Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Editor's Note

Hi Everyone,

Having lived with a ‘senior citizen’ for the past three months, I have come to notice that the world is often not built with ‘oldies’ in mind.

My mum is in her 70s and she is spritely, alert, and quick-thinking – a good intellectual match for anyone she meets – and she certainly gets a lot of laughs with her witty sense of humour.

She has been staying with me since March and every Tuesday, she goes for a walk with her friend and, over the course of several weeks, the pair have observed how older people are almost invisible on the boardwalk.

No-one moves to the side, bikes whizz past at top speed and some people even bump past without noticing.

It can often be the same at the shops with busy parents racing by impatient shopkeepers and lively conversations.

The world moves very fast when you are slowing up and I think it would be nice for us all to slow down to a more sedate pace.

One where we notice an older person rattled by our speed, or better still take the time to stop and chat.

I think it would also be nice if we thought how our businesses, services and facilities could better accommodate the older generation.

For we will all get there one day (if we are lucky!).

For example, wouldn’t it be nice if Cedar Creek Falls had a wooden handrail? Or the bus shelters had a bench on both sides so people could sit in the shade no matter where the sun sits in the sky.

Of course, we are always looking for ways we can improve our newspaper so, if you have some ideas (whatever your age!), please email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.au with your suggestions.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you” (John De Paola)

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