Power of Attorney: A Loving Act of Preparedness
Power of Attorney: A Loving Act of Preparedness
What if life threw you a curveball — an accident, illness, or sudden trip overseas — and someone needed to step in and make decisions for you? That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) steps up, acting as a safety net when life becomes unpredictable. In Queensland, there are two main types of POA: General…
Gail Forrer
Life After the 9-to-5: The Unexpected Joys (and Jitters) of Retirement
You’ve handed in your office keys, turned off the alarm clock, and finally stepped into the long-dreamed-of golden years. But here’s the twist—retirement isn’t always what we imagine. For many, it’s a mix of unexpected turns, self-discovery, and sometimes, a few speed bumps. First surprise? All that free time. After decades of schedules and deadlines,…
Step by Step: The Rise of ‘Walking’ and ‘Chair’ Sports for Seniors
Step by Step: The Rise of ‘Walking’ and ‘Chair’ Sports for Seniors
Once upon a time, growing older meant slowing down—but not anymore. Across Australia, a new wave of age-friendly fitness is gaining popularity with “walking” and “chair” versions of popular sports taking centre stage in community halls, local parks, and leisure centres. “Walking sports” are modified versions of traditional games like netball, soccer, and touch…
Many Australians unaware of risk factors for dementia
New data released by Dementia Australia for Brain Health Week shows that Australians are largely unaware that common health issues such as hearing loss, depression and high cholesterol are risk factors for dementia. Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that dementia is the second leading cause of death for all Australians and there are…
Still Rockin’ at 80: Sir Mick Jagger keeps on rolling
Ageing gracefully? Not Mick Jagger. Ageing outrageously is more his style. At 80 years young in 2025, the Rolling Stones frontman still struts across stages with more energy than most blokes a quarter his age. Wrinkled? Sure. Slowing down? Not a chance. Born in Dartford, Kent in 1943, Michael Philip Jagger wasn’t always the swaggering…
Smart gadgets helping seniors live better
Thanks to modern technology, staying independent, connected, and healthy in later life is easier than ever. Gadgets, once seen as novelties, are now essential tools, helping older adults live confidently and comfortably. Here are five smart devices making a real difference. 1. Smartwatches with Health Monitoring Today’s smartwatches, like the Apple Watch or Fitbit, do…
Brooke Shields celebrates liberation from biology
Brooke Shields isn’t interested in “chasing beauty”. The 59-year-old actress has revealed that she’s no longer as “judgemental” about herself as she used to be. The Hollywood star told HELLO! magazine: “This is a different age than it used to be. It’s not about chasing beauty any more. There are different opportunities for women in…
Looking Back at the Future: Predictions, Progress, and What Comes Next
I’ve been keeping a few books over the last 40-50 years or so, mainly books to do with future predictions, interested to see how many of these thoughts and ideas have come to pass so far, while referencing them every 10 years or so. A book called the “Wired Society” a 1978 hardcover book, dealt…
Gail Forrer
The Heart of Giving: Understanding and avoiding volunteer burnout
Volunteering is a deeply rewarding way to give back to the community and enrich your life, especially in later years when many seek meaningful engagement. However, even the most passionate volunteers can experience burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overcommitment. Volunteer burnout often manifests in feelings of fatigue,…
Bridging the Gap: Staying close with your adult children
Retirement offers the gift of time, but for parents, it can also come with a delicate balancing act: how to stay close to adult children who are navigating busy lives filled with careers, parenthood, and other responsibilities. While the generational divide can sometimes feel wide, intentional efforts can strengthen these connections without overstepping boundaries. First,…