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Sam Neill expresses gratitude for modern medicine that extended his life

Sam Neill was diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma - a form of blood cancer in 2022. He has since gone into remission and in his latest interview, expressed his deep gratitude for the medical advancements that have made his recovery possible. He underwent chemotherapy after his cancer diagnosis, but it stopped working after three months. He then switched his treatment to a rare anti-cancer drug which led him into remission. In his recent appearance on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, he expressed his gratitude and optimism, praising the "strides" that have been made in modern medicine over the past two decades. “I’m in remission and as you see, I’m hard at work and enjoying life immensely,” he said. “I’m very grateful for not just the wonderful care I’ve had from doctors and nurses and so on, but also the strides that have been made in treating these things in the last few years." He then shared insights into his current treatment and acknowledged that while it remains challenging, things are improving. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAInw1goPgF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAInw1goPgF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by White Wine Question Time (@whitewine_questiontime)</a> </div> </blockquote> “If this had happened to me 20 years ago, I wouldn’t be around to talk to you," he said. “I go in [for treatment] once a month now. But it used to be three times a month and it’s down to once a month now. “You have sort three or four horrible days afterwards and then all is well and you cheer up and I go to the gym and all that.” Despite the advances in medicine, in a previous interview with Australian Story, he admitted that he's aware the drug won't continue working forever, saying: “I’m prepared for that.” “I know I’ve got it, but I’m not really interested in it. It’s out of my control. If you can’t control it, don’t get into it," he added of his cancer. Image: Instagram

Caring

What happens to teeth as you age? And how can you extend the life of your smile?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/arosha-weerakoon-792707">Arosha Weerakoon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> A healthy smile <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37314011/">helps us</a> live long, well and happy lives. But just <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436910/">like our bodies</a>, our teeth succumb to age-related changes. So what happens to teeth as you age? And what can you do to ensure your smile lasts the distance? <h2>First, what are teeth made of?</h2> The tooth crown is covered by a hard enamel coat that surrounds softer, brown dentine, which protects a centrally located pulp. Enamel is a complex weave of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2584618/">brittle</a>, honeycomb-clustered strands that interact with light to make teeth appear opalescent (a pearly, milky iridescence). <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1601-1546.2012.00269.x">Dentine under enamel</a> forms most of the tooth crown and root, and is made of collagen, mineral, water and proteins. Collagen strands are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996922002102?via%3Dihub#bib12">woven</a> to stretch and spring back, to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996922002102?via%3Dihub#bib12">prevent teeth</a> from cracking and breaking when we grind and chew. The pulp has blood vessels and nerves that communicate with the rest of your body. Enmeshed in the dentine mineral and collagen are small, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8809302/">interconnected tubules</a> formed by specialised cells called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047847799940960">odontoblasts</a> that settle around the pulp, once our teeth completely form. Each tooth contains a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23803461/">finite number of odontoblasts</a>, unlike the constantly replenished special bone cells that renew. <h2>How do our teeth change as we age?</h2> Unable to renew, our teeth <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996922002102?via%3Dihub#bib19">become brittle</a>, and prone to fracture as dentine loses its spring. This is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002817714613532?casa_token=1K9Y6CJXmsAAAAAA:t6y_b_Iy02AWpUGaiz4H8Fk0Kdfx6z1ypHiGOEjFqFNlU1jvSRCVjfYOyysgIErJvgCzh33c2hfX">more common</a> in teeth with existing crack lines, large fillings or root canal treatments. With time, the outer surface of enamel <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022391305004348?casa_token=xXfdecXrLaoAAAAA:YE_0swAFtT3RyCUeJmPwciixQ0hwL-foLyC2RGtnlyUSJ9O-pPLQz0B8XNd4Gq1AMtCN2BgnCrqo">thins</a> to reveal the relatively opaque dentine that darkens as we age. The dentine darkens because the collagen weave <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047847722000697">stiffens and shrinks</a>, and the fluid in the tubules <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590152422000010?via%3Dihub">fills with mineral</a>. The odontoblasts continue to form dentine inside the tooth to reduce the translucent pulp space. The increase in dentine makes our teeth appear <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003996913003294">opaque</a> and insulates from hot and cold sensations. This is why <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571215000494?casa_token=iiLtoxOZOYQAAAAA:RfaGR7lrq9dgWuO_nh6hLETzVUiIWdu-mB-Ev019vZH5t6meVyAHs3YpZzcu9FNrDBYQL6OExu6j">X-rays</a> are useful to detect cavities we may not feel. Food and drink particles fill micro-gaps and age-related fine crack lines that run up and down enamel to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yash-Kapadia/publication/322509199_Tooth_staining_A_review_of_etiology_and_treatment_modalities/links/5b4cd922a6fdcc8dae245b7d/Tooth-staining-A-review-of-etiology-and-treatment-modalities.pdf">discolour and stain</a>. These stains are easily managed by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772559622000207">tooth whitening</a>. How else can you extend the life of your teeth and brighten your smile? Here are seven tips to avoid dental decline: <h2>1. Avoid unnecessary forces</h2> Avoid <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2012.722">using</a> your teeth to hold things such as working tools or to open packaging. Take measures to avoid forces such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1882761622000059">grinding or clenching</a> by wearing a night guard. If you have <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0109564122002421">large fillings</a> or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0109564122001579?casa_token=kQPjGNgU2iQAAAAA:ytMnT5MLV8aRehNyyWD7qC7FXSBE5xpPCxnzZ2ryKsuyJePq1jHisue1udtN0Cs6NDYJ37xYHy_5">root canal-treated</a> teeth, speak to your dentist about <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aej.12002?casa_token=RwMhhwmgjwwAAAAA%3AGCWVA9vjFX68S2DdKbCFl4jwTAjMeqVDoT3GtXTSjA7SMEc3ksktOMCUSz9ArikD4XhBM5v08nGCvmVF0g">specific filling materials or crowns</a> that can protect your teeth from cracking or breaking. <h2>2. Share the load</h2> If you are missing molars or premolars, distribute chewing forces evenly to prevent overloading your remaining teeth. Replace missing teeth with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S010956411100858X?casa_token=4vrj3ssj0PEAAAAA:UODaFxNDCKmQ_lQs1faL6lh0xIeIfSFrRQBq-s0KF1ZvUJd6ytbXX37TVaiHLRzJPJaSDF_2aVmL">bridges</a>, <a href="https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1902/jop.2008.080188?casa_token=uA0r7imcRbUAAAAA%3AeXGszI5-Dcu4oKi33FCrRRviiAj0uyoP7V5wApIRQD1-1Zu-rkLAcoLhKMAJYVnC9tEnxj33UdNJIndEBA">implants</a> or well-fitted <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/13/6776">dentures</a> to support your bite. Get your dentures <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022391320301554">checked regularly</a> to ensure they fit and support adequately, and replace them at least every ten years. <h2>3. Preserve your enamel</h2> Reduce <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpe.12330?casa_token=W2Ib34A77-QAAAAA%3AnLZtwwqZuueyHf1CMX0K9MERSW_Pvc3w0KlpArFT1KNusuopjEUcWmGd8pDUA7fQcj6DMkcS-JnXISFV1w">further enamel and dentine loss</a> by selecting soft-bristled <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00016350802195041?casa_token=E-ErdP543QUAAAAA%3A0Wz5AWwQxntBIc3UndFX_5nVbAYoPDx-PX1tg7Umxjr_QepX3CSIFVXYcrrxWV9iTx99Afk8c_zff-o">tooth brushes and non-abrasive toothpastes</a>. Certain whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, which can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8874033/">roughen and wear</a> the tooth surfaces. If you are unsure, stick with toothpastes that are labelled “sensitive”. Reduce your exposure to <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2012.722">acid</a> in food (think lemons or apple cider vinegar) or illness (reflux or vomiting) where possible to maintain enamel and prevent erosion. <h2>4. Enhance your saliva</h2> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jtxs.12356?casa_token=1moXbwnrDQIAAAAA%3AHz3Im9lmR3h75TmG8FSUQH-8_0UGnQ9TNkgaPL79LlrCmwC3kzZZJaAB2mSZHf4X7PX5y3GKaVoY5cm5JA">Saliva</a> protects against acid attacks, flushes our teeth, and has antibacterial properties to reduce erosion and decay (holes forming). Saliva is also important to help us chew, swallow and speak. But our saliva quality and quantity reduces because of age-related changes to our salivary glands as well as certain medications prescribed to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19392837/">manage chronic illnesses</a> such as depression and high blood pressure. Speak to your doctor about other medication options to improve your saliva or manage reflux disease to prevent erosion. <h2>5. Treat gum disease</h2> Aesthetically, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37358230/">treating gum disease (periodontitis)</a> reduces gum shrinkage (recession) that typically exposes the relatively darker tooth roots that are more <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220345231166294">prone to developing holes</a>. <h2>6. Manage and prevent senescence</h2> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36908187/">Cellular senescence</a> is the process that changes DNA in our cells to reduce our ability to withstand physical, chemical or biological damage. Cellular senescence enhances new cancer formation, the spread of existing cancers and the onset of chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. You can prevent cell damage by managing lifestyle factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and chronic infections such as gum disease. <h2>7. Adapt and ask for help</h2> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jan.15769?casa_token=SC-LouFQThsAAAAA%3A4jcvLRuJ56dGEm7ttvMad65hvUoZ7V5nvILg5sLFVZo8jxyQGR6YFeTcfM8sByTbdVrCWR1O5ytI3Z_crA">Ageing</a> can affect our cognition, hand dexterity and eyesight to prevent us from cleaning our teeth and gums as effectively as we once could. If this describes you, talk to your dental care team. They can help clean your teeth, and <a href="https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.9.520?casa_token=_rol0NXx9c8AAAAA%3Aq8zgxiMSASwF1MRQZnZzfzmttn2x7FfGwsiIv71C_s_PTTmGD9JOIbqqtLNXa0oF9ogOjOCZwwpwB94">recommend products and tools</a> to fit your situation and abilities.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215786/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/arosha-weerakoon-792707">Arosha Weerakoon</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland and General Dentist., <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happens-to-teeth-as-you-age-and-how-can-you-extend-the-life-of-your-smile-215786">original article</a>.

Body

15 great kitchen hacks to extend the life of food and save on waste

If you’re sick of throwing food in the bin (and wasting money), try these simple tips to reduce your wastage in the kitchen. 1. Use food scraps to grow vegetables Save the odds and ends from veggies such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, leeks, spring onions, celery, bok choy, garlic and even onions. These can all be replanted in some soil and will grow back. Just don’t forget to water them. 2. Reheat leftover slices of pizza in a frying pan If you aren’t a fan of floppy microwaved pizza, just pop your pizza into a hot fry pan instead. Your crusts will stay crispy and it will heat through much faster than it would in the oven. 3. Bring stale potato chips back to life in the microwave If you left the bag open overnight, fear not. Pop your stale chips in the microwave on high for 10 seconds or until crisp. 4. Use leftover herbs to make herb butter If your herbs are on the turn, just chop them up and mix with some melted butter. Pop it into some ice cube trays and freeze. Then you can enjoy the perfect portion of herb butter to use on your steak or to make homemade garlic bread. 5. Keep bananas fresher by wrapping the tips If you want your bananas to last longer in the fruit bowl, just wrap their tips with some cling film. They should keep for around three to five days longer. 6. Keep greens fresher in foil Celery, broccoli, and lettuce all last much longer in the fridge if you wrap them in foil first. 7. Keep pineapples sweet by storing upside down The sugars in this fruit can all end up on the bottom after the time spent in transit. So keep your pineapple upside down when you get home and the sweetness will be redistributed evenly. 8. Use a glass to peel a mango You can use a glass to slide the skin off your mango. This will avoid wasting any fruit that you’d normally toss after peeling with a knife. 9. Make a two-ingredient Nutella milkshake When you need a sweet treat but you’re nearly out of Nutella, just add warm milk to the jar and shake well. 10. Avoid sprouting potatoes by storing them with apples The ethylene gas in the apples helps to stop your potatoes from sprouting. 11. Keep leftover avocado fresh by storing it with a sliced onion There is sulfur in the onion and this keeps the avocado from going brown. 12. Keep cake fresh by covering with sliced bread Cover the exposed cake with some bread held in place with toothpicks and it will stay soft. 13. Extend the life of your eggs with vegetable oil By rubbing the eggshells with vegetable oil it will keep them fresher in the fridge for three to four weeks. 14. Keep lettuce fresh by storing in a brown paper bag No more sad and limp leaves! Keep your lettuce wrapped in a brown paper bag in the fridge. Plus, keeping the outer layers in place even if they have gone brown will keep the inside fresher for longer. 15. Reuse coffee grounds in the garden Plants such as roses, hydrangeas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes will all appreciate a liberal sprinkling of your used coffee grounds. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/stains-never-to-clean-with-water/">4 stains you shouldn’t use water to clean</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/household-tricks-from-the-1900s-2/">More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/alternatives-to-wrapping-paper/">8 DIY alternatives to wrapping paper</a>

Home Hints & Tips

Queen Elizabeth extends olive branch to Sussexes

Queen Elizabeth II has extended an offer to her grandson Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to join her for a break over the summer. Despite tensions amongst the royal family, the Queen invited the US-based Sussexes to stay with her at Craigowan Lodge in Balmoral. The Queen is expected to stay there for 10 weeks at the seven bedroom house and will have various family members join her. When and if the Sussexes accept her offer, it is expected that no other royals will be present, The Sun reported. “Staff have been told to expect the full list of royals including Harry, Meghan and their children Archie and Lilibet,” a Balmoral insider told the publication. “They are preparing for the Sussexes.” The Sussexes were in the UK from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and spent only a limited time with the Queen in which she met their daughter Lilibet. It’s expected that the trip to Balmoral will give them quality family time. Images: Getty

Relationships

When pets are family, the benefits extend into society

There is a growing global trend to consider pets as part of the family. In fact, millions of people around the world love their pets, enjoying their companionship, going for walks, playing and even talking to them. And there is evidence suggesting that attachment to pets is good for human health and even helps build community. More and more often, animals are included in family events and become important to all members of the family. This can be particularly significant in single-parent families, where <a href="https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2214.2001.00202.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a pet can be an important companion to children</a>. Children with pets may have higher levels of <a href="https://doi.org/10.2752/089279306785593801" target="_blank" rel="noopener">empathy</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01296.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">self-esteem</a> compared to those who do not have pets. Thinking of pets as family members can actually make the chores associated with pet care less stressful than they are for those who consider pets as property. Spending more time caring for a pet increases attachment to that animal which in turn <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2018.1505269" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduces stress in owners</a>. In the research my colleagues and I have done on <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/3/4/75/htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aging and social participation</a>, we found considerable analysis showing that interactions involving pets, especially if we care about them, can have a health-protective effect. Zooeyia (pronounced zoo-AY-uh) is the idea that pets, also known as companion animals, can be <a href="https://www.jabfm.org/content/28/4/526" target="_blank" rel="noopener">good for human health</a>. In fact, pet owners in Germany and Australia were found to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-5072-z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visit their doctor 15 per cent fewer times annually than non-pet owners</a>. <h2>Healthy, emotional connections</h2> Many health benefits to humans occur when there is an emotional attachment to pets. And we tend to care the most for animals that live with us. For example, a study that looked at attachment to dogs found that people tended to <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/089279306785415466" target="_blank" rel="noopener">care about their house dogs more than those that lived in the yard</a>. Higher levels of attachment to dogs has been associated with a greater likelihood of walking the dog and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw051" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spending more time on those walks as compared with those with a weaker bond to their dogs</a>. Sharing your life with a pet has been associated with a decreased risk of <a href="https://insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00005792-201703310-00028" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronary artery disease, a reduction in stress levels and increased physical activity (especially through dog walking)</a>. The presence of a pet during stressful activities has been shown to <a href="https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Citation/1998/01000/SOCIAL_INTERACTION_AND_CARDIOVASCULAR_REACTIVITY.52.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lower the blood pressure of couples taking part in a stressful task</a>. In fact, <a href="http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/12672376" target="_blank" rel="noopener">levels of beta-endorphin, oxytocin and dopamine, among other markers, increased in both humans and their dogs</a> during caring interactions, demonstrating that time spent together is physiologically beneficial for both species. And owning a pet has been associated with an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001214" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improved cardiovascular disease survival among older adults (aged 65 to 84 years old) being treated for hypertension</a>. <h2>Pets as family and community members</h2> Because pets are considered family members by many people, the loss of a dog or cat is often a cause for deep grief. A missing or dead pet is hard for many to replace because the relationship between the person and pet was specific to those individuals. The attachment between humans and animals is often so strong that it is common to <a href="https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.26.3.udj040fw2gj75lqp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mourn in a way that is very similar to the feelings and behaviours associated with the loss of a human family member</a>. The bond between humans and animals is not just good for human health, it can also help <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122085" target="_blank" rel="noopener">build community</a>. People with pets often find that <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.01.017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">activities with their companion animal creates connections with other people</a>. Social networks that are developed based on shared concern over the welfare of animals can lead to increased human-human interaction, as well as activities involving pets (e.g. dog-walking clubs). Walking a dog gets people out of private spaces, which can be isolating, and <a href="https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2015.04.140254" target="_blank" rel="noopener">into public areas where interactions with neighbors and other walkers are possible</a>. <h2>Protecting pets</h2> Societies create laws and institutions to protect companion animals from cruelty and neglect. In most jurisdictions, regulation of shelters and pounds has not evolved to reflect the beloved status of many pets, and instead consider pets as property. If a lost pet is not reunited with an owner within a few days it can be <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90a22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold to a new family, to a research lab, or be euthanized</a>. However, some countries, such as <a href="https://helpanimalsindia.org/news/library/saving-indias-street-dogs-from-abc-to-arv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a>, <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4415/ann_12_01_16" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Italy</a> and <a href="https://eng.coa.gov.tw/theme_data.php?theme=eng_news&id=481" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taiwan</a> have legislated against the euthanasia of healthy shelter animals. But in North America euthanasia is still common. In 2017, Humane Canada found that among the shelters they surveyed, <a href="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/cfhs/pages/427/attachments/original/1542135547/Humane_Canada_-_2017_Shelter_Statistics_-_FINAL.pdf?1542135547" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over 70 per cent of lost dogs and cats were unclaimed, and tens of thousands of dogs and cats were euthanized</a>. In 2016, <a href="https://www.ccac.ca/en/facts-and-legislation/animal-data/annual-animal-data-reports.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4,308,921 animals were experimented on</a> in Canadian laboratories. Approximately <a href="https://www.animalalliance.ca/campaigns/pets-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">17,000 were pet dogs and cats who were provided by shelters to research laboratories</a> and later euthanized. The strength of the human-animal bond has resulted in the creation of not-for-profit animal rescues whose mission is to ‘pull’ lost and abandoned animals from shelters before they are euthanized or sold for research. For example, <a href="http://marleyshope.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marley’s Hope</a> is a Nova Scotia all-breed rescue organization. The organisation also partners with the Sipekne’katik First Nation to help <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/sipekne-katik-first-nation-implementing-dog-population-control-program-1.3094215" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rehome roaming dogs as well as spay and neuter where possible</a>. The <a href="http://www.underdograilroadcanada.com/who-are-we.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Underdog Railroad</a> in Toronto, Ontario, rescues dogs and cats from high-kill shelters as well as those offered “free to a good home” online. And <a href="http://www.elderdog.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elderdog</a> provides older adults with help to care for their pets as well as rescuing abandoned older dogs. The <a href="http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humane Society International — Canada</a> assists in <a href="http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/news/releases/2018/06/spay-neuter-la-romaine-060718.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spay-neuter programs</a> as well as <a href="http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/work/endanimaltesting/qa/cosmetics_qa_canada.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">advocating for</a> and rescuing animals, including in the <a href="http://www.hsi.org/issues/dog_meat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">international dog and cat meat industries</a>. They closed three South Korean dog meat farms and two slaughterhouses in 2018, rescuing 512 dogs, many of whom found homes in Canada and the USA. Mohandas Ghandi understood the importance of the human animal bond. In his autobiography he said “<a href="http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00litlinks/gandhi/part1/117chapter.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">man’s supremacy over the lower animals meant not that the former should prey upon the latter, but that the higher should protect the lower, and that there should be mutual aid between the two</a>.” Recognizing the ways that companion animals enrich human lives, and understanding the depth of the affection between many humans and animals, may be the key to not only better health, but to improving the welfare of society as a whole. This article originally appeared on The Conversation. Image: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Homelessness is common for teens leaving out-of-home-care. We need to extend care until they are at least 21

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care – whether it’s foster, kinship or residential care – are disadvantaged in many ways. Many have experienced abuse, neglect, family hardship or illness. They may feel long-term grief due to family separation. And while some enjoy stable placements with committed foster or kinship carers, others – particularly those in residential care, supervised by rostered staff – may experience instability as friends or support workers come and go. Most exit the out-of-home care system at 18, or younger, without ongoing support. Unfortunately, however, many such young people quickly encounter homelessness, unemployment and contact with the criminal justice system soon after leaving out-of-home care. Instead of leaving these people to fend for themselves at age 18 (or younger), we need a nationally consistent model of extended care that supports care leavers until age 21. A tough transition A 2021 study by <a href="https://create.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CREATE-Post-Care-Report-2021-LR.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the CREATE Foundation</a> (which represents young people who have experienced out-of-home care) found homelessness was common among people exiting the system. Almost 100 of the 325 sampled care leavers aged 18-25 experienced homelessness in the first year after their transition. Another <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> found: <blockquote> More than half the 1,848 Victorian care leavers in this study (using data from leavers during 2013 and 2014) accessed homelessness services in the four years after leaving care, while one in three had multiple homeless experiences. Participants with experiences of residential care and multiple foster care placements were more likely to experience housing disruptions. </blockquote> <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/child-protection/incomesupport-receipt-oohc/summary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Another national study</a> noted care leavers were three times as likely as other young Australians to have received social security payments. Of course, many care leavers <a href="http://createyourfuture.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Stein-M.-ResearchReview.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">do integrate effectively</a> into the social and economic mainstream. Some have difficult lives but still manage to cope, while others struggle to overcome adversity and social exclusion. In general, those who achieve successful transitions tend to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cfs.12473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leave care later</a> than 18 years of age and receive ongoing support well into their twenties from, for example <ul> <li> foster or kinship carers </li> <li> extended family members </li> <li> formal mentors or neighbours </li> <li> friends </li> <li> members of sporting, religious, cultural and other community groups. </li> </ul> These supportive relationships, which mirror the assistance that most of their non-care peers naturally access from their parents, provide the social capital needed to acquire housing, food, clothing, a driver’s licence and entry into sustainable education, employment and training. According to <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one young person</a> who remained with their foster family in Victoria beyond 18 years: <blockquote> I was in the same home for 11 years, they were like my parents so they didn’t kick me out or anything. It wasn’t like I was in their care; I was like a part of the family. </blockquote> Conversely, those who experience troubled transitions from out-of-home care may experience social isolation, emotional adversity and hardship. <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One young person from Victoria</a> who was suddenly forced to leave care commented: <blockquote> I mean if you have a kid, you’re not going to kick him out as soon as they turn 16. You’re not going to, you know, tell your kid that ‘oh you have to find your own way to learn how to drive or anything’. You’re going to take them by the hand, you’re going to help them with each of these things. Even after your kid’s left, you’re still going to, you know, check up on them, you’re going to go there make sure they’re eating properly, cleaning the place properly. I had no idea how to clean anything. </blockquote> Young people who have harder transitions often include those in <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2019/12/13/1378567/from-care-to-custody-the-tragic-trajectory-of-crossover-kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">youth justice custody</a> when they turn 18 years of age, some <a href="https://www.aracy.org.au/publications-resources/command/download_file/id/465/filename/ARACY_Showing_the_Light_FINAL_20220302.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">young parents</a>, those who have a major <a href="https://daneshyari.com/article/preview/346111.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cognitive disability</a> or <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poor mental health</a> and <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/307306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some Indigenous young people</a> who have been prevented from forming a connection with their culture, identity and community. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Those who experience troubled transitions from out-of-home care may experience social isolation, emotional adversity and hardship. Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> Extended care as an early intervention strategy The best way to boost the life chances of all care leavers is to introduce a nationally consistent model of extended out-of-home care from 18 to 21 years. This is the model advocated by the <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Home Stretch campaign</a> led by Anglicare Victoria. Evidence from evaluations of extended care programs in the <a href="https://www.chapinhall.org/research/calyouth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US</a> and <a href="https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/report/Evaluation_of_the_Staying_Put_18_Plus_Family_Placement_Programme_final_report/9580109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK</a> confirms providing support until age 21 can improve outcomes for care leavers. As of April 2022, the Home Stretch model has informed the introduction of major extended care safety nets in <a href="https://www.celcis.org/application/files/5716/2263/3274/2021_Vol_20_No_1_Mendes_P_Extending_out-of-home_care_in_the_State_of_Victoria_Australia.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six out of Australia’s eight</a> states and territories. <ul> <li> <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/the-most-significant-reform-to-child-welfare-in-a-generation-victorian-government-leads-nation-in-announcing-universal-care-for-young-people-to-the-age-of-21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria</a> and <a href="https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/2021-22/fact-sheets/communities.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Australia</a> offer support to young people leaving all forms of out-of-home care until age 21 </li> <li> <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/foster-care-payments-to-be-extended-until-age-21-by-new-sa-liberal-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Australia</a>, <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/first-state-government-extend-care-21-years-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tasmania</a> and the <a href="https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/children/child-and-youth-protection-services/a-step-up-for-our-kids/out-of-home-care-strategy-2015-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Capital Territory</a> fund an allowance to foster and kinship carers only until age 21. South Australia has introduced a <a href="https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/news/dcp-news/young-people-leaving-residential-care-to-be-better-supported-with-next-steps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trial program</a> for residential care leavers in February 2022 - but it is only funded for two years to support 20 young people </li> <li> <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/foster-kinship-care/information-for-carers/money-matters/carer-allowances" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queensland</a> offers the same assistance only until 19 years </li> <li> the <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/push-to-lift-nt-foster-care-age-to-21/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northern Territory</a> has promised to legislate universal extended care soon </li> <li> <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/nsw-lags-nationally-on-caring-for-most-vulnerable-young-people-as-victoria-surges-ahead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New South Wales</a> is the outlier in currently providing no form of extended care. </li> </ul> No state or territory allows young people living in residential care to remain in their existing homes beyond 18 years of age. Nor have any of them introduced <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/931987/Staying_Close_Break.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Staying Close</a> programs similar to those trialled in the UK, whereby residential care leavers are supported to live close to their former accommodation and maintain existing relationships with their former carers and support networks. The federal government, via the recently updated <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/programs-services/protecting-australias-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children</a>, should establish a nationally consistent model of extended care that would universally assist all care leavers until age 21.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/181167/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/phillip-mendes-101820" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phillip Mendes</a>, Professor, Director Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monash University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/homelessness-is-common-for-teens-leaving-out-of-home-care-we-need-to-extend-care-until-they-are-at-least-21-181167" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Caring

Wake up Jeff! Extended napping in seniors may signal dementia

<div class="copy"> Daytime napping in older people is common and a normal part of aging, however, in excess it may also foreshadow <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/predictive-test-for-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and other <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/dementias-rising-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementias</a>, according to a <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.12636" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new study</a>. Researchers found that excessive daytime napping predicts an increased future risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. And, once dementia or its usual precursor – mild cognitive impairment – are diagnosed, the frequency and/or duration of napping accelerates rapidly. The results were published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Daytime sleep behaviors of older adults are oftentimes ignored, and a consensus for daytime napping in clinical practice and health care is still lacking,” says co-first author Dr Peng Li, based at the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachussets, US. “Our results not only suggest that excessive daytime napping may signal an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s dementia, but they also show that faster yearly increase in daytime napping may be a sign of deteriorating or unfavored clinical progression of the disease,” adds Li. The study tracked data from 1,401 seniors for up to 14 years. Those studied, approximately three-quarters of whom were female, had an average age of 81 years. They wore watch-like devices that tracked mobility continuously for up to 14 days every year. Each prolonged period without activity detected by the device between 9am and 7pm was interpreted as a nap. In addition, they underwent yearly neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognition. At the start of the study 75.7% of participants had no cognitive impairment, while 19.5% had mild impairment and 4.1% had Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that longer and more frequent daytime naps were a risk factor for developing dementia in cognitively normal older men and women. As the disease progressed, annual increases in the duration and frequency of napping accelerated – especially after the clinical manifestation of Alzheimer’s dementia. This occurred independent of known risk factors for dementia – including age and night-time sleep duration and fragmentation. “We found the association between excessive daytime napping and dementia remained after adjusting for night-time quantity and quality of sleep,” says co-senior author Dr Yue Leng of the University of California San Francisco. “This suggested that the role of daytime napping is important itself and is independent of night-time sleep.” This increase in napping may be explained by a <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/alzheimers-disease-destroys-neurons-that-keep-us-awake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2019 study</a>, which compared the post-mortem brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease to those without cognitive impairment and found they had fewer wake-promoting neurons in three brain regions. The authors acknowledge the limitation that, because the study participants were older, the findings may not easily translate to younger cohort. They also suggest that future studies should test whether a direct intervention in daytime napping can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia or cognitive decline. “I don’t think we have enough evidence to draw conclusions about a causal relationship, that it’s the napping itself that caused cognitive aging, but excessive daytime napping might be a signal of accelerated aging or cognitive aging process,” says Leng. “It would be very interesting for future studies to explore whether intervention of naps may help slow down age-related cognitive decline.” “Our hope is to draw more attention to daytime sleep patterns and the importance of patients noting if their sleep schedule is changing over time,” adds co-senior author Dr Kun Hu, also of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Image credits: Getty Images <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=185634&title=Wake+up+Jeff%21+Extended+napping+in+seniors+may+signal+dementia" width="1" height="1" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /></div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/alzheimers-dementia-nap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Imma Perfetto. </div>

Mind

Incredible but true: Terminally ill scientist extends life for decades by becoming "world's first full cyborg"

A British scientist who is terminally ill said he has transformed into “the world’s first full cyborg”. 61-year-old Peter Scott Morgan, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017, said he decided to extend his life using technology. This week, the roboticist emerged after 24 days in intensive care to reveal that “Peter 2.0 is now online”. “All medical procedures now complete and a huge success,” Scott-Morgan wrote on a Twitter post. “Long research road ahead but in great spirits.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Just home from 24 days in Intensive Care. All medical procedures now complete and a huge success. My mini-ventilator keeping me breathing is a LOT quieter than Darth Vader’s. All speech is synthetic but at last sounds like me again. Long research road ahead but in great spirits. <a href="https://t.co/JPjwjagDLT">pic.twitter.com/JPjwjagDLT</a> — Dr Peter B Scott-Morgan (@DrScottMorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrScottMorgan/status/1193923007045132289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2019</a></blockquote> The processes Scott-Morgan underwent during his intensive care included a laryngectomy to avoid the danger of saliva potentially entering his lungs – which he described as trading his natural voice for “potentially decades of life”. He also had a laser eye surgery and developed a life-like avatar of his face, which was designed to respond using artificially intelligent body language. The scientist, who was told by experts he might only have until the end of this year to live, said last month: “I’m not dying, I’m transforming. Oh, how I love science.” Scott-Morgan said the transition, which turned him into “the most advanced human cybernetic organism ever created in 13.8 billion years”, would not be his last. “It won’t stop there; I’ve got more upgrades in progress than Microsoft,” he wrote on his website. “Mine isn’t just a version change. It’s a metamorphosis.” Scott-Morgan said MND, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, should be seen as an opportunity to “upgrade” rather than a death sentence. “Over time, more and more with MND, with extreme disability, with old age, with a passion simply to break free from their physical straightjacket, will choose to stand beside me,” he wrote. He is now lobbying British MPs for support for his Right to Thrive campaign, which calls for increased access for people with MND to life-sustaining technologies, including tracheostomy and cough-assist machine.

Body

10 hilarious extended versions of classic album covers

We’re always told not to judge books by their covers, but does the same go for albums? Great cover art can make us love a good album even more, and some of them are so iconic, it’s hard to imagine the album without it. But have you ever wondered what’s going on just outside the frame? Well, Igor Lipchanskiy has, and he’s earnt tens of thousands of Instagram followers thanks to his creative extensions of famous album covers. The graphic designer has taken on everyone from David Bowie to Madonna, and the results are clever, imaginative and very funny. To see some of his best work, scroll through the gallery above. Image credit: Igor Lipchanskiy/Instagram.

Music

How to extend the “ring time” on your smartphone

Lisa Du is director of <a rel="noopener" href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. Mobile phone ring times... sometimes you just can't get to your phone quick enough! By default, your phone rings for 15 seconds before it diverts the call to voicemail (if you have voicemail feature switched on). You can change the length of your ring time by increments of five seconds, up to 30 seconds. The steps will be slightly different, depending on your mobile phone carrier. In this guide, we show you step by step how to extend the ring time on your mobile phone! How to extend the ring time on TELSTRA mobile: 1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call). 2.Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*101** (number of seconds: 15,20,25 or 30). Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*101**30. 3. Tap on the call / send button. A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful. How to extend the ring time on OPTUS mobile: 1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call) 2. Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*321** (number of seconds, (15, 20, 25 or 30) and then the hash key (#). Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*321**30# 3. Tap on the call / send button. A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful. Thank you to our Alert Reader Catherine for providing the OverSixty team with the updated code for Optus users! How to extend the ring time on VODAFONE mobile: 1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call) 2. Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*121**11* (number of seconds: 15,20,25 or 30). Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*121**11*30. 3. Tap on the call / send button. A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful.

Technology

9 ways to extend the life of your clothes

We’re not ones to pass up an opportunity to save a little money, so if we can do anything to make our favourite items of clothing last as long as possible, we’ll do it. If you want to get the most out of your wardrobe, why not give one of these clever tricks a try? 1. Wash them less – Not sure if your shirt or pants really warrants a wash? Before you put it under any unnecessary wear and tear, hang it up inside-out in an open space. This should air out any lingering unpleasant odours. 2. Loosen a stuck zipper – Zipper won’t budge? All you need to do is rub a crayon, candle, bar of soap or anything else with a waxy texture on the zipper and it should start moving again. 3. Avoid the dryer – If you’ve just done a wash but can’t hang your clothes due to poor weather, hang them on an indoor airing rack or wait for the skies to clear. This way, you’ll avoid any damage that might occur to the garment in the dryer. 4. Keep costume jewellery gleaming – The only real downside of costume jewellery is when it begins to tarnish, making it look cheap and tacky. To avoid this, coat it in clear nail polish or spray paint before wearing it for the first time. 5. De-scuff suede – Suede shoes look fantastic when they’re new, but they can easily become scuffed. Get them looking great again by rubbing away scuff marks with a nail file. 6. Never hang knitwear – Resist the urge to hang your jumpers and cardigans – doing so can quickly stretch them out of shape. Simply fold them instead. 7. Keep darks dark – Blacks, navies and other dark hues can fade easily after a few rounds in the washing machine. To keep them looking darker longer, simply wash them inside out and with like colours. 8. Fix a falling fly – If the zipper on your jeans or pants seems to creep down, just thread a keyring through the hole in the zipper tab. When you zip up, all you have to do is pop the keyring over the button before doing it up. It’ll keep your fly done-up and your little secret hidden. 9. Educate yourself – Don’t know how to sew? It’s time to learn! Knowing how to stitch up holes, rips or fallen hems could save your favourite item of clothing. <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Basic-Sewing-By-Hand-Tutorial/" target="_blank">Here’s a simple, quick tutorial</a> to get started. What else would you add to the list? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

Drinking coffee may add 9 minutes per day to your life

Two new international studies have found coffee could prolong life. The studies found that drinking a single cup a day reduces the risk of dying early from any cause, and significantly reduces the chance of death from digestive problems. One study of more than half a million people across 10 European countries found men who consumed at least three cups a day were 18 per cent less likely to die from any cause than non-coffee drinkers. Women, drinking the same amount, only experienced an eight per cent reduction in mortality. Those who consumed just one 350ml cup each day reduced their risk of dying early by 12 per cent over 16 years. Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge, calculated that these results meant a cup of coffee a day extended the average life of a man by three months and a woman by a month. “Pro-rata, that’s as if that cup of coffee puts, on average, around nine minutes on a man’s life, and around three minutes on a woman’s. So perhaps we should relax and enjoy it,” he told the Telegraph, UK. From a study of 185,855 people with different ethnic backgrounds, US scientists arrived at the same results. Their research found irrespective of ethnicity, people who dank two to three cups of coffee had an 18 per cent reduced risk of death. They found those who drank one cup of coffee a day were 12 per cent less likely to die than those who consumed no coffee. Both studies, which were published in the journal <a href="http://annals.org/aim/article/2643435/coffee-drinking-mortality-10-european-countries-multinational-cohort-study" target="_blank">Annals of Internal Medicine</a>, showed no advantage from drinking caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. Experts believe the caffeine is not responsible for the life-prolonging effect but rather the antioxidant plant compounds. Previous research has shown that consuming coffee can reduce the risk of heart attack, disease, diabetes, liver disease and some cancers. Leader of the European study, Dr Marc Gunter, from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, said, “We found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, and specifically for circulatory diseases and digestive diseases.” “Importantly, these results were similar across all of the 10 European countries, with variable coffee drinking habits and customs. Our study also offers important insights into the possible mechanisms for the beneficial health effects of coffee.” The European study examined data from 521,330 participants across 10 European countries including the UK, France, Denmark and Italy. Lead author Dr Veronica Setiawan from the University of Southern California said, “We cannot say drinking coffee will prolong your life, but we see an association. If you like to drink coffee, drink up! If you’re not a coffee drinker, then you need to consider if you should start.” “Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants and phenolic compounds that play an important role in cancer prevention.”

Retirement Life

4 ways to extend the life of your car

Cars are a massive convenience for everyone, but, let’s face it, they can be a complete drain on the ol’ bank account. So, it stands to reason that the longer you can go without having to buy a new (or, at the very least, newer) car, the more money you’ll save for those wonderful things in life, like holidays, dining out and pursuing your hobbies. Not sure your car can make it? You’ll be surprised how effective these four life-lengthening tips are. <ol> <li>Keep it clean – it goes without saying that a clean car (both inside and outside) is much more pleasant for yourself and your passengers. But, giving it a regular wash is also essential for preventing rust and protecting your car against the elements.</li> <li>Keep it light – the heavier your car is, the more power (and petrol) it requires – it’s as simple as that. Clearing out the junk in your car will not only get you better fuel economy, but you’ll notice how much easier it is to drive.</li> <li>Keep it slow – at least, keep it slow when you start the car. Just like you, your car needs a little time to get ready. If it’s been resting for more than a few hours and you immediately put your foot down, the friction within the engine will make it wear out faster. Try letting it warm up for a minute before you take off. Your car will thank you for it.</li> <li>Keep it maintained – it’s all well and good if your car looks spic and span, but it’s what’s under the hood that counts. Make sure you regularly check your tyres, fluid levels, and schedule your car to be serviced every six months (or 10,000km if sooner).</li> </ol> Tell us in the comments below, how old is your car? How do you keep it running like new? Related links: <a href="/finance/money-banking/2017/02/why-everyone-should-start-actively-investing/">Why everyone should start actively investing</a> <a href="/finance/money-banking/2017/02/yahoo-issues-warning-about-email-account-breach/">Yahoo issues warning about email account breach</a> <a href="/finance/money-banking/2017/02/ways-to-cut-your-grocery-spend-in-half/">8 ways to cut your grocery spend in half</a>

Money & Banking

Managing mobility limitations on extended trips

Anyone who’s managed mobility issues would agree that while there are challenges, with the right preparation you can still enjoy a rich, fulfilling life. Travel is no different. We’re going to run through a simple guide to managing mobility issues on extended trips. We a little bit of planning we’re sure you’ll find you won’t be missing too much at all, and still enjoying the exhilarating experience of travelling the world. 1. Make sure you call ahead If you have special mobility needs then you’re going to want to make sure your accommodation/tour guide/transport provider knows about this well before you rock up. Make sure they’re aware of your condition at the time of the booking. Be as specific as possible when describing the condition, as they will be better able to accommodate you with more information. 2. Try to avoid connecting flights if possible This is sometimes an impossibility, but connecting flights can be incredibly difficult for people with mobility issues to manoeuvre through. If you do have to make a connection make sure airport staff are aware of your needs, and they should be able to provide assistance. And always make sure that you have allowed for plenty of time to get from one gate to the next. 3. Make sure you bring plenty of spare parts You never know what’s around the corner, so having spare parts on hand for the devices that assist your movement is always quite handy. Even if it’s minor tools and parts that are just enough to get you to a place where you can have your mobility device worked on, having some tools and spare parts handy gives you an added level of peace of mind when travelling. Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/06/6-travel-tips-for-those-who-have-diabetes/">6 travel tips for those who have diabetes</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/6-things-you-need-to-know-about-travel-vaccinations/">6 things you need to know about travel vaccinations</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/10-ways-to-beat-travel-sickness/">10 ways to beat travel sickness</a>

Travel Tips

10 items to pack for an extended hospital stay

When you’re staring down the barrel of a long stay at hospital, figuring out which items you’re going to take with you is probably the least of your concerns. But by packing the right items you can make your stay in hospital considerably more comfortable and even take some of the stress out of the experience. We’re going to take a look at 10 things you have to pack for an extended hospital stay. Take these items and you’ll be home, fit and healthy in no time. 1. Documents, paperwork and ID – This includes items like your driver’s license, insurance cards, lists of medication and telephone numbers of family and friends. Ideally these items will be stored in a closable folder to ensure that they aren’t lost. 2. Small amount of money – If you’re in a position where you can move around, having a small amount of money handy can help you buy newspapers, coffee and use the vending machines. By the same token, it’s not a good idea to bring credit cards or large amounts of cash as theft can occur. 3. Comfortable clothing – Have a comfortable pair of pyjamas or lounging clothes, as well as some loose-fitting underwear, socks and a cardigan-style sweater or bed jacket. It’s also an idea to bring your own slippers, or regular shoes if you’re allowed to walk outside. 4. Writing paper and a pen – This is crucial to help you make notes and record any questions you might want to ask your doctor. It can also be a useful to have paper and a pen if you’re undergoing a procedure that will limit your ability to communicate. 5. Toiletries – Bringing your own toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant and comb or brush provides a simple touch of home that makes your stay more comfortable. 6. Books and magazines – Anyone who’s been in hospital would agree that there’s a lot of downtime, and turning the pages of your favourite books or the new edition of your favourite magazine can be a great way to while away the hours. 7. Portable music player and earphones – Load an iPod or MP3 player with your favourite music or a series of podcasts and you’ll be able to zone out in your hospital room and get away from some of the irritating hospital noises that can sometimes drive you up the wall. 8. Simple craft project – Bring your knitting or even something like an adult colouring book, to take your mind off things and help you zone out from the stress. 9. Comfort pack – A comfort pack containing a reading light, eye mask and your own pillow from home is the best way to deal with of poor hospital lighting, constant distractions when you’re trying to sleep and uncomfortable hospital beds. 10. Photos and small personal items – These simple items can make your hospital space seem much more homely and at times a little less confronting. Do you agree with the inclusions on our list? Would you suggest there are other things patients should take in preparation for a long hospital stay? Share your thoughts in the comments. Related links: <a href="/finance/insurance/2016/06/10-foods-to-help-you-get-to-sleep">10 foods to help you get to sleep</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2016/05/poem-captures-pain-of-alzheimers/">Beautiful poem captures the pain of Alzheimer’s</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/05/teen-surprises-grandpa-with-hospital-visit-before-formal/">Teen surprises grandpa with hospital visit before formal</a>

Insurance

How to extend the life of fruit and veg

Making sure you store your fruits and vegetables correctly can help you cut back on unnecessary wastage and save you money. As part of UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s “Waste Less, Save More” campaign, Sainsbury has released a helpful guide of what fruit and vegetables to store together and which ones to keep apart. Certain fruit and veg should be stored apart as they produce gas ethylene during the ripening process when stored together, which reduces the shelf-life of other fruit and vegetables nearby. “Apples and watermelons are long-term enemies while bananas don’t play well with others and should be kept on their own,” said spokesman for the supermarket, Paul Crewe. “But cherries are immune to the negative effects of the ethylene produced by others and can therefore be paired with a variety of partners.” Other fruit and veg that produce ethylene as they ripen include apples, pears, apricots, bananas, kiwis, mangoes, peaches and plums. Potatoes and sweet potatoes should be kept away from fruit to prevent early sprouting. Store them somewhere cool and dark. Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, lettuce and green beans are also sensitive to ethylene. Sainsbury’s other tips for extending the shelf-life of produce include refrigerating berries and grapes immediately and keeping carrots, beetroot and parsnips in the fridge. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/household-cleaners-hiding-in-your-pantry/">5 household cleaners hiding in your pantry</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/tricks-to-cut-vegetables-faster/">Tricks to cut vegetables faster</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/foods-that-dont-need-to-be-refrigerated/">10 commonly refrigerated foods that don't need to be</a>

News

Australia’s first purpose-built cruise ship to extend maiden season

Last month we told you the world’s newest, biggest, most technologically advanced cruise ship has <a href="/news/news/2016/03/newest-cruise-ship-set-for-aussie-waters/" target="_blank">successfully completed its conveyance process</a>. Now Royal Caribbean’s hotly anticipated Ovation of the Seas is set to extend her maiden season down under. Royal Caribbean has announced four extra cruises for the forthcoming summer 2016/17 season, with Ovation of the Seas set to return for a second season in the summer of 2017/18. Together, these programs add 60,000 new beds to the local cruise market. Final deployment and itinerary details are set to be released later this month. Adam Armstrong, managing director, Royal Caribbean Australasia said, “The level of interest for Ovation of the Seas has exceeded all of our expectations; we’re currently over 90 per cent sold for next summer’s sailings. She is a true game-changer and such was the high demand for the ship that we’ve been able to secure four extra cruises from Sydney, which will extend the season into late February 2017.” “This extension of her maiden season – plus her subsequent return in summer 2017/18 – reaffirms Australia’s position as one of the most significant cruising markets in the world and Royal Caribbean’s position as Sydney’s leading cruise line.” <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18559/ovation-of-the-seas-image-two_497x280.jpg" alt="Ovation Of The Seas Image Two"/> The Ovation of the Seas will be the third-ship in the ground-breaking Quantum Class, bringing a set of first-at-sea experiences to Australia including the opportunity to experience a heart-pounding skydiving experience, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea and the line's largest, most advanced staterooms ever. The $1.3 billion ship will be biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to sail into Australian waters. The mega-liner will feature 18 decks and 2090 staterooms, and a capacity to carry a maximum of 4180 guests at double occupancy. Royal Caribbean has also advised that guests who are booked on the 23 January 2017 repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore will be contacted directly and offered first choice of sailings to rebook, including the revised repositioning itinerary scheduled. For more information regarding the Ovation of the Seas <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com.nz/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?shipCode=OV&wuc=AUS" target="_blank">click here</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/03/how-to-make-cruise-ship-towel-animals/">How to make cruise ship towel animals</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/new-shore-excursions-for-royal-caribbean-cruises/">New shore excursions for Royal Caribbean cruises</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/03/cruise-lines-cancel-scheduled-bali-stops/">Cruise lines cancel scheduled Bali stops</a>

Cruising

3 tricks to extend life of phone charger

The cables of phone chargers are notorious for breaking and fraying beyond repair. But don’t let it get to that point with these three clever tricks to prevent your charger from breaking. Source: Buzzfeed Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2016/01/myths-about-facebook/">3 myths about Facebook busted</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2016/01/computer-shortcuts/">10 computer shortcuts to save you time</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2016/01/clear-space-on-smartphone/">4 ways to clear space on your smartphone</a>

Technology

Exercise, however modest, extends life expectancy of older adults

Exercise, however modest, extends life expectancy of older adults, according to new research. The French study followed 1,000 people aged 65 over 13 years. Their level of physical activity was monitored and categorised, and any mortality and cardiovascular events were recorded over the follow-up period and associated with exercise levels. Results indicated the risk of death was 57 per cent lower in those who achieved a higher activity level than the recommended 150 minutes per week. Furthermore, the study found those doing a low level of physical activity per week still had 51 per cent lower risk of death than those doing the very bare minimum. Even starting or restarting physical activity after a long period of absence had a fast benefit, reducing risk of death by two thirds. Dr Hupin, one of the researches, said several positive conclusions can be drawn but notably even a low level of exercises below current recommendations had some protective effect. Such conclusions have already been established in the wider populations but this is the first study that looks specifically at older populations. Most physical activity guidelines are the same for middle-aged adults and over 65s – 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week – even though an estimated 60 per cent of older people are unable to achieve this same level of exercise. The study indicates the even exercise of a short duration or low intensity will have highly beneficial effects. Dr Hupin recommends at least 15 minutes of physical activity for five days a week as a suitable first target “This could include brisk walking, cycling, swimming or gymnastics,” he suggested, “all possibly associated with leisure time physical activity or daily life activities.”

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