www.peakystriders.org.au

May 13 – Mothers’ Day by Elizabeth Whitcombe We woke to strong wind and predicted rain but had a wonderful walk under cloudy skies. Very friendly walkers, lots of freebies at the end and no rain until we were heading back to the station. We would love to see more Peakies participate....it is not a race and is not challenging....very similar to the Riverwood walk but much more scenic....past St Mary's Cathedral and the Art Gallery then around Mrs Macquarie Chair. Join us next year. It really is lots of fun as well as it being all about raising awareness of breast cancer and raising funds for cancer research.

Lynne B, Denice B, Elizabeth W & Anne W Along the way

In amongst it

May 19 – Mystery Walk No 2

The second mystery walk at Riverwood covered some old ground some new, traversing lots of green space along the Salt Pan Creek walking track as well as parks/streetscapes around suburbia. It was relatively flat with scenic variety on a brisk but sunny morning. Half pace enjoyed a meander over the lake to the round gazebo and stopped for a photo opportunity. Full pace followed their map but were not too far behind half pace at the end. The walk received the thumbs up with lots of chatter over brekkie at Café Roman on how enjoyable it was. We were most impressed with the fast service and great food/refreshments, all in all, another great success for our walks coordinator Carol H.

June 2018

May 20 – Biggest morning tea by Elizabeth W. (A High Tea to support the work of the Cancer Council)

Post Royal Wedding Party - 15 Peakies plus Robyn's mum Betty, delicious sweet and savoury food, bubbly,

tea, trivia and reflection on the Royal Wedding, a couple of guessing games and a cosy location made for a very enjoyable social function. Not only did we enjoy the socializing, but thanks to the generosity of those attending as well as those who donated at walking, we raised $326.30 for the Cancer Council and their research.

Demolishing the Feast

May 27 – Photographic exhibition

St George on a Sunday: Eight Peakies experienced a delightful afternoon at the official opening of this

exhibition. There was an amazing array of activities beautifully photographed by talented students from the St George School of Fine Arts. Our student Deirdre did us proud with her work. Display about Peaky Striders

Group photo taken in front of display by Mayor Kevin Greene

Refreshments

Soft and Hard

As with most official do’s there were a few speeches (mostly brief), entertainment by members of a Scottish dance group (participants in the Exhibition, not so brief!) and refreshments by way of nibbles and champagne/wine. A very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Then our Peaky group who is not known for saying no to a coffee adjourned and finished the day with more chatter and lots of laughs as usual.

Book review by Lyn Morriss

At the airport on my way to Melbourne, I saw a title that interested me, “Brain Rules for Ageing Well” by John Medina. As I had just had major birthday milestone, I purchased the book to read on the aeroplane. I thought I had a good grasp on what John Medina had to say and on the whole there were many things I did know; however there were also some surprises.

John’s book has 10 chapters with 10 main rules and a summary of a couple of paragraphs at the end of each chapter… so what are the 10 rules? 1) Be a friend to others and let others be a friend to you. This rule includes keeping in touch with people of all ages and learn to dance! Any type of dancing seems to work with assisting in brain power and minimising anxiety and depression. 2) Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. This chapter is a bit depressing – it covers what happens when we age in our brains. And it is worse for women. The latest research seems to indicate that Estrogen assists in keeping dementia at bay. Give me my HRT! 3) Mindfulness not only improves but soothes. Mindfulness is concentrating on the things as at the present. Mindfulness can reduce stress and boost cognition. One suggested way is at the end of the day to write three things that you are grateful for and

why. This list is to be read first thing on the next day. 4) Remember it is not too late to learn or to teach. Good news is that vocabulary increases with age. The bad news

other types of memory changes for the worse. Bilingual people perform better cognitively than monolingual people and productive learning produced a higher cognitive score than other types of learning. Productive learning is where you learn another demanding skill such as digital photography. So who wants to learn about Facebook and Instagram? The other recommendation is to mingle and argue with people who have different opinions to you. This increases your brain power.

5) Train your brain with video games. Processing speed decreases with age as does the ability to switch tasks. Use

computer games such as Neuro racer. 6) Look for 10 signs before asking “Do I have Alzheimer’s?” The interesting part of this chapter was that there is a

theory you can predict who is more likely to get Alzheimer’s in your twenties by analysing your writing ability. The higher linguistic density (ideas per sentence) indicates less chance of developing Alzheimer’s. This leads to the theory that Alzheimer’s begins at a very early age. Read this chapter for the 10 signs!

7) MIND your meals and get moving. This chapter recommends the MIND or Mediterranean diet that improves

memory and minimises risk of Alzheimer’s and suggests calorific restriction. And to do exercise as cognitive ability improves no matter what your age.

8) For clear thinking get enough (but not too much) sleep. Another slightly depressing chapter as the ability to

sleep becomes fragmented with age and thus affects cognitive ability. The recommendation in this chapter is to acquire good sleeping habits such as no nicotine, caffeine or alcohol 6 hours before sleep and no blue lights (no technology in the bedroom).

9) You can’t live forever, at least not yet. Not much in this chapter, just saying ageing is a natural process and

genes are responsible for 25-33% variance of life expectancy. 10) Never retire and be sure to reminisce. In our sixties certain memories from our past bubbles to the surface. This

chapter recommends setting aside a room with things (e.g. books, records, photos) from our late teens or twenties and set aside time to reminisce. This immersion assists the brains cognitive ability.

This book is easy to read and has examples and stories. Overall a positive book with summary at the end of each chapter of tips and tricks. Peaky Striders do a lot of what is in this book, and everything helps. Anyone wanting to borrow this book from me is welcome.

So what have I learnt from this book…Well, I’m doing some of the things that is recommended but I need to step up. So, Italian anyone (the language that is)? Lyn Morriss.

More tips on ageing well…. Following on from Lyn’s book review and more particularly rule 4, Maureen has suggested members might be interested in knowing that seniors are well catered for in the learning stakes. Sydney University of the Third Age (Sydney U3A) offers hundreds of intellectually stimulating courses throughout Sydney. The Third Age is the best time of your life! Our First Age is childhood.

Our Second Age is the mid part of our lives, with the responsibilities of career and family.

Our Third Age is a time when we are free to explore, learn, and share knowledge, and it’s the best time of our lives.

Sydney U3A has seven regions and members can attend courses in any region, not just their local region but bookings are essential. These courses are a wonderful way to acquire new knowledge and skills in an informal, friendly atmosphere. There are no prerequisites, and no exams. Whatever your interests, there is a course for you. A booklet with details of all courses and activities is available on line, and it is also posted to members twice a year for January-June and July-December. New subscriptions are $70 and then $60 annually but you may attend any of the courses. Check out https://sydneyu3a.org/ for further information. The Wesley Mission also has a School for Seniors with approximately 90 courses being offered that cover a diverse range of learning experiences, with different levels of learning. This is located in Pitt Street so it is easy to get there by public transport. It costs $60 per term but you can do up to 5 courses for that price. The next term starts on July 6 so check out https://www.wesleymission.org.au/about-us/.../seniors.../wesley-school-for-seniors/

No need to worry about being bored in retirement. One wonders how we ever found time to go to work!

The University of NSW and Neuroscience Research Australia are seeking volunteers to participate in a 12-month research study into the effectiveness of cognitive training or a combination of cognitive and motor training to reduce the incidence of falls in older people. You can help in this research if you live in Sydney, are 65 years of age or older, are independent in activities of daily living and have no neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia.

The research study is investigating whether cognitive-only training or cognitive-motor training can – 1) reduce the incidence of falls in older people 2) improve concentration, attention and brain function 3) improve balance and physical function. It is being funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Possible benefits to participation: The research team hope that the training intervention in this study will produce improvements in physical function (better balance, gait and mobility), brain function (thinking and memory abilities) and reduce the risk of falling. If you wish to learn more talk to Maureen or check out the link https://www.neura.edu.au/clinical-trial/smartstep/ and possibly join in the study. This seems to be a worthwhile project and some Peakys are participating. This month’s Bush Telegraph also has information on what to do in an emergency regarding falls.

study

On the clipboard June 30 – Gold Coast Marathon www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au Registration $65 closing June 29. July 15 – Festival of the Feet: www.westiesjoggers.com Register online for 21.1, 14, 7 or 3km July 22 – Sutherland2Surf: www.sutherland2surf.com.au (50% subsidy) Early bird registration up to July 4 – Seniors (60+) $33 Adult $48

July 29 – Sydney Harbour 10: www.sydneyharbour10k.com.au Early bird registration up to June 20, Adult $55 - from June 21 to July 27, $65 - on the day $70 August 12 – City2Surf: www.city2surf Registration May 30-July 24, $77: July 25-August 11, $87 (all + credit card fees). September 14-17: Adelaide www.city-bay.org.au (50% subsidy) Early bird registration closes July 31 Adult $50, Concession $45

FAQs With a few new members amongst our midst, it is opportune to remind all members to chat and make them feel welcome during our walks. Taken from the welcome kit prepared by Di, here are a few of the FAQ’s also listed on our website www.peakystriders.org.au – Getting to know fellow members We all started out wondering how we would get to know the members and remembering their names so we know it can be confusing. We won’t be offended if you need to ask our name a couple of times. Feel free to have a chat with any member. We like to meet new people. How do I get in touch with other members? Members’ contact details are shared via the member contact list. This is issued periodically via email or handed out at walking. Only members who have agreed to be included on the contact list are included. Does the club have social events? Each quarter there is a Peaky social event organised. The events are open to members, their partners and friends. Look out for the date in the quarterly program. Information is provided to members via the newsletter, email and notices/flyers which are displayed on the table near the sign-on sheet.

Next Social walk – June 11 Narrabeen Lagoon Trail: Completed in February 2015, this trail has become a very popular weekend escape for walkers, joggers, cyclists and families. Google: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au Narrabeen Lagoon Trail We will train from Mortdale Station at approx 8am and bus to Narrabeen, then do a short walk along the very scenic shore of the lagoon stopping for morning tea (bring your own). Those who wish to, can then continue to walk the rest of the trail around the lagoon (8kms max, flat walk). After the walk we will meet for lunch at The Boatshed before returning by bus and train to Mortdale (or beyond). If you don't want to lunch at The Boatshed, there are many picnic spots nearby. Google: theboatshedcafe.com.au Timetables and list for names will be on the sign in table at the Masos.

Anyone interested? – Sat June 23, 5 Lands Walk Check out www.5landswalk.com.au - MacMasters Beach to Terrigal Beach – and talk to/join Elizabeth Whitcombe in doing this wonderful, free, community event which she did about 7 years ago.

Save the date Oktoberfest – Saturday September 29 Peaky Christmas Party – Saturday December 1

The Bush Telegraph

Beware falls! Last month saw a lot of fall related injuries so extra care needs to be taken using bright

torches/flashing lights on all walks. However should another emergency arise, it would be

helpful to have the emergency app on your phone at the ready. The November 2017

newsletter had an item from Maureen which we thought at the time was a valuable tip

for members. This is now being repeated as you never know when it could come in handy.

Save this app on your phone, just in case you need it. The Emergency+ app is free, available on Google’s Play Store for users of Android devices; and on Apple’s App Store for iPhone or iPad users. Go to this link for easy access to both stores – www.emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au The app not only establishes your precise location, but also shows the position on a map,

and provides links to Triple Zero, state emergency services and police. Hopefully you will

never need to use this, but when the app is on your phone you simply click it and then hit

whichever service is applicable - 000, SES or Police. Very handy when time is of the essence and you aren’t aware of

your exact location, e.g. open space areas like beaches, parks, long stretches of roads or simply confused and

unfamiliar with your surroundings.

Bloopers – Part 3 (courtesy Margaret)

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10am. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement Friday at 7pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Claim a CTP green slip refund The NSW Government has reformed the compulsory third party (CTP) insurance scheme and if you were the registered owner of a private vehicle as at midnight November 30, 2017 you may be able to claim a refund but you must do so prior to September 30, 2018. This can be done online between 5pm and 8am Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday. The refund amount (calculated on a pro rata basis) varies depending on when the policy was purchased, the type of vehicle, and where you are located. Maureen tried to claim online unsuccessfully so telephoned 13 77 88 (the help line) and it was done within a couple of minutes! She said ‘you will need to know your name and date of birth (this is a good Alzheimer’s test),

who you have your policy with (name only), licence plate, address and bank details’. It might be worth the effort as between Ray and Maureen they received $180 back!!

Zucchini slice from Diane (a winner on Saturday 12/05) Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 35 mins; Serves 6 Ingredients: 2 zucchini, coarsely grated; 1 onion, finely chopped; 100g thinly sliced leg ham (I added about 180g bacon chopped instead as it gives more flavour); 1 cup (150g) self-raising flour; 6 eggs beaten; salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 cup (80g) cheddar cheese (adding parmesan cheese is also nice)

Brain Teaser Answers 54 C in a D (with J’s): Cards in a deck (with jokers) 9 P in the S S: Planets in the solar system 90 D in a R A: Degrees in a right angle 64 S on a C B: Squares on a chess board 3 S to a T: Sides to a triangle 1001 A N: Arabian Nights

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Grease a 2 litre square or rectangular ovenproof dish. Place zucchini, onion, ham,

flour and eggs in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Pour mixture into the dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Bake for 35-40 mins until slice is light golden and set. 3. Cut into slices and serve hot or cold. Words of wisdom from Jean –

Tasks that make life worthwhile

1. Take time to dream: It hitches your soul to the stars. 2. Take time to work: It is the price of success. 3. Take time to think: It is the source of power. 4. Take time to play: It is the secret of youth. 5. Take time to read: It is the foundation of knowledge. 6. Take time to worship: It is the highway of reverence

and washes the dust of earth from your eyes. 7. Take time to laugh: It helps with life’s looks. 8. Take time for health: It is the true treasure of life. 9. Take time for friends: They are the source of happiness. 10. Take time to love: It is the source of joy.

The Tomato Garden An old gentleman lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like the old days. Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Papa, Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried. Love, Vinnie

At 4 am the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Papa, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances. Love you, Vinnie

END