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ABC News
36 minutes ago
- ABC News
Older people in regional Qld ride into retirement with fun and fitness
It's a crisp, winter morning, but the cool breeze isn't stopping Caroline Holliday from hitting the water for a surf. "For one morning a week, I can do something I absolutely love," she smiled. Ms Holliday, 68, is a member of the Gold Coast Granny Grommets, a fun-loving group for women over 50 who enjoy surfing and bodyboarding. "It's wonderful to do it in such a beautiful part of the world and with people that are like-minded," she said. Finding friendships through fun and fitness — and a boogie board — on the golden beaches of Queensland's Gold Coast has become a new way of living for Ms Holliday. "It's winter now, so numbers are a bit small, but we've got a group of about five of us that come every week without fail and get in the cold water regardless of the temperature," she said. According to the Granny Grommets, there's no age limit on enjoying the ocean and forming new connections. "You leave the workforce, I've retired recently, and all those connections you have there are gone. "Having that [social] connection is very, very important … it probably outweighs the physical [benefits], though that's really important too." Fellow Granny Grommet Lesley Vick, 64, echoed the importance of staying active as you age. She said surfing had made her fitter and improved her confidence. "I think you have to make it a priority every day. So for me, I train every day in some way or other and this is just a really good fun way of doing it. "You get the social [side as well], usually you get breakfast after so it's great." Away from the big cities, Australians living in regional and rural areas are also embracing healthy habits. As the sun rises in central Queensland, a group of like-minded older men emerge in the distance on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River. They're returning from their regular morning out on the water. "We row two or three times a week," Simon Irwin, 62, quipped. "We're so lucky to be here because as you can see, the kookaburras are singing and there's not a ripple on the water … so you just can't ask for better." The master rowers, who are over 60, jokingly nicknamed themselves the Fitzroy Fossils. And apart from the usual banter on the boat, there's a serious side that contributes to physical well-being and social connections. "Rowing's a team sport and you're doing something that's a collective endeavour and I think that's really important too." Stuart Kininmonth, 60, has rowed in picturesque settings all around the world. "I actually started rowing back in the early 80s … from a physical training point of view there's nothing better," he said. According to Mr Kininmonth, what happens on the boat, stays on the boat. "Every now and then we'll stop and then we'll chat and the conversations go all over the place," he said. Queensland, like many regions around the world, has an ageing population. In 2023, more than 926,000 Queenslanders were 65 or older and the Australian Bureau of Statistics projects that by 2053, more than one in five Queenslanders will be 65 years or older. Stephanie Alley, a lecturer and academic researcher in Health Science at CQUniversity, researches the promotion of healthy ageing in communities through social engagement and physical activity. "It also reduces the risk of most chronic illnesses, including diabetes, some cancers and heart health in particular, so it really has an impact across the board." Dr Alley said social connectedness was also an important factor for both physical and mental health. She said there were some barriers to physical activity in regional and rural areas, such as geographic location and lack of access to resources like gyms or organised sports programs. Nevertheless, ageing communities across the country are developing their own initiatives, such as fitness groups or walking clubs, to encourage participation in physical activity. "When we're trying to create a healthy habit we rely a lot on motivation and when our motivation drops it's so important to have a community or a group of friends or a sporting group around us to help us keep on track," Dr Alley said. "The benefits of physical activity are beyond just the physical. Whether it's a daily walk, catching a wave or a weekend masters rowing regatta, there's a growing awareness in older Australians to improve their health and well-being. "I think it's really important, you seize up, you just rust out," Mr Irwin said. This story is part of a five-part series exploring how regional Queenslanders are ageing well outside the capital city.
SBS Australia
16 hours ago
- SBS Australia
Trump tariff blitz: Australia spared, India faces 25 per cent in steep US tariff hikes
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Hindi-speaking Australians. Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Perth Now
19 hours ago
- Perth Now
Reality of keeping dogs in apartments
A few weeks ago, a video of Harry the corgi pacing anxiously back and forth while trapped on a tiny balcony simultaneously captured and tore hearts apart across the country. The thought of an innocent pup unable to enjoy life while their owners are cramped in a tiny apartment is enough to make many people shudder. While Harry the corgi has since found his new forever home with loving new owners, his story is far from the only one. As the housing crisis and the cost-of-living crisis continue, many more Australians are choosing to downscale and live in apartments – and taking their pets with them. However, with a smaller floorplan and little room to run around outside, it can be easy for dogs to become anxious while living in cramped spaces. Here is how you can ensure your pet is living its fullest life while in an apartment. Distressing footage of a dog on a tiny apartment balcony in Melbourne went viral last month. TikTok/ heliabdollahi Credit: Supplied The dog has since been rehomed and won't be spending any more time trapped on a balcony. TikTok/ heliabdollahi Credit: Supplied Are apartments safe for pets? Generally speaking, living with a dog in an apartment is very safe, as long as the pets' needs are met. PetWell co-founder Ayda Hornak said this 'all comes down to routine'. 'As long as they're getting daily exercise (both physical and mental) appropriate to their breed, age, and temperament, there's no reason why apartment living should be an issue,' she told NewsWire. She said some dogs might even prefer living in an apartment, as long as their owner was 'attentive'. It's also important to consider the size and layout of an apartment before welcoming a furry friend into the mix, as the layout may not be conducive to a healthy pet lifestyle. 'Newer buildings are often more pet-friendly, with features like outdoor areas, pet wash stations, or even on-site dog parks,' Ms Hornak said. She said 'location is key' to ensuring your pet is happy living in an apartment. 'Apartments near walking tracks and dog parks offer more stimulation than a suburban backyard in most cases,' she said. Living in an apartment is becoming more popular – and pets are coming too. NewsWire/Sarah Matray Credit: News Corp Australia Following apartment rules Your Strata Property strata lawyer Amanda Farmer said while most states across Australia allowed pets in apartment buildings, and landlords were banned from barring pet ownership, pet owners also had to comply with the rules of the building. 'Those rules might require the resident to notify the body corporate that they're keeping a pet, make sure the animal is restrained on a lead when on the common areas, and ensure their pet doesn't disturb other residents,' she told NewsWire. She said the most common complaint among other residents was 'excessive barking'. 'I've seen these issues resolved or avoided with good routines, appropriate exercise for the dog, and respectful communication with neighbours,' she said. Following apartment rules are essential to keep other residents happy. NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia Not all breeds are apartment-friendly Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, meaning some need more outside entertainment than others and are less likely to adapt well to apartment living. Naturally, many may think the smaller the dog is, the better they are suited for living in a smaller space. However, Ms Hornak said this wasn't always the case. She said smaller breeds like pugs and spaniels were excellent options for those living in an apartment or smaller space. Some may think all small dogs are suited for apartments – think again. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Larger dogs like kelpies and border collies require plenty of outside time, so living in an apartment may not be the best choice. 'These breeds are bred to work all day, so if they don't get adequate stimulation, they can develop behavioural issues,' Ms Hornak said. 'That said, it's not just about breed, it's about whether you're able to meet the individual dog's needs with daily enrichment, exercise, and company.' For those looking for a bigger dog that doesn't require too much exercise, Ms Hornak suggested opting for a great dane. 'This might surprise some people,' she told NewsWire. '(Great Danes are) typically calm, low energy, and love a good nap. They don't need as much exercise as you'd think.' Many big dog breeds aren't ideal for apartment living. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Working full-time and owning a pet A very common issue for Australians who live in an apartment with a pet is the amount of time they spend together. When combined with a full-time job, a dog spending hours alone in a small space can lead to 'anxiety, destructive behaviour, and even depression'. Ms Hornak said apartment dwellers should seek to take their dogs out 'three-to-four times a day' in addition to their walks, as they need 'time to sniff, explore, play, and stretch their legs'. She also suggested playing 'soft classical music' when leaving the house for extended periods of time. Leaving dogs alone on the balcony all day and night is not the answer, either. 'I don't believe any dog, whether they live in an apartment or a house with a large backyard, should be left alone for eight to 10 hours a day without some form of interaction or stimulation,' she said. 'If you work full-time, options like hiring a dog walker, sending your pup to doggie day care or arranging for a neighbour or friend to drop in can make a big difference. 'It's about creating a balance and ensuring they feel secure, engaged, and not forgotten.' Spending outside time with your dog can maintain a healthy mind. NewsWire / Nicki Connolly Credit: News Corp Australia Dogs can live wonderful lives inside apartments, as long as they go outside to play regularly. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia Best practice for keeping pets in an apartment Keep them active – 'And I don't just mean a quick toilet break,' Ms Hornak said. 'Dogs need time to sniff, explore, stretch their legs, and just be dogs.' Stick to a routine – Having a predictable schedule for food, walks and play can help keep dogs feeling safe and secure. Keep your home safe and quiet – Create a small space with the dog's favourite toys and a blanket that smells like its owner to create a warm and safe environment when dogs are alone. Make play interesting – Use puzzles that encourage dogs to play and explore, such as treat-dispensing toys and short training sessions. This can help entertain the dog and tucker them out. 'A mentally stimulated dog is a calmer, happier dog,' Ms Hornak said.
