Given that there is an ever-increasing level of dementia in all of its forms, we as a community need to be aware of the health status of elderly relatives, friends and neighbours.

Sometimes the signs of dementia can be vague and others think that the elderly person may just be a bit forgetful and sometimes agitated when confronted with a situation which they interpret as threatening.

If those around them react in an inappropriate way, violence, verbal and or physical assaults may result.

Often, simply diverting a person’s attention can defuse a distressing situation.

I think that a good case can be made for a positive public education program to help the community be more aware of coping with the sometimes uncharacteristic behaviour of elderly people.

It is not enough for people to assume that elderly people are “just forgetful” when in fact dementia may be a factor.

Early diagnosis and any available treatment will possibly make life easier for relatives, friends and carers.

It is incumbent on managers of residential facilities for the aged to closely observe the mental health of their residents in order to ensure that all are protected.

And perhaps they need to make families aware of possible problems regarding behaviour that appears to be inappropriate.

I HAVE it on good authority a shadow minister has been to a shop and bought a new pair of shoes while on an official government business trip.

Yes, they diverted a taxi to a shoe shop and went and bought some shoes.

Now, surely the same principal applies to this person as it does to Farrer MP Sussan Ley?    

If not, why not?

So where to from here?

Someday, probably at the next election when the boring “nobodys” have their say, our media might suddenly realise that we are very sick of their bias and nitpicking.

Has anybody in the media found out that the Nationals got control of water in return for supporting “Turnback” Turnbull?

What a disgrace they are, not one thing has changed.

As Gough said many years ago, it’s time for a change!

To hell with the two big political parties and their cronies.

MAYBE the politicians should be watching the grey nomad e-mails. 

This one is doing the rounds and makes a lot of sense.

News flash from Darwin.

The Australian Navy intercepted a boatload of people off the coast of Darwin today.

This placed the navy in an awkward position, as the boat was not heading to, but away from Australia, towards Indonesia.

Another surprise finding was that they were loaded with Aussies who were all seniors of pension age.      

Their claim was that they were trying to get to Indonesia so as to be able to return to Australia as illegal immigrants and therefore be entitled to far more benefits than they were receiving as legitimate Australian pensioners.

The navy it is believed gave them food, water and fuel and assisted them on their journey.

We are making bookings for the next boat out.

Let me know if you want to come. It would help if you can row a boat.

Remember you have to be over 65.