Kathy Arthurson – författare

Concern about rising crime rates, high levels of unemployment and anti-social behaviour of youth gangs within particular urban neighbourhoods has reinvigorated public and community debate into just what makes a functional neighbourhood. The nub of the debate is whether concentrating disadvantaged people together doubly compounds their disadvantage and leads to ''problem neighbourhoods''. This debate has prompted interest by governments in Australia and internationally in ''social mix policies'', to disperse the most disadvantaged members of neighbourhoods and create new communities with a blend of residents with a variety of income levels across different housing tenures (public and private rental, home ownership). What is less well acknowledged is that interest in social mix is by no means new, as the concept has informed new town planning policy in Australia, Britain and the US since the post Second World War years.

Social Mix and the City offers a critical appraisal of different ways that the concept of ‘social mix’ has been constructed historically in urban planning and housing policy, including linking to ''social inclusion''. It investigates why social mix policies re-emerge as a popular policy tool at certain times. It also challenges the contemporary consensus in housing and urban planning policies that social mix is an optimum planning tool – in particular notions about middle class role modelling to integrate problematic residents into more ''acceptable'' social behaviours. Importantly, it identifies whether social mix matters or has any real effect from the viewpoint of those affected by the policies – residents where policies have been implemented.

YOGA YEARS

Disclaimer:  if you''re not a fan of yoga already, after reading this book you may feel compelled to try it!

In this thought provoking and entertaining book Kathy Arthurson (PhD) discusses the inspiring results from studying yoga practitioners aged 60 plus - Yoga years: True stories of how yoga transforms ageing tells encouraging, uplifting and inspiring stories about people 60 plus and their journey through yoga, challenging common myths about ageing. Bette Calman, a contributor, demonstrated yoga on 1960''s day-time television - at 93, she''s still practising.

Kathy says watching these seniors move their agile bodies through poses is a testament to the benefits of yoga.

Meeting them made me think that practising yoga keeps you young forever.

And I''m not talking about a lack of wrinkles and grey hair, or looking like Cher

or Madonna. The yoga women share a joy and vigour for life that belies their age.

The stories in YOGA YEARS offer a refreshing and uplifting view of 21st century ageing - these women (youngest 66, oldest 95) are embracing their ''longevity bonus'' and living life to the full through yoga. The delightful contributors to this collection share over 400 years of wisdom, presenting an enthralling case for how to live a happier, healthier and more contented life.

The book is not a yoga instruction manual although the women do share their favourite practices and tips for optimising health and for ''just making you feel marvellous!''

Intimate and comforting, the stories reveal that just like the rest of us, these women have navigated the ups and downs of life - but yoga has helped them bounce back and maintain an upbeat view of life.

The final chapter summarises and grounds the women''s claims about the benefits of yoga in comprehensive research.

YOGA YEARS is a must-read book for anyone of any age who wants to read positive uplifting stories about how to live a healthy, productive and purposeful life with a sense of inner contentment (as they grow older). The book offers a compelling argument that it''s never too late to start practising yoga, and that a shift in our beliefs about ageing is long overdue.