Home & Lifestyle Winter 2022

Central Coast Retirement Lifest yle

Keep your brain active to keep it healthy Have you ever wondered if you are doing enough to keep your brain healthy and in shape? Scientists have found that challenging the brain with new activities helps to build new brain cells and strengthen connections between them. This helps to give the brain more 'reserve' or 'back up' so that it can cope better and keep working properly if any brain cells are damaged or die. Mental exercise may also protect against accumulation of damaging proteins in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. As we grow older we tend to prefer doing the things we've always done, tasks that we are familiar with - and that's understandable - but the brain benefits by having to tackle something it doesn't know. It could be learning a new language, taking up a new sport, doing a course in something you've always wanted to do - anything really, as long as it's learning something new. Challenge yourself often and keep learning new things throughout life. Higher levels of mental activity throughout life are consistently associated with better brain function and reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Importantly for older or retired people, increased complex mental activity in later life is associated with a lower dementia risk, which is good news for those who are able to work beyond retirement age. Most of us are social beings and usually prefer the company of others rather than existing in isolation. It's always much more fun doing things with other people, to share experiences like going to the movies or a concert, take off on a trip somewhere or discover a new restaurant. To help look after your brain health it's important to be social with people whose company you enjoy and in ways that interest you. Social engagement has been found to have benefits for other health factors related to cognitive functioning, such as vascular condition and depression. It is mentally stimulating and may contribute to building brain reserve which then contributes to a lower dementia risk. Research suggests that social activities that involve mental activity and physical activity such as dancing and team sports for example, provide even greater benefit for brain health and reducing the risk of dementia. Depressionmay be also associatedwith a higher risk of developing dementia. Evidence is emerging about the physical effects that depression can have on the brain. It is clearly vital to identify and treat depression. Preventing new episodes of depression may be useful to brain health. Effective treatment is available, so you should never hesitate to consult a health professional for advice. Feel like a chat ? Call the National Dementia Help line on 1800 100 500 for questions, information and advice.

NSW Senior Awards NSW 2022

has also been a key voice for seniors who are concerned about Central Coast Council’s attempt to change the responsibility and management structures of the Gosford Over 55s Leisure and Learning Centre. Dennis O’Rourke who was recognised for his role as St Vincent de Paul Society Central Coast Social Justice Representative, in particular for his push for policy change for social and affordable housing. Dennis is a key voice for those who do not have a voice in our community, and it is his undeniable passion to invoke change that shines through in all of his work. I an Johnson who was awarded for his role at the Gosford Men’s Shed, going above and beyond to help anyone and everyone, all the while pushing through battles of his own. Ian dedicates his time to several organisations including Rotary Umina and Probus and is always putting up his hand to help out and looking out for the less fortunate. He is the very emblem of our Central Coast community spirit. Kerrie and Darrel Eddy , the masterminds behind and operators of Scenic Horizon Tours which has been a coach touring company at Ettalong for twenty-three years. Mr and Mrs Eddy have tapped into a market which is often left out, that is a coach tour that aims to assist the elderly or those with a disability and provide an enjoyable tour for all abilities. Their client-centric approach and hard-working, honest and ethical business has led them to be a successful business which represents what the Central Coast stands for. Ms Tesch says it was an honour to present the awards and host the morning tea. “As you have seen from the descriptions above, these recipients each in their own right are so deserving of these awards. Each individual has invested their heart and soul into the Central Coast and our community, making it a better place for all of us and spreading joy to many.” Our seniors are under appreciated and under recognised. It is often their hard work and unyielding passion which sets up worthwhile programs and support structures for all of us, from children, to students, to parents, to those living with a disability and seniors them selves.” “A morning tea and an award is the very least they deserve. I thank you all for your dedication to our community and for the difference you have made to the lives of many.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch presented the 2022 NSW Seniors Local Achievements Awards to nine successful applicants. The recipients and their special guests were invited to a morning tea hosted by Ms Tesch and enjoyed tea, coffee and cake as they spoke with likeminded people who are going above and beyond to service the Central Coast community. The recipients of the 2022 NSW Seniors Local Achievements Awards includes: Sonnie Hopkins , who was awarded for her initiation, establishment and commitment to the Central Coast Campus Friends Incorporated, a not-for-profit organisation that has facilitated and awarded scholarships to local students at the University of Newcastle, TAFE and Community College. She has encouraged Central Coast learning and success and has made a tangible difference in many lives. Peter Springett who was recognised for his can do attitude and always reaching out a helping hand wherever and whenever it is needed. He looks out for others and is a dedicated member of the Umina Community Group, volunteering for many projects including the dunecare program to ensure our community and our beaches are looked after. Judith Hoste , who was recognised for her unyielding advocacy for the arts on the Central Coast, her talent as an award winning watercolour artist, teaching the next generation of artists for the last 17 years and her role as the President of the Central Coast Art Society for six years. Judith is a vital member of the artistic community on the Coast and continues to encourage the community to express themselves through art. Madeline Stephenson who was recognised as a successful business woman from Stephenson Real Estate as well as a community champion, teaching dancing lessons to seniors, brining joy to residents in nursing homes and teaching those living with a disability as well. She looks out for the elderly, helping senior tenants access government departments. And between all of this, Madeline is also a valued member of Country Women’s Association Umina. Annette Johnstone who was awarded for her role as Regional President of the Broken Bay Central Coast St Vincent de Paul Society, where she has used her role to advocate for social and affordable housing and to look out for the wellbeing of vulnerable people. She