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Foods to avoid if you have acid reflux or digestion issues

What common foods are good and bad for your belly? Foods containing rapidly fermentable carbohydrates called FODMAPs can feed bacteria in the gut and may be responsible for gut inflammation, gas, bloating and other uncomfortable tummy troubles in some people. Cutting back on foods that contain FODMAPs may help improve your digestion and eliminate GI problems. “An anti-inflammatory diet is high in fibre-rich foods, which promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut (one way the diet assists to control inflammation),” says registered dietitian Maxine Smith. A FODMAP diet, which is low in fermentable carbohydrates, is low in fibre and may be beneficial for some people with gastrointestinal problems. In general, a low FODMAPs diet isn’t recommended for people unless they have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome that hasn’t responded to other treatments or dietary changes. Watermelon: Avoid This lovely summer treat isn’t as harmless as all the water it contains. Watermelon is high in fructose, fructans and polyols, which are FODMAPs. Remember, the more the FODMAPs, the more potential for tummy trouble in people who are sensitive to them. Fermented foods: Enjoy some, avoid some Some fermented foods are good for your tummy; others can create problems for certain people, according to an article published by Harvard Medical School. Fermented foods include wine, cheese, vinegar, miso, yoghurt, sauerkraut and pickles. In yoghurt, milk is combined with bacteria that break down some of the lactose, so what remains may be easier for your stomach to process. So fermented foods such as yoghurt are often considered “probiotic foods” that are good for your gut. Look for dairy products that are low in lactose and your digestion should be A-OK. Pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts and almonds: Avoid Most nuts are good for your tummy, but pistachios and cashews are high in fructans and GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), both FODMAPs. Hazelnuts and almonds are a little higher in FODMAPs than some other nuts so eat them in limited quantities (10 nuts or 1 tablespoon of nut butter per serving). Steer clear of almond milk, which is made with large amounts of almonds. Acidic foods: Enjoy with caution In almost every list of “the worst foods for digestion,” you’ll find acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes. These are commonly thought to cause heartburn, but studies have shown that acidic foods don’t have any effect on LES pressure (or pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter, a valve that acts as the doorway between the oesophagus and the stomach) and don’t cause heartburn symptoms. However, if you have severe acid reflux that hasn’t been treated and has irritated the oesophagus, acidic foods can be like “salt in the wound.” So if you find that oranges or tomatoes do make your heartburn feel worse, replace them with other fruits. Dairy foods: Enjoy some, avoid some Not all dairy foods have equal amounts of lactose, which can cause digestion issues, and even those with lactose intolerance are usually okay with small amounts of lactose. That means that not all milk, cheeses and dairy products are tummy twisters. Hard cheeses, like cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan, generally have less than a gram of lactose per serving. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may want to avoid dairy such as “chocolate shakes or drinks, milkshakes, whole milk fat yoghurt, whole milk fat (4%) cottage cheese, and full-fat cheese.” Soy foods: Enjoy some, avoid some Whole soybeans (often sold as edamame), like other beans, are a source of GOS, which are hard-to-digest chains of sugars. Tofu and tempeh are made using processes that eliminate some of the GOS, making them easier on your digestion. What about soy milk? It depends. If soy milk is made with only soybean isolates or soy protein, then it should be low in FODMAPs. Soy milk made with whole soybeans is likely a source of GOS, making it a gassy beverage for some, so read the ingredients. Blackberries: Avoid Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries – which is the odd one out here? Blackberries are also rich in antioxidants, but they have sugar alcohols called polyols, which are difficult to digest and can cause some real problems if your stomach is sensitive. (Check out these foods that GI doctors always avoid.) Tomato and tomato products: Enjoy some, avoid some Fresh and canned tomatoes are fine for your tummy. But tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato that has excess fructose, a FODMAP that makes it a no-no except in small quantities. And tomato sauces? If they’re homemade, they’re fine to eat (just don’t cook it to the point where all the juices are lost). Most commercial sauces have onions and garlic (FODMAPs), added sugar (which may make it carb-dense), and salt (which bloats you), so steer clear of the store-bought variety. Grapefruit: Enjoy with caution Grapefruit does have hard-to-digest fructans, so you should try to limit how much you eat. A few sections should be okay, but don’t eat a half a grapefruit. If you’re looking for citrus, lemon, lime and oranges are your best bets. Milk: Enjoy some, avoid some Most types of animal milk are high in tummy twisting lactose – that means goat’s or sheep’s milk can be just as problematic as cow’s milk. Plant-based milks, such as coconut milk, soy milk or almond milk, are technically not milk at all and generally do not have any lactose. Some, however, including almond milk and soy milk, may contain other FODMAPs that harm your digestion. Corn: Avoid Corn comes in many varieties, such as popcorn, on the cob and in polenta. Fresh sweet corn contains two types of FODMAPs, making corn challenging for some people to digest. Popcorn feels like a light and healthy snack, but it’s actually carb-dense (it has about 64 grams of carbs per 100 grams), which can upset digestion. Whole cornmeal and corn tortillas seem to be better tolerated by most people. Whole grain polenta is also low in FODMAPs. You may need to experiment a little to figure out which corn products work for you. And stick with only limited quantities (up to 1 cup cooked per serving). Common cabbage: Enjoy Cabbage usually makes it on all the lists of foods that make you gassy, but common green cabbage doesn’t deserve that reputation. It’s actually low in FODMAPs and most of us break it down very well. Red cabbage also seems to be well-tolerated, but savoy and napa cabbage is much higher in FODMAPs and should be limited if you tend to suffer from gas and bloating. Hot sauce: Enjoy with caution Tolerance to hot sauce is very individual. It’s more problematic for those with heartburn. If you would like to try some, pick a brand without onion and garlic. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-acid-reflux-or-digestion-issues?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Body

Lip reader provides evidence against Bruce Lehrmann

A lip-reading expert has provided key evidence in Bruce Lehrmann's defamation trial against Network Ten, revealing what he believes was said between Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins on the night of the alleged rape. British lip reader Tim Reedy, a forensic lip reader who has previously worked for The Sunday Times to translate video of Royals speaking at funerals and weddings, has been grilled after deciphering what was said between the pair at a pub in Canberra. Reedy, who became profoundly deaf as a child, claimed that Bruce Lehrmann told Brittany Higgins that several drinks on a table on the night of her alleged rape were “all hers, all hers”. He explained he was “very certain that this is what was said” and the phrases were “more than 50 per cent” accurate. Mr Lehrmann’s barrister Steve Whybrow posed a series of questions over his claim that his client had said “Drink that all now”, and that Ms Higgins had said “I don’t want to”. “What I wanted to ask you, consistent with what you say in your appendix about how you go about lip reading, you took into account the context, which included your assessment that the man was plying her with drinks, is that correct?” Mr Whybrow asked. Reedy stood by his assessment, sharing that he he had watched the video intently over a three-day period, saying he was able to use Apple technology to “fine tune” the images and had “the luxury” of going back and watching the footage repeatedly. At the conclusion of Mr Reedy’s evidence, Mr Lehrmann’s barrister Steve Whybrow argued it should not be admitted as evidence. Justice Lee disagreed with Mr Whybrow, saying: “I accept that lip reading is not perfect, but the guide for the admissibility of expert evidence is not a council of perfection. One has to take areas of specialised knowledge as one finds them.” “I do not think I should exclude the evidence. But the matters raised by Mr Whybrow are best seen through the prism of the ultimate weight to be given to the material. Accordingly I accept the tender of the material.” In the opening days of the trial, Network Ten barrister Matt Collins KC flagged flagged the lip reader's evidence, as he put to Mr Lehrmann some of the lip-reader's claims during cross examination. “You said to her ‘Drink that all now’, Dr Collins suggested. “I would just completely disagree with that,’’ Mr Lehrmann replied. “She responded, ‘I don’t want to’?” Collins asked. “I don’t recall that ever taking place, no,’’ Mr Lehrmann said. “You were encouraging Ms Higgins to get drunk,” Ten’s barrister Matthew Collins KC said during cross-examination. “No,” Lehrmann replied. Image credits: 7 Spotlight / Getty Images <div class="media image side-by-side" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; max-width: 100%;"> </div>

Legal

Beloved Aussie news reader dies aged 98

Australian broadcasting veteran Arthur Wyndham has passed away aged 98. The media icon who was a program director and newsreader for ABC, among other achievements, died on October 6 according to his obituary published in the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/veteran-of-australian-broadcasting-from-the-pre-television-era-20231207-p5epuu.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a>. He was one of the last veterans of Australian broadcasting from the pre-television era, with a career that started in 1947. His daughter Susan Wyndham penned the obituary which read: “Arthur died in Sydney on October 6 at the age of 98. "He was one of the last veterans of Australian broadcasting from the pre-television era, as well as a pioneer in television in the 1950s, and an innovator who oversaw the introduction of the youth station 2JJ (now Triple J) with funding from the Whitlam government.” Wyndham was part of the launch of ABC TV in 1956, and also covered the Melbourne Olympics that same year. As TV was rolled out across the country, he became acting program director for each state, and achieved many firsts including first cricket telecast, football match, and orchestral concert from the Sydney Town Hall. He retired from the ABC in 1985, but continued broadcasting. Former colleagues from 2JJ have paid tribute to the media icon, describing him as “a cool dude," who was an open-minded and supportive boss. Actor Lex Marinos, who was a presenter at 2JJ said: “He unfailingly had a sparkle in his eye and a witty observation, and he always showed an interest in what I was doing.” Wyndham's daughter, Susan also paid tribute to her dad in an Instagram post. "Farewell to my dear dad, Arthur Wyndham, who died last Friday at the grand old age of 98. He had a full, interesting life as a broadcaster, traveller, father of three, grandfather of six, friend and colleague of many around the world. Love, gratitude and admiration always," she wrote, not long after his passing. Wyndham is survived by his three daughters and six grandchildren. Images: Instagram

Caring

Readers respond: What is your go-to movie when you need a good cry?

There's an abundance of movies out there, but not many that can bring you to tears. While The Notebook and Beaches are clearly the fan favourites for our readers, here are a few other recommendations that you can watch this holiday season. Get those tissues ready! Carol Wardley - Its a wonderful life Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLR3gZrU2Xo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>, and stream the movie on Stan. Denyse Galle - Me Before You and A Walk to Remember Watch the trailer for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh993__rOxA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Me Before you</a> and stream it on YouTube, Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video. Watch the trailer for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3B2XBcp7vA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Walk to Remember</a> and stream it on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video Kerrie Anne - The Remains of the Day Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jALmEb72beg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and stream it on Netflix. Ken Smyth - Dancer in the Dark. That ending... Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53vr9EiOH7g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and stream it on Apple TV. Michael Kopp - Bambi Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDGv4GIR7A4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and stream it on Disney+. Anne Connolly Finnegan - The Bridges of Madison county Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up-oN4NtvbM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and stream it on YouTube. Leone Mitchell - Love Story with Ryan O’Neal and Allie MacGraw beautiful Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYhS8q66L38" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and stream it on Foxtel Go, Binge or YouTube Julie B - The Colour Purple Watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFMCW5-jdqM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and stream it on Netflix. Are there any other movies that make you cry? Let us know. Image: Getty

Movies

Readers Respond: What's a book you love that most people have never heard of?

Looking for a new book to kickstart your year? Look no further we've got you covered. Here are a few of our reader's book recommendations that you may not have heard of. Ruth Fontaine - I’m reading We of the Never Never atm. Not sure if it’s still well known. I’ve read it before but awhile back and love it. I love reading how they lived nearly 120 years ago. Elaine Rosenberg - The Abbey Girls Series by Elsie J Oxenham. Maryika Welter - The courage to be disliked. ... Furmitake Kogan, Ichiro Kishimi. Janice Stewart - A Fortunate Life by Albert Facey Suzanne Midson - On Our Selection by Steele Rudd. Read it when I was about 10/12. Best laugh ever. Australian humour at its best. Julie Anderson - Episode of Sparrows by Rumor Goddin Nancie Golsby - The Half Burned Tree by Dympna Cusack June Maynard - Sahara, by Paula Constant. Preceded by Slow Journey South. A thrilling, actual account of her adventure. Peter Rayner - Enforcer by Caesar Campbell Meg Milton - I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven Edie Dore - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. Christine Cornforth - A Grief Observed by CS Lewis. Wendy Oliver - The Good Earth by Pearl Buck Do you have any other recommendations that we might have missed? Image: Getty

Books

Explore. Dream. Discover: An Over60 Reader's epic journey

Many people travel to all corners of the earth, seeking new and exciting experiences, especially when we retire and are able to do so. Sometimes we can be pushed beyond the boundaries of our comfort zone but usually the experience is positive and often transformational. One popular destination for travellers who enjoy adventure is Sedona in Arizona, a town that nestles in a desert on the edge of red rock canyons. Nearby is Hopiland, home to the Hopi Indians. One of my most treasured memories occurred in this part of the world in 1990, on top of a desert mountain known as a mesa. The mesa rose thousands of feet above ground level and I climbed up there with a group of friends from Australia. As we reached the top, we began to hear the sound of drums and chanting coming from an underground cave. Our travel guide informed us that inside the cave, Hopi women and children huddled together on the dirt floor to watch their menfolk perform legendary rituals honouring their ancient ancestors. Since the ceremony was forbidden to tourists, we were given an hour to explore the top of the mesa. Moving a short distance away from the rest of the group, I sat down on a rock to fully absorb the nearby pulse of drums and chanting. A few minutes later, three young Hopi boys appeared and attempted to converse with me. Initially, I found it difficult to understand what they were saying until I realised they were actually inviting me to accompany them underground to join their tribal family. Throwing caution to the wind, I followed them down a rickety wooden ladder poking out of a hole in the ground. The atmosphere inside the cave was thick with burning sage combined with swirling dust from the pounding feet of men dancing, their heads hidden inside huge masks. Barefooted women and children squatted on the dirt floor and I felt very much an intruder as I squeezed myself amongst them. But, reassured by friendly smiles and head-nodding, I began to relax, absorbing the magical rituals of times past. Eventually the ancient ceremony ended, and I climbed the ladder back into the twentieth century, overcome by a newfound sense of humility and realisation of just how unimportant the wealth and material greed of Western society is. One can often rely on the unexpected to occur when travelling. During a visit to Egypt one year, our group emerged from the Temple of Isis to settle down and meditate on the bank of a nearby river when a military policeman appeared out of the bushes, clutching a large submachine gun. His other hand appeared to conceal something behind his back and as he drew closer, we noticed he had a second gun tucked into his belt. Terrified, we leapt to our feet. Then, his face breaking into a smile, he held out the hand from behind his back. Lying in its brown sinewy palm were eleven pink oleander blossoms, one for each of us. A moment of sheer terror switched instantly to one of absolute delight. Another example of ‘the unexpected’ occurred a few days later for a member of our group who had just turned eighty. All her life she had suffered with claustrophobia and its related anxiety and panic attacks. Consequently, when we visited the Great Pyramid to ascend the steep tunnel inside which would take us up to the King’s Chamber, we arranged for her to remain outside with our tour guide. But at the last minute she changed her mind, not wanting to miss out on such a special experience. By slowly crawling through the tunnel all the way up inside the Great Pyramid, she managed to achieve something she had never in her life believed possible. We celebrated her victory that night with champagne, lots of laughs and some hilarious attempts at belly dancing. A travel memory that always makes my grandchildren laugh is when I was visiting my friend Palden Jenkins, an historian who lives in Glastonbury. One day we set off for Snowdonia, North Wales, for a holiday. As we pulled up outside the 500-year-old stone cottage a farmer approached, urging us to be sure to leave a pot of tea outside every night for the Booka, the name given to Welsh brownies or elves. If we did this, he said, we would be assured of a hassle-free holiday. The Booka would not trouble us if we kept the cottage clean, left out the tea and didn’t have long noses. Words cannot describe the fun we two ‘grown-ups’ had in brewing tea every evening over an open fire to cater to the whims of Snowdonia’s faerie folk. Travelling the world can create change in our lives that we will never regret, opening our hearts, broadening our minds, and sometimes transforming our lives forever. To quote Mark Twain, ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones you did. So, sail away from the safe harbour. Explore. Dream. Discover.’ This wonderful story, including the images, was sent in by Over60 Reader Jo Buchanan. Thank you, Jo, for sharing your adventure with us! If you have a Reader Story you would like to contribute to Over60, please send it to the editor via <a href="mailto:greg@oversixty.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greg@oversixty.com.au</a>.

International Travel

Readers Respond: What is something you miss about pre-internet times?

Times are changing and in an increasingly digital world, there are a few things that just don't feel the same. We asked our readers what they missed the most about the pre-internet times and while some shared their nostalgia, others believe that the change is for the better. Jeanie Houston - The joy of getting a letter from loved ones overseas. Tina Karanastasis - Having pen pals (a fad in my younger years), writing and receiving handwritten letters, building relationships through shared moments and time spent together face to face. Deirdre Hudson - Being able to go anywhere without someone calling you Lois Parkes - Going to a library to research the answer Gini Glenn - Nothing! I love the internet and mobile phones. You can always leave your phone at home or turn it off. Lovely to have choices. Teresa Hamilton Gross - Having a conversation with someone who is not looking at their cell phone. Jan Gundersen - Being out at a restaurant & talking to each other! Don Gregor - Getting lost while driving/traveling. Met the most interesting people and had the most memorable times. Ann Hazlewood - Sitting around talking to family Ellen Clarke - Sitting around the kitchen table & everyone talking at once, miss it! Christine Armstrong - Letters! I miss getting letters from friends and family in the mail box Beverley Collison - Listening to stories of the older generation when I was younger. And telephone conversations. Did we miss anything? Let us know if there are other things that you miss from the pre-internet times!

Retirement Life

Readers respond: What did your mum or dad make for dinner growing up that you haven't had in ages?

Sometimes love and affection comes in the form of food, especially when it’s made by our parents. As we grow older and start our own lives we begin to miss the things we got used to as we grow up, especially the food our parents made. Here are some dishes our Over60 readers grew up with that they miss dearly. Keralie Stack - Mums apple pie, lemon meringue pie. Beautiful meat and kidney pies. Roasted meat in winter cooked in the fuel stove , along with a big pot of pea and ham soup in winter, followed with damper and scones for dinner Peter Lord - Mums meat and potato pie! I’ve made it and it’s not bad but it’s nowhere near as good as mum’s! Lee Pavey - A big roast dinner with roast veges & gravy made with the juices of the meat. Jenny Yaun - In my young 8 years old Living in Indonesia I loved Mum's Nasi Goreng made with tin corn beef, I still make now and again. I'm Dutch/Australian Marie Manson - Dads fabulous vege soup.. Dawn Holmes - Triple and onions!!! Can't say I miss it but they liked it!! But then mum was a great home cook with her baked goods and tasty soups and stews!! Jennifer Sabatino - Shepherd’s Pie made with leftover lamb from the Sunday roast and apple sponge (apples with the sponge baked on top), baked custard, baked rice custard and bread & butter pudding. Kathy Bloor - Mince on toast. I have never made it for myself and I am 70 Keith Carter - I haven't had PLOT TOFFEE FOR 65 years. Just got the recipe from my 86 yo sister. So now thats the go. Lorna Turner Prunes - and custard. I still cook all the foods my mum and dad cooked except for prunes and custard.

Food & Wine

Free tickets to The Miracle Club for Over60 readers!

Join us for a special advance preview of The Miracle Club! Starring Academy Award winners Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, Academy Award nominee Laura Linney, and rising talent Agnes O'Casey, The Miracle Club is a heartwarming, hilarious film that celebrates the power of friendship, love and laughter. "The stories of these women reminds us that we are only as strong as the friends and family who stand by us,” says Jarod Neece, Senior Programmer at the Tribeca Film Festival. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gp3ZFdklPCk" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The film is set in Ballyfermot, Ireland, 1960. A hard-knocks community in outer Dublin that marches to its own beat, rooted in traditions of loyalty, faith and togetherness. There's just one tantalising dream for the women of Ballyfermot to taste freedom and escape the gauntlet of domestic life: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. And with a little benevolent interference from their cheeky and rebellious priest, close friends Lily, Eileen, Dolly and Sheila are the 'lucky' few to win this ticket of a lifetime at their riotous local raffle night. As a special offer to Over60 Readers, <a href="https://www.weticketit.com/showfilmfirstau/booking/Event/detail/JRD10963" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simply click the link to RSVP</a> and download your free double pass to the film. But hurry – seats are limited, so it really is first in, best dressed. Enjoy! <a href="https://www.weticketit.com/showfilmfirstau/booking/Event/detail/JRD10963" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/MiracleClub_HERO.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></a>

Movies

Readers respond: What was the most disappointing movie you paid to see?

There’s nothing worse than being hyped about a movie and paying for it, only to be disappointed. We asked the Over60 readers about the most disappointing movies they paid to see, and some were so bad they sent our readers to sleep. Lynne Formby - Apocalypse Now. Dreadful movie. Only went because my husband wanted to see it and he slept through the whole movie. Colleen Burgess - The Great Gatsby. Baz Luhrmanns version. Only movie I’ve ever walked out of. David Oldfield Nettleton - La la land. Most over hyped movie ever. Also, a long time ago, Summer Holiday with Cliff Richard. I walked! Lorraine Neasey-Dodd - Jaws at the drive in, I went to sleep lol Jeannette Wylie - The Hustler, I walked out and left my boyfriend at the time to watch the rest by himself! Linda Hopkins - Lala Land Jennifer Sabatino - Fantasia, at the drive-in. Kids were leaving the cars to play in the playground, people were going to the kiosk to buy snacks out of boredom and then cars started leaving, including us. Glenis Stevenson - Clockwork Orange. David Briggs - Moment by Moment with Lily Tomlin and John Travolta. It’s the only movie I’ve ever walked out of. Susan Clare - Starship Troopers, I left my husband to finish watching it half way through. Val Goodwin - Picnic at Hanging Rock, the most boring movie ever Mardi Sloan - Walked out of War of the Worlds starring Tom Cruise. Image: Getty

Movies

Readers respond: What was the first country you ever travelled to?

Everyone remembers the butterflies and excitement of travelling to another country for the first time. For many, the first trip overseas is unforgettable, because you are exploring another part of the world that is different from home. We’ve asked our readers about the first country they ever travelled to and the responses are diverse. Here’s what they said. Anita Thornton - Nigeria, in 1956, I was seven. Dad worked there and we joined him. So many wonderful memories. MarilyneJames Kelly - Went to the U.S. to Disneyland when I was 16. Ruth Jean Jennings - New Zealand ......and keep going back despite having travelled to heaps of other places!!! Susan Moldrich - Sri Lanka. I loved it so much I've been back nearly every year. Audrey Jones - To New Zealand from England. Mum. Dad and us 6 kids came by boat on 9th July 1954. Travelled back and around the world many times. Hilary Mole - By car and ferry, France, Switzerland and Italy 1960. By plane, Holland in 1965. Frances Nelson - Portuguese Timor. We drove Sydney to Darwin where we caught a small TAA plane to Dili. The only other tourist we met was a chap from Mozambique. Wonderful experience. Mindy Brown - Okinawa via Japan. My husband was stationed there in late 1960's Diane WillmoreHunsbedt - England when I was 7 my mom was a war bride and went to see her family Jenny Champness - Uganda from Australia with my sisters and parents for my dads new job. Amanda Onder - Italy, first of three trips there as a child. Pamela Tow - Papua New Guinea, where I worked in Goroka for a year. Beryl Hamblin - France Image: Getty Images

International Travel

Readers respond: What's a song that is so beautiful it makes you cry?

It doesn't take much for music to make you move, but music that moves you to the point of tears is something special. We asked our readers which songs they find so beautiful that it touches a part of their soul and brings them to tears. Here are some of our favourite responses that, and a list of songs you could add to your playlist. Mary Therese Apostol - Unchained Melody from the film Ghosts... always brings me to tears. Also Always on my Mind brings back beautiful memories of a very loved person. Susan Buntin - Mike and the Mechanics song called The Living Years as I wasn’t there for my parents passing. Pat Sayers - "I'll take you home again Kathleen". One of my mother's favorites to sing, she had a good voice. It is not heard at all these days, but I cry even when I sing it, remembering her. Suzie Justinic - “If I can dream” by Elvis Presley. Very powerful song. Cry every time I hear it. Debbie Costelloe - Goodbye my friend by Linda Ronstad,it holds memories of my loved ones Kate Gregg - Fields of Athernrye Janine Sarai George - Outside when a full band of bagpipes plays a certain song, Danny Boy, Flowers of Scotland it can be magic. Chrissy Soldi - Nothing else matters by Metallica it was played at my son’s funeral still brings tears to my eyes. Annie MacCormack - ‘Sailing’ by Rod Stewart. We played it at my mum’s funeral. I cry every time I hear it. Nita Kennedy - "You raised me up" the CD was given to me on mother's day by my daughters with instructions to listen to the words because they reflected how they thought of me ... I did and I cried ..... Linda Misarz - If I can dream, by Elvis. Very powerful message. Barbara Bergen - Beautiful Dreamer by Roy Orbison Joyce Nickson - Imagine! John Lennon.

Music

Readers respond: What film do you think is a cinematic masterpiece and why?

With hundreds of new movies coming out each and every year, it takes a real standout to capture hearts and captivate minds, rising above the rest to claim the title of masterpiece. We all have those movies we pick up time and time again, placing them on a pedestal high above all others, eagerly telling anyone who’ll listen “no, this is the best one!” So, we asked our readers which ones they consider to be a cinematic masterpiece, and the variety of enthusiastic responses certainly make for quite the weekend watchlist! Here’s what they came up with: Nika Muir - Children of a lesser God (1986), a credit to bring awareness to the world of deaf people. A drama/romance. Paul Clissold - 2001: A Space Odyssey. In my view, still the best space movie ever - minimalist approach, fitting music and superb visual effects considering the technology at the time. Gary Sturdy - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Margie Buckingham - The Piano - beautiful, strong imagery reflecting the sentiment of the deep messaging. Bo Whitten - Empress Ki (Korean). Brilliant in every way! Epic historic masterpiece. Brilliant setting, costume, story line, acting, sound track. Gail Brewer - Gone with the Wind, back then they didn't have computer technology etc. Evie-and Keith Brown - Out of Africa, amazing scenery, true story, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, SO WONDERFUL, acting is superb. Sandy Rogers - Star Wars - best ever, [the] whole cinema stamping their feet at the end does it for me. Paul Davis - Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Janette Blake - Titanic. Great movie. Hentie Jacobs - Avatar … the overall using of colour and storyline is excellent … imagination at its best … there are so many more … Bambi also comes to mind. Rosanna Every - Ben Hur! As a child, the first time I saw God! Beverley Murphy - Dances with Wolves. The scenery & music is magical. Leslie Clinch - Easy Rider … rebellious ... but nonaggressive … striking a chord with views of the sixties … and great music from Dennis Hopper’s personal vinyl collection … plus I love The Sound of Music with Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews … there are so many great movies. Peter Saunders - The Shawshank Redemption / The Green Mile. Chris Martin - Dr Shivago … music, scenery, and a great love story. Valerie Discombe - Pretty Woman. Because I wanted to put myself in Julia Roberts place. Richard Gere is my idol. Sue Young - Yankee Doodle Dandy. The tap dancing was just great & James Carney was awesome!!!! Images: Getty

Movies

Readers respond: What was the first ever album you bought?

Everyone has that early album that made them fall in love with music and changed who they are. For many, the first album you buy stays one of your favourite records throughout your life, because the hits you love never truly grow old. We asked our readers what the first album they bought was, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Diane Brown - Carol King's Tapestry and Rod Stewart's Every Picture Tells a Story. Kerrie Ross - Sound of Music 33rpm I was in Primary School. Julie Ennor - The Beatles, Hard Days Night. Wilma Bill Towells - Soundtrack to My Fair Lady, probably 70 years ago. Suzanne Jones - ABBA! It was a birthday gift along with my first turn table. Carol Anderson - Joe Cocker, the album. Loved him ever since 1972, and I have seen him live many times. Josephine Cray - Get Yer Ya-Yas Out, by the Rolling Stones. Still their best! Annie Barry - Best of 1969. l was 12 and my Mum got it for my Christmas present. Mandy Goldsworthy - Let It Be by The Beatles for Christmas in 1971. Ann Drobnic - Roy Orbison's Greatest Hits. Kaye Hillary - The best of Janis Joplin Sharon White - Soundtrack to Oliver followed closely by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. Christine Mulhall - The Righteous Bros Greatest Hits. Marilyn Atkinson - Atlantic's Bombora, still have it! Phill Johnston - Teaser and the Firecat by Cat Stevens. Deni Symington - Schools Out, by Alice Cooper. Sue Crofts - The Rolling Stones - title of the first album they did. 1964. Glen Crawford - I bought 2 with my first pay in February 1966. Most of The Animals and The Rolling Stones Big Hits High Tide and Green Grass. Christine Stanway - Sergeant Pepper’s in February 1970 with my first pay check. Jan Franklyn - Singing the Blues by Guy Mitchell. An old 78 record and still have it. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Readers respond: What do you know about your mother's life before she had you?

Many of us a guilty to forgetting our parents had lives of their own before they brought their children into the world. We asked our readers what they discovered about their mother's life before she became a mum, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Georgina Johnson - Mum was in the Army during WW2. That’s how she met Dad. Before that she had wonderful parents and siblings, left school at 14 and lost her only brother in 1945 in New Guinea. That event defined Mum and her family. Robyn Chalmers - My mother had great childhood. Two lovely brothers. Was a Triple Certificated nurse by 1944. Nursed in a third World Country. Always laughing. Lots of energy. Stanley Freeman - Not enough. Her mother died in 1918 during the flu epidemic. My mother was just 3 years old. Elaine Stewart - My mother was the second eldest of sixteen children. She went to school until she was twelve and then went to work and paid all her wages to her father until she was 21. She married my darling father when she was 25 and her life from then on was wonderful as she never wanted for anything and the marriage was truly blessed. Wendy Mack - Sadly she didn’t have the easiest life, but with all she had thrown at her, she always saw the good side of people and never judged. Jackie Ferguson - My Mum had to sit in her house with bombs dropping everywhere. She was petrified and then I arrived! Esma Adger - My mother had a hard life. Raised in a convent, not until late in her life did she discover who she was. Her life story was amazing. Brenda Vera Bennett - My dear Mum had me at an early age and kept me without a lot of help from family. Unfortunately taken too early at 60yrs with cancer. I hope I am as strong a woman as Mum was. Jill Howell - My mother wrote a journal about her younger life. Parts of it were read at her funeral. She passed away last February at the grand age of 99. Kay Montebello - I’m lucky enough to still listen to Mum tell us stories of her and six siblings growing up. At age 96, she has great memories of a very happy childhood. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Australia's most trusted brands revealed for 2023

When it comes to big brands, there are certain names that Aussies go back to time and time again for their reliability and trustworthy reputations. This year, according to recent data collated by <a href="https://www.trustedbrands.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>, consumers are interacting differently with big name brands after recovering from the pandemic, but now being faced with the cost of living crisis. The survey, now in its 24th year, was carried out by independent market research company Catalyst Consultancy & Research and asked thousands of consumers of a mixed demographic to name the brands they trusted across more than 70 categories. The data suggests that our most trusted brands have "not only changed the way they interact with us during the past three years of the pandemic", but current "cost-of-living pressures mean the most successful organisations are making even further refinements". "With inflation putting price pressure on everyone at the moment, trust remains a hard-earned and vitally important commodity," Reader's Digest Australia Editor-in-Chief Louise Waterson said. "Many leading companies are rebranding their image, or reshaping their services, to hold on to existing customers and seek out new ones." Check out the list below of Australia's top 20 most trusted brands, and <a href="https://www.trustedbrands.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">head here for the full 2023 results</a>. 20. Woolworths 19. Sanitarium 18. Bridgestone 17. Ryobi 16. Dairy Farmers 15. Cancer Council Australia 14. Dyson 13. Bega 12. Selleys 11. Specsavers 10. Glen20 9. Dulux 8. Royal Flying Doctor Service 7. Band-Aid 6. Victa 5. Panadol 4. Bunnings Warehouse 3. Cadbury 2. Weber 1. Dettol Image credits: Trusted Brands

News

Readers respond: What memento from your childhood do you still have today?

From jewellery and stuffed toys to war-time relics, we find sentimental value in all kinds of mementos. We asked our readers what items from their childhood do they still have in their possession, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Trish George - My silver medals for reciting poetry at the Eisteddfod. Carol Hamilton - My teddy bear. He's 65 and a bit worn, but I love him. Judy Tracey - My baby bracelet l got for my Christening 67 years ago, and a second hand Heidi book I got when l was 6. Helen Bain - My bible from 1964, an award certificate from 1959 for an essay, all my husbands letters from Vietnam, and my Aunt's cookbook from 1930s. Joanne Starkey - My memento is a beautiful Koala which was gifted to me as a baby. It is in excellent condition handmade with rabbit fur and looks exactly like a real Koala... it is now 77 years old. Nola Schmidt - I have several items from my childhood including a silver mug and a money box given to me for my baptism in January 1950. I was 3 months old. Donna Clarke - A signet ring gifted to me by my Parents 52 years ago. I have never taken it off... couldn’t now if I wanted to. Gwenda Flaye - A string of pearls my godmother gave me when I was 12. Anne Creber - A bible my grandmother gave me for my 12th birthday, not that I’m religious but I’ve always kept it. John Skinner - My teddy that my nanna gave me on my first birthday. I turn 71 next month, like me he looks a bit worse for wear! Maureen Fisk - A birthday card from grandmother seventy years ago. Lyn Hutton - The only thing I have is a prayer book which I took to Mass every Sunday from a very young age. Haven't been to church now for a very long time, but when I found it tucked away at the back if a cupboard, I couldn't bring myself to throw it away! Dawn Dominick - A pearl tiara that l wore when l was probably about 8 years old to a dance concert. Doreen Douglas - My doll. Santa gave her to me when I was 5. I’m now 79 and still have her. Frances Williams - My father gave me the book Peter Pan, shortly after I was born. I still have it at 79, although it’s a little tattered. All my life I’ve been an avid reader, this was my first book. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Readers respond: If Princess Diana was still alive, what do you think she'd be doing today?

Almost 25 years on from the passing of Princess Diana, many have often wondered what the late Princess of Wales would be doing today if she were still alive. We asked our readers what they believed Princess Diana would be spending her days doing, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what our readers had to say. Karen McCarthy - Bring her sons back together. This would break her heart. Janice Brigg - She would have made an incredible queen who all would have accepted. Debbie Florance - Hopefully enjoying life and avoiding all the drama. Carolyn Fisher - Charity work, and being a wonderful grandmother. Hopefully guiding Harry. Helen Bartsch - Baby sitting her grandchildren, nothing would make her happier. Carolyn Parsons - At least she would understand why Harry and Meghan did what they have done for love, and not allowed the royalty to tear them apart. Shena Wood - Enjoying her beautiful grandchildren and ensuring her two sons were well and happy. She’d be so proud. Catherine Brown - Still doing charity work and being a loving grandmother. Lorraine Cross - Playing with grandchildren and giving Meghan the back door!! Richard Taylor - Creating chaos and loving it. Judi Dargan - Loving all her family members, spoiling her grandchildren, and enjoying her life of dedication to humanity. Neven Boric - She would work in Harrods as a cashier. Moyra Rocchio - Giving her son a talking to and putting the the fairy princess in line. She would quietly pull her into line, no fuss but firm hand. Bob Kairk - Probably giving Harry a clip under the ear. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Readers respond: What's a cover song that's better than the original?

Just because a particular version of a song came first, doesn't necessarily mean it's better than a cover. We asked our readers what their favourite cover tracks are, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Moses Serugo - All Whitney Houston covers! Glen Crawford - Johnny Cash’s cover of Trent Reznor’s ‘Hurt’. It was one of the last songs Johnny recorded, and is awesome! Vicki Hunt - Torn by Natalie Imbruglia. Apparently someone recorded it before she did, although I've only heard her version, which was a major hit for her. Bruce Winther - Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy. Sheila Schmidt - Bette Midler’s version of Beast of Burden is better than the Rolling Stones. Ken Jacob - Simply the Best by Tina Turner better than the original by Bonnie Tyler. Harold Hanlon - Elton John doing Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Judi Nicholls - U2 doing Unchained Melody. Michael Zoellner - Blinded By The Light by Manfred Mann. Much better than Bruce Springsteen who originally did the song. Jennifer Mitchell - Hallelujah by Lucy Thomas is absolutely beautiful. Leanne Guthrie - We've gotta get out of this place, The Angels. Best version ever!! Weeze Aitch - Horses by Darryl Braithwaite. Originally by Ricki Lee Jones. Noelene Braidwood - The Wonder Of You, by Elvis Presley. Michael Pemberton - All Along the Watchtower (Dylan) cover by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Rick Graham - The Sound of Silence by Disturbed. Steve Pullan - Smooth Criminal by Alien Ant Farm. Deirdre Dee O'Hanlon McGregor - Dear Prudence Beatles song covered by Doug Parkinson, he does a great job, better than the Beatles. Graham Anderson - Can't think of one. The originals are the best. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Readers respond: What did someone do on a plane that made you say "You've gotta be kidding me"?

We've all encountered our fair share of difficult fellow passengers when travelling, but these people took it to the next level. We asked our readers what the worst thing a fellow plane passenger has done, and here's what they said. Carolyn Korlaki - It seems that every time I get on a flight the person in front of me puts their seat right back. Makes it very hard to read, eat, watch a movie, very annoying..... Jan Ceeney - Person next to me in the window seat pulled the shade down for the whole trip. I couldn’t see anything. My first plane trip! Very disappointing. Sue Robson - Recently flew with hubby to Asia. Me window seat, hubby middle and gentleman on end. The guy proceeded to to eat egg sandwiches he brought with him then spent the entire flight farting. It was horrendously bad. Jennifer Pearce - Parents putting their children in seats behind there's then going to sleep and leaving their frightened child coughing and crying all night. Parents should split up and sit with their own children on 13 hour flights. Joy Bollmeyer - A huge over weight man shirt undone then unzipped his trousers, adjusted himself then sat down with everything still undone! Kathleen Black - Flight from Sydney to Doha a child kicked the back of my chair the whole way…..I couldn’t contain myself so I had something to say. And that was in business class! Pip Minikin - Got her nail polish out and painted her nails. Denis Davis - Passenger beside me talking on the phone while taking off. Michael Baker - Gave me Covid. Jo Bolland - Sitting next to a Korean couple, he put his head on her lap and she popped his pimples. He hawked and spat and helped himself to anything he fancied from her tray. Dot Turner - I usually had the same kicking of seats on flight, not from children, but from adults who are arrogant and should know better. Image credits: Getty Images

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Readers respond: What is your go-to movie when you need a good cry?

Readers Respond: What's a book you love that most people have never heard of?

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Readers Respond: What is something you miss about pre-internet times?

Readers respond: What did your mum or dad make for dinner growing up that you haven't had in ages?

Free tickets to The Miracle Club for Over60 readers!

Readers respond: What was the most disappointing movie you paid to see?

Readers respond: What was the first country you ever travelled to?

Readers respond: What's a song that is so beautiful it makes you cry?

Readers respond: What film do you think is a cinematic masterpiece and why?

Readers respond: What was the first ever album you bought?

Readers respond: What do you know about your mother's life before she had you?

Australia's most trusted brands revealed for 2023

Readers respond: What memento from your childhood do you still have today?

Readers respond: If Princess Diana was still alive, what do you think she'd be doing today?

Readers respond: What's a cover song that's better than the original?

Readers respond: What did someone do on a plane that made you say "You've gotta be kidding me"?

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Foods to avoid if you have acid reflux or digestion issues

Lip reader provides evidence against Bruce Lehrmann

Beloved Aussie news reader dies aged 98

Readers respond: What is your go-to movie when you need a good cry?

Readers Respond: What's a book you love that most people have never heard of?

Explore. Dream. Discover: An Over60 Reader's epic journey

Readers Respond: What is something you miss about pre-internet times?

Readers respond: What did your mum or dad make for dinner growing up that you haven't had in ages?

Free tickets to The Miracle Club for Over60 readers!

Readers respond: What was the most disappointing movie you paid to see?

Readers respond: What was the first country you ever travelled to?

Readers respond: What's a song that is so beautiful it makes you cry?

Readers respond: What film do you think is a cinematic masterpiece and why?

Readers respond: What was the first ever album you bought?

Readers respond: What do you know about your mother's life before she had you?

Australia's most trusted brands revealed for 2023

Readers respond: What memento from your childhood do you still have today?

Readers respond: If Princess Diana was still alive, what do you think she'd be doing today?

Readers respond: What's a cover song that's better than the original?

Readers respond: What did someone do on a plane that made you say "You've gotta be kidding me"?

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