Health & Wellness

'Let's come together Queensland!' is the theme of this year's Senior's Week, which promises to celebrate a Queensland for all ages.

The week organised by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland since 1960 and now by COTA on behalf of the Queensland Government, will run from 19-27 August 2017, and provides the opportunity for older Queenslanders to explore programs and services, events and activities, and to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. The week also provides the opportunity to celebrate the many contributions older people make in their communities.

Both COTA Queensland and the State Government value the contribution older people have made – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents or advocates.

The aim of Seniors Week is to:

• improve community attitudes toward older people and ageing
• facilitate community participation including those from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• enhance community connection and intergenerational relationships

"Seniors Week is a time for all Queenslanders to acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions seniors make in their communities. Whether as volunteers or in the workforce, seniors utilize their experiences and knowledge as carers, grandparents and community leaders", COTA Queensland Mark Tucker-Evans said.

"For some living in rural and remote communities, Seniors Week is the one time of year they get to connect with long lost friends.

"For others, Seniors Week is a way to assist in combating social isolation through the discovery of programs and activities, creation of new friendships and in remaining an active member of society."

"We appreciate that Seniors Week can only be a success through the hard work and efforts of people and organisations throughout the state. We are looking forward to working with everyone" said Mark.

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 65 in Australia live alone
• Seniors Week is a way to assist in combating social isolation
• Seniors Week brings Queenslanders of all ages together
• It's the largest week long seniors' celebration in Queensland
• You don't have to be old to attend
• You don't have to be young to have funThere are some really fun events including music and dancing, trivia competitions, art and road shows , storytelling and art exhibitions. Don't miss out. Start planning to attend an event here.

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently and age in their home. Right at Home Australia is your local expert for issues related to caring for your elderly loved ones, and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care.

Right at Home is a My Aged Care government approved home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home services such as nursing, post- operative care, respite care, assistance with daily living such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoying a vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

Wishing all of our clients, their families, our staff and care team a Happy Australia Day. 

Right at Home Australia is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved one and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. Right at Home offers in-home care and assistance so your loved one can continue living independently and enjoying a vibrant life. Our caregivers are screened, trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

This week my son was asked to read a poem at his school's Anzac ceremony. It is so beautiful I had to share it with our community:

Sir by Damian (Dib) Morgan 1998*

Sir - would it help if I shed a tear

I swear it's the first time since this time last year

My spine is a tingle - my throat is all dry

As I stand to attention for all those who died

I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole

That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul

I feel the pride and the sorrow - there's nothing the same

As standing to attention on ANZAC Day

So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free

Will you take a message when you finally do leave

To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme

The legend of your bravery will always live on

I've welcomed Olympians back to our shore

I've cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score

But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade

I know these are the memories that never will fade

So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free

Will you take a message when you finally do leave

It's the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt

We'll always remember you - Lest We Forget

*Dib Morgan is a young Queenslander from Condamine on the western Darling Downs. Sir is a vote of thanks to the men and women who have fought to defend the freedom that this country enjoys. Dib is determined to play his part in helping to preserve the ANZAC Spirit.

Don't miss out on attending your own Anzac event. Below is some information on where to head to for Anzac day ceremonies.

Brisbane Queensland:

• Further parade details and marching information can be found at RSL South Eastern District
• Brisbane Anzac Day dawn service details can be found through the Brisbane City Council
• Translink are urging the public to plan their journey ahead of time with the journey planner

St George/Padstow NSW:

• Further parade details and marching information can be found at RSL NSW

• Transport for NSW have information for the public to plan their journey ahead of time with the journey planner

Right at Home Australia is your local expert for emotional, physical and financial issues related to caring for your loved one at home and we're dedicated to keeping you informed. Right at Home Australia offers in home aged care (companionship and personal), Alzheimer's and dementia care, disability care, nursing and post-operative care, helping to maintain a healthy fulfilling lifestyle for your loved ones so they can continue living independently and enjoying a vibrant life.

This week, in celebration of International Women's Day, the Queensland Government have organised a week of events to highlight womens' contribution to our community.  Visit http://www.queenslandwomensweek.com.au/events/ to find out more and get involved.