Author: Linda Kadel

How golfers are improving their games with golf simulators!

Rain or shine, day or night, golf simulators enable avid golfers to stay in the swing and improve their games through technology.  With limitations and uncertainty of travelling abroad at the moment, this just might be the way to find a small escape from your every-day golf course.  And while they can’t magically turn you into Greg Norman, golf simulators can enable you to virtually experience golfing on courses located around the world with amazing attention to detail.

How does it work?

These simulators analyse your swing by displaying images of your courses on the screen and then the images will appear with a realistic view.

Simply hit the ball as you would in a real driving range and the screen will measure your shots in detail.

How Accurate Are They?

Golf simulators can be up to 85-90% accurate if you use good quality equipment to run your simulator, such as Bravo Online® from BRAVO SOFTWARE.

Who’s Using it?

Latitude25 have installed an advanced 3D golf simulator from Bravo Online in their Health Hub to provide residents with another fantastic option for staying active.  Golf-enthusiast residents are enjoying the opportunity to “golf” more than 70 famous courses meticulously mapped using propriety satellite data, including courses such as Augusta National (Georgia, USA) and TPC Sawgrass (Florida, USA). This virtual experience allows parties of up to four to partake in this seamless playing experience.

Whether you want to improve your game, “travel” the worlds’ golf courses or share the love of golf without the investment of course fees and equipment, 3D golf simulators provide another way to experience and practice this amazing precision sport.

Plus – it is a great way to ensure your daily dose of iron!

To explore this lifestyle for yourself, and to see how Latitude25 stacks up, we also offer a complimentary 2-night stay on us. For more details, call Jane on 1800 025 025 or email info@visitlatitude25.com.au

In the quest for health a new trend for home pools is emerging and that’s the magnesium chloride pools.  More and more people are recognising their power to improve their environment through the inclusion of this wonder mineral in their swimming pools.

What is a magnesium pool?

Also known as mineral pools, magnesium pools are swimming pools that have added minerals in the pool water.

Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring compound of magnesium (a mineral) and chloride (an electrolyte), found in seawater and brine. It is recommended to swim for approximately 30 minutes to reveal the healing benefits.  This unique compound is absorbed through your skin to offer a range of health benefits, including:

• Feels Amazing – Better swimming experience through clearer water leaving skin silky smooth and gentler on the skin and eyes than traditional chlorine.  It’s particularly beneficial for skin ailments, like psoriasis or eczema.
• Relaxation – the healthy benefits transdermal absorption (through the skin) of magnesium include relaxing nerves and muscles, reducing stress, anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and improving sleep.
• Mini detox – magnesium also helps detox the skin and body and reduces pore size ultimately leaving skin looking smoother.

Not to mention, no harsh chlorine odours and lengthy post-swim showers trying to rinse off the harsh chemicals or sticky salt of normal swimming pools.

Coupled with the health benefits of regular exercise of swimming and you have a winning combination.

Health Benefits of Swimming

• All Over Workout – nearly all your muscles are used when you are swimming which is a total body workout that tones your muscles and builds strength.
• More bang for your buck! Exercising in water makes your body work harder – a half an hour in a pool equals 45 minutes of the same aerobic exercise on land. A gentle swim can burn more than 200 calories in 30 minutes!
• Gentle on body – Because water supports up to 90% of your body’s weight, it’s a great way to stay active after injury or illness.
• Energy Boost – 30 minutes of swimming three times a week boosts energy levels via an increased metabolic rate.

Latitude25 has an amazing 25 metre, heated, magnesium chloride swimming pool with state-of-the-art filtration system for community members to stay fit and feel great year round.

To explore this lifestyle for yourself, and to see how Latitude25 stacks up, we also offer a complimentary 2-night stay on us. For more details, call Jane on 1800 025 025 or email info@visitlatitude25.com.au

As more and more 50+ Australians look toward their futures and a move toward lifestyle resort-type communities, many are worried that they’ll be giving up their privacy when they move out of their family homes. Is there any truth to this?

The answer depends on where you’re considering moving.   There is a diverse range of retirement living options available these days and finding the right fit involves researching the type of housing, the management setup, and rules of any potential locations.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS TO ASK:

Can I Come and Go as I Please?

Many over 55’s communities are gated for safety and security, and this is one of the advantages that attract people to lifestyle community living.  However, gated does not mean restricting your movements.

And with many people making the most of the opportunity to travel more when retired, it’s important to find a village or lifestyle park that supports you on your adventures. Gated communities offer the peace of mind that your home is safe and cared for while you’re away – whether it’s a short trip to visit family or an extended period of travel.  With so many retirees adopting the Grey Nomad life with caravans or motorhomes, lifestyle communities are often including on-site caravan storage.

What are the Rules for Visitors and Furry Friends?

Ensure you ask the rules of any potential village and choose a location that welcomes visitor friends and family of residents to stay anytime. If you are anticipating visitors, this should also be a point of consideration in your choice of home. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate guests comfortably.

Regulations for pet ownership are allowed in some villages but will usually need to be approved by management and/or have conditions. That said, it is paramount that your home fits the pet as well – for example, a large dog would not be happy in a small apartment or unit.

How Much do I Need to Commit to Community Life?

A little or a lot, it is entirely up to you. The advantage of organised lifestyle communities is to have plenty of organised activities and amenities. This is great in terms of “all the care and none of the responsibility.” Also, with lots of shared spaces on the grounds – such as clubhouses with recreational rooms, and communal BBQ and dining areas – there are a variety of ideal places to gather with others and socialise.

However, if privacy is paramount to you, choose a lifestyle community that offers spacious homes plus grounds with plenty of scope to get out and explore and go home and close the door to your own sanctuary of peace.

Will my Home Have a Garden and Private Yard?

If having a bit of yard and garden is important to you then make sure the lifestyle community that you choose offers this.  Many lifestyle communities cater to this preference with bigger yards and fencing, for peace and privacy.  In some cases, the home models include alfresco dining areas to enjoy privately or for entertaining in style.

The Verdict

When it comes to your freedom and privacy, it is really up to your diligence on the research. Lifestyle communities are aware of these concerns and are addressing them with all the modern conveniences you would expect. Make sure you have your checklist handy when you visit the potential communities and visit them to view the homes and talk to other current residents to get their perspectives.

Everyone can agree that the advantages of low home maintenance, reduced financial worries and a secure neighbourhood that lifestyle communities offer are a freedom in its own right.

To explore this lifestyle for yourself, and to see how Latitude25 stacks up, we also offer a complimentary 2-night stay on us. For more details, call Jane on 1800 025 025 or email info@visitlatitude25.com.au

Latitude25 is committed to offering the perfect mix of home and lifestyle, in beautiful Hervey Bay. Not only do all home designs come with a huge RV garage for caravans and motorhomes of all sizes, the community will be complete with resort-style facilities.

The vibrant and active, Latitude25 community will soon be enjoying all of the features of the Health Hub, which includes:

• 6 Rink Lawn Bowls Green
• 25m Covered & Heated Magnesium Swimming Pool
• Tennis Court
• 3 x Pickleball Courts
• Fully-equipped Gymnasium with Group Fitness Area
• Virtual Golf Studio (images)
• Golf Chipping & Putting Green
• Sauna
• Leisure Hut

Best of all, these facilities are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and meandering pathways.

Our Heath Hub facilities are on track for a Spring completion. In the meantime, you can keep up to date with our progress via our Facebook Page.

To explore this lifestyle for yourself, we also offer a complimentary 2-night stay on us. For more details, call Jane on 1800 025 025 or email info@visitlatitude25.com.au

The thought of upping stumps and making a sea change is often considered just a romantic notion. However, as retirement approaches, or perhaps you are a of couple years into your retirement, it’s not such a far-fetched idea.   When you’re pondering how you spend your retirement the possibility of selling up the homestead is a primary decision to be addressed.  However, it’s a difficult decision as it is attached to so many emotions.  If you’re a Grey Nomad you have taken the first step by taking your “home” with you as you travel around Australia, but when your home becomes a burden it’s time to think about how changing your home base might serve you better.

Perhaps considering the benefits of living by the sea are the perfect excuse to that big decision and there’s even science to back it up.

1. BETTER HEALTH

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, wrote the bestselling Blue Mind to explore the benefits of spending time near bodies of water. He says the research stems from all branches of the sciences and indicated there are studies about water’s positive effect on people with stress and high-level anxiety.

In addition, there is a growing body of specific research related to the health benefits of maintaining a proximity to the water. Research from the University of Exeter in 2012 indicates that living close to and spending time near a beach correlates with people who have better health and sense of well-being.

A 2013 study published in Health and Place came to the same conclusion: “Individuals reported significantly better health when they lived nearer the coast.” The benefits applied to both physical and mental health.

2. RELAXED LIFESTYLE

Dr Nichols explains that the ocean has been proven to inspire creative thinking, reduce anxiety and promote compassion. Coastal paths also encourage outdoor activity. Not only will the fresh sea air revitalise your mind but it has also been proven to increase happiness and mindfulness.

Science has proven the mental and physiological benefits of mindfulness, including reducing stress and becoming more resilient to it, improving memory, reasoning, empathy, and ability to focus.

Together, the sights and sounds of the water engage the parasympathetic nervous system, “responsible for slowing us down and allowing us to relax and feel more engaged,” according to Sally Nazari, PsyD, owner of Chrysalis Psychological Services.

3. BETTER SLEEP

The quality of coastal air varies greatly from air that is further inland. Air along the coast is charged with negative ions that allow your body to absorb oxygen more easily. The benefit of this air means that serotonin levels are more equalised, helping you to have a deeper sleep and allowing you to kick-start your days with a greater amount of energy.

4. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

When you live by the coast, you can forget the hour-long drives to go fishing and visit beautiful scenery. Sailing, swimming and whale watching are just a few of the recreational activities that will be right outside your doorstep.

That’s not to mention the positive effect being in water can have on the physical body, including the circulatory system, the bones and neuropsychology through sports, movement and opportunities for social encounters with family and friends.

5. DESTINATION

Let’s face it, we love when our family comes to visit.  Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking. Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family have fewer health problems and live longer.

A home by the sea is a desirable place for family to commune during the holidays. Your children who have left the nest will enjoy bringing their family to Hervey Bay to make special memories with their families and you.

6. CREATING NEW COMMUNITIES OF LIKE-MINDED FRIENDS

Social contact can be just as effective as exercise at improving your mood and quality of life. If you aren’t maintaining social interactions on a daily basis, you may be putting yourself at risk for health problems. Staying socially active can help you maintain good physical and emotional health as well as cognitive function.

When you live by the ocean, there is ample opportunity to meet people who have similar interests to you. When you are near the ocean your day will consist of peaceful walks on the shore, bumping into plenty of like-minded people along the way.

To explore this lifestyle for yourself, call Jane about the complimentary 2-night stay on us! Give yourself a chance to experience the Latitude25 and Hervey Bay Lifestyle.

Call 1800 025 025 or email info@visitlatitude25.com.au

In the current climate of #stayhome you can still enjoy your back garden and start taking advantage of your green spaces — and it is good for you.  Better physical and mental health can be as easy as putting your feet in grass. And, there is a name for it – it’s called grounding. 

The idea behind grounding, which is also called earthing, is that humans evolved in direct contact with the Earth’s subtle electric charge. However, over the centuries we have lost that sustained connection due to advancements such as buildings, furniture, and shoes with soles. 

Proponents of grounding say this disconnect might be contributing to the chronic diseases that are particularly prevalent in modern day societies. There is some science behind this. Research has shown barefoot contact with the earth can produce almost instant changes in a variety of physiological ways including improved sleeping, pain reduction, decrease of muscle tension and lower stress levels. 

Grounding and earthing are electrical terms. But you don’t need the sparky to get your healthy dose of grounding. Harken back to school science class and you may remember that everything, including humans, is made up of atoms. These microscopic particles contain equal numbers of negatively charged electrons, which come in pairs, and positively charged protons, so an atom is neutral — unless it loses an electron. 

When an atom has an unpaired electron, it becomes a “free radical” with a positive charge, capable of damaging our cells and contributing to chronic inflammation, cancer and other diseases. In this case, “positive” is not a good thing. 

One reason grounding yourself may have beneficial physiological effects is that the earth’s surface has a negative charge and is constantly generating electrons that could neutralise free radicals, acting as antioxidants. These days the term antioxidants are used with “super” food diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other foods that provide beta-carotene, selenium, lutein, lycopene and vitamins A, C and E that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. However, in this case we are getting them directly from the earth. 

Research also suggests physical contact with the Earth’s surface can help regulate our autonomic nervous system and keep our circadian rhythms — which regulate body temperature, hormone secretion, digestion and blood pressure, among other things — synchronised with the day-night cycle. When our internal clocks get messed up on a regular basis there can be health problems, as evidenced by research on shift workers. 

Still, since being outdoors is proved to be good for you, it probably would not hurt to try it yourself to see if you notice any benefits. So how do you ground? Simply allow your skin to be in contact with any natural conductors of the earth’s electricity, working up to at least 30 minutes at a time. You can walk barefoot on grass, moist soil, sand, gravel or concrete or you can sit under a tree, leaning against the trunk.  

While you’re at it take in the Vitamin D of the sun.  According to the Cancer Council, the best source of Vitamin D is UVB radiation from the sun. For most people, adequate Vitamin D levels are reached through regular incidental exposure to the sun. When the UV Index is 3 or above (such as during summer), most people maintain adequate Vitamin D levels just by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week. 

If you are interested, you can learn more on the Earthing Institute website. https://earthinginstitute.net/ 

In the meantime, remember, #stayhome doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. Make sure you take time to get to take full advantage of your back garden and put your bare feet in the grass. 

(Source: https://earthinginstitute.net/research/ and Washington Post articles) 

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the way we do business. We wanted to share with you, some important information on the steps we are taking to minimise the risk of transmission internally and externally, to our community.

During this time, the health and well being of our residents, guests and employees is paramount, with precautions in place to prioritise this.

Our Sales Office is still open for business Monday to Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm and Sundays by prior appointment. Large group events and tours have been cancelled until further notice, however private tours are continuing. We are taking the below action to ensure that we continue to provide a safe and hygienic environment for everyone.

We do ask that any visitors to Latitude25 do not enter the community if they:

• have returned from overseas in the past 14 days,
• have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days,
• are exhibiting symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat or fatigue.

Other actions we are taking:

• Continuing with our weekly cleans of the Clubhouse, Sales Office and staff rooms,
• Access to complimentary hand sanitiser throughout the communal areas,
• Practicing social distancing by encouraging a 1.5m distance between people,
• Avoiding personal contact – as always, we will greet you with a warm smile, but no handshakes for now.

We want our guests to continue to experience the perfect mix of home and lifestyle and believe these practices will allow us to do so.

We will continue to update you, as things change, but our staff are available to take your call, to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 1800 025 025.

From the entire Latitude25 Team, we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and well during this period.

New to the game? Here’s a little run down on these classic cue sports that have stood the test of time.

Pool vs Billiards

Billiards is a table game that originated a long time ago. Today, the name is used in connection with a family of games that are called cue sports. Billiards itself is a game that is played on a rectangular table covered with baize cloth with players trying to pocket balls placed on the table with their cues (long sticks). The billiard table is lined by rubberised cushions to keep the balls in play. There are pockets on all four corners as well as on the middle of the two longer sides of the table. Pool is a game within the family of cue sports and is similar to billiards.

Billiards

Billiard is an indoor table game that evolved from similar outdoor games such as croquet and golf. Today the entire family of cue sports can be termed as billiards games though classic billiards game is played with only three balls on the billiards table. There are no pockets on the table and only three balls namely white, yellow, and red. One can use both yellow as well as red balls as strikers.

Inside the UK, billiards is referred to as English billiards to differentiate it from all sorts of table games played with billiards balls in North America. The game of billiards became complicated with passage of time with common people finding it hard to decipher its rules. This gave birth to a simpler game of snooker with pool being the offshoot of snooker.

Pool

Pool is a shortened version of the game of billiards that was originally called pocket billiards to serve the purpose of a quick game in between horse races. The game belongs to the family of cue sports and consists of many different versions with 8 ball, 9 ball, 10 ball, pocket ball etc. being more popular ones. A pool table has the same green baize over it, like the billiards table, but the table is faster with pockets on all four corners and a pocket each on the middle of the two longer sides. The balls in the game of pool are differently coloured and numbered depending upon the version of the game being played. 8 ball pool is the most popular pool game played in the US and interestingly, the number of balls in this game are 15 and not eight. There is also a version called 3 ball that is played with three balls and the goal is to pocket all three balls in the fewest possible shots.

Pool vs. Billiards

• Billiards is a generic term and the name of the classic table game referred to as English billiards in the UK.
• Pool is a newer game that belongs to the family of cue sports, and it evolved from snooker, which is an offshoot of billiards.
• Billiards is played with only three balls; white, red, and yellow, with no pockets on the table.
• There are six pockets on pool tables, and it is played with different numbers of balls depending upon the version being played.
• Pool has a faster pace than billiards.
• Billiards is much older than pool.
• Billiards is in the classic mould, whereas pool is contemporary.
• Pool is easier to understand and is, therefore, much more popular these days than billiards.

(Source: Differencebetween.com)

Latitude25 Roving RV Helps Break World Record with the Largest Parade of Camping Vehicles

Event raises funds for local drought-affected communities

On May 26^th Latitude25 participated in breaking a World Record for the largest parade of camping vehicles.  Hosted by Australia’s Motorhome Lions Club (AMLC), the five-day event called The Longest Line, took place in Barcaldine, QLD, with the aim of breaking a world record and raising funds for local drought affected communities.

Under the proviso that all vehicles (Motorhomes, Caravans, Campervans, Fifth Wheelers) be in motion along the road when the count took place, the event assembled a convoy of 857 Grey Nomads for nine kilometres – breaking the previous world record.

The former world record for the largest parade of camping vehicles was set in Canelli, Italy with 672 camping vehicles in 2003.

“The logistics of getting 857 RVs out and lined up was handled pretty well by the organisers and we ended up about 20kms out of town and number 396 RV in the line – What a buzz!” said Dawnie Boss-Walker, Latitude25 RV driver.