Placeholder Content Image

"This ruined my life": Mum still seeking justice after horror e-bike crash

<p>Sarah was crossing on George Street in Sydney's CBD on February 2023 when she was brutally struck by a Lime e-bike rider. At the time of the accident, she was three months pregnant. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Yahoo News</em>, Sarah explained she had been crossing the street when she heard someone yell "look out!" but before she could react, she was knocked down by the speeding vehicle. </p> <p>She claims that the bike user was illegally riding with a companion on the handle bars at the time, and fled the scene when she cried out "my baby!" </p> <p>Fortunately, Sarah's unborn daughter was unharmed during the incident, but she was left with lifelong injuries. </p> <p>"My foot was crushed, I had dislocations and many broken bones, and I needed 21 screws, two plates and two pins," Sarah said. </p> <p> "As a result of the injury, the skin on my foot began to die with fracture blisters, so I needed skin grafts as well.</p> <p>"I required six surgeries on my foot in total. One on my elbow, which was broken. One big plate and seven screws. Six weeks of non-weight bearing on my arm, and much longer on my foot. Around 12 weeks plus altogether."</p> <p>It took the mum six months after the accident to be able to walk again - three weeks before she gave birth. </p> <p>"The pain was unbelievable," she recalled. </p> <p>"The trauma was unbelievable. It was all just horrible, horrendous. It really was." </p> <p>Her family tried to seek compensation from Lime, but they deflected any blame saying that they would only take responsibility if the accident was caused by a faulty Lime bike, but not reckless riding. </p> <p>Since Lime e-bikes are rented by individuals, liability typically falls on the rider, not the company, they argued.</p> <p>The family's solicitor had also obtained CCTV footage of the incident, and had tried to get police to follow up but have been hit with multiple roadblocks since. </p> <p>"The police had their name, addresses, mobile and photos. [But] they only called one time, and went to the house one time. That's it. A high commissioner rang me to apologise, but then they still did nothing."</p> <p>Now, Sarah and her family are calling for the total ban of e-bikes in Australia. </p> <p>"They should be banned," Sarah said. "The government and Lime have just let loose motorised vehicles that can hurt riders and pedestrians, and have not covered anyone but themselves.</p> <p>"There is no policing how fast they are going. This ruined my body, my life and my first pregnancy. And nobody has been held accountable."</p> <p>While Sarah's baby was unharmed in the accident, nine months after her birth, the baby girl "was found to have tetralogy of Fallot" — a rare but serious heart defect that affects how blood flows through the heart.</p> <p>"She needed open heart surgery and will need it every 10 years. My injuries made everything a lot harder. But hopefully I can change things," Sarah said.</p> <p>"I'm certainly scarred for life."</p> <p><em>Image: Yahoo News</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Calls for life ban on Tony Jones over Djokovic coverage

<p>The Serbian Davis Cup captain has called for the Tony Jones to be banned for life from tennis commentary over his “disrespectful and disappointing” comments about Djokovic during the Australian Open. </p> <p>Viktor Troicki slammed the veteran Channel Nine reporter after Djokovic was forced to withdraw from Serbia’s tie against Denmark due to the injury he suffered in Melbourne, ending his campaign for an 11th title in the semi-final.</p> <p>Troicki ranted that Australia has been treating Djokovic “worse and worse” after he was deported before the 2022 Open when his visa was cancelled on “health and safety” grounds. </p> <p>“There was the situation around Channel 9, which I noticed as well. If I had hired that journalist (Tony Jones), I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again,” Troicki said ahead of the tie.</p> <p>“I think they are treating Novak worse and worse. It is surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time experiencing so many bad things happening in Australia again. After Covid and what they did to him a few years ago, it has never been the same."</p> <p>“To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don’t think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis.”</p> <p>Following Djokovic's semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev, the Serbian tennis champ was booed by the audience, which Troicki believes is a sign of his deteriorating relationship will Aussie tennis fans.</p> <p>“They were booing him after the injury, which I don’t think happens in any sport. Not even in football, where the crowd is normally more wild. When someone gets injured in football, even an opponent, they will applaud you and wish you to get better,” he said. </p> <p>“That’s why it was surprising to see, especially in a place where he has played his best tennis and has won 10 titles, that he got booed after the injury. It was really disrespectful and disappointing.”</p> <p>“They are booing him in the crowd, which was not happening before in Australia. I think they were admiring his results more and greeting the champion with more respect in the past.”</p> <p>Serbia’s ambassador to Australia, Rade Stefanovic, also expressed his “profound concern” to Nine, writing in a statement, “The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia considers that Mr Jones’ comments are totally inappropriate and disrespectful”.</p> <p>He went on to say: “There has never been in the history [sic] the case that [an] Australian athlete has been insulted and disrespected in such a way by the media or any public official in Serbia.”</p> <p>The Serbian Council of Australia has also lodged an official complaint with the Human Rights Commission, demanding for Jones be stood down from all sports broadcasting duties at Channel Nine.</p> <div> </div> <p><em>Image credits: Nine / Instagram  </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

"Almost cost me my life": Jelena Dokic on childhood trauma

<p>Jelena Dokic has shared more details of her traumatic childhood as she launches her new documentary series, <em>Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story</em>, in hopes of changing the "shame and stigma" that victims of domestic violence and abuse may feel. </p> <p>At the height of her tennis career, she was ranked number four in the world, but behind the scenes she was battling a traumatic home life with an abusive father. </p> <p>Now, Dokic has become an advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness, candidly sharing how she has turned her pain into power. </p> <p>"People know me as a tennis player and I did alright on the tennis court, but I think my story is much bigger than that," she told <em>Today Extra</em>.</p> <p>"It's about hardship, adversity and child abuse and domestic violence and mental health and being a refugee and what that does and the consequences of it, we need to have more open conversations in order to be able to make change.</p> <p>"But also we need to change the perception around it and remove the shame and stigma, because I struggled with it and that almost cost me my life and silence is the biggest enemy of all of those things and victims and survivors, having another chance and just putting it on screen is another way to reach more people and to tell the story."</p> <p>During book tours and advanced screening at film festivals, Dokic admitted that most people who have seen her new documentary mentioned how confronting it was to watch. </p> <p>"But that's the whole point, because life is not sunshine and rainbows, it's universal and so many people go through a lot of these things that I talk about and that I've been through," she said. </p> <p>"It really resonates with them - there's been so much silence around it for a very long time and it's really creating change if me speaking up might help someone else realise what they're going through or help them in some way.</p> <p>"Ultimately, I do want people to look at this as a story of success, I'm a winner at the end of the day and you can come through it and maybe someone out there will say, 'you know what? She did it, I can do it too.'"</p> <p><em>Image: Today</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Deborra-Lee Furness shares life update after divorce

<p>Deborra-Lee Furness has broken her silence for the first time since photos emerged of Hugh Jackman's new <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/deborra-lee-furness-reacts-to-hugh-jackman-s-new-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relationship</a> with his co-star Sutton Foster. </p> <p>Furness revealed that she feels as though she is now in “chapter three” of her life following her shock split from Jackman in 2023. </p> <p>Speaking about focusing on her career over her love life, she told the <em>Herald Sun</em>, “I’ve had a few offers for films back here so I’m still reading some scripts so if there’s something that’s great.”</p> <p>She went on to share that she’ll be taking more time for herself now she’s single and able to focus on herself first. </p> <p>“I’ve got some projects in New York. I’m in my chapter three. I’m a creative, I love being creative in a variety of areas and I think I’ll be doing more travelling.”</p> <p>This is the first time she has spoken publicly since her ex-husband debuted his new relationship, although a source allegedly close to Furness said she felt "a sense of relief" when Jackman and Foster's relationship was announced. </p> <p>The source told the <em>Daily Mail</em>, “She has been plagued with suspicions. She was told it wasn’t true, and that they were nothing more than close friends who worked together. But something in her heart told her that this was not true."</p> <p>“She trusted her intuition and her intuition was right. She finally feels at ease after getting confirmation that her fears and suspicions were warranted. She can now fully close this chapter and move on.”</p> <p>Jackman and Furness announced their separation after 27 years of marriage in September 2023.</p> <p>The former couple have two adult children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matt Baron/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Readers response: What are your biggest regrets from your 20s?

<p>We asked our reader what they regret from their 20s, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Lynne Fairbrother</strong> - No regrets, my 20's was great.</p> <p><strong>Graham Turnor</strong> - Listening to politicians!</p> <p><strong>Helen Dickenson</strong> - Travelling! As now travelling in my 70s is more difficult.</p> <p><strong>Maureen James Barlow</strong> - Not having the knowledge I have in my 70’s. Boy would I have done things differently.</p> <p><strong>Debra Walker</strong> - So many things. First was getting married! And not follow my dreams of travelling. If only you could turn back time.</p> <p><strong>Kathryn Bagust</strong> - Not speaking up for myself!</p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - Not being adventurous enough.</p> <p><strong>Ann Nicholls</strong> - Biggest regret is having no children, which has broken my heart. Also marrying the wrong man in my 20’s and stupidly staying with him until I had the courage to walk away and not look back at age 39.</p> <p><strong>Colleen Burgess</strong> - Spending every pay check! Should've saved!</p> <p><strong>Caroline Wilson</strong> - Never should have got married, should have just waited it out.</p> <p><strong>Dianne Roberts</strong> - Taking too much notice of what other people think I should be doing.</p> <p><strong>Denise Farrugia</strong> - Didn't travel enough. </p> <p><strong>Maureen Byrne</strong> - Not taking a job as a travel agent when offered to me with all the free travel back then.</p> <p><strong>Cat Duffy</strong> - Getting married. </p> <p><strong>Di Telf</strong> - Not going to Uni earlier.</p> <p><strong>Linda Craig</strong> - Not following my heart. </p> <p><strong>Judith Leoni</strong> - Maybe that I never got enough sleep!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

How can I keep my cat happy? 5 tips from a vet to help your feline friend live their best life

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-quain-12802">Anne Quain</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Around <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/report/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people-2/">one third of Australian households live with at least one cat</a>, yet surveys tell us the cats’ <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X19890189">needs are not being met</a>.</p> <p>Cats may <a href="https://www.sup.org/books/media-studies/unified-theory-cats-internet">rule the internet</a>, but humans often misconstrue feline behaviour. Earlier this year, the Washington Post boldly declared <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/03/12/cats-behavior-misunderstood/">cat’s arent jerks – they’re just misunderstood</a>. This was prompted by research showing that, contrary to unhelpful stereotypes, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323000795">cats are not antisocial</a>. They can and do bond closely with humans.</p> <p>The more we learn about cats, the more we realise they are complex individuals with unique <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8300181/">personalities</a> and preferences, capable of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74006-2">learning</a>.</p> <p>From understanding your cat’s language to keeping them safe and healthy – here are science-backed tips to improve the lives of your feline flatmates.</p> <h2>1. Pay attention to body language</h2> <p>Cats communicate with humans using body language and vocalisation. However, while cats direct meows at humans, and the meows vary depending on the context, humans <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765146/">are not great at decoding them</a>. But we can read cat body language.</p> <p>For example, slow blinking is likely to indicate a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73426-0">positive emotional state</a>. Cats who are not happy (for example, don’t want to be touched) will freeze, move away, flatten their ears, hiss, or – if they feel they have no other option – scratch or bite.</p> <p>It is better to allow cats to approach you on their terms, rather than pushing for social interaction. A cat approaching you with their tail up is giving a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469685/">friendly signal</a>, while a tail swishing from side to side signals annoyance.</p> <p>Cats should always have the option to opt out of any interaction, like being touched. If you aren’t sure, just “<a href="https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/purr-science-of-making-your-cat-happy.html">ask</a>”: stop patting them. If they walk away, they’re not keen. If they rub their head against you, they want to continue the interaction.</p> <h2>2. Provide a healthy environment</h2> <p>The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine have agreed upon <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X13477537">five pillars of a healthy feline environment</a>:</p> <ol> <li> <p>A safe space so that cats can retreat if frightened.</p> </li> <li> <p>Multiple, separated key resources (food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas and resting or sleeping areas) so that cats can comfortably conduct their daily activities.</p> </li> <li> <p>Opportunity for play and predatory behaviour, such as games with wand toys that simulate hunting.</p> </li> <li> <p>Positive, consistent and predictable human-cat interactions, respecting a cat’s choice about whether and how they interact.</p> </li> <li> <p>Respecting the importance of a cat’s senses by avoiding undesirable stimuli (strong smells and loud noises), and providing desirable sensory stimulation (for example, use of <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-catnip-and-treats-like-it-safe-for-cats-heres-how-they-affect-their-minds-and-moods-214947">catnip or silver vine</a>).</p> </li> </ol> <p>These pillars provide a useful checklist. If you read this and realise your cat’s food and water are right next to the litter tray, you can improve your cat’s environment (and their experiences of eating and toileting) by separating these resources right now.</p> <h2>3. Clean the litter tray!</h2> <p>A litter tray may represent an unpleasant chore to you, but the importance of a spacious litter tray to your cat cannot be overstated. Cats <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635716302972">prefer using a clean litter tray</a>, even if they are the only cat in the household.</p> <p>Cats like to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815911730151X">spend time in the tray</a> before, during and after toileting, and they generally <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787814000033">prefer a large tray</a>.</p> <p>Poor litter hygiene is associated with a risk of urinary problems, which can be <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16389">life-threatening</a>. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19890189">survey of over 12,000 Australian cat owners</a> found that urinary problems were more common in households with a low number of litter trays per cat, less frequent removal of faeces from the trays, and the use of crystal-type cat litter.</p> <p>If you switch the type of litter you provide, a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/8/946">slow transition</a> is recommended to allow cats to get used to the change.</p> <h2>4. Read the room</h2> <p>Do you have more than one cat? Tension between household cats is common but often overlooked, as it’s not always physical fighting. Signs of inter-cat tension can include prolonged staring, or even blocking the use of resources such as the litter tray or cat door, to prevent other cats from using them.</p> <p>In their <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241263465">2024 intercat-tension guidelines</a>, the American Association of Feline Practitioners note this can case chronic fear, anxiety and stress-related illnesses in cats.</p> <p>Learning to recognise and manage tension between household cats can improve the welfare of all parties.</p> <p>When you love your cat, it is tempting to seek to amplify the joy by adopting another. But many cats prefer to be the only cat in the household, and don’t cope well with a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083434/">feline flatmate</a>. If they have positive interactions with familiar, trusted humans, they’re unlikely to be lonely.</p> <h2>5. Keep cats and other animals safe</h2> <p>Historically, domesticated cats earned their keep <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534720300100">protecting grain stores</a> from rodents. But what constitutes responsible cat ownership has changed. Around 65% of Australia’s cat owners <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10215893/">confine their cats</a> indoors always, while 24% keep their cats confined at night.</p> <p>A major driver for indoor-only housing of cats is their <a href="https://theconversation.com/one-cat-one-year-110-native-animals-lock-up-your-pet-its-a-killing-machine-138412">predation of wildlife</a>. Another is concerns about roaming-associated risks to cats, including cat fights, infectious diseases (such as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9546031/">feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV</a>), misadventure and motor vehicle trauma. But owners of cats kept entirely indoors were more likely to report <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159119301054?via%3Dihub">“problem” behaviours</a>.</p> <p>Ideally, cats shouldn’t be allowed to free-roam unsupervised where they can harm wildlife, even within the bounds of the property where you live. More than a third of local councils in Australia <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-19/banning-pet-cats-roaming-native-animals-billions-dollars-council/103856000">now require</a> cats to be contained overnight or 24 hours a day.</p> <p>Outdoor access provides sensory stimulation, with different sights, sounds and smells. Alternatives to free roaming include providing access to a well-designed cat run, harness-training your cat, or supervising your cat.</p> <p>Cats who don’t leave home unless they’re moving house or being taken to the vet, quickly learn to associate the cat carrier with a trip to an unfamiliar environment. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a vet visit is imminent when the carrier comes out.</p> <p>But that negative association can be changed. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159118302703">Cats who were rewarded with treats</a> when they approached, stepped inside or rested in the carrier for six weeks were much less stressed during veterinary visits.</p> <p>Cats are intelligent, and contrary to popular opinion, can be trained. The process can be enriching for cats and humans alike. With patience and commitment, <a href="http://www.smallanimaltalk.com/2017/04/book-review-trainable-cat-plus-that.html">you can train your cat</a> – from a simple “sit” to voluntarily stepping into the cat carrier.</p> <p>In short, give cats choice, respect their “cat-ness”, pay attention to their needs and try to see our world from their point of view. Your cat will be happier for it.<!-- 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/242774/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-quain-12802">Anne Quain</a>, Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, <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/how-can-i-keep-my-cat-happy-5-tips-from-a-vet-to-help-your-feline-friend-live-their-best-life-242774">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Michael Clarke receive Cricket Australia's top honour

<p>Michael Clarke will be the 64th player to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. </p> <p>The champion batter was unveiled as the latest inductee on Thursday, joining other former Test captains who have received the top honour. </p> <p>It's been a decade since Clarke hung up the bat with 8643 Test runs, and 7981 one-day international runs.</p> <p>Clarke who made his first ODI debut as a teen prodigy at Adelaide Oval in 2003, had established himself in the Test side within a year, scoring a memorable debut century against India in Bangalore.</p> <p>In 2011 he was appointed as skipper of the Test team, a position he held until his retirement from professional cricket in 2015. </p> <p>He is among the most decorated players in the 21st century, with two World Cups, the Ashes and several other individual honours. </p> <p>Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chairman Peter King congratulated  the player "who defined his generation."</p> <p>“On behalf of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee, it is my great pleasure to announce Michael Clarke AO as the first inductee to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for the 2024/25 season.</p> <p>“In selecting Michael as one of the three Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees for this season, the selection committee was met with statistics of a player who defined his generation and at his peak was ranked the best Test batter in the world.</p> <p>“More than that, Michael was an exceptional leader of our men’s Test and ODI teams who had a sustained period of success under his captaincy.</p> <p>“Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career started at just 17 at the SCG – the place where many of his highlights occurred, including a Test triple century against India in 2012.</p> <p>“While often lauded for his batting prowess, Michael also excelled with ball in hand having helped Australia secure victory in the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a spell of 3 for 5 in 1.5 overs with just seven balls remaining in the match.</p> <p>“Michael’s career will forever be remembered fondly by the Australian public and his standing held alongside those at the upper echelon of our game. On behalf of the selection committee, we congratulate Michael on his very deserved induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.”</p> <p>Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley also praised the cricket champion, saying: “I’m delighted Michael has taken his place in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame as one of Australia’s best and most prolific batters and as captain of highly successful Test and limited overs teams.</p> <p>“Michael’s elegant stroke play was a feature of Australian teams for over a decade. His application, temperament and leadership were exemplified throughout the many significant innings he played for his country, including leading Australia to World Cup victory on home soil in 2015," he added. </p> <p>“On behalf of everyone in Australian Cricket, I would like to thank Michael for his enormous contribution to Australian Cricket and congratulate him on this latest achievement.”</p> <p><em>Image: Andrew Cowie/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

"29-year-old child": Footy great slams Nick Kyrgios

<p>AFL Premiership winner Kane Cornes has slammed Nick Kyrgios after the tennis superstar has been making headlines for his Australian Open exit. </p> <p>There have been plenty of stories about the tennis player's fitness and his future in the sport, and Cornes, who is now one of the most outspoken members of the sporting media has had enough of the Kyrgios drama.</p> <p>“I just feel we talk about this guy too much,” Cornes began on SEN 1116 radio.</p> <p>“I understand why, but he’s absolutely dominated the headlines in the last two-to-three weeks in the lead-up to the Australian Open.</p> <p>“That’s not unusual, that happens, and we’re not going to hear the last of him.</p> <p>“I feel like his role in the game will be significant whether he’s playing or not because he is box office.</p> <p>“And despite him being our most disappointing Australian athlete ever, he will still have a role to play because people are interested in him.”</p> <p>“This is a guy who sits there and criticises everyone else,” Cornes continued.</p> <p>“He sits on his high horse and criticises everyone, be that ball kids, line judges, other opponents.</p> <p>“Look at the class which Roger Federer or other players with a similar level of talent as Nick carried themselves.</p> <p>“He’s a child. He’s a 29-year-old child. The way that he carries himself, the ambassador that he’s been, put all that in the mix, I think no one has disappointed more.</p> <p>“No one has been spoken about more with less results than this guy over a long period of time.</p> <p>“Yet still, here we are, and I get it and it’s a credit to him that people are interested in him, that we’re still talking about him.”</p> <p>Kyrgios has hit back at the comments on X, saying that Cornes' criticism was unfounded. </p> <p>"Gotta love comments from an athlete who didn't play a global sport," he posted. </p> <p>Social media users were quick to share their own opinions on disappointing athletes in response to Cornes' comments, with one person writing: “He’s not even the most disappointing tennis player. Tomic has him well covered.”</p> <p>Another sports fan said:  “Cmon guys... Nick is Nick but that Raygun could not even be defined as an athlete so she leads the list of ‘international disgraces’ and its daylight to second, whoever that may be.”</p> <p>However others backed Kyrgios, with one writing: “Nick has played in an era where there are 3 absolute legends of the game who have dominated and he’s beaten all 3 something no one else has managed to do!! Wake up you clowns comparing Nick to Raygun, Ben Simmons, Tomic, Jarryd Hayne etc absolute disgrace you guys are!”</p> <p><em>Image: Channel 7/ </em><em>Rachel Bach/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

Nick Kyrgios makes retirement announcement after Aus Open comeback

<p>Nick Kyrgios has made a candid admission about his participation in future Australian Opens as his comeback ended in tears. </p> <p>The 29-year-old returned to Melbourne after two years from the AO away to nurse an injury, although his return ended in disappointment in a straight-sets loss to Brit Jacob Fearnley.</p> <p>Many spectators were quick to point out that Kyrgios didn't seem like himself as his injury was affecting his serve and his endurance on the court. </p> <p>After looking down and out, he fought to the very end before crashing to the 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) loss.</p> <p>Speaking after the match, Kyrgios said he was “heartbroken” at being unable to perform at his show-stopping best, but added that he only played on for the packed John Cain Arena crowd cheering him on. </p> <p>“Realistically I can’t see myself playing singles again here,” he said.</p> <p>“It was special (atmosphere), taking that in, it was pretty good. I knew that I have doubles so I kind of was taking everything in tonight, in those moments, it was nuts."</p> <p>“I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire. I was hurting physically but I respect my opponent and the fans that waited hours to come see me play.”</p> <p>He later added: “Honestly, the reason I kept playing, tried to play tonight, was because of the fans. As I said, I don’t know how many times I’m going to be back here again."</p> <p>“That’s why I didn’t have headphones on, I wasn’t listening to music. I walked out there today, wanted to hear the crowd. There were some special moments.”</p> <p>Kyrgios still plans to team up with Thanasi Kokkinakis in the doubles and will continue to play out the season in singles.</p> <p>“It’s hard. When you’re competing for the biggest tournaments in the world and you’re struggling to win sets physically, it’s pretty tough,” he continued.</p> <p>“But I’ve still got a long year ahead. I’m trusting the process that I can still be able to do some cool things this year at some stage.”</p> <p>Despite the immediate devastation, Kyrgios was targeting a deep run at Wimbledon.</p> <p>“Obviously Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don’t have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a grand slam, it’s not ideal,” he said.</p> <p>“Hopefully, if my body’s feeling good, I’ll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Rachel Bach/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

Ray Hadley chokes up during final radio show

<p>Ray Hadley has become emotional during his last show on-air, farewelling his loyal 2GB audience for the last time. </p> <p>Hadley was joined by fellow 2GB host Ben Fordham for his final show on Friday, with Fordham surprising Hadley with a tribute to his stellar career. </p> <p>The tribute spanned Hadley’s entire career, from top sporting moments, interviews with Keith Urban, to his children speaking with him on air.</p> <p>“Ray Hadley, this is your life,” Fordham said before it played.</p> <p>However, Hadley became emotional when a snippet of his mother’s voice was played during the segment.</p> <p>“Very emotional. I had heard my mother’s voice previously,” Hadley told listeners, choked up. “I wasn’t gonna get upset. You’ve done this to me you little bludger.”</p> <p>Earlier this week, Hadley spoke with <em><a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/ray-hadley-retires-from-2gb-sydney-radio-interview-exclusive/354a86f1-eeac-49a2-bc04-a91f3f22ff13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a></em> about his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/the-time-has-come-ray-hadley-announces-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retirement</a>, reflecting on his 43-year career.</p> <p>Hadley admitted he worked brutal hours during his illustrious career, with his dedication leading to what became one of the most impressive runs in radio history in Australia.</p> <p>"I've fought hard for every position I've got and a couple were thrust upon me without fighting for them, but once I got them I realised that it was things I liked doing," he told <em>9Honey</em>.</p> <p>"So yeah, it's been an adventure."</p> <p>"Like every adventure, there's highs and lows. The lows are about as low as you can get, the highs are about as high as you can get, and hopefully most of the time is in the middle somewhere."</p> <p>Hadley said while he's "retiring from full-time radio work" he's "not retiring from life" and with his contract set to run with 2GB until 2026 he is considering his options.</p> <p>"That doesn't mean I won't do something else. What that is, I don't know, because I'm still contracted here. And I'm still committed to this station in many respects ... I've been here for 24 years."</p> <p>"So, you know, there's always a part of me that is willing this station and this network to do well," he said.</p> <p>For now, he's planning to take a three-month break "to clear my head."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 2GB</em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

‘Is this all there is?’ Retirement can be a painful transition if we don’t adjust our thinking

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-moore-1446031">Susan Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>The age at which Australians can receive the pension has <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/seniors/benefits-payments/age-pension">risen to 67</a>, meaning many of us are working longer. But the length of time we are expected to spend retired has also risen, because <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/life-expectancy/latest-release">we are living longer</a>.</p> <p>It’s not unreasonable to expect the retirement phase will last about 20 years, perhaps longer. How should people approach it?</p> <h2>Are retirees satisfied?</h2> <p>In 2018 a colleague and I <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Women-and-Retirement-Challenges-of-a-New-Life-Stage/Moore-Rosenthal/p/book/9781138045231">surveyed nearly 1,000 Australians</a> aged 55 and over who described themselves as fully or substantially retired from the workforce.</p> <p>Most were very satisfied (51%) or satisfied (35%) with their retirement, and the majority rated their post-retirement life satisfaction as better (47%) or the same (39%) as it had been when they were working.</p> <h2>What do retirees like most?</h2> <p>Retirees in our survey talked about freedom. Freedom to sleep in, travel, catch up with friends and family, renovate, garden, get fit, try art classes, learn Italian and if they can afford it, spend up big.</p> <p>But even freedom can have a downside. One woman from the survey said after four months she got sick of it, asking “Is this all there is?”</p> <p>So what did retirees miss most? Money was a big issue for nearly 20%, and about one-third felt their financial position had worsened, even though the group had mainly worked in professional and white-collar jobs.</p> <p>But the things they missed most were social – the opportunity to make new friends, to engage in new activities, and to feel useful. They said things like:</p> <blockquote> <p>I miss the companionship of working in a team. Miss some of the social connections that I once enjoyed.</p> </blockquote> <p>Work not only provides income and social contact, it also has the capacity to engender a sense of meaning and purpose. Some retirees commented specifically on this</p> <blockquote> <p>I miss the sense of purpose. While it was hugely stressful, I felt useful. Now I keep feeling at a bit of a loss as if I should be doing something.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Identity loss</h2> <p>There’s also the issue of <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203786338/marienthal-marie-jahoda-paul-lazarsfeld-hans-zeisel">identity loss</a>. Work provides us with status; it enhances our sense of self. Achievement of work goals can build confidence and self-esteem.</p> <p>When we meet a new person, often the first question they ask is “what do you do for a living?” It can feel as though your work defines you as a person, rather than your many-faceted self.</p> <p>Not surprisingly, our study respondents frequently commented on retirement as challenging their sense of identity.</p> <h2>The retirement journey</h2> <p>So it is important to remember retirement is not just an event, it’s a process.</p> <p>In any <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.2161-1920.2011.tb01102.x">major life transition</a>, it’s necessary to adapt our roles and expectations. Even the most exciting life changes, such as becoming a parent or winning a lottery, involve psychological work.</p> <p>We are likely to experience strong emotions, both positive and negative, as we experiment, fail, lose heart, try something else and eventually adjust to a new reality.</p> <p>These adjustments might be greater for retirees who go from full-time work to full-time leisure, than for those who move gradually through part-time or casual work or who quickly take up new activities they’ve been planning for years.</p> <p>Mark Cussen, a financial planner specialising in retirement, argues the retirement journey takes us through <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/07/sixstages.asp">several psychological stages</a>, including a honeymoon phase in which new retirees feel relieved as the constraints of working life are removed.</p> <p>However, the initial sense of freedom loses its novelty value. Some retirees then go through a phase of disenchantment. Life can feel boring, lacking in purpose or weighed down by domestic duties and activities that do not challenge or bring joy.</p> <h2>The ‘best years of our lives’</h2> <p>The final phase is adaptation, involving a re-orientation of identity from worker to someone who finds meaning and purpose in a different set of activities.</p> <p>This change usually involves renegotiating relationships with family and friends as well as experimenting with new activities, interests and friendship groups.</p> <p>Over time, most retirees develop a new, non-work identity. New routines, different social worlds and re-imagined goals are established. Many describe these years as the best of their lives.</p> <h2>What makes a successful retirement?</h2> <p>Research <a href="https://academic.oup.com/workar/article-abstract/2/2/262/2428266?login=false">assessing the strongest predictors</a> of adjustment to and satisfaction with retirement is complex because there are so many potential variables to be measured and controlled.</p> <p>But these are often distilled down to several key factors including physical health, finances, psychological health, leisure activities, and social integration.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21463050/">Studies assessing gender difference</a> in adjustment to retirement are equivocal, but somewhat dated. Nevertheless, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228590652_Renegotiating_identity_and_relationships_Men_and_women's_adjustments_to_retirement">many commentators agree</a> women generally have fewer problems adapting socially.</p> <p>Women tend to have stronger non-work networks, are more integrated into their communities and have a more multifaceted sense of identity than those men who define themselves largely in terms of their work.</p> <p>However, the average woman is <a href="https://www.routledge.com/The-Psychology-of-Retirement/Rosenthal-Moore/p/book/9780815347088?srsltid=AfmBOoo--YAKvrHK8gDkQ0Cd1qI7A0PHOjgEZ-VqzDRAJb4KvEt5eMpt">less financially prepared</a> for retirement than a man as a result of taking time off work for children or other caring responsibilities. Women also dominate many of the lower paid jobs.</p> <p>But for both sexes, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/workar/article-abstract/2/2/262/2428266">studies indicate</a> pre-retirement planning helps ensure a secure retirement.</p> <h2>Work out what’s important</h2> <p>Money isn’t everything. Lifestyle planning including post-retirement activities, new roles and interests,prioritising mental and physical health and maintaining your social contacts are also vital aspects of a workforce exit strategy.</p> <p>How are you planning to stay mentally stimulated? What strategies do you have in place to manage stress and maintain good physical health? And what about friendships? Loneliness is being <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/221/6/loneliness-epidemic-holistic-view-its-health-and-economic-implications-older-age">described as an “epidemic”</a> among the elderly, especially those without a partner.</p> <p>How will you build a new social life that may include but does not rely on former work colleagues? How will you negotiate a family life that keeps you connected without becoming a domestic slave?</p> <h2>A well-planned retirement</h2> <p>Retirement has the potential to be a wonderful phase of life in which it is possible to strengthen relationships and achieve goals that you didn’t have time for in your middle years when you were consolidating your career and home life.</p> <p>It’s a time to live out some of your dreams, work through a bucket list perhaps, and have some fun as well as planning what sort of legacy you will leave for future generations.</p> <p>What’s the secret? In short, plan your finances, maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay socially integrated, challenge yourself mentally, stay positive and be flexible.<!-- 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/241265/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/susan-moore-1446031"><em>Susan Moore</em></a><em>, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</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/is-this-all-there-is-retirement-can-be-a-painful-transition-if-we-dont-adjust-our-thinking-241265">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

"Speaking up saved my life": Jelena Dokic's inspiring speech

<p>Jelena Dokic delivered a heartfelt address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the first tennis player to speak there since John Newcombe 40 years ago. </p> <p>The 41-year-old tennis great reflected on her journey from enduring the abuse at the hands of her father to inspiring others with her resilience. </p> <p>Dokic spoke from her heart, without using a teleprompter she recalled the story of her life, saying: “He took from me the time with my country, with my people, with my home." </p> <p>“Even when I came back a few years later, it was not the same. I was embraced but it was not the same up until my books and now the documentary where people can really see the power of it on screen.</p> <p>“But I don’t hate him. There is no hate, bitterness or resentment towards the media, even the trolls. I am not a hateful, bitter, resentful person. I went through what I went through, but I survived and I’m thriving today for a reason.”</p> <p>Dokic also revealed that after her tennis career ended, she hit rock bottom, battling severe depression and a lack of confidence. </p> <p>"Eleven years ago, I was in bed, unable to get up, deep in depression. I couldn’t string two sentences together. I couldn’t look people in the eye," she said.</p> <p>But with the help of a few people who believed in her, she managed to rebuild her life, writing her first book, <em>Unbreakable</em>, which gave her a platform to share her story.</p> <p>Over time, she built her confidence and transitioned to commentary, speaking engagements and now public advocacy. </p> <p>"Today, I can’t shut up," she joked. "At Channel 9, they say I can talk under water, and I’m proud of that because I couldn’t even form a sentence 11 years ago. Belief from others helped me get here, and now I want to be that person for someone else."</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/DDbZT-bpILa/?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/DDbZT-bpILa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Dokic, who is now a tennis commentator, said she strives to remain positive saying: "You will never hear me say a bad word about a player who loses 6-0, 6-0. I’ll always find something constructive to say."</p> <p>“I’ll say, ‘Not their day, it didn’t work out, got to look forward’. Always something like that, never criticise," she added. </p> <p>Her authentic and kind approach has helped her master her craft and connect with her interviewees on a deeper level. </p> <p>Dokic then went on to explain that she contemplated holding back from sharing parts of her trauma, but decided against it, saying: “I want that you see a person who has gone from victim to survivor, most importantly thriver." </p> <p>"Maybe another 13-year-old girl will think, ‘She did it. I can do it too.’"</p> <p>“I stood in the face of fear from my father to society to media. To come out and tell my story. I want to leave a legacy behind that I turned something bad into good, negative into positive, pain into power. And not even just for myself. But the ability to maybe help someone else."</p> <p>She urged the audience to create safe spaces and reject shame, stigma, and judgment, adding, "Speaking out saved my life. No silence, no shame, no judgment."</p> <p>Dokic concluded with a powerful plea for Australians to combat domestic violence and foster support for vulnerable individuals.</p> <p>“Most importantly the day that we stop talking about the most important issues in our society and we turn our backs to them, that’s when our world and our society ends.</p> <p>“So, if I could leave you with one thing — sharing my story, telling the truth, not being silent, and speaking up saved my life. No shame, no judgement, no stigma, but also no silence.”</p> <p>Dokic received a standing ovation at the end of her hour-long speech. </p> <p><em>Images: Jelena Dokic/ Instagram</em></p>

Mind

Placeholder Content Image

Elderly couple's pension predicament sparks heated debate

<p>An elderly couple have sparked a heated debate online after enquiring how they can hold on to their pension payments despite their increasing wealth. </p> <p>The couple are in their 90s and receive a part-age pension payment, while also owning a share portfolio worth around $895,000. </p> <p>In a question to <em><a title="www.smh.com.au" href="https://www.smh.com.au/money/super-and-retirement/our-900-000-share-portfolio-keeps-rising-how-do-we-save-our-pension-20241203-p5kve9.html">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em> money columnist, Noel Whittaker, the couple’s child asked: “With the market going up as it has, they are worried that they will lose their pension and the benefits. Is there anything that they can do so they don’t lose the pension?”</p> <p>You must be 67 years or older to be eligible for the pension in Australia, with the maximum fortnightly payment for a single person is $1,144.40 and $1,725.20 for a couple.</p> <p>However, the pension amount is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar over $212 a person receives in income per fortnight.</p> <p>A couple who are homeowners on a full pension can have $470,000 in combined assets before their pensions are impacted, while a couple who are homeowners on a part pension can have $1,045,500 in assets before their payments are cancelled.</p> <p>Whittaker recommended for the couple to get their furniture valued at “garage sale prices”, rather than replacement prices to keep their assets below the threshold. </p> <p>He also suggested renovating their home, prepaying for their funerals, or making a gift of $10,000.</p> <p>“If they gave a bigger sum of money to the children now, their pension would not be reduced as it would be held as a deprived asset for five years but would not increase in value,” the columnist suggested.</p> <p>The article was quickly posted online, and the couple were met with fierce backlash as one person wrote on X, "Why are 90yo millionaires worried about losing a welfare payment?” while another person joked, “If I go to work and earn money how can I do it and still keep my Centrelink payments please inform me!”</p> <p>Many branded the couple “greedy”, claiming they had more than enough to live on for the rest of their retirement, with one person writing, “Firstly, stop being so greedy. Secondly, live off your money. Ffs.”</p> <p>“I read that this morning, and was shocked at how greedy some people are. $900,000 is more than enough for anyone to live off during their retirement years,” another said.</p> <p>Others suspected it was the child who was concerned, rather than the parents, commenting, “It sounds like it’s the kids worrying they might have to spend their inheritance.” </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

Woman opts to end her own life while waiting for aged care help

<p>A heartbroken son has shared the devastating story of how his chronically-ill mother decided to end her own life rather than endure a months long wait for aged care funding. </p> <p>After a hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the Aged Care Bill, it was determined that tens of thousands of Australians are waiting to receive their home care packages after being approved for the financial support. </p> <p>Home care packages, which are government-funded through MyAgedCare allow Australians to access support in their own home, including nursing, food preparation, cleaning and help with personal hygiene.</p> <p>It is intended to stave off or avoid moving into costly residential aged care, allowing elderly Australians to remain at home longer. </p> <p>However, 2GB's Ben Fordham spoke to one devastated man about his mother Ellen's struggle with accessing her funds, as she ultimately died waiting for her support. </p> <p>"My mum suffered severe COPD for several years while she was waiting for an upgraded package," Mark told the program. </p> <p>COPD is short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a progressive inflammation in the lungs and airways that makes it difficult to breathe.</p> <p>"Her pride wouldn’t allow any of her boys to take care of her or to bathe her so she got approved for the assisted dying and actually a few months ago proceeded with (it)."</p> <p>He added, "She passed while waiting for the upgraded package."</p> <p>Fordham was devastated by the call and the suffering of so many vulnerable people. </p> <p>"We are chasing answers from the Australian government on this because people are dying while waiting for home care packages," he said.</p> <p>"When you’ve got Ellen choosing euthanasia instead, you know that you’ve got a serious problem."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 2GB </em></p> <p class="mol-para-with-font" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; min-height: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; font-family: Inter, sans-serif;"> </p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

102-year-old woman fulfils bucket list dream of visiting Australia

<p>A 102-year-old woman has successfully fulfilled her bucket list dream of visiting all seven continents with the help of two Youtubers. </p> <p>Dorothy Smith, who lives in a retirement home in San Francisco, had travelled all over the world except Australia. </p> <p>When the guys behind the YouTube channel <em>Yes Theory,</em> Staffan Taylor and Ammar Kandil heard about this, they were determined to make her dream come true.</p> <p>The two men, who met her in the retirement village, asked her "‘is there anything on your bucket list you haven’t ticked off yet?’ and she said, ‘I’ve been to six continents but I’ve never been to Australia,’” <em>Yes Theory</em> filmmaker Staffan Taylor explained.</p> <p>The centenarian recalled how she received a note from them. </p> <p>“He gave me this little piece of paper that said something about ‘dreams come true’,” Dorothy told <em>Sunrise </em>on Tuesday.</p> <p>“I showed it to a friend, and they said, ‘look, there is no signature, there is no telephone number, there is no address — it’s fake’,” she added.</p> <p>But it wasn't a scam and with the help of Destination NSW and Qantas, the Youtubers made her dream come true, and shared a clip of her experience online. </p> <p>She chose Sydney as her Aussie destination because of the Opera House, which she is twice the age of. </p> <p>“This is like Disneyland for grown ups,” she joked while visiting the iconic landmark.</p> <p>She also visited visited Wild Life Sydney Zoo to see some koalas and kangaroos, the Botanic Gardens, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and went for a cruise on the harbour. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/38PwG3zGDDI?si=dqhuCIqOoKfokdCq" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>She described Aussies as “charming” and complimented the food, scenery and weather. </p> <p>“These two gentlemen have been delightful, and there is a whole crew, and each one is as nice as the other, and they have been around this town very well,” she told <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>“It’s just beautiful — I’ve seen things like the zoo and the real animals.</p> <p>“It is much more metropolitan (than I would have thought), and the people are charming,” she added. </p> <p>The centenarian said it is "never too late" for a new adventure, saying: “You can either rust out or wear out and I’m trying to wear out rather than rust out." </p> <p><em>Yes Theory</em> co-founder Ammar Kandil who went on the trip with Dorothy and her daughter, said he was in awe of the centenarian's curiosity during the trip and had been inspired by her. </p> <p>“One of the cornerstones of the experiences in our videos is actually whenever we go somewhere, we always try to ask the elders and get a lot of the wisdom out of them from their life experiences,” he said.</p> <p>“Staffan (and I) had the opportunity to double down and do a full episode on elders, only to meet the most epic one of all (Dorothy) — it doesn’t get better.</p> <p>“(As soon as we heard) we just went for it, and it was a no-brainer — as soon as she said she hadn’t been to Australia, we thought God bless her soul.</p> <p>“She is so powerful and still moves, and if anyone can go to Australia at 102 years old, it is Dorothy.”</p> <p>“Even at 102 years old she is still appreciating everything she is seeing,” he added. </p> <p><em>Images: Yes Theory/ Youtube</em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

5 retirement derailers and how to avoid them

<p>Retirement is often called our “golden years”, the time we can enjoy the fruits of our working lives. Not everything goes to plan, and five particular issues can derail even the best laid retirement plans – regardless of whether they hit before or post retirement.  Avoiding the worst effects involves preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.</p> <p>Remember that good retirement planning involves impartial advice to identify risks, and strategies to address them, that you may not have considered. So, check in with your financial adviser, accountant and family lawyer to ensure you have all your bases covered.</p> <p><strong>#1. Relationship breakdowns</strong></p> <p>Separations and divorces see you shift from two incomes to one, joint assets are split (potentially even sold), and acrimonious splits result in costly legal battles.  Furthermore, elder abuse affects one in six older Australians, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes. Adult children, siblings and close friends are among the perpetrators. This could involve financial, physical, emotional or other forms of abuse and control.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Solution:</em></span> Maintain financial independence. Not everything has to be shared – it is good to have your own income, savings, superannuation and investments in addition to joint assets. A prenuptial agreement helps by outlining what each partner came into the relationship with.</p> <p>Open communication is crucial, as is active participation in financial decisions – two pairs of eyes are better than one. Keep super beneficiaries updated. I’ve seen people unwittingly gift their ex their super, leaving their current partner with nothing, because these details weren’t updated post-separation. </p> <p><strong>#2. Partner’s premature death </strong></p> <p>Sudden deaths from an accident, illness, natural disaster, crime or other unforeseen cause not only take someone before their time, but can cripple those left behind. This is especially true where the departed was the primary or sole breadwinner, often forcing their partner to retire much later.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Solution:</em></span> Don’t stick your head in the sand. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly. Life insurance is perhaps the most obvious form of protection here. It can be taken out within your super, so it needn’t touch your everyday finances.Ensure everyone’s wills and estate planning are up-to-date and accessible, saving valuable time to finalise estate transfers and financial access for surviving beneficiaries.</p> <p><strong>#3. Chronic health problem</strong></p> <p>Whether it’s cancer, dementia (especially early on-set), or any other chronic condition, the problem here (over and above your health) is two-fold: healthcare costs suddenly soar, while ability to earn an income ceases – temporarily or permanently. You may even be forced into early retirement, draining your nest egg earlier than planned – doubly so if your partner also must retire to care for you.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Solution:</em></span> Have a plan B. Fallback options are invaluable, such as health insurance to offset medical costs and an emergency fund for paying bills while undergoing treatment. Don’t sell investments unless you absolutely have to – they can generate passive income now while offering longer-term capital growth.</p> <p><strong>#4. Major financial setback</strong></p> <p>Financial setbacks have numerous causes – natural disasters, scams, business failures, investment losses, gambling addictions. However. the results are often the same – financial stress and delayed retirement.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Solution:</em></span> Act quickly. Of course, prevention is best, but not everything is preventable. If you do suffer a major setback, fast and decisive action is crucial – both to stem the losses and put your recovery into action ASAP. See what can be recovered. Banks can put a stop on withdrawals and cards. Revisit protections, such as insurances and back-up plans. </p> <p>Emergency grants and assistance are offered by governments and charities during disasters.  Get support – financial setbacks are stressful. Don’t compound the pain by letting your mental and physical health slide.</p> <p><strong>#5. Insecure housing</strong></p> <p>We all know the rental market is tight. It’s even harder for those in retirement: landlords prioritise tenants in paid employment; rents consume a larger share of retirement income than home ownership. Then there are ownership considerations: joint tenants versus tenants in common. If your partner dies, will you automatically inherit ownership or be forced to move?</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Solution:</em></span> Do your best to get on the property ladder.  That may require some creative thinking. Consider cheaper markets from where you live; entry-level “renovator’s delights” to improve over time; pooling funds to buy jointly with trusted family or friends. Even if you rent out the property, you have the option to move in should you find yourself otherwise homeless.</p> <p>Plus, you have a stable investment over and above your super. Also, consider ongoing maintenance costs and tax implications. Owning or inheriting a property is counterproductive if you can’t afford its upkeep or mortgage repayments.</p> <p><em><strong>Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Image credits: Shutterstock</strong></em></p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

NRL legend explains why he's retiring after 33 years

<p>NRL legend Paul Vautin has revealed the exact moment he knew his time on-air was over, just days after announcing his retirement. </p> <p>The 65-year-old shocked the sports world on Sunday when he confirmed his career on TV was coming to an end, saying he's "run out of petrol” and would not be continuing with his job with Channel 9 into 2025. </p> <p>Speaking candidly in the days after the shock announcement, Vautin - who has affectionally been known as Fatty during his career - detailed the exact moment he realised it was time to walk away.</p> <p>“Something changed this year. I’d be driving up in three hours of traffic on a Friday afternoon going ‘oh my god what am I doing?’” he said on SEN’s <em>The Run Home with Joel and Fletch</em>.</p> <p>“In the end I just felt as though I’d rather be at home watching the footy on a Friday night than working on it. I still love the game immensely but I just thought ‘you know what I think I’m done’."</p> <p> </p> <p>“There was one particular moment when the Brisbane Broncos were playing the Roosters on a Friday night at Suncorp and look it was a pretty good game, I was commentating with Joey and we were having a good time."</p> <p>“Then 20 minutes into the second half I was looking out at the field going, ‘Oh my god I am so bored’. I drove home thinking wow that had never happened before and I knew then it was the beginning of the end.”</p> <p>While fans are hopeful the NRL icon will reverse his decision and return to commentary, the 65-year-old says he has no intention of working again.</p> <p>“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I will never work again. I’m done. I’m not looking for work,” Vautin said.</p> <p>“No way. I don’t want to do anything. I don’t want to do radio, podcasts. I don’t want to do anything. I’m happy.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine/SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

Life-support of 16-year-old turned off after deadly snake bite

<p>Beau Horan, 16, was in the backyard of his family home in Gladstone, Queensland on Monday afternoon when an eastern brown snake bit him on the leg. </p> <p>The teenager wasn't aware that he had been bitten, and it was only when he collapsed that his family knew something was seriously wrong. </p> <p>"By the time they found him collapsed, they called an ambulance and it was only then they realised he'd been bitten by a snake," family friend Shaun Connolly told <em>Yahoo News</em>.</p> <p>Beau was rushed to a nearby hospital before he was medically airlifted to Brisbane where he was put on a life-support machine. </p> <p>"I'm going off what his mum has told me... she's distraught as you can imagine," Connolly said. "We don't know too much what the circumstances were, but we think he wasn't aware he had been bitten," Shaun said.</p> <p>Brown snakes are extremely venomous and responsible 41 per cent of snake bites in the country. While fatalities remain relatively low, with two deaths reported on average each year, the potency of their venom is incredibly strong, containing severe neurotoxins that result in progressive paralysis and heart failure.</p> <p>The family has since had to make the heartbreaking decision of turning off Beau's life support machine, with his mum, Bek Eddy, and two sisters having to cover the unexpected medical and funeral costs. </p> <p>Connolly has set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-tradgic-loss-of-16-year-old-beau-horan?cdn-cache=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to help alleviate some of the pressure for the family during these uncertain times. </p> <p>"It's just so sad," Shaun said.</p> <p>Beau's family have described him as a "vibrant, compassionate [and] a loving young man" who had a "bright future ahead of him", and they have been left with "indescribable emptiness" following his death. </p> <p><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

Our Partners