How wonderful that we are nearly out of lockdown and have been assured that we won’t go into another one! Vaccination has been the key to freedom and we do it not only for our own protection but for the protection of those family and friends we are looking forward to getting back together with.

LACVI have released a COVID-19 Policy to all Clubs. As members, I’m sure you will all embrace the requirements which are based on Victorian Government mandates. Our convenors are all working hard to return activities to their pre-pandemic levels and will be counting on your support.

Some Clubs have weathered the lockdowns better than others, now is the time to consider what you can do to help your Club survive and thrive. Put your hand up to go on the Committee or consider an activity that you could convene, either on your own or share the task with another member.

The topics covered in this issue of Life News Magazine are topical. Keeping ourselves safe in this digital world is an essential skill. The acceleration of scams taking advantage of our new way of doing things has been stunning in its magnitude. Keep alert, don’t just click on messages and links without giving them thought and asking yourselves the question ‘is this right’?

We also have several terrific articles dealing with looking after our mental health. During COVID lockdowns that aspect of our health has been more evident even to the most ‘together’ people.

Have a wonderful summer of social interaction at your Club:
Life’s better together!

Help the Board with a project

If you have a bit of time but don’t want to commit to a Board position, use those skills you’ve developed over a lifetime by volunteering to be on a subcommittee to help us with one of our many projects. Skills in:

• Social media
• Investigating set-up of a ‘Virtual Life Activities Club’
• Reviewing and updating current documents
• Marketing
• Finding corporate partnerships
• Being an ambassador for LAMP

These are just a few of our planned projects for the next 12 months but realistically a very small volunteer Board and one part time staff member cannot achieve all this on their own. If you can help, please email Deb on office@life.org.au or Sue at secretary@life.org.au and state what skills you’d like to offer.

General Board Member

Life Activities Clubs Victoria Inc. (LACVI) is seeking committed and passionate individuals to join its Board. Skills in: Social Media; Marketing; Human Resources; Corporate Partnerships; Government Relations; Strategy; and Risk & Governance have been identified as areas to complement the current Board skillset and will be highly regarded.

Role: General Board Member. The Board may allocate specific project oversight or alignment to a pillar of the strategic plan to board members, to recognise any special skills a person brings to the Board.

Payment: Nil - honorary role Period of Appointment: the period is up until the August 2022 AGM, where members may then be re-elected.

Current Board Size: 4 - with provision in the constitution for up to 11.

Board Meetings: Are held on week-days every 6-8 weeks (minimum of 6-8 per year), the location currently varies between the LACVI office at 50 Queen St in Melbourne and/or online via Zoom.

Member Club Council Meetings (frequency): Once per quarter.

AGM: Once a year.

Further information and application form can be found in the news section of our webiste www.revolutionise.com.au/lacvi/news/

Seniors Rights Victoria has an important series of videos, available for viewing on its website www.seniorsrights.org.au/resources-education/videos/

If something were to happen to you that affected your decision-making capacity would those close to you know what to do? If not, then decisions could be made on your behalf that don’t align with your wishes. The best way to avoid this is to plan ahead, but planning is often neglected because people find it too difficult to have the necessary conversations.

Since 2018 Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) and Dementia Australia (DA) have worked in partnership to share information to support people to plan ahead and protect their rights and wishes, as part of a project funded by the Victorian Government’s Integrated Services Fund.

SRV worked with the team at 7Dimensions to create a series of informative videos.

• Why plan for the future?
The importance of planning ahead.

• Having conversations
Find ways to have this difficult conversation and keep a clear record.

• Capacity to make decisions
What it means to have the capacity to make decisions and how the law can ensure you get to make decisions for yourself when you can.

• What decisions can my attorney make?
The decisions your appointed attorney can make and your rights if you are unhappy with the decisions.

• Obligations of an attorney
Some of the key things people need to know before agreeing to be appointed as power of attorney.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact info@seniorsrights.org.au or call 1300 368 821.

As we get older, life can present new and extra challenges – from retirement and lifestyle changes to reduced mobility or independence, or the grief of losing people we care about. Add a once-in-100-years pandemic into the mix and it is no wonder many older people are finding these times difficult.

As we mark World Mental Health Day in October, it is timely to share some practical tips and resources that might help you, your family and friends look after your mental health and wellbeing.

1. Take care of your physical health
A healthy lifestyle boosts both your physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep all help your body and mind. Learning to prepare simple and healthy dishes at home can be rewarding, nutritious and fun, particularly as we spend more time at home during the pandemic. Exercise can take many forms as well. Going for walks and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine is an activity I look forward to every day. Exercising with a friend or in a group, virtually or in person, is also a great way to stay active.

2. Stay connected with family and friends
Many older people are finding it difficult to stay connected during the pandemic, which can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation. Connecting with others can be wonderful for your overall wellbeing. Socialising outdoors at a park or on a walk is a great way to catch up as the weather gets warmer. It’s also a good time to connect with your neighbours and your community. If you are unable to see friends and family in person, try talking on the phone, video or online. Sharing your feelings with others can be hard to do, but it can be really helpful to talk to someone – and to be an open ear for the people you love, too.

3. Focus on enjoyable and relaxing activities
Make time for the things you enjoy that make you feel good. Activities like exercising, meditating, reading, gardening, playing or listening to music are all positive ways to de-stress and relax. I’ve been enjoying podcasts lately as well as listening to e-books when I am doing my daily walk. There are a range of groups out there that give you the chance to connect with others and try something new. Check out your local council website for what’s available in your area.

4. Give back and get involved
While there are some things we can’t do right now, there are many ways you can give back to others and plan for the future. Get in touch with members of your Life Activities Club and start planning how you might safely re-start activities when we can. Find out about local volunteering options in your community, sign up for a course or consider joining a local community group.

5. Help is available
It’s OK to not be OK and support is available. Here are some helpful phone numbers if you would like to talk to someone:
• Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
• Call Friendline at 1800 424 287
If you need crisis support, please call Lifeline at 13 11 14.

By Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians

The Victorian Seniors Festival is back with a diverse range of entertainment to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. The 2021 Festival program includes performances and conversations featuring a remarkable range of Victorian and Australian performers, creators, makers and thinkers.

Musical performances are presented by Festival newcomer David Arden, performing original songs from his latest release ‘Red Desert Man’, the Djoliba Rattler Quartet, Sarah Carrol, Bush Gothic and more.

Ross Skiffington and Sam Angelico invite you on a walk down memory lane when they perform magic acts from their days at the Last Laugh Comedy Club in Melbourne.

The In Conversation series focuses on cross-generational collaborations. In ‘A recipe for a good life’ Elizabeth Chong, well-known celebrity chef and her granddaughter Teresa Duddy, award-winning soprano, chat about the ups and downs of their careers and lives.

The inaugural Festival podcast series ‘Women, Arts and Activism’ reveals historical events that left lasting impressions on women from around the world who now live in Australia.

Radio content this year includes Lux Radio Theatre presenting Fergus Hume’s Victorian classic ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab’ and Sandy Greenwood’s powerful and award-winning play ‘The Matriarch’.

People living in regional areas can join in live events like croquet or Tai Chi in their local area, and everyone can get involved online with chair yoga, crafts, virtual discussions and forums.

To explore what’s on visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival

Dealing with and blocking mobile phone text messages from bogus sources, generally purporting to be about delivery of orders, jobs, etc

Received a weird text from an unknown number about a package delivery or about a job description? Always be cautious about unknown numbers like this, as text message scams have progressively become more creative, mimicking alerts from reputable sources.

This is a relatively new scam called the “Flubot”, and if anyone were to click on the link sent in the message, they will be directed to a second page that asks them to download a specific app to “track their parcel”. By doing so, scammers will immediately have access to your financial information and passwords.

Scammers are smart to pivot their tactics depending on what has been happening in the nation - in this case, they have been taking advantage of Covid-19 and alter their messages to impersonate delivery orders. Statistics have also reported that nearly one in ten fraud attempts in 2020 was related to package deliveries.

Do not panic if you have accidentally logged into any apps or accounts - change all of your old passwords to prevent scammers from having access to your accounts. It is common for one to use the same password for several accounts, and if this is the case, you will also need to change those passwords.

If you have just mistakenly downloaded any apps sent in the text message, do not enter any passwords when prompted and immediately contact an IT professional if possible.

You can also contact your bank to ensure that no one else has been trying to use your account details and ask them to contact you if there are any suspicious transactions made.

If you have noticed bogus messages coming from random mobile numbers, you can block those numbers via the following steps (just be aware that they are likely to change their number next time they try and contact you):

Also, text messages from mobile numbers saying Voicemail received but containing very obvious spelling errors and asking the recipient to click on a link to receive the message.

As you get smarter, so too do scammers! They have moved on from just trying to call you and talk you into a scam, now they’re sending messages in order to try and steal your data and money.

Some of the biggest ones at the moment relate to voicemail and COVID vaccines.

You will have an official way to check your voicemail. This can be by getting a text sent to you automatically through a voicemail system, or by dialling your voicemail number, and listening to your voicemails.

If you are being sent automated transcribed messages, then it will contain the computer translated version of a voice message left by the caller. In this case, it is unlikely to be a scammer, as they will not leave a message if they call.

You can also receive messages telling you to check your voicemail. You will never have to tap on a link or call a special number (other than your designated voicemail retrieval number eg. 321) in order to receive your voicemail.

Be on the watch out for spelling mistakes in these messages. The only number to call to get into your voicemail is 101 or 321 (depending on your carrier). If this is not setup, or you are not sure how to set it up, call your telephone company and they can help support you in getting it set up and accessing it.

If a link is sent through as a part of any message do not ever click on it. Instead, if you think it is relevant to you, google the keywords to find the official link relating to the topic. This includes COVID vaccines, flu vaccines, company deals, and sales just to name a few.

By Daisy Coppa-Szitarity & Nicole Lee from ReadyTechGo

10 irresistible reasons to walk more

1. Ten minutes is all it takes...
Walking for ten minutes three times per day is as beneficial as walking for 30 minutes in one go.

Tip: A healthy adult easily covers 4.8km/hr - or 800 metres in ten minutes (considered ‘brisk’ here). But if you’re a fast walker you can cover close to 6.5km/hr (1.1km in ten minutes).

2. You’ll live longer (and be wealthier)
When it comes to health and finances we might all benefit from making lighter lifestyle changes that are more sustainable in the long run.

Fact: People who walk regularly have a much lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, arthritis, depression, anxiety and insomnia, and premature death from all causes.

www.victoriawalks.org.au/10reasonstowalk/
Various themed walk lists: www.victoriawalks.org.au/walksnearme/

Older adults, those aged 60 or above, make important contributions to society as family members, volunteers and as active participants in the workforce. Mental health problems are common among seniors and may include isolation, affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, and psychosis, among others. Many seniors also experience sleep and behavioural disorders, cognitive deterioration or confusion states as a result of physical disorders or surgical interventions. Unfortunately, there is still stigma attached to mental health issues in older adults.

It is thought that between 10 and 15 per cent of people in Australia over the age of 65 experience depression.

However, there is no evidence that ageing itself is a risk factor for depression later in life. Depression can reduce a person’s quality of life and their relationships with friends and family. Severe depression is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts. Among males, the highest suicide rate in the population is among those aged 85 and older.

Mental Health Foundation Australia is committed to creating widespread awareness about mental wellbeing in all sectors of the community. The Foundation recognises the unique challenges seniors face to maintain their mental wellbeing. To spotlight the challenges and discuss ways in which mental health services can step up to serve seniors, the Foundation is organising a Seniors Mental Health Forum on the 30th of October 2021 between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm, virtually via zoom. Registration is free via https://mhfa.org.au/cms/seniors-mental-health-forum

For enquiries and support, please ring our Multicultural Mind Hotline on 1300 643 287

Your Natter Matters: Ask R U OK?

R U OK? have launched a campaign to connect senior Australians through the gift of conversation. “Your Natter Matters” calls on Australians aged over 65 to use their experience to support each other through life’s ups and downs and is backed by the Stockland CARE Foundation.

R U OK? commissioned market research1 has found 82% of the population is aware of R U OK? however, recognition is lower among people aged 65 and older (71%). Only 3% of Senior Australians who are aware of R U OK? are very confident they can recognise the signs someone is struggling and have a conversation.

“Improving the mental wellbeing of older people and helping them to retain their independence can benefit families, communities and society as a whole. Helping those at risk of poor mental wellbeing or losing their independence may also reduce, delay or avoid their use of health and social services,” said R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton.

“R U OK? want to empower our Seniors to reach out to one another and give the gift of conversation. A meaningful ‘natter’ can positively impact feelings of self-worth and self-esteem and make a big difference to someone who might be struggling with life.”

The campaign taps into the power of connecting through conversation. Printed and digital resources have been developed with the support and guidance of seniors, advocates, researchers, and those working with older Australians.

“The campaign recognises the breadth of life experience older adults can draw on to support those around them who might be struggling. Seniors might be reluctant to reach out so it’s important their peers know when and how to start a conversation that could change a life.” Kirrily Lord - General Manager, Retirement Living Operations.

The campaign resources include a new conversation guide which will empower you with the tools and confidence to reach out to your peers and have an R U OK? conversation.

A simple chat can mean everything to a friend or loved one who might be struggling. Download the free resources from ruok.org.au because your natter matters.

Pull up an armchair and travel with me! My name is Heather Wheat and I have been associated with Life Activities Clubs for 20 years, a number of those years were spent on the LACVI Board.

Over the last 5 years however my husband and I have had a wonderfully rewarding time packing in loads of travel across much of Australia, from fossils and fossicking to trekking the desert with camels: Australia is our favourite country to explore.

But we’ve also travelled to some more exotic places such as Far East Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Old Silk Road, the frozen spaces of the Arctic and Antarctic, the not so exotic but glorious Scotland and Ireland, and we’ve even climbed a volcano or two in the Pacific. I have learnt so much!

Like Mike Brasher, I love to share my travel experiences and have amassed a large collection of images which I have turned into slide shows.  

Many of these I have presented to LAC, Probus, National Seniors and Church groups.  

It gives me a lot of pleasure being able to relive some wonderful adventures through photos so I would be very happy to visit your Club to share my impressions and give you a snap shot of our travels.

Contact me Heather Wheat on hwheat3@gmail.com or 0414469979.