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

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
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 
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
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15
16
17
18
19
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
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9 10
11 12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28
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.

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.

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

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.

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

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