Seniors

Older Australians are smoking more and using illicit drugs more frequently, according to new research. ...

Downsizing is a great opportunity, says interior designer specialist Julie Ockerby.

Baby boomers are redefining the workforce – and the ranks of the unemployed.

Petra Bensted has created this photo essay to highlight the loneliness felt by many older ...

After years of business as usual, the for-profit aged-care sector is increasingly being targeted ...

Two-thirds of assaults on the elderly by relatives are committed by their children.

For the first time in two decades, laws to improve the welfare of seniors are ...

Thousands languishing on home-care waiting list end up in hospital, says Opposition.

This simple three-step guide will help you make the right booking choices, every time.

Economy may be surging, but pensioners are losing out on the growth spurt.

Few Aussies retire at 70, an age pension threshold the Government is proposing.

How can you make sure your family receive your fortune?

Report highlights how private aged care companies make more money than charities.

Australia's rate of homelessness is now almost on par with Britain.

A daily squeeze of lemon juice boosts your body’s ability to repair cells.

Innovation chief calls on Government to encourage genomics study to boost longevity.

The 2018 Australia Day awards avoided rewarding citizens who help others.

Older Australians’ health is being compromised.

Government told to budget for higher charges to pensioners in aged care facilities.

A growing movement allowing children to decide

Inquiry could stall reform of residential aged care, warns industry body.

Private insurers are achieving shorter waiting times for patients in public hospitals.

Victorian women missing in action in seniors’ awards.

Email may be the easiest way to communicate with others, but unless you know ...

With no mess or fuss, our hearty One-Pan Italian Chicken will satisfy your tongue and ...

Sharyn has heard of a service provide by Centrelink which can help her spread the ...

The Australian Government has a range of programs and initiatives which support carers.

It's no picnic to be an older person in a youth-oriented society.

Claims that seniors are rorting tax and screwing younger generations.

Enjoy our Mixed Vegetable Soup with crusty sourdough for a light and healthy lunch.

Our Baked Apple Crumble serves one. If there are two of you, just double the ...

Our Creamy Egg salad can be a meal on its own, a delicious canapé or ...

Hundreds of Australians are sleeping in their cars due to having nowhere else to go.

You can’t go wrong with our Banana Nut Muffins for afternoon (or morning) tea.

Each month, we look at the top article in five core categories of our website ...

We look at the top article in five core categories of our website and give ...

The results of a recent survey of over 4,000 baby boomers may surprise you!

Feros Care has launched a seniors ‘selfie’ competition to celebrate ageing.

Homeshare offers cost-effective living for young and older Australians.

You can easily enjoy a couple of days in Ireland’s capital without spending too much ...

Diabetes will overtake heart disease as the leading lifestyle disease in Australia by 2017.

New crime figures show shoplifting among seniors has risen by 20 per cent in the ...

There was one clear winner when it came to who was best dressed in 2014.

Spending time on the island really does mean leaving all your worries behind you.

Apple launched two new iPhones and a brand new smartwatch at an event on Tuesday. ...

These five websites are a bargain-hunter’s paradise.

What will funding cuts in this year’s budget mean for the ABC’s programming?

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has been described as a “complete fool”.

Find a Christmas in July event near you with this list of festive celebrations.

On Sunday night a young girl was brought to tears on national television.

Those aged over 65 will be hit hardest by the proposed Medicare $7 co-payment.

These 10 low-cost, low-effort activities will keep grandchildren busy for hours.

A UK airline will be banning reclining seats on all of its planes.

Malcolm Turnbull has called Andrew Bolt ‘deranged’ and ‘unhinged’.

Bill Shorten delivered a stinging attack on the Abbott Government’s first budget last night.

Several key Coalition promises were broken in Tuesday’s budget.

How will changes to pensions announced in the Federal Budget 2014 affect you?

Find out what made it in and what was simply deemed too unpalatable.

Over 55s phone and internet supplier ONESeniors has gone into administration.

Drew explains what you need to know to get the best product at the right ...

A security flaw has been discovered which is affecting the Internet Explorer browser.

Drew shares commonly used text chat acronyms and what they mean.

So what did YOURLifeChoices members tell us about their spending habits for 2014?

Knowing the warning signs will help you get the timely support you need.

Is your business ready for an ageing population?

Drew reviews Nokia’s latest big screen ‘phablet’ smartphone.

‘Baby boomers’ are five times more likely than other adults to have hepatitis C

Seniors from a German retirement group have recreated famous movie scenes

Tech expert Drew Patchell explains what cloud computing is and how it can help you.

There is nothing better than enjoying fine wine, great food and the company of good ...

Offering translation services, videos, news, email, website analytics and much more

Jacqui needs help finding a pensioner friendly prepaid mobile plan.

Margaret was recently contacted by someone claiming to be from the ATO handing out ‘Hardship ...

Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone 5s at an event on 10 September.

When Barbara reaches Age Pension age, what are her Age Pension options?

Are you feeling fatigued? These 10 tips will help to boost your energy.

Drew explains how George can delete the current bookmarks and add his favourites.

A frequent group-buying website coupon purchaser, Drew shares his learnings.

A new online payment system with free money transfers.

Boasting a massive 48 days of standby time, the Asha 501 is a game changer.

The Government is pressing ahead with its 10-year aged care reform plan

Rising electricity costs have made it difficult to live on an Age Pension.

Drew explains how to setup Outlook’s new ‘must use’ security feature.

Google has started to ship their highly anticipated Google Glass devices.

Drew explains how to customise your new Timeline

Drew explains how to weed out telemarketing calls on your landline

Recent trends have seen bigger and more powerful devices favoured

Should Brenda buy a new camera or will her iPhone do the trick?

Drew shares the new shortcut for opening Task Manager on your PC

Inactive Account Manager ensures your information is deleted once you die

Gmail has revamped the way in which users write emails

Drew explains how to stop telemarketers disturbing you

Drew explains why you should consider changing browsers.

Drew explains why you should consider purchasing smartphone insurance.

Could this be the greatest invention of the 21st century?

Drew was shocked to learn that he is only expected to live until just 68. ...

If you believe the rumour mill, hashtags are just around the corner.

In an Australian first, QLD police plan to use unmanned drones

Google has launched indoor maps for 200 locations across the country.

New rules to clear up comparison misinformation for consumers.

Drew shares three guides to help clean up your computer and increase its performance ...

Drew explains what this means and shares some handy shortcuts.

Peter would like to know how additional income will affect his Age Pension

Not only are single parents due to have their Newstart Allowance cut, they have also ...

Electricity and gas prices are skyrocketing around the country. The rate rises are especially ...

Drew explains how to back up your contacts, photos and purchased apps.

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Pam is her husband’s carer but they are married in name only. She ...

Opportunities to volunteer both in Australia and overseas are boundless and you may even learn ...

YOURLifeChoices answers subscriber Joyce’s question on whether an iPad is an effective ...

It’s commonly accepted that exercising the brain can delay the onset of dementia and now ...

There is a common misconception that dementia is a normal part of ageing, but ...

Have you noticed your computer slowing down over the past year? Drew explains how a ...

All aboard! There has never been a better time for cruising. If you're thinking ...

The average salary of a backbencher has increased by $49,640 compared with a year ago.

37 per cent of older Australians assume they are too old to donate.

As tax time fast approaches, YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Dianne, would like to know ...

Losing your mobile phone can cost you thousands of dollars

As is the tradition, last night the leader of the Opposition, Mr Abbott, responded in ...

There are three ways of viewing Budget 2012-3; politically, economically or personally

The Government will make $33.6 billion worth of savings to fund the return to surplus.

Yesterday I was privileged to again attend the Budget Lock-up, but what exactly is a ...

If you’ve worked hard all your life to fund your retirement, then you may be ...

The tax-free threshold will triple from its current limit of $6000 to $18,200 in 2012/13.

The reforms are to help ensure a better, fairer and more consistent aged care system.

Those struggling to survive on an Age Pension will have to do so for a ...

The Mature Age Participation program: practical help for job seekers over 55.

$345.9 million will be spent over three years to reduce public dental waiting lists

Most people consider an internet connection to be an essential service.

The cost of living for pensioners rose only 1.1 per cent, 0.5 per cent below ...

To better understand how hard Pensioners have it, I’m going to be putting my money ...

If you’re a train enthusiast planning your next trip or are thinking of taking ...

With the start of the Olympic Games less than 90 days away and Queen ...

Experience Canada’s iconic Rocky Mountaineer and enjoy the glorious countryside and scenery as you sit ...

Make your way through Europe at your own pace with the flexibility of a ...

If you don't remove it by 9 July 2012, you won't be able to connect ...

On the football field he was a dynamic player and leader.

Our current Aged Care system is inconsistent, confusing and unsustainable.

The IMF has warned governments around the world that they need to act now.

Tablet computers have taken the market by storm.

Susan Moir shares how to negotiate a more flexible role when work starts taking over.

Meditation can reduce stress, combat heart disease and improve your mood.

SMS is fast becoming the preferred means of communication between Australians and with a ...

The $1.4 billion myki ticketing system has come under fire once again this week, ...

Yesterday on Mornings with Neil Mitchell on the 3AW radio network the ...

As the first invited ‘citizen author’ post on YOURLifeChoices website, Ken has ...

We are delighted by the robust debate following the first post by Ken. That ...

We are delighted by the robust debate following the first post by Ken. That ...

Whilst the word ‘train’ normally conjures up images of short daily journeys, the ...

Webmaster Drew explains the benefits of a smartphone and how to choose one that suits ...

Given that it takes such a long time to travel overseas, interstate travel is ...

A trip overseas is no doubt a luxury yet surprisingly, over 40 per cent ...

If you look on most maps, you won't find Samatya. That's because the modern ...

We hear a lot of discussion about rights but do any of us really ...

Recently, Drew found himself the target of a supermarket scam and he’s not been the only one, judging by the number of emails warning of similar incidents. Currently making the rounds are emails which warn about the dangers of paying with your card at the supermarket ...

Webmaster, Drew, got an SMS on his mobile phone yesterday claiming he had won $120,000 and had to reply to claim it. An obvious scam, which can cost you hundreds of dollars if you reply! Obviously no company in their right mind will SMS you saying ...

The experience of cruising the waters of Northern Europe has just become even more ...

MSC Cruises welcomes families to uncover the ideal cruise getaway.

Everyone enjoys a little luxury when travelling. It doesn’t come much more luxurious than ...

Over six percent of Australians have made the jump to Apple Mac computers, and ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Jenny wants to know if her home and contents insurance ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Ronnie is based in the US and would like to ...

A few months may have passed since the announcement of the proposed Carbon Tax ...

While critical in providing an instant window of communication to the world, a downside to having an email account is the veritable flood of spam emails you receive which promise you the world and delivering worse than nothing. Thankfully as people begin to understand more ...

Often paid as a result of difficult circumstances, compensation payments can seem like a godsend. But, as YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Deborah, has realised, there can be penalties. Q. Deborah Three years ago I lost my Mum in a tragic accident. Because of ...

Skype is a powerful tool that allows you to video call friends and family ...

Learning to cope with a disability is challenging at the best of times but ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Von is concerned that when she moves to the Age ...

Perhaps you offered to deal with a seemingly simple bureaucratic matter on behalf of ...

With which would Ron be better off?

The recent share market plunge will have knocked 3 to 5 percent off super ...

Age Pension age for social security purposes is 65 years for men. ...

Australia currently boasts around 435,000 Self Managed Super Funds. Martin Murden provides ...

Start by building a list of all the great things you have done, and enjoyed, ...

Q. Graham You placed my concerns some time ago on your newsletter and I received some interesting information. I have since contacted the Government but cannot get any response to my mail and emails. Do you have an address for an organisation that address pensioners concerns ...

If you have paid National Insurance contributions in the UK then you may be ...

Having a pension fund across the world may not be financially beneficial in terms ...

Large bills can take the wind out your sails when they arrive unexpectedly in the post. Finding the money to pay such bills when you’re on a budget can be a struggle. Centrelink can help factor your bills into your budget. Centrepay is a free service ...

A recent news item in the Age is very useful in highlighting the difference between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) living cost indices. Confused? Read on for our plain-English explanation and how this affects those on an Age ...

In anticipation of the switchover to digital television, YOURLifeChoices subscriber Terry is ready to install a set top box but wants to know if there is any help with the cost. Q. Terry Could you tell me if Centrelink have a ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Jack wants to know more about the recent increase in hackers targeting security questions and how he can strengthen his security question to prevent theft of information. Q. I have heard that hackers are using users’ security questions to break ...

A life on the open road beckons for YOURLifeChoices subscriber Johnson. But where does this leave him with his Centrelink payments? Q. Johnson I have a query which Centrelink doesn’t seem to be able to confirm, I keep getting different answers, ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Emmie, is now eligible to claim the Age Pension but is currently living in Vietnam. She would like to know if she can make her claim from outside Australia. Q. Emmie I am an Australian citizen and have become ...

Many promises were made during the recent Federal Election campaign.

Help Available Most older Australians choose to stay in their present home, move in with relatives or friends or move to a smaller home. Many will eventually need help to stay at home. Community Care Services The aim of community care is ...

YOURLifeChoices subscribers, Glenn and Jennifer, would like to gift money to their children but are keen to know the limits? Q. Glenn and Jennifer One is allowed to gift to our children $30,000.00 over five years. After the five years elapses ...

Q. Our 92-year-old mother, who has Macular Degeneration, lives alone on her 50 acres and has been stripped of her life savings by a conman doing a botched asphalting job. What can we do? He drove her to the bank to get the money; the job ...

The Government is closely monitoring the global financial crisis and its impact on pensioners and has asked Centrelink make a special one-off update of our system with the current value of any shares and managed investments that pensioners might hold. This will be done in the next few weeks ...

Strict residency requirements exist for those wishing to claim the Age Pension. YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Jamie, would like to know if he can claim the Age Pension from the Philippines. Q. Jamie I am an Australian citizen currently residing in the Philippines. ...

Understanding your Centrelink entitlements may be made easier by first reading the host of publications provided by Centrelink, all available for download. A guide to Centrelink concession cards Pension Bonus Scheme A guide to Australian Government payments ...

A good deal of the assets of Australians are in their homes. About 75% of older Australians own the home where they live and they owe very little or nothing on the property. With a reverse mortgage some of the equity in the home is converted into a lump ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Sally, wants to know her internet options for when she takes to the road in her camper trailer. Q. What is the best way to have internet access while travelling around Australia by camper trailer? A. Sally, ...

Getting ready for tax return time will help take some of the stress out of completing your tax return and will make sure you get any tax refund quicker! The records you should have ready are: · tax file number · spouse’s ...

Q. Judy I was wondering if there is a product that can be worn by a pensioner in & out of home for emergency calling. My father is 85 and lives alone and there are no relatives living in a close proximity. All family live ...

Choosing the wrong mobile phone plan can be a costly error but working your way through the myriad of information available is almost impossible as YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Brian, has found. Q. Brian I have an 80 year old friend who has ...

Maureen is contemplating a move to over 50s accommodation.

Q. Vesna I was wondering whether you could help me. Both my parents are pensioners. My dad is on the old age pension and my mother is in the process of Centrelink changing her from disability support pension to age pension. My parent's next ...

Q. I wonder if Drew could answer the following question - it ...

Q. Tom My wife and I have just been at Centrelink and we are now very confused. I am about to turn 65 and my wife is 62. I have supported her for the last 10 years as she has not worked. Centrelink is now telling ...

When your computers not working as it should be and you don’t have a clue what the problem is, do you call someone in to repair it or do you make the choice to upgrade? Knowing when to cut your loses is an important part of ...

Webmaster, Drew, helps YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Andrew, understand the benefit of choosing the correct GPS system. Q. Andrew Hi Drew I am not very competent with technology and struggled to use a Traveller brand GPS Navigator the last time I hired ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Jeff, would like to know how best to structure his post-separation funds and how to achieve his dream of a life on the water. Q. Jeff We have just sold our house and have decided to go our separate ...