The real reason Gen Z are so sad and anxious is not what you think
It seems extraordinary when we think about it, but the younger generation seems to have actually listened to all that we are saying, and have taken it on board.
They have believed our story that we have ruined their world and that there is no reason to think positively about the future.
They have heard us, and believed, when we have told them that we have caused an enormous environmental crisis – that we did it and that we can't fix it. That it is up to them but is really a hopeless task.
They have accepted it when we tell them that they should not expect to be able to afford to buy their own home, and that our Great Australian Dream is dead to them.
They have bought into our story that we had a glorious past but they will not have a glorious future.
This has made them sad. And anxious.
A recent survey revealed that Gen Zers are anxious, about work stress, about their health, about the environment, and about being anxious.
We have told them that the world is bad and they are anxious about that.
Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and people are struggling to know who to turn to, especially our younger generations. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, equipping Aussies with the skills needs to have the most important conversation of their life.
Parents reading this may be surprised, as most things that we tell our kids are dismissed as not relevant.
We have tried to teach them to save, to settle down, to make a future – and that is not necessarily accepted as wisdom.
However, they have taken on the bad news and are reacting to it.
The story is actually worse than that.
If they would just heed our warning and save for their own home, recycle, turn off the lights when they leave the room, reduce their consumerism, then they would be heeding us and heading for a good future.
They could do what previous generations have done and shown their elders that they can
do it better and they can improve the world.
That's what has happened for decades.
However, this generation seem to have become paralysed and hopeless – without the resources to manage hopelessness and change their behaviour.
In our continual talk about mental illness and teaching everyone to check in to make sure that their friend and neighbour and family member is okay, I wonder whether we have made it somehow not okay to be feeling a bit low, or worried about an upcoming exam or talk or evaluation.
People are seeking to be excused when emotional challenges are tough, starting at school, where what should be seen as normal anxiety about doing a presentation is accepted as a reason not to do that presentation – thus not giving the child the practise in surviving a stressful situation and discovering that we can do things even when they are difficult and scary.
This has contributed to young people having no response to the pessimistic narratives we have shared with them about their futures, and the lack of fight that we expected.
We need to continue to check in that those in our purview are okay – but also know and convey that it is okay to feel sad or scared or lonely or anxious, as long as we can find ways to deal with those feelings, either by ourselves or with help from others.
The RUOK? we ask should not be begging for a 'Yes' answer – it should always be RUOK meeting the challenges you currently have? Would you like some support? Are you building your strength and skills to deal with life? That is when you are okay.
Being okay needs to be understood as being able to tolerate a range of emotions.
We need to recognise that in order to feel joy, we need to be able to feel sadness; that anxiety and excitement can feel exactly the same; that life has challenges that we need to be able to face and then move on.
It is clear that sharing the good and the bad times make life easier and better, that loneliness can play with our minds and interfere with our capacity to manage the hard times.
If we can help each other through the good and the bad times, by supporting each other in confronting and surviving challenges, the whole community will be more resilient and be able to support its members to be strong and content and optimistic.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
30 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Emergency help, healthcare and fitness in infrastructure spotlight
A flagship new SA Ambulance Service headquarters at Mile End South is a gamechanger for the organisation, says chief executive officer Rob Elliott. The new $120 million hub – which includes an Emergency Operations Centre, State Health Co-ordination Centre and Adelaide Ambulance Station – provides the space and technology needed to manage a modernised ambulance service. It is a key part of what Elliott describes as 'the biggest episode of growth' he has witnessed in his more than three decades at SAAS – and a 'significant investment' in the future of emergency ambulance services in the state. 'Construction of the new ambulance headquarters and the Adelaide station at Mile End South is progressing as planned – both on time and within budget,' he says. 'The Emergency Operations Centre is taking shape, with ceilings and glass partitions now installed on the ground floor. Critical communications and electrical areas are being fitted out, while the facade of the new ambulance station is nearly complete and internal works continue.' The new headquarters will house more than 338 personnel, including Triple Zero (000) call takers and dispatchers and clinical staff. 'It will also serve as the new home for the State Health Co-ordination Centre, enhancing our ability to coordinate patient care across the state,' Elliott says. 'We anticipate practical completion of the new HQ and Adelaide ambulance station in the coming months, with plans to commence operations at the new site in December this year.' The operational move to the new building will take a staged approach to ensure critical Triple Zero (000) call services remain uninterrupted, safeguarding the ambulance service's capacity to respond to emergencies without compromise during the relocation process. 'Ensuring no impact on patient safety, uninterrupted Triple Zero (000) services, and robust support for relocating teams are our top priorities during this operational transition,' Elliott says. 'These commitments are vital to maintaining emergency care to the people of South Australia.' The soon-to-be completed headquarters complements the construction, upgrade and rebuild of 24 ambulance stations throughout Adelaide and regional SA. Stations have been completed and are now open at Norwood, Woodville, Edwardstown, Port Augusta, Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, Birdwood and Strathalbyn, with construction nearly complete on a new Gawler station. Rebuilding work on the Campbelltown centre is also under way. Construction of Whyalla, Marion and Two Wells stations is also scheduled to commence this year. Aside from the new and revamped stations, the investment in the SAAS will see 350 more paramedics, ambulance officers, clinical leaders and emergency medical dispatchers across the state, along with 36 more ambulances on the road by 2026. 'It is the biggest episode of growth I have seen in my 35 years at SAAS,' Elliott says. 'The fact we have been able to achieve it is extraordinary. It's a whole-of-organisation effort – this has affected our fleet department in terms of new ambulances and equipment, our corporate services in terms of the new builds and recruitment, and operational staff for increased training. It's been a fantastic couple of years.' The investment has resulted in significant improvements in emergency response times. 'Our lights and sirens responses are priority one and priority two,' Elliott says. 'Priority twos are the majority of our responses and we have managed to effectively double our performance in the past two years, which is just extraordinary. And we're not stopping yet – we're striving to improve even more.' A new team of 20 ambulance officers has been recruited to better transfer patients out of hospitals – getting them home sooner and freeing up beds for others – while SAAS is also introducing an electronic patient care record (ePCR) system to improve patient safety in the field, while expanding the clinical telephone assessment telehealth service and establishing a mental health focused role 24/7. 'That's an absolute innovation here in South Australia,' Elliott says. 'We partnered with the Hospital Research Foundation to trial having a dedicated mental health focused service. 'The trial was really successful, offering patient safety and some really good outcomes, so with the recent investment we are turning that into a 24/7 service, another first for paramedicine.' New health era for SA families South Australian families will be the key beneficiaries of the new Women's and Children's Hospital, on the edges of Adelaide's north-west parklands. Being built to replace the ageing North Adelaide hospital, the contemporary facilities at the former SA Police Barracks site at Thebarton will have more beds, theatres and greater emergency capacity – and increased scope for future expansion. Slated for completion in 2031, it is planned to provide capacity for 414 overnight beds – 56 more than the existing hospital – with plans for an onsite helipad. An integrated four-bed Intensive Care Unit will enable women requiring critical care to remain on site rather than be transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Department for Health and Wellbeing deputy chief executive Judith Formston, above, says a key benefit of the 'new vibrant hospital' – aside from its parkland setting within Adelaide's burgeoning bio-med precinct – will be the greater scope for families of young patients to stay with them. 'The family accommodation will be a huge step up,' she says. 'At the moment if you're staying with your child in hospital there's not as many opportunities to stay and be comfortable so this will be a huge benefit. 'If you go to the hospital and you end up staying with your child, quite often you'll have a chair, or a fold-out bed to lay on, but the new hospital will actually have it set up so family members can stay there more comfortably, with in-patient rooms planned to have a day bed which doubles as a sleeping space for parents or support people. 'In addition to this, the new hospital is proposed to include a Centralised Family Accommodation Unit, which will cater for a short-term stay of an additional parent or carer of a baby.' Formston says the family-first focus is just one of the benefits of building a brand-new hospital, with the opportunity to design a facility to deliver a more innovative 'patient experience' right from the start. Construction on the 5.7-ha site began in April 2024, when the first sod was turned on what had been the long-standing police base. The first stage included the construction of a car park and precinct works. A second team – including a consortium of architecture firms Billard Leece Partnership, Bates-Smart, Grieve Gillett and Taylor Cullity Lethlean – was appointed this month to lead the design of the main clinical building and remaining precinct works. Formston says during its construction peak there is likely to be a 2100-strong workforce at the site, which will be dominated by up to seven tower cranes. 'We've done a lot of work with the clinicians and the hospital staff around what they need for a new hospital,' she says. 'We've fed that through to the design team, who will now look at how to best deliver it.' Easy patient flow throughout the hospital is key. 'We want to make sure that the flows are set up so the minute you're entering the hospital, the wayfinding's right,' Formston says. 'Do people actually need to wait in the waiting room or can you now do a digital set-up so you can actually go and wait down in the park or the playgrounds? We need to work out how we can actually enable that patient experience when they come into the hospital.' Formston says with the buildings at the current North Adelaide hospital on average almost 70 years of age, upgrading – and building out – to meet modern standards is virtually impossible. 'The clinical adjacencies aren't right there because you keep bolting on bits and pieces as services expand – so building a new hospital actually helps you get it right from the start around how the patients will flow through the system,' she says. Building healthcare in Adelaide's south Foundations are now being poured for the centrepiece of a half-billion-dollar investment in the health infrastructure of Adelaide's southern suburbs. The 7-storey building at the front of the Flinders Medical Centre, due for delivery in 2028, will reshape the services offered by the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network. 'The first of two tower cranes is on site, with the second arriving in July,' SALHN chief executive officer Kerrie Mahon says of the Acute Services Building. 'This project will deliver an additional 98 beds, including 18 medical day unit beds, 64 inpatient beds, and 16 intensive care unit beds. 'They are core to the types of patients who present to an emergency department. 'They will help us move patients through to the right sort of beds they need sooner.' The 98 beds add to extra capacity already opened recently in SALHN at the Repat Health Precinct and within Flinders Medical Centre. The existing Intensive Care Unit in the FMC will remain in operation, integrated with the new unit under the same leadership. More patient capacity is also being created by expanding the mental health focused Margaret Tobin Centre – adjacent to FMC – and the Noarlunga Hospital. Construction work on those two projects is well advanced. The investment of $498 million at the FMC and the Repat is being funded by the state and federal governments, with the $74 million at Noarlunga funded by the SA Government. 'As a collective, all of these upgrades and new buildings will work really well together to respond to the community's needs from the emergency department right through to surgery, and inpatient stays,' Mahon says. A floor at the new Acute Services Building will be dedicated to ophthalmology, and include two operating theatres and, for the first time at FMC, a separate paediatric ophthalmology area. The top two floors of the new building will each house 32 beds for adult inpatients. Most will be single rooms to improve progression-of-care and reduce cross-infection risks. 'We're also provisioning for fold-out beds for a support person,' Mahon says. 'We do have regional and remote people come in, so that will be available when needed. 'There will be quiet rooms and lounge areas where families can visit if they don't need to stay. It will be a beautiful facility, with lovely western views out toward the sea.' The Acute Services Building will have four new operating theatres and related recovery spaces. On completion, FMC will then have 16 operating theatres. 'This will certainly give us more capacity to move through our elective surgery waiting lists,' Mahon says. The new building will become the main entrance with improved access, including a drop-off zone covered against the weather. Ready to make a splash The new Adelaide Aquatic Centre is taking shape, with expectations that water-lovers will be able to make a splash this summer. The concrete structures for the pools at the North Adelaide complex – which replaces the former centre in Pardipardinyilla/Denise Norton Park – have progressively been completed, with testing to ensure their integrity ongoing as the main structure is being built. The new $135 million centre will boast a host of family-friendly features, from a 50m pool, a 25m outdoor pool and dedicated learn-to-swim and warm water rehabilitation pools through to an outdoor lagoon and 'splash pad' and water slides, as well as extensive gym and fitness facilities. Department for Infrastructure and Transport executive director, Infrastructure Delivery, Simon Morony says progress is continuing 'really well'. 'We've planned the construction phase from a long time out, including the demolition of the former centre,' he says. 'Construction's been under way for around 18 months – and it's really taking shape on site. 'The timber frames and pool structures are all complete and we've been busy testing those to make sure the pools are all watertight. 'And then in the coming months, there'll be a lot more progress on the internal fit-out. And there'll be external elements such as the water slides being installed as well. 'We're on track for opening this summer and looking forward to achieving that – as we get a bit closer to completion we'll be able to confirm an opening date.' The design intent – which is being constructed by contractor Sarah Constructions – is centred around the creation of high-quality spaces that use warm and natural tones to reflect the local landscape. There is also a strong focus on ensuring the spaces are welcoming for people of all ages, cultures and abilities. 'The previous centre had come to the end of its lifespan, but we know it was an important facility for the community and the new centre will serve many generations to come,' Morony says. The 'carefully considered' design takes in a number of environmentally sustainable features, while the centre's smaller footprint ensures more than 1000sqm is returned to Park Lands. 'It's an all-electric centre, powered by 100 per cent renewable energy,' he says. 'The building itself has been designed to be airtight, which gives you an improved indoor air quality and importantly enhances the operational energy efficiency. 'The ultra-fine pool filtration systems also provide operational benefits – and then there's other components to the facility, such as solar panels, EV charging stations, sun shading on the facade – and a water-sensitive urban design car park as well.' Site enabling works started in late 2023, with the main construction starting in 2024. The building phase has offered plenty of employment opportunities, which will flow through to the centre once it's open to the public under the management of experienced operators YMCA Aquatic. 'More than 1500 jobs are being supported over the life of the construction phase and that's from builders and engineers to plumbers and painters,' Morony says. 'We obviously needed a whole raft of different skill sets to build what is a state-of-the-art centre. 'Sarah Constructions has inducted more than 1300 people to the construction site. And those 1300 people so far have completed more than 230,000 hours worth of work. 'In terms of the operations, up to 300 jobs will be created to staff the new aquatic centre – that's lifeguards, instructors, administration staff and so on.' Staff who worked at the former Aquatic Centre will be given the first opportunity to express their interest at filling the roles with YMCA Aquatic, a non-profit community organisation that also operates the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Oaklands Park. Morony is confident the new swimming centre will more than meet community expectations. 'I think it's going to give people a fantastic new place to come and swim for fitness or for fun,' he says. 'So if you're a serious swimmer you can get out there and really utilise the place but others might just come to it to improve or maintain their fitness. 'It really will offer a range of uses for everyone who wants to visit.' Elbie set for the life aquatic Little Elbie won't be able to stop himself from taking the plunge when the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre opens, his mum Rachael Neumann reckons. 'He will be jumping in from the side with enthusiasm, that's for sure,' she says of her water-baby son, who has been a regular participant of learn-to-swim classes since he was only six months of age. 'And even before we started taking him to swimming lessons, he's always enjoyed the water and swimming pools whenever we've been on holidays – and he just loves the beach.' When the North Adelaide centre closed for the construction of the new facility, Rachael and husband Brandon, of Bowden, elected to continue Elbie's learn-to-swim lessons in Unley. 'The whole (replacement swim centre) process has been really smooth and helpful, but we're looking forward to coming back to North Adelaide because it's much closer to home,' she says. The completed centre will include a host of features including a dedicated learn-to-swim pool, a lagoon outdoor pool, an outdoor 'splash pad' and extensive gym and fitness facilities. 'We're just really excited to see the new centre,' Rachael says. 'It will be great to have something to do while we tag team and watch Elbie swim. I'll be able to go and swim laps myself and if there's a good gym in the same centre, then that might be useful as well.'
Daily Telegraph
an hour ago
- Daily Telegraph
10 of the best daypacks for your next outdoor adventure
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. From coastal paths to mountain peaks, find a backpack that will carry all your hiking essentials to the end of the trail - and back again - with the best daypacks as chosen by the Body+Soul team. Unless you have a hiking buddy who's happy to carry all your gear (sadly, unlikely) a great daypack is an essential accessory for anyone taking to the trails on an outdoor adventure. Taking into account both style and substance, we've curated our pick of the best backpacks for day hikes, looking at options from leading brands in this space - we're looking at you Osprey, Patagonia and Arc'teryx - to new players like Swiss athletic brand On. Great quality and full of convenient, well-thought-out features, the only thing harder than narrowing down this list to just one is working out where to explore next. Choosing the Best Hiking Daypack If you're looking for a new daypack to accompany you on your next outdoor adventure, two key things to consider are the size of the pack that will best suit you and what durable materials the backpack is made from. For this edit, we have chosen bags that are up to 28 litres in size, as this should be big enough to carry what you need for a simple day hike. If you're planning on hiking for longer or need any camping equipment for multi-day exploring, then you'll definitely need a larger backpack, rather than a daypack. For this edit, we have chosen bags that are up to 28 litres in size, Image: Pexels When choosing the best daypack for you, for comfort look for features like padded shoulder straps, padded hip belts and backpacks that are adjustable dependent on torso length and have chest straps for extra support. It's also worth looking at design elements like stretchy water bottle pockets, front stash compartments or mesh pockets and zippered hipbelt pockets, which are great for convenience and usability on the trail. You might also want to consider whether you need the backpack to pull double duty for you. Features like a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment make backpacks versatile for both taking to the trails and commuting from A to B. 10 of the best daypacks Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack Why we love it: This feature-packed daypack hugs your body, making it perfect for everything from coastal walks to bike commutes. Worth noting: Extended Fit sizing offers a more inclusive fit for broader torsos and longer backs. Materials: Bluesign-approved recycled nylon with a PFC-free water repellent coating for light rain protection. Water repellent? Yes What you need to know: Arguably the ultimate daypack, Osprey is in a league of its own when it comes to backpacks and their range is full of bestsellers for a reason. The Osprey Talon 22L Hiking backpack is designed to sit close to your back and move with you, so it feels more like a fitted jacket that just happens to hold all your stuff. There's a bunch of handy features here, including a stretchy front pocket to shove a jacket into, hipbelt pockets big enough to store snacks or your phone, and an external sleeve for your water bladder. It also features a loop for your bike helmet and a spot for trekking poles. While it's not the lightest pack out there, the support and thoughtful features more than make up for the extra grams. If you're after a sleek commuter or an ultra-minimalist pack, you might want to look at other options such as the Montbell Versalite Pack. But if you want one bag that can do it all - and actually fit well while doing it - the Talon 22L is a trail-tested winner. Shop here Macpac Rapaki 28L Backpack Why we love it: A reliable all-rounder that's part commuter, part trail-trekker, and loaded with features. Worth noting: It packs 28L while still being compact enough for daily use. Materials: Rugged PU-coated Oxford nylon body, Kodra base, recycled polyester lining. Water repellent? Comes with a built-in rain cover. What you need to know: If you're looking for a backpack to take on the outdoors, chances are you care about the environment. The Macpac Rapaki 28L ticks all boxes, with 100% recycled polyester lining inside that's made from recycled plastic bottles. It sits snug on your back thanks to the trampoline-style Airstream harness that gives much-needed airflow on those occasions where you're working up a sweat. With enough pockets to keep you organised, you'll also find a big main compartment and sleeve for your hydration bladder or laptop. And because nature is unpredictable, a hidden rain cover drops from the base to ensure your gear stays dry no matter the weather conditions. That said, the sternum strap adjustment can be quite fiddly, plus this backpack is almost 10.5 kilograms heavier than an ultralight option. Even so, it does offer incredible support and is built to last. Shop here Kathmandu Axon Escape Backpack 22L Why we love it: Stylish enough for the cafe, while still being rugged enough for the trails. Worth noting: 22L of storage fits your laptop and weekend essentials. Materials: 100% recycled nylon with tough PU coating and bungee cord. What you need to know: We all have that mate that's down for anything. You know the type - just as happy on a coastal hike as they are running from the office to the cafe. The Kathmandu Axon Escape Backpack is essentially that friend in backpack form. It's built tough with recycled nylon and PU-coated to see you shrug off light rain or coffee spillage. The padded back and shoulder straps also mean you can carry your gear with comfort. For casual workdays or study breaks, you'll find a padded laptop sleeve inside, as well as a front pocket with a mesh stash and key clip so you never are left rummaging for your essentials. That said, the 15' laptop fit is snug and some users have made the comment that depending on your laptop size, it might be a squeeze. But for those who want something that's affordable and functions well whether you're city-bound or on the trails, this Axon Escape is a great pick. As one reviewer commented, 'I bought this to use for day hikes but also could be used as a carry on when I travel. It's comfortable and fits heaps.' Shop here Montbell Versalite Pack 20L Why we love it: At 220g, it's one of the lightest backpacks on this list Worth noting: Frameless and unpadded, this backpack is best suited for lighter loads - not your entire gear closet. Materials: 30-denier Ballistic nylon ripstop with a urethane coating, bottom reinforced with 100-denier nylon for extra durability. Water repellent? No What you need to know: This pack is a minimalist's dream. Despite weighing in at just 220g, it still manages to fit 20L of gear which is an impressive feat. Designed for those who want to move quickly and efficiently, it's primed for fast hikes and shorter walks, or those who simply want to carry less and move more. You'll find features like a top-loading design with cinch closure and an internal security pocket. It's also hydration compatible, so you can drink hands-free while you move. The shoulder straps are lightly padded but there's no back panel cushioning here. Packing smartly is key to comfort as you will feel things poking into your back depending on their arrangement. And with no frame and padding, this is not a backpack that's made for containing robust loads. Another thing to note is that while a urethane coating offers light water resistance, it's not fully waterproof, so consider using a rain cover or dry bags in wet conditions. All things considered, if you're looking for a no-frills pack that won't weigh you down, the Montbell Versatile Pack 20 is a solid choice. Just remember to pack light! Shop here THE NORTH FACE Jester Backpack 28L Why we love it: It's got your back - literally. This is one of the few packs officially endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for all-day comfort. Worth noting: With 28L of space, it's roomy enough for your gear - but still compact enough to slide under your desk. Materials: 600D recycled polyester with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. Water repellent? Yes What you need to know: The Jester comes with a chiropractor-approved FlexVent suspension system, which is a fancy way of saying it's designed to carry weight more comfortably while keeping you cool. With padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel, and extra support at your lower back, no matter what you're hauling or where you're going, your back will be supported. With 28L of storage, this backpack has space where you need it including a padded sleeve for laptops up to 16', zip pockets, two water bottle holders, and a bungee cord at the front for stowing that jumper or rain jacket. If you tend to pack heavy for big hikes, you might prefer a backpack with a frame that offers more support, such as the Macpac RÄpaki 28L Backpack. But for day-to-day use and ultimate comfort, the Jester is a standout. Shop here Patagonia Terravia Tote Pack 24L Why we love it: A colourful choice from everyone's favourite sustainable adventure brand Worth noting: This bag pulls double duty and can be worn both as a backpack and a tote Materials: Made with tough 100% recycled nylon with a water-repellent coating Water repellent? Has water-repellent coating What you need to know: Described as a 'fan-favourite', this lightweight option from Patagonia doubles as a tote as well as a backpack - making it a great travel companion when your days might be spent mixing it up between city sightseeing, hiking and beach trips. For a bag that can also be used as a tote, it doesn't skimp on great backpack design features though, and this daypack has padded, breathable shoulder straps, a chest strap and stretchy water bottle packers on the side. Patagonia also say this bag is 'made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory' which is great for those who are sustainably-minded. Shop here Kathmandu Axon Everyday Backpack 18L Why we love it: Compact, organised and stylish, making it the perfect companion for daily commutes or gym sessions. Worth noting: With no hipbelt support, it's best for short commutes or outings, not full-day hikes. Materials: Recycled nylon with a polyester lining. Water repellent? No What you need to know: Designed for versatility, the Axon Everyday Backpack from Kathmandu offers one of the more compact sizes out of the backpacks on this list. The main compartment offers ample space for your essentials, while a padded laptop sleeve ensures your devices stay protected. There's even an external water bottle pocket to ensure hydration is kept within easy reach, and the zippered front pocket provides quick access to smaller items. Though this backpack is made from recycled nylon to offer some resistance to light moisture, it's not fully waterproof. If you're wanting something that can take on the elements, you're better off looking at the Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack. Designed by Kathmandu - a leader in the outdoor space - this is a backpack that's made for daily use. The focus here is on simplicity and functionality. Shop here BELLROY Lite Ready Pack 18L Why we love it: Lightweight and able to be folded down flat, it's the backpack equivalent of a low-maintenance travel buddy. Worth noting: At 350g it's very light, but there's no structure so pack soft stuff closest to your back. Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester, polyester and nylon. Water repellent? Features a durable water repellent coating, but not fully waterproof. What you need to know: If you're after a backpack that weighs next to nothing, the Bellroy Lite Ready Pack deserves to be on your radar. It folds almost completely flat, looks chic enough to wear straight from the trail to the cafe, and boasts a minimal design with 18L of storage. Its spacious main compartment features a quick access top pocket for the stuff you always reach for (think keys, phone, lip balm). There's also a loop to hang a hydration bladder and external pocket for those who prefer old-school sipping. With lightness comes a lack of padding or a frame, so you'll feel things jabbing into your back unless you pack thoughtfully. But if you want a backpack that can take you on spontaneous road trips, city strolls, or gym sessions, it's a winner. Shop here On Speed Pack 18L Lite Why we love it: The zippered outer pocket is the perfect storage compartment for sweaty workout gear. Worth noting: Made from 100% recycled materials Materials: Recycled polyamide, recycled polyester, recycled polyamide. Water repellent? No What you need to know: ISleek, featherlight, and made to move, On's 'Speed Pack' is the perfect companion for those zipping between work and pilates or heading off for a sunrise trail walk. With 18L of storage capacity, it can fit your daily must-haves like a laptop, water bottle, snacks, and light jumper without weighing you down. The top pocket fits those things you always end up losing (hello keys and earbuds), and the backpack also features padded, adjustable straps for ultimate comfort. The best part? It's made from 100% recycled fabrics, making it one of the more eco-conscious options on the list. It won't hold up in a downpour, but for everyday movement - especially if you like to pack light - it's a smart, sustainable choice. Shop here Arc'teryx Mantis 26 Backpack 26L Why we love it: With a sleek, versatile design, it transitions effortlessly from city commutes to weekend hikes. Worth noting: The padded back panel offers support and comfort. Materials: 100% recycled polyester and water-repellent finish. Water repellent? Yes What you need to know: If you're after a backpack that seamlessly blends urban needs and outdoor adventures, the Arc'teryx Mantis 26 Backpack offers the balance you need. At 26L capacity, you'll be able to store daily necessities with ease. The pack's structure is maintained by a padded back panel reinforced with an aluminum stay. An internal sleeve fits a laptop and hydration bladder, while 100% recycled polyester reflects a commitment to sustainability. Reliable, functional, and environmentally conscious, it's a great backpack for everyday use and light adventures. Shop here What we looked at when choosing the best daypacks To curate our list of the best daypacks we relied on our own experience with the products, looked at customer reviews of the daypacks and also selected based on style from a shortlist of options from the biggest and most reputable brands for this category. We also looked for key features in the daypacks such as how spacious the main compartment was, whether it came with handy extra storage features like mesh pockets, side water bottle pockets or trekking pole sleeves; and elements of the design that might enhance comfort while wearing the daypack to hike, like chest straps and padded shoulder straps. Originally published as 10 of the best daypacks for your next outdoor adventure
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Daily Aussie habit that could add years to your lifespan
For many Aussies, drinking coffee is a quick way to get a sure-fire energy boost. But a new study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, suggests it might also support longer-term health, specifically, healthy ageing. While the study hasn't been peer-reviewed or published yet, it was thorough and tracked a large group of women over many decades. It adds to the growing body of research linking coffee to a longer life and various health benefits, including lower risks of certain chronic illnesses. Fang Fang Zhang, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at Tufts University who wasn't involved with the study, told The New York Times that the findings connecting coffee with healthier ageing weren't surprising. 'The data is quite consistent that coffee consumption is actually beneficial,' she said. The study methodology Researchers followed more than 47,000 female nurses over several decades, starting in the 1970s. The women answered questions about various lifestyle factors every few years, including how much coffee, tea, and cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi) they drank. In 2016, the researchers looked at how many were still alive and met the criteria for 'healthy ageing'. Just over 3700 women met this definition: they were 70 or older, in good physical and mental health, with no cognitive impairment or memory loss, and free from 11 chronic diseases like cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. They found a correlation between the amount of caffeine consumed (mostly from coffee) between ages 45 and 60 and the likelihood of healthy ageing. After adjusting for other factors that could affect ageing, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, the women who consumed the most caffeine (nearly seven small cups a day) were 13 per cent more likely to age healthily than those who had the least (less than one cup a day). Drinking tea or decaf coffee wasn't linked to healthy ageing, possibly because the overall consumption of tea and decaf was lower among the study participants, making it harder to see benefits. What other research says The study lead warned that just because drinking seven cups of coffee daily was associated with healthier ageing doesn't mean everyone should do so, nor is it necessarily healthy. However, many other studies have found similar links between regular coffee consumption and health benefits. A team from Queen Mary University, London, recently revealed that caffeine can help you live longer by influencing how cells grow, repair, and respond to stress. The British researchers believe this could significantly boost longevity and even help ward off dementia, diabetes, and heart failure. Another study from May this year, involving over 46,000 adults, found that those who drank one to three cups of coffee daily were 15 per cent less likely to die within the next nine to 11 years compared to those who didn't drink caffeinated coffee. The takeaways While these studies can't prove cause and effect, the consistent benefits observed suggest they are unlikely to be due to other factors, experts say. Interestingly, drinking coffee is often linked with habits like smoking and less exercise. However, the fact that benefits are still seen after accounting for these factors hints that coffee might really have a positive effect. Experts also warn that adding too much cream or sugar can negate some of the health benefits of coffee, so keep that in mind next time you order your cup of Joe.
