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Although retirement finances and accommodation top the list of priorities for older Australians, new research on the detrimental effects of loneliness suggests that social connection and wellbeing should be better prioritised.
Loneliness often creeps up on seniors during significant life changes, including retirement; the death of a partner, family, or friend; deteriorating physical health; or maybe even relocation.
The Ending Loneliness White Paper published in 2020 reported that people aged 56 to 65 experienced increased vulnerability to loneliness, with rates of loneliness highest in Australians aged 75 and above, particularly since the pandemic.
The White Paper also found that loneliness has harmful effects on our seniors’ physical and mental health, including:
- 26% greater risk of premature mortality;
- 29% increase in the incidence of coronary heart disease;
- 32% increase in the risk of stroke;
- 58% higher risk of developing dementia;
- increased odds of having a clinically diagnosed mental disorder, including phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and
- increased suicidality and parasuicide.
A significant contributor to loneliness is the surrounding stigma preventing people from sharing their feelings or reaching out for help and social connection.
Social clubs like Probus easily combat loneliness and the surrounding stigma, offering non-judgemental friendship, ensuring retirees remain socially connected and active.
Probus offers its members a monthly meeting where members join together to plan upcoming activities, enjoy morning tea and listen to interesting guest speakers. Throughout the month, members participate in a wide range of activities, which can include book clubs, walking groups and theatre groups. Members also enjoy travelling together on day trips, domestically and overseas.
With interesting guest speakers, opportunities to learn new skills, explore new interests and hobbies, and a space to forge friendships, joining a Probus club is the best thing retirees can do to keep themselves engaged and connected, which will improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.
Probus clubs are non-political and non-fundraising with their goal to help members make new friends and combat the isolation and loneliness that often happens when retirees lose their social network.
There are already thousands of Probus club members across Australia enjoying fun and friendship and they are open to everyone who is retired or semi-retired. To find your local Probus club, visit https://probussouthpacific.org/ or call 1300 630 488.