</p> <p><strong>Judie Fisher</strong> - Do chores in small stretches, and have regular breaks.</p> <p><strong>Diane Green</strong> - Adjust. I do what I can, and what I can't just has to wait.</p> <p><strong>Raymond Richards</strong> - As they told us at the heart clinic, if you have something you HAVE to do - do it first.</p> <p><strong>Janis St George</strong> - Listen to your body - rest awhile when you need to.</p> <p><strong>Kaylene Samuels</strong> - Have a SCAN..... Seniors Compulsory Afternoon Nap.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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How do we save ageing Australians from the heat? Greening our cities is a good start

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/claudia-baldwin-248780">Claudia Baldwin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-byrne-6066">Jason Byrne</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tony-matthews-234160">Tony Matthews</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a></em></p> <p>Heatwaves have killed more Australians than <a href="https://ama.com.au/ausmed/heatwave-health-warning">road accidents</a>, fires, floods and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000999">all other natural disasters combined</a>. Although <a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-heatwaves-our-cold-houses-are-much-more-likely-to-kill-us-83030">recent research</a> shows extreme cold is a worry in some parts of Australia, <a href="https://theconversation.com/2018-19-was-australias-hottest-summer-on-record-with-a-warm-autumn-likely-too-112616">our hottest summer on record</a> points to more heat-related deaths to come. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-stubborn-high-pressure-system-behind-australias-record-heatwaves-110442">record heatwaves</a> have highlighted the damaging effects of heat stress. Understandably, it’s becoming a major <a href="https://ama.com.au/ausmed/heatwaves-nation%E2%80%99s-deadliest-natural-disaster-0">public health challenge</a>.</p> <p>The risk of extreme heat events and the adverse impacts on older people has been extensively <a href="https://jech.bmj.com/content/64/9/753.short">discussed in research</a>. Remarkably, very little attention has been paid to the role of urban greenery in reducing heat stress for seniors.</p> <p>Older people are particularly at risk of heat stress. Pre-existing medical conditions and limited mobility increase their vulnerability. <a href="http://www.cmaj.ca/content/182/10/1053.short">Deaths of older people increase</a> during extreme heat events.</p> <p>The physical features of urban areas shape the capacity of older adults to engage in many activities when it’s hot. These include vegetation volume and coverage, <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-cool-cities-for-a-hot-future-57489">thermal design</a>, and the extent of shading in public areas and walkways. Increasing urban greenery may offer a way to improve older people’s comfort and social experience.</p> <h2>Ageing adds urgency to greening</h2> <p>It is expected <a href="http://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/ageing/">20% of the global population</a> will be older than 60 by 2050. The figure for Australia <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyTopic/2CA2134677EF9D03CA257C2E0017283B?OpenDocument">is even higher</a>, at 23%. This means that by 2050 around one in four Australians will be more vulnerable to extreme heat.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <p>Climate change may make the problem worse by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379708006867">fuelling even more extreme heat</a> events.</p> <p>Planning our urban centres to meet the needs of a <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australia-at-a-glance/contents/demographics-of-older-australians">rapidly ageing population</a> is a matter of urgency. Urban greening to reduce their vulnerability to heat stress should be central to this agenda. It can also improve people’s quality of life, reduce <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829208001172">social isolation and loneliness</a>, and ease the burden on health systems.</p> <p>An important task is matching the design of communities with the needs of an ageing population. Where older adults live and the quality of their local areas strongly influence their lived experiences. Yet <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0885412217704649">recent research</a> found the experiences of seniors were often not accounted for in research on neighbourhood design.</p> <h2>What about aged care?</h2> <p>People face choices about where they live as they age. The common choices are to “<a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australians-to-have-the-choice-of-growing-old-at-home-here-is-what-needs-to-change-91488">age in place</a>” or to move into aged care.</p> <p>Ageing in place includes living in one’s own home or <a href="https://theconversation.com/co-housing-works-well-for-older-people-once-they-get-past-the-image-problem-79907">co-habiting with relatives or friends</a>. Around 90% of Australian seniors <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/housing-decisions-older-australians/housing-decisions-older-australians.pdf">choose this option</a>, with the remainder opting for aged-care facilities.</p> <p>If one in ten Australian seniors live in aged-care facilities, it is clear these should be designed to minimise heat stress. This isn’t just good for residents; it may also benefit operators by lowering health-care and electricity costs.</p> <p>While these facilities are purpose-built for older people, many in Australia were built well over a decade ago, when heat stress was not such a large concern. Many more facilities are being built now and will be into the future. Yet it is uncertain whether they are being actively designed to reduce the impacts of heat.</p> <h2>What has our research found?</h2> <p>We recently conducted a focus group to investigate this issue. Participants were senior managers from four large corporate providers of aged care in Australia. We investigated if and how providers try to minimise heat stress through design. We also sought to understand the rationales used to support these design approaches.</p> <p>Several participants reported on refurbishments that they expect will have cooling effects. Cited design approaches included green roofs and walls, as well as sensory gardens. Other expected benefits included reducing anxiety and improving the mental health of residents.</p> <p>The fact that single design interventions could produce multiple benefits improved the potential for corporate buy-in. Participants expected that increasing green space and green cover would give their facilities a competitive advantage by attracting more clients and providing a better working environment for staff.</p> <p>Participants also reported on challenges of including greening in their projects. For example, the benefits of trees were weighed against concerns about roots disrupting footpaths and becoming trip hazards. Species selection was another concern, with fears that inappropriate plants could die and undermine support for greening programs.</p> <p>Our research suggests that more can be done to make cities hospitable for older people, especially during extreme heat. Urban greening is a start. Encouraging aged-care providers to adopt green infrastructure will have benefits. But we should also consider reforms to planning systems and urban design to better protect older people who choose to age in place.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/112613/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/claudia-baldwin-248780">Claudia Baldwin</a>, Associate Professor, Urban Design and Town Planning, Sustainability Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-byrne-6066">Jason Byrne</a>, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tony-matthews-234160">Tony Matthews</a>, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/how-do-we-save-ageing-australians-from-the-heat-greening-our-cities-is-a-good-start-112613">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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New report reveals huge amount of super needed to retire

<p>Australians will need nearly $600,000 in their superannuation to retire comfortably, according to a new report. </p> <p>The Association of Superannuation Funds (ASFA) Retirement Standard report found that home-owning singles would need $595,000 to retire at 67 with a “comfortable” lifestyle, while a home-owning couple in relatively good health would need $690,000.</p> <p>This means that home-owning couples would need $73,337 per year while home-owning singles would need  $52,085 for a comfortable lifestyle. </p> <p>Their analysis also found that for a more modest lifestyle, a superannuation balance of $100,000 is needed for both singles or couples. </p> <p>Both budgets assume the retirees own their homes and are relatively healthy. </p> <p>On Wednesday, financial commentator Betsy Westcott told <em>Sunrise</em> that Aussies needed to start thinking about retirement earlier to make the most of their savings. </p> <p>“The longer that you contribute to super and pay attention it to it, the less you have to do to create that really golden retirement because age is your superpower,” Westcott said.</p> <p>“If you’re not paying attention to your super, which, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t, you could be missing out on some really big gains (to the overall balance).”</p> <p>She added that most people retired closer to 65 than 67 and ended up with a lot less superannuation than the benchmark. </p> <p>While the ASFA retirement standard took into account  “everyday spending,” Wescott said it did not factor in expenses like helping children buy a home, or buying into a retirement village.</p> <p>She also stressed that these benchmarks were just a guide saying:  "Personal finance is just that, it is personal.”</p> <p>“Your idea of a golden retirement will look different to your neighbour’s, your cousin’s, your best friend’s."</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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One Direction star passes away aged 31

<p>Former One Direction star Liam Payne has reportedly been found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, according to local newspaper <em>La Nacion</em>.</p> <p>The 31-year-old is believed to have fallen from the third floor of a hotel at around 5pm local time the newspaper said, citing emergency services.</p> <p>According to<em> La Nacion</em> the local police station was called by the hotel manager who reported "an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol". </p> <p>It is reported that Payne fell from around 13 or 14 metres and suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life." </p> <p>Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system SAME (El Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias), told local TV that Payne had fallen into a courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood.</p> <p>“At 17.11, a SAME team arrived and confirmed the man’s death. We later learned that he was a singer in a musical group.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, he had injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death. There was no possibility of resuscitation.”</p> <p>Payne was one of the founding members of One Direction, one of the most loved boy bands of the past decade.</p> <p>He auditioned first as a solo act for the UK reality series The X Factor in 2008, before being eliminated.</p> <p>In 2010 he auditioned again and was grouped with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik by the judges to form One Direction.</p> <p><em>Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

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Eight simple changes to our neighbourhoods can help us age well

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jerome-n-rachele-251972">Jerome N Rachele</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-f-sallis-407885">James F Sallis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-california-san-diego-1314">University of California, San Diego</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/venurs-loh-118864">Venurs Loh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p>Where we live can play a big part in ageing well, largely because of the links between physical activity and wellbeing. <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/2181/AHURI_Final_Report_No214_Downsizing-amongst-older-Australians.pdf">Research shows</a> that two-thirds of Australians prefer to age in place. That is, we want to live independently in our homes for as long as we can. Our neighbourhoods and their design can then improve or hinder our ability to get out of the house and be physically active.</p> <p>The rapid ageing of Australia’s population only adds to the importance of neighbourhood design. In 2016, 15% of Australians were aged 65 or older. That proportion is <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-statistics/population-groups/older-people/overview">projected to double</a> by 2056.</p> <p>These trends present several <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-statistics/population-groups/older-people/reports">social and economic challenges</a>, particularly for the health sector. Designing neighbourhoods in ways that promote physical activity can help overcome these challenges.</p> <h2>Eight simple steps</h2> <p>The following is a short list of <a href="https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-017-0471-5">evidence-based steps</a> local and state governments can take to assist older people to be physically active. These involve minor but effective changes to neighbourhood design.</p> <p><strong>Improve footpaths:</strong> Research indicates that older people have a <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-older-people-get-osteoporosis-and-have-falls-68145">higher risk of falls</a>. Ensuring footpaths are level and crack-free, and free from obstructions, will encourage walking among older people – especially those with a disability.</p> <p><strong>Connected pedestrian networks:</strong> Introducing footpaths at the end of no-through-roads and across long street blocks reduces walking distances to destinations. This makes walking a more viable option.</p> <p><strong>Slowing traffic in high-pedestrian areas:</strong> Slowing traffic <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/images/uploads/publications/Safe-Speed-Evidence-Report.pdf">improves safety</a> by reducing the risk of a collision. It also reduces the risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28557669">death and serious injury</a> in the event of a collision.</p> <p><strong>Age-friendly street crossings:</strong> Installing longer pedestrian crossing light sequences gives older pedestrians <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/41/5/690/47318/Most-older-pedestrians-are-unable-to-cross-the">more time to cross</a>, and installing refuge islands means those who walk more slowly can cross the street in two stages.</p> <p><strong>Disabled access at public transport:</strong> Although a form of motorised transport, public transport users undertake more incidental physical activity compared with car users. This is because they walk between transit stops and their origins and destinations. Improving disabled access helps make public transport a viable option for more older people.</p> <p><strong>Places to rest:</strong> <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1054">Providing rest spots</a> such as benches enables older people to break up their walk and rest when needed.</p> <p><strong>Planting trees:</strong> Planting trees <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953614004109?via%3Dihub">creates more pleasant scenery</a> to enjoy on a walk. It also provides shade on hot days.</p> <p><strong>Improving safety:</strong> Ensuring that streets are well-lit and reducing graffiti and signs of decay are likely to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24552845">improve perceptions of safety</a> among older people.</p> <h2>Why physical activity matters</h2> <p>Physical function – the ability to undertake everyday activities such as walking, bathing and climbing stairs – often declines as people age. The reason for this is that ageing is often accompanied by a reduction in muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory reserves.</p> <p>Regular physical activity can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14552936">prevent or slow the decline</a> in physical function, even among those with existing health conditions.</p> <p>Middle-to-older aged adults can reduce their risk of physical function decline <a href="https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1479-5868-7-38">by 30%</a> with regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week). This includes recreational physical activity, like walking the dog, or incidental physical activity, such as walking to the shops or to visit friends.</p> <p>By making minor changes as outlined above, the health and longevity of our elderly population can be extended. Such changes will help our elderly age well in place.</p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jerome-n-rachele-251972">Jerome N Rachele</a>, Research Fellow in Social Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-f-sallis-407885">James F Sallis</a>, Professorial Fellow, Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, and Emeritus Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-california-san-diego-1314">University of California, San Diego</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/venurs-loh-118864">Venurs Loh</a>, PhD Candidate, Institute for Health and Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>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/eight-simple-changes-to-our-neighbourhoods-can-help-us-age-well-83962">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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"No consideration": Tough new penalties introduced for "thoughtless" drivers

<p>One Australian state is set to introduce a new law to enforce harsher penalties on "thoughtless" drivers who endanger the lives of children.</p> <p>South Australian independent Frank Pangallo has proposed legislation that would see prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to $5,000 for drivers found guilty of aggravated driving offences while children under 16 are present.</p> <p>“Like most people in the community, I am deeply alarmed at the number of thoughtless people who have no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car and drive like a moron while there are kids in the car,” Mr Pangallo <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/independent-mlc-frank-pangallo-to-introduce-bill-would-impose-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-caught-speeding-drink-driving-with-children-in-the-car/news-story/343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">told </a><em><a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/independent-mlc-frank-pangallo-to-introduce-bill-would-impose-tougher-penalties-on-drivers-caught-speeding-drink-driving-with-children-in-the-car/news-story/343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="343d31f4cb6c249a644ac2d45748daef" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">the Advertiser</a></em>.</p> <p>“Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but far more critically, the lives of innocent children in the vehicle."</p> <p>“I have spoken to a number of senior police who are astounded by the stupidity of these drivers who have absolutely no consideration for the dangers they are placing those children in.”</p> <p>Pangallo was prompted to urge the reforms after the state saw two horror crashes over the past weeks that have involved children. </p> <p>In one accident, an eight-year-old child was pulled from the wreckage of a vehicle and was lucky to survive, with the 40-year-old driver allegedly returning a positive breath test.</p> <p>“I would describe that driver as being an irresponsible moron,” Mr Pangallo said of the crash. “I hope they throw the book at that driver.”</p> <p>In another recent incident, a woman - who was pulled over for using her mobile phone while driving - allegedly blew six times the legal blood alcohol limit with two children under 16 years old in her car. </p> <p>South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas offered his support for tougher laws in a press conference, saying, “I think it is perfectly reasonable for the law to discriminate between offenders who have children in the car or not. I think that’s a reasonable principle.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

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