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My mother has Alzheimer's. Caring for her has taught me something valuable
My mother has Alzheimer's. Caring for her has taught me something valuable

Indian Express

time05-07-2025

  • Health
  • Indian Express

My mother has Alzheimer's. Caring for her has taught me something valuable

Written by Malathi Renati The first signs of dementia (Alzheimer's) in my mother began to surface around eight years ago. It crept in gradually, so gently that it wasn't immediately obvious, until I noticed her regularly reaching for the newspaper to confirm the day of the week. Dementia is progressive and unfolds in seven stages — mom's in her fourth. Medical intervention cannot reverse its effects; at best, it can slow the progression. Watching a once-strong and meticulously organised woman experience cognitive decline has been one of the most excruciating journeys I've been on. As her primary caregiver, I've been through waves of frustration, helplessness, sadness, and, at times, hope. Over time, I've come to accept this reality for what it is. At least she is, more often than not, in a happy space, detached from painful memories, living in a gentle, dreamlike trance. I don't want to downplay the challenges, but I'd rather focus on the learnings, lessons that have helped me grow as a person and in my role as a caregiver. Forgetfulness is the most visible and defining trait. And to support someone through it, you need a healthy mix of patience, empathy and a sense of humour. Patience — because it's tough answering the same question over and over again, (and no, they don't derive any twisted joy from putting you through repeat mode). Empathy — because you know they're not doing it on purpose, they genuinely don't remember. And humour — because as a caregiver, laughter is one of the ways to help you cope and preserve your sanity without burning out. My mom, now an octogenarian, has always found solace in music. Of late, FM radio has been her loyal companion during her moments of solitude. While she no longer enjoys stepping out as much, car rides to the doctor or family gatherings become little windows of stimulation — new scenes, sounds, and interactions. Before heading out, she insists on carrying her essentials: Purse, walking stick, water bottle, and her snack dabba. I use this opportunity to play her favourite songs — ABBA or Boney M — music that lifts her spirit, gets her swaying, humming, or tapping her feet. Given her shortened attention span, it's the conversations we have during these drives through Bengaluru's infamous traffic that I find most telling. One of her recent obsessions has been the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), now mandatory in cars (post-April 2019) and two-wheelers. As a once-confident and safe driver herself, she's unimpressed. 'Why are they keeping their lights on in broad daylight?' she asks, frowning, 'Such a waste of energy! I hope you don't have yours on, too.' I reassure her mine are not. She beams in approval. Moments later, after we disappear and emerge from a crater-sized pothole, briefly airborne and thoroughly rattled, she exclaims, 'These roads are in terrible shape! Why aren't they fixing them?' BBMP, neevu keluttiddiraa (are you listening)? Even your senior citizens remain unimpressed. And then, as ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' starts playing, I hear her ask again, 'Where are we going?' 'To your sister's place, Ma.' 'Why are we going there?' 'We have a family gathering — you'll get to meet everyone.' This prompts her to rummage through her purse to check if she has enough cash — an old habit. You should never visit someone's home empty-handed, she reminds me, and the kids must always receive a small gift while parting. A few minutes later, it's déjà vu. We're back to DRLs, potholes, destination queries and purse checks. All while ABBA serenades us in the background. But here's the thing — amid all this repetition, my biggest learning has been how to live in the present. My mother teaches me that every single day. To stop being consumed by the past or the uncertainties of the future. To focus on the now. Just this car ride. This song. This moment. As I navigate yet another traffic jam, I steal a glance at her, happily humming, alive in her own gentle loop and in the present, to the unshakable rhythm of 'Dancing Queen'. The writer is head of Policy School, Takshashila Institution

Party at the Palace will use the sun to power its way through a joyful weekend
Party at the Palace will use the sun to power its way through a joyful weekend

Daily Record

time02-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Record

Party at the Palace will use the sun to power its way through a joyful weekend

Over 7,000 revellers will head to Linlithgow where a new solar setup will supply sound and lighting Party at the Palace will be doing its bit for the planet by featuring Scotland's first ever solar powered stage when it takes place next month. Thanks to Greenfox renewable energy pioneers, the festival will host the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music. ‌ Over 7,000 music lovers will head to Bonnytoun Farm in Linlithgow on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, to watch headline acts Boney M and Squeeze and for the first time, a large part of the festival will be sun-powered. ‌ The new solar setup will supply sound, lighting, and equipment using a combination of solar panels and battery storage. The battery will be fully charged with green energy generated in the days before the event. The system is expected to produce up to 100 kilowatt-hours of clean energy over the weekend, enough to power an average UK home for about 10 days and will prevent around 20 kilograms of CO₂ emissions. 'Festivals are full of energy – and now we're bringing the renewable kind too,' said Eddie Curran, co-founder of GreenFox Energy. 'It's brilliant to now be part of the action and help power a festival that's such a big part of the local community.' In a world where most festivals still rely on diesel generators, the GreenFox initiative proves solar power is a viable, vibrant alternative and a great fit for a family-friendly, future-focused event like Party at the Palace. ‌ Eddie added: 'It's a small step with a big message: at Party at the Palace alone, switching to solar saves around 20 kg of CO₂ and that's just one stage, at one festival. 'If every festival across the UK did the same, we could save over 12.8 tonnes of emissions each year. It shows how small changes, delivered at scale, start to really add up. 'This is just the beginning, and we're excited to explore even more ways to make Party at the Palace a leader in sustainable, low-impact events in the future.' ‌ Now in its 11th year, Party at the Palace continues to grow as does its commitment to doing things differently. 'We're always looking for ways to make the festival better, not just for the fans, but for the planet too,' said John Richardson, director of Party at the Palace. ‌ 'We're very much a family festival so it's important to us to help create a better future for the next generation. 'We are passionate about leading by example, both through our work in the local community and encouraging people to make more eco-friendly choices. ‌ 'That's why bringing in solar power with GreenFox Energy is such a proud moment. It's a simple idea to use the sun's power to drive our second stage but one that shows small changes can make a big difference – and it's fine to start with what is doable now, with the goal to build on it in the future.' In addition to the headliners, a vibrant lineup on the GreenFox Energy Stage will include standout performances from Laurie Wright, Forgetting the Future, and Pistol Daisys. Festival goers can also plug into the movement by showing their Party at the Palace ticket to get 15% off solar installations with GreenFox Energy. ‌

Beyond The Pale: Everything you need to know
Beyond The Pale: Everything you need to know

BreakingNews.ie

time11-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • BreakingNews.ie

Beyond The Pale: Everything you need to know

Beyond The Pale, three days of music, arts, food and wellbeing nestled in Co Wicklow, takes place this weekend, after some 'will they, won't they' last weekend. Thankfully, they will, as the organisers confirmed that the festival is 'secure' and 'full throttle' for the weekend after reports it was cancelled. Advertisement With the music line-up including Róisín Murphy, Jon Hopkins, Boney M and The Sugar Hill Gang, Brooklyn rockers TV on the Radio, Marc Rebillet, berlioz, Broken Social Scene, and Exra collective, the festival has something for everyone. Its extensive arts programme includes drag icons at Haus of Wig, comedy-rap at Abandoman, world pole dancing champion Lisette Krole as part of Duncan Disorderly's VIP House Party, Art of Protest, Words for my Comrades and Penos for Palestine, to name just a few. There are installations and experiences too, including Livewire! a high-wire walk across the Selective Memory big top, Meta Sonic Flux Collective's sci-fi techno odyssey, and Wonky Robot Trash Can Staye. You can also book massages, sauna and workshops over the weekend, and there will be a wide selection of food and drink options. Advertisement Think circus and cabaret, word lovers and wisdom seekers, music, craic, and wellness if you want it. So, if you're headed to Beyond The Pale this weekend, keep reading to find out everything you need to know. When and where is it on? Beyond The Pale takes place on the Glendalough Estate in Co Wicklow from Friday June 13th until Sunday June 15th. Are tickets still available? There are a limited amount of tickets available from Beyond The Pale's website here. Advertisement What time should I arrive? On Friday, the arena opens at 4.30pm while the main stage closes at 1am, and the late-night areas close at 3am. On Saturday and Sunday, the arena opens at 11.45am. The main stage closes at 1am on Saturday, but at 11pm on Sunday. The late-night areas close at 3am on Saturday and at 1am on Sunday. Who is playing and when? Friday June 13th Main Stage 5pm-5.50pm Grooveline 6.20pm-7.20pm Soda Blonde 7.50pm-9.05pm Ezra Collective Advertisement 9.35pm-11.15pm Jon Hopkins 11.45pm-12.45am King Kong Company Selective Memory Tent 4.30pm-5.15pm Telebox 5.45pm-6.30pm Phoeno Advertisement 7pm-7.45pm Negro Impacto 8.15pm-9pm Fizzy Orange 9.30pm-11pm Jitwam 11pm-12.30am Berlioz 12.45am-2.24am Jenny Greene Cirrus Gardens 4.30pm-6pm Lou Morley 6pm-8pm Prymary Colours Presents The Love Ball Featuring Claire Beck, Minikomono 8pm-9.30pm Paula Tape 9.30pm-11pm Krystal Klear 11pm-12.45am Horse Meat Disco Saturday June 14th Main Stage 12pm-12.45pm SexyTadhg 1.05pm-1.55pm Susan O'Neill 2.15pm-3.15pm The Sugarhill Gang & The Furious 5 3.45pm-4.45pm Sofia Kourtesis 5.15pm-6.15pm Le Boom 6.45pm-7.45pm Boney M. 8.15pm-9.15pm Kiasmos 9.45pm-11.15pm Roisin Murphy 11.45pm-12.45am Booka Shade Selective Memory Tent 12.45pm-1.30pm Paddy Hanna 2pm-3pm Lemoncello 3.30pm-4.30pm Yuné Pinku 5pm-6pm Halina Rice 6.30pm-7.30pm Osees 7.30pm-8.15pm Cailín 8.15pm-9.15pm Elli Acula 9.15pm-10.45pm Dave Clarke 10.45pm-12.45am Jeff Mills 12.45am-2.45am Al Gibbs – Euphoria Cirrus Gardens 12pm-1.30pm Kiva 1.30pm-4pm The Shed Residents 4pm-7pm Hunee 7pm-9pm Todd Terje 9pm-11pm Mulljoy B2B Ste Flynn 11pm-12.45am Nick Warren Sunday June 15th Main Stage 12pm-1pm Glasshouse Ensemble Perform Sigur Ros 1.30pm-2.30pm Fionn Regan 3pm-4pm Samantha Mumba 4.30pm-5.30pm Gotts Street Park 6pm- 7pm Badbadnotgood 7.40pm-8.40pm Houseplants 9.30pm-10.45pm TV on the Radio Selective Memory Tent 1pm-1.45pm Chris Wilson DC 2.15pm-3pm Olive Jones 3.30pm-4.30pm And So I Watch You From Afar 5pm-6pm Gurriers 6.30pm-7.30pm Broken Social Scene 8pm-9.15pm Death In Vegas 9.45pm-10.45pm Marc Rebillet Cirrus Gardens 12pm-2pm Nialler9 2pm-4pm Moving Still 4pm-5.45pm Zero 7 (DJ set) 5.45pm-7.15pm David August (DJ set) 7.15pm-8.45pm Sama Abdulhadi 8.45pm-10.45pm Mano Le Tough What are the campsite and carpark opening times? The Beyond the Pale campsite will open on Friday at 11am, closing at 4pm on Monday. The arena will open at 4.30pm on Friday, and 11.45am on Saturday and Sunday. If you are bringing a car, the car park is open from 11am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but while the carpark closes at 10pm on Friday and Saturday, it closes at 8pm on Sunday. All vehicles must be off site by 4pm on Monday. If you are bringing a campervan or campervan, entry is open on Friday from 9am until 10pm. On Saturday and Sunday, entry opens at 11am. It closes at 10pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday, and again, all vehicles must be off site by 4pm on Monday. How do I get there and home again? By bus/train Marathon Coaches are providing buses to Beyond the Pale including return buses from Dublin City to Glendalough Estate on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of June. Direct bus tickets to the festival site are also available for holders of single-day tickets, as well and weekend tickets holders. The direct buses will go from and to Dublin City centre and also from and to Bray Dart Station. More info available from Marathon Coaches. If you are arranging your own access with your own private bus to and from Beyond the Pale; you can contact info@ to buy a private bus parking ticket. However, note that buses are booked privately through attendees and not through Beyond The Pale. You can also get the Dart to Bray and avail of the coach service from there. By car Enter Roundwood, Co Wicklow, into your satnav and follow the festival signage. Enter via Oldbridge Parking. There is free parking available to those driving to the festival, and it is located as close to the front entrance as possible, about a 10-minute walk from the campsite. Organisers highly encourage carpooling. For those driving campervans, with families or wheelchair accessible, enter Annamoe into your satnav and follow the festival signage to enter via the main gate at Annamoe. The Annamoe entrance is also what will be used for pickups at the end of the night. How accessible is it? Organisers have endeavoured to make the site as accessible as possible, but the festival takes place predominantly on grass and some uneven ground, so the appropriate mobility devices are recommended. If you need any further details contact info@ Is the festival cashless? Some vendors at the festival will accept cash, but card is used mostly. There will be no ATMs on the site, so it is advisable to bring some cash with you. What's the story with security? Beyond The Pale is an over-21s event, except for children under 12, who can go but must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian over 21. People aged 13-20 are not allowed entry to the festival site. Alcohol can be brought onto the site at the time of first entry only, and there is no re-entry with alcohol once wristbanded. There are no glass containers permitted on-site whatsoever, so ensure you decant your alcohol into a reusable bottle before arrival. You can bring alcohol from the campsite into the arena, but it must be open when you are going in. Weekend camping ticket holders can bring 24 cans or one litre of spirits, or 1.5 litres of wine onsite for personal consumption. However, day ticket holders are not permitted to bring alcohol. Searches will be conducted upon entry to the festival and anyone found carrying illicit items will have them confiscated and may be removed from the festival and passed over to gardaí as a result. Fireworks, Chinese lanterns, flares, high-power torches, naked flames, barbecues, illicit drugs, legal highs or nitrous oxide, glass, animals (except assistance dogs), anything that could be considered an offensive weapon, drones, umbrellas, garden furniture, megaphones, bikes, high-vis clothing and gas canisters are among some of, but not all, the items prohibited. Can I bring my own reusable bottle and coffee cup to the festival? Yes, you can. Organisers highly encourage it. There are free water refilling stations across the site, just remember that no glass containers are permitted. What's the weather forecast? At the time of writing, light rain is expected on Friday, with temperatures between 10 and 17 degrees. On Saturday, much the same is expected with slightly more sun than Friday. Sunday is forecast to be dry with temperatures also expected to be between 11 and 17 degrees, but cloudy. Remember that we are in Ireland though, and the festival takes place predominantly on grass, so when packing - especially packing footwear - bear that in mind.

Organisers say Beyond the Pale festival going ahead after cancellation rumours
Organisers say Beyond the Pale festival going ahead after cancellation rumours

BreakingNews.ie

time07-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • BreakingNews.ie

Organisers say Beyond the Pale festival going ahead after cancellation rumours

Beyond the Pale festival is going ahead according to organisers, despite earlier reports that it had been cancelled. Organisers are due to issue a full statement today following the confusion, as it was reported the festival had gone into liquidation. Advertisement The festival will go ahead next weekend at Glendalough Estate in Co Wicklow. Acts such as Roisin Murphy, Boney M and Ezra Collective are set to appear across the weekend. Suppliers and workers on site had reportedly been informed by organisers that the event was being cancelled, and some had begun work on taking down stages and infrastructure. Reports also claimed that the main stage was being taken down. Tickets remained available on the event's website as of Saturday morning — €268.95 for a three-day camping pass and €126.90 for a one-day ticket.

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