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Sam Neill reveals his pillar of strength during cancer battle

<p>Anyone facing a major health battle will always cherish the support they receive from loved ones during tough times, and Sam Neill couldn't be more grateful for his support system. </p> <p>In 2022, the Jurassic Park star was diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer and had to undergo treatment.</p> <p>Fortunately, he is still in remission, and during a recent interview on the <em>Big Talk Show</em> podcast, he told host Jess Rowe that it was fellow actor and friend Bryan Brown who was a pillar of strength for him during his health battle. </p> <p>"I would be completely lost without friends and old friends are even more precious because they have been through the tough times," Neill said. </p> <p>“I had a spell in hospital and Bryan came in every day. Every day. I thought: ‘That’s a real friend’.</p> <p>“He didn’t have anything to say, but he came in and kept me company.”</p> <p>He added that despite the pair having very little in common, their friendship has lasted for more than 40 years. </p> <p>"Bryan and I have been friends since 1980, I think it is," he said. </p> <p>“I love him dearly, he’s a great family man [and] immensely loyal,” he added.</p> <p>Sam found out he had stage-three blood cancer in 2022 during his first trip back to New Zealand following the Covid lockdowns, that made it almost impossible for him to see his family. </p> <p>He had to undergo chemotherapy for three or four months, which he said was "brutal". </p> <p>In another interview with <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/sam-neill-says-working-saved-his-life-during-blood-cancer-battle/d4d7442d-c328-4ff8-9195-8a5d78d3ada0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Today</em></a>, he also credited his work for keeping him busy and helping him survive his battle with cancer. </p> <p>"I like working and when I was diagnosed, I didn't have any work to do, so I wrote a book and that saved my life because I was pretty down and I got up in the morning and I would write and write and write and that was good fun," he said at the time. </p> <p><em>Image: Susanna Saez/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Caring

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Two iconic locations officially given dual Indigenous titles

<p>In a significant move to recognise and honour the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Australia, two iconic locations in northern NSW will now be officially known by their Indigenous names. This decision comes after impassioned calls from the community to acknowledge the profound significance these sites hold in Indigenous culture and history.</p> <p>Walgan, translating to "shoulder" in the Bundjalung language, has been designated as the dual name for Cape Byron, marking it as the Australian mainland's most easterly point. Cape Byron, situated in the picturesque town of Byron Bay, has long been a hotspot for tourists seeking stunning coastal views. However, beyond its natural beauty, this area holds deep cultural significance for the Arakwal and other Bundjalung people. It has served as a sacred site for important gatherings and traditional ceremonial practices, anchoring it firmly in the cultural tapestry of the region.</p> <p>Similarly, Nguthungulli, referred to as the "Father of the World", will now share its name with Julian Rocks, a renowned diving destination located 2.5km off Cape Byron. This underwater marvel, steeped in Aboriginal lore and legend, is intricately tied to the dreaming stories of the Arakwal and other Bundjalung communities.</p> <p>By bestowing these dual names, authorities aim to not only pay homage to the Indigenous heritage of the land but also to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of its significance among all Australians.</p> <p>The decision to officially recognise these dual names was approved by the NSW Geographical Names Board, following a submission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Additionally, in a nod to preserving local Indigenous language and culture, a reserve in the suburb of Bangalow will be formally named Piccabeen Park. The term "Piccabeen" originates from the Bundjalung language, referring to the bangalow palm and the traditional baskets crafted from its fronds.</p> <p>Jihad Dib, the Customer Service Minister, emphasised the NSW government's commitment to safeguarding and promoting Indigenous language and culture through place naming. "All Australians share a relationship to the land and the names we give to places convey their significance, sense of history and identity," he said "Dual-naming acknowledges the significance of Aboriginal culture and represents a meaningful step towards the process of unity in NSW."</p> <p>Echoing these sentiments, David Harris, the Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty Minister, underscored the enduring connections that the Arakwal and other Bundjalung peoples have maintained with these sites since time immemorial. "It is only right to honour that history and that connection through names that bring story and language to life for all Australians to enjoy," he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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From the Red Centre to the green tropics, Australia’s Outback presents a palette like no other

<p><strong>By Reader's Digest, in partnership with APT</strong></p> <p>From the sunburnt sands and ochre-hued escarpments of its Red Centre to the lush green rainforests of Tropical North Queensland, Australia’s Outback packs a punch when it comes to the kaleidoscope of colours on show. <a href="https://www.aptouring.com.au/?utm_source=readersdigest&amp;utm_medium=advertorial&amp;utm_content=20200302_outback2020_readersdigest_native&amp;utm_campaign=outback2020">APT</a> has been operating tours in the Outback for more than 50 years, and are experts in tailoring holidays to showcase the best of each magical region.</p> <p><strong>A world of rainforest and reef</strong></p> <p>In Cape Tribulation, rainforest-clad mountains tumble down to meet the coastline, where pure white sands and turquoise waters dazzle. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree is the oldest tropical lowland forest in the world and is home to thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles. Here, giant fan palms, emerald green vines and ancient ferns tangle together, forming a dense rainforest that makes you feel as though you are stepping into Jurassic Park.</p> <p><em style="font-weight: inherit;">On tour</em></p> <p>APT offers an 11-day 4WD adventure through Cooktown &amp; Cape York. Arrive in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, where you’ll spend a night at the luxurious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on a Dreamtime Gorge Walk. Explore Cape Tribulation and Cooktown then visit Split Rock, an intriguing Indigenous rock art site. Take a helicopter flight into the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve before continuing north to the tip of Cape York. Here, set out on a walk to the tip of the peninsula and enjoy a helicopter flight for an aerial perspective on this incredible landscape.</p> <p><strong style="font-style: inherit;">Be moved by the outback’s heart</strong></p> <p>As the light shifts and changes throughout the day, so does the landscape at Uluru – the Outback’s spiritual heart. At sunrise, feel an overwhelming sense of calm as you watch this mighty monolith come to life against a pastel-coloured sky. In the afternoon, Uluru appears as an ochre-brown hue, scored with dark shadows. As the sun begins to set, it bathes the rock in burnt orange, then a series of deeper and darker reds, before it finally fades into charcoal as night falls. Spend a night at the Field of Light and savour dinner under the stars, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the didgeridoo. With Uluru in the background, watch in awe as 50,000 soft lights cover the desert floor behind you.</p> <p><em style="font-weight: inherit;">On tour</em></p> <p>On APT’s 11-day Central to South Explorer tour, start your journey in Uluru, where you’ll embark on a base tour at sunrise and experience a night at the Field of Light. Learn about the history of opal mining in Coober Pedy then travel along the iconic Oodnadatta Track to WIlliam Creek. Take an included scenic flight over spectacular Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre before journeying to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. While here, spend two nights at the Ikara Safari Camp – the perfect base for exploring Wilpena Pound National Park. A winery lunch in Adelaide’s Clare Valley is the perfect ending to your journey.</p> <p><strong style="font-style: inherit;">Getting your fill of Lake Eyre</strong></p> <p>Few sights in Australia stir the soul more than that of the normally dry Lake Eyre filling with water and suddenly teeming with life. The lake, properly known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, relies on monumental rains in Queensland and the Northern Territory for water to begin to flow into it. Last year saw the lake reach levels unseen for almost half a century, and it is hoped that 2020’s northern monsoon season will see the region once again alive with fish surging through the rivers that feed Lake Eyre, and its surface thronged with an array of birdlife including hundreds of thousands of pelicans. In a land battling drought and bushfires, the vision of water shimmering on the surface of the lake is life affirming. And it is something to be treasured and celebrated, so take this rare chance to go with the flow.</p> <p><strong><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.413612565445px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843793/red-centre-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1ef8aa559b194a00b0a26c2255414afe" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Paradise found amid corals and blooms</strong></p> <p>Stretching over 1,100 kilometres of seemingly untouched coastline, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a marine paradise like no other. Here, waves lap lazily on pristine white-sand beaches and turtles sweep through sheltered turquoise bays.</p> <p>The crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park harbour the world’s largest fringing reef. Beneath the surface, you’ll find dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, and more than 500 species of fish. There’s more to discover on land, where colourful blankets of native wildflowers burst into bloom between August and September along the spectacular Wildflower Way. For a whole new perspective on the region, take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the Dampier Archipelago. The staggering contrast between brilliant white beaches, aquamarine waters, and the rugged red Pilbara landscape is a breathtaking sight – one that can only be experienced from the air.</p> <p><em style="font-weight: inherit;">On tour</em></p> <p>Board the MS Caledonian Sky in Broome and navigate the remote islands of Western Australia’s Coral Coast on a 15-day small ship expedition cruise and 4WD adventure. Discover life below the surface while snorkelling the clear waters of this marine paradise. Disembark in Geraldton and continue the adventure as you explore Kalbarri National Park and the eerie limestone Pinnacles. To finish up your journey, there’s a stay in a luxury eco-tent on the beautiful Rottnest Island.</p> <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><em style="font-weight: inherit;">This </em><em>article originally appeared on <a href="mailto:https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/from-the-red-centre-to-the-green-tropics-australias-outback-presents-a-palette-like-no-other">Reader's Digest.</a></em></p> <p><em>Photos: Reader’s Digest</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Make bushfires less powerful by acknowledging the three pillars

<p>As monstrous blazes overwhelm Australia’s south-east, the need for a national bushfire policy has never been more urgent. Active land management such as hazard-reduction burning and forest thinning must lie at the core of any such policy.</p> <p>Done well, controlled burning limits a bushfire’s spread and makes suppression easier, by reducing the amount of flammable material. Clearing or thinning vegetation on roadsides and other areas also helps maintain fuel breaks, allowing firefighters access to forests in an emergency.</p> <p>As former fire chiefs <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/full-list-of-fire-and-emergency-chiefs-recommendations-to-federal-government/">recently pointed out</a>, of all factors driving a fire’s severity – temperature, wind speed, topography, fuel moisture and fuel load – fuel load is the only one humans can influence.</p> <p>The royal commission into Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires identified serious shortcomings in land and fuel management, primarily the domain of the states. Ten years ago I also called for a national approach to bushfires, including vegetation management.</p> <p>Relatively little has changed since. It is as though Australia suffers collective and institutional amnesia when it comes to bushfire preparedness. But the threat will only escalate. Australia must have a sustained commitment to better land management.</p> <p><strong>The three pillars of dealing with bushfires</strong></p> <p>Bushfire management comprises three planks: preparation, response and recovery.</p> <p>Preparation involves managing fuel loads and vegetation, maintaining access to tracks and fire breaks, planning fire response and ensuring sufficient human capacity and resources to respond to worst-case scenarios.</p> <p>Response involves deploying aircraft, fire trucks and firefighting personnel, and recovery requires social, financial and institutional support.</p> <p>The federal government mostly focuses on bushfire response and recovery, which now falls under the Department of Home Affairs and the responsible Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud.</p> <p>After major fire events in the 2000s, the Commonwealth committed significant resources to response. This included contributing to the cost of more fire-fighting planes and helicopters, and <a href="https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/">research funding</a>.</p> <p><strong>But what about fire preparation?</strong></p> <p>Prescribed burning is considered a key element of bushfire preparation. While there is some debate over its <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-surprising-answer-to-a-hot-question-controlled-burns-often-fail-to-slow-a-bushfire-127022">effect on a fire’s impact</a>, the Victorian bushfire royal commission concluded fuel modification at a sufficient scale can reduce the impact of even high-intensity fires.</p> <p>Other management actions include thinning dense forest areas, reducing the shrub layer mechanically where burning is not possible and maintaining fire breaks. As the climate changes, we may consider changing the tree species mix.</p> <p>The newly merged Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is the federal agency with most interest in land management. However other agencies such as the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources share some responsibilities.</p> <p>Federal funding for land management deals with single issues such as weeds, feral animals, threatened species or water quality. Funding is often piecemeal, doled out to government bodies or community groups with little coordination. As federal programs are implemented, states often withdraw funding.</p> <p>Former NSW Fire and Rescue commissioner Greg Mullins and other experts <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/full-list-of-fire-and-emergency-chiefs-recommendations-to-federal-government//">have warned</a> fuel reduction burning is “constrained by a shortage of resources in some states and territories”, as well as by warmer, drier weather which reduces the number of days burning can be undertaken.</p> <p>At state level, since the major fires of the 2000s, funding for fire management has increased and coordination between fire response and land management agencies has improved.</p> <p>However, the focus of the two groups remains divided, which can thwart progress. Fire services prioritise protecting lives and property once fires are going, while forest and land management agencies focus on reducing fire risk, and must consider a wider range of natural and community values.</p> <p>In a rapidly changing climate, land management requires a long-term adaptive strategy, underpinned by sound analysis and research, supporting laws and policies, with sufficient funding and human resources. Bipartisan political support and leadership continuity is needed to sustain it.</p> <p><strong>A national approach</strong></p> <p>State agencies cannot carry the full financial burden for fire preparedness. With fire events happening in almost all states and territories, it is clear we need a national approach.</p> <p>The federal government collects most tax revenue and should contribute a greater share of the costs of prescribed burning, maintaining access, fire detection, and rapid firefighting response.</p> <p>Federal spending on land management can be better integrated to engage and protect communities, conserve biodiversity, maintain water quality, manage forest carbon emissions and improve forest resilience to future fires. Recent federal investments in <a href="http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/ERF/Choosing-a-project-type/Opportunities-for-the-land-sector/Savanna-burning-methods">savannah burning in northern Australia</a> are a good example of this.</p> <p>A federal bureau of bushfire and land management could support national policy and coordinate investment, including monitoring and reporting on forest and land condition. State agencies, local authorities and private landowners could continue to provide management to meet national targets.</p> <p>Commitment to public education is also critical. Many people do not understand the need for appropriate human interventions, such as prescribed burning or thinning, to protect the forests we all enjoy. We must also learn from traditional owners about how to live in our country and manage land with fire.</p> <p>In December, the federal government initiated an inquiry into the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/House_of_Representatives/About_the_House_News/Media_Releases/Committee_to_examine_efficacy_of_vegetation_and_land_management_policy_on_bushfires">efficacy of vegetation and land management and bushfires</a>. This inquiry needs to be expanded, avoiding the simplified debates of the past, and bring together all parties to identify solutions.</p> <p>As one of the most urbanised countries on Earth, there are few votes to be gained in more spending on rural land management. Hazard reduction is a sometimes risky, labour-intensive measure, and tensions between reducing fuel loads and conserving the environment must be managed.</p> <p>However after the grief, anger and recriminations from these fires have passed, it’s time for an urgent national rethink – and the Morrison government must lead the way.<!-- 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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/129323/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: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rod-keenan-100">Rod Keenan</a>, Professor, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722">University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-only-one-way-to-make-bushfires-less-powerful-take-out-the-stuff-that-burns-129323">original article</a>.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Rounding the cape

<p><em>Justine Tyerman heads to Cape Irozaki, the southernmost point of the Izu Peninsula, Japan, where she is told of happy events ahead.<br /></em><br />“Skiing field,” the sign pointing to the sand dune read.</p> <p>“Great! I’ll have a go at that,” I thought, clambering up the 70m-high, 100m-wide sand slope above a rocky cove.</p> <p>Created by wind action, the steep dune near the tiny beach town of Toji, is a popular spot for sand skiing and sledding.</p> <p>But not only was it incredibly difficult to climb to the top, it was impossible to glide down without short fat skis or a board of some kind. Great exercise for the leg muscles though!</p> <p>The Toji sand slope was our first stop on day four of the Izu Geo Trail with Walk Japan, as we drove south along the coast towards the tip of the peninsula, passing sandy and rocky beaches, lush green bush, precipitous cliffs and many tunnels. The further south we went, the less the traffic on the roads. In fact most days we encountered no other people on our hikes. It may be close and accessible from Tokyo but the Izu Peninsula feels like a remote wilderness.</p> <p>At Toji beach, the rock formations on the headlands were wonderful examples of ancient submarine lava flows.</p> <p>A short distance away, down a steep set of steps, we came to the Ryugu Sea Cave, a phenomenon shaped by wave erosion. At the rear of the cave, the roof had collapsed creating an opening to the sky 50m in diameter. The cave entrance is still intact, a great place for photos.</p> <p>We hiked in the sunshine along a gentle trail with spectacular views of the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean and craggy coastline. We also passed through the Tsubaki Park Camellia Garden where 1050 trees have been planted.</p> <p>A side track took us to Cape Tarai, a headland with a stunning panorama of the many offshore islands including Mikomotojima which has a lighthouse perched on the top.</p> <p>In the distance, we could see Cape Irozaki, the southernmost point of the peninsula.</p> <p>Far below, fishermen were casting lines into the swirling waves.</p> <p>At the end of our morning hike, we met up with a lovely lady named Mieko Takesawa on the beach at Yumigahama. A local surfer, she was the provider of our delicious organic lunch boxes full of salads, homemade bread and dips. Sitting by her beautiful pristine white beach, I devoured every morsel.</p> <p>A little shop with live fresh lobster, abalone and other shellfish in huge tanks took my interest. The owner was selling dried and frozen fish and presumably live creatures too.</p> <p>Back on the coach, we continued our journey southwards through tiny picturesque villages, coves enclosed by dramatic volcanic headlands with rocky islets, and green hillsides. My eyes never tired of the coastal scenery and volcanic landscapes, largely untouched by tourism.</p> <p>Our afternoon hike took us to Cape Irozaki and the site of a shrine built precariously into the cliff face high above the ocean. It’s one of Japan’s Top 100 sightseeing sites but our group of 12 were the only ones seeing the wondrous sights that day.</p> <p>A pathway along a narrow ridge takes hikers out to a rock on the point with a rope around it to signify that it’s sacred.</p> <p>I was hypnotised by the action of the waves swirling into narrow fissures in the rock and smashing into the cliffs sending curtains of spray high into the air, creating small rainbows in the sky. The headlands in the distance were jagged like a child’s scribble, and disintegrated into fragments as they thrust into the sea.</p> <p>Before leaving the shrine, I tossed a small coin into a box and took a slip of paper that told my fortune. Yohei translated the Japanese characters saying there were happy prospects ahead. Turns out it was right! I’m about to become a grandmother for the first time.</p> <p>The nearby Irozaki lighthouse, originally built in 1871, was replaced in 1933 after being destroyed in a storm. Today it plays an important role in the safety of ships and fishing vessels.<br /><br /><strong><u>Remote and untouched</u></strong></p> <p>Rounding the tip of the peninsula, we left the east coast behind and began our journey up the west coast. Under clear skies, the seascape with black rocks against a shimmering aqua sea was breathtaking, and even more remote and untouched than the east coast. The road hugged the coast and around each corner, there were ‘wows’ from everyone.</p> <p>Small fishing villages sheltered in deep coves, some with tall walls for tsunami protection. Volcanic islands rose perpendicularly from the sea. Where there was flat land, every inch was cultivated in market gardens. The hillsides were like crumpled paper, screwed up and tossed aside.</p> <p>As we neared Matsuzaki, our destination for the night, beautiful white sculptures appeared on the side of the road. We stopped to examine and photograph one of them, a female figure sitting on a harp-shaped plinth. With the backdrop of the west coast stretching far into the hazy distance, and the late afternoon sun low in the clear sky, she was a striking sight.</p> <p>Matsuzaki, known for its historic Edo period buildings with distinctive lattice work of black tiles and white plaster, is regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful villages. It may be well off the beaten tourist track but its charms have been recognised by movie makers who have used the town as a setting for films and television dramas.</p> <p>During the Edo period, the town was a hub for stones used in the construction of Edo Castle. Many of the original merchant buildings are open to visit either free or for a small fee.</p> <p>Our ryokan for the night, Shinshima Inn, is run by a husband and wife team, Emi and Hayato Sano, in a graceful historic house. My lovely simple room overlooked a river.</p> <p>After our onsen bath, I changed into the pretty green yukata that was pressed and folded in my room. Emi put the finishing touches to the ladies’ yukatas tying stiff, wide sashes into kimono bows at the back.</p> <p>It was a glorious warm evening so we dined outside, excited at the prospect of a Japanese-style barbecue cooked by chef Hayato. What a feast — fish, beef, sausages and vegetables all cooked over hot coals, followed by a fresh fruit dessert.</p> <p>After dinner, Hayato proudly showed us the original part of the house which is 140 years old. He took us up a steep set of stairs to a veritable museum of artwork and gorgeous ceremonial kimonos. There were also two sumptuous kimonos on display downstairs in the lobby along with a five-storey model of a traditional Japanese dwelling.</p> <p>Breakfast, set in a series of intimate alcoves, was buffet-style with options of toast, cereal and yoghurt, the first taste of Western food in a week. I hadn’t missed it but reverted to habit alarmingly fast.</p> <p>Day five was the longest hike of the Izu Geo Trail, around 12km with a steep climb or two, so I needed plenty of fuel for the day ahead. And it was time for the TBs (tramping boots) to have an outing . . .<br /><em>— To be continued</em></p> <p><strong>Factbox</strong>:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://walkjapan.com/tour/izu-geo-trail">The Izu Geo Trail </a>is a 7-day, 6-night guided tour starting in Tokyo and finishing in Mishima. The trail explores the Izu Peninsula in the Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the most unique geological areas on Earth. The mountainous peninsula with deeply indented coasts, white sand beaches and a climate akin to a sub-tropical island, is located 150km south west of Tokyo on the Pacific Coast of the island of Honshu, Japan.</li> <li>An easy-to-moderate-paced hiking tour with an average walking distance of 6-12km each day, mostly on uneven forest and mountain tracks including some steep climbs and descents. </li> <li>Walk Japan pioneered off-the-beaten-track walking tours in Japan in 1992 with the Nakasendo Way tour. Since then, the company has created 29 guided, self-guided and speciality tours introducing the geography, people, cuisine, customs, culture and history of the real Japan that often remain inaccessible for visitors to the country.</li> <li>Walk Japan has been widely recognised, including selection by National Geographic as one of the 200 Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.</li> </ul> <p><em>Justine Tyerman was a guest of <a href="https://walkjapan.com/">Walk Japan</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Read Part <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/living-like-a-local-in-japan/" target="_blank">One</a>, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/a-mistical-day-in-the-highlands" target="_blank">Two</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/rainy-day-in-izu-japan" target="_blank">Three</a> of Justine Tyerman’s Japan visit.  </em></p>

International Travel

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The allure of Cape Town

<p>Sometimes it seems that Cape Town isn’t really part of Africa at all. Rather it’s a hipster chunk of Europe that somehow found itself at the bottom of Africa. The locals spend a lot more time discussing coffee and cuisine than you’d expect to find in the wild Dark Continent.<br /><br />The city is in a sublime location. When discussing the world’s most picturesque harbour cities we always find Sydney, Rio, Vancouver on the list. But for bay cities, Cape Town must reign supreme with Table Mountain looming behind it.<br /><br />Here are some of the highlights.<br /><br /><strong>Table Mountain</strong><br />For early mariners, the first sight of the flat summit of Table Mountain announced they were safely around the Cape of Good Hope and a well provisioned port lay ahead.</p> <p>Today, taking the <a href="http://www.tablemountain.net/">cable car</a> up to walk around the mountain and survey the city and bay beyond is the one essential thing to do. Walk around the corner and you can see most of the way to the Cape and over the upmarket suburb of Camps Bay and Hout Bay beyond.</p> <p>One unexpected delight of this excursion is the furry mammals you’ll find up there. They are called dassies or rock hyrax and look like marmots or large rats, depending how kindly you view them. But their closest living relative is the elephant. You’ll need a big step in imagination to see the family resemblance.<br /><br /><strong>Victoria and Alfred Waterfront</strong><br />The ongoing redevelopment of the waterfront has been a crowning glory to the city. Lots of hipster coffee shops, all the mainstream brand shops and a great African arts and crafts hall.</p> <p>I bought a painting made from used tea bags in a dedicated charity shop. Whoever in the village had the idea, it was inspired. And it is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – not the Victoria and Albert Waterfront because it’s named after the queen and her second son, not her long-lamented husband.<br /><br />Cruises leave from here too – a sunset cruise is a great way to see this spectacular city and the mountain from the water and if you’re lucky you may see the “tablecloth” roll in.<br /><br /><strong>Food</strong><br />Cape Town has always been a cosmopolitan city and that’s reflected in the food. Whether seeking Cape Malay or any international cuisine there will be choice – and the local meat, fish and produce are excellent.</p> <p>You’ll find game, from crocodile to kudu, on many menus, too. The best restaurant in town is The Test Kitchen that is listed as one of the world’s best. But book well in advance and even then, good luck getting a table.</p> <p><strong>Company’s Garden</strong><br />Right in the heart of the city are the Company’s Garden, created in 1650 and featuring a large statue to Cecil Rhodes.</p> <p>Whether you appreciate the legacy of Rhodes or see him as an oppressor, wandering through the gardens is a pleasant way to cool down in the city. If you want a more expansive garden, head to the Botanic Gardens in the shadow of Table Mountain.<br /><br /><strong>Winnebagos on the roof</strong><br />Before the rest of the world’s hotels thought of sticking seven Airstream mobile homes on the roof of premises, the <a href="http://granddaddy.co.za/">Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel</a> on Long St did it first – and then put a rooftop cinema in the middle. It may not be five star but it’s certainly unusual.<br /><br /><strong>Robben Island</strong><br />If you wish to visit Robben Island it’s a very good idea to book tickets in advance as they often sell out. <br /><br />Most of us know of Robben Island - the flat 2x3km island about seven km from Cape Town - as the prison that held Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years as a political prisoner during South Africa’s apartheid era. The 3.5 hour tour has two distinct parts.</p> <p>The first is a general tour of the island where you learn that it also served as a leper colony and an animal quarantine staion. The circumnavigation includes a stop where penguins can be seen on the beach.</p> <p>That’s a soft introduction to a tour of the prison on which you’re shown around by a former prison inmate. I asked out guide if he found it hard to be back here and he said that it took him a couple of years to come to terms with it. Of course, you are shown Mandela’s cell and learn how hard conditions in the prison were.<br /><br /><strong>Cape of Good Hope</strong><br />If there is one essential tour out from Cape Town, it’s down to the Cape of Good Hope. This is not the southernmost point of the African continent but it is one of the world’s three Great Capes – the other two are Cape Horn and WA’s Cape Leeuwin.</p> <p>It’s a rugged place and there’s always the chance to see wildlife like antelopes, ostrich, baboons and zebra.</p> <p><strong>Penguin patrol</strong><br />There are quite a lot of penguins to be found in the waters off Cape Town. These are African penguins and they look a lot like the Magellanic penguins of South America. Both are sometimes called jackass penguins for the braying sound they make. They can be seen on a tour of Robben Island.</p> <p>Or if you wish to get close to them you can head to Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town or Stony Point near Betty’s Beach – both have boardwalks and charge an admission fee.<br /><br /><strong>Helicopter overview</strong><br />If you are in Cape Town when the weather is good, it’s worthwhile taking a helicopter flight out over the bay for a spectacular aerial view of the city. We used <a href="http://www.nachelicopterscapetown.com/">NAC Helicopters</a> and the grand panoramas made the short flight great value.</p> <p><strong>Staying</strong><br />Cape Town has a wide range of hotels. Many are at the V&amp;A Waterfront. A personal favourite is the <a href="http://www.westincapetown.com/">Westin Cape Town</a>, particularly the Executive Club with a lounge that offers unsurpassed views across the city to Table Mountain.<br /><br /><a href="http://tintswalo.com/atlantic">Tintswalo Atlantic</a> is a very alternative option. It’s a unique luxury boutique hotel on Hout Bay, located within the National Park.</p> <p>The waves lap the rocks below your balcony so you feel very much in the wild although the city and airport are only minutes away. The wild surrounds and the absolute luxury within create a</p> <p> very special experience.<br /><br /><strong>Cape Province delights</strong><br />Whether your interest is in the whales and sharks of Hermanus, the Cape flowers, the wines of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, or setting off on the Garden Route, Cape Town is the perfect starting point. Just a few days here will convince you that Africa is a wonderland ripe for exploration.</p> <p><em>Written by David McGonigal. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/the-allure-of-cape-town.aspx"><em>Wyza.com.au.</em></a></p>

Cruising

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Duchess Meghan turns heads in stunning red cape dress in Morocco

<p>Just days after the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/you-ll-never-believe-the-extreme-cost-of-duchess-meghan-s-new-york-baby-shower">star-studded baby shower that cost a whopping AUD$420,000</a>, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has touched down for a royal visit to Morocco for a three-day tour.</p> <p>The royal couple are not ones to shy away from making a fashionable statement when they were greeted by the British Ambassador to Morocco, Thomas Reilly. Wearing an incredibly chic Valentino cape gown at Casablanca airport, it’s hard to believe she could outdo herself. But today the gorgeous royal showed up for an event at the British Ambassador’s home and blew us away with her cream kaftan-inspired Dior gown.</p> <p>Opting for subtle nude accessories and heels, the Duchess glammed up a little extra for the reception last night with diamond earrings and a Dior clutch.</p> <p>The makeup was simple and stunning, with an elegant up-do for the mother-to-be – proving to be an excellent choice for the warm African heat.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive in Rabat for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalVisitMorocco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalVisitMorocco</a>!🇲🇦🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/5sXqyAeZtF">pic.twitter.com/5sXqyAeZtF</a></p> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1099427095116238848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Her henna tattoo was also shown off, a good-luck charm for her pregnancy. Just on day two, the Duchess presented the designed tattoo to two young girls at a school in the Atlas Mountains.</p> <p>“Hi girls, so cute. What are your names? So sweet,” she told five-year-old Rania and two-year-old Rayhanna.</p> <p>Showing them the henna, she added: “Nice, isn’t it? So pretty!”</p> <p>The plant-based ink is deemed a symbol of good luck and a blessing for significant events, such as birth.</p> <p>While meeting young children in Morocco, Duchess Meghan opted for simple attire – going with a stylish navy blazer, black pants and shirt with matching heels.</p> <p>Prince Harry and the heavily pregnant Duchess plan to spend three days visiting charities and schools, however, will not be doing any of their usual walkabouts to meet the public due to security concerns.</p> <p>Swipe through the gallery above to see the stylish Duchess during her trip in Morocco. </p>

Beauty & Style

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The ominous warning sign greeting travellers in loos

<p>With 5 million international visitors last year, the South African coastal city of Cape Town is one of the most popular locations in the world. But it’s also got a big problem.</p> <p>Visitors touching down one of the world’s most multicultural cities have been greeted with sings ranging from warnings like, “Don’t waste a drop!” to desperate pleas for help like, “Our taps will run dry if we don’t act now”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">There's a water crisis in Cape Town. Travelers should be prepared (and can help). <a href="https://t.co/dd7QDlSpaQ">https://t.co/dd7QDlSpaQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/HxjMgXfmx0">pic.twitter.com/HxjMgXfmx0</a></p> — The New York Times (@nytimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/946385322891497474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Cape Town is enduring a severe water crisis after three years of poor rains. Water levels in the city’s reservoirs are at 33 per cent and there are real warnings that without any action, a day where the taps will run dry is looming.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Dear Visitors to Cape Town! Please help us and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/savewater?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#savewater</a> as we are experiencing water crisis... use less than <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/87litres?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#87litres</a> per day. Speak to our staff about water saving measures at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oonkloof?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oonkloof</a>. <a href="https://t.co/gyImscF7bz">pic.twitter.com/gyImscF7bz</a></p> — O on Kloof Hotel&amp;Spa (@OonKloofHotel) <a href="https://twitter.com/OonKloofHotel/status/944126689759592448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Bob Scholes, a professor of systems ecology at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, explained the very real threat in an interview with Bloomberg.</p> <p>“Running out of water in places that have a highly developed water infrastructure is not that common,” he said.</p> <p>“I know of no example of a city the size of Cape Town running out of water. It would be quite catastrophic.”</p> <p>Taps are turned off once dam levels drop below 13.5 per cent, which would prompt a situation where residents would have to line up at checkpoints around the city to collect daily water rations. Some experts say that day could come as early as April 29.</p> <p>Tourists have been asked to do everything they can to conserve water.</p> <p>“We have to change our relationship with water,” Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille told Bloomberg.”</p> <p>“We have to plan for being permanently in a drought-stricken area.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Twitter / New York Times</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-insurance/?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance&amp;utm_medium=in-article-banner&amp;utm_content=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/banners/Travel-Insurance_Website_GIF_468x602.gif" alt="Over60 Travel Insurance"/></a></p>

International Travel

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Why Cape Pillar is scariest cliff in the known universe

<p>Set foot on the edge of the earth.</p> <p><strong>What is it?</strong></p> <p>When a site has the unofficial name of ‘The Scariest Cliff in the Known Universe’, you know they mean business. At Cape Pillar in the Tasman National Park you will find the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. They rise straight up from the dark blue waters of the Southern Ocean, soaring to a stomach-lurching 300 metres. The views are incredible, stretching out over an endless ocean, across to Bruny Island and back northwest towards Hobart. Tiptoe up to the edge – if you dare.</p> <p><strong>Where is it?</strong></p> <p>Cape Pillar is at the southeastern tip of the Tasman Peninsula, which is in the southeast of the main island of Tasmania. The drive from Hobart takes around one hour. It is the most southeasterly point of Australia and there is essentially nothing beyond it until you reach Antarctica.</p> <p><strong>How can I visit?</strong></p> <p>Get ready for a considerable hike. The sea cliffs at Cape Pillar are a two-day roundtrip walk from Fortescue Bay, around 30 kilometres to the north. You will need to cover 22 kilometres on the first day and eight kilometres on the second day, camping overnight at Wughalee Falls. Cape Pillar is also part of the newly developed Three Capes Track, a three-night, 46-kilometre route that opened in 2015. It starts in Port Arthur with a boat ride across the bay and then hugs (very close) to the coastline. You’ll need to be able to carry your own pack and provisions, and have a reasonable level of fitness.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JKG2O_YRHE8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>You can also see the cliffs from the water. Short cruises sail between Eaglehawk Neck (a narrow isthmus that joins the Forestier and Tasman peninsulas) and Port Arthur. Small boats will pass close to the base of the cliffs, giving an incredible perspective straight up the face.</p> <p>Have you ever visited Cape Pillar?</p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a></span> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p>

International Travel

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Deepak Chopra on genetic health and 6 pillars of wellbeing

<p>How are you feeling today? For many of us, being able to answer “pretty good” seems like a personal victory. But Deepak Chopra - the spiritual guru with the bejewelled spectacles who counts Oprah Winfrey as a bestie - says we need to raise our expectations. The aim? To leap into “radical wellbeing”. So, what does that mean exactly?</p> <p>“Radical wellbeing is beyond just good health,” says Chopra, speaking from his office in California. “It’s a state where you’re constantly experiencing a joyful, energetic body; a loving, compassionate heart; a restful, alert, reflective mind; and then, most importantly, lightness of being, carefreeness and joy. Those qualities result in a great body and mind expression, automatically.”</p> <p>Our phone call is scheduled for five o’clock on a Friday evening - a time of the week when many people feel exhausted. Is it really possible to live with all of these qualities when we are overstretched, overworked and at the end of our tether? “I can only say that has been my life,” says Chopra.</p> <p>“I know a lot of people who have the same experience of life, too. So, yes, it is possible.”</p> <p>Deepak Chopra, who has been dubbed the “prophet of alternative medicine”, is a physician who trained in neuroendocrinology - the study of brain chemistry. He has devoted his career to exploring the link between mental and physical wellbeing. He taught Elizabeth Taylor how to meditate, has holidayed with Oprah Winfrey in India and, according to Lady Gaga, helped her to “embrace my own insanity”.</p> <p>This month the author of more than 80 self-help books will visit Australia to host a two-day conference in Melbourne on the Neuroscience of Enlightenment and the lifestyle choices that can, he says, radically boost wellbeing and even reverse genetic ageing. His latest book, <em>Super Genes</em>, examines the “epigenetics of meditation and self-directed biological transformation” - basically, how certain healthy habits can influence our DNA and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.</p> <p>Chopra is a good advertisement for his own product. This year he will celebrate his 70th birthday. “Which is shocking,” he says, “because my biological age is probably 35.” He puts his inner youthfulness down to “good, peaceful sleep every night; a little bit of meditation every day; healthy emotions like love, compassion, joy and peace of mind; movement - at least 10,000 steps; and, finally, good nutrition.”</p> <p>The pensioner - if you are to go by his chronological age - gets up at 5am every day to meditate and then does a yoga class. He follows an ayurvedic diet and used to be a “heavy meat eater” but now prefers a vegetarian diet with a little seafood. He believes that “the biggest enemy in people’s diet is inflammation”, and so advocates foods that fight inflammation such as berries, tomatoes, ginger and turmeric.</p> <p>Although Chopra’s sentences are populated with New Age jargon such as “inner being” and “deeper consciousness”, he backs his beliefs with medical research undertaken by the Chopra Foundation, a centre where “science and soul co-exist” and which funds trials into alternative therapies.</p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27915/image__498x245.jpg" alt="deepak" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Unlike the common stereotype of New Age thinkers shying away from technology, he is never far from his smartphone and always travels with his Dream Weaver, a light and sound machine that he claims eases the wearer into a meditative state. On Facebook, where Chopra has more than two million followers, you can take a virtual reality tour of his office. He even has his own Xbox game in which the player has to navigate through various energy chakras.</p> <p>“Technology is neutral and you can either be its master or its slave,” says Chopra. “I would say, set aside time every day for technology, just like you should set aside time every day for relationships, mindful eating and sleep.”</p> <p>His latest project is a wellbeing app called Jiyo. It features how-to articles about self-growth but is also a social platform. You can follow “people like you” and post “insights” you experience on your wellness journey. This isn’t about posting gym selfies - although they’re sure to feature. He believes people should be more open about their emotional coping mechanisms, whether it’s how they’ve overcome insomnia or learnt to meditate without drifting towards thoughts about their shopping lists.</p> <p>“It’s good [for friends] to meet once in a while to talk about these things,” he says. “Or you can do it now by creating your own [online] social network.”</p> <p>Chopra is a proud father and grandfather. He recommends that women read a memoir written by his daughter, Mallika Chopra. <em>Living with Intent</em> chronicles her attempts to find spiritual contentment as an overwhelmed mother. He has also co-authored a book with his son, Gotham, about the circumstances that “pushed us together in adulthood”.</p> <p>Does he have any advice for parents who want to raise happy, healthy children? “Before the age of five, or even 10, children follow your example,” says Chopra. “Children will not listen to what you say but will watch what you do. It’s a phenomenon called mirror neurone. We learn by imitation.”</p> <p>Let’s be realistic. Trying to improve fitness, nutrition, sleep and emotional wellbeing all at once might be over-stretching it. So, which healthy habit would he prioritise? “Take a few minutes every now and again during the day,” he says. “Just do something really simple: observe your breathing. It’s a good place to start for those with very little time.”</p> <p>As we finish, I wish him a good evening, not doubting that he’ll have one. Does Chopra ever have a bad day? “I don’t ever feel stressed,” he says which is partly due to a special night-time ritual.</p> <p>“Every night I sit in bed and I review the day like I’m watching it on a video screen and I’m the main character,” he says. “I do that for about three minutes and then I say, ‘today is already a dream’ and I let it go. I don’t hold on to anything, ever. That means I’m always emotionally free.”</p> <p><strong>The six pillars of wellbeing</strong></p> <p>Deepak Chopra’s latest book, <em>Super Genes</em>, tells how lifestyle shifts can help you reboot your health at a genetic level.</p> <p><strong>Diet</strong></p> <ul> <li>A typical modern diet is very likely to cause inflammation, which research has linked to many chronic diseases and obesity.</li> <li>To reduce inflammation, add prebiotics - substances that buffer the body from inflammation - such as oatmeal, pulpy orange juice, bran cereal and bananas to your breakfast.</li> <li>Consume probiotics - foods that contain active bacteria - once a day for gut health. These foods include active yoghurt, pickles and sauerkraut.</li> <li>Eat mindfully - eat only when you’re genuinely hungry and stop when you are full.</li> <li>Reduce snacking by eating only one measured portion in a bowl; never eat straight from a bag or packet.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Stress</strong></p> <ul> <li>Three factors generally lie behind the problem of chronic stress: repetition, unpredictability and a lack of control. Think of a dog barking outside your window; you don’t know when it will end and you have no way of stopping it.</li> <li>Decrease background noise and distractions at work. Also, avoid multitasking by dealing with one thing at a time.</li> <li>Leave work on time at least three times a week and don’t bring work home. Leave the office at the office.</li> <li>Avoid people who are sources of pressure and conflict. Even normal office behaviour, such as forming cliques and gossiping, is a source of stress that has the potential to be emotionally devastating.</li> <li>If you struggle to deal with negative emotions, ask your doctor about cognitive behaviour therapy.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Exercise</strong></p> <ul> <li>The secret to exercise is this: keep going and don’t stop. It’s better to be active all your life at a lower level, rather than to be at a near professional-level in high school, say, and then stop completely.</li> <li>At work get up and move around once an hour and devote half your lunch break to movement, even if it’s walking around the block.</li> <li>Be in nature more: go outside for five to 10 minutes three times a day.</li> <li>Acquire more active friends and join them in their activities. Plan a shared exercise activity with your spouse or friends twice a week.</li> <li>Make leisure time more creative – think beyond TV or internet.</li> <li>Volunteer to help the needy with housecleaning, painting and repairs. This will serve as both exercise and a morale boost.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Meditation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Meditate every day for 10 minutes.</li> <li>Sit with your eyes closed in a quiet place, put your attention on the tip of your nose and focus on the sensation of your breath coming in and out of your nostrils.</li> <li>Don’t look at meditation as an aid for the bad days you experience (“I’m feeling good today, so I don’t need to meditate”). It should be a lifelong practice.</li> <li>Take 10 minutes out of your lunch break to sit alone with eyes closed, preferably outside in nature.</li> <li>Notice what a relief it is to take big deep breaths when you are upset or nervous, and how ragged your breath becomes when you are anxious or stressed.</li> <li>Join an organised meditation course in your area. Search for meetup.com to find local groups that meet all around the country.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Sleep</strong></p> <ul> <li>Make your bedroom as dark as possible. If total darkness is impossible, wear a sleep mask.</li> <li>Drink a glass of warm almond milk, which is rich in calcium and promotes melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.</li> <li>Experiment with herbal teas associated with good sleep such as chamomile, valerian, passionflower, lavender and kava kava.</li> <li>Explore abhyanga, a self-massage technique that uses warmed sesame oil, lightly massaged into arms, legs, neck and torso (go to YouTube to see tutorials).</li> <li>Don’t ignore insomnia. In some studies, sleep disorders have been associated with triggering Alzheimer’s disease and are also associated with high blood pressure.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Emotions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Take responsibility for your feelings. Wellbeing depends upon happiness, yet most people don’t really make that connection.</li> <li>Write down five specific things that make you happy and, on a daily basis, do at least one of them.</li> <li>Set a “good news policy” at meal times, whether it’s the radio station you choose to listen to or the topic of conversation around the table.</li> <li>Explore a time in your past when you were happy and learn from it, whether that means re-embracing an old hobby or getting in touch with an old friend.</li> <li>Become comfortable with delayed gratification – consider how your choices will make you feel in the future as well as today.</li> </ul> <p><em>Written by Amy Molloy. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/08/how-to-live-a-more-simple-life/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to live a more simple life</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/08/how-to-build-self-discipline-in-10-days/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to build self-discipline in 10 days</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/08/why-you-should-stay-silent-more/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4 reasons to keep silent more often</span></strong></em></a></p>

Mind

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5 pillars of a joyful life

<p><em><strong>Dr Carmen Harra is a best-selling author, clinical psychologist, and relationship expert.</strong></em></p> <p>All things begin with a strong foundation. A building must have a solid infrastructure to stand tall. Even life on earth, fragile as it may be, is firmly maintained by the fundamental elements needed to keep seven billion people alive. Well-rooted relationships are proven to be more durable and longer lasting than bonds built on weak principles. And work that is established in purpose and integrity is guaranteed to be more rewarding. But what are you, personally, grounded in? Upon what beliefs have you built your life? Do they fulfil you, nurture you, and bring you joy? If you are settled in the wrong mentality and empty actions, you will experience trouble building upwards. Your own skyscraper may tumble because of its shaky framework.</p> <p>Ground yourself in these five foundations that will elevate your life to its joyful peak. Apply them in your relationships with others and yourself, in your career, and in your everyday life to satisfy your soul:</p> <p><strong>Gratitude.</strong> Gratitude ushers in true joy. When you adopt an attitude of gratitude, you see the world differently: hardships are balanced by reminders of existing blessings. Being grateful requires that we become sensitive to the finer details of daily life; simply saying thank you for a new day, for one’s health, for supportive people, for a stroke of luck, for the sunshine, etc. Difficulties are dulled down when we choose to magnify the miracles around us instead. Don’t wait to show appreciation; take every opportunity to give thanks.</p> <p><strong>Knowledge.</strong> When we learn, we thrive. Knowledge empowers us to make and follow excellent decisions. Immerse your life in knowledge; eagerly pursue whatever you love to learn, read about, or simply discover more on. Knowledge is your enabler towards material progress and spiritual elevation. Possess the curiosity of a child; inquire down to the very makings of our world. Proudly acquire a new piece of knowledge each day and spread it to others.</p> <p><strong>Patience.</strong> Patience is the most difficult virtue to learn. Instead, it must be fortified through frequent practice. Patience blends internal harmony with external factors, and it provides the single greatest reward to the soul: peace. When we’re patient, we are reassured that the right things will manifest in their own given time (and, unfortunately, not in our notion of time). We become strengthened by the faith that highs will follow the lows. Timing is everything, and everything in time, I always say. Through patience, we develop acceptance.</p> <p><strong>Acceptance.</strong> The Serenity Prayer reads, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Acceptance allows you to output energy in the most beneficial, productive means. To accept is to relinquish your struggles: people who won’t change, situations that won’t turn in your favour, and so on. You understand to detach from useless efforts. You know when to let go. You acknowledge that you weren’t meant to take on the world’s burdens. Accept all things as they come — good and bad — and hand your worries back to the universe.</p> <p><strong>Love.</strong> Nothing is so terrible that it cannot be cured by love. Fill the voids in your life with love: if you do not feel adequately loved, give love in abundance. If you receive the wrong kinds of love, show the right kind to others. Don’t bottle up the stream of love within you, releasing it only to certain people or on sparse occasions. Extending love shouldn’t be restrained by conditions. Being loving simply means being compassionate, understanding, and tolerant — of everyone, every time. Even if others have harmed you, it is in your benefit to forgive and continue loving. Love endows us with a joy unparalleled to anything else; make it your guiding light.</p> <p>The joys we experience stem from the seeds we sow. Root your actions in these five pillars that will foster your well-being and nourish your spirit endlessly.</p> <p>Do you agree with Dr Carmen Harra’s five pillars for a joyful life? What else would you add? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.</p> <p><em>To find more information about Dr Carmen Harra, visit her <a href="http://www.carmenharra.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">website here.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/05/ways-to-live-your-life-to-the-fullest/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 ways to live your life to the fullest</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/05/happiness-can-help-you-live-longer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Happiness can help you live longer</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/04/ways-stress-is-good-for-you/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 ways stress can work for you</strong></em></span></a></p>

Mind

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The 4 pillars of happy and healthy ageing

<p><em><strong>Dr Kate Gregorevic is a geriatrician with a research interest in health and lifestyle factors that are associated with healthy ageing and recovery from illness.</strong></em></p> <p>For all of us, life is finite. In my work as a geriatrician, I have the privilege of looking after many people at the end of their time. This is a constant reminder to me to make every day meaningful. It is never too soon to start living the best life you can today to get the most out of the years ahead. Most people value health, but focus on denial as the way to stay healthy. The positive health movement looks at individual and community resources that promote health and wellbeing. Living well today and living to age well are one and the same. Successful ageing doesn't just mean living as long as possible, but living as well as possible. The pillars of successful ageing are social engagement, nutrition, physical activity and cognitive challenges. By finding meaning and enjoyment in every day, we can lead the longest, healthiest life possible.</p> <p><strong>Social engagement</strong></p> <p>“What's critical is allowing yourself to love others, and being able to <em>take people in – </em>as in, I've got you under my skin.<em>”</em> – George Vaillant</p> <p>People with higher levels of social engagement have decreased mortality and maintain their higher health status for longer. It is not just about the number of friends someone has, it is the quality of these relationships. Supportive and rewarding relationships must be cultivated. A higher level of social engagement can even help recovery from illness and can even decrease the chance of leaving hospital with a new disability. Social engagement can only happen if you are an active and giving participant in your relationships with friends and family.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life lesson</span>: Finding ways to spend time with close family and friends everyday is joyful and good for your health.</p> <p><strong>Nutrition</strong></p> <p>Food is one of the central pleasures of life. As people age nutritional needs change. Most people spend their entire lives trying to lose weight. In old age, priorities need to change. Losing weight usually means losing precious muscle mass. Unless weight loss is accompanied by an exercise program and adequate protein intake, there is a risk of muscle loss leading to a decrease in strength. Unlike younger people, older adults do not easily regain muscle when it is lost. Unfortunately, even in this age group obesity is still associated with increased disability and dementia.</p> <p>So what does this all mean? To maintain muscle mass to maintain the ability to be independent, it is really important to ensure that all meals have protein and a variety of fruit and vegetables to provide all the required nutrition.</p> <p>Some older people are at particular risk of malnutrition, especially if they have a small appetite. In this group frequent small meals and snacks can help to stave off weight loss.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life lesson</span>: Focus on preparing delicious meals with as much nutritional goodness as you can fit on your plate.  </p> <p><strong>Physical activity</strong></p> <p>Almost everyone can find a form of physical activity that is fun. It is not really clear how much physical activity is the optimal amount. The best form of physical activity is the one that you enjoy and that you can fit in. As people age, there is a loss of muscle mass. If this reaches a critical level, it can stop people doing their activities of day-to-day living, like hanging out washing. It can also contribute to a loss of balance. Ideally physical activity should be something that also promotes balance and strength. Activities like Tai Chi and yoga can improve balance and decrease the risk of falls.</p> <p>The other great benefit of physical activity is that healthy body promotes healthy mind. Exercise at age 60 is associated with a decreased risk of dementia at age 90. So a brisk walk today, may help your brain stay healthy for many years to come.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life lesson:</span> Find an activity you enjoy, so it can be something you look forward to every day.</p> <p><strong>Cognitive challenges</strong></p> <p>The old adage of “use it or lose it” is very true for our brains. Our brains retain the ability to learn and change well into old age. It is not enough to keep doing the same routine, to protect our brains against decline, we need to keep challenging ourselves. In a study of older adults who were given brain training in memory, reasoning and speed of processing, this actually improved their level of functioning in activities of daily living. Like physical activity, the right cognitive activity is one that you are interested in.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Life lesson:</span> Learning anything new can improve memory, reasoning and speed of processing, so the right activity is anything you want it to be!</p> <p><strong>Living well</strong></p> <p>It is rare that someone can live their life making everyday decisions based on future health. It is hard to say no to the piece of cake in your hand, because of how your health might be in ten years. The live well-age well philosophy is about making positive changes to make today a better day. The pillars of successful ageing work best when they are combined. Starting a yoga class will challenge you physically and mentally as you learn new ways to move your body. Ask a friend to teach you something new on the computer. Cook a meal with a grandchild because eating a nutritious meal always tastes better with loved ones. The choices are only limited to your imagination!</p> <p>What does living well mean to you? Tell us in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/health/mind/2016/04/how-to-become-the-happiest-person-you-know/"><em>How to become the happiest person you know</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/health/body/2016/03/waking-yourself-up/"><em>8 tips for waking yourself up</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/health/mind/2016/03/simple-ways-to-remain-positive/"><em>8 simple ways to remain positive</em></a></strong></span></p>

Body

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Rare right whale spotted in Cape Cod

<p>One of the rarest creatures on the planet — the endangered right whale — has appeared in the Atlantic Ocean. </p> <p>The marine mammals are thought by experts to have a population of just 500 worldwide, half of which have been residing near the plankton-rich Cape Cod Bay, near the US state of Massachusetts, the last few Springs. This year, it looks like they are back in record numbers.</p> <p>North Atlantic right whales have foraged for centuries in Cape Cod Bay, where their numbers were decimated by whalers who hunted them for their oil and plastic-like baleen bone. As a result, for a stretch in the late 1990s fewer than 30 whales were sighted each year. Now, up to 70 whales have been sighted. </p> <p>Charles “Stormy” Mayo, a senior scientist and director of right whale ecology at the Centre for Coastal Studies in Provincetown called the phenomenon “Rather extraordinary and somewhat mind-blowing.” He attributes the mass migration to shifting ocean currents-possibly due to global climate change — that are pumping more plankton into the bay, even as the whales’ traditional feeding grounds off the Maine coast falter.</p> <p>“They’re a little like cows in a field. They go away from places that are not good and go to places that are good,” he said.</p> <p>US Federal law forbids getting within 500 yards of a right whale and requires ships to slow to 10 knots — roughly 11.5 miles per hour.</p> <p>Scrollt through the gallery above to see these beautiful creatures.</p> <p><strong>Related link:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/best-countries-to-visit-in-2016/"><em>Top 10 countries to visit in 2016</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/best-value-travel-in-2016/"><em>10 best-value travel destinations for 2016</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/11/whistler-resort-canada-tourist-guide/"><em>The snow-capped mountain metropolis people never want to leave</em></a></strong></span></p>

International Travel

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How I walked the 1,200km Heysen Trail

<p><em><strong>Over60 community contributor, Rosie Kennett, shares the tale of how she walked the Heysen Trail, a 1,200-kilometre trek in South Australia.</strong></em></p> <p>In 2005 after retiring, I started a walking group with a few women friends, all of whom were over 60. The idea was to take country walks rather than city walks, ideally within an hour’s drive from Adelaide for convenience. We were very quickly amazed at the sheer number of walks available to us in beautiful, varied locations including quiet country lanes past local farms, recreational parks and national parks with expansive views over rolling hills, cityscapes and beachside fronts.</p> <p><img width="409" height="230" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11941/heysen-trail-photo-one_409x230.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo One"/></p> <p>We met once a fortnight and on an average day we would walk for four hours, over 12 to 18kms. We each took a light backpack with water and lunch. After a few months our numbers grew to 20 and included friends of friends and it was a lovely way to make new acquaintances. We shared humorous stories, sad stories, local news and we shared problems and gave opinions and advice to each other.</p> <p><img width="419" height="236" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11942/heysen-trail-photo-two_419x236.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Two"/></p> <p>All of our walks were found in local guidebooks written by experienced bush walkers. However, many of the directions were less than thorough such as “turn left at the narrow path next to the big gum tree” so on most of our walks we took wrong turns, but with enough strong opinions and a phone GPS we always made our way back to the cars amid laughter and relief! After a few years, the core of dedicated walkers decided on a bigger project – to hike the Heysen Trail.</p> <p><img width="417" height="235" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11943/heysen-trail-photo-three_417x235.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Three"/></p> <p>The Heysen Trail is a long distance walking trail stretching 1,200 kilometres from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide, through the Adelaide foothills then up north through the Barossa wine district before finally ending in Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges.</p> <p><img width="407" height="229" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11946/heysen-trail-photo-four_407x229.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Four (2)"/></p> <p>The trail was developed primarily in the 1970s and 80s by the late Terry Lavender OAM. Warren Bonython AO originally proposed a long distance walking trail connecting the Mount Lofty Ranges. Between 1979 and 1992 the greater part of the trail was constructed, traversing public and private land with the help of local government, councils, volunteers, schools and individual landowners.</p> <p><img width="428" height="241" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11947/heysen-trail-photo-five_428x241.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Five"/></p> <p>Our group of 10, calling ourselves “Get Out Group” started the trail in 2011. The trail is closed during the summer months. Starting at Cape Jervis and signing the register, we found the first half of the trail relatively easy to organise as day hikes, generally around 16kms over 4 to 5 hours.</p> <p><img width="405" height="228" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11948/heysen-trail-photo-six_405x228.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Six"/></p> <p>After reaching Burra, some 145kms north of Adelaide, we have to organise accommodation for 2 to 3 nights hiking each day, and as we ventured further north we had longer stays and longer hikes – up to 28kms a day. In Burra, we were joined by one husband, a keen walker, who had just retired. Most people thought he was our guide and with his Heysen trail GPS, careful planning and attention to detail we came to rely on his navigational skills (but still managed to get lost on a few occasions!).</p> <p><img width="417" height="235" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11949/heysen-trail-photo-seven_417x235.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Seven"/></p> <p>Staying overnight gave us the opportunity to have drinks around the campfire at sunset and exchange stories into the dark. Most nights we’d crawl into bed early exhausted by the day’s hike. There is a range of accommodation along the way from local hotels that are generally fairly basic, bed and breakfasts, miner’s cottages, country town houses, shearer’s quarters and camp cabins.</p> <p><img width="414" height="233" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11950/heysen-trail-photo-eight_414x233.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Eight"/></p> <p>The hardest thing to plan is the car drop offs as the access to the trail can be quite difficult in some sections. Car drop offs requires dropping cars to the end of the days walk, driving back to the start of the walk, picking up the cars at the end of the walk and driving back to the start to collect the other cars. At times we had to walk 4 kilometres from the car to the start of the trail!</p> <p><img width="407" height="229" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11951/heysen-trail-photo-nine_407x229.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo Nine"/></p> <p>The Heysen Trail showcases some of the best country SA has to offer. From spectacular cliff tops overlooking the ocean, panoramic views over Adelaide, lush green hills and vineyards, through sheep and cattle stations and quiet country towns and deserted ruins. You crossing babbling brooks and dry creek beds, ridge tops with expansive views to Spencer Gulf and Wilpena Pound, and deep gorges with amazing rock formations of Brachina and Parachilna Gorges in the Flinders Ranges.</p> <p><img width="400" height="225" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11952/heysen-trail-photo-10_400x225.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo 10"/></p> <p>Our journey ended at the wonderful Prairie Hotel where we were joined by our husbands to celebrate our amazing 1,200 kilometre achievement and shared wonderful memories with a few glasses of bubbly around a huge campfire under a clear star-lit night sky.</p> <p><img width="396" height="223" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11954/heysen-trail-photo-11_396x223.jpg" alt="Heysen Trail Photo 11 (1)"/></p> <p>Walking the Heysen Trail was an unforgettable experience. Apart from the obvious health and friendship benefits, this type of hiking allows you to contemplate life and immerse yourself in country far from the noise and traffic of the city. However, it is not for the fainthearted!</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/16-countries-to-visit-in-2016/"><strong>16 best countries for travel in 2016</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/10-cities-with-the-least-traffic/"><strong>10 cities where you won’t get stuck in traffic!</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/largest-flower-garden-in-the-world/"><strong>14 images from the world’s largest flower garden</strong></a></em></span></p>

International Travel

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UFO clouds form above Cape Town

<p>UFO-like cloud formations forming above Cape Town have left locals scratching their heads.</p> <p>Many have taken to social media to share this unnerving weather pattern.</p> <p>And while it may look like an alien invasion it’s actually a strange cloud formation.</p> <p>This eerie cloud formation is a phenomenon known as lenticular clouds, caused when high winds blow over rough terrain, such as mountains and valleys.</p> <p>Scroll down to see more images:</p> <p><img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10843/cloud-number-two_500x500.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Two"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / <span class="Tweet-authorScreenName Identity-screenName p-nickname">Rory_OB1</span></em></p> <p><em><span class="Tweet-authorScreenName Identity-screenName p-nickname"><img width="499" height="405" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10844/cloud-number-three_499x405.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Three"/></span></em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / joshua.oates</em></p> <p><img width="499" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10847/cloud-number-four_499x400.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Four"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / beanibop<span> </span></em></p> <p><em><span><img width="500" height="403" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10848/cloud-number-six_500x403.jpg" alt="Cloud Number Six"/></span></em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / <span class="Tweet-authorScreenName Identity-screenName p-nickname">DiBrown5</span></em></p> <p><em><span class="Tweet-authorScreenName Identity-screenName p-nickname"><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10849/cloud-number-one_500x334.jpg" alt="Cloud Number One"/></span></em></p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Instagram / instagram_sa</em></p>

International Travel

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Capes are back in fashion

<p>Not just for Sherlock Holmes or superheroes, capes are making an appearance on the runways as well as on the streets.</p> <p>Today we look at five good reasons why you should embrace the cape.</p> <p><strong>A cape is slimming</strong></p> <p>Unlike a winter coat, capes don’t have the bulkiness that can make you look bigger than you actually are. They sit snugly against your body and are warmer than you may have thought.</p> <p><strong>A cape can stay on</strong></p> <p>A coat tends to be removed when you reach your destination. With a cape, you can keep it on to complete your outfit and keep you warm at an outdoor function or dinner party.</p> <p><strong>A cape is versatile</strong></p> <p>Capes suit most outfits and if you choose a classic colour it will match nearly anything you have, from blue jeans to a little black dress. You can also choose a bright or bold patterned cape to take an everyday outfit to new fashion heights.</p> <p><strong>A cape is warm without the bulk</strong></p> <p>Essentially a cape is a socially acceptable way to wear a blanket in public. You can choose a classic woollen cape to keep you toasty warm as well as fashionable.</p> <p><strong>A cape is comfortable</strong></p> <p>Unlike in a bulky coat, your arms are free to pick up bags or drive the car with ease. They also work well when travelling as they can double as a blanket on a train journey or keep you warm in a cool cinema. </p> <p><img width="500" height="438" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9245/cape-trend-fall-2013-fashion_500x438.jpg" alt="Cape -trend -fall -2013-fashion" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/08/stylish-older-male-celebrities/">3 stylish men who still have it</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/07/baddie-winkle-fashion-tips/">5 things we’ve learnt (and loved) about fashion from Baddie Winkle</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/07/older-women-in-fashion/">Why older women are the new icons of fashion</a></span></em></strong></p>

Beauty & Style

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