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Chirpy’s email safety tips

Email has revolutionised the way we communicate, but unfortunately, it has also opened a door for scammers and hackers to dupe people into giving up everything from access to their personal computer to their bank account logins. To help Chirpy Members stay safe online, here are a few important tips for avoiding scams and viruses in your inbox.

If you get an email from an unrecognised sender

If you don’t know the person or company an email has come from, the safest course of action is to delete it. If you do open it, remember:

Don’t believe any tall stories, like claims that you’ve won the lottery, are the long-lost heir to a fortune, or are in legal trouble.
Don’t click on any links, as these could take you to a website that installs malware, spyware or ransomware on your computer.
Don’t open any attachments, as these can contain viruses.

If you get an email from a well-known company

Some email scammers pose as familiar companies like banks or telephone providers to trick you into giving them your login details. If you ever get an email that looks legitimate (it might even have company banding on it) that is asking you to click a link and enter your username and password, don’t do it. Genuine companies will never ask for your password via an email. If you want to verify the content of a business email, search the company in Google and contact them via the email address or phone number on their public website (not the details they provided in the email) to confirm that they were the sender.

If you get an email from someone you know

It still pays to use caution when you get an unexpected email from someone you know, as their computer could have been infected with a virus that emails copies of itself to everyone in their address book. If their email is asking you to open an attachment or click on a link, reply to them to find out if it’s a genuine message before you click on anything.

Telltale signs to look out for

Other warning signs that you are dealing with a scam email include:

Poor spelling, grammar and wording. Scam emails are often poorly-written.
The “from” address does not match the company the email claims to be from. It could be a completely random address or a mis-spelling of the real company name.
The branding looks wrong or unprofessionally-applied (distorted or pixellated logos, etc.).
The message is trying to rush you into taking some kind of action.

If you need more information or want to report an email scam, contact https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ for assistance.

Do wrinkle creams really work?

It’s an unfortunate consequence of getting older – your skin makes less collagen and elastin, becomes thinner and drier, and is less able to defend itself against external damage. The result is wrinkles. Your genetics, your lifestyle and environmental factors will determine when you get wrinkles and how many there will be. But once you have them, is there an easy, non-surgical way to get rid of them?

Billions of dollars are spent every year on creams and serums that cosmetics companies say will help you reduce your wrinkles – but do they work? The answer is… kind of. Topical creams may help you to reduce the appearance of fine lines by hydrating your skin and making it plump up a little. Dermatologists recommend using products containing Vitamin C or Retinol.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help reduce the damage done to your skin by free radicals in the environment, slowing down the ageing process.

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A, and it stimulates your skin to make more collagen and new blood vessels, improving skin tone and the appearance of fine lines.

Other ingredients which can help the appearance of your skin include hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid.

However, it pays to bear in mind that there is no magic bullet. While creams may slightly improve the appearance of wrinkles, they are unlikely to get rid of any deep lines, they may take up to three months to show results, and if you stop using them, their effects will wear off.

Other things you can do to ensure your skin stays as smooth as possible are:

• Use a high-rated SPF on your face to prevent premature ageing caused by UV radiation.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene and good oils like tomatoes, dark leafy greens, berries, oily fish, nuts and avocados.
• Limit your intake of refined sugar.
• Stop smoking.

Ten tools every household should have

Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly handy, you often run across small DIY tasks around the house that you don’t want to pay someone else to fix. Here’s a quick list of the ten tools that every household should own for basic home maintenance.

Retractable tape measure – for any project where you need a precise measurement, from hanging pictures to preparing wallpaper. Also great for measuring how much the grandkids have grown when they visit!

Claw hammer – for inserting or removing nails.

Small cordless power drill – not only for drilling holes but it also doubles as a multi-head screwdriver, with the right attachments.

Set of Allen keys – helpful for assembling and disassembling kitset furniture, fixing bicycles, un-jamming waste disposal units, and can even be used as a lock-pick.

Roll of duct tape – strong, all-purpose tape that can be used for running repairs on just about anything that is ripped or cracked.

Adjustable crescent wrench – handy for tightening bolts on furniture, bikes, loose taps, etc.

Spirit level – for making sure things are even. Note, you can get an app on most smartphones that has this function, but it may not be as accurate as the real thing.

Pliers – for when you need to get a good grip on something. Get a pair with a wire stripper included for extra versatility.

Utility knife – fantastic for breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting wallpaper, and can be used as an emergency pencil sharpener.

A set of jewellers’ screwdrivers – these tiny screwdrivers are indispensable for getting into gadgets, like strings of battery-powered Christmas lights, automated toys, watches, laptops, etc. If you like tinkering with tech, you’ll definitely want a set.

How to pick the perfect length for your skirt or dress

If you were in your prime in the 60s and 70s, then you were probably the proud owner of a mini or micro-mini skirt – maybe several!

While I think we can all agree that super short mini skirts and dresses are off the table as we enter our own 60s and 70s, it can be hard to choose an appropriate hemline that still makes us feel smart. Are there hemline rules to go with certain ages? Is it still okay to wear your skirt above the knee?

The good news is that you can wear any hemline you like and look fantastic, by following a few simple guidelines.

Firstly, pick a skirt shape that suits your body type

If you are apple-shaped (widest around the middle) then a high-waisted, flaring skirt that starts at the thinnest part of your torso and skims over your tummy is a good option.
If you are pear-shaped, with wide hips, then you should go for A-line skirts that highlight the slimmest part of your waist.
If you are hourglass-shaped – curvy but thinner at your waist – then a pencil skirt will look good on you.
If you are rectangular (a similar width around your waist, tummy and bottom) then you can wear most styles, but an asymmetrical hemline or a trumpet hem will help to create extra shape.

Next, choose your hemline

The most important element when choosing how long to wear your skirt is the shape of your legs. If your skirt’s hem cuts across the widest parts, which are usually mid-thigh or mid-calf, it will make them look wider and shorter. The secret is to have your hem sit across the thinnest parts of your legs – either just above or below your knee or a little way above your ankle. Also, take into account how tall you are – skirts that sit just above the knee will help to visually elongate short legs. If in doubt, go with a skirt that falls just below the knee, which is considered the most universally flattering length.

Try the scientific method

If you want to get technical, there is a mathematical formula for working out the ideal hem length for your height. It uses something called the “golden ratio” (or “phi”) which is a proportional measurement that occurs in nature, art and architecture – from pinecones to human bodies to the Egyptian pyramids. To find your “golden measurement” get a metric tape measure and record the length of your body from your shoulder to your toe (include the height of the shoes you intend to wear). Divide that number by 1.618 and whatever the result, that is how far your hem should be from the top of your shoulder.

Our October Sleep Poll Results Are In

In our October poll, we asked you, “Usually, how many hours of sleep do you get at night?” The results are in, and it turns out that many of us are not getting enough sleep.

Research suggests that adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and while the need for sleep decreases a little with age, older people still need around seven hours every night to function at their best. Our poll shows that 64% of our Australian members and 44% of our New Zealand members are getting six hours of sleep or less. Here’s the breakdown:

Australia
Five hours or less 32%
Six hours 32%
Seven hours 29%
Eight hours 7%
Nine or more 0%

New Zealand
Five hours or less 12%
Six hours 32%
Seven hours 32%
Eight hours 24%
Nine or more 0%

If you would like more information about getting a good night’s sleep, check out the Chirpy Wellness page, where we have compiled an excellent collection of articles.

Chirpy Story: Two Broken Ankles

My story happened on the 15th of July 2019. I tripped on some paving in my backyard, causing a damaged left eye and broken ankles in both feet. I needed surgery on the right ankle, two plates, and 12 days in the hospital. Eleven weeks later I am out of one cam boot – still in the left cam boot but hopefully out of this soon.

I am not looking for sympathy, but more to provide how safe we have to be at home and outside in the garden. I am 62, active, mow my lawns, rake up leaves and tidy my gardens at 6 am most mornings. A simple misplaced foot turned into a nightmare. Not to dwell – as my husband said, I would trip over an ant or dust.

Convalescing at home, I read books and watched TV. My husband had to do everything for me – my dignity soon lost – but then he had to go away to work for a few weeks. Being alone for that amount of time scared me as to how I would manage.

Actually, it was the best thing, as I learnt that instead of saying ‘I can’t do this’, I said ‘I can do it’ and do it I did! With my walking stick, I washed my floors, cleaned, dusted, changed my sheets, and did my laundry. When hubby came home he couldn’t believe how much I had done in the two weeks he was away. I was determined, as I am under 65 so I couldn’t get in-home help unless I paid big dollars. So now I am getting better every day and do most things for myself, which I am proud of.

Then I came across Chirpy Plus and joined straight away. I have spoken to the hostess in my area and look forward to CatchUps in the near future. This has come at a time I need to stop being a hermit even when I am well. I have children, but they have their lives, so hopefully, I won’t be lonely anymore, thanks to Chirpy.

In closing, I strongly believe everything happens for a reason, and it has for me.

Chirpy Story: What It’s Like To Be Invisible

I often visit a big yellow consumer electronics store in both NZ and Australia.

I find it very entertaining to compare the different level of service I get when I go by myself, or when I go with my son, Shaun.

I popped into my local big yellow store in the mall this week to see if they had the new Apple watches. I was totally ignored for about five minutes. The shop was nearly empty, the staff were all engrossed in more interesting personal conversations, and this “little old grey-haired lady” did not even appear on their radar. Yes, I was invisible!

I have often spoken about this phenomenon with my peers; it’s not a one-off occurrence, and the retail store this happens in most commonly is the big yellow one.

One day, the retailers will wake up and realise that yes, I might have grey hair (a big giveaway here), but don’t write me off just yet!

— by Carol

Introducing Chirpy Outings

We’re just blown away by the popularity of Chirpy CatchUps, and delighted that many of our groups have come up with new and exciting ways to get together and have fun. We’ve had pot-luck dinners, movies, high teas, evenings at the harness racing, and even a trip to a live TV show filming.

As a result, we’ve created Chirpy Outings to help our members enjoy each other’s company in more ways. Any Chirpy Plus member can hold a Chirpy Outing, subject to the following guidelines:

A Chirpy Outing is a one-off event like a film, show, sports game or dinner
It must be an event that’s open to the general public (personal events like birthday parties are not eligible)
It must be organised by a Chirpy Plus member or Chirpy Host
Anyone going to a Chirpy Outing must be a Chirpy Plus member
It can be a free or paid event
Travel arrangements can be shared

If you’d like to host a Chirpy Outing, visit the Chirpy Outings page and click SUBMIT EVENT to enter your event’s details. Once you’re done, be sure to select Chirpy Outings in the event category field to ensure your event shows up on the special Chirpy Outings web page.

August Poll Results

Last month we asked you, “What is your favourite hot drink?”

Here’s how our members voted:

Australia

30% tea
57% coffee
8% hot chocolate
4% other
1% do not drink not drinks

New Zealand

32% tea
55% coffee
8% hot chocolate
5% other

How To Survive Allergy Season

It’s here once again, that telltale sheen of yellow dust on the car windscreen. Allergy season is upon us. The first pollen of the season usually comes from trees, especially pines, and is followed by weeds and grasses as the weather starts to warm and plants begin to pollinate.

If you’re prone to sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and irritated skin during allergy season, here are a few tips to minimising the effects of pollen.

Avoid going outside in the morning, when pollen counts tend to be higher, especially on windy days.
Stay indoors during thunderstorms. While normal rain tends to clear pollen from the air, violent thunderstorms rupture the pollen into tinier, finer fragments that disperse easily on the wind.
When outdoors, wear glasses or sunglasses.
Wear a mask when mowing the lawn.
Keep your windows closed at home and in your car. If you’re using the car’s ventilation system, set it to recycle the air instead of drawing it in from outside.
If you’re holidaying, opt for seaside locations, where pollen counts are normally lower.
Make sure you’re not growing any trees or plants in your garden that you’re particularly allergic to.

If seasonal allergies are making you really miserable, see your GP, who may be able to prescribe you a non-drowsy antihistamine tablet, nasal spray or eye drops.

Gardening Tips For August

Spring is just around the corner, which means that August is the time to start planting. There’s a long list of veggies, fruit and flowering plants that will benefit from being planted this month.

Frost-free areas

Your August veggie planting should include rocket, silverbeet, spring onions, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, parsley, zucchini, pumpkin, leeks and parsnip. You can also plant popular pollinating flowers like nasturtium, petunias, French marigolds and celosia.

Temperate areas

Once you’re confident that the winter frosts have finished, pop in some beetroot, lettuce, parsnip, peas, radish, leek, lettuce, onions, seed potatoes, rocket, silverbeet, and spinach.

Colder areas

This month is great for planting spinach, broad beans, potatoes, peas, onions, parsley, cabbage, broccoli, rocket, silverbeet, cauliflower, lettuce, leek, radish, beetroot and parsnip. It’s also your last chance this year to plant fruit trees such as apples, plums, nectarines, peaches.

To keep your garden in top shape, take the opportunity to spray your roses and fruit trees before they spring to life. Prune apples and pears and dormant roses to remove dead or diseased wood and allow more light into the plant. Fertilise your garden and mulch your beds to lock in nutrients and moisture ahead of the warmer weather. August is ideal for planting larger shrubs and trees while the ground is still soft and relatively wet, which helps the roots get established before the drier summer months.

Lastly, don’t forget to put down some slug pellets to stop all your new plants from getting munched!

What’s On At The Movies In August?

Welcome to our first blog of August, which means it’s time to have a look at the new movies coming up this month. Don’t forget to check if your local cinema has special deals for over 55’s or cheap weekday screenings.

Screening Now

Diego Maradona

This documentary about the legendary footballer, directed by Oscar-winner Asif Kamadia, was nominated for the Cannes Golden Camera award. The film is constructed from 500 hours of previously unseen archival footage and follows Maradona’s spectacular career after joining S.S.C. Napoli.