These days the government’s direction on ageing is to ‘age in place’ i.e. people to remain in their homes for as long as possible. 
For many in rural areas this can present problems of social isolation, especially when the aged cannot drive. Family members, due to work and commitments, often have little spare time to attend to ageing relatives.
TinCan is an organisation in the Teven, Tintenbar, Fernleigh area assisting locals maintain quality of life. There is a monthly planning meeting at Tintenbar Hall to coordinate activities which are mostly in the hall but include some other services. Volunteer drivers assist those in need to get to activities or appointments in town.
One popular TinCan activity is the word game Scrabble. In Australia and the UK Scrabble was first sold in 1955. TinCan has revived the game over the last two and a half years, with the emphasis on fun and social interaction. Residents form groups of four and play two games. A small charge of $2 covers morning tea and hall hire.
The players range from early 60s to 97. Abilities range from keen crossword players to those who may have had occasional games with children many years ago. Scrabble dictionaries can be used and fellow players help one another. Despite the frustration of picking up mainly tiles of consonants, or vowels, all agree it challenges the grey matter.
The next Scrabble day is Thursday, 11 Febuary and then fortnightly.On Fridays another group meets at the hall for carpet bowls. This is good physical exercise requiring concentration and skill, but also providing good fun and socialising. Next day is Friday, 5 February at 10am and then fortnightly thereafter.
Other TinCan activities include a fortnightly, Thursday morning, bus to Ballina for shopping, a senior’s morning tea in March and the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea in May. More about these in the next issue of Heartbeat.
In all the activities above we welcome new participants. If you have problems with transport please contact the people below to arrange volunteers to pick you up. If you have never played, there are members only too willing to assist you to learn. Ask a friend to join you if you do not like to venture out alone. Fun and fitness is but a phone call away. We are also looking for more volunteer drivers.
Contacts: Margaret Dean (6687 8033), Carolyn Walsh (6687 8420) or Tintenbar Medical Centre (6687 8299).
Toska McLeod, Fernleigh, on right in picture of Scrabble tournament.