As we approach retirement, financial considerations naturally take centre stage, but let’s not overlook the vital role of social wellbeing.
The transition to retirement can sometimes bring unexpected moments of loneliness, especially as children and neighbours move away. Older adults may suddenly find themselves alone, unsure of how to address this situation.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost one in six Australian adults now experience prolonged loneliness – a figure researchers describe as part of a genuine, escalating epidemic. One group facing particular risk is older men, with the decade between 55 and 64 identified as a period of heightened vulnerability. The impact goes well beyond emotional wellbeing too: loneliness has been linked to a higher risk of premature mortality, coronary heart disease, strokes and dementia, and the flow-on health effects are estimated to cost the Australian economy as much as $2.7 billion every year.
Recognising the importance of social connection is crucial. By fostering social engagement, we not only improve our emotional wellbeing but also contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling retirement journey.
When we retire, we often lose the friendships we developed through our working life. Hosted by volunteers from the Starts at 60 community, Starts at 60 Meet Ups take place once a month across the country where attendees catch up over coffee or lunch, and most importantly good company. Most events are held at the same location on the same day of each month so you can get to know a group near you and build friendships in your own community.
With retirement often comes travel, with three-quarters of Australians aged over 50 already planning their next big holiday – but why not travel with a group? Travelling with a group allows you to see all the world has to offer while developing lasting friendships with like-minded retirees. Many Travel at 60 partners facilitate tailored group travel for seniors, allowing you to travel care-free with someone else doing the heavy lifting of planning and booking transfers and activities.
Volunteering isn’t just a great way to give back to your community, it can provide immense benefits for retirees. While providing a sense of purpose, new friends and valuable skills, volunteering has been linked to lower rates of depression and even lower rates of mortality. Volunteering to take a leadership role in a club is a great way to get to know other members and can provide new skills. There’s a multitude of local organisations that rely on volunteers, so it won’t be hard to find one catering to your interests and schedule.
Given how strongly the latest research points to older men as being at particular risk of loneliness, it’s worth calling out one of Australia’s most successful, purpose-built responses: the Men’s Shed movement. With more than a thousand sheds across the country, they offer a genuinely low-pressure way to build friendships around shared, practical activity, without needing to make small talk the main event.
If singing is more your speed, group choirs are another option backed by real evidence – community choirs have been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and build genuine, lasting friendship, all while giving you a weekly reason to show up and be part of something.
Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” Hitting the books again is a great way to grow your knowledge while forging social connections. There are opportunities to suit every interest and schedule, including enrolling in Uni, undergoing a TAFE course or even joining a local class, whether it be learning a new language or cooking.
Why not work out with friends and reap the benefits of staying active and social at once? Remaining physically active can help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease and decrease your chance of a fall by improving your strength and flexibility. Meanwhile, you’re releasing endorphins and avoiding loneliness and depression. If you’re a little hesitant to join a typical gym class, many now offer classes catered for seniors including Zumba, gentle yoga, stretching and Tai Chi.
The internet can serve as an incredible tool to track down and reach out to old friends from school, Uni, work or old neighbours. Often raising children and going to work makes it difficult to maintain friendships, but the social media age makes it easier than ever to find someone with only their name for reference.
Walking groups are a great way to get in some low-impact exercise while creating a social routine to not only forge new friendships but maintain them. Walking groups will also help you discover corners of your neighbourhood you may not have explored yet. Many older people are taking advantage of shopping centre walks in the comfort of an undercover environment, often window shopping and catching up for a coffee. As you progress you can even go for longer and more strenuous hikes with your newfound walking friends.
Gardening is often thought of as a hobby done at home, but it doesn’t have to be. Many communities throughout Australia have taken to local gardens maintained by volunteers. These gardens grow everything from flowers to fresh produce to herbs and are a great way to do something you love while forging social connections and giving back to your local community.
Social connections are not just for our peers, with evidence finding intergenerational relationships hold immense benefits for all parties. Both can teach each other new skills while providing companionship. Why not share your skills with your grandchildren, whether it’s an instrument, a new language or how to make a favourite dish? You could even learn a new skill together with an abundance of tutorials and how-to guides available online.
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