Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits are vital for over 50s but most aren’t doing enough of it, according to the experts.The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows only one in three (33.4 percent) of people aged over 65 years old have met the latest physical activity guidelines.According to health and fitness coach, Josh Kristenson, that’s not good news.“Especially when you consider all the health conditions that can be prevented or managed with regular exercise,” he said. “These include heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure – all chronic diseases that have increased risk of developing with age.“Even if you’re not naturally athletic, there are ways to keep fitness fun to get back into exercise if it’s something you’ve been neglecting, which is something we’re all guilty of at some point!“Overall fitness and reduced risk of disease are just some of the benefits. Exercise can boost your social connections and help you make friends too.”Josh...

More time to travel is one of the biggest benefits of reaching retirement age. In fact, two-thirds of all older Australians intend to go on a holiday within the next 12 months. And for those with an income over $100,000 to spend, that number shoots up to 88 percent, according to COTA’s 2023 State of the Older Nation report. Cheap retirement travel tips For many retired Australians, a trip to Europe is the number one bucket list destination followed quickly by seeing more of our own country. The Australian Seniors 2022 Travel Trends Report says older Australians don’t mind budget destinations, but they weren’t afraid to splash out either. When you’re on a fixed income, is there a way to enjoy more holiday for your dollar? The answer is a resounding yes. Look for free events Take the time to really research your destinations. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover how many fascinating things you can do that are absolutely free! Look for local festivals, markets...

When most people think of working out, they think specifically of a gym, weights, or running. But you can stay fit and active in a way that really doesn't feel like work. In fact, some of the best ways to get your body moving really can be found outdoors, where you can immerse yourself in nature or discover your surroundings while staying active, says health and fitness coach, Josh Kristenson.“Take a walk along the beach, for example,” he said. “Walking on sand naturally calls upon your legs, core, and balance. This is one workout that gives your whole body a workout without feeling like you're grinding it out on an exercise machine.“Plus, the sound of the waves and the fresh sea air lend a soothing and relaxing quality. Research even shows that being near water – ‘blue space’ – can help reduce anxiety and boost your mood. It's exercise without it feeling like exercise at all.”For those more inclined toward bushwalking,...

WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A RECIPE THAT’S HEARTY AND SUITABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS, YOU CAN’T GO PAST STUFFED ROASTED PUMPKIN.“Stuffed roasted pumpkin is a beautiful and hearty meal; perfect as a dish for a special occasion or as a Christmas side dish to complement a big spread,” said Chef Matt Conquest.“It makes for an impressive centrepiece and is packed with savoury flavours and textures. This vegan dish is a delicious and wholesome meal. It is also hearty, festive, and can be easily switched up to suit your taste by using different grains, nuts, or vegetables!” Vegan-style Whole Roasted PumpkinServes 5-6Ingredients 1 medium-sized pumpkin (or use 2 small sugar pie pumpkins for different fillings) 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to tasteFor the Filling: 1 cup quinoa or white and wild rice, cooked 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins 1/2 cup walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds or pistachios, roughly chopped 1 small red onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp...

TAKING PART IN A MAJOR FUN RUN OR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING EVENT INSPIRES MANY ACTIVE AND SPORTS-MINDED RESIDENTS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE BUT WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE EVENT IS OVER?How do you think you would fare after the event wrapped up and what should you do to recover from all that extra training and competingHealth and Lifestyle Coordinator Josh Kristenson has some great tips to put you back on the road to recovery after the competition is over.“The fun of competition lies in the thrill of the chase, but the days that follow may leave your body needing a little TLC,” said Josh.He said that recovery is not only essential to get you back to feeling like yourself, but also prepares you for the next exciting activity.The good news is Living Gems has some of the world's best recovery facilities to help you regenerate after a competition.One of the best recovery methods is to spend some time in the...

There’s more to explore in South East QueenslandFrom ancient rain forests, stunning beaches to breathtaking mountains and incredible countryside, the south-east corner of Queensland (and northern New South Wales) has so much to offer.We’ve created a list of favourite destinations, each of which makes a comfortable day trip from Brisbane. However, why not pack up and make a real holiday of it? Make it a multi-day roadtrip north to Harvey Bay, west to Kingaroy, south to Stanthorpe and east to Byron Bay. Spend one day in each location or spend several to really soak up the atmosphere! Noosa This trendy destination is popular for good reason. Noosa is surrounded by stunning beaches, lakes, and the lush hinterland of Noosa National Park. And forget Florida in the USA, you can explore the only other everglades in the world. The Noosa everglades is home to an abundance of birdlife (and no alligators or crocodiles!). The region also boasts unique shopping and world-class dining experiences...

What type of retirement lifestyle would you like to have? What type of retirement lifestyle can you afford? Those are the two big questions to answer when you’re looking forward to your retirement years. But where on earth do you begin? We’ve taken this big topic and broken it down so you can get a better understanding of subjects like: Superannuation preservation age  Transition to retirement  The aged pension, and  Government incentives to encourage downsizing It’s important to note that retirement is a big step, so it is wise to seek professional and legal advice before committing to any decision.  A little background on the Australian Superannuation Guarantee  Since 1 July 1992, Australia has had the Superannuation Guarantee, in which employers were obliged to make superannuation contributions on behalf of their employees' compulsory superannuation.  Since 1992 the Super Guarantee has risen from 3 percent to 11.5 percent as of 2024 – and as the percentage increased over the years, so too has the preservation age.Let’s take a...

What to plant in spring? It’s warming up, which means it’s the ideal time for your gardens to flourish.What you plant in spring though, will depend on the climate and soil conditions of where you live.If you live at Amber by Living Gems in beautiful Logan Village, flowers, fruit trees, vegetables and herbs can all be planted in early spring.You don't need much space to cultivate smaller-sized vegetables if you have a relatively sunny spot.Hanging baskets, pots and small planters, raised vegie gardens, or self-watering courtyard planters are good. Just watch your water upkeep as soil can dry out very fast in the heat, and that will spell the end for your plant quickly. Some homeowners also opt for vertical gardens such as solar-powered, self-watering hydroponic set-ups.September plants ideal for smaller gardens in humid sub-tropical climates of Queensland include: Flowers that bring a spring to your step Spring gardens are a treat for the senses, bursting with colours and sweet aromas. Popular flower...

INDULGE IN THE CHOCOLATEY GOODNESS OF CHEF MATT CONQUEST’S HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES FOR WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY ON SUNDAY, 7 JULY.Chocolate’s four-thousand-year history began in ancient Mesoamerica (present-day Mexico) where the first cacao plants were found. In 16th Century Europe, chocolatiers added sugar to chocolate to make it the iconic sweet treat it is today. Royals and the upper classes consumed chocolate for its health benefits as well as its decadence.In 1828, the invention of the chocolate press revolutionised chocolate making. This innovative device could squeeze cocoa butter from roasted cacao beans, leaving a fine cocoa powder behind. The powder was then mixed with liquids and poured into a mould where it solidifies into an edible bar of chocolate.And just like that, the modern era of chocolate was born. Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles20 TRUFFLESMethodSet aside 20 hazelnuts. Chop the remaining nuts with a knife or wrap them in a cloth and crush them with a rolling pin. Put 150g of the chocolate...

Friendships play such an important role in our health and wellbeing, and even more so as we get older.   But what happens when you have reduced options to meet new people – particularly after the busy, socialising years of raising a family and being in the workforce are over?And once you’ve settled into a routine, it can be difficult to break out and make the move to expand your social circle.We share some great tips on how to make friends in retirement and increase your enjoyment at the same time. Top tips for making friends in retirement One in five older Australians are socially isolated.Social isolation can lead to increased risk of diseases including heart attacks and strokes as well as harming your mental health.But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this feature we take a look at ways you can increase your enjoyment as well as the number of people you can call on as friends. 1. Foster existing connections When you’ve...

It’s not surprising that many people’s attention turns to taking a big, long holiday as soon as they make their retirement plans. After all, what could be better than travelling your way, taking months to explore your favourite destinations instead of a few scant weeks limited by your holiday leave entitlement? That’s the dream but what about the practicalities? Practical travel tips in retirement Many people plan their longest holidays early in their retirement with the United Kingdom, United States and Europe the most popular destinations on the retirement travel bucket list. Travel is still on the list for older retirees with two-thirds of people still intending to take a holiday in the next 12 months with the percentage jumping to 88 percent for those whose retirement income was more than $100,000. 1. Plan in advance of retirement Before you go running off to the nearest travel agent it’s important to do some planning a little closer to home. While not as fun as checking out destinations and...