Just for the blokes: activities for men in aged care, by Fran West and Words of Wisdom Publications


Table of Contents

Introduction 2 Copyright Warning 2 Table of Contents 3 Quizzes Australia Quiz 4 Holiday and Travel Quiz 6 Word Searches Aviation Word Search – 3 levels 8 Cars & Motorcycles Word Search – 3 levels 11 Cow Breeds – 3 levels 14 Cricket Word Searches – 3 levels 17 Tartans Word Searches – 3 levels 20 Crosswords Australian Birds and Animals Crosswords – 3 levels 23 Explorers Crosswords – 3 levels 26 Golf Crosswords – 3 levels 29 In the Shed Crosswords – 3 levels 32 On the Farm Crosswords – 3 levels 35 Sports Crosswords – 3 levels 38 Historical Focus 41 Just for the Blokes 50 Movie Celebrity Focus 58 Music Focus 64 People Focus 66 Sports Focus 68 Crossword Answers 77 Advertisements 83


Australia Quiz

This quiz is meant as a bit of fun with either multiple choice answers or true and false. The

answers are underlined and in bold.

If you want to make the quiz harder for participants, then just leave out the choice of three

answers where appropriate.

1. The capital of Australia is Cowra, Canberra or Cairns.

2. The dollar is the currency of Australia. On its bank notes are depicted both notable women and men like Dame Nellie Melba and the Reverend John Flynn. True or false?

3. Is a typical Australian greeting – Bonjour,

Hola or G’day?

4. Is the macadamia Australia’s native animal, bird or nut?

5. Australia’s highest mountain, at only 2,228 metres, is Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Fuji or Mount Erebus.

6. The Summer Olympic Games have been hosted twice in Australia in 1956 and in 2000. Were the cities that hosted the Games Adelaide and Perth, Melbourne and Sydney or Hobart and Brisbane?

7. Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Chips Rafferty, Paul Hogan, Judy Davis, Geoffrey Rush, David Gulpilil, Justine Saunders, Lisa McCune and Jack Thompson are all water skiers, chemists or actors.

8. Australia’s colours are green and gold because of its floral emblem, the golden wattle. True or false?

9. Ayers Rock in Australia’s Red Heart, is known by its Aboriginal name of Jackaroo, Uluru or Jillaroo.

10. The Australian flag’s colours are red, blue and white. Is the star constellation on it known as the Red Cross, Southern Cross or Maltese Cross?

11. Australia has six states and two territories. Are the two territories the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory, the New Territories and Australian Capital Territory or the Northwest Territories and Australian Capital Territory?

12. Slim Dusty, Helen Reddy, Jimmy Little and The Seekers, are all astronomers, singers or acrobats.

13. Australia has contributed much to the world with its inventions like the pedal radio, black box flight recorder, ultrasound, medical application of penicillin, refrigerator,


bionic ear, pacemaker, armoured tank and notepad to name a few. One novel invention is white zinc cream. Is it used for sun block, decorating cakes or eating with strawberries?

14. The Indian-Pacific, The Ghan, Puffing Billy and the Sunlander are all Australian

trucks, trains, or tractors.

15. The Aborigines were Australia’s original inhabitants before white settlement. Many of their words have been absorbed into our language e.g. boomerang, woomera, barramundi, kookaburra, galah, corroboree, cooee, Echuca and Adelaide. True or false?

16. The national bird of Australia is a flightless bird. Is it the kiwi, emu or dodo?

17. Australia’s national animal is the kangaroo, kudu or Komodo dragon.

18. Blinky Bill, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Dot and the kangaroo, The magic pudding, The muddleheaded wombat, Possum magic and Seven little Australians are all children’s books, murder mysteries or travelogues?

19. Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson wrote the words for a famous Australian song. Is the song called – Waltzing Mary, Waltzing Martha or Waltzing Matilda?

20. Hans Heysen, Tom Roberts, Nora Heysen, Albert Namatjira, Ruby Lindsay, Frederick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan were all painters, musicians or athletes?

Check out the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia

http://www.tourism.australia.com// (Tourism Australia)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6leHGHCKeSg (Australia travel video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqczty1FpSs (National anthem)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOlPCmFG2pc (The Seekers – I am Australian)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbGuqmaDgLA (I still call Australia home)

http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2011/01/25/top-10-foods-only-australia-could-have-invented/ (Australian food)

http://www.pinterest.com/callie144/australia-day-craft/ (Craft)

http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/main.html (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)

© Fran West 2014

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia

http://www.tourism.australia.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6leHGHCKeSg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqczty1FpSs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOlPCmFG2pc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbGuqmaDgLA

http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2011/01/25/top-10-foods-only-australia-could-have-invented/

http://www.pinterest.com/callie144/australia-day-craft/

http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/main.html


Aviation Word Search

L H A N G A R N G K B O K A I R P O R T R P R F D C H K S I U V E F R A N C P G N B R I S T O L I E W E N M G A W X T R A W E S T L G M F M Y K B O E I N G I O P I L O T N C P R T A I R C R A F T E H

Find the following words which are located down and across. They are aircraft names and also what you would find

at an airport.

AIRCRAFT, AIRPORT,

BOEING, BRISTOL,

CATALINA, HANGAR, PILOT,

RUNWAY, SPITFIRE, TIGER MOTH © Fran West 2014


Cars & Motorcycles Word Search

B M W S W A C G X H Z Q T R I U M P H X H U G W Z E N Z O Q R V O L V O J N D U R U Y U N H M J

G A I K G Z S F D J X G H U A I A W L O A M A C F L N Q N F E R R A R I R T M J H I R D O U I T A N I S S A N Q V S E R N S C O T T W G E T L O Z X L A N C I A R I Z E W E S T H O L D E N Q N

Find the following words which are located down and across.

ARIEL, AUSTIN, BMW, CHRYSLER,

CITROEN, FERRARI, FIAT, FORD,

HOLDEN, HONDA, INDIAN, LANCIA,

MORGAN, NISSAN, RENAULT,

ROVER, SCOTT, SUZUKI, TRIUMPH,

VOLVO

© Fran West 2014


Cricket Word Search

Find the following words which are located down and across.

BAILS, BALL, BAT, BATSMAN, BOWLER, BYE, CATCH, CENTURY, CREASE, CRICKET, DUCK, ELEVEN, FIELDER, FOUR, GLOVES, HELMET, HOWZAT, INNINGS, KEEPER, MAIDEN, OVAL, OVER, PADS, PITCH, SIX, STUMPS, TEST, UMPIRE, WICKET, WIDE

T U D H O H G F Q D Z S C P C

E M L F Q D M B O U U V Z R R

S P A D S U A A G L O V E S E

T I N P U C I L B S F R A N A

C R G O U K D L A I W C F I S

W E H E L M E T I X I U O O E

I E L E V E N P L C D J U V S

C R I C K E T S S V E O R A T

K B O W L E R C Y J R V G L U

E C Y H O W Z A T L V E A B M

T K E E P E R T Z B I R S J P

B A T S M A N C B Y Q R T F S

I N N I N G S H C E N T U R Y

Z W W E S T B A T H P I T C H

M C K A M L F I E L D E R B A

© Fran West 2014


Explorers Crossword

Across

1. Abel discovered Van Diemen's land (6)

3. Calamity was an American friontierswoman and scout (4)

5. James claimed Australia for Britain (4)

7. Sir Francis led the defeat of the Spanish Armada (5)

9. Robert was a British polar explorer (5)

10. In 1492 Christopher discovered America (8)

Down

2. A crested cockatoo is named after Major Thomas (8)

4. George has the world's highest mountain named after him (7)

6. George has a strait named after him (4)

8. Italian Marco travelled to China (4)

1 2

3 4

5

6 7

8

9

10

EclipseCrossword.com

Word List

Bass Columbus

Cook Drake

Everest Jane

Mitchell Polo Scott

Tasman

© Fran West 2014


Golf Crossword

Across 2. This club is used to hit the golf ball into the

hole 5. This is for the player's golf clubs 6. Its bar is known as the 19th tee 9. With longer grass than the fairway 14. A club with a long handle for maximum

distance 15. A metal golf club 16. This indicates where the hole is 18. A hole played in one stroke under par 19. A long stretch of cut grass between the

teeing ground and the hole

Down 1. The way a player stands before hitting the

ball 2. A person who hits a golf ball with clubs 3. Used to support the golf ball on the first

stroke 4. Players use this to hit the ball 7. The lower this is, the better the player 8. Players ride on this 10. Only one stroke is needed from tee to hole 11. This has to be done with the club before

hitting the ball 12. Worn on the hand to grip the golf club 13. The ball used to play golf 17. A person who carries the golf bag for

another player

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13 14

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18

19

Ec lipseCrossword.com

Word List

Bag Birdie Buggy Caddy Club

Clubhouse Fairway

Flag Glove

Golf ball Handicap

Hole-in-one Iron

Player Putter Rough Stance Swing Tee

Wood

© Fran West 2014


In the Shed Crossword

Across 3. Used for nails and can sometimes have a claw 6. For smoothing out woodwork 7. Used in the garden but also a piece of cutlery 10. Rhymes with fire 11. This has steps and is used for climbing up 14. Usually attached to a work bench to hold

things in place 15. For chopping wood 17. A hammer is needed for this 18. A type of hammer with a very large head 19. Used for weeding in the garden 20. Used for watering the garden 22. Pincers used for holding, bending and cutting 25. Used for cutting 26. For holding things together until the glue dries 28. An iron bar used as a lever

Down

1. This rhymes with hovel and is used for digging

2. For grinding 4. A table used for working on and attaching a

vise to 5. This is needed for sticking things together 7. Rhymes with mile 8. Used for sweeping 9. This makes a hole for a screw to go in 10. Rhymes with French 12. Used in the garden for sweeping up leaves 13. For digging but not a shovel 16. A long-bladed woodworking tool with a

bevelled cutting edge 21. Rhymes with banner 23. A machine used for turning wood 24. This has a thread and is used instead of a

nail 27. Rhymes with lunch

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8 9 10

11 12 13

14 15

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18 19

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26 27

28

Ec lipseCrossword.com

Word List

Axe Bench Broom Chisel Clamp

Crowbar Drill File Fork Glue

Grinder Hammer

Hoe Hose

Ladder Lathe Mallet Nail

Plane Pliers Punch Rake Saw

Screw Shovel Spade

Spanner Vise Wire

Wrench

© Fran West 2014


HISTORICAL FOCUS

The Christmas Truce of WWI 1914

"Trees stuck on top of the German trenches, lit up with candles, and all of the men sitting on top of the trenches. So of course we got out ours and passed a few remarks, inviting each other to come over and have a drink and a smoke.” (Stanley Weintraub, aged 81years)

An amazing story of the Christmas spirit during war. It was the first year of World War I in 1914. It was in Ypres, Belgium, where the urge to celebrate Christmas on the eve of the day was overwhelming for the soldiers in the trenches.

The Germans were the first to initiate the truce. They placed trees with candles on top of their trenches and stood up to sing the Christmas carol, Silent Night (Stille Nacht). The British troops responded by joining in on the singing and also shone candles. There was only between 30 and 70 metres separating the two enemy trenches. Once the ice was broken, the troops from both sides joined to share cigarettes and some food, even kicking around a soccer ball together.

At the same time, the high command was furious with the troops for letting their guard down and issued orders to stop the celebrations. Although some of the officers saw it as an opportunity to replenish supplies to the front and to scout around to further familiarise themselves with the terrain. At the end of the Christmas celebration, both sides agreed on a signal that would indicate the re-starting of the battle.

As time passed, the truce was fading into history and the fighting became more and more ferocious. The episode became more and more surreal as the war dragged on, especially to those who had not experienced that amazing time.

For a good read about the whole story ….………… Silent Night: the Story of the World War I Christmas Truce, by Stanley Weintraub.

Christmas Carols Word Scramble

Unscramble the words below

SCRAMBLED WORD CAROL

Tilsen Ghtni

O Mcoe Lla Ey Fiahtulf

Waya Ni A Germna

Het Tsrif Nwolle

Cked Het Lhla

Rkah The Rhelda Genals Gnis

Ew Hisw Uoy A Rreym Hcsirtmas

Answers: Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger, The First Nowell, Deck the Hall, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

By Nicolette Whittington, Editor, Words of Wisdom, ©2014.


JUST FOR THE BLOKES

Travel and Holidays

“The Outback”

No people at all Just miles and miles of Mulga.

Up up up we go North ………….

rivers to cross, the rain had been. Very rarely it’s been seen.

A zebra finch picks at the grain. We stop

at one of the Hooleys Wells freshly restored.

We open the covers and look down in, the rocks they placed with their bare hands ……………….still there.

Time stands still. By Jack Thorp

Mini Holidays/Overnight Stays

With careful planning special overnight stays can be a huge success. Twice a year March/April and again in October/November seem to be the most suitable. A good number of holiday participants is about 3 to 5 residents. Incorporate a theme – just for the blokes. For example, visiting railways, airports, museums, car shows, cattle/sheep sales, farm stay B&Bs, caravan and camping shows, 4 wheel drive shows, country music shows – one or two of these could be incorporated into the perfect holiday for blokes. Plan the holiday about three months from departure date. Include the residents in the planning process as half the fun is in the planning and discussing. Involve the families as some financial assistance may be required from them. Also, they may want to participate in some way – perhaps with a family BBQ on the last night with grandchildren. Depending on the needs of the clients, factors relating to all the various nursing and health care requirements need to be taken into consideration. A nursing staff member may have to travel along too – to assist in transport and medications as well as general personal care. Obviously this will vary in different situations. Advise the clients not to bring too much luggage and nothing breakable or valuable. Provide all clients and families with an itinerary, contact phone numbers and details of next of kin and their doctor’s phone number, along with current medication. Suggest some expenses money for each client to bring for the trip. Plan for the worst and expect the best! It is their adventure! Resource: Zest For Living by Carolyn Holm.


Reminiscence Holiday Prompt Questions:

Think back. Can you describe what was your most memorable/exciting holiday?

Where would you like to visit again? Somewhere you didn’t quite get enough of from a previous holiday trip.

What was your most expensive/luxurious holiday?

Can you remember what was your most uncomfortable holiday or trip?

Who was your favourite travelling companion (human friend or pet)?

What would be your favourite Australian holiday destination?

What would you say is your favourite mode of transport – car and caravan, bicycle, horseback, 4 wheel driving, bus, plane, ship?

Have you ever been on a safari or on a cruise ship?

Have you ever had a ride in a hot air balloon?

Have you ever had a snow skiing holiday?

Holiday Game

Discus Pitch

A fun alternative to discus toss game. Can be played indoors or outside.

Requirements

2 dinner-sized paper plates

3cm wide masking tape

scraps of material 2 x 20cm diameter

small amount of dried lentils/split peas (or a small bean bag)

coloured electrical tape

Process

1. Cut out two circles of material 20cms in diameter, sew together around edges, turn inside out and fill with dried peas. Test weight with client.

2. This is then stuck inside the two paper plates (one plate turned upside down on top of the other to create a discus shape) using the masking tape, to give it a little weight. Alternatively, attaching a small bean bag inside the paper plate discus will also do the job.

3. Using the masking tape, stick the edges of the plates together. 4. Using the coloured electrical tape, mark a target area on the floor and allocate score

numbers to different squares marked out. Chalk or similar can be used to allocate numbers to the marked out squares.

5. Each player has three throws aiming to get the highest score. Teams can be formed for a competition and handicapping may be used to give all players equal opportunity.

Resource: Zest For Living, by Carolyn Holm.

By Nicolette Whittington, Editor, Words of Wisdom, ©2014. Photos from Outback Adventure DVD, by Fran West.


MOVIE CELEBRITY FOCUS

Movie Celebrities Born On April 5th

Bette Davis – (born in America on April 5th 1908 died October 6th 1989). A giant in the movie and theatre world of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Her career went through several periods of highs and lows. Some of her most famous movies included: Jezebel, Dangerous, Now Voyager, Mr Skeffington, All About Eve and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? She once admitted that her success had often been at the expense of her personal relationships. Married four times, she was once widowed and three times divorced. Her final years were difficult due to a long period of ill health, but she continued acting until shortly before her death from breast cancer, with more than 100 films, television and theatre roles to her credit. Spencer Tracy – (born in America on April 5th 1900 died June 10th 1967). His successful career went for 37 years including screen and theatre performances. His better known movies included : Father of the Bride, The Old Man and The Sea, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Judgement at Nuremberg . A well respected actor known for his style and versatility. His private life was quite complex. He became estranged from his wife Louise in the 1930s but they were never divorced, he continued with a long term affair with Katharine Hepburn in private. In 1999 he was ranked as one of Hollywood’s legends by the American Film Institute.

Gregory Peck – (born in America on April 5th 1916 died June 12th 2003). Not only a famous and highly respected movie star with such greats as: The Yearling, Twelve O’Clock High, Roman Holiday, Moby Dick, and The Boys From Brazil, Peck also became a political activist in the years following his acting career. He was a lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party and in 1970 he was reported as a possible candidate against Ronald Reagan for the office of California Governor. He passed away peacefully in his sleep from an acute bout of bronchopneumonia.

Reference: http://www.wikipedia.org/

By Nicolette Whittington, Editor, Words of Wisdom, ©2014. Photos by Fran West.

http://www.wikipedia.org/


Celebrity Word Scramble

Unscramble the words to find a well known movie star or music celebrity (hint: all born in either April/May/June)

SCRAMBLED WORD

STAR/CELEBRITY

Clrheai Phaciln

Tepre Utsnivo

Dstyu Feigrlspnid

Ctea Btechantl

Prnlaule Sacels

Nleile Mlbae

Bngi Bcysro

Jenu Serlta

Byrna Bworn

Pneloepe Khtie

Anen Bterax

Mrya Hkinpo

Fieknar Vilal

Answers: Charlie Chaplin, Peter Ustinov, Dusty Springfield, Cate Blanchett, Prunella Scales, Nellie Melba, Bing Crosby, June Salter, Bryan Brown, Penelope Keith, Anne Baxter, Mary Hopkin, Frankie Valli.


MUSIC FOCUS

Australian Country Music

The Early Years The distinctive sound of Australian country music seems to have had more of an influence from the Scottish and Irish sounds rather than any influence from American. Instruments such as the harmonica, banjo and fiddle were the popular choice of the day.

Australian themes began to develop more and more through the music that was written. Bushrangers, stockmen and drovers all featured in the most well-known songs such as Click Go The Shears , The Wild Colonial Boy, The Dying Stockman, The Queensland Drover and possibly the most well known of all Waltzing Matilda (written in 1895).

Later country musicians such as Tex Morton, Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty, Reg Lindsay and Buddy Williams seemed to be more influenced by American Rock & Roll.

Country Music Quiz

1. Who was known as the “King of Australian Country Music” during the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s? Slim Dusty.

2. Name two of Slim Dusty’s most famous songs. Walk a Country Mile, A Pub With No Beer, Duncan, G’Day, G’Day, Boomerang

3. Who was Australia’s first “Singing Cowboy”? Smoky Dawson.

4. Who was the country and western singer who starred in the 1964 TV show The Country and Western Hour? Reg Lindsay.

5. What is the name of the famous Australian folk song with the opening lyrics “There's a track winding back to an old-fashioned shack”? The Road To Gundagai, written by Jack O’Hagan in 1922, first recorded in 1924 by Peter Dawson.

Talking Point

These days it seems more and more Australians think the National Anthem should be Waltzing Matilda instead of Advance Australia Fair – what do you think? Is that famous folk song more “Aussie” and more popular that our current National Anthem?

There is an entertaining version of Waltzing Matilda called Waltjim Bat Matilda by the Aboriginal female singer Ali Mills.

To view on YouTube go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgLtzD6JxcA. Or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Mills to find out more about Ali Mills and her distinctive music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgLtzD6JxcA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Mills


Australian Country Music Today Tamworth in NSW is now well established as the home of country music. Back in 1992 the Country Music Association of Australia was officially born in Tamworth. Slim Dusty was appointed as the first Chairman and John Williamson was Vice Chairman. Since those early days Australian country music has flourished.

Other popular locations for Festivals are Gympie in QLD for the annual Gympie Muster, Mildura Country Music Festival held every October and the Canberra Music Festival held every November.

Talking Point

The well known iconic country music singer John Williamson recently stated that Australian country music has become too much like American music, so much so that Australian music is losing its identity! What do you think? Have a listen to some more recent country music and judge for yourself.

References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_country_music, ABC Radio 22/1/2014.

By Nicolette Whittington, Editor, Words of Wisdom, ©2014

Singer Word Scramble

Unscramble the words to find a well-known country music singer

SCRAMBLED WORD

SINGER

Smil Dyust

Jnoh Wonsilliam

Ail Msill

Skyom Dnoswa

Preet Dwanos

Rge Laysind

Byddu Wsmailli

Txe Mtonro

Answers: Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Ali Mills, Smoky Dawson, Peter Dawson, Reg Lindsay, Buddy Williams, Tex Morton

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_country_music


PEOPLE FOCUS The Life of a Railway Man’s Wife – an inspiration to all

Mrs Mercy Coomb is a special lady. Spending an hour with her chatting over a cup of tea takes people back to a totally different era.

Mercy was born six weeks premature, which was a feat of survival in itself. It was the start of a tough but very fulfilled life. She was born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1930. Her father sadly and unexpectedly died in a tragic accident when she was 6 years old. Her mother worked very hard to keep the family afloat. However, she had a disability so Mercy had to leave her schooling (which she enjoyed considerably) at the age of fourteen, to help in the home. She had four other siblings.

Fortunately, her mother married again and Mercy was able to find work at a local restrooms/restaurant which was common at various railway junctions where travellers could stop off for a break from the numerous train journeys around the state at that time. Here she met her husband, Harold, who swept her off her feet. She was married at the age of 24 and they have been happily married for 60 years, successfully raising three sons.

Daily chores back in Mercy’s younger days were vastly different to what they are today. Lighting fires was a daily occurrence all year round, to heat the copper for washing the laundry, to keep the cooker going in the kitchen for warmth and general cooking. Harold would chop the wood first thing in the morning to ensure the kitchen was warm for the young family. “Mallee roots were the best” according to Harold who then promptly went off to work on the Railways for the day.

The growing of vegetables in the backyard or any vacant garden space was also very common practice. Chickens and roosters were often kept in the backyard too. As the family grew up, Mercy found the time to throw herself into a volunteer job with St Vincent’s Op Shop where she spent 26 years helping out and making many firm friends.

Her strong Christian faith has been with her all her life. She was baptised at birth and confirmed at the age of 13 years. She maintains an amazing and truly inspired positive attitude and a “can do” approach to life. Her advice to other women of today is to “express your opinions, be assertive”.

Today she is living in a nursing home where she has discovered the next stage to her life. Harold visits daily to find Mercy either attending sitting exercises, hydrotherapy, singing group, news and views groups, Church, or having a chat at the café with friends and family. She has also taken on the job of knitting bonnets for any new baby who may cross her path – be it through family, friends or acquaintances.

Well done to Mercy and many other ladies like her who worked so hard to maintain a happy and productive lifestyle.

Below: Photos of a well-known brand of soap and washing tub wringer that were used in Mercy’s era (courtesy of

Family Memories).

By Nicolette Whittington, Editor, Words of Wisdom, ©2014.


SPORTS FOCUS

Australia in the 1950s

Following the early years after the Second World War, the Nation came out to play – new sporting clubs were blossoming around the country. Although the choice of sports was not so varied as it is today, the same enthusiasm was there. Football, Bowls, Golf, Darts, Badminton, Boxing, Snooker, Tennis were all the popular sports of the day. Then came the Olympics!!

Melbourne Olympics 1956 The Games of the XVI Olympiad

These games were the first to be held in the Southern Hemisphere. There were 72 countries participating. With a total of over three thousand athletes – out of those 2,938 were men. The Melbourne Cricket Ground was the location for the main events. Ron Clarke (long and middle distance runner) had the honour of lighting the Olympic Flame. Australia (35) came third behind the United States (74) and the (then) Soviet Union (98) in the medal count.

Historic tram, Flinders Street Train Station and Shrine of Remembrance in downtown Melbourne

Some well-known Australian participants in the 1956 Olympic Games were:

Betty Cuthbert – Our “Golden Girl” winning three gold medals in the track events – the 100 and 200 metres plus the 4 x 100 metre relay.

Murray Rose – Won three gold medals in swimming – winning the 400 and 1,500 metres and the 4 x 200 metre relay.

John Landy – Melbourne born athlete who was favoured to win the 1,500 metre athletics running event, however he finished third. He was the second man to beat the four minute mile barrier.

Shirley Strickland – Women's 80m hurdles gold medal.


BRINGING SPORT TO YOU

How

1. Find a suitable sporting activity that suits the participant’s skills and one that stimulates and motivates. Modify if necessary. Short but regular participation is best.

2. Focus on strength building and flexibility and the maintenance of these skills within any group.

3. Prepare the environment for success – declutter surroundings, participants to have suitable footwear, provide regular breaks, and hydrate. Encourage families to participate too!

4. Like any sporting sessions, we all need a warm up and a cool down time. Gentle stretching of arms and legs and a few deep breaths will assist in this process.

What

Modified Basket Ball With hoop fitted to a mobile stand or affix a bracket bolted onto the wall, where the hoop is slotted into so it can be removed after play. Those in a sitting position can reach to toss the ball into the hoop (bean bags or balloons can be used instead of a basket ball). Modified Golf Putting Game With the numbered holes placed in an incline so the balls roll back to the player if the hole is missed.

Mini Olympics Gather local Aged Care Facilities or Community Centres together to compete over one day or over a weekend with family and friends as support.

Suggested games: bean bag toss, balloon volleyball, skittles, bowls, quoits, indoor croquet, wheelchair race – 50 metres.

References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_Summer_Olympics, Safe sports activities for the

Elderly, by Dr Pandula Siribaddana in Living healthy 360, ©2009. Product photos courtesy of

Pat Southwell, 3+ Educational Equipment.

By Nicolette Whittington, Editor, Words of Wisdom, ©2014. Melbourne photos by Fran West.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_Summer_Olympics

Just for the blokes: activities for men in aged care, by Fran West and Words of Wisdom Publications

Entertainment & Humor

Transcript of Just for the blokes: activities for men in aged care, by Fran West and Words of Wisdom Publications