Logan’s retirees are teaming up with suicide prevention organisation Black Dog Ride to raise promote the benefits of staying social in retirement.
The Probus Club of Cornubia, as part of Probus South Pacific, has partnered with Black Dog Ride to help more than 30,000 retirees in Logan, and around 4.3 million country-wide, protect their mental health.
Recent data revealed rates of emotional loneliness were highest in Australians aged 75 or above, and 46 per cent of Australians aged 65 or above felt they “lack companionship”.Â
“Significant events that occur in the life of a retiree, including work retirement, moving into assisted living, the loss of a partner or family relocation, put them at risk of loneliness and isolation,” Cornubia Probus communications officer Carole Ekert said.
“Each of these events can trigger the loss of social connection.
“After becoming a member of a Probus Club you can be assured of friendship offered by other members and be able to enjoy the varied activities once a week.
“There is always something being organised and if one is of a mind to become more involved, volunteer for a place on the committee to help run the club.”
Probus CEO Silvana Martignago said retirees too often focused on their financial well-being and gave “little thought” to their social well-being.
“This is where we come in as an inclusive and welcoming social club,” Ms Martignago said.
“There are already thousands of Probus Club members across Australia enjoying fun and friendship.”
The Cornubia club formed 16 years ago and now has over 70 members.
Black Dog Ride’s general manager Lawson Dixon said his team was proud to collaborate with Probus.
“We have always created and supported opportunities to build important social links for riders, community members and community groups,” Mr Dixon said.
“By working together, we can positively impact the lives of older Australians – helping facilitate meaningful connections with like-minded people.”
The Probus Club of Cornubia meets at the Beenleigh Bowls Club on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am.
“We are always looking for new faces to see at meetings who can then enjoy the fun and fellowship Probus offers,” Ms Ekert said.
“I am always happy to speak to anyone who thinks that Probus might be for them.”
For more information call Ms Ekert on 0409 267 150.
