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Thinking of using an activity tracker to achieve your exercise goals? Here’s where it can help – and where it probably won’t

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corneel-vandelanotte-209636">Corneel Vandelanotte</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>It’s that time of year when many people are getting started on their resolutions for the year ahead. Doing more physical activity is a popular and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13668-016-0175-5">worthwhile</a> goal.</p> <p>If you’re hoping to be more active in 2024, perhaps you’ve invested in an activity tracker, or you’re considering buying one.</p> <p>But what are the benefits of activity trackers? And will a basic tracker do the trick, or do you need a fancy one with lots of features? Let’s take a look.</p> <h2>Why use an activity tracker?</h2> <p>One of the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01001-x">most powerful predictors</a> for being active is whether or not <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673621026301">you are monitoring</a> how active you are.</p> <p>Most people have a vague idea of how active they are, but this is inaccurate a lot of the time. Once people consciously start to keep track of how much activity they do, they often realise it’s less than what they thought, and this motivates them to be more active.</p> <p>You can self-monitor without an activity tracker (just by writing down what you do), but this method is hard to keep up in the long run and it’s also a lot less accurate compared to devices that track your every move 24/7.</p> <p>By tracking steps or “activity minutes” you can ascertain whether or not you are meeting the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-adults-18-to-64-years">physical activity guidelines</a> (150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week).</p> <p>It also allows you to track how you’re progressing with any personal activity goals, and view your progress over time. All this would be difficult without an activity tracker.</p> <p>Research has shown the most popular brands of activity trackers are generally reliable when it comes to tracking basic measures such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/18694">steps</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1123/jmpb.2019-0072">activity minutes</a>.</p> <h2>But wait, there’s more</h2> <p>Many activity trackers on the market nowadays track a range of other measures which their manufacturers promote as important in monitoring health and fitness. But is this really the case? Let’s look at some of these.</p> <p><strong>Resting heart rate</strong></p> <p>This is your heart rate at rest, which is normally somewhere <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/resting-heart-rate">between 60 and 100 beats per minute</a>. Your resting heart rate will gradually go down as you become fitter, especially if you’re doing a lot of high-intensity exercise. Your risk of dying of any cause (all-cause mortality) is much lower when you have a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552551/">low resting heart rate</a>.</p> <p>So, it is useful to keep an eye on your resting heart rate. Activity trackers are pretty good at tracking it, but you can also easily measure your heart rate by monitoring your pulse and using a stopwatch.</p> <p><strong>Heart rate during exercise</strong></p> <p>Activity trackers will also measure your heart rate when you’re active. To improve fitness efficiently, professional athletes focus on having their heart rate in certain “<a href="https://chhs.source.colostate.edu/how-to-target-heart-rate-training-zones-effectively/">zones</a>” when they’re exercising – so knowing their heart rate during exercise is important.</p> <p>But if you just want to be more active and healthier, without a specific training goal in mind, you can exercise at a level that feels good to you and not worry about your heart rate during activity. The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1097/HCO.0000000000000437">most important thing</a> is that you’re being active.</p> <p>Also, a dedicated heart rate monitor with a strap around your chest will do a much better job at measuring your actual heart rate <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-0226-6">compared</a> to an activity tracker worn around your wrist.</p> <p><strong>Maximal heart rate</strong></p> <p>This is the hardest your heart could beat when you’re active, not something you could sustain very long. Your maximal heart rate is not influenced by how much exercise you do, or your fitness level.</p> <p>Most activity trackers <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2566167">don’t measure it accurately</a> anyway, so you might as well forget about this one.</p> <p><strong>VO₂max</strong></p> <p>Your muscles need oxygen to work. The more oxygen your body can process, the harder you can work, and therefore the fitter you are.</p> <p>VO₂max is the volume (V) of oxygen (O₂) we could breathe maximally (max) over a one minute interval, expressed as millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). Inactive women and men would have a VO₂max lower than 30 and 40 ml/kg/min, respectively. A reasonably good VO₂max would be mid thirties and higher for women and mid forties and higher for men.</p> <p>VO₂max is another measure of fitness that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.3605">correlates well</a> with all-cause mortality: the higher it is, the lower your risk of dying.</p> <p>For athletes, VO₂max is usually measured in a lab on a treadmill while wearing a mask that measures oxygen consumption. Activity trackers instead look at your running speed (using a GPS chip) and your heart rate and compare these measures to values from other people.</p> <p>If you can run fast with a low heart rate your tracker will assume you are relatively fit, resulting in a higher VO₂max. These estimates are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01639-y">not very accurate</a> as they are based on lots of assumptions. However, the error of the measurement is reasonably consistent. This means if your VO₂max is gradually increasing, you are likely to be getting fitter.</p> <p>So what’s the take-home message? Focus on how many steps you take every day or the number of activity minutes you achieve. Even a basic activity tracker will measure these factors relatively accurately. There is no real need to track other measures and pay more for an activity tracker that records them, unless you are getting really serious about exercise.<!-- 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/219235/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/corneel-vandelanotte-209636">Corneel Vandelanotte</a>, Professorial Research Fellow: Physical Activity and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</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/thinking-of-using-an-activity-tracker-to-achieve-your-exercise-goals-heres-where-it-can-help-and-where-it-probably-wont-219235">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Climb the stairs, lug the shopping, chase the kids. Incidental vigorous activity linked to lower cancer risks

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emmanuel-stamatakis-161783">Emmanuel Stamatakis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-ahmadi-1241767">Matthew Ahmadi</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Many people know exercise reduces the risk of <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2521826">cancers</a>, including liver, lung, breast and kidney. But structured exercise is time-consuming, requires significant commitment and often financial outlay or travel to a gym. These practicalities can make it infeasible for <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/42/11/901">most adults</a>.</p> <p>There is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02100-x">very little research</a> on the potential of incidental physical activity for reducing the risk of cancer. Incidental activities can include doing errands on foot, work-related activity or housework as part of daily routines. As such they do not require an extra time commitment, special equipment or any particular practical arrangements.</p> <p>In our <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2807734">study</a> out today, we explored the health potential of brief bursts of vigorous physical activities embedded into daily life. These could be short power walks to get to the bus or tram stop, stair climbing, carrying heavy shopping, active housework or energetic play with children.</p> <h2>How was the study done?</h2> <p>Our <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2807734">new study</a> included 22,398 <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/">UK Biobank</a> participants who had never been diagnosed with cancer before and did not do any structured exercise in their leisure time. Around 55% of participants were female, with an average age of 62. Participants wore wrist activity trackers for a week. Such trackers monitor activity levels continuously and with a high level of detail throughout the day, allowing us to calculate how hard and exactly for how long people in the study were moving.</p> <p>Participants’ activity and other information was then linked to future cancer registrations and other cancer-related health records for the next 6.7 years. This meant we could estimate the overall risk of cancer by different levels of what we call “<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33108651/">vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity</a>”, the incidental bursts of activity in everyday life. We also analysed separately a group of <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2521826">13 cancer sites in the body</a> with more established links to exercise, such such as breast, lung, liver, and bowel cancers.</p> <p>Our analyses took into account other factors that influence cancer risk, such as age, smoking, diet, and alcohol habits.</p> <h2>What we found out</h2> <p>Even though study participants were not doing any structured exercise, about 94% recorded short bursts of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33108651/">vigorous activity</a>. Some 92% of all bouts were done in very short bursts lasting up to one minute.</p> <p>A minimum of around 3.5 minutes each day was associated with a 17–18% reduction in total cancer risk compared with not doing any such activity.</p> <p>Half the participants did at least 4.5 minutes a day, associated with a 20–21% reduction in total cancer risk.</p> <p>For cancers such as breast, lung and bowel cancers, which we know are impacted by the amount of exercise people do, the results were stronger and the risk reduction sharper. For example, a minimum of 3.5 minutes per a day of vigorous incidental activity reduced the risk of these cancers by 28–29%. At 4.5 minutes a day, these risks were reduced by 31–32%.</p> <p>For both total cancer and those known to be linked to exercise, the results clearly show the benefits of doing day-to-day activities with gusto that makes you huff and puff.</p> <h2>Our study had its limits</h2> <p>The study is observational, meaning we looked at a group of people and their outcomes retrospectively and did not test new interventions. That means it cannot directly explore cause and effect with certainty.</p> <p>However, we took several statistical measures to minimise the possibility those with the lowest levels of activity were not the unhealthiest, and hence the most likely to get cancer – a phenomenon called “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/reverse-causation">reverse causation</a>”.</p> <p>Our study can’t explain the biological mechanisms of how vigorous intensity activity may reduce cancer risk. Previous <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2017/02000/Brief_Intense_Stair_Climbing_Improves.10.aspx">early-stage trials</a> show this type of activity leads to rapid improvements in heart and lung fitness.</p> <p>And higher fitness is linked to lower <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002934320300097">insulin resistance</a> and lower <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109704017036">chronic inflammation</a>. High levels of these are risk <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109704017036">factors for cancer</a>.</p> <p>There is very little research on incidental physical activity and cancer in general, because most of the scientific evidence on lifestyle health behaviours and cancer is based on questionnaires. This method doesn’t capture short bursts of activity and is very inaccurate for measuring the incidental activities of daily life.</p> <p>So the field of vigorous intensity activity and cancer risk is at its infancy, despite some <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/46/4801/6771381">very promising</a> recent findings that vigorous activity in short bouts across the week could cut health risks. In another recent study of ours, we found benefits from daily <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02100-x%22%22">vigorous intermittent lifestyle activity</a> on the risk of death overall and death from cancer or cardiovascular causes.</p> <h2>In a nutshell: get moving in your daily routine</h2> <p>Our study found 3 to 4 minutes of vigorous incidental activity each day is linked with decreased cancer risk. This is a very small amount of activity compared to <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/24/1451">current recommendations</a> of 150–300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.</p> <p>Vigorous incidental physical activity is a promising avenue for cancer prevention among people unable or unmotivated to exercise in their leisure time.</p> <p>Our study also highlights the potential of technology. These results are just a glimpse how wearables combined with machine learning – which our study used to identify brief bursts of vigorous activity – can reveal health benefits of unexplored aspects of our lives. The future potential impact of such technologies to prevent cancer and possibly a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02100-x">host of other</a> conditions could be very large.<!-- 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/210288/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><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emmanuel-stamatakis-161783"><em>Emmanuel Stamatakis</em></a><em>, Professor of Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-ahmadi-1241767">Matthew Ahmadi</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</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/climb-the-stairs-lug-the-shopping-chase-the-kids-incidental-vigorous-activity-linked-to-lower-cancer-risks-210288">original article</a>.</em></p>

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“Papa activities”: Jock Zonfrillo’s widow shares bittersweet post

<p dir="ltr">The widow of late <em>MasterChef </em>star Jock Zonfrillo has shared a bittersweet post on how she is trying to fill his shoes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following Zonfrillo’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/shattered-hearts-culinary-world-mourns-tragic-death-of-jock-zonfrillo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passing in Apri</a>l, his wife Lauren Fried has been keeping his Instagram account active to share memories of him, his last projects, and provide updates on how her family is coping.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the most recent post, Fried shared that their young son Alfie had asked her to do some things he had traditionally enjoyed doing with his dad.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Alfie has asked me to do some of his Papa activities with him - making crepes and doing hours of Lego were in his requests,” she wrote in the caption.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I went with the easiest option of a trip to the barber, which the boys used to do together, followed by gelato,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It put a smile on his face which was beautiful.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She shared a series of photos of Alfie getting his haircut and smiling proudly as he showed off the final look. In the last photo, Alfie is pictured with his new haircut and enjoying a scoop of gelato.</p> <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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CugXCsrPZIO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/p/CugXCsrPZIO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jock Zonfrillo (posts by Loz) (@zonfrillo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Fans have flooded the comment section with their love and support for them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Lovely to see him smiling,” wrote one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So beautiful , Alfie looks so much like his Daddy ♥️” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh bless him. I hope somewhere in all of this ...that you are able to find a moment for you. Take care loz xx,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So beautiful that you are keeping the memories he shared with his Papa fresh in his mind,” commented a fourth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Beautiful! What a sweet moment! So nice to see that big smile! So happy this was the first thing to pop up on my insta feed!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Zonfrillo and Fried also have a daughter, Isla together and the late chef also has two adult children, Ava and Sophia, from his previous marriage.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Returning and Earning for your community

<p>Charities and community groups across NSW are cashing in empty drink containers to support their important work in the community, all with the added benefit of helping the environment. It’s an easy win-win to fundraise through Return and Earn, and it makes donating to a local charity or community group very easy.</p> <p>Return and Earn is the incredibly successful container deposit scheme in NSW, where 10 cents is refunded for every eligible drink container returned for recycling through the network of 600+ return points across the state.</p> <p>Since launching over five years ago, <a href="https://returnandearn.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Return and Earn</a> has become an important and well used channel for charities and community groups fundraising to support a range of local and broader causes. Groups such as Rotary and Lions Clubs, animal rescue organisations, and fire and rescue services are just a few of the many different cohorts that have partnered with Return and Earn and relied on the generosity of NSW citizens to help them do vital work in their communities.</p> <p>“We’ve seen many groups really embrace the scheme, showing a humbling passion for giving back to the community – whether it’s to help fund an event for a local club, or to donate to a charity,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change.</p> <p>“Some of these groups have raised a lot of money from recycling drink containers through Return and Earn. Often local residents and businesses are handing over their containers or donating their refunds to support the cause, proving there is enormous goodwill in the community.”</p> <p>The Gerringong Lions Club recently celebrated one million containers collected, raising $100,000 that was donated to a variety of causes including medical research, local sporting facilities, as well as helping both Australian and oversees Lions Clubs provide relief during catastrophes.</p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-67811" src="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Gerringong-Lions-Club-image-2-for-article-2_RD.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /></p> <p><em>The Gerringong Lions Club are now raising around $20,000 each year.</em></p> <p>The COVID shutdowns and restrictions put a halt to the activities that would normally bring funds to the club. Return and Earn was the only means for the club to generate an income to help the community during this time.</p> <p>As routine users of the scheme, the Gerringong Lions Club are now raising around $20,000 each year, all the while making positive impacts to the environment.</p> <p>Bruce Ray is a past president and active member of the club, and says he gets a sense of satisfaction knowing they are helping the community while also looking out for the environment.</p> <p>“We have the bins at the hotel, the bowling club, and campgrounds. The club also provides the container collection bins for events such as weddings and uses them at local New Years’ Eve events,” said Mr Ray.</p> <p>In Cobar, the local Rotary Club is also using Return and Earn to support the work in their community. They partnered with the local Girl Guides who help the club sort through any drink containers collected. They’ve now raised more than $25,000 since they began in early 2020.</p> <p>Club Secretary Gordon Hill said that one of the benefits for the Girl Guides is the real-world experience in seeing how much locally created waste can be recycled.</p> <p>“It also provides a healthy opportunity for a challenge to see which girls can pack the most containers during a 1.5 to 2 hour session. The record currently stands at 3,080, but the challenge continues,” Gordon added.</p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-67813" src="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cobar-Rotary-Club-image-for-article-2_RD.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /></p> <p><em>In Cobar, the local Rotary Club has partnered with the Girl Guides to help with sorting!</em></p> <p>Since Return and Earn launched in December 2017, over $42 million has been raised through donations and return point hosting fees. The funds have made a significant difference to individuals and groups who have received the support.</p> <p>“There are a lot more collection drives in the community that we don’t track, so the total fundraising amount is in fact even higher,” Ms Smalley said.</p> <p>“We encourage all our Return and Earn users to consider donating containers to a local charity or community group either at the nearest Return and Earn machine or using the Return and Earn app.</p> <p>“And if you’re a member of a group looking for an easy and effective way to fundraise, consider Return and Earn where you can double the benefit by raising funds while also helping the environment.”</p> <p>Every Return and Earn machine features a local donation partner, to whom users can donate part or all of their refunds to. The charity listed changes every six months to give as many groups as possible the opportunity.</p> <p>Charities and groups can also elect to be listed on the Return and Earn app, allowing anyone using the app at a machine or automated depot to donate direct to their favourite charity. There are currently over 170 charities featured on the app.</p> <p>When using a Return and Earn machine, select donate, then select which of the charities listed you want the funds to go. If you’re using the Return and Earn app, simply select donation as your payout option and then select the charity or group you would like to donate your refund to.</p> <p>“Contributions don’t need to be big to make a difference. It can be as easy as collecting a few eligible drink containers and donating them to a charity, helping local communities thrive while looking after the environment.” said Ms Smalley.</p> <p>For more information on donating through Return and Earn visit <a href="https://returnandearn.org.au/donate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">returnandearn.org.au/donate/</a></p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Return and Earn.</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Sore joints now it’s getting cold? It’s tempting to be less active – but doing more could help you feel better

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-ganderton-1170940">Charlotte Ganderton</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/inge-gnatt-1425767">Inge Gnatt</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-king-1177304">Matthew King</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/chronic-conditions/what-were-doing-about-chronic-conditions/what-were-doing-about-musculoskeletal-conditions#:%7E:text=In%20Australia%3A,stiff%2C%20painful%2C%20swollen%20or%20deformed">One in three</a> Australians has a musculoskeletal condition involving joint pain, and the most common cause is arthritis. Around <a href="https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/1in7witharthritis/">3.6 million</a> Australians have arthritis and this is projected to rise to <a href="https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/arthritis/australians-in-the-dark-with-arthritis-one-of-our-most-prevalent-and-costly-diseases/#:%7E:text=Arthritis%20is%20a%20leading%20cause,to%205.4%20million%20by%202030">5.4 million by 2030</a>.</p> <p>For some people with joint pain, cold weather <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-66">seems to make it worse</a>. But temperature <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3959(99)00010-X">is just one factor</a> impacting perceptions of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001776">greater pain</a> during winter. Other factors include those we have some level of influence over, including <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-019-02067-z">sleep</a>, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-019-02067-z">behavioural patterns, mood</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1038/s41598-019-44664-8.pdf">physical activity</a>. Emerging research suggests greater pain levels in winter may also be related to a person’s <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216902">perception of the weather</a>, lack of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjpain.2010.05.030">vitamin D</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kel414">fluctuations in their disease</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1191">Physical activity</a> is one of the best treatments to increase function, strength and mobility – and improve quality of life. It also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1191">promotes</a> mental and physical health and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1466853X21000304?via%3Dihub">reduces the risk</a> of other chronic diseases.</p> <p>But pain can be a barrier to exercise and activities you’d usually do. So what can you do about it?</p> <h2>Our brain tries to protect us</h2> <p>When it comes to pain, our brain is very protective: it’s like an inbuilt alarm system and can warn us about impending danger or harm that has occurred so we can respond.</p> <p>But it’s not always a reliable indicator of actual damage or trauma to the skin, muscle or bone, even when it feels like it is. In some instances, this warning system can become unhelpful by setting off “false alarms”.</p> <p>Joint pain and stiffness can also appear to worsen during colder weather, prompting <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/26335565221100172">fears</a> we could <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.25151">make it worse</a> if we undertake or overdo movement. This <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbspin.2017.07.007">can result in</a> people avoiding physical activity – even when it would be beneficial – which can worsen the pain.</p> <h2>We tend to exercise less when it’s cold</h2> <p>Seasons <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2016.07.007">affect</a> how much physical activity we get. Summer months bring warmer weather, longer daylight hours and people get outdoors more. Warmer weather also tends to elicit a positive outlook, a lift in mood and burst of physical activity to fulfil New Year’s resolutions.</p> <p>Cooler months can mean a decline in physical activity and more time being cosy indoors. A reduction in movement and less exposure to light may evoke higher levels of joint pain and can be associated with a reduction in our overall sense of well-being and mood.</p> <p>This can create a cycle where symptoms worsen over time.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/526947/original/file-20230518-19-gzmuv8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Older woman exercises with weights" /><figcaption></figcaption>But with the right knowledge and support, people <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2022.2126473">can remain engaged in an active lifestyle</a> especially when it’s aligned to personal values and goals. Health professionals such as physiotherapists and GPs can assess any concerns and provide strategies that are right for you.</figure> <h2>How to motivate yourself to stay active in winter</h2> <p>When looking for an approach to help you stay active during the cooler months and beyond, it can be helpful to become aware of the many <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1191">interconnected factors</a> that impact you. They include:</p> <ul> <li>biological (your genes, other illnesses you have)</li> <li>psychological (how you think, feel and behave)</li> <li>social (your relationships and social support).</li> </ul> <p>Starting with the end goal in mind can be beneficial, but this can feel overwhelming. Try creating smaller, achievable steps to help get you there, like climbing a ladder. For example, park a short distance from the shops and increase this incrementally to increase your exercise tolerance.</p> <p>A little bit each day can often be less tolling on your body than a big effort once a week.</p> <p>Create goals that are personally meaningful and encourage you to celebrate success along the way (for example, catching up with friends or a healthy snack). Then, as you climb your “ladder”, one rung at a time, you will likely feel more motivated to continue.</p> <p>If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a friend or health provider to help you determine what is realistic and right for your situation. That way you can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1191">work towards your goals in a safe, non-threatening environment</a> and avoid developing fear and avoidance. They can also help you establish goals that align with your aspirations and pain experience.<!-- 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/200911/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>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-ganderton-1170940">Charlotte Ganderton</a>, Senior Lecturer (Physiotherapy), <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/inge-gnatt-1425767">Inge Gnatt</a>, Lecturer (Psychology), Provisional Psychologist, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-king-1177304">Matthew King</a>, Lecturer, Research Fellow, and Physiotherapist, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p>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/sore-joints-now-its-getting-cold-its-tempting-to-be-less-active-but-doing-more-could-help-you-feel-better-200911">original article</a>.</p>

Body

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7 hot things to do this winter

<p>The best thing about winter in Australia is that in most parts of the country the weather doesn’t stop you from spending time outside. While swims at the beach might be out, there are still many things you can do out in the fresh winter air. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites.</p> <p><strong>1. Christmas in July picnic</strong><br />While people may think picnics are a summer-only activity, when it’s a sunny winter's day there is nowhere better to be than outdoors. As long as you suitably rug up, a picnic in your local park with family and friends is the perfect way to spend the day. With July coming up why don’t you get your family and or friends together and throw a Christmas in July party. It’s even an appropriate time get out the Christmas jumpers – something we cannot do on December 25th in this country.</p> <p><strong>2. A trip to the zoo</strong><br />Visiting the zoo is a great day out for all, young and old. Many zoos across the country put on special shows and activities during the school holidays (think June/July), so this is a great time to think about taking younger family members or the grandkids.</p> <p><strong>3. Wine and cheese tasting</strong><br />Whether you want to head out to some wineries for the day or have your own wine and cheese tasting soiree at home, winter is the perfect time to kick back with a lovely glass of red and a platter of cheeses. While Australia has many amazing wineries that everyone should try, we also love the idea of holding a wine tasting party. You can assign one type of wine to each of your guests and even theme the day (wines from one country or each person brings a wine from where they grew up) to make it more fun.</p> <p><strong>4. Walk in a national park</strong><br />We are so blessed with beautiful national parks in Australia, and many of them have lots of walking trails ranging from easy to more strenuous. While rainy, snowy or extremely windy days won’t be ideal for heading out for a walk, the crisp winter air combined with the sun offers the perfect conditions for a long walk. Just don’t forget a raincoat, some water and your mobile phone in case you need them.</p> <p><strong>5. A day trip to a remote pub</strong><br />Life is all about experiences and they say that those who mix things up, are generally happier people. So quick, get out of town for the day. Research small towns nearby and look for a lovely pub to go for a nice lunch at. You might even want to make a special playlist of old songs to make the car journey extra fun.</p> <p><strong>6. Have a bake off with your friends</strong><br />It is winter, so there are bound to be some rainy or snowy days. On these days when you’re restricted to indoor activities, why not invite the grandkids, family or friends over and have a mini bake-off. Competition aside, at the end of the bake-off you’ll have some warm treats to enjoy with a nice cuppa.</p> <p><strong>7. Start a winter book club</strong><br />There’s no better time to start a book club than during winter. Not only is winter the perfect time to curl up on the couch with a blanket and catch up on reading, it is also a time when you’ll be more inclined to spend time indoors by the fire or heater. Why not turn your extra time spent reading into a book club? It gives you an excuse to catch up and spend hours on end chatting with friends – even if the conversation veers away from the book.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Life

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The benefits of doing arts and crafts with grandkids

<p>Arts and crafts activities have a wide range of relational and health benefits for you and your grandchildren. Whether you<strong> </strong>make a craft activity, do embroidery or do painting and drawing to allow them to express their creativity, you will create special memories with your grandchildren. Here are some key benefits of doing arts and crafts together.</p> <p><strong>1. Flexible bonding</strong></p> <p>Arts and crafts is an activity that can be enjoyed one afternoon or can be continued over various visits to your grandchildren. Working together on a project and seeing it through until completion is a fun and genuine way to bond with someone. Grandchildren will also see the effort you taken to prepare something fun for them. Arts and crafts will allow you to invest in your relationship by doing an activity that will create special memories as you make your art and then at the end of your project you will have physical memorabilia of the time you spent together working on your craft.</p> <p><strong>2. Fun learning</strong></p> <p>Immersing yourself in arts and crafts have a huge range of health benefits for both you and your grandchildren.  Arts and crafts can hone fine mother skills due to the repetition of various small movements and concentration. It can also improve coordination as hand movements have to be direct and precise. Arts and crafts can also improve concentration levels and visual processing abilities. Visual processing is a skill that is key in a child’s early years as they learn names and identification of primary colours and objects.</p> <p><strong>3. Improves self-esteem</strong></p> <p>Once a child has finished creating a craft activity they will have a sense of accomplishment because they created something. While you are doing the arts and crafts with your grandchild, you will have plenty of opportunity to observe their skills and encourage them along the way.</p> <p><strong>4. Teaches them to express themselves</strong></p> <p>Arts and crafts allow children to express what is on their minds as they tend to be very visual with the emotions and thoughts they are experiencing. Activities such as painting and drawing is particularly great for children who are shy as it will give insight to what is on their mind.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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The craziest things you can do on a cruise ship

<p>Onboard entertainment on cruise ships is no longer limited to shuffleboard and conga lines. These days you can do just about anything on the high seas. Here are five of the craziest activities</p> <p><strong>Fly over the ocean</strong></p> <p>If the view from the deck isn’t enough for you, why not hang out over the side of the ship almost 100 metres above the waves? The new Quantum of the Seas has a unique London Eye-style glass pod that is attached to a mechanical arm and swings passengers out over the ocean for unbeatable panoramic views.</p> <p><strong>Learn to surf</strong></p> <p>Thankfully we aren’t suggesting that you try the waves over the side of the ship.  A number of Royal Caribbean ships have a specially designed wave pool where passengers can learn to surf or boogie board. 130,000 litres of water per minute creates a current strong enough to stand up in and the trampoline-style walls mean you won’t hurt yourself when you wipe out.</p> <p><strong>Climb the crows nest</strong></p> <p>This is not one for the faint hearted. Onboard Star Clippers small sailing ships, brave guests can climb all the way to the top of the mast, over 21 metres above the deck. If you want to experience a little of the sailing life closer to sea level, you can also take basic sailing lessons and help the crew unfurl the sails.</p> <p><strong>Zip line</strong></p> <p>Walking across the deck is so 2005. Two Royal Caribbean ships have huge zip lines that shoot passengers across the centre of the ship, suspended nine decks in the air. You’ll feel the sea breeze in your hair and the views are great – if you can bring yourself to open your eyes.</p> <p><strong>Sky dive from the ground up</strong></p> <p>Typically skydiving is a top down affair, but you can now experience the same feeling taking off from land (or sea). The Ripcord by iFLY has a cushion of air that pushes a person upwards inside a huge glass tube and the air rushing past at over 150 kilometres an hour gives the sensation that you are really flying. This is another one that you’ll only find on new megaliner Quantum of the Seas.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Cruising

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Fun camping activities for the whole family

<p>Dust off the tent and grab the sleeping bags because it is well and truly camping season! A traditional summer pursuit for many families, camping is not only great fun for all ages but a wonderful family bonding times. If you’re camping with the extended family this season, here are some activities that will engage even the most disinterested kid. Get ready for some wholesome fun that does not involve technology!</p> <p><strong>Scavenger hunt</strong></p> <p>Make it a competition so everyone, even the adults, get involved and active! As you will likely be around nature, create a nature-themed hunt. It can be as simple as collecting items like leaves of certain colours, different shaped rocks, snail shells or even spotting different types of bugs and animals. In this case, get everyone to take a photo of the item. Make sure you warn kids of things to avoid like certain poisonous or prickly plants that might be around.</p> <p><strong>Obstacle course</strong></p> <p>Create the ultimate outdoor obstacle course to challenge the whole family. It can be as easy or hard as you want so set it to accommodate all ages and activity levels in the family. Obstacles like crawling under picnic tables, skipping stones, long jumps on a beach, hanging off a branch are all options. Use what is at your campsite and race each other with the ‘losers’ having to cook dinner or collect firewood.</p> <p><strong>Nature watching</strong></p> <p>Since the whole family will be in the thick of the bush, take the time to get to know nature better! Most national parks and campsites will have brochures of types of animals and birds in the area or grab a guidebook and go bird and animal watching. Or learn about the different types of flora in the area. Just be sure to respect nature and not damage anything.</p> <p><strong>Learn new skills</strong></p> <p>A camping trip is a great time to teach the kids how to read maps and compasses (or brush up if you are rusty). Reading a map and compass is quickly becoming a lost skill but one which is still important. Make it a bit more fun by going orienteering. Create an easy compass course and see how well the family follows directions.</p> <p><strong>Cook up a treat</strong></p> <p>If you are lucky enough to have a big campfire blazing away at night don’t waste the opportunity and cook up some camp favourites. The classic damper is a great option, otherwise toasting marshmallows while sharing stories is the perfect way to unwind at night. Or you can create s’mores, an American favourite of marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between crackers.</p> <p><strong>Ghost stories</strong></p> <p>Even the most disinterested grandkids will be engrossed with a night time session of ghost stories around the campfire. Engulfed in the blackness of night with not much signs of civility, the scare factor is heightened. If nobody can think of any good ones (we recommend you have some prepared to scare everyone!) or the grandkids are too young, play the game where everyone contributes a sentence which slowly builds an often outrageous and hilarious tale.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Get two for the price of one with top ways to have fun and keep active

<p dir="ltr">Physical activity is a key factor in a person’s health at any age, and experts have long preached the physical benefits of keeping fit. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, as good things often come in pairs, it’s always important to note that while exercise can mean excellent things physically - from preventing certain health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to benefiting mental health - it comes with the additional bonus of introducing people to like-minded souls. This socialisation is especially important towards tackling boredom and the loneliness that comes along with isolation. </p> <p dir="ltr">As life goes on, it may become harder to take part in the activities of youth - sports, for example, are not so kind to older joints. This by no means limits what someone can and cannot try out, with plenty of options still available for those who dream of keeping active and having some fun along the way. </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>Community centres </strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Community/leisure centres and senior clubs feature a whole host of activities on their calendars, and a quick Google search will reveal the closest ones on offer. With many covering everything from sports to hiking, dancing, art classes, and new learning opportunities, these can prove a great way to gain a new skill and make some new friends in the process. </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>New hobbies</strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">On a similar note, picking up a new hobby can introduce you to a whole host of people with the same interests, especially if you find a group or community page to share your newfound enthusiasm. You’ll pick up new tips and tricks faster, and with your new social circle, may even find a second or third hobby to dabble in. A local walking group could even introduce you to new spots in your area that you’d never even heard of - or perhaps even a post-trek coffee shop to enjoy a well-deserved pastry. And, of course, bowling never goes amiss, nor a little competitive spirit when it comes to forging new bonds and a drive to improve.</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>Gardening </strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Not only does gardening provide fresh air and exercise, but if you play your cards right (or water your crops right) you could find yourself with a garden that’s the envy of the whole neighbourhood, or one that’s fully self-sufficient to save you a few dollars on your next trip to the supermarket. Weeding, watering, mowing, and planting are just some of the productive tasks to leave you feeling proud of your hard work that also have the added benefit of counting towards your exercise goal for the day - you probably just won’t realise it at the time. </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>Play</strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Grandchildren and pets provide the perfect opportunity for some free and entertaining physical activity, even if sometimes they might move a little too quickly for comfort. From pushing the youngest in strollers, to taking a dog on a leisurely walk around the block, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get some steps in the process. And if all else fails, a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard or living room can’t steer you wrong. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Body

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The most feel-good way to recycle

<p>Long-time Return and Earner "Scooter Dave" has been a keen participant in the NSW container deposit scheme <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">since the program started, and the Illawarra local has returned 500,000 containers in that time.</span></p> <p>Dave gets about on a scooter and any day when weather and health permits, he completes his route to collect rubbish from Windang Bridge in Shellharbour. Along the way he picks up eligible drink containers from residents and businesses who keep them in their yards ready for his scooter collection service. </p> <p>He has donated all of the $50,000 in refunds to many charities, including the Smith Family, the Sydney Children’s Hospital, and children’s ward in Wollongong, bushfire appeals and the Illawarra Convoy. </p> <p>“It gives me something to do, and I know that I am doing something to help people," says Scooter Dave. "People always say that there should be more people like me. There are, but they aren’t cleaning up rubbish like I am.” </p> <p>In a world that’s becoming more eco-conscious, we’re seeing more and more initiatives implemented to reduce the impact we’re having on the planet – from the single-use plastic bans to adopting reusable packaging and recycling. </p> <p>Recycling remains one of the best ways to help protect the environment. The benefits of recycling include reducing the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfill or as litter in our local environment, and reducing the need to extract raw materials from the earth to create new products such as mining raw aluminium to create cans. And with <a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://returnandearn.org.au/?utm_source=over-60&utm_medium=article&utm_content=native-article&utm_campaign=grey-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Return and Earn</a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">there are even more direct benefits for you.</span></p> <p>Return and Earn is one of many drink container return schemes that have been adopted around the world, where customers who return their used eligible drink containers for recycling can collect a refund.</p> <p>“With Return and Earn, you earn a 10c refund for every empty can, glass or plastic bottle, carton, juice box or popper that you return through one of its 600 return points across NSW.</p> <p>“Since the scheme launched five years ago, over 8.6 billion containers have been returned for recycling by the NSW public resulting in over $860 million in container refunds back in people’s pockets,” says Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change, scheme coordinator for Return and Earn.</p> <p>The scheme is entirely funded by the beverage industry, aiming to place responsibility for container recycling firmly back with the industry. </p> <p>The scheme targets commonly littered items and includes most 150ml to three litre plastic, glass, aluminium, steel, and liquid paperboard containers. Eligible containers featuring the 10 cent refund mark can be redeemed for the refund.</p> <p>“Return and Earn is an extraordinary example of how individual action can have a collective impact,” says Smalley.</p> <p>The environmental benefits of the scheme have exceeded expectations – reducing the volume of drink container litter by 52 per cent compared to pre-scheme levels and sending over 755,000 tonnes of material to be recycled.</p> <p>Plus the Return and Earn app makes recycling your containers even easier because you can check the map to see where the nearest return points are to your location and make sure they’re open. Another fantastic feature on the app is the container checker which helps you avoid taking containers that are not eligible. Simply scan the barcode on your container and the app tells you if it can be returned for recycling at a return points. If not, they can go straight into your household recycling bin.</p> <p><strong>Choose your recycling experience</strong></p> <p>To return your containers, you can choose from four types of return points, depending on what suits you and what is nearby.</p> <p>There are Return and Earn machines - a self-service option where you return your containers one-at-a time. You’ll receive a receipt which is redeemable for cash at the partner redemption location or payment straight to your bank account by downloading the Return and Earn app. There are also Return and Earn Centres which are larger format indoor locations featuring multiple machines inside.</p> <p> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/01/Tomra1.png" alt="Return and Earn" width="741" height="423" /></p> <p>For larger numbers, heading to your nearest automated depot is your best option. Here staff will take your bags of eligible containers and process them in their automated counting system called a singulator. Once counted, they’ll provide you with your cash refund. </p> <p>Even local businesses are taking part, with some corner stores, newsagents, fruit shops and some Surf Life Saving Clubs able to take your containers and give you your refund.</p> <p>To find your nearest return point, visit <a href="https://returnandearn.org.au/return-points/?utm_source=over-60&utm_medium=article&utm_content=native-article&utm_campaign=grey-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.returnandearn.org.au</a>. </p> <p><strong>Top tips for returning and earning</strong></p> <p>When you’re ready to return your first collection of containers, here are some tips to make your experience even easier:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Download the Return and Earn app:</strong> use the app store available on your mobile phone. </li> <li><strong>Sort your containers before you go:</strong> if you’re using a Return and Earn machine, sort your glass containers from your plastic bottles and cans as these are return using separate chutes on the machine. If you’re using an automated depot or an over-the-counter return point, there’s no need to sort. </li> <li><strong>Check if your containers are eligible:</strong> Use the Return and Earn app to check if your containers are eligible for a refund. And make sure they’re uncrushed, with the barcode visible and keep the lid on.</li> <li><strong>Plan your trip:</strong> make sure to check opening times of your nearest return point via the Return and Earn app or website. You can even optimise your trip by checking the busiest and quietest times to visit.</li> </ul> <p>With these tips under your belt, you can make the most of your Return and Earn experience and reap the benefits for your wallet and for the environment.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OYDROMQIDbU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>For more information, visit <a href="https://returnandearn.org.au/?utm_source=over-60&utm_medium=article&utm_content=native-article&utm_campaign=grey-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Return and Earn.</a></p> <p><em>All images: supplied</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://returnandearn.org.au/?utm_source=over-60&utm_medium=article&utm_content=native-article&utm_campaign=grey-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Return and Earn</a>. </em></p>

Retirement Income

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10 exciting retirement adventure ideas

<p>In the words of Mark Twain, “Years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did.” Now you’ve got a little bit of extra time up your hands heed these words and start your own retirement adventure, like one of the 10 ideas mentioned here.</p> <p><strong>1. Drive the Great Ocean Road </strong></p> <p>We’ve already talked about eight reasons everyone should drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Observe what remains of the 12 apostles, visit the many amazing sites and enjoy some of the best scenery Australia has to offer.</p> <p><strong>2. Discover the Red Centre</strong></p> <p>By land, air or water there’s never been a better time to discover the Red Centre. And because you’ve got nothing else going on you could do it all. It’s surprisingly cheap to book a helicopter tour of Uluru, a four wheel drive is classic and even a river cruise through Katherine Gorge is nice!</p> <p><strong>3. Head to a music festival</strong></p> <p>There are a number of festivals that cater to older (and more discerning) musical tastes. The Bluesfest in Byron Bay is a popular choice and recent festivals have included classic acts for all ages like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Crosby, Stills and Nash.</p> <p><strong>4. Head to Asia</strong></p> <p>You’ve probably been to Asia before, but now you can really explore. Bhutan is one of Asia’s best kept secrets and retirement is a great time to finally explore it. This land of rugged mountains, ancient shrines and awe-inspiring natural wildlife is a must now you’ve got more time.</p> <p><strong>5. European Peace Walk</strong></p> <p>This newly started walking trail (self-guided) sees you walk 550km across central Europe from Vienna to Trieste, via Bratislava, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia. This annual walk marks the anniversary of World War I and is designed to celebrate and promote the creation of peace in Europe.</p> <p><strong>6. Cross the Arctic Circle </strong></p> <p>This is an ambitious trip, but now that you’ve got some more free time you can afford to be a little bit more adventurous! Depending on your age, budget, fitness and appetite, you can do anything from a four hours trip to an extensive, week-long trek where you’re camping under the stars!</p> <p><strong>7. Master a new sport</strong></p> <p>Now’s your big opportunity to try and master a new sport! Sure, maybe you’ve left it a bit late to try cliff diving, or to get into the octagon as an MMA fighter, but that doesn’t mean there’s any reason to not give any sport you’ve considered trying (but never had the time to) a red hot go.</p> <p><strong>8. Go caravanning</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="../travel/international/2016/01/how-i-drove-a-motorhome-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">As recently mentioned in our recent community contributor article</a></strong></span>, how I drove a caravan around the world in retirement sometimes retirement can signal the start of your adventures rather than the end! Explore Australia or even head abroad and enjoy the bliss of life on the open road.</p> <p><strong>9. Volunteering in retirement</strong></p> <p>Giving up a little bit of your time to help others can be an adventure in its own right. As we outlined in our article, <a href="../lifestyle/retirement-life/2015/12/reasons-to-volunteer-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>5 reasons to volunteer in retiremen</strong></span>t</a>, evidence shows that giving a little time to help others in retirement isn’t just good for the community, it’s good for you.</p> <p><strong>10. Pick up a new hobby</strong></p> <p>With a little bit of extra time on your hands, you’ll relish the opportunity to explore some of your interests. Whether it’s a new musical instrument, arts and crafts, or even <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="../news/news/2015/11/octogenarian-flies-helicopter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learning how to fly a helicopter</a></strong></span>, with less restrictions on your time you’re only really limited by your imagination. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <div class="advert" style="margin: 20px 0 20px 0; float: right;"> </div> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/retirement-income/2015/12/8-tips-to-help-downsize-in-retirement/"><strong>8 tips that will help you downsize in retirement</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/retirement-income/2015/12/driving-in-retirement/">Do I need a car in retirement?</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/retirement-income/2015/12/common-mistakes-first-time-investors/">5 common mistakes first time investors make</a></strong></em></p>

Retirement Life

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World’s largest active volcano erupts

<p dir="ltr">The world’s largest active volcano has begun to erupt for the first time in 38 years, with officials warning locals to prepare in the event of a worst-case scenario.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, began to erupt on Sunday night local time at Moku'āweoweo, the volcano’s summit caldera (a hollow that forms beneath the summit after an eruption).</p> <p dir="ltr">While the lava has been mostly contained within the summit, US officials said the situation could change rapidly and have urged Big Island’s 200,000 residents to prepare to evacuate if lava begins to flow towards populated areas.</p> <p dir="ltr">A warning about ashfall was previously issued to residents, given that falling ash can contaminate water supplies, kill vegetation and irritate the lungs, but the advisory has since been lifted.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly," the US Geological Service (USGS) said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The public has also been urged to stay away from Mauna Loa, given the threat caused by lava that has been shooting 30 to 60 metres into the air, as well as the emission of harmful volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-10618cf4-7fff-1daf-e239-fd7dacd6e75c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The eruption - Moana Loa’s 33rd since 1843 - comes after a series of recent earthquakes hit the region, with more than a dozen reported on Sunday.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/mauna-lua1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><em>Aerial photos show the first time Mauna Loa has erupted in the past 38 years. Image: USGS</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Bobby Camara, a lifelong resident who lives in Big Island’s Volcano Village, told <em>The Guardian</em> that he had seen the volcano erupt three times in his life and warned that everyone on the island should be vigilant.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think everybody should be a little bit concerned,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We don’t know where the flow is going, we don’t know how long it’s going to last.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Gunner Mench, an art gallery owner in Kamuela, told the outlet that he saw the eruption alert on his phone shortly after midnight on Sunday before venturing out to film the red glow over the island and lava spilling down the side of the volcano.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You could see it spurting up into the air, over the edge of this depression,” Mench said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Right now it’s just entertainment, but the concern is (it could reach populated areas).”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Jessica Johnson, a volcano geophysicist who has worked at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told the <em>BBC </em>that although the lava poses “little risk” to people, it could be a threat for infrastructure.</p> <p dir="ltr">She warned that lava flows could pose a threat to Hilo and Kona, two nearby population centres, and that the volcanic gases could cause breathing problems.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the USGS has noted there is no indication the lava will spill out of the summit, the agency has opened evacuation shelters due to reports of locals self-evacuating along the South Kona coast.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano and one of five that make up Hawaii’s Big Island, the southernmost island in the archipelago.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-aee70986-7fff-e08d-8de9-4df53dcb9f38"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: H24 NET (Twitter)</em></p>

International Travel

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7 ways to get the most out of life now!

<p>Live your best life by doing all the things that you’ve ever wanted to do now! While many people have careers to build and families to care for in their 30s and 40s, in your 60s the world is your oyster. And you don’t need to be a millionaire to make the most of your life now. Simply getting out there, trying something new and staying connected with friends and neighbours is a great way to stay happy, healthy and younger for longer! Try one (or all) of these seven ideas to help you get the most out of your life now!</p> <p><strong>Start a community group.</strong> Stay connected and engaged with your community by starting a local group! It can be as simple as getting a few close neighbours together to start a walking club or even creating a Meetup group in your local area for over-60s looking to meet other likeminded people in their area. While many people use technology to keep in contact with friends and family, real-life connections with people who live in your area can offer a whole other side to staying engaged with your community.</p> <p><strong>Join a sport’s club.</strong> Did you play cricket in your younger days? What about tennis? Why not get back out there and be inspired to get your body in top working order by joining a sport’s club? If you’re thinking you may be too old, take a leaf out of the various over-60s cricket teams around Australia that make up Seniors Cricket Australia. With members all over the age of 60, these teams are showing everything that age is no barrier to getting out there and having fun. Melbourne was recently announced as the host city for this year’s Australian Over-60s Cricket Championships. If they can do it, you can too!</p> <p><strong>Go back to school.</strong> A 94-year-old woman who dropped out of school at the age of 12 received a master’s degree in medical science from Adelaide University while a 97-year-old man graduated with a master’s in clinical science in 2012. These Aussies are just two people well beyond the age of 60 who decided to go back to school and learn something new. While researchers have found that the brain does change as a person gets older, this doesn’t have to mean reduced mental capacity. It just means cultivating new experiences and activities so that your brain can create new connections between neurones – like going back to school to learn something new.</p> <p><strong>Restart an old hobby.</strong> Whether it’s restoring old boats, gardening or photography, take the extra time you have now to pick up an old hobby. As many people build careers and have families in their 30s and 40s, time for hobbies and other leisure pursuits tend to fall by the wayside. However, with a little more time up your sleeve in your 60s, it can be the perfect time to restart a hobby or activity that you’ve always enjoyed. Not only are you actively engaging your mind in relearning a skill, art or craft, but in picking up a hobby you may be able to meet other likeminded enthusiasts in your area or even share your interest with your grandkids. The great thing about cultivating a hobby is that it promotes socialisation, physical activity and keeping your mind active. It also makes you feel good to do something you enjoy, which is the best way to stay happy and healthy!</p> <p><strong>Take a road trip to somewhere new.</strong> Is there a town you’ve always wanted to visit? If so, go now! There’s no better time than the present to do the things that you’ve always wanted to see or do. Plus, going on a trip to a place you’ve never visited before can be a great way of stimulating your mind. The brain will go into overdrive as it digests all of the new information you’ve provided it – new sights, sounds and smells! Getting out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new environments helps keep you young and adding to our wonderful store of memories.</p> <p><strong>Sign up to a marathon.</strong> Or, in the case of a couple in their 60s, a marathon every day! Janette Murray-Wakelin, 64, and Alan Murray, 68, finished their 365th consecutive marathon on December 31 last year. Not content to settle on 365 marathons, they added another one to their name on January 1 this year. “We are healthier, more physically fit and have unlimited energy at beyond 60 years of age than in our earlier years,” they wrote on their website, RunningRawAroundAustralia.com. While running marathons won’t be for everyone, there’s plenty of different community events to get you motivated to quicken your walking pace or running strides. Signing up to compete in an upcoming event can help you push yourself further than ever before, as well as give a sense of achievement after completing the event.</p> <p><strong>Write your story.</strong> Get the creative juices flowing and pen your story. No one has to read it, if you prefer, but writing your story to date can be a great way to exercise your brain’s memory muscles. Plus, it’ll give you a mini project to work on, so you’ll have something to occupy the hours between part-time work, volunteering, socialising, gardening, exercising, shopping and sleeping. Keeping your brain busy by participating in new activities, both physical and mental, will exercise the neurons of the brain, making them move. Loss of cognitive response in the brain is cause by neurons that are no longer growing and are hard and stiff, so get them moving by putting your thoughts to paper. Afterwards, you’ll have accomplished a project that will give you greater confidence to move onto another project, and another, giving you achievements and purpose later in life.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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7 free activities to do at a port stop

<p>Having a fun during your port stop doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money. Depending on where you have stopped, there are various activities that you can spend your time doing that will still allow you to soak up the country that you are in.</p> <p><strong>1. Beach</strong></p> <p>Beaches not only provide some of the most beautiful views on earth but they are an enjoyable activity that requires no money. You can spend your time taking in some Vitamin D, reading a book, searching for seashells or cooling off in the crystal waters.</p> <p><strong>2. Explore</strong></p> <p>Depending on where you are, you can choose to go on a nice walk to take in the outdoor views or explore the streets and local life. You will be able to stretch your legs, take in the views and you will also be bound to meet some friendly faces that might be willing to give you some insider tips to where to go next. If you prefer not to walk too much when you explore, research prior to your trip to see if there are any free bus rides where you are stopping. </p> <p><strong>3. Tour the city</strong></p> <p>If you have great navigation skills, don’t bother paying for a tour but visit the most prominent sites by yourself. From churches, to statutes and museums, you can explore the history of the location on your own terms. This will allow you to spend more time on the places you don’t want to rush or skip the attractions that don’t interest you at all.</p> <p><strong>4. Browse markets</strong></p> <p>Markets are often free and will definitely entertain you as you browse through the local handmade goods and food. If you find some cheap items you can also purchase them as souvenirs and save yourself from spending lots of money at the tourist trap shops. You will also be supporting locals who may need the money. The markets will also provide a lot of options to meet different people. Be sure to know the conversion rate before you go to the markets so you don’t get ripped off.</p> <p><strong>5. See live music</strong></p> <p>Live music is delightful to watch in another country and is a great way to see how the country’s culture and history has influenced the music. Live music can be found anywhere whether it be in front of prominent attractions, street corners or in bars. If you stumble upon an act that you enjoy, feel free to dance along or start clapping. Be aware of pickpocket thieves when you listen to live music as they love crowds.</p> <p><strong>6. People-watch</strong></p> <p>People-watching is a great way to learn about the culture of a country. If you feel like relaxing in a park or at a café, be sure to pick a spot that gives you a great view of the crowds. You will be easily entertained watching people going about their lives oblivious of your gaze.</p> <p><strong>7. Attend local events</strong></p> <p>There are so many local events on in all countries around the world, it is just a matter of being aware of where they are and what time they are occurring. Check out the events calendars for your cruise ports to see which events take your fancy.</p> <p>What free activities are your favourite in cruise ports? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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Making a ComeBACK to physical activity

<p dir="ltr">COVID-19 has changed the way we live in Australia. Whilst we are encouraged to limit our contact with others to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it has restricted the opportunities we have to be active in our lives. Being active is an important factor in maintaining our physical functioning and mental wellbeing, particularly in these challenging  times. But how active do we need to be?</p> <p dir="ltr">The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults aged 65+ should be doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. This includes activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance, and flexibility to improve or maintain physical functioning (such as walking and standing up from a chair) and to prevent falls. Guidelines are good at telling us how much activity we should be doing, but they may not be enough to change our behaviour without additional support.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ComeBACK trial is looking for adults who have difficulty walking 800m to evaluate the effect of two phone-based interventions on improving physical activity and walking over 12 months. ComeBACK participants have come from a range of backgrounds, walking ability and experience with physical activity.</p> <p dir="ltr">ComeBACK participant Carla said, “Setting the goals was a really good thing and having the prompt reminders to take time for yourself and stick to your goals”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group, Coaching to ComeBACK, receives fortnightly health coaching calls with a physiotherapist for 6 months to support and progress their current levels of activity. The second group, Texting to ComeBACK, receives an initial phone call with a physiotherapist followed by text messages for 6 months to motivate them to get active. The third group also receives the one-off phone call and text messages, but during the second half of the trial.</p> <p dir="ltr">People who have been involved in the trial have reported benefits across all ComeBACK groups. Coaching to ComeBACK participant, Suzie, reported “My coach is very personable and informative whilst supportive and encouraging. It’s been perfect support. Also I hear from some of the participants in the trial who were recently interviewed on the ABC Radio National segment <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sporty/how-to-move-more/13324250?fbclid=IwAR26oAJZ-nG6A52xoqPnpp3iunYmeg37n2nyse3EX7WUBEa5dLjjv3YNU0s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sporty</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you are interested in joining the ComeBACK trial or to learn more, please get in touch with the research staff at comeback.trial@sydney.edu.au, or call (02) 8627 6235, or register your interest at <a href="http://www.comebacktrial.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.comebacktrial.org.au</a>. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c66b1401-7fff-2b9f-a19f-2aa737b2eb2c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

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10 activities to help you connect with your loved one with dementia

<p><strong>Dementia affects relationships</strong></p> <p>Every year, there are more than 10 million new dementia cases, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. This means many of us navigate this condition with spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings and more.</p> <p>If you love someone who has dementia, you know the disease is often accompanied by symptoms that go beyond memory loss. For the patient, dementia can trigger paranoia, speech difficulties and, at times, even a lack of empathy. These symptoms usually only make the caregiver’s experience more complicated and emotional.</p> <p>Fortunately, finding moments to connect with a loved one who has dementia, and enriching their life with things you can do together, is possible. In fact, welcoming them into a few of your regular tasks may not only help the two of you enjoy some one-on-one time, but as you might discover with a few of the ideas listed below, it could also help to remind you that there can be joy in the most basic routines.</p> <p>Read on for wisdom and ideas from geriatrics clinician Dr Jeffrey Landsman and longtime family caregiver Breeda Miller. Many activities for dementia patients and their caregivers are relatively easy to plan.</p> <p><strong>Pull out old photo albums</strong></p> <p>For some dementia patients, looking through old photos can unlock memories from childhood and early adulthood. “Though someone may not remember you – they may have no short-term memory – long-term memory can persist,” Dr Landsman says. “Somebody with pretty advanced dementia may still have some of the old memories available.”</p> <p>Digging out old albums or boxes of photos might take a little time, but it’s likely to be very rewarding. Your loved one with dementia might be able to talk about old times in a way that they haven’t for months (possibly years).</p> <p><strong>Organise a cabinet or shelf together</strong></p> <p>This simple activity can check an item off your to-do list while also reconnecting with an older family member. Miller recalls that her mother, who had Alzheimer’s, loved “the tactile exercise of smoothing and folding paper” while unpacking and organising a box of fragile china dishes.</p> <p>Not only can this be good for a dementia patient’s spirit but, according to a 2018 review of studies that suggested sensory activities might also improve dementia symptoms, published in the journal <em>Clinical Interventions in Aging</em>, it might actually “help improve dementia-specific issues”.</p> <p><strong>Listen to music together</strong></p> <p>Music can help dementia patients with symptoms of long-term depression and cognitive function, according to recent research published in Frontiers in Medicine. Dr Landman echoes this finding. He explains that playing music from your loved one’s younger years may help them perk up emotionally and even physically. He’s seen some dementia patients begin to sing or dance along to old favourites.</p> <p><strong>Watch old movies</strong></p> <p>Like music, old movies can spark long-lost memories. Dr Landman says some dementia patients have memories linked to old films – perhaps they remember the plot or even a childhood friend who attended the theatre with them. Watching classics alongside your loved one with dementia could help you relax together, and potentially lead to an engaging chat after the film.</p> <p><strong>Fold laundry together</strong></p> <p>Like organising a cabinet, folding laundry can be a ho-hum chore that suddenly turns more meaningful when you include your loved one who is losing his or her memory. “When my mother and mother-in-law would get ‘antsy,’ I would have several simple tasks ready that they could ‘help’ me with,” says Miller. One of these activities was folding laundry. Miller says simple, useful activities can help people with dementia stop fixating on negative emotions, focusing on doing a task that makes them feel purposeful, and connect with the people around them.</p> <p>So rather than folding and putting away laundry before a visit with your grandparent or parent who’s been diagnosed with dementia, think about saving the task to enjoy together. When conversation lapses, connect by doing something together is still possible.</p> <p><strong>Clean together</strong></p> <p>The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests sweeping or vacuuming with a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease. When it came to doing things around the house, Miller says her mother-in-law loved washing dishes and wiping down benchtops. Meanwhile, Miller would assist (and provide some safe oversight) by supplying the soap and water. “She was in her element, and I was thrilled to have help,” Miller recalls.</p> <p>These simple activities for dementia patients can help them feel useful while offering an opportunity to connect with loved ones.</p> <p><strong>Go for a walk</strong></p> <p>Walking is linked to better health, boosted mood and even longer life. Walking can be so beneficial that the experts at NIA also recommend walking as a good activity for dementia patients. (It goes without saying, someone with dementia should always be accompanied on a stroll.) For a loved one who struggles to remember your shared history, regular walks offer a chance for sharing observations about the weather, the sunlight, the flowers you see, and more. Or, even if you walk together in silence, a little fresh air and activity to get the blood flowing will almost certainly do you both good.</p> <p><strong>Play a card game</strong></p> <p>Some older adults with dementia can still remember playing classic card games such as Euchre, Rummy and Go Fish. This entertaining activity is a great way for family members of all ages to share some laughs and also experience some cognitive stimulation with their loved ones. Dr Landsman suggests that if the person with dementia says something incorrect – whether it’s a family member’s name or a rule in a card game – it’s best to let them be, as correcting inconsequential errors can create unnecessary tension and take the spotlight off the fun.</p> <p><strong>Bake family recipes</strong></p> <p>While cooking and baking are useful as activities to promote healthy eating in dementia patients, Miller notes this is also a beautiful way to put everything else aside and connect on an emotional level, when it really matters most. Her mother, for instance, loved baking apple pies. But one time when they baked together, Miller says she initially felt exhausted and overwhelmed for having to add another item to her to-do list. As it turned out, the process of baking together would become a monumental memory. “It wasn’t about the pie,” she says. “It was about making the pie. I am so grateful that I made the time to make that pie with her.” Miller says her mother passed away just three weeks later. That pie would be the last one they baked together.</p> <p><strong>Work on a puzzle together</strong></p> <p>Working on a puzzle can help engage dementia or Alzheimer’s patients’ minds, according to NIA. Whether visual puzzles or crossword puzzles, any cognitively challenging activity can help improve thinking skills over the long-term, according to research published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.</p> <p>Of course, this is not meant to be a means to ‘fix’ your loved one’s memory loss. Completing a puzzle will not cure dementia. But it can support your loved one’s functioning and make them feel accomplished in the hours you spend in partnership on the task.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-e1cba6d6-7fff-a65f-a11b-5ac754281fd8">Written by Leandra Beabout. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/10-activities-to-help-you-connect-with-your-loved-one-with-dementia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Five quick ideas for staying active in retirement

<p dir="ltr">Retirement is possibly the only time when you have the opportunity to do whatever it is you want. </p> <p dir="ltr">But for those of you who are stuck for ideas to stay active and motivated, here are some exciting ideas that can easily be done alone or with other like-minded retirees. </p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Travel </strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">The kids have grown and moved out and you can finally visit that place you’ve always wanted to but couldn’t. </p> <p dir="ltr">Definitely an enriching experience to learn about different cultures, foods, and how things work across the world.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you’re unable to travel, even just planning a trip for when you eventually can is fun. </p> <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Volunteer</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">You’ve done your fair share of 40-hour weeks (or even more!), but if you miss having something to do for others, then volunteering is definitely for you. </p> <p dir="ltr">The best way to volunteer is to find an organisation you’re passionate about and see whether you have the skills to help them out. Alternatively, go in the other direction and choose a cause or activity you’re not even remotely familiar with – which transforms the entire exercise into a learning opportunity as well!</p> <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Sport</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">This is possibly one of the best ways to meet new people, but also sport will keep you fit and healthy, which is definitely what you want during retirement. </p> <p dir="ltr">If sport isn’t for you then consider heading down to your local park and becoming a spectator! </p> <ol start="4"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Go back to school</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">If there’s something you’ve always wanted to study, now is the chance to go ahead without any distractions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Not only will you be learning interesting information, it will also keep your mind sharp. </p> <ol start="5"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Find a new hobby</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">With all the time in the world it could be fun to join a painting or pottery class.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other hobbies you may want to get immersed in include cooking classes, book clubs, or even growing your own vegetable garden. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Staying active in retirement has never been easier!

<p>As we age, it is important that we embrace new passions and hobbies that can help us maintain an active and healthy lifestyle as much as possible.</p> <p>While our golden years are about ensuring we take the time to slow it down, there are new trends emerging that show seniors are looking for ways to keep on top of their health and maintain an upbeat routine.</p> <p>One of the most beneficial ways to get your blood pumping isn’t exactly the most strenuous activity – and that’s why retirees are loving it: E-biking!</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters Retirement Village</a><span> </span>resident, Darryl, says he incorporated E-biking into his daily routine after it became apparent he could no longer keep using his regular old pushbike with quite the same level of intensity.</p> <p>But thanks to a timely doctor’s recommendation, the retiree says he now has his new favourite way to get around!</p> <p>“I just get on the bike and go for a ride, which I find very relaxing,” says Darryl.</p> <p>“The E-bike allows me to get out and exercise by cycling, which I love.</p> <p>“Whenever I do feel tired or strained, I turn the power on and use the pedal assist, which requires you to still pedal to make the motor work.”</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841073/coastal-waters-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d9614fadbfa94566a0cc096ceccc42a4" /></a></p> <p><em>Darryl incorporated e-biking into his daily routine at Coastal Waters.</em></p> <p>The benefits of<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://electricbikeblog.com/5-important-health-benefits-electric-bikes/#:~:text=%233%20Health%20Benefit%20of%20Electric%20Bikes%3A%20Strengthening%20Muscles%2C,promotes%20healthy%20and%20strong%20muscles%2C%20bones%2C%20and%20joints." target="_blank">e-biking</a><span> </span>are phenomenal as the simple fact of the revolutionary technology is that it still does require pedalling at all times – which is great for joint mobility and overall fitness – but very cleverly provides the right amount of assistance depending on the fitness and ability of the rider.</p> <p>Darryl, who has been at<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters</a><span> </span>with his wife Anne for a little over two years, says the retirement village – situated on the dreamy seascape of Jervis Bay – has pushed him to focus on his health while enjoying his retirement to the full.</p> <p>He adds that keeping fit with his e-bike while riding through the beautiful beach town “helped my well-being in that I get out and about a lot more than where I used to live, which was in Canberra.</p> <p>“I get out and about every day, mixing with a lot more people than I did before retirement.”</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pOtSdQGFojU"></iframe></div> <p><strong>E-biking improves physical health</strong></p> <p>The electric bicycles are key for those looking to enrich their lives without<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bicycling.com/news/a27115129/e-bikes-boost-well-being/" target="_blank">forcing strenuous workouts.</a></p> <p>Seniors who suffer from health problems including asthma, knee or heart problems will find the electric motors will help to improve to their lives.</p> <p>E-bikes are considered a<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2018/11/23/riding-electric-bicycles-boon-to-health-and-not-cheating-confirms-literature-review/?sh=1bd8d7f335cc" target="_blank">primary way to keep fit and on top of our health</a>. However, in recent years the nifty tech gear has become a must for those who enjoy the immense benefits the efficient mode of transport offers.</p> <p>Darryl says he has found sanctuary in the community at<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters</a>, with over 500 people in the village and quite a few who also enjoy riding around the beach town on their E-bikes.</p> <p>Revealing the bike has become extremely popular among residents where he lives, he said: “The e-bike has inspired my health and well-being by enabling me to get out and do what I really love doing, which is cycling and generally touring around and getting to meet people.</p> <p>“We only have one car now and I quite often go shopping for little things [on the e-bike] rather than take the car.</p> <p>“It’s great exercise and I’m so happy with it.”</p> <p><strong>E-biking is essential for your mental health</strong></p> <p>E-bikes are also an efficient way to improve one’s mental health. There is nothing better than marvelling over the beauty of Jervis Bay’s quaint town roads or captivating beaches with the sun beating down on you.</p> <p>Thanks to the beautiful weather that happens to encompass<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters</a><span> </span>all-year-round, getting out and improving your fitness will not only benefit cardiovascular health, but will also provide mental clarity and a healthy dose of Vitamin D.</p> <p><strong>E-biking is perfect for low-impact exercising</strong></p> <p>E-biking is an extremely low-impact exercise option that’s ideal for anyone with physical limitations that might be a result of joint replacements, arthritis or other age-related issues.</p> <p>E-biking has become a<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.skipeak.net/blog/8-benefits-of-using-electric-bikes" target="_blank">favourite form of exercise for seniors</a><span> </span>not only for its health benefits but for the immense pressure it takes off of knees, hips and even feet.</p> <p>As an aerobic sport, it provides healthy blood flow and the regeneration of cells to the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that is linked to memory.</p> <p>At<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters</a>, seniors are given the freedom to enjoy their retirement while indulging in all of their passions.</p> <p>Whether that’s taking on new hobbies, rekindling old avocations or finding enthusiasm for new ways to keep on top of your health and mental well-being –<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters</a><span> </span>gives seniors the opportunity to take that next step.</p> <p>Book your private appointment to find out more about living at<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank">Coastal Waters</a><span> </span>and learn about the benefits of e-bikes for Seniors!</p> <p><strong><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with<span> </span></em></strong><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Coastal Waters Retirement Village by Lendlease</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p>

Retirement Life

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Life on Venus? Traces of phosphine may be a sign of biological activity

<p>The discovery that the atmosphere of Venus absorbs a precise frequency of microwave radiation has just <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-020-1174-4">turned planetary science on its head</a>. An international team of scientists used radio telescopes in Hawaii and Chile to find signs that the clouds on Earth’s neighbouring planet contain tiny quantities of a molecule called phosphine.</p> <p>Phosphine is a compound made from phosphorus and hydrogen, and on Earth its only natural source is tiny microbes that live in oxygen-free environments. It’s too early to say whether phosphine is also a sign of life on Venus – but no other explanation so far proposed seems to fit.</p> <p>This video shows how methane was detected in the atmosphere of Mars. The process is the same for finding phosphine on Venus.</p> <p><strong>What makes an atmosphere?</strong></p> <p>The molecular makeup of a planet’s atmosphere normally depends on what its parent star is made of, the planet’s position in its star’s system, and the chemical and geological processes that take place given these conditions.</p> <p>There is phosphine in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn, for example, but there it’s not a sign of life. Scientists think it is formed in the deep atmosphere at high pressures and temperatures, then dredged into the upper atmosphere by a strong convection current.</p> <p><strong>Join 130,000 people who subscribe to free evidence-based news.</strong></p> <p>Although phosphine quickly breaks down into phosphorus and hydrogen in the top clouds of these planets, enough lingers – 4.8 parts per million – to be observable. The phosphorus may be what gives clouds on Jupiter a reddish tinge.</p> <p>Things are different on a rocky planet like Venus. The new research has found fainter traces of phosphine in the atmosphere, at 20 parts per billion.</p> <p>Lightning, clouds, volcanoes and meteorite impacts might all produce some phosphine, but not enough to counter the rapid destruction of the compound in Venus’s highly oxidising atmosphere. The researchers considered all the chemical processes they could think of on Venus, but none could explain the concentration of phosphine. What’s left?</p> <p>On Earth, phosphine is only produced by microbial life (and by various industrial processes) – and the concentration in our atmosphere is in the parts per trillion range. The much higher concentration on Venus cannot be ignored.</p> <p><strong>Signs of life?</strong></p> <p>To determine whether the phosphine on Venus is really produced by life, chemists and geologists will be trying to identify other reactions and processes that could be alternative explanations.</p> <p>Meanwhile, biologists will be trying to better understand the microbes that live in Venus-like conditions on Earth – high temperatures, high acidity, and high levels of carbon dioxide – and also ones that produce phosphine.</p> <p>When Earth microbes produce phosphine, they do it via an “anaerobic” process, which means it happens where no oxygen is present. It has been observed in places such as activated sludge and sewage treatment plants, but the exact collection of microbes and processes is not well understood.</p> <p>Biologists will also be trying to work out whether the microbes on Earth that produce phosphine could conceivably do it under the harsh Venusian conditions. If there is some biological process producing phosphine on Venus, it may be a form of “life” very different from what we know on Earth.</p> <p>Searches for life beyond Earth have often skipped over Venus, because its surface temperature is around 500℃ and the atmospheric pressure is almost 100 times greater than on Earth. Conditions are <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2017.1783">more hospitable for life</a> as we know it about 50 kilometres off the ground, although there are still vast clouds of sulfuric acid to deal with.</p> <p><strong>Molecular barcodes</strong></p> <p>The researchers found the phosphine using spectroscopy, which is the study of how light interacts with molecules. When sunlight passes through Venus’s atmosphere, each molecule absorbs very specific colours of this light.</p> <p>Using telescopes on Earth, we can take this light and split it into a massive rainbow. Each type of molecule present in Venus’ atmosphere produces a distinctive pattern of dark absorption lines in this rainbow, like an identifying barcode.</p> <p>This barcode is not always strongest in visible light. Sometimes it can only be detected in the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that are invisible to the human eye, such as UV rays, microwave, radio waves and infrared.</p> <p>The barcode of carbon dioxide, for example, is most evident in the infrared region of the spectrum.</p> <p>While phosphine on Jupiter was first detected in infrared, for Venus observations astronomers used radio telescopes: the <a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/">Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array</a> (ALMA) and <a href="https://www.eaobservatory.org/jcmt/about-jcmt/">James Clerk Maxwell Telescope</a> (JCMT), which can detect the barcode of phosphine in millimetre wavelengths.</p> <p><strong>New barcodes, new discoveries</strong></p> <p>The discovery of phosphine on Venus relied not only on new observations, but also a more detailed knowledge of the compound’s barcode. Accurately predicting the barcode of phosphine across all relevant frequencies took <a href="http://www.tampa.phys.ucl.ac.uk/ftp/eThesis/ClaraSousaSilva2015.pdf">the whole PhD</a> of astrochemist Clara Sousa-Silva in the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/exoplanets/research/spectroscopy-exoplanets">ExoMol group</a> at University College London in 2015.</p> <p>She used computational quantum chemistry – basically putting her molecule into a computer and solving the equations that describe its behaviour – to predict the strength of the barcode at different colours. She then tuned her model using available experimental data before making the <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1410.2917">16.8 billion lines of phosphine’s barcode</a> available to astronomers.</p> <p>Sousa-Silva originally thought her data would be used to study Jupiter and Saturn, as well as weird stars and distant “hot Jupiter” exoplanets.</p> <p>More recently, she led the detailed consideration of <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.05224">phosphine as a biosignature</a> – a molecule whose presence implies life. This analysis demonstrated that, on small rocky exoplanets, phosphine should not be present in observable concentrations unless there was life there as well.</p> <p>But she no doubt wouldn’t have dreamed of a phone call from an astronomer who has discovered phosphine on our nearest planetary neighbour. With phosphine on Venus, we won’t be limited to speculating and looking for molecular barcodes. We will be able to send probes there and hunt for the microbes directly.</p> <p><em>Written by Laura McKemmish, UNSW; Brendan Paul Burns, UNSW, and Lucyna Kedziora-Chudczer, Swinburne University of Technology. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/life-on-venus-traces-of-phosphine-may-be-a-sign-of-biological-activity-146093">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

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