On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 33 I January/February 2020 | Page 12

Housie
brings benefits all round
H
ousie is a favourite pastime for
many people of the Central Coast
region but recent research is
showing that it also yields great health
and lifestyle benefits.
Research by University of Southampton
has shown that people who engage
with cognitive activities achieved
better results in tests of memory, speed
and cognitive function than people
who did not. It also showed significant
improvement in hand-eye coordination
arising from the speed of the game and its
repetition. Enhanced thinking skills have
also shown some benefits for elderly
players with dementia issues including
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This
research also said that playing Housie
could promote happier and healthier
lifestyle choices including building and
maintaining friendships that can lead to
better mental, emotional and physical
health outcomes.
Community Liaison Officer for the
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service,
Shannon Stanton, said that hundreds
of people attend weekly charity games
across the region.
“While people of all ages play Housie,
it is perhaps best known for attracting
players who are generally at retirement
age or older,” Shannon said.
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ON T H E C OA S T – OV ER 5 5
“We know
many people who
play Housie with us choose the pastime
as part of their weekly activities as a
way of connecting with others. Many
live alone and look forward to the
opportunity to socialise and participate in
mental stimulation,” she said.
“Many players believe that
socialisation and cognitive stimulation
can help them to reduce stress, anxiety
and depression and can contribute to
improved overall health,” she said.
“A new and exciting addition into
modern Housie games is the use of
technology such as electronic devices
which provide greater opportunity for
people with special needs and the elderly.
It can also help expose these people to
technology that can benefit many other
aspects of their lives.”
Housie games are held across the
region with many of them raising funds
for local charities including the Westpac
Rescue Helicopter Service.
“We are incredibly humbled by the
support of people on the Coast. Every
player helps to support the work of the
Service and ensures that our helicopters,
crews and medical teams can be there
when and where they are needed,” she
said.
Westpac Rescue
Helicopter Service Cash
Housie games are held
at The Entrance Leagues Club, Mingara
Recreational Club, Doyalson Wyee RSL
Club and The Halekulani Bowling Club.
About Westpac Rescue
Helicopter Service:
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Service was established in 1975 and
through community support and
fundraising it has become a critical
service that operates 24-7 from
three bases in Belmont, Tamworth
and Lismore. Today the Service
delivers aeromedical search, rescue
and inter-hospital transfers to
care for communities from north
of the Hawkesbury River, up to
the Queensland border. Along the
Pilot and Aircrew Officer, every
primary response mission leaves
with a dedicated NSW Ambulance
Paramedic, NSW Health Doctor
and depending on the needs of
each patient
the team may
include specialist
nursing
professionals.