Your ageing parents
Over the next 30 to 40 years, Australia will face one of the most profound demographic changes in its history — the greying of a large part of the population. Are you ready to look after your ageing parents?
Thanks to modern medicine’s ability to keep us alive, looking after ageing parents has become a very likely scenario for many middle-aged couples. Couples who, we might add, are often also busy raising young children.
If you’ve noticed your parents getting a little wrinklier around the edges, it might be time to have a think about what your future is going to look like. Once your parents are no longer able to look after themselves will they move into a nursing home? Or will they relocate to your family home? If, like many post-GFC retirees their savings have been decimated, who is going to pay the bills that come faster than the years tick by? Are you ready to become part of the sandwich generation?
The sandwich generation
If you are currently raising young children and thinking about the possibility of providing care to an elderly parent you’re about to become part of a generation that finds itself in the unique position of playing caregiver to two vastly different dependants.
This generation has been fondly dubbed the “sandwich generation” — a generation of folk who are simultaneously looking after small children and ageing parents at the same time.
Carol Abaya, the journalist who got the term accepted into the Oxford English and Merriam Webster dictionaries, says it’s not easy to become elderly or a parent to your parents. “Our society says adults should be able to take care of themselves,” explains Carol. “But, as more live well into their 80s and 90s and families are dispersed across the country, everyone is going to be involved somehow, some way, in elder care,” she counters.
Living in
Findings from a 2012 survey, conducted by Just Better Care, show that 31 per cent of people from New South Wales would prefer to quit any job and commitments to provide full-time care for their parents over arranging for them to be cared for in a nursing home.
“I see that as a very positive thing that so many people would want to look after a family member,” says founder and director of Just Better Care, Trish Noakes.
“It’s a significant sign. It’s a huge thing to say, ‘I’ll give up a part of my life’. It’s a lot of commitment for people. It shows that Australia, as a society, is prepared to look after their family members.”
If you’re planning on taking care of your parents in their old age, maintaining some separation will be beneficial for everyone so do make sure you have space to allow your parents their own bedroom and bathroom if possible, ideally on the same level as the kitchen and living room. If you have a granny flat on your property then this is ideal — though perhaps not the outcome any teenage offspring hoping for their independence will be happy about.
If your home has stairs that can’t be avoided, you may need to plan for a stair lift or vertical lift to be installed. You probably won’t need to do this straight away but it is something to think about as it will require additional funds in the not-too-distant future.
Finally — if you have siblings then you may want to consider parent sharing. Aim to have your parents staying with one of your siblings for a month out of each year to give yourself (and your parents) the chance to take a break and enjoy some quality time apart.
The cost of ageing
While Australia may have missed the brunt of the global financial crisis (GFC), one disadvantage that is being felt by older Australians has been the decimation of their retirement savings. Those planned “relaxed and comfortable” years are about to become anything but for many retirees.
Unfortunately, longer lives also aren’t necessarily synonymous with healthy ones and the cost of living for older Australians is rising thanks to expensive medications, hospital stays and the search for suitable accommodation. Children who want their parents’ last years to be comfortable may find themselves footing the bill for more than they bargained for.
If you think you’ll need to be supplementing your ageing parents’ income, or covering the cost of having them live with you, it’s a good idea to budget in the cost of necessary home modifications, medicines and taking leave from your job. You may be eligible for a carers allowance so make sure you check out the criteria on the Department of Human Services website.
Even if you’re not financially responsible for elderly parents, you may still need to take control of their finances at some point. For example, if your parent is really sick in hospital or suddenly dies, you will find it virtually impossible to communicate with their bank, insurance company and superannuation fund if you don’t have a Power of Attorney or Guardianship in place.
“Encourage your parents to update their will and to ensure that they have Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship in place while they are still fit and healthy,” says James Gerrard of PSK Financial Services.
“This will ensure that a loved one who understands their wishes will be able to make financial and lifestyle decisions should they be unable to do so for themselves.”
Final arrangements
No matter how old your parents are or how good a life they’ve had, when they pass it’s still going to hurt.
In most cases if your parent dies at home you will need to call your parent’s doctor and a funeral director who will lead you through the next steps. If your parent dies in the night it’s okay to wait until morning before you make the appropriate phone calls. You can use this chance to say your final goodbyes before their doctor arrives to sign a death certificate.
Emotionally, you may not feel so put together. You may feel numb, lost and distracted and unwilling to accept what’s happened. This is all perfectly normal — as is feeling a sense of relief — so try and process the emotions as they occur, cut yourself some slack and find someone to talk to.
Caring for a parent as they age can be a challenge but it can also be immensely rewarding. With a little bit of preparation you may find the memories you make over the last years of your parents’ lives are something you and your children will cherish for a lifetime.
The Untapped Bounty: Unlocking the Nutritional Riches of Acorns
In the tapestry of autumn’s bounty, amidst the vibrant hues of falling leaves, lies a humble, often overlooked treasure: the acorn. This modest nut, the fruit of the majestic oak tree, has nourished a wide array of creatures and cultures throughout history. Yet, in modern times, its value has been largely forgotten, overshadowed by more conventional food sources. This article aims to rediscover the acorn’s potential, not only as a sustainable food source but as a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. As we delve into the world of acorns, we uncover the secrets to transforming these nuts into a palatable delight, along with exploring the myriad benefits they offer. Embracing acorns in our diet is not merely a nod to our foraging ancestors but a step forward in our journey towards sustainable living and nutritional wellness.
The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Acorns
Acorns are more than just a survival food; they are a testament to nature’s abundance, offering a wealth of health benefits that deserve recognition. Here is a comprehensive list of the many virtues these nuts hold:
Rich Nutrient Profile: Acorns are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune function and skin health, respectively. They also offer a good dose of B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism and brain health.
Mineral-Rich: These nuts are a source of important minerals such as potassium, which regulates blood pressure; calcium, essential for bone health; and magnesium, necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
High in Fiber: With a high fiber content, acorns can aid in digestion, helping to prevent constipation and promoting a healthy gut. Fiber is also key for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidant Properties: Acorns contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Heart Health: The unsaturated fats in acorns can contribute to a healthy heart by lowering bad cholesterol levels and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Acorn flour offers a gluten-free alternative for baking and cooking, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Energy Boosting: Being energy-dense, acorns can provide a sustained release of energy, making them an excellent addition to an active lifestyle.
Sustainable Food Source: Foraging for acorns encourages a connection with nature and promotes a sustainable approach to food, reducing reliance on processed and imported goods.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Incorporating acorns into modern diets honors the traditions of many indigenous and ancient cultures for whom acorns were a staple food, fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world and its history.
Versatile Culinary Uses: From flours to oils, acorns offer a versatile base for a variety of culinary creations, enabling the exploration of new flavors and textures in cooking and baking.
Economic Advantage: Foraging acorns can offer economic benefits, reducing grocery bills and fostering self-sufficiency.
Weight Management: The combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein in acorns can help in feeling fuller longer, aiding in weight management efforts.
The benefits of acorns extend far beyond their nutritional value, encompassing environmental sustainability, economic savings, and a reconnection with nature’s rhythms. As we turn to the practical aspects of harvesting and preparing acorns, we embark on a journey not just to rediscover an ancient food source but to embrace a lifestyle that values the bounty nature provides. Stay tuned for the next segment, where we will explore how to unlock the edible potential of acorns, ensuring they can be enjoyed safely and deliciously.
Harvesting and Selecting Acorns
The first step in utilizing acorns is gathering them, a task best undertaken in the early autumn when they are ripe and plentiful. Look for acorns that are firm, without any holes or cracks, as these imperfections may indicate the presence of insects or rot. Green acorns are immature and should be left to ripen, while those that are brown and detach easily from their caps are ready for use. It’s a sustainable practice to gather from the ground, leaving enough acorns for wildlife and the regeneration of the oak forest.
Processing Acorns to Remove Tannins
Shelling: Begin by removing the acorns from their shells. This can be done manually or with the aid of a nutcracker. It’s a labor-intensive step but crucial for accessing the nut meat within.
Leaching Out the Tannins: The most critical step in making acorns edible is leaching out the tannins, which are compounds that give raw acorns their bitter taste and can be harmful in large quantities. There are two primary methods for leaching: cold and hot leaching.
Cold Leaching: This method involves soaking the shelled acorns in cold water. The water should be changed when it becomes discolored, approximately every 12 to 24 hours, until the water remains clear, indicating that the tannins have been removed. This process can take several days to a week, depending on the acorn variety.
Hot Leaching: Hot leaching is faster than cold leaching but requires more active management. Boil the acorns in water, and change the water when it turns dark, repeating this process until the water remains mostly clear. This method can remove the tannins in a matter of hours.
Drying: After leaching, the acorns need to be dried to prevent mold and prepare them for grinding. Spread the acorns on a baking sheet and dry them in an oven at a low temperature, in a dehydrator, or air-dry them in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
Making Acorn Flour
Once dried, the acorns can be ground into flour using a food processor, blender, or hand grinder. The resulting flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or frozen for extended storage. Acorn flour can be used as a substitute for traditional flours in baking, offering a nutty flavor and nutritional boost to bread, pancakes, and other baked goods.
Incorporating acorns into our diets is a journey back to the roots of human sustenance, a nod to the wisdom of our ancestors who relied on the natural world for their dietary needs. This journey is not just about adding a new ingredient to our pantry but about embracing a deeper connection with nature, understanding the cycles of growth and renewal, and appreciating the abundance that surrounds us. As we integrate acorns into our meals, we partake in a tradition that spans centuries and cultures, celebrating the oak tree’s gift and its enduring significance to both the environment and our health. Let the humble acorn inspire you to explore, innovate, and appreciate the simple, yet profound, pleasures of foraging and feasting from the land.
