Meet the aged care residents who travel more than you!

The best present this holiday period is presence.

This Portland home is full of Christmas cheer.

“Recent research has found that loneliness can be just as, if not more lethal than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”

“Loneliness presents a big risk for premature death, particularly in older people and can be associated with depression and a faster rate of cognitive decline and dementia.”

“Older people are most susceptible to feeling loneliness especially when we’re all busy shopping for last minute Chrissy presents, which is why the best present you can give this year is presence,” he said.

From improving our health and happiness to promoting a sense of belonging, boosting mood and making friends, the case for volunteering is strong which is why Bupa's volunteer program is so powerful in combatting loneliness in some of our residents who may not get regular visitors. 

Loneliness isn't the same thing as being alone. Some isolation is good for your mental wellbeing. But Dr Ross says that being alone needs to be a choice in order for it to be healthy.

“Older people who want companionship yet lack visitors are more likely to experience the physical and emotional effects of being alone.”

“Technology can help or hurt, it's simply a tool but for too many people technology has led to substituting online connections for offline in-person encounters and for older people who are not tech savvy and grew up without social media, the reality is bleak.”

Financial woes, health scares, and everyday issues can take a bigger emotional toll on people who lack social and emotional support.

"As a society, we have grown our Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat friends, but our personal connections and interactions have deteriorated.”

“If you or a loved one are struggling to combat loneliness, seek professional help by either going to see your GP or head to www.beyondblue.org.au for tips on how to maintain a positive mind-set or feel free to call our aged care support line on 1800 957 237.”

“Depression and other mental health issues can cause you to feel disconnected which can create a self-perpetuating cycle that can be difficult to break, while not easy, with the right support, wellness is possible,” he said.

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Mark Lewis is a resident whose ailments make real world traveling very difficult. But the virtual travel pioneered by the home’s chef, Margaret Mould have become a breath of fresh air for him and others within the home.

"I've been overseas quite a bit over the past few years and every time I return, I bring my experiences back with me,” Ms Mould said.

“I initially started taking a couple of residents on tours of their home towns through Google street view and it has been really well received so I started doing it in groups,” she said.

As a ten year old living in Malta, Mr Lewis vividly remembers black smoke looming across the horizon near his home. It wasn’t long before he and his neighbours fled the Siege of World War II. 

“I lived in Battery Street, our home overlooked Valletta and the Grand Harbour. I still have distinct memories of battle ships crowding the port. It was quite a dramatic spot to live in because you were literally looking down at the ships,” Mr Lewis said.

“We actually lived in rock shelters for days at a time during the war. My uncle dug a great big hole in his lounge room and built a tunnel with 5 chambers,” he said.

"I was ten when I left and although I am very grateful to be a citizen in Australia, I'm equally as grateful for my heritage. Interestingly enough, I still have 30 odd cousins and a 90 year old aunt over there.”

The technology means residents can overcome mobility and accessibility issues to go on computer generated journeys, fly around town, go on safari, sit under the Colosseum or even explore the Grand Canyon.

“Once a month we travel through different countries - so far, we’ve digitally travelled to Malta, Italy, Holland, some Asian countries and South Africa.”

"When you get to your 80s’, you start to look back at your life and it’s nice to have happy memories.”

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BeYouAtBupa: Valerie, Cleaner, Bupa Aged Care Morphettville in South Australia.

Whatever floats your boat.

Every part of his boat, from the hull to the smallest pole, are made entirely by hand, from scratch, showing his attention to detail and love of history.

"Building a model boat can be a real challenge. How did I start? A friend of mine got a kit years ago and built a Viking ship. I thought ‘oh yeah’, I'd like to have a go at that and I did," Mr Kelly said.

"This boat (pictured) is a HMS Victory from the 1800s’," he said.

Fred hasn’t always been a modeller though, he turned his profession of cabinet making to boats after retiring. When health issues and a lack of tooling prevented him from machining cabinets professionally, he decided to scale down his operation.

"It is just one of those things, I never really was interested in boats but I’m using my skills, keeping busy and challenging myself."

The recreation room serves as a makeshift workshop, as well as a storage space for all the tools he needs to create model boats.

"I couldn't tell you how many pieces are in the boat but there are a lot."

"This boat has taken me about 12 months so far, although I have to admit that I'm not consistently working on it."

Fred says scale modelling is not only about size, but about representing the past.

"You need patience to tackle a project like this and it is also a good teacher in that regard."

“I enjoy researching the models that I make, you can learn a lot from history and I try to use old methods such as soaking the wood in water so it can be shaped to the curvature of the hull.”

He has no intention of selling the models. Instead, he keeps them as a reminder of his old profession and his new found hobby.

"Really all you need is a Stanley knife, super glue, a ruler, paint brushes and some paint. You need a tub to soak the wood in water so you can curve and shape the wood and that’s about it."

A pioneering initiative recently unveiled by the British Health Secretary has enabled doctors to prescribe therapeutic hobbies for ailments.

Bupa Modbury General Manager Rajiv Chand shares the opinion that there is a real benefit in filling your time with a hobby.

“These days, it’s rare to see people with a hobby. Everyone is so busy, right?" Mr Chand said.

"But whether you’re busy with your career, spending time enjoying your retirement or engaging in some other activities at an aged care home, Fred is living proof that making time for a hobby can have positive benefits,” he said.

Mr Doig and his therapy dogs have been coming to the home for about six months and are a welcomed distraction for all.

“The visits are just as emotionally beneficial for the residents, staff and families spending time with their loved ones as they are for the dogs and me” Mr Doig said.

Hugo being a Greyhound, must wear a muzzle by law but he passed the Greenhound test on his first go, which means he doesn’t need to wear a muzzle anymore.

“I was asked if we could visit more often because it’s smiles all round when Hugo, Ralf or Lucy arrive.”

“The residents don’t really have to bend down too far to pat him and like most greyhounds, Hugo is no lap dog so there are no worries about him jumping on people,” Mr Doig said.

Bupa Bexley Recreational Activities Officer, Sophia Zaharopoulos said the four legged friends have given the residents another reason to smile.

“The residents absolutely love when the dogs come into the home as they’re able to reminisce about pets that they used to have when they were younger and more independent, this is such a pleasant memory for them to relive,” Ms Zaharopoulos said.

“I think what makes these visits so special is the freedom that residents have in being able to generously give as many pats and hugs as they like. Some people rarely get visitors and the love given by the dogs is both pure, unconditional and organic,” she said.

“I think what makes these visits so special is the freedom that residents have in being able to generously give as many pats and hugs as they like. Some people rarely get visitors and the love given by the dogs is both pure, unconditional and organic,” she said.

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BeYouAtBupa: Samjhana, Carer, Campbelltown, South Australia.

#BeYouAtBupa is a treasure trove of beautiful stories and insightful inspiration from within Bupa Health Insurance, Bupa Aged Care, Bupa Dental, Bupa Optical and Bupa Therapy, but today we're sharing Lynne's story. 

In addition to Bupa Media, you can also catch up with #BeYouAtBupa on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

Read more:

Samjhana, Carer, Campbelltown, South Australia

Wadad, Health coach, Telehealth team

#BeYouAtBupa is a treasure trove of beautiful stories and insightful inspiration from within Bupa Health Insurance, Bupa Aged Care, Bupa Dental, Bupa Optical and Bupa Therapy, but today we're sharing Samjhana's story. 

In addition to Bupa Media, you can also catch up with #BeYouAtBupa on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

Read more:

Lynne, Village Manager, Wattle Downs, NZ

Wadad, Health coach, Telehealth team