Placeholder Content Image

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at 30: more important, enjoyable and vital than ever

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-gaunson-265553">Stephen Gaunson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>The lavender painted bus named “Priscilla” continues to pick up new fans while never going out of favour with its legion of original devotees, 30 years after its release.</p> <p>The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was shot on location in and around Sydney, Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs over six weeks in 1993.</p> <p>Directed by Stephan Elliott, the film screened in the <em>Un Certain Regard</em> section of the May 1994 Cannes Film Festival, winning <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-885750952/view?sectionId=nla.obj-888737519&amp;searchTerm=priscilla+queen+of+the+desert&amp;partId=nla.obj-885806856#page/n13/mode/1up">critical and popular acclaim</a> for its positive portrayal of LGBTQI+ characters.</p> <p>Awards came, most notably for costume designers Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner who won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for their sparkly, sequin-filled costumes.</p> <p>The film’s cultural brilliance lies in juxtaposing the extreme flamboyance of the costumes and props against the equally extreme rural natural desert landscape. The unexpected revelation for audiences was how perfectly these contrasting elements harmonised.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wGWWeourHUg?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>A smash hit</h2> <p>Less than 12 months since its release, the Film Finance Corporation (FFC) of Australia had the rare success of <a href="https://if.com.au/why-the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-turned-the-government-a-profit-in-just-12-months/">fully recouping</a> its A$1.67 million investment.</p> <p>Initially hesitant due to Elliott’s disappointing box office return on his debut feature, Frauds (1993), the FFC was convinced after the screenplay gained attention at Cannes. The film exceeded predictions, grossing more than $16 million in Australia.</p> <p>The film was socially and critically embraced as an instant classic.</p> <p>Ask cinema employees from this time and they will all share similar memories of lines of people outside the cinema doors eager to watch and rewatch (and rewatch again) the musical road movie about a pair of drag queens (Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce) and a transgender woman (Terence Stamp) as they set out from Sydney on a bus journey across the Australian outback.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tex3dw3RjGk?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The casting today seems like more of a sure bet than it did in 1994. Stamp was a British actor of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/12/terence-stamp-i-was-in-my-prime-but-when-the-60s-ended-i-ended-with-it">legendary status</a>, having gained critical accolades in the 1960s in films such as Billy Budd, The Collector and Far from the Madding Crowd. However Stamp was equally a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-4869258/Terence-Stamp-79-bids-farewell-active-sex-life.html">regular tabloid subject</a> for his high-profile romances with film star Julie Christie and supermodel Jean Shrimpton.</p> <p>Would audiences be willing to go with the idea of this playboy as the trandsgender woman, Bernadette?</p> <p>It is now impossible to consider any actor better able to deliver Terrance Stamps’s deadpan sardonic lines so perfectly: “Don’t ‘Darling’, me, Darling. Look at you. You’ve got a face like a cat’s arse.”</p> <p>Pearce and Weaving also were a risk. Neither were box office marquee stars at the time. Pearce was known as a lovable Mike from the popular television soap opera, Neighbours. Weaving was a critically respected actor known more for his quirky small parts than as a star in his own right.</p> <p>Both were perfect casting, launching them onto Hollywood careers. Pearce as Adam was a remarkable revelation.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p2QiCFAQ-qQ?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The chemistry and connection between the three lead actors makes the film truly succeed.</p> <p>Never do their performances seem showboating or forced. Each has their own arc, personality and journey. And when they climb Kings Canyon in full drag regalia at the film’s end there is something moving about what they have been able to accomplish together.</p> <p>A film that begins to be a slight and joyful comedy about drag performers becomes a deeper essay on the importance of lived experience and friendship (or, dare I say, mateship).</p> <h2>More vital than ever</h2> <p>Drag has a <a href="https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/3894/drag-through-decades-film-tv/">long history</a> in mainstream cinema with its own codes and references.</p> <p>The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is crucially different by it not being about “straight” men masquerading as women to mask their actual identity. Instead, Elliot’s film rather positively celebrates these characters in drag as their true and authentic selves.</p> <p>This film stood with others as a wave of Australian cinema in the 1990s unashamedly wanting to celebrate an Australia juxtaposing the blokey masculine stereotype.</p> <p>Ocker characters (men and women) appear in this film, but ultimately they are publicly humiliated for their homophobia. Bernadette kneeing in the groin the vicious and vulgar Frank (Kenneth Radley) often receives a big cheer from cinema audiences: “Stop flexing your muscles, you big pile of budgie turd,” Bernadette scorns.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9nc12yOA4jM?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Perhaps the true star of the film were not the actors as much as the iconic 1976 Japanese model Hino Freighter Priscilla bus that became the set for several scenes in the film. Because the bus interior was such a small set, there was no room for the crew with many actually in shot, hiding under clothes and other props.</p> <p>The bus, long thought to be lost, was <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-12/bid-to-restore-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-bus/103699136">rediscovered</a> on a farm in New South Wales in 2019. The bus is currently being restored, with an aim to have it on display at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, Adelaide Hills, in 2026. Perhaps it will be good timing for shooting the recently announced <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/04/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-movie-sequel-original-cast-1235890358/">potential sequel</a>.</p> <p>30 years after its original release The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert seems more important, enjoyable and vital than ever. All aboard, Priscilla. Long may she run.</p> <hr /> <p><em>RMIT Capitol will be hosting a <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/thecapitol/events/2024/september/the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert">screening and introductory panel discussion</a> on September 11 with the film’s costume designer Tim Chappel, executive producer Rebel Penfold-Russell, Melbourne Queer Film Festival program director Cerise Howard, historian Kristy Kokegei and Stephen Gaunson.</em><!-- 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/235424/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/stephen-gaunson-265553"><em>Stephen Gaunson</em></a><em>, Associate Professor in Cinema Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Metro Goldwyn Mayer</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/the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-at-30-more-important-enjoyable-and-vital-than-ever-235424">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Coming to terms with the past is more important than ever. The Voice referendum is a vital first step

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heidi-norman-859">Heidi Norman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a></em></p> <p>This Saturday is the final day of voting in the Voice to Parliament referendum, which asks Australians to support recognition of First Peoples in the Constitution and enable First Peoples’ representation on relevant policies and programs.</p> <p>Over the last several weeks, I have attended many events supporting and advocating for the Voice referendum. In these forums, my fellow Australians talk about the Constitution, the role of government and how power is exercised in modern democracy. Some have never read or thought about the Constitution before.</p> <p>I’ve seen young First Nations lawyers explaining to a mixed crowd how the Constitution works, what is included in it and what a constitutionally enshrined Voice would mean. I have been invigorated by such sincere participation in understanding how our democracy works, and could work better.</p> <p>This serious contemplation was getting underway at the Referendum Council’s Aboriginal regional dialogues I attended in 2017. With other Aboriginal people, we discussed what change could look like. I have supported the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and played my small part supporting the “yes” vote at my university and with my family and community.</p> <h2>How opinions have differed</h2> <p>Debates around the Voice have presented three competing narratives to the Australian public.</p> <p>The “yes” position addresses the outstanding business of the place of First Peoples in the life of the nation. This position is an offer of peace, to walk together towards settlement. It also believes that if First Peoples are able to work with and through government – with power devolved to local-level decision-making – the everyday experiences of the disadvantaged will be changed.</p> <p>The Voice proposal is a modest, middle path. It’s a compromise position that was believed to have the greatest chance of gaining support from progressives, liberals and conservatives.</p> <p>The “no” position refuses to acknowledge the unique place of First Peoples in the life of the nation and rejects any perceived “special treatment” based on either disadvantage or cultural difference.</p> <p>A third, minority group is the so-called “progressive no” vote, which rejects the Voice referendum as an unacceptable compromise with limited utility as a mechanism to advance First Peoples’ rights. It argues Voice is not enough, and it’s time instead for recognition of sovereignty.</p> <p>Each of these narratives draws from competing versions of the story of the nation’s past and future. We can see that understanding our history is more important than ever in addressing the politics of disruption and disinformation and the toxic social and political discourse that has dominated the campaign.</p> <h2>Right-wing tactics of division</h2> <p>Debate over the referendum has played out in a different way to other referendums and general election campaigns. The debate has often been discourteous, relying on a swarm of cruel, derogatory and racist social media posts. Some leading “no” campaigners have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/28/we-forgive-but-never-forget-yes-campaigner-rachel-perkins-responds-to-warren-mundine-on-uluru-statement">presented</a> increasingly extremist and sensational views intended to dominate the news cycle and social media.</p> <p>In many ways, the “no” campaign has followed patterns of right-wing campaigning from overseas, which is intended to destabilise the social relations, trust and confidence we have in one another and seed division.</p> <p>Consider the Brexit debate in the UK, and or US Capitol insurrection and claims of a stolen election by former President Donald Trump. Each provided a platform for people to express white nationalist sentiments and their deep distrust in the institutions of democratic government.</p> <p>The “no” campaign’s tactics have also sought to <a href="https://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/mcs/article/view/8813">link</a> a host of disparate themes to the referendum, from climate change denial to anti-vaccination beliefs. The common theme is grievance against the perceived extension of the distrusted government into people’s lives. Disinformation has played a key role.</p> <p>Other concerns have also been publicly raised about the Voice, such as that it would be a risk to <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-the-voice-to-parliament-would-not-force-people-to-give-up-their-private-land-212784">people’s private land</a>. These concerns are sincerely feared, but totally unfounded.</p> <h2>Difficulties confronting our history</h2> <p>What sits beneath this right-wing rhetoric in Australia is the highly charged debate over the nation’s past and its future.</p> <p>Contesting views about Australia’s history should not come as a surprise. Since historians became more interested in the telling of Australian history “from the other side” and writing First Peoples back into the nation’s story, it has been met with an equal measure of resistance and shock.</p> <p>The ongoing difficulty of “coming to terms” with colonial histories can be attributed to a number of things:</p> <ul> <li> <p>historical amnesia, disbelief or cultural differences over what counts as historical knowledge</p> </li> <li> <p>the strategic use of “forgetting” to protect a social group’s self-image</p> </li> <li> <p>and the belief that engaging in these difficult histories is somebody else’s responsibility rather than our own.</p> </li> </ul> <p>The Voice Referendum and Uluru Statement introduce a new nationalism underpinned by a different origin story: the process of a settlement between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians with a recognition of how our continent’s much deeper history can be a gift, or inheritance, to all Australians.</p> <p>In this vision for the future, the worlds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders narrate the story of the country over much longer timeframes through an entirely different archive and knowledge system.</p> <p>The idea of inheritance of a much deeper and longer history of country is less concerned with colonial settler-Indigenous relations. Rather, it is a transformed sense of history that extends over thousands of generations and speaks to place.</p> <h2>Playing a role in the future of the nation</h2> <p>The aim of the Voice is to strengthen democracy by meaningfully engaging with those who have the knowledge and expertise, in local conditions and contexts, to improve government decisions in Indigenous policy and programs.</p> <p>The Voice proposal eschews a rights framework in favour of <a href="https://www.mup.com.au/books/its-our-country-paperback-softback">providing</a></p> <blockquote> <p>the impetus for a profound paradigmatic shift between Indigenous peoples and the state. While this “power of influence” on one hand seeks to improve policy and programs and services on the ground, it also seeks to shape a new and meaningful relationship between Indigenous Peoples and political institutions.</p> </blockquote> <p>There is a legitimate and important role for government to play in First Peoples’ lives, but this role can be improved by greater participation and local-level input in the design and implementation of policy and programs.</p> <p>For too long, First Peoples have experienced the worst excesses of government and its various instruments – namely the police and judiciary. There’s a reason why many people hold a deep and abiding fear and suspicion of government. It has been responsible for many traumas:</p> <ul> <li> <p>the brutal dislodging of kinship connections</p> </li> <li> <p>the taking of land without any legal basis or compensation</p> </li> <li> <p>the violent dispersal of people from their land, which has rendered many destitute and without means to care for their families</p> </li> <li> <p>the removal of people’s children, denial of basic services and assistance, and management of people’s lives by a cruel and underfunded protection board</p> </li> <li> <p>the <a href="https://www.monash.edu/law/research/centres/castancentre/our-areas-of-work/indigenous/the-northern-territory-intervention/the-northern-territory-intervention-an-evaluation/what-is-the-northern-territory-intervention">empowering</a> of police and military to seize people’s community assets.</p> </li> </ul> <p>And yet, the Voice referendum, supported by the overwhelming majority of First Peoples, seeks to improve the relationship with governments to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of policies intended to improve lives.</p> <p>At one Sydney “yes” rally, we walked from Redfern Park along Cleveland Street to Victoria Park. It was a massive turnout that far exceeded expectations. The mood was serious, yet joyous. People came from all over Sydney and brought their place with them – the crew from “The Shire” got a big cheer from the crowd.</p> <p>This gathering was not looking for division, but rather a heart-filled yearning to come together as a community of people and play a role in the future of a nation that’s accepting of the fact it’s our country, too.<!-- 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/215152/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heidi-norman-859">Heidi Norman</a>, Professor, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Central Land Council - PR Image</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/coming-to-terms-with-the-past-is-more-important-than-ever-the-voice-referendum-is-a-vital-first-step-215152">original article</a>.</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

When someone living with dementia is distressed or violent, ‘de-escalation’ is vital

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steve-macfarlane-4722">Steve Macfarlane</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>Today’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-18/cooma-aged-care-home-police-woman-in-hospital-taser/102361018">reporting</a> about the alleged tasering of a 95-year-old woman living at the Yallambee Lodge aged care home in New South Wales has brought the issue of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia into <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/advocates-say-taser-clare-nowland-shows-aged-system-failure-/102365442">sharp focus</a>.</p> <p>Over half of those living in residential care <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/aged-care-and-support-services-used-by-people-with-dementia/residential-aged-care">have a dementia diagnosis</a> and up to 95% of those living with dementia will <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551552/#:%7E:text=Behavioral%20and%20psychological%20symptoms%20of,%2C%20and%20caregiver%20well%2Dbeing.">experience such behaviours</a> at some point during their passage through the illness. Common behaviours that might be shown by those living with advanced dementia include agitation, anxiety, attempts to leave care, aggression, apathy, sleep disturbance, aimless pacing, psychosis and aggression.</p> <p>The full circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s events are unclear and they are subject to an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/advocates-say-taser-clare-nowland-shows-aged-system-failure-/102365442">investigation</a> by police. That may take some time. What is clear, however, is that there is much room for improvement in the way behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia are managed in residential care. Situations that end with police involvement should be avoided.</p> <h2>Calling for help</h2> <p>In its final report in March 2021, the <a href="https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/">Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety</a> <a href="https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/final-report-recommendations.pdf">recommended</a> “all workers engaged by providers who are involved in direct contact with people seeking or receiving services in the aged care system undertake regular training about dementia care and palliative care”.</p> <p>Currently, it is not infrequent for police to be called to respond to incidents in care homes. While programs have been implemented to better equip police to respond to the specific need of those <a href="https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/police-and-psos-better-equipped-to-support-people-living-with-dementia/">living with dementia</a> this work is still in its infancy.</p> <p>Aggression and agitation are two of the most common behavioural symptoms that lead to referral to specialist support services.</p> <p>Dementia Support Australia is a Commonwealth-funded service that has supported aged care homes and home-based carers in managing behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia since 2016. There were <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/aged-care-and-support-services-used-by-people-with-dementia/dementia-support-australia">8,702 referrals</a> to the service between January and June 2022. The number of referrals has increased in recent years.</p> <p>As an organisation at the frontline of dementia support, we extend our deepest sympathies to the 95-year-old aged care resident, her family, Yallambee Lodge staff and everyone else touched by this devastating incident.</p> <p>One of the advantages of having a national service such as this is that it has enabled the development of a national database that documents not only the nature and severity of the behaviours prompting the referral, but those factors that are most commonly identified as triggers for these behaviours.</p> <h2>3 leading causes</h2> <p>Aggression and agitation are not diagnoses in themselves, but symptoms. Symptoms have causes, and these must be identified in order to adequately address behaviour.</p> <p>The leading contributing factors we have identified in relation to behaviours are:</p> <p><strong>1. Unidentified or under-treated pain</strong></p> <p>This is relevant in over 50% of the cases we see. Earlier research on pain management in the setting of advanced dementia has shown those with a dementia diagnosis who are admitted to hospital with hip fractures tend to be prescribed only a fraction of the analgesia given to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799790/">those without dementia</a>.</p> <p><strong>2. Carer approach</strong></p> <p>Care staff receive only minimal levels of training in dementia care as part of their basic qualification and are often unfamiliar with communication strategies tailored towards those with cognitive impairment.</p> <p>Currently, the minimum qualification for a personal care worker involves no compulsory units in <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/news/are-aged-care-workers-required-have-dementia-training">dementia competency</a>. While we do not know the full circumstances from the events this week, the Royal Commission has made recommendations to improve care for those living with dementia. Carer approach is an issue in about a third of the cases we see.</p> <p><strong>3. Over- and under-stimulation</strong></p> <p>In about one quarter of Dementia Support Australia cases boredom and loneliness and/or an environment that does not take into account the specific needs of those living with dementia are an issue.</p> <p>Other common causes of changed behaviour include mood and anxiety disorders, communication difficulties, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-delirium-194631">delirium</a>, sleep problems and poor carer knowledge of the specific likes/dislikes of the individuals they are caring for.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WE65yrnsrPk?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">People with dementia may react to uncertainty in unexpected ways.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Prevention and calming things down</h2> <p>The best way to manage most behavioural changes is to prevent the circumstances that lead to their development in the first place. Prevention is always better than cure.</p> <p>Once behaviours are occurring, there is no single correct way to <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/national/support-and-services/carers/behaviour-changes/aggressive-behaviours">de-escalate</a> them. The appropriate de-escalation strategies will always be specific to what has caused the altered behaviour in the first place.</p> <p>Unfortunately, when behaviours have escalated to the point where police attendance is required, the responding officers are unlikely to be equipped with the necessary information about the person and their circumstances. That means they won’t be equipped to respond with effective and specific de-escalation strategies.</p> <p>One case in the United States from 2020 involved the arrest of a 73-year-old woman living with dementia, who had left a local store without paying for items <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/27/us/loveland-police-officers-video-use-of-force/index.html">worth a small amount</a>. A <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/16/us/loveland-lawsuit-use-of-force-arrest/index.html">lawsuit</a> filed following the arrest alleged it resulted in a fractured arm and a dislocated shoulder, and raised national concerns about the way first responders interact with those experiencing cognitive disabilities.</p> <p>Australia needs to learn from yesterday’s events and respond.</p> <p><em>If you are caring for someone with dementia there is help available. <a href="https://www.dementia.com.au/">Dementia Support Australia</a> is a free service, fully funded by the Australian government. Referrals can be made 24-hours a day by calling 1800 699 799.<!-- 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/205988/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 --></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steve-macfarlane-4722">Steve Macfarlane</a>, Head of Clinical Services, dementia Support Australia, &amp; Associate Professor of Psychiatry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></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/when-someone-living-with-dementia-is-distressed-or-violent-de-escalation-is-vital-205988">original article</a>.</em></p>

Mind

Placeholder Content Image

Five vital questions to ask yourself before booking your next cruise

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to booking your next holiday on the seas, there are a few vital questions to consider before setting sail. </p> <p dir="ltr">It isn't uncommon to be lured in by a seemingly great sale fare, but taking a minute to contemplate the best arrangement for you could stop you making an expensive mistake. </p> <p dir="ltr">Who you go with, where you go, and when you set sail can all greatly impact the quality of your holiday, so ask yourself these questions before you pack your bags. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Who am I travelling with?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Picking your travel companions can make or break your holiday, as who you decide to set sail with can drastically change where and when you go. </p> <p dir="ltr">For example if you're travelling with young children, that will rule out most expeditions to Antarctica, as most cruise lines recommend children be at least eight years of age to head to the icy South Pole. </p> <p dir="ltr">If the holiday is a venture for the whole family, most cruise lines advertise which journeys are more kid-friendly, with entertainment onboard for people of all ages.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Where am I going?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">While there are many spectacular destinations on every cruise lover's bucket list, there are others that require a little more consideration. </p> <p dir="ltr">Do you prefer something tropical featuring a beach-heavy itinerary or fancy something cool climate with plenty of adventure? What was the last holiday you truly enjoyed and what did you love about it? What are you keen to avoid (bustling cities, plenty of days at sea etc)?</p> <p dir="ltr">Once you narrow down what kind of holiday you’re looking for, it’s time to shortlist potential destinations that will tick your every box. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>How much is it going to cost me?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The first thing every traveller must do before making holiday plans is figuring out how much money you have, and what you are willing to spend.</p> <p dir="ltr">Writing down a budget and designating certain costs is a sure fire way to keep on top of your spending, such as allocating set figures for transport, accommodation, daily spending and luxuries. </p> <p dir="ltr">While you're working out your budget, it's also a good idea to research the cost of meals, drinks, activities and transport at the ports the cruise will be visiting. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What do I want to spend my time onboard doing?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Whether you're into golf, felines, death metal, food or general nudity, you can rest assured there's a cruise for you out there.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many cruise lines have started operating themed cruises to match the very niche interests of every traveller, while still giving holidaymakers the chance to see the world with like minded people. </p> <p dir="ltr">Simply Google 'cruise' and your particular interest and prepare to be amazed at what's out there. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Is cruising the best holiday for me?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you've never cruised before, you might be feeling uncertain if you're the kind of person who'll enjoy a cruise. </p> <p dir="ltr">While there's certainly a cruise for every person, whether that be river cruising through Europe or adventures in the Arctic Circle, it's probably not the best idea to book in for a 24-day voyage if you're unsure you'll enjoy it. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

Arctic cod liver oil for immune vitality and healthy ageing

<p>Cod liver oil has been used for centuries in Scandinavian societies to help people, young and old, stay healthy throughout the year. Fresh cod liver oil is an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Unlike most fish oil products, cod liver oil is unique in that it naturally contains a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, and typically delivers omega-3s in the triglyceride molecular form, the best form for their absorption by the body. Both EPA and DHA play vital roles in aspects of healthy ageing and immune function by influencing muscle and bone mass, mobility, energy, immune responses, and cognitive performance. Ensuring adequate intake of omega-3s with cod liver oil is an easy lifestyle change that can have a positive effect on many aspects of health. Here are some of the most notable omega-3 benefits of cod liver oil (a.k.a. CLO).</p> <p><strong>Omega-3s in CLO can support immune health via the gut </strong></p> <p>Having an overabundance of unhealthy gut bacteria can impair the immune system and accelerate the ageing process. Diet and lifestyle choices—including omega-3 consumption—are key factors for helping to establish a favourable environment for beneficial gut bacteria. Some studies have shown that increased consumption of omega-3s helps promote the growth of “good bacteria” in your gut, while other studies have shown a positive connection between adequate amounts of beneficial gut bacteria and a healthier immune response.</p> <p><strong>Omega-3 intake may influence muscle and bone strength</strong></p> <p>As we age, our immune system produces higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins that may impair muscle and bone health. Omega-3s supplements may support healthier blood levels of these age-associated proteins. Several studies report that people with higher dietary intake of omega-3s tend to have stronger muscles, increased exercise capacity, and denser bones. So, consider a cod liver oil for musculoskeletal health.</p> <p><strong>Omega-3s may help counter the effects of stress </strong></p> <p>Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which can negatively impact immune health, especially if it remains elevated over a period of time. Some research studies have shown that omega-3 supplements may reduce the body’s production of cortisol. Furthermore, people who are “stressed out” tend to already have lower blood levels of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, potentially making it even more important for these individuals to consume supplemental omega-3s in order to keep from getting sick.</p> <p><strong>Omega-3s in CLO provide the building blocks for lasting, healthy skin </strong></p> <p>The skin is the largest organ in the body that also contains significant amounts of omega-3s. Due to years of exposure to ultraviolet light, toxins, and various irritants, the skin requires nutrients like omega-3s to help counter these stresses at the cellular level. The skin barrier is an important structure that protects the body and helps maintain a youthful appearance. Adequate intake of omega-3s supports skin cell functions, promotes the skin barrier, and increases the skin’s ability to retain water—a primary component of healthy skin. Because a portion of the omega-3s we consume eventually makes its way into the skin, these essential fats are vital for skin health.</p> <p><strong>Omega-3s in CLO support cardiovascular health</strong></p> <p>As we age, blood vessels stiffen, and blood pressure tends to increase, which places additional stress on the heart. Studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3s support healthy blood vessels, and several have reported that omega-3 supplements promote positive blood vessel health scores. Additionally, preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce oxidative stress within the blood vessels, promoting an optimal environment for the vasculature.</p> <p><strong>Choosing the right cod liver oil </strong></p> <p>Because most CLO is non-concentrated, these supplements offer omega-3s in the triglyceride molecular form, the same form in which EPA and DHA naturally exist in fish, and the form that ensures optimal digestion and absorption of omega-3s by the body. If you are ever unsure about the particular form of a CLO supplement (or any fish oil supplement), check the brand’s website or call their customer service department. This information is important, and should be easy for them to provide.</p> <p>It is also a good idea to select a CLO product that is from wild-caught sustainable cod, and that does not contain synthetic additives. Arctic cod from Norway are often sourced using small boats owned and operated by independent cod fishermen, so demand for Arctic cod supports local fishing communities. Also, these boats leave and return daily which means they have a much shorter transport time from catch to processing than larger trawling vessels. This short time helps maximise fish oil freshness, and the efficacy of the omega-3 fats in Arctic Cod Liver Oil.</p> <p>In closing, CLOs have many unique benefits, but do not take our word for it – try it and see for yourself.</p> <p><strong>Use the code HEALTHYME when ordering online and get your delivery freight free. Only for a limited time. Order at </strong><a href="https://bit.ly/3FkXAFE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>TheraHealth.com.au</strong></a><strong> or find a local </strong><a href="https://bit.ly/3vJY054" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stockist near you here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-59001" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/Author_O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="440" /></p> <p><em><strong>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://bit.ly/3FkXAFE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thera Health</a>.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Image: Shutterstock</strong></em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Vital clue emerges in search for missing nine-year-old

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Five days into their search for missing nine-year-old Charlise Mutten, police have received a vital clue from witnesses.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Police and volunteers have continued to search bushland in the NSW Blue Mountains for signs of the girl, while droves of detectives searched for clues around the Mount Wilson estate where she was last seen.</span></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news_article?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGOTk1OTYuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Officers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from local police, Police Rescue, the Dog Unit and PolAir are also involved in the search efforts, with assistance from the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), and NSW Ambulance.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A large scale coordinated search operation continues in the Blue Mountains. Charlise was last seen wearing a pink top w/ a round neck collar, black skirt &amp; pink Nike thongs. <br /><br />Anyone with info regarding the whereabouts of Charlise should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. <a href="https://t.co/JHtK9Nsgsb">https://t.co/JHtK9Nsgsb</a></p> — NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/nswpolice/status/1482132460527886343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Monday, neighbours provided </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/blue-mountains-missing-girl-charlise-mutten-police-new-south-wales/cbeb653e-c0da-44f4-ac10-80421b64c2fc" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">new information</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about events prior to the reporting of Charlise’s disappearance on Friday, telling police they saw a car driving through the gates of the property at 4.30am.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Charlise’s mother Kallista told police her daughter had disappeared on Thursday, but didn’t make a report until Friday morning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her fiance Justin Stein then spent several hours speaking to police at Penrith on Friday afternoon, with his car being towed while he was at the station.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the weekend, police seized a white boat from the Mount Wilson property where Charlise was last spotted, before divers searched the Hawkesbury River at Windsor on Sunday.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846882/mutten.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fc3a0795d42b4d32bb85138db1553c25" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Divers searched the Hawkesbury River for signs of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten, who has been missing since Thursday, January 13. Image: 9News</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monday’s search saw crews of volunteers trek across hundreds of kilometres, with NSW Rural Fire Service commander Peter Bennet saying one crew walked 10 kilometres across rough terrain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s very rough terrain out here with canyons,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Officers from the Homicide Squad are also heavily involved, though their investigations have been made difficult by conflicting accounts.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 419.46308724832215px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846881/fjc1b-qacachmk4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b998ff4eb1954831b0b62406200e7c72" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Charlise is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 130 and 140cm tall, and has brown hair and brown eyes. Image: NSW Police (Twitter)</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Acting Superintendent John Nelson said police were working closely with Charlise’s family, including her mother.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For any parent, it’s a very distressing scenario,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She is quite distressed and we are providing her with support.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Charlise was last seen wearing a pink top with a round neck collar, a black knee-length skirt, and pink Nike thongs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: NSW Police (Twitter)</span></em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Home gardens vital for pollinators

<h2><strong style="font-size: 14px;">They provide a rich and diverse nectar source, study finds.</strong></h2> <div class="copy"> <p>Urban areas are a surprisingly rich food reservoir for pollinating insects such as bees and wasps, according to a UK study <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2745.13598" target="_blank">published</a> in the <em>Journal of Ecology</em>.</p> <p>Home gardens are particularly important, the study found, accounting for 85% of the nectar – sugar-rich liquid that provides pollinators with energy – within towns and cities and the most diverse supply overall.</p> <p>Results showed that just three gardens generated on average around a teaspoon of the liquid gold – enough to attract and fuel thousands of pollinators.</p> <p>“This means that towns and cities could be hotspots of diversity of food – important for feeding many different types of pollinators and giving them a balanced diet,” says lead author Nicholas Tew, from the University of Bristol.</p> <p>“The actions of individual gardeners are crucial,” he adds. “Garden nectar provides the vast majority of all. This gives everyone a chance to help pollinator conservation on their doorstep.”</p> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.pollinator.org/pollination" target="_blank">Pollinators</a> include bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, bats and beetles. They are critical for ecosystems and agriculture as most plant species need them to reproduce, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.453.4134&amp;rep=rep1&amp;type=pdf" target="_blank">research suggests</a> their survival relies especially on the diversity of flowering plants.</p> <p>To explore how our sprawling urban areas could support them, Tew’s research group previously led the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/ecological/community/pollinators/" target="_blank">Urban Pollinators Project</a> in collaboration with other universities. They found that cities and gardens – community and private – are vital for pollinators, leading them to question how to quantify and harness this resource.</p> <p>“The gap in our knowledge was how much nectar and pollen urban areas produce and how this compares with the countryside,” Tew explains, “important information if we want to understand how important our towns and cities can be for pollinator conservation and how best to manage them.”</p> <p>So, for the current study, Tew and colleagues measured the supply of nectar in urban areas, farmland and nature reserve landscapes, and then within four towns and cities (Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds and Reading) to determine how much nectar different land uses produce.</p> <p>To do this, they extracted nectar from more than 3000 flowers comprising nearly 200 plant species using a fine glass tube and quantified it using a refractometer, an instrument that measures how much light refracts when passing through a solution.</p> <p>Then they sourced nectar measurements from other published studies and combined the nectar-per-flower values with numbers of flowers from each species in different habitats as previously measured by the group.</p> <p>Overall, nectar quantity per unit area was similar in urban, farmland and nature reserve landscapes. But urban nectar supply was most diverse, as it was produced by more flowering plant species. And while private gardens supplied similarly large amounts per unit as allotments, they covered more land – nearly a third of towns and cities.</p> <p>It’s important to note the findings are specific to the UK, and maybe parts of western Europe, Tew says. Most urban nectar comes from ornamental species that are not native, which can be attractive to generalist pollinators but may not benefit specialist species that feed from selective native flower species.</p> <p>Thus private gardens in other regions might have different benefits. Australia, for instance, has more endemic species and specialist pollinators than the UK, so while non-natives would still provide some benefit, natives may be more important overall.</p> <p>Most recommendations for attracting pollinators in Australia include supporting native bees and other local specialists. Suggestions include planting more native species and providing <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.australianenvironmentaleducation.com.au/australian-animals/australian-pollinator-week/" target="_blank">accommodation</a> for native bees, most of which are solitary species – unlike the familiar, colonial European honeybee.</p> <p>But in general, Tew says home gardeners can all support biodiversity with some key strategies, especially planting as many nectar-rich flowering plants as possible and different species that ensure flowers all year round.</p> <p>Other <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/conservation-biodiversity/wildlife/plants-for-pollinators" target="_blank">recommendations</a> include mowing the lawn less often to let dandelions, clovers and other plants flower, avoiding <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/scientists-call-for-urgent-action-on-bee-killing-insecticides/" target="_blank">pesticides</a> and never spraying open flowers, and covering as much garden area as possible in flowery borders and natural lawns.</p> <!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=138747&amp;title=Home+gardens+vital+for+pollinators" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> <!-- End of tracking content syndication --></div> <div id="contributors"> <p><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/home-gardens-vital-for-pollinators/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/natalie-parletta">Natalie Parletta</a>. Natalie Parletta is a freelance science writer based in Adelaide and an adjunct senior research fellow with the University of South Australia.</p> <p><em>Image: Cosmos Magazine</em></p> </div>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

The vital issue that brought Q+A's host and guest to tears

<p><em>Q&amp;A</em><span> </span>host Hamish Macdonald and Liberal MP were brought to tears on the program after discussing Australia's failing aged care system.</p> <p>Allen ended the show in tears after speaking about her father's battle with dementia.</p> <p>"He couldn't speak for the last year of his life, he couldn't walk, his only words that were left were 'thank you'," Ms Allen said through tears.</p> <p>"It's a terrible disease, so I think people [need to be] able to have the choice, and the control, and the laws in Victoria have been, I think, I have to say well handled and I think that we need to have this sort of conversation, particularly for dementia."</p> <p>Macdonald broke down in tears much later after asking an audience member and his daughter questions about aged-care homes.</p> <p>Audience member Timothy Granger and his daughter Prudence-Rose spoke about Timothy's battle with early-onset Alzheimer's as he was diagnosed at the age of 51.</p> <p>Timothy spoke about his fears about what the future holds for him.</p> <p>"How are you doing?" Macdonald asked.</p> <p>"Going well," Mr Granger responded before adding: "Sorry, I have a little bit of problem with speech, sorry, what was your question?</p> <p>"I wanted to know how you're doing," Macdonald said.</p> <p>"You're living at home with your beautiful wife, your wonderful daughter. How do you feel about the prospect of one day going into an aged care facility?"</p> <p>"I think what makes it scary is he's so much younger," she said.</p> <p>"He's going to be potentially going in there in his 60s or sooner, which we really want to avoid but if that occurs, how can he live his best life in these facilities that aren't really set up for him at his age?</p> <p>"There are more people getting diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's."</p> <p>Macdonald asked Timothy how he felt about discussing that with his family.</p> <p>"That's going to be difficult and probably it's going to be hard for them as well," Mr Granger said.</p> <p>"I'm scared. I think it's not something you think is going to happen so soon," Ms Granger added</p> <p>"We would like to be able to support him for as long as we can, the reality is we probably can't.</p> <p>"We also have financial concerns. We'd like to be able to put him in a facility that will support him and his needs but I don't know if he could afford that or if we would get in.</p> <p>"And I'm just witnessing that, especially tonight, listening to everything that everybody is saying and it's really scary."</p> <p>It was here that Macdonald started to cry.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Tim is 56 years old and was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s five years ago. Tim wants to know how he will be supported to live “his best life” in aged care? And Trevor wants to know if there is any hope for the future for him and 472,000 of his “dementia mates”? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QandA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QandA</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MJhIY0Tj3">pic.twitter.com/0MJhIY0Tj3</a></p> — QandA (@QandA) <a href="https://twitter.com/QandA/status/1364884709319217157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>"I've met Tim previously, so I was already somewhat familiar with the situation he is in," Macdonald told the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-26/dementia-patient-leaves-q+a-panel-on-aged-care-in-tears/13194334" target="_blank"><em>ABC</em></a>.</p> <p>"He has a beautiful warmth and a great sense of humour, I was really looking forward to catching up tonight.</p> <p>"In truth, we can spend hours talking about the statistics and the data and the sad history of aged care in Australia, but stories like Tim bring the realities home to us all.</p> <p>"When Tim speaks, you can imagine this was you, you can imagine this was your partner or your father. It is impossible not to be moved by Tim's story.</p> <p>"He's a father, a husband and a lovely human, faced with some extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I'm really pleased there's a space for Tim and people like him to have a voice in such an important national conversation around aged care."</p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

Coronavirus reinfection cases: what we know so far – and the vital missing clues

<p>To date, there have been six published cases of COVID-19 reinfection, with various other unverified accounts from around the world. Although this is a comparably small fraction of the millions of people known to have been infected, should we be concerned? To unpick this puzzle, we must first consider what we mean by immunity.</p> <p><strong>How immunity works</strong><br />When we are infected with any pathogen, our immune system quickly responds to try to contain the threat and minimise any damage. Our first line of defence is from immune cells, known as innate cells. These cells are not usually enough to eliminate a threat, which is where having a more flexible “adaptive” immune response comes into play – our lymphocytes.</p> <p>Lymphocytes come in two main varieties: B lymphocytes, which make antibodies, and T lymphocytes, which include cells that directly kill the germy invaders.</p> <p>As antibodies are readily measured in blood, they are often used to indicate a good adaptive immune response. However, over time, antibodies levels in our blood wane, but this doesn’t necessarily mean protection is lost. We retain some lymphocytes that know how to deal with the threat – our memory cells. Memory cells are remarkably long-lived, patrolling our body, ready to spring into action when needed.</p> <p>Vaccines work by creating memory cells without the risk of a potentially fatal infection. In an ideal world, it would be relatively easy to create immunity, but it’s not always that straightforward.</p> <p>Although our immune system has evolved to deal with a huge variety of pathogens, these germs have also evolved to hide from the immune system. This arms race means that some pathogens such as malaria or HIV are very tricky to deal with.</p> <p>Infections that have spilled over from animals - zoonotic diseases - are also challenging for our immune system because they can be completely novel. The virus that causes COVID-19 is such a zoonotic disease, originating in bats.</p> <p>COVID-19 is caused by a betacoronavirus. Several betacoronaviruses are already common in the human population – most familiar as a cause of the common cold. Immunity to these cold-causing viruses isn’t that robust but immunity to the more serious conditions, Mers and Sars, is more durable.</p> <p>Data to date on COVID-19 shows that antibodies can be detected three months after infection, although, as with Sars and Mers, antibodies gradually decrease over time.</p> <p>Of course, antibody levels are not the only indication of immunity and don’t tell us about T lymphocytes or our memory cells. The virus causing COVID-19 is structurally similar to Sars, so perhaps we can be more optimistic about a more durable protective response – time will tell. So how worried then should we be about reports of reinfection with COVID-19?</p> <p><strong>How worried should we be?</strong><br />The handful of case reports on reinfection with COVID-19 don’t necessarily mean that immunity is not occurring. Issues with testing could account for some reports because “virus” can be detected after infection and recovery. The tests look for viral RNA (the virus’s genetic material), and viral RNA that cannot cause infection can be shed from the body even after the person has recovered.</p> <p>Conversely, false-negative results happen when the sample used in testing contains insufficient viral material to be detected – for example, because the virus is at a very low level in the body. Such apparent negative results may account for cases in which the interval between the first and second infection is short. It is hugely important, therefore, to use additional measures, such as viral sequencing and immune indicators.</p> <p>Reinfection, even in immunity, can happen, but usually this would be mild or asymptomatic because the immune response protects against the worst effects. Consistent with this is that most verified cases of reinfection reported either no or mild symptoms. However, one of the latest verified cases of reinfection – which happened just 48 days after the initial infection – actually had a more severe response to reinfection.</p> <p>What might account for the worse symptoms the second time round? One possibility is the patient did not mount a robust adaptive immune response first time round and that their initial infection was largely contained by the innate immune response (the first line of defence). One way to monitor this would be to assess the antibody response as the type of antibody detected can tell us something about the timing of infection. But unfortunately, antibody results were not analysed in the recent patient’s first infection.</p> <p>Another explanation is that different viral strains caused the infections with a subsequent impact on immunity. Genetic sequencing did show differences in viral strains, but it isn’t known if this equated to altered immune recognition. Many viruses share structural features, enabling immune responses to one virus to protect against a similar virus. This has been suggested to account for the lack of symptoms in young children who frequently get colds caused by betacoronaviruses.</p> <p>However, a recent study, yet to be peer-reviewed, found that protection against cold-causing coronaviruses did not protect against COVID-19. In fact, antibodies recognising similar viruses can be dangerous – accounting for the rare phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement of disease (ADE). ADE occurs when antibodies enhance viral infection of cells with potentially life-threatening consequences.</p> <p>It should be emphasised, though, that antibodies are only one indicator of immunity and we have no data on either T lymphocytes or memory cells in these cases. What these cases emphasise is a need to standardised approaches in order to capture the critical information for robust evaluation of the threat of reinfection.</p> <p>We are still learning about the immune response to COVID-19, and every piece of new data is helping us unpick the puzzle of this challenging virus. Our immune system is a powerful ally in the fight against infection, and only by unlocking it can we ultimately hope to defeat COVID-19.</p> <p><em>Written by Sheena Cruickshank. This article first appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-reinfection-cases-what-we-know-so-far-and-the-vital-missing-clues-147960">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Testing remains a vital component of Australia’s success in managing COVID-19.

<p>We need to diagnose people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as early as possible so they can be isolated from others and their contacts quarantined. Testing also helps us understand to what degree the virus is present in the population, so we can tailor public health measures accordingly.</p> <p>If you’ve had a COVID-19 test, in all likelihood you received a PCR test. That’s the one with the throat and nose swabs, and is regarded as the “gold standard” in COVID-19 testing.</p> <p>But now the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/24/australias-drug-regulator-tga-approves-covid-tests-that-deliver-results-in-15-minutes">a new kind of COVID-19 test</a>, which can produce results in as little as 15 minutes, as opposed to a day or more for standard tests.</p> <p>So is this new rapid test set to revolutionise COVID-19 testing in Australia? Not quite yet.</p> <p><strong>The traditional tests</strong></p> <p>Nucleic acid tests, or PCR tests, can detect ribonucleic acid (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2 from a day or two before symptoms start, and for a week or more afterwards, as symptoms resolve. Of course, some people will test positive without ever having symptoms.</p> <p>PCR tests have been the backbone of SARS-CoV-2 testing worldwide. Because of the vast global experience with PCR tests and their high performance, they’re considered <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/phln-guidance-on-laboratory-testing-for-sars-cov-2-the-virus-that-causes-covid-19">the most reliable</a> COVID-19 test.</p> <p>PCR tests require specialised laboratory equipment and trained scientists and technicians to test the specimens; processing and testing take several hours.</p> <p>Since January, we’ve performed an astonishing <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/09/coronavirus-covid-19-at-a-glance-23-september-2020.pdf">7.4 million</a> SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests in Australia, which has needed a massive upscaling of capacity in laboratories nationally.</p> <p>At times, demand for PCR testing has exceeded capacity, occasionally resulting in delays of <a href="https://theconversation.com/got-a-covid-19-test-in-victoria-and-still-havent-got-your-results-heres-what-may-be-happening-and-what-to-do-142821">up to several days</a> in getting results back to patients. Meanwhile, laboratories swamped with COVID-19 tests may be limited in their capacity to perform their routine business, including diagnostic testing for other infectious diseases.</p> <p>As people are required to isolate until they <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19#testing">receive a negative test result</a> and their symptoms resolve, these delays may come at a cost to the person waiting, their family, and the economy.</p> <p>Recognising these costs may lead some people to choose not to be tested, Victoria has offered <a href="https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/covid-19-worker-support-payment">financial compensation</a> for people without leave entitlements awaiting test results.</p> <p>But delayed case confirmation also increases the time to identification and quarantine of contacts, undermining public health efforts.</p> <p><strong>What can we expect from the antigen test?</strong></p> <p>Rapid antigen tests can diagnose COVID-19 <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/15-minutes-to-diagnosis-the-quick-covid-test-that-could-change-the-game-20200923-p55yk1.html">in 15 minutes</a>. They’re relatively inexpensive and require a swab from the nose.</p> <p>These tests detect viral antigens, proteins on the surface of SARS-CoV-2. The immune system recognises these proteins as foreign, and responds by making antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (“<a href="https://theconversation.com/antigen-tests-for-covid-19-are-fast-and-easy-and-could-solve-the-coronavirus-testing-problem-despite-being-somewhat-inaccurate-137977">anti-gen</a>” means antibody generator).</p> <p>Antigen tests perform best early in the infection when the amount of virus in a person’s system is highest. For a person with symptomatic COVID-19, this would be in the first week of symptoms. So they only pick up current infections – <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-testing-australia-information-health-professionals">unlike antibody tests</a>, which can detect if a person was previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.</p> <p>Four SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests have been <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-test-kits-included-artg-legal-supply-australia">licensed for use</a> in Australia in the past two months.</p> <p>Unfortunately, rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 appear to be less sensitive than PCR tests, meaning they may give a negative result in someone who does actually have COVID-19. One of the recently licensed rapid antigen tests may give a false negative result in <a href="https://www.finddx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Bionote_Ag-INTERIM-Public-Report_20200918.pdf">up to 18.3%</a> of people with COVID-19 diagnosed by PCR.</p> <p>While a positive rapid antigen test result is more reliable, widespread use of these tests in asymptomatic people will result in some <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-positives-and-negatives-of-mass-testing-for-coronavirus-137792">false positive</a> results — that is, a positive test result in someone who doesn’t have COVID-19.</p> <p>At this stage, <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cdna-song-novel-coronavirus.htm">national COVID-19 guidelines</a> don’t include information on antigen tests. So a person with a positive antigen test would need to undergo a PCR test to be counted in Australia’s official COVID-19 case numbers.</p> <p><strong>Considering the pros and cons</strong></p> <p>We’re faced with a trade-off between the potential benefits of the rapid antigen tests — the ability to test larger numbers of people, consuming fewer laboratory resources, and quicker results — and the potential to miss a few cases because of the lower test sensitivity.</p> <p>Despite the lower sensitivity, increasing testing rates might result in an overall net increase in the proportion of COVID-19 cases diagnosed, and therefore a <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.22.20136309v3">public health benefit</a> by preventing onward transmission from these cases.</p> <p>One possible strategic use of these tests may be in screening people without symptoms to detect asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infection that might otherwise go undetected. This <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html">could include</a> people in workplaces where ongoing exposure to colleagues and the public is unavoidable, including sectors of the food supply chain or other essential services.</p> <p>Because of the lower test sensitivity for the rapid antigen test, a PCR test remains most appropriate for people with symptoms, those at greater risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19, and people working in high-risk settings like aged care and health care.</p> <p>While rapid antigen tests show promise, we’ll need to evaluate their efficacy in Australia before we can determine their role in our fight against COVID-19.</p> <p><em>Written by Katherine Gibney, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity; Deborah Williamson, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, and Jodie McVernon, University of Melbourne. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-new-15-minute-test-has-potential-but-standard-tests-are-still-the-best-way-to-track-covid-19-146844">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Young people are missing out on vital rites of passage during COVID

<p>As we approach the end of a uniquely challenging school year, the class of 2020 look set to miss out on many of the usual highlights of year 12.</p> <p>Graduation <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-really-tough-year-calls-for-covid-safe-graduations-as-year-12-suffers-20200820-p55nqy.html">ceremonies</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/aug/17/nsw-bans-state-school-formals-graduation-ceremonies-and-choirs-under-new-covid-safe-rules">formals</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-28/schoolies-week-cancelled-due-to-covid-19-high-risk-pandemic/12605086">schoolies week</a> and <a href="https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/coronavirus-covid-19-australia-festivals-concerts-cancelled-postponed-2623326">summer music festivals</a> have either been cancelled or <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/terrific-outcome-bans-on-formals-and-graduations-to-be-lifted-after-hsc-20200904-p55shh.html">restricted</a>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, those who may have been planning a gap year overseas are not able to leave the country.</p> <p>So far, public discussion of these cancellations have understandably focused <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-28/schoolies-week-cancelled-due-to-covid-19-high-risk-pandemic/12605086">on the risks</a> posed by COVID and the possible <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-really-tough-year-calls-for-covid-safe-graduations-as-year-12-suffers-20200820-p55nqy.html">mental health impacts</a> on young people.</p> <p>But young people aren’t just missing out on a chance to wear fancy clothes or party with their mates. Events like schoolies and formals also have a profound social purpose as rites of passage.</p> <p><strong>What are rites of passage?</strong></p> <p>Rites of passage are rituals that accompany changes in social status for individuals and groups. Their importance has been <a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4614-6086-2_588">recognised by social researchers</a> for more than a century.</p> <p>In ethnographer Arnold Van Gennep’s original 1909 work, which is still broadly accepted by researchers, rites of passage share three basic phases:</p> <ul> <li>a symbolic separation from normality, such as by travel or costumes</li> <li>an in-between stage, in which social norms and hierarchies are cast off and people embrace a community spirit</li> <li>a ceremonial confirmation of the new state of affairs, often with symbols like a ring or crown.</li> </ul> <p>This creates a transformative experience for people. It marks a change as special, by stepping outside ordinary life.</p> <p>The brief upturn in the social order also allows the community to strengthen its bonds and reaffirm its support for the broader, existing social system.</p> <p><strong>Traditional rites of passage are in decline</strong></p> <p>For young people today, ceremonies like school graduations or schoolies trips are even more important than for previous generations.</p> <p>Declining rates of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/religion/religion-in-australia-what-are-the-implications-of-none-being-th/10094576">religious affiliation</a> means religious coming-of-age has also declined in importance. Changing social norms also mean events like <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6047410/debutante-ball-no-longer-a-canberra-tradition/">debutante balls</a> and <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/facts-and-figures/marriage-australia/marriage-australia-source-data">weddings</a> are no longer common practice for teenagers and those in their early 20s.</p> <p>Meanwhile, traditional economic markers of growing up - such as moving out of home, and starting full-time work - are also <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/one-in-four-australian-adult-children-move-back-home-new-data-shows-955703/">proving more elusive </a>for young people, thanks to challenging <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-next-employment-challenge-from-coronavirus-how-to-help-the-young-135676">job</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/first-home-buyer-schemes-arent-enough-to-meet-young-adults-housing-aspirations-121431">housing</a> markets.</p> <p><strong>Schoolies, gap years are even more important</strong></p> <p>This means other cultural traditions are a critical part of how young people transition to adulthood.</p> <p>Often when we talk about <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/sydney-hsc-student-suspended-after-encouraging-muckup-day-prank/news-story/5207d51c93e1f9b6163a00197c518cb5">“muck up” days</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-your-teen-off-to-schoolies-heres-what-to-say-instead-of-freaking-out-126203">schoolies</a> and <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/11603791/Gap-year-takers-less-likely-to-finish-university.html">gap years</a>, debates focus (not always fairly) on the risks involved with young people who are celebrating and testing boundaries.</p> <p>But research has shown how <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-02-2016-0008">schoolies</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02508281.2017.1292177?journalCode=rtrr20">gap year travel</a> act as rituals to mark and manage the otherwise often unremarkable transition to adulthood.</p> <p>These episodes provide a meaningful break with normal life and past identity. They see young people leave their comfort zone to experience a sense of community with their peers, before moving to the next stage of life.</p> <p>Similarly, music festivals, while not one-off events, can also <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02614361003749793">provide these experiences</a>. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13676260500523580">Nightclubs</a> and parties - which have also been significantly curtailed during COVID - are also spaces to escape everyday rules and experience communal energy within the broader period of emerging adulthood.</p> <p><strong>Lasting impacts?</strong></p> <p>In addition to the <a href="https://theconversation.com/victorias-year-12-students-are-learning-remotely-but-they-wont-necessarily-fall-behind-143844">impact on education</a> - which has yet to be fully understood - there are other ways in which the class of 2020 may be roundly disadvantaged.</p> <p>COVID-19 has changed so many of the cultural experiences young people use to make their way into adulthood.</p> <p>So, what might be the lasting consequences for this year’s school leavers?</p> <p>Missing out on rites of passage like schoolies week and festivals could mar the transition into adult society in subtle but palpable ways.</p> <p>Without such cultural experiences it is harder to know when this change has really happened, to respect its significance and feel a sense of belonging in one’s new social role.</p> <p>As per Van Gennep’s work, this cohort of young people is also missing chances to bond as a community and to reaffirm their commitment to the social order by temporarily disrupting it.</p> <p>This is why, in the absence of formal rites of passage, people develop their own replacements, for better or worse. Recent reports of an impromptu rave inside a kebab shop show that young people will <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-kebab-shop-fined-after-customers-break-out-in-impromptu-3am-rave-20200824-p55oum.html">find other ways</a> of crossing boundaries together - testing both legal and social norms.</p> <p>On a more positive note, our <a href="https://apraamcos.com.au/events/2020/june/call-out-for-volunteers-music-makers-during-covid-19/">ongoing research</a> with young people about making music during COVID-19 is showing their resilience and creativity in balancing safety with social needs. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/livestreaming-music-adapt-overcome-coronavirus-feature-read/12071726">Online performances</a> are providing some missing ritual and social media also allows a level of community experience.</p> <p>While we maintain our focus on community health and safety, we must recognise that what might look like frivolous or risky activities can have huge significance for young people as they move into adulthood.</p> <p>This means they also have huge significance for our society more broadly.</p> <p><em>Written by Ben Green and Andy Bennett. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-festivals-no-schoolies-young-people-are-missing-out-on-vital-rites-of-passage-during-covid-145097">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

Art

Placeholder Content Image

Government ignores vital family violence reducing solutions

<p>Hannah Clarke and her three children were doused in petrol and burnt to death by her ex-partner in a Brisbane suburb on 19 February. She is one of nine women who’ve been violently killed so far this year, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/destroy-the-joint/counting-dead-women-australia-2020-we-count-every-known-death-due-to-violence-ag/2815333238514402/">according to</a> the Counting Dead Women Australia researchers of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DestroyTheJoint/">Destroy The Joint</a>.</p> <p>Outrage over the brutal multiple murder led to a special “<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/outrage-as-morrison-continues-inaction-on-violence-towards-women/">nothing off the table</a>” meeting of state and territory women’s safety ministers convened on 6 March, with a subsequent scheduled COAG forum of the same ministers being held a week later, <a href="https://www.womenssafetynsw.org.au/impact/article/coag-opts-for-more-talk-but-no-new-measures-to-tackle-domestic-violence-crisis/">with neither gatherings</a> resulting in any proposals.</p> <p>This lack of new measures has led women’s safety advocates to question the government’s decision to simply increase prevention campaigns, without making much-needed changes to both the civil and criminal justice systems that could significantly reduce domestic and family violence.</p> <p>Indeed, the <a href="https://awava.org.au/">Australian Women Against Violence Alliance (AWAVA)</a> had already presented the ministers with <a href="https://awava.org.au/2020/03/05/in-focus/womens-safety-ministers-urgent-actions-for-womens-safety">five key recommendations</a>, which included fully funding specialist organisations, a national risk assessment and referral process, as well as ensuring access to assistance for all.</p> <p><strong>AVO standards</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.womenssafetynsw.org.au/">Women’s Safety NSW</a> chief executive Hayley Foster told Sydney Criminal Lawyers that of the five AWAVA recommendations there are two solutions that she draws attention to as being of particular significance.</p> <p>“Most importantly, we need apprehended violence orders to be enforced,” Ms Foster emphasised. “Right now, across the nation, when offenders are brought before their local or magistrates court for breaching those orders, they are regularly let off with non-custodial alternatives.”</p> <p>The women’s advocate stressed that the AWAVA isn’t suggesting mandatory sentencing. Rather, it would like to see specialist domestic violence (DV) prosecutors and magistrates established, as at present, the risk to a woman’s safety can be heightened depending on the <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/queensland-barrister-who-was-found-guilty-of-tax-offences-tipped-to-become-magistrate/">magistrate</a> they see.</p> <p>Foster also outlined that she’s been involved in surveying DV advocacy workers at 117 local courts across NSW and found that there are substantial variations in the way magistrates deal with such matters, which includes differences in penalties being imposed and protections afforded to victims.</p> <p><strong>Parental responsibility</strong></p> <p>The other recommendation that Foster highlights is that the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility contained in part 7 division 2 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (the Act) should be removed all together, so as to ensure the safety of children.</p> <p><a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s61b.html">Section 61B</a> of the Act defines parental responsibility as “duties, powers, responsibilities and authority” that a parent has in relation to a child, while <a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s61da.html">section 61DA</a> stipulates that there’s to be a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility when the court makes an order.</p> <p>According to Foster, when entering the family law system, most women are told that “no matter how violent and abusive their ex-partner is, he’s going to get supervised, overnight access to the children if he wants to, and she is warned against making too many allegations or fighting this”.</p> <p>This claim was backed up by Foster with figures that show that although <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/publications/evaluation-2012-family-violence-amendments">70 to 85 percent</a> of family cases deal with violence, only 3 percent of matters result in no face-to-face time given to fathers. And this set of circumstances leads some women to decide not to take action in violent situations.</p> <p>These are “two really important changes that – yes – if implemented right away would dramatically increase women and children’s safety within weeks,” Ms Foster said, adding in conclusion that she has no idea why the government won’t even consider these vital recommendations.</p> <p><em>Written by Paul Gregoire. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/government-ignores-vital-family-violence-reducing-solutions/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers. </a></em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Why you need to check your sunscreen immediately

<p>As the weather heats up, many of us grab the sunscreen with the highest SPF. The higher, the better, right?</p> <p>Not necessarily.</p> <p>A Brisbane mother has warned others as she recently obtained some vital information from her dermatologist.</p> <p>Stay-at-home mum Connie-Lee Swadling explained:</p> <p>“I've recently had a mole checked, everything is fine but he asked what sunscreen I used. I replied with the Banana Boat SPF 50+ spray on for myself and Banana Boat Sensitive SPF 50+ roll on for my kids,”</p> <p>Apparently, this was not what her dermatologist wanted to hear.</p> <p>“He replied with shaking his head! He then proceeded to tell me to ignore the ‘30, 40, 50 +’ on the front cos it's irrelevant. My mouth dropped as this is what we are all taught to look for!” explained Swadling.</p> <p>Her dermatologist advised her to take a look at the ingredients in the sunscreen instead, as that’s where you’ll find how effective your sunscreen will be against the elements.</p> <p>“The doctor told my husband and I that SPF is not the important thing to be looking for, he said what you need to do is turn the product over and make sure it had the titanium and zinc (ingredients). They are the products that protect you,” she says.</p> <p>“Also they are the ingredients that don't get put into the aerosol can as they are a form of metal and can not be turned into aerosol form to leave the can and protect the body.”</p> <p>As her Facebook post went viral with 4,000 shares and 2,000 comments of other parents documenting their experiences with sunscreen, Swadling then elaborated as to what the best sunscreen is for little ones, according to her dermatologist.</p> <p>“SunSense 50+ for sensitive skin. He said [it] is the best one on the market and is sensitive for little ones skin! It's very thick to use but at least you know it's doing the job of protecting your family!”</p> <p>However, others have warned that it’s still important to apply sunscreen regularly to avoid being burnt. <a href="https://www.kidspot.com.au/health/disorders/skin-teeth-and-hair/mums-handy-tip-about-sunscreen-goes-viral/news-story/0dee767233c9c9554862f7275d63b35c">Kidspot’s</a> resident GP, Dr Sam Hay explains:</p> <p>“It still needs to be applied regularly (every two hours or after swimming/towelling), and used with other sun protection measures such as hats, sunglasses, clothes, and staying in the shade,” he says.</p> <p>Does your sunscreen have key ingredients titanium and zinc? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

5 vital car checks you need to make before an outback road trip

<p>Driving through Australia’s outback is one of the best ways to experience this breathtaking country.</p> <p>Whatever route you decide to embark on, there is no doubt that you will encounter the warm hospitality of remote towns, character outback pubs and Australia’s astonishing scenery.</p> <p>Before you leave on your trip, carry out these necessary car checks.</p> <p><strong>1. Check the engine’s fan or serpentine belts</strong></p> <p>See if the serpentine belts are tight and in good condition. To check this, you must have the engine turned off as you should never put your hands near belts when the engine is running. If you want to take extra caution, you can carry spare belts.</p> <p><strong>2. Check the radiator coolant level</strong></p> <p>To check the radiator coolant level, look at the level marks on the overflow bottle and top up if necessary. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.</p> <p><strong>3. Check engine and gearbox oil and filters</strong></p> <p>Make sure all oil levels are up to the full mark before you disembark on your trip.</p> <p><strong>4. Check spare tyre</strong></p> <p>Although it should already be in your car, double-check you have a spare tyre, jack and a wheel brace.</p> <p><strong>5. Check tyre pressure</strong></p> <p>Check your tyre pressure before you leave and it is a good idea to bring a basic toolkit for any repairs you may need to make.</p> <p>As you enjoy your road trip, be sure to carry a map or satellite navigation with you. Make sure you have a list of contacts that can be reached if any issues arise. Carry reserves of drinking water and fuel, and notify your family and friends of your intended route and your estimated arrival time of each point along the way.</p> <p><em><strong>Make sure you keep safe and sound while on the road with Over60 Roadside Assistance. And because your safety is important to us all of the time, we will be there to help all day every day, should you need it. For just $79.95 per year, with Over60 Roadside Assistance you’ll enjoy peace of mind when you’re out on the wide-open road to ensure you can enjoy life with less hassle. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">B<a href="https://oversixty.disconline.com.au/sar/2.0/?entity=10737&amp;LinkId=12071&amp;utm_source=over60&amp;utm_campaign=insurance&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-roadside&amp;utm_content=roadside-assistance" target="_blank">uy now</a></span>.</strong></em></p>

Insurance

Placeholder Content Image

Why it’s vital that we remember our elders

<p><em><strong>Husband-and-wife comedians and commentators Jeremy Elwood and Michele A'Court give their views.</strong></em></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Michelle A’Court</span></em></strong></p> <p>This week I will take my father's winter jackets and jerseys to the City Mission. My mother has lovingly washed and folded them. That's what she did for Dad for 62 years and she has taken great care with doing it for the last time.</p> <p>She has given me strict instructions to pass on to the good people at the Mission. These clothes are not to be sold. She wants no price tags pinned to his jumpers and coats. They are to be given, she says, to men sleeping rough, who could do with some layers between them and winter. It matters to her that men who have lived a very different life from my father can wear something that has been cared for.</p> <p>If you can find ways to be warm, there are things to love about winter. Like the oranges and camellias throwing their colour around on Route 27 between home and Rotorua last weekend. This is my favourite road, and the car is warm, and it's the day after my birthday, and I'm not at all bothered about being a year older. If I'm sad about anything it's that for the first time in I don't know how many years, there's no card with Dad's handwriting in it. He didn't ever write much, but he insisted on being the one to do it. "Love, Mother &amp; Father". He would have liked the drive.</p> <p>Sometimes in my car I listen to music, other times I'm tuned to the news. In one bulletin, there is five million dollars from our government to kick-start the next America's Cup campaign. In another, the Aged Care Association says rest homes need an injection of $10 million to stay afloat. The women at the heart of the industry deserve their newly won pay equity, a spokesperson says, but employers are struggling to cover the increase. As little from the government as $100,000 each to help rest homes transition would make all the difference. My father didn't make it to a rest home but I think of how much care he needed at the end, and worry again about the men who have lived a different life.</p> <p>More numbers in other bulletins - $26 million earned from food, beverage and accommodation for the Lions' tour, a welcome boost for local businesses. Some people are having a grand winter.</p> <p>The other story about the rugby was the apparent ignominy of a drawn final match, and therefore a drawn test series. Much chatter about the French ref, and some dissection of the rules. Disappointment and a sense that "not winning" is the same as "losing".</p> <p>And all I can think is that, really, coming equal would be a terrific thing.</p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jeremy Elwood</span></strong></em><br /> <br /> My first hospitality job was as a bartender in Dunedin. The neighbourhood the bar was in was home to a couple of hotels, band rehearsal spaces and three halfway houses. This was in the mid 1990s, the period in which the government was moving mental health treatment out of the old institutions, and towards a more community based approach, with wildly varying degrees of success. So as you can imagine, our clientele was equally varied.</p> <p>One regular was a man in his late 60s or early 70s, quite well dressed in a shabby chic, hand me down kind of way. He always came in mid-afternoon, carrying a briefcase. He would order a beer, sit down, and open that case to reveal it was completely filled with ballpoint pens, which he would meticulously, and silently, begin to count while he drank.</p> <p>He was harmless – most of the time. We quickly worked out, however, that he had a two-beer limit. As soon as a third went down, his personality would change in Jekyll and Hyde-like fashion. He would become abusive, start throwing things, and even try and reach over the bar to grab bottles. Needless to say, this only happened twice – once when I was working, and once when someone new, and unfamiliar with the situation, was on.</p> <p>We didn't ban him from the premises. It was painfully clear to all of the staff that his two beers were a weekly indulgence, and quite simply he had nowhere else to go. He was one of those faceless, forgotten men who have fallen off the radar of all but the carers, doctors and, so often, bartenders who come into contact with them. Or that's what I assumed.</p> <p>One day, however, he came in wearing a badge that read "World's Best Dad."</p> <p>It was Father's Day.</p> <p>The emotional punch floored me. To realise that this man, with his pens and his two drink maximum, was part of a family. Loved, remembered, and acknowledged.</p> <p>As are all the elderly men you see, or don't see, as they drift around the edges of our society. In a culture which idolises youth, it is vital that we remember the aged. The thing about youth is you grow out of it. Most of us will get old, and many of us won't have the benefits of financial security and good health as we do. Some will have family to support them, but many more will not, and as they age they will fade from the public consciousness like a decaying photograph, unless we all prevent that.  </p> <p>So to those who are working so tirelessly, and too often thanklessly, to keep these men warm, safe and remembered, thank you.</p> <p><em>Written by Jeremy Elwood and Michelle A’Court. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p>

Retirement Life

Placeholder Content Image

Why grandparents are extremely vital to grandkids lives

<p>The once popular perception of grandparents as frail, kindly old people sitting in rocking chairs is now more or less obsolete. Improved health outcomes and increased life expectancy mean that grandparents now spend more time caring for and engaging with their grandchildren than ever before.</p> <p>With increasing numbers of children living in families where both parents work, many grandparents have become an important source of child care and general support.</p> <p>The benefits of grandparents and grandchildren spending time together are many. Dr Julie Green, Executive Director of the Raising Children Network, reports that "Children with a warm, loving relationship with their grandparents are more likely to be resilient, have higher self-esteem and cope better with the challenges of life."</p> <p>Grandchildren report that their grandparents provide a link to the past; they are role models, nurturers, listeners and a support network in times of family disharmony.</p> <p>While grandparents report an increased sense of wellbeing, feelings of being part of a family and broader society and an improved social life through their connections with their grandchildren. Grandparents also play an important role in helping parents to manage stress associated with juggling work and family commitments.</p> <p>Increased involvement in the lives of their grandchildren comes with the expectation that grandparents will maintain a relationship that is consistent with the parenting practices of their adult children. But this can be challenging for some grandparents.</p> <p>A recent study in the Journal of Family Studies found that many grandparents felt they were constantly negotiating between 'being there' for their grandchildren and 'interfering' by offering advice where it wasn't requested or overstepping the mark when it came to parental authority.</p> <p>Dr Tania Trapolini, a clinical psychologist at the Children's Psychology Clinic, explains that children thrive on consistency and consistency between parents and other care givers is crucial to their development. "Children learn about the world and how to relate to those around them through their everyday interactions with their parents and other important caregivers, such as grandparents. Consistency in interactions and parenting practices helps them to feel a sense of security and stability because they understand what is expected of them and know how their needs, including boundaries and their need for comfort when they are upset, will be met."</p> <p>Dr Trapolini added that behavioural problems could result from a lack of consistency "Mixed messages can be confusing for children. Inconsistency contributes to challenging behaviours in children as they will 'try things on' with different carers and push boundaries because they don't know what the outcomes might be."</p> <p>Dr Trapolini acknowledges that it is not always easy to communicate about parenting "It can be difficult for adult children to confront their own parents or in-laws about feeling undermined or invalidated because there can be tricky dynamics at play that can be triggering for some individuals."</p> <p>She recommends that parents take a collaborative approach:  "Involve grandparents and brainstorm with them about how to manage certain behaviours. Maintain open communication about the parenting practices that are really important to you and what behaviours you might be working on and how."</p> <p>"Consistency is not only important for children, it ultimately helps the whole family. It helps parents to feel respected, empowered and validated in their parenting decisions and practices and if a collaborative approach is taken, grandparents can feel involved and valued."</p> <p>Dr Green recommends that grandparents give their adult children time to develop their own parenting style and to realise that parents and grandparents are both constantly learning how to fulfil their roles as carers and that there is no one size fits all when in comes to parenting.</p> <p>"Adult children may parent in a similar way to their parents or very differently and it is important for grandparents to give their own children space to develop their own parenting style and gain confidence," she said.</p> <p>Dr Green believes that it is helpful for grandparents to give thought to what sort of grandparents they want to be and to communicate this from the outset. "It helps to be open and clear about how much you want to do as a grandparent. This helps everyone involved to understand where the boundaries are."</p> <p>She also believes that it takes time and "some trial and error" to learn about giving help and advice to adult children. She also recommends compliments, "If you think your children are doing a good job, let them know. It builds confidence and opens up a conversation."</p> <p>Dr Green also hopes that grandparents view the time they share with their grandchildren as much more than child care. “It is a chance for grandparents to have input into their grandchild's development; a chance to have one on one time to tell stories and do enjoyable things together that adds to a child's healthy development."</p> <p>Written by Sussana Smith. Appeared on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">Stuff.co.nz</a></span></strong>. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/life-lessons-from-grandparents/">Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/quotes-about-siblings/">9 heart-warming quotes about siblings</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/role-of-grandparents/">The 10 “types” of grandparents</a></span></strong></em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Easy yoga moves you can do at home for health and vitality

<p>If you’ve been keen to dip your toe into the world of yoga but haven’t known where to start, we’ve got the guide for you! These easy, at-home yoga postures are ideal for any skill level (even completely beginners!) and have a multitude of health and wellness benefits. Practicing daily or a couple of times a week can have a profoundly positive impact on your energy levels and sense of contentment and calm. So what are you waiting for? Dive in today!</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Comfortable and loose-fitting clothes</li> <li>A yoga mat (if you have one) or otherwise a non-slip surface will do</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Exercises:</span></strong></p> <p><strong>1. Tree pose:</strong> To elongate your body and calm a racing mind.</p> <ul> <li>Stand comfortably with feet hip-width apart, weight distributed evenly.</li> <li>Shift weight to your left foot and bring the sole of your right foot as high up your left leg as you can, forming a “triangle” shape.</li> <li>Bring your hands together in front of you, as if in prayer, and hold the posture for 30 seconds before switching sides.</li> </ul> <p><strong>2. Warrior 1 pose:</strong> Tostrengthen your upper body and open up your chest.</p> <ul> <li>Stand comfortably with your feet hip-width apart.</li> <li>Focusing your weight and attention on your right foot and keeping it still with toes pointing forward, bend your right knee deeply.</li> <li>Place your left foot about a metre behind you, toes turned outwards, away from the body.</li> <li>Raise both arms above your head so that palms are touching and look upwards towards them.</li> <li>Take three deep breaths then return to standing.</li> <li>Repeat five to 10 times.</li> </ul> <p><strong>3. Half chair pose:</strong> To strengthen your thighs.</p> <ul> <li>Stand about 30cm away from a supportive and sturdy wall.</li> <li>Push your bottom back so that it makes contact and rests against the wall, like you’re “sitting” on it.</li> <li>Raise your arms forward and over your head so that you can see them, palms facing inwards.</li> <li>Gently bend your knees into a comfortable squat position.</li> <li>Breathe deeply and try to hold for 10 to 20 seconds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>4. Mountain pose:</strong> To correct your posture and stand tall.</p> <ul> <li>Stand comfortably with the bases of your big toes touching and your heels slightly apart.</li> <li>Place your hands by your sides, palms facing outwards.</li> <li>Breathe deeply and raise your arms up towards each other and over your head.</li> <li>Look upwards at your hands, elongating your neck and breathing deeply.</li> <li>Hold for 30 seconds.</li> </ul>

Mind

Our Partners