Radio COTA

This weeks’ Radio COTA Podcast is, sadly, the final episode in the current series. Our special guest this week is Dr Catherine Barrett, Director of Celebrate Ageing and Curator of The Museum of Love .. Dr Barrett has been a tireless and focused campaigner over more than 30 years for challenging ageism, and promoting respect for older people. We also hear from Mark Tucker Evans, the Chief Executive of COTA Queensland who shares his thoughts in regard to the Radio COTA Podcast over the last two and a bit years. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you. Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

This week Radio COTA dives deep into the very important topic of ‘Enduring Powers of Attorney’ .. In this Special Focus Feature, we discuss … • The importance of making an informed choice about an EPA, implications of not having one and assuming family can act for you. • The difference between a will (and other documents) and an EPA. • The importance of choosing the right people/ person, it’s about someone you trust to make the decisions you would want them to make; important not to just default to spouse or kids but really think about who has the right skills and knows what you would want. • The importance of having conversations with people about your values and wishes. • The importance of reviewing an existing EPA. We hear Margaret Greig , David Peace, Judith Chapman, Phil Page and Libby Knight, (some of the wonderful Peer Educators at COTA Qld), share with us the information older Queenslanders have found valuable in regard to Enduring Powers of Attorney .. Later in the show, we go one-on-one with Clinton Miles - Director, Disability Services with The Public Trustee, Queensland to discover the important role the Public Trustee plays in the Enduring Powers of Attorney process .. Putting an EPA in place is an individual decision about what is best for you. We hope that the information in this Radio COTA episode goes some way to helping you make sure that YOUR decision is a well-informed one ! So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

This week on Radio COTA, we bring you a double dose of important information. We kick off with our Interview with Professor Nancy Pahana from the University of Queensland, and learn all about the “Sustainability Champions” Program that she heads up at UQ .. And then, little later in the show, we’re joined by Clare Barker from Redland City Council, who shares with us the pioneering work being done in Redland City in regard to Disaster Preparedness .. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

Radio COTA #48: Roles of Clubs by Radio_COTA

Radio COTA #47: Social Well Being - Reminiscing by Radio_COTA

In this episode we are joined by Alison Brooke, National Executive Officer Relationships Australia. Alison speaks with us about Neighbour Day and the importance of keeping in touch. Many people lead lonely lives in their homes, and just a little bit of contact can make a big difference. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you!

In this episode we look at how to make your retirement saving spread further. Many of us for whatever reason, come retirement time find we a very real need to tighten the belt and look at ways save. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you !

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is commemorated each year on June 15th. It’s an annual international United Nations observance day which aims to focus global attention on the problem of the abuse of elders, and highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, Elder Abuse. As our global population of older people continues to grow, and as we are all living longer, elder abuse is a serious issue affecting the health and human rights of older people, so it is vital that we continually raise awareness of it and aim towards preventing it whenever, and wherever, possible. Relationships Australia Queensland has a long history of supporting family relationships, and increasing experience in supporting seniors in particular, and they recently secured funding to establish a new Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service in Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. We catch up with Relationships Australia Queensland Regional Manager of the North Coast Region, Val Holden, and chat with her about the new Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service, and the valuable support it will be providing for Queensland Seniors who may be at risk (or already victims) of, Elder Abuse. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

This week on Radio COTA, we continue with the conclusion of our Special coinciding with National Palliative Care Week, addressing the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care, and to start the conversation and discuss it with their loved ones and health professionals. Palliative Care is for people of any age who have been told that they have a serious illness that cannot be cured, and assists people in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life … It can be physical, emotional or spiritual in nature and can include providing pain relief, access to home-care resources, assistance for families and counselling and grief support. Last week we brought you the excellent address presented by Professor Ken Hillman at the “Open Conversations about Life and Death” Community Forum, held in Brisbane recently … This week, we continue with the theme and are pleased to bring to you the thought-provoking address presented by Doctor Sarah Winch, also from the “Open Conversations about Life and Death” Community Forum .. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

It’s National Palliative Care Week from May 20th to the 26th, and this year with the theme, “What Matters Most ?”, the annual event raises awareness and understanding about Palliative Care in the Australian Community, and addresses the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care and discuss it with their loved ones and health professionals. It can be physical, emotional or spiritual in nature and can include providing pain relief, access to home-care resources, assistance for families and counselling and grief support. Palliative Care is for people of any age who have been told that they have a serious illness that cannot be cured, and assists people to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. At a Community Forum held in Brisbane this week, “Open Conversations about Life and Death”, Professor Ken Hillman and Doctor Sarah Winch began that ‘open conversation’ .. On Radio COTA this week we bring you Part 1 of our Special to coincide with National Palliative Care Week, and we are proud to bring you Professor Hillman’s presentation from the Forum. Professor Hillman brings a sensitive but honest and open presentation about how we can, and should, be helping people to live as fully and comfortably as possible when dealing with a chronic terminal illness. Make sure you join us again next week for the conclusion of our special on Palliative Care, when we bring you Doctor Winch’s presentation from the Seminar .. Doctor Winch continues this important conversation about life and death and her presentation, like Professor Hillman’s, is one you really won’t want to miss ! So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

This week is National Volunteer Week for 2018, an annual celebration acknowledging the generous contribution of our nation’s Volunteers. This year the theme for National Volunteer Week is … “Give a little … Change a lot” …. This theme represents the selfless work of millions of Volunteers who make a profound impact in their communities and on society, through giving a little (or a lot) of their time .. From the 21st to the 27th of May, thousands of events will be held across the country to say thank you to the 6 million Australians who so selflessly Volunteer their time. There is a strong correlation between the well-being, happiness, health and longevity of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate in their charitable helping activities. The experience of helping others provides meaning, a sense of self-worth, a social role and health enhancement .. In our Volunteering Special this week, we chat with some of COTA Queensland’s wonderful Volunteer Community Team about what Volunteering means to them and we welcome our special guest, Mark Dole, the Regional Manager of the Brisbane region for the Queensland State Emergency Services (SES). Mark shares with us the vital role played by Volunteers in his organisation .. So … make yourself a cuppa, (if you’re Volunteering to make it, mine’s white no sugar thanks) .. put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

This week Radio COTA focuses on National Scams Awareness Week, the annual awareness-raising week run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This year, Scams Awareness Week runs from 21 – 25 May and Australians are urged to be on the lookout for threat-based impersonation scams by taking a moment to ask ‘is this for real?’ … Threat-based impersonation scams are common and can be quite frightening and traumatic for the victim. Falling victim to an online scam, virus or other internet nasty can be frustrating and unpleasant—but help is always available. This week, with the help of Wayne Howarth from the Western Union Company, along with Kelly Charles and Georgia Conduit from the Stay Smart Online Program, we hope to be able to give you the information you need to be aware of these scams, how you can best avoid them, and where to find the resources that you can use to keep yourself safe. On the 21st of May, the ACCC will be releasing their latest report on Scams in Australia, and we’ll provide a full update here on Radio COTA when that information comes to hand. So … make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

In recent years, it seems more than ever before, there has been a lot of talk about the issues associated with Australia's ageing population, and particularly how older unemployed people are finding it harder to find work. This week, we’re looking into the issues faced by mature aged workers and job-seekers, often having to overcome ageism and discrimination barriers. There has been a move towards encouraging employers to attract, engage, and retain older workers in their organisations. The benefits to the employer are real, and many are starting to wake up to the fact that generally speaking, mature age workers usually have skills and experience gained through many years in the workforce and are consistently more reliable. This week, to chat about all things Mature Age Employment are our special guests .. The Honourable Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development in the Queensland State Government … and Judy Higgins ... General Manager and co-founder of OLDERWORKERS.COM.AU So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

It’s a double whammy ‘recognition episode’ coming your way this week … It’s Anzac Day, and we’re joined by Australian Major General (retired) Senator Jim Molan, who joins us from his hospital bed to share with us what Anzac Day means to him. Also this week, we’re recognising and celebrating the World Health Organisations “World Immunisation Week” … We have a special message from the Federal Minister for Seniors, Ken Wyatt, who expresses just how important immunisation truly is for all Australian’s, but particularly for our Seniors .. … and once again, we invited you to ASK THE EXPERT … On this weeks’ show, we’re putting your questions to our expert guest, Alun Richards, the Medical Director of the Queensland Department of Health’s Immunisation Program … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

As promised, we’ve given YOU the opportunity to ASK THE EXPERT, putting YOUR questions directly to the expert guest in our interview chair ! This week on Radio COTA, we’re putting your questions concerning Energy and Water to our experts. First up, we speak with Robyn Robinson, COTA Queensland’s Energy Policy Advisor and Energy Advocate who gives us an overall perspective on all things energy related. Our Guest in the Expert Chair this week is Jason Webster, Regional Manager from the Office of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland. Jason goes into great detail in his responses to our listeners’ questions, and his expansive responses have helped greatly to explain the facts people need to possess to help ease their concerns in regard to energy matters. Coming up on Radio COTA next week, we’ll be focussing on World Immunisation Day, and we’ll have an Immunisation Expert on hand to answer YOUR questions about what immunisations are appropriate and recommended for older people … Do you know what immunisations are available to you ? .. Do you know what vaccines are available for free ? … You’re invited to call our ASK THE EXPERT Line on 3316 2907 and record your question so we can put it directly to the expert on your behalf. Then, listen in to Radio COTA next week … It’s as simple as that ! Get the answers to those questions you’ve always wanted to ask ! Don’t delay, call 3316 2907 and record your question. It’s important to you and THAT makes it important to us too ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

From the 16th to the 22nd of April, 2018, it’s National Advance Care Planning Week, and in recognition of this, Radio COTA Podcast # 99 encourages all Australians, regardless of their current health status to make their future health care preferences known. The initiative challenges people to start conversations with loved ones about what living well means to them and to consider who they would want to speak for them, if they were unable to speak for themselves. Advance care planning helps to ensure your voice is heard if medical decisions have to be made for you. Having a plan means your friends, family, doctors and health team aren't guessing about what's important to you or what an acceptable outcome is for your life. We welcome our two special guests, Julie Sutherland from Metro South Health, and Sue McGrath from COTA Australia, who speak with us about the importance of making an Advance Care Plan. Julie and Sue look at the process from a Queensland perspective and, in plain English, share how to go about doing it, dispelling some of the myths, and suggesting resources for further education and understanding of this important matter … In addition to all that, we’re giving YOU the chance to ASK THE EXPERT … YOUR opportunity to put YOUR questions directly to the expert guests in our interview chair ! Coming up on Radio COTA in a couple of weeks, we’ll be focussing on World Immunisation Day, and we’ll have an Immunisation Expert on hand to answer YOUR questions about what immunisations are appropriate and recommended for older people … Do you know what immunisations are available to you ? .. Do you know what vaccines are available for free ? … You’re invited to call our ASK THE EXPERT Line on 3316 2907 and record your question so we can put it directly to the expert on your behalf. Then, listen in to Radio COTA … It’s as simple as that ! Get the answers to those questions you’ve always wanted to ask ! Don’t delay, call 3316 2907 and record your question. It’s important to you and THAT makes it important to us too ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

It's a desperately sad fact that every day in Australia, one man over the age of 65 takes their own life. One focus group has been at the forefront of stemming these rates in regional communities and rural areas .. Radio Radio COTA Podcast # 98 looks into the forgotten generation that is older men. We speak with Louise Adcock, the Manager of The Older Mens Network, (known as TOMNET), which creates networks of older men (50+) who genuinely care about the welfare of each other and find a sense of belonging. They provide Peer Support for men who have retired, or are thinking about retiring, assisting them through the hidden hardships of this new phase of their life. Through rediscovering fulfilling lives, these men regain purpose, and the ability to connect, and contribute to the community. We also chat with Sharon Boyce. Born and bred in Toowoomba, Sharon was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis at the age of eleven. A twice published author, a winner of the Queensland Regional Achiever Service Award, a recipient of the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award, a recipient of a Human Rights Award for Individual Service to Community, Sharon is also the designer and developer of the DisAbility and Diversity Program. As one of those thousands of people in the Toowoomba region who accesses the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Sharon shares her experience with the NDIS, and the experience of others she works with. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

Our Seniors represent some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Unfortunately financial abuse of Seniors is a very real and major problem and, sadly, it often happens at the hands of close friends or family. The good news is that help IS available ! Radio COTA Podcast # 97 focuses on the Seniors Legal Advice and Support Service, an initiative of the Queensland State Government, which provides free legal advice, information and social work services for people over 60, (or over 50 for Indigenous Australians). The Seniors Legal and Support Service is an initiative of the Queensland Government covering such things as legal information and advice, social work services, short-term counselling, advocacy on the clients’ behalf, a referral to other legal consumer and support services and representation in court or before tribunals in some circumstances. The service can also help clients to obtain domestic violence protection orders, develop safety plans and/or relocation to a place of safety, appoint or revoke a power of attorney, and they can provide protective strategies to manage your assets and prevent or stop financial abuse. They can also offer advocacy and negotiation on your behalf if you are a resident of a retirement village experiencing unfair contract terms and conditions. There are currently five Seniors Legal and Support Services around the State of Queensland, and we share with you who they are and how to find them. Additionally, we speak with two representatives from a couple of those centres, Cybele Koning & Symone D’Avis, to find out how the Centres work and what services they can provide to Senior Queenslanders in need. This is such an important issue, and this information helps to bring us all onto the same page as we strive together to stamp out elder abuse in our communities. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 ... or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

We turn our attention to the United Nations declared International Day of Happiness, focusing on what defines happiness, and looking at what we can all do to bring more of it into our own lives, and also into the lives of others .. each and every day. The theme for this years’ day is “Share Happiness” and focuses on the importance of relationships, kindness, and helping each other. One of the major indicators of happiness is laughter, and our special guest this week is Heather Joy Campbell, Queensland’s leading Laughter Well-Being Facilitator and Trainer who shares with us …“How to be Joyful, and Find the Laughter Within”. Also this week, we are celebrating Radio COTA’s second birthday ! Our sincere thanks to everyone at COTA Queensland, the Regional & Community Radio Stations who include our show each week in their programming, and the extensive list of expert guests who have given freely of their time to appear on our Podcast each week. Most of all, thank YOU to our wonderful listeners who tune in every week, and who also show their support and appreciation via Social Media, Email and our Feedback Line. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions, we love hearing from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line … Phone: 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

Music has been proven over time to have remarkable healing qualities, particularly for older people and for people living with dementia. We’re excited to bring you not one, but two special guests this week … First up, we chat with Bridgit Hogan, the Executive Officer of the Australian Music Therapy Association. Bridgit talks about the history of the AMTA, and how it came into being. The AMTA now has over 600 members Australia wide, all qualified professional therapists who bring music to the table as an intervention that can bring about remarkable outcomes in people of all ages. Our second guest is Dr Imogen Clark, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with the University of Melbourne. After receiving the prestigious Hazel Hawke Research Grant in Dementia, Imogen is a vital part of a team of experts in Dementia and Music Therapy who are conducting extensive research into improving the quality of life and well-being of people with Dementia, especially through the use of Music Therapy. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line on … 3316 2907 Or Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

Music has been called the “Language of Love” as well as the “International Language”. In addition to that, music has been proven over time to have remarkable healing qualities, particularly for older people and for people living with dementia. Our special guest this week is Sally Cooper. Sally is a qualified Music Therapy practitioner with a Masters in Musical Therapy along with other related qualifications. Sally has been working for some time with our older folk around a number of Brisbane’s Aged Care Facilities, and firmly believes that music has a powerful effect on the people she works with, helping them to recall times, places and people that would have seemed to have been all but forgotten. Additionally, Sally is a professional musician and entertainer and has enjoyed success as a performer both in Australia and overseas. We’ll even be playing some of Sally’s original song, “Love Will Rise” during the podcast. We have an update on Queensland Seniors Week, exciting news about our new Radio COTA Feedback Line, the News and a whole lot more. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line on … 3316 2907 or send an Email to ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

Chronic Pain is truly one of the most urgent issues our society needs to address, and deal with. When the experts, (as they have), start calling it a phenomena of “epidemic proportions”, it’s a truly concerning reality ! Chronic pain management or treatment differs from person to person, and because pain is subjective, locating and diagnosing the pain relies on patients and healthcare professionals working together to identify the causes and to find ways to relieve the pain. The main goal of treatment of Chronic Pain is to reduce that ongoing pain as much as possible, and improve function in order for the person to be able to lead a happy and fulfilling life. This week, we look at what steps we can take so that we can look our Chronic Pain square in the eye and say, “ I’m not going to take this from you anymore. From now on, I’m in charge here !” If you are one of the 1 in 5, or 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 living with Chronic Pain, remember … You are NOT alone ... You are NEVER alone ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Or call us on the Radio COTA Feedback Line on … 3316 2907 Your host, Andy Neil

This Episode, entitled “You Are Not Alone”, examines the prevalence, and life changing effects that Chronic Pain has on so many of us in our 21st century society, and focuses on the ways assistance and support can be easily found for those who suffer with this debilitating disorder. Chronic Pain is truly one of the biggest and most urgent issues we need to deal with. When the experts, (as they have), start calling it a phenomena of “epidemic proportions”, it’s the plain truth … expressing a truly concerning reality ! Broadening awareness of the many faces of Chronic Pain and having that conversation at every level possible is paramount to creating educated and meaningful understanding of the disease in its many forms, and in finding appropriate and timely interventions that can help to ease the suffering. On this week’s show, we welcome our Special Guest, Elizabeth Carrigan, the CEO of the Australian Pain Management Association. Elizabeth, a person who has herself a long-time lived experience with Chronic Pain, shares with us the very valuable work the APMA performs, along with the many other organisations and individuals who work tirelessly on the front line, urging Governments and the worldwide community to focus on addressing this most important issue, and in providing meaningful support and help to those who live with Chronic Pain. Above all, ALWAYS remember… If you are one of the 1 in 5, or 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 living with Chronic Pain .. You are NOT alone ... You are NEVER alone ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

We begin a new series that explores the dramatic increase in the prevalence of Chronic Pain, and specifically how it affects the lives of as many as 1 in 3 people over the age of 65. In this week’s show, we explore some of the lesser known facts and statistics in “CHRONIC PAIN – (Part 1) THE PAINFUL TRUTH.” It’s very hard to apply a specific description to Chronic Pain as it affects people in a myriad of different ways, and can be diagnosed as a number of diseases, conditions and syndromes. Chronic pain is often defined as any pain lasting more than 12 weeks. It can have a variety of causes, ranging from an initial injury or an ongoing illness, but there may also be no clear cause. Because of this, chronic pain can be very hard to treat and can have negative impacts on a person’s lifestyle. A simpler definition for chronic or persistent pain is pain that continues when it should not. If pain has lasted beyond the time expected for healing following surgery, trauma or other condition, usually three months, then it may be considered a chronic illness. From physically injuries to the back or limbs, through to burning and debilitating nerve pain, Chronic Pain can lead to complex additional issues such as depression and anxiety. It affects not only the lives of people who live with it on a daily basis, buts carries right on through to family and friends as well. Over the next few weeks, we’ll talk about what Chronic Pain is, and how it can leave us feeling as if we are all alone in our pain, where in reality, the truth is quite the opposite. We’ll even be looking at how we can cope with Chronic Pain in such a way that we can still lead fruitful, fulfilling and rewarding lives. All this and some helpful and informative interviews with experts in the field of Chronic Pain as well. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au

This week, Radio COTA Podcast Episode # 90 continues with Part 2 of our Feature on “INTERGENERATIONAL CARE ~ A WIN / WIN SITUATION” We look at the benefits of increased social inclusion, providing mechanisms for strengthening the connections for people who may have become, for whatever reason, isolated from their communities to some degree. Our special guest this week is Dr Lyn Phillipson from the University of Wollongong who has a strong background in researching Dementia and the implementation of Dementia Friendly Communities. Dr Phillipson shares her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with connecting older people with youngsters through intergenerational playgroup programs, and explains why it’s really a WIN WIN WIN WIN situation for everyone with an involvement in these programs ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

Whilst not necessarily a new thing, the concept of bringing older people together with the very young under the one roof to share their time, experiences and stories, could well revolutionise how we look after our most vulnerable. Clearly, there are many very real benefits for both the young and the old within this model of care and learning, and research into this care model has particularly shown profound benefits for those living with dementia through this kind of social interaction. In Part 1 this week, we chat with special guest, Dr Xanthe Golenko about the great work being done within the Griffith University Gold Coast Campus around their Intergenerational Care Project. We hear about the findings of the research, the two main models of delivery, and the perceived benefits from psychological, health and economic aspects. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

For many of us, taking the decision to give up working altogether and go head long into retirement is similar to ending a long and valued relationship. Saying goodbye to something that’s been a major part of our lives for the greater part of our lives is a truly momentous and life-changing decision and commitment. For some, it’s a commitment that we might not be quite ready to make. It’s a decision that each individual only can make. There’s no right or wrong decision, just what is right for you, taking into account your own unique circumstances, needs and desires. We look at what it’s like for an older person re-joining the ranks of “job-seeker”, how one can best approach it, and the things we need to consider when moving forward in the search for employment. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

In this, Radio COTA Podcast Episode # 87, we visit the concept of ‘Phased Retirement’. We continue to explore the reality that planning for retirement doesn’t have to be a painful and scary experience and for many, the idea of ‘easing into it’ is both appealing and logical. For many as they approach retirement, continuing to do some kind of work past retirement age can be either a financial necessity or, for an ever-increasing group of people, a choice based on their desire to continue being constructive in a working sense. It might be because they feel they still have experience and skills to offer an employer and really ENJOY their work, or it could be because they just love the social experience of working in a team and they’re not quite ready to give that all away. We’re joined by our Guest, David Kennedy, author of the book, “End of the Retirement Age: Embracing the Pursuit of Meaning, Purpose and Prosperity”, who is also one of a growing number of Professional Retirement Coaches. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Your host, Andy Neil

Welcome back everyone to our very first Radio COTA Podcast for 2018, we’ve called it, “Resolving The New Year”. Every time a New Year rolls around, many of us think about making a New Years’ Resolution or two, (or more). We usually dust off the same old standards that we wheel out every year, vowing to do the things we should be doing, promising to stop doing the things we shouldn’t be doing .. you know how it goes .. But for many, the New Year prompts us to think about Retirement. After all, it’s another year closer for those of us yet to transition into this important life-stage, and another year further into it for those of us who already have. In this weeks’ Radio COTA episode, we have a good hard look at what we need to be doing in preparation for what can be, quite frankly, more than a third of our lives ! We examine some of the practical and financial implications of retirement in all areas of our life, from being able to happily age in place, to affording that holiday we’ve always wanted, plus a whole lot more. Planning for retirement doesn’t have to be a painful and scary experience. We hope this weeks’ show will encourage you to at least start giving some thought to this very important issue if you haven’t already begun the process. If you have, good for you ! .. Have a listen all the same, you might just pick up a few extra helpful ideas along the way. Once again, to our regular listeners, thanks for joining us again in 2018. And to those who might be listening for the first time, a very warm welcome to you, we hope you enjoy our show and encourage you to join us each week as we continue to strive to advance the rights, interest and futures of people as we age in Queensland ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Happy New Year ! Your host, Andy Neil

We conclude our Vision and Eye-Health Feature, “THE EYES HAVE IT” as we chat with Karen Knight, the Queensland General Manager of Vision Australia, about the wonderful services offered by VA for the vision impaired in our community. We look into the sad reality that, for many older Queenslanders, this time of year can be a lonely experience, and how organisations like the Red Cross reach out to people in this situation. The truth is we can ALL help to make a difference by giving some of our time to reach out to relatives, neighbours and even complete strangers, bringing some joy and ‘belonging’ to those in our community who might be lonely, socially isolated or unwell. We chat with COTA Queensland’s Lisa Hodgekinson about Emergency Respite during the holiday period, and also discuss how a small change in your shopping habits can help those in need ! It’s been fantastic having the pleasure of your company throughout this year, Thank You for your support and encouragement ! … Radio COTA will be back with our first Podcast for 2018 on Friday the 12th of January, so stay tuned for that ! On behalf of everyone at COTA Queensland, we wish you a Joyous Christmas and a Peaceful, Safe and Revitalising New Year ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Merry Christmas ! Your host, Andy Neil

A gradual deterioration in our vision s just one of the many changes that can creep up on us as we age. We might find ourselves holding the book further away for the words to focus nicely for us, or we may start saying with more frequency, “Honey, have you seen my glasses?” The World Health Organisation estimates that there are approximately 285 million people worldwide with some level of vision impairment. It’s common for vision problems and eye disease to go largely unnoticed as we all are aware that changes in our vision are a natural part of the ageing process. Because it usually comes on gradually, it’s often not until we start feeling discomfort or it becomes a nuisance that we finally do something about it. We look into the issue of eye and vision health, and have a chat with Vickie Anderson, Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Team Leader for Guide Dogs Queensland … We also find out what the Queensland Governments Spectacle Supply Scheme has to offer to older Queenslanders … All this plus this weeks’ News. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

Recently released research revealed that three quarters of Australians aged over 50 feel at least 10 years younger than their actual age ! Renowned Health & Ageing Expert, Professor John McCallum, joins us to share the research findings. The results show that Australia needs to have a bit of a rethink, and should consider redefining “middle-age” up to age 75. Governments and the broader community also need to give older people permission to feel and behave younger, rather than being ageist and seeing older Australians as a cost burden. A persons perception of their own age plays a huge part in their overall wellbeing. Older people benefit from having a sense of real purpose as this helps them to feel younger It’s great to be able to share all this with you, plus the added bonus of having the lovely Ange Jarrett re-join us for a one-off News Read this week ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

On Radio COTA this week, we focus on the issues surrounding Oral Health in Seniors, particularly those living in Aged Care facilities. Welcome to the Radio COTA Podcast “Smiling for Life” Special ! Associate Professor Doctor Janet Wallace from the University of Newcastle drops by to chat with us about “SENIOR SMILES”, a program led by Dr Wallace that is working toward the ultimate goal of placing Specialist Oral Health Practitioners in EVERY residential Aged Care facility in Australia. These practitioners will provide oral health risk assessments, oral health care plans, oral health education, and develop referral pathways for residents who required more complex dental care. The SENIOR SMILES” research and subsequent pilot programs are already achieving great things, and are forever changing the paradigm of oral health care in this environment. All this, plus our regular news updates … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week, Radio COTA continues with Part 2 of our series focusing on “Homelessness and Older Queenslanders” We continue our interview with the CEO of Mission Australia, Catherine Yeomans, talking about the changes that need to be made, and the ways we can go about addressing the effects and consequences of homelessness on older people. Catherine shares with us recommendations about finding affordable and suitable housing, looking at the financial pressures on older people and finding ways to help them gain financial stability. She also notes that our population is ageing, and that we are already facing housing pressure. If we don’t address the social infrastructure investment that’s required now, then we are going to see more and more older people at risk of homelessness in the future. We need to find ways of helping older people to age in place where they already have their social connections, as this can really affect their outlook on life, and feelings of social inclusion. All this, plus our regular news updates … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy

In this week’s episode, Radio COTA kicks off Part 1 of our series focusing on “Homelessness and Older Queenslanders” Homelessness is a very sad consequence of what can happen when the housing needs of older people are not being met as they should be. It’s a very real and tragic issue for older folk who, for whatever reason, find themselves in the situation of being homeless. We delve deep into the facts, and some of the fallacies, of senior homelessness as we are joined in conversation by our very special guest, the CEO of Mission Australia, Catherine Yeomans. All this, plus our regular news updates … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy

This week, Radio COTA continues with Part 2 of our Featured Special, AGEISM UNMASKED. We're once again thrilled to be joined by our special guest, Emeritus Professor Rhonda Nay from LaTrobe University. Professor Nay shares further with us her views on how ageism is a societal issue, the language and terminology used when referring to older people, how neither age nor illness/disability defines WHO we are, how older people need to be allowed to take risks, how we need to value our older folk more and a whole lot more. If you're concerned, as we all should be, about the prevalence of ageism, be sure to catch both this weeks’ (and last weeks’) not-to-be-missed AGEISM UNMASKED episodes on Radio COTA ! All this, plus our regular news updates … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy

This week, Radio COTA kicks off Part 1 of a topic that's very close to the hearts of ALL Seniors, that is AGEISM. We're honoured to be joined by our special guest, Emeritus Professor Rhonda Nay from LaTrobe University who states emphatically that society fails to TRULY embrace it's Seniors. Professor Nay shares with us her views on what ageism is, how she became so focused on this issue, the responsibilities of Governments and indeed ALL of us to reduce the incidence of ageism, and a whole lot more. If you're concerned, (as we all are), about the prevalence of ageism, be sure to tune into Radio COTA over the next two weeks for these not-to-be missed Special Episodes ! All this, plus our regular news updates … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week on Radio COTA Podcast # 77, we bring you Part 3 and the final instalment of our “The Funny Side of Growing Older” special feature .. Continuing with our aim to bring you only the best interviews, this week we’re absolutely delighted to be chatting at length with the Aussie TV, Radio, and Comedy Icon, BRIAN NANKERVIS He originally forced his way into our homes (and hearts) as the hilarious beat-poet Raymond J Bartholomuez on Hey Hey it’s Saturday’s, Red Faces … Over the years he’s appeared on multiple comedy shows both as a featured performer and also as the “warm-up audience-wrangler” of choice … Most recently, he’s best known as the creative genius, producer, and co-host (along with Julie Zemaro) of Australia’s favourite music quiz show … RockWiz All this, plus our regular news updates … So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week on Radio COTA Podcast # 76, we continue the laughs as we further investigate “The Funny Side of Growing Older” with Part Two of this special feature .. Double whammy in value this week, as we conclude our interview with our Super Special Guest and the Queen of Aussie Comedy the wonderful Jean Kittson ! Our news section is devoted to information regarding Queensland Grandparents Day, which is coming up on October the 29th, 2017 So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week on Radio COTA Podcast # 75, we let our hair down, lighten up a little and investigate “The Funny Side of Growing Older” with Part One of this special feature .. We share with you a bunch of funny stories, and welcome to the Radio COTA microphone not one, but two very special Guests .. Radio COTA’s # 1 Fan and Loyal listener, Arthur O’Reilly, shares with us his humorous thoughts on Ageing …and our Super Special Guest is none other than Australian Comedy Icon, the wonderful Jean Kittson ! Jean offers her observations on not only her own ageing experiences, but those of her parents as well, and all in that so very distinctive and hilarious style that is what has made her the darling of the Oz Comedy Scene for such a long time ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

It’s a “double-header” this week on Radio COTA Podcast # 74, as we continue with Part 2 of our “Beating the Scammers” Special ! We look into how to identify possible scams, how to protect yourself from them, and how you can go about reporting a scam if you’ve been targeted. We’re honoured to be joined by Delia Rickard, the Deputy Chair of the ACCC, who brings to the conversation her expertise and advice, particularly helpful for older Australians who have been long recognised as a specific target for these unscrupulous criminals. Additionally, on this weeks’ show, we acknowledge the International Day of the Older Person 2017 being celebrated this coming Sunday, right around the globe. The 2017 theme explores the effective means of promoting and strengthening the participation of older people in all aspects of social, cultural, economic, civic, and political life worldwide. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

In this week’s Radio COTA Podcast # 73, we bring you Part 1 of our “Beating the Scammers” Special ! It’s a detailed look at how Australians, and in particular OLDER Australians, are being targeted by these insidious scams. At a time when many are losing their life savings, their identities, their trust and so much more at the hands of these unscrupulous criminals, it’s timely for us to have a look at the frightening statistics that indicate just how BIG an issue this really is for ALL of us. In Part 1 this week, we look at what these scams are, and how they work. Next week in Part 2, we’ll show you how to recognise the scams, and mostly importantly, how to AVOID them ! … Should you unwittingly have become a victim of a scam, we’ll explain how to report it, and what can be done to rectify your situation. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s Radio COTA Podcast # 72 is Part 2 of our “Technology & The Older Queenslander” Special ! In this week’s show, there’s even more relevant Technology news and information for you, but most of all … Our special featured Guest is Dr John O’Sullivan, the head of the Australian CSIRO team who discovered / invented / call it what you will, one of the greatest advancements in Technology to date … That wonderful thing we know as Wi-Fi ! Dr O’Sullivan shares with us the story behind the discovery of Wi-Fi and encourages us all to embrace the world of technology, to get hands on with it, and to make it work for us ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s Radio COTA Podcast # 71 is Part 1 of our “Technology & The Older Queenslander” Special Feature. Slowly but surely our generation is coming to grips with the rapidly growing World of Technology that surrounds us. In this week’s show, we look at the most recent statistics of how older Australians are becoming more familiar with, and happier to use, the Technology that is at our fingertips. There’s lots of useful information, and a few laughs as well, as we dive deep into our Technology Feature We even put Podcasting (our favourite subject), under the microscope to discover what it is, how it works, and the amazing world of information and entertainment it brings to us. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s Radio COTA Podcast # 70 brings you the final part of our 2017 Feature for “Seniors Week” Queensland Seniors Week, held from 19-27 August 2017, provides the opportunity for older Queenslanders to explore programs and services, events and activities, and is a great way of connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, and together, celebrating the many contributions older people make in their communities. Queensland Seniors Week is a long-running, and always highly anticipated, initiative of COTA Queensland (Council on the Ageing)and is funded by the Queensland Government. The theme for Queensland Seniors Week 2017 is “A Queensland for All Ages” Our Guest again this week is Lisa Hodgkinson, Cota Queensland’s Senior’s Week Coordinator .. Lisa wraps up this year’s Seniors' Week in Queensland, and chats with us about the incredible success that was Queensland Seniors' Week 2017 .. We finish up this years’ Qld Seniors Week Special with an “around the grounds” session, talking about some of the fantastic events that have occurred with the people who organised and attended them. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s Radio COTA Podcast # 69 presents for you Part 1 of our Annual Feature for “Seniors Week” Queensland Seniors Week, held from 19-27 August 2017, provides the opportunity for older Queenslanders to explore programs and services, events and activities, and is a great way of connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, and together, celebrating the many contributions older people make in their communities. Queensland Seniors Week is a long-running, and always highly anticipated, initiative of COTA Queensland (Council on the Ageing)and is funded by the Queensland Government. The theme for Queensland Seniors Week 2017 is “A Queensland for All Ages” Our special Guest this week is Lisa Hodgkinson, COTA Queensland’s Senior’s Week Co-Ordinator .. Lisa shares with us a bit of the history of Qld Senior’s Week, as well as giving us a taste of the wonderful things to come around our state this year ! Additionally, Radio COTA’s great friend, Steve Austin, star of the Mornings Show on ABC Radio Brisbane, offers his greetings .. wishing us all a great Qld Senior’s Week All of this PLUS a comprehensive run-down of the great Senior’s Week events and activities still to come for this year ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s Radio COTA Podcast # 68 features the final episode in our two part series, “Focus on Dementia” Having looked into what exactly Dementia is, how it can affect a person, their friends and their families, and how we can adjust our nutritional focus to help minimise the effects, in Part 2 we look at the importance of focused exercise in the fight against Dementia, and the valuable ground-breaking research going on behind the scenes in this area. Our special Guest this week is the Queensland Brain Institute’s Professor Perry Bartlett, Professor in Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Queensland Professor Bartlett breaks down the science into user-friendly plain English, helping us all to gain a better insight into a disease that has either directly or indirectly touched us all. So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s Radio COTA Podcast features Part 1 of our two part Special, “Focus on Dementia” We put Dementia under the microscope to gain a better understanding of, and bust some of the myths associated with, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease We look into the signs and evidence of onset, how we can support the carers and families of people who have loved ones with Dementia, and a whole lot more ! Join us as we chat with Maree McCabe, the CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia, plus all the regular features that make Radio COTA THE Podcast for older Queenslanders ! So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you .. Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy Neil

This week’s show is Part 2, and the final episode of our two-part Special on "Healthy Eating for a Strong Mind and Body" ... Most popular health and nutrition advice is for people 30, 40 or 50 and can be anything from unhelpful to dangerous for those from their late 60s on … Older people are generally unaware of that and as a result, can put themselves at risk of physical and mental frailty. Our special guest in the interview chair this week is Bonnie Waldon, a Dietitian with loads of great advice to share with us on staying healthy as we age. We chat with Bonnie about the dietary requirements of older people, and get some great tips on Nutrition along the way ! … All this, plus our usual News and updates and a whole lot more ... So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host ... Andy Neil

This week’s show is Part 1 of our two-part Special on "Healthy Eating for a Strong Mind and Body" ... The most popular health and nutrition advice available is for people 30, 40 or 50 and can be anything from unhelpful to dangerous for those from their late 60s on … Older people are generally unaware of that and as a result, can put themselves at risk of physical and mental frailty. Our special guest in the interview chair this week is Ngaire Hobbins – Dietitian, Authority on Nutrition, Ageing and Brain Health, and Author of the books, “Eat To Cheat Ageing”, “Eat To Cheat Dementia”, and “Better Brain Health” (which contains recipes to help cheat dementia and cognitive decline). We chat with Ngaire about the dietary requirements of older people, and get some great tips on Nutrition for Seniors along the way ! … All this, plus our usual News and updates and a whole lot more ... So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy

This week is Part 2 of our two-part Special on the "New Norms of Society" ... We continue our focus on the way society has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few decades, looking at the things we consider to be acceptable nowadays, ones that not all that many years ago, we mightn't have openly talked about, or even possibly could have considered taboo .. Our special guest in the interview chair this week is none other than ABC Radio Brisbane's, STEVE AUSTIN. We chat with Steve and gain the benefit of his experience and his wisdom as well as he shares his thoughts on the subject. All this, plus our usual News and updates and a whole lot more ... So, make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, and enjoy all that Radio COTA brings to you ! Please send us your feedback and suggestions, we'd love to hear from you ... Email us at ... radiocota@cotaqld.org.au Enjoy the show ! Your host, Andy