Time to surgery is critical for survival after hip fracture

World Patient Safety Day: 17 September

App unlocking benefits of music therapy, wearable tech and AI for dementia awarded $2m grant
Bilgola Plateau Probus Club 1st Birthday



Spring Surfing Celebration

COTA Australia backs ‘YES’ campaign for a Voice to Parliament

Google Chrome just rolled out a new way to track you and serve ads. Here’s what you need to know

Late last week, Google announced something called the Privacy Sandbox has been rolled out to a “majority” of Chrome users, and will reach 100% of users in the coming months. But what is it, exactly?
The new suite of features represents a fundamental shift in how Chrome will track user data for the benefit of advertisers. Instead of third-party cookies, Chrome can now tap directly into your browsing history to gather information on advertising “topics” (more on that later).
In development since 2019, this change has attracted a great deal of controversy, as some commentators have deemed it invasive in terms of privacy.
Understanding how it works – and whether you want to opt in or out – is important, since Chrome remains the most widely used browser in the world, with a 63% market share as of May 2023 (Safari is in second place with 13%).
Wait, what is a cookie?
In 1994, computer engineer Lou Montulli at Netscape revolutionised the way we browsed the internet with his invention of the “cookie”. For the first time, web pages could remember our passwords, preferences, language settings and even shopping carts.
This method was supposed to be a private exchange of information just between a user and a website – what’s known as a first-party cookie. But within two years, advertisers worked out how to “hack” cookies to track users. These are third-party cookies.
You can think of a first-party cookie like a shop assistant who listens to your preferences and is happy to hold your bags or clothes while you make your selection – but only while you are inside their store.
A third-party cookie is like a bug from an old spy movie. It listens to everything in your room, but only shares the info with its allies. The “spy” can place this cookie on other people’s sites, to record what you visit and what data you enter. If you’ve ever wondered how Facebook has served you an ad about something related to a news story you just read, chances are it’s because you have third-party cookies enabled.
Unregulated online tracking and surveillance via cookies were the default until 2018, when the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) were introduced. If you have noticed more pop-ups notifying you of cookies and asking for your informed consent, you have the GDPR and CCPA to thank.
The first browsers to turn off support for third-party cookies were Apple’s Safari in 2017 and Mozilla’s Firefox in 2019.
But Google is also a major online advertising company, with ads making up 57.8% of Google’s revenue as of 2023. They have been slowest off the mark in turning off third-party cookies in Chrome. With the introduction of the Privacy Sandbox, they now hope to start turning cookies off sometime in 2024.
How is the Privacy Sandbox different from cookies?
The details on how the Privacy Sandbox collection of features works are rather technical. But here are a few of the most important aspects.
Instead of using third-party cookies to serve you ads across the internet, Chrome will provide something called advertising Topics. These are high-level summaries of your browsing behaviour, tracked locally (such as in your browsing history), that companies can access on request to serve you ads on particular subjects.
Additionally, there are features such as Protected Audience that can serve you ads for “remarketing” (for example, Chrome tracked you visiting a listing for a toaster, so now you will get ads for toasters elsewhere), and Attribution Reporting, that gathers data on ad clicks.
In short, instead of third-party cookies doing the spying, the features these cookies enable will be available directly within Chrome.
Is user tracking necessarily bad?
While Google pitches the Privacy Sandbox as something that will improve user privacy, not everyone agrees.
If these features are switched on, Google – one of the world’s biggest advertising companies – is essentially able to listen to you everywhere on the web.
Tracking technology can arguably benefit us as well. For example, it could be helpful if an online store reminds you every three months you need a new toothbrush, or that this time last year you bought a birthday card for your mum.
Offloading cognitive effort, such as reminders like these, is a great way automation can assist humanity. When used in situations where pinpoint accuracy is required, it can make our lives easier and more pleasant.
However, if you are not comfortable with surveillance, the alternative to third-party cookies may not necessarily be the new Privacy Sandbox in Chrome.
The alternative is to completely disable tracking altogether.
What can you do?
If you don’t want your online activities to be tracked for advertising purposes, there are a few straightforward choices.
By far the most private browsers are specialist non-tracking browsers that prioritise no tracking, such as DuckDuckGo and Brave. But if you don’t want to get that nerdy, Safari and Firefox already have third-party cookies blocked by default.

If you don’t mind some useful targeted advertising, you can leave the Chrome Privacy Sandbox settings on.
If you want to adjust these settings or switch them off, click the three dots in the upper-right corner and go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Ad privacy. It’s unclear if toggling these features off will stop Chrome from collecting these data altogether, or if it just won’t share the data with advertisers. You can find out more details about each feature on the Google Chrome Help page.
Lastly, it’s good to remember nothing truly comes for free. Software costs money to develop. If you’re not paying towards that, then it’s likely you – or your data – are the product. We need to revolutionise how we think about our own data and what value it truly holds.
Erica Mealy, Lecturer in Computer Science, University of the Sunshine Coast
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Pittwater-Narrabeen Parkinson’s Support Group
Concession car parking at NSW Health public hospitals
- requiring treatment over an extended period
- attending hospital more than twice a week (including carers of long term patients who visit frequently).
- ongoing cancer treatment
- treatment more than twice weekly
- daily dressing changes
- cardiac rehabilitation or health promotion classes
- Transport for NSW Mobility Parking Scheme permit
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card
- Health Care Card.
- clearly displaying and publicising concessional rates
- streamlining the concession application process with designated points of access
- validating concessional parking for the duration of a course of treatment.
Learn Something New: Australia MOOCs And Free Online Courses
Hotline to report food quality in aged care now live
COTA – NSW - cotansw.com.au
ABOUT US
The Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA NSW) is the peak organisation for people over 50 in our state. We’re an independent, non-partisan, consumer-based non-government organisation. We work with politicians, policy makers, and service providers as well as media representatives to make sure your views are heard and your needs are met. COTA NSW works to empower and engage people over 50. For decades, we’ve shaped the policies and programs that change lives.
Since our beginning in 1956, COTA NSW has introduced policies and programs that make a real difference to peoples’ lives. We have proud record, having created: ■Meals on Wheels, ■Retirement Village Residents Association, ■Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, ■Seniors Clubs, ■Seniors Information Service, ■OM:NI – Older Men: New Ideas, ■Grandfriends, ■Grandparents, Relatives and Kinship Care Alliance, ■Medication Management for Older People, and the ■Mature Employment Line
MWP Care

Media Releases concerning Seniors this week from National Seniors Australia
With around a quarter of a million members, National Seniors is Australia’s largest consumer organisation for the over 50s and fourth largest group of its kind in the world.
Community Connect
Need help on where to go to find the community information and assistance you need?
At Community Connect Northern Beaches, our professional staff and trained volunteers are knowledgeable, friendly and approachable and we will be only too pleased to help you find the service you want. We provide information and support, as well as advocacy and referral to other non profit community services and government agencies.
If we can’t help you we will get you someone who can. If you are newly arrived or do not have an English speaking background we can offer individual advice and support. Or Why not come to Specialist Community Support Workshops: Family Law, Power of Attorney plus Wills and Executors; Domestic Violence Support and Prevention; Positive Community Integration ; Crime Prevention; Or Our Free English Classes.
We also provide information on: Family Services: Child Care, Personal Support & Counselling; Health (Including Mental Health) ; Material and Practical Assistance ; Advocacy to access state and federal MP assistance; Accommodation and Tenancy (help with form filling); Legal and Financial Matters ; Consumer Affairs ; Multicultural Issues; Conservation and the Environment ; Employment and Education; Accessing Community Facilities -You are welcome to call in for: Brochures, booklets and fact sheets on a range of topics; Service Directories e.g. Council Guides and Migrant Directories; Publications e.g. The Senior newspaper and Nova.
Access to our community information data base, internet, email, fax and photocopying.(Please note there is a small charge for photocopying and use of the fax to cover the cost of paper, toner and fax call). We also offer: A Legal Referral Program - Monday 1pm to 2pm at our 30 Fisher Road, Dee Why office. Taxation Assistance for low income earners and pensioners from July to October.
What does it cost?: Our services are free, however we are always grateful for a small donation where possible. The program is supported by NSW Department of Family & Community Services (FACS). CONTACT US: Phone: 02 99317777.

In 2022 our programs focus on assisting older people aged 65 years and older, we also assist younger people with a disability and their carers. We are funded by the Australian Government Dept. of Health through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (known as CHSP). Pittwater Online News PROFILE
These services may be eligible for government subsidies. Call us on (02) 9913 3244 for a confidential discussion. Alternatively you may call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your needs. To access our services (and all other CHSP provider services) you must be registered with My Aged Care – the portal for all things related to Aged Care Services
We provide services aimed at helping people to stay independently living in their own homes.
Our programs cover:
- Transport – to medical and social appointments
- Shopping – Escorted Shopping, Shop By List, Group Social Shopping
- Visiting – a volunteer visits a client in their own home for social support
- Individual Activities – visit a friend, the library, the beach, local garden, and nursery, go for a coffee & chat, attend community activities etc.
- Social Group Bus Outings – our mini bus and experienced staff coordinate a calendar of bus outings to interesting venues
- CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) social groups/outings – Chinese, Italian, Korean , Filipino, Serbian
- Home Maintenance Modification Service – provided to individual home owners at reasonable cost. Services provided by trusted tradespeople can include Plumbing, Carpentry, Handyman, Electrical, Modifications (ramps, rails etc.)
Visit our website for more at: www.mwpcommunityaid.com.au and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mwpcarelimited
2023 Seniors Card Discount Directory
- Central Coast & Hunter
- Northern NSW
- Southern NSW
- Western NSW
council has a Home Library Service Available for Seniors
Country Pensioner Excursion ticket: NSW Public Transport
Tech Savvy Seniors
- Northern Beaches Council Library at Glen Street, Mona Vale, Warringah Mall 02 9976 1720
- Northern Beaches Community College Inc at Narrabeen, Brookvale, Mosman (02) 9970 1000 enquiries@nbcc.nsw.edu.au
Wellbeing Plus

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
NSW Spectacles Program
- one pair of single vision glasses, or
- one pair of bifocal glasses.
- receive a full Centrelink pension/benefit
- have no other income other than the Centrelink payments
- have financial assets less than $500 (if single) or $1000 (if married/partnered or parent/guardian)
- are a low-wage earner who earns less than:
- the JobSeeker Payment if you're under 65, or
- the aged pension if you're over 65.
Home Instead Sydney North Shore & Northern Beaches
RSPCA's Community Aged Care Program
- services our Aged Care program offers include: temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency pet boarding if the owner requires medical treatment, respite or other assistance
- assistance with veterinary treatment
- home visits to assist the elderly with basic pet care
- assistance with pet grooming
- assistance with transport to and from the local veterinarian
- a volunteer network to assist with dog walking and short periods of in-home care if the owner requires medical treatment, respite or other assistance
Australian Ageing Agenda
Australian Ageing Agenda (AAA) is an independent and authoritative bi-monthly publication for people who work in or around the aged care and retirement sectors in Australia. It provides a broad range of news, education and opinion with an emphasis on knowledge sharing and research translation.
Each issue also contains regular updates on relevant business and financial issues along with a selection of well researched features on crucial systems and operations, clinical care, technology, built environment and other issues relevant to the ‘ageing sector’. AAA leads the way with the industry’s most comprehensive conference details and remains Australia’s number one source of news and information about ageing issues and aged care.
Have a look at their comprehensive website HERE
My Aged Care
Aged Care Complaints Commissioner
Any person can make a complaint to the Commissioner, including care recipients, family members, friends, staff, volunteers, or professionals.
Complaints may relate to any aspect of services including care, choice of activities, discrimination, catering, communication or the physical environment. The 1800 550 552 helpline is staffed 9am to 5pm (AEDST) Monday to Friday.
Out of hours callers can leave a message, or contact the Commissioner at anytime through the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner website.
________________________________________
In 2014-15, there were 10,924 contacts to the Aged Care Complaints Scheme. 3,725 were assessed as a complaint, 3,812 ‘other’ contacts includes non-compulsory notifications, own motion investigations and compliance referrals. There were also 3,387 out of scope contacts which were not related to an approved provider or an approved provider’s responsibilities under the Aged Care Act.
Know Your Bones
NLA Ebooks - Free To Download

Bilgola plateau Probus Club

Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help
Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches.
Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him. Find out more about this great community group HERE
Meals on Wheels
AvPals

Started in 2000 it now has 20+ trainers and many hundreds of students. At a really low cost (about $50 a school term) they can provide one-to-one training on most matters connected with computing and related technologies like mobile phones and digital cameras. From the smallest problem (how to hold the mouse!) to much more serious matters, there is a trainer who can help.
We offer “one to one” personal tuition or special short courses in the training rooms under the Catholic Church in Avalon. Training is conducted Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. For more information visit AVPALS web site www.avpals.com or phone 02 8064 3574
Keep up to date on our Facebook page
Find out more at: www.avpals.com
WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Keep on Dancing is what the science says!
- Flexibility
- Agility
- Mobility
- Strength
- Stability

Disclaimer: These articles are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Pittwater Online News or its staff.
Avalon Beach Historical Society Celebrates 40 years





Vale: Ken 'Sava' Lloyd



Sava; ''I have attached a photo of Fred, Elva and Bill and myself in trap and Fred was taking sister Elva to school at Katoomba. The sulky is the one Fred Lloyd borrowed off Mark Foy.''

Mr. Lloyd's Fishing Shack at Long Reef. Painting by G K Townshend - courtesy 'Sava Lloyd'.

Celebrations for dedicated NSW RFS members: September 2023



Rising cost of living keeps older people awake at night
- According to research, 53% of older Australians believe they will outlive their savings.
Inquiry into housing policies and practices for precariously housed older Australians
Are we about to see a rare green comet light up the sky? An expert on what to expect from Nishimura
Jonti Horner, University of Southern QueenslandOf all the objects in the Solar System, perhaps the most spectacular are the great comets that occasionally grace our skies. If you’ve been on social media in the past few days, you’ve probably seen articles proclaiming we have such a comet in our skies right now: C/2023 P1 (Nishimura).
As I write this, comet Nishimura is swinging past on its first visit in more than 400 years. Japanese astronomer Hideo Nishimura discovered the comet on August 12. Soon after, pre-discovery images of the comet dating back to January were found, allowing astronomers to determine its path.
They quickly realised Nishimura would swing closer to the Sun than the orbit of Mercury this month. Given the comet’s brightness at the time of discovery, it could become bright enough to see with the naked eye. So, will it be a spectacular sight in our skies? Probably not.
Unfortunately, Nishimura’s path will keep it close to the Sun in the sky as observed from Earth. While it’s definitely bright enough to be visible to the naked eye in dark skies, at best it will hug the horizon just after sunset – almost lost in the Sun’s glow.
Still, astronomers across the globe are excited. Even a hard-to-spot naked-eye comet is worth observing. And as science writer and astronomer David H. Levy once said:
Comets are like cats: they have tails, and they do precisely what they want.
There’s a chance Nishimura might brighten unexpectedly. If it does, we might see something special in the couple of weeks. If not, there’s always next year – but more on that later.
Recipe for a bright comet
When they are far from the Sun, in the icy depths of space, comets are essentially dirty snowballs: lumps of ice, dust and rock left over from the Solar System’s formation.
As a comet approaches the Sun, its surface begins to heat up. The ices near the surface get hot and “sublime”, turning to gas and erupting outward from the comet’s surface. This gas carries dust and debris, shrouding the nucleus in a diaphanous cloud of gas and dust called a “coma”.
The solar wind then blows the gas and dust away from the Sun, which gives the comet its tail (or tails). The tails always point away from the Sun.
The comet we see is sunlight being reflected from the gas and dust in the coma and tails – the nucleus itself is hidden from sight. A comet’s brightness, therefore, is typically determined by three things:
- the size of the nucleus: a bigger nucleus typically means a larger active area (though some comets are more active than others) and more gas and dust production
- distance to the Sun: the closer the comet is to the Sun, the more active (and brighter) it will become
- distance to Earth: the closer the comet is to us, the brighter it will appear.
What about Nishimura?
That brings us to comet Nishimura. It seems likely Nishimura isn’t that large – otherwise we’d have spotted it sooner – nor is it particularly close to Earth. It is, however, passing relatively close to the Sun and is expected to be very active around perihelion (its closest point to the Sun).
Were it possible to view in a dark night sky, the comet would be quite impressive. Sadly, even at its best Nishimura will be close to the Sun in the sky.
On top of that, it just so happens the comet and Earth are located at about the worst orientation for viewing: Nishimura will stay close to the Sun as it recedes from us, remaining buried in the star’s glare.
A short window to see Nishimura from Australia
Nishimura will soon peek above the western horizon after sunset, but only just. The best chance to see it from Australia comes in the week of September 20 to 27, when the comet’s head will set around one hour after the Sun. It will be farthest from the Sun in the evening sky on September 23.
As twilight ends, Nishimura will be very close to the western horizon, about to set. That means it will probably be lost in the Sun’s glare.
But remember, comets are like cats. Some comets fall apart when at their closest to the Sun, in which case they often brighten significantly. If that were to happen to Nishimura, it could become much easier to spot.
Unfortunately, the comets most likely to fragment are those visiting the inner Solar System for the first time, moving on very long-period orbits of tens or hundreds of thousands of years. Nishimura is a seasoned visitor, with an orbital period of around 430 years. It has likely swung past the Sun many times and survived, which lowers the odds of it breaking apart.
Nonetheless, while the head of the comet might be lost in the twilight, the tail might still be visible as the sky darkens. Before the comet was lost in the glare to northern hemisphere viewers, observers put its tail at around six degrees in length – and it will likely grow as the comet swings closer to the Sun.
If you’re lucky, you might spot the tail standing proud above the horizon as the sky darkens.
The next great comet
If Nishimura doesn’t turn out to be the show you hoped for, there’s a chance another comet could put on a truly spectacular show next year. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) was discovered at the start of this year. It’s currently almost as far from the Sun as Jupiter.
Over the next 12 months it will continue to fall sunward, coming closest to the Sun in late September 2024. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is looking promising. If it behaves as expected it could be a spectacular sight – but just remember: comets are like cats!
Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
u3a at Newport Community Centre: coming up
- access to a wide range of courses and presentations
- friendly and inviting social events in your region
- Volunteers lead and administer the courses and talks
- A wide range of topics is covered – from learning foreign languages to table tennis to history to book/movie clubs to philosophy to science related issues. There’s something for everyone!
- Courses are held in a variety of local venues and via Zoom
- Events, visits, tours and social activities are also offered
- Full details of activities are listed each semester in the Course Book and on individual regional pages

Pittwater RSL: Seniors Show + Lunch 2023

Active and Healthy at any age
Join Healthy and Active for Life Online!
- Providing online exercise programs for you to complete in the comfort of your home
- Providing you with an exercise manual and log to keep you on track
- Helping you to create realistic goals and increase your fitness
Apply for the $200 Seniors Energy Rebate
- your valid CSHC from Centrelink or the DVA
- the most recent electricity bill for your current primary place of residence
- your contact details
- your bank or Credit Union account details
- Check you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
- Enter the required details.
- Submit the application.

The Club is a vibrant organisation hosting up to three bridge sessions a day. We have 37 permanently set tables – that’s 148 players. We host over 30,000 player sessions every year. This includes prominent tournaments and education events attracting players from across the region.
We pride ourselves on the friendliness of the club and our strong community spirit. We support local charities but even more importantly we support community members by providing them with social connection and mental stimulus – irrespective of age and mobility.
Our clubhouse is at Warriewood.
We have a new Beginners Course starting the end of September.
Each 2-hour lesson focuses on learning by playing, with a break for tea and chocolate biscuits mid-way. The course runs for 6 weeks and costs $100, which includes text book and support materials.
After the lessons we offer “Help with Play” sessions to practise what you’ve learned; Mondays 7-9pm; Tuesdays 2.15-4.30; Fridays 9.15-11.30. ($7 for members & $12 for visitors – membership
We also offer more advanced lessons each month so you can continue to improve your game if you want.
If you are keen to learn this great game, please call or email Cath Whiddon (Director of Bridge Ed at PBC): 9979 5752 or cwhiddon@live.com.
If you already know how to play, take a look at our website to see what’s on offer this month: peninsulabridgeclub.org.au
Peninsula Bridge Club Facebook page: www.facebook.com/peninsulabridgeclub
assistance to pay your aged care costs
- in residential or respite care
- getting a home care package.
- you’ve completed a calculation of your cost of care
- you have assets valued less than the current threshold
- you haven’t made gifts over the limits.

NSW Seniors Card program: Translated Resources
Pensioner water rebate
- Pensioner Concession Card from Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs, or
- gold Health Card (also known as a gold card) that shows:
- war widow
- war widower
- extreme disablement adjustment (EDA)
- totally and temporarily incapacitated (TTI)
- totally and permanently incapacitated (TPI).
- single dwelling
- dual occupancy
- strata or company title unit
- unit in a retirement village with a life term lease.
Contact Community Care Northern Beaches HERE

Keep your Wits About You
A regular contributor suggests we all look at Lumosity to see if will suit keeping active mentally. Their website states: "improve Brain Health and performance. Designed by neuroscientists, Lumosity exercises improve core cognitive functions. Researchers have measured significant improvements in working memory and attention after Lumosity training. Dozens of research collaborations help improve the Lumosity training program and its effectiveness." You can visit their website to decide for yourself at: www.lumosity.com/app/v4/personalization
Heartmoves is a low-moderate intensity exercise program. Regular participation in Heartmoves will help to: Better manage weight, blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol; Improve fitness, balance, co-ordination and flexibility; Enhance your quality of life and meet other people. Ingrid Davey is a qualified Older Adult Instructor and accredited Heartmoves Leader who will guide you through an exercise program that is fun, safe and modified to suit you. Tuesday 9.30am and Thursday 10.30am at Nelson Heather Centre, 4 Jackson Road Warriewood. The cost per class is $10.00 casual now and $17.00 for two classes. Phone Ingrid to secure your spot on 0405 457 063. www.heartfoundation.org.au
EasyLink (formerly Easy Transport Manly Warringah Pittwater) - medical appointments, shopping trips, mystery tours and Saturday Lunch - this great non-profit organisation offers great ideas and solutions.
Visit: https://easylink.com.au
Australian Government Dept. of Health: Hearing Devices for Seniors
NSW Seniors Website: Crosswords, Puzzles & Games

Looking For New Members - Spring Into Spring - October 2023 is Probus Month - Theme This Year: Good Friends, Great Times, New Adventures.
Currently Avalon Beach Ladies Probus club is looking for new members - a great opportunity to spring into Spring by meeting up with wonderful local women for fun and friendship. Meets first Tuesday of every month at Club Palm Beach (Palm Beach RSL).
President Margaret White shares a few insights into this local ladies Probus club.
Computer Pals for Seniors: Northern Beaches - Technology made easy for Seniors

Avalon Scottish Country Dancing

Pensioner's Concessions: Council Rates
- Half of the total of your ordinary rates and domestic waste management service charge, up to a maximum of $250.
- Half of your water rates or charges, up to a maximum of $87.50.
- Half of your sewerage rates or charges, up to a maximum of $87.50.
