- New Wave Retirement Newsletter
- Posts
- Less Couch, More Connection: Make Your Community Count
Less Couch, More Connection: Make Your Community Count
Edition #4 - October 2024
Liana
October 18, 2024
"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men." – Herman Melville
Retirement offers a new kind of freedom—a chance to slow down and savor life. But what makes this phase truly enriching isn’t just how you fill your days, but who you spend them with. This week, we highlight the magic of rediscovering community through shared experiences.
Whether it’s chatting with locals at the Barrenjoey Artwalk, bonding over a glass of wine at Uncorked Balmoral, or volunteering with groups like One Meal, engaging with your community offers more than just entertainment. It’s a way to stay mentally sharp, boost your well-being, and build lasting connections.
The Science of Staying Connected
Strong community ties are associated with longer lifespans, better mental health, and improved quality of life. In fact, studies show that:
People with robust social connections have a 50% higher chance of living longer compared to those who feel isolated【1】.
Social activities reduce the risk of depression by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose【2】.
Engaging with others boosts cognitive health, helping to reduce the risk of memory decline and dementia in later years【3】.
Volunteering has a direct impact on health, with evidence showing it can reduce stress and lower blood pressure while increasing happiness【4】.
Find Joy and Purpose Locally
Taking part in events like the Reignite Runway fashion show or Bags to Riches market doesn’t just fill your calendar—it keeps you connected to others and adds structure to your week. Small actions, such as attending a local art exhibit or joining a social group, create moments of joy and help maintain a sense of purpose.
Volunteering with organizations like the Library of Things or One Meal can be especially rewarding, transforming retirement into a time to give back. Research shows that volunteering gives a sense of achievement and contributes to mental well-being, helping retirees feel valued and engaged【5】.
This week, take the opportunity to explore what’s happening in your community. Choose an event, meet new people, and see for yourself how engaging with others can enrich your retirement. The moments of connection you create today will build a life of purpose and fulfillment in the years to come.
What’s On?
Events / Activities
Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|
Uncorked Balmoral Spend a day by the stunning Balmoral Beach in Sydney, tasting award-winning wines, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted spirits, and gourmet foods from the Hunter Valley, while enjoying live music. | Date: Sun 20 Oct, 11am - 5pm Location: Balmoral Beach Cost: $45 (inc 4 tastings) |
Sunset Sessions Q Station Escape to a picturesque haven on Sydney Harbour and indulge in a perfect spring afternoon with live music, refreshing drinks, and food while taking in the breathtaking views of the sunset, at The Glasshouse, Q Station Manly. | Dates: Sat & Sun, 3:30 - 7pm Location: Q Station, Manly Cost: From $20 |
Sydney Craft Week - Your Name's on the Door Exhibition Niki McDonald's artistic exploration delves into the heart of Australian pub rock culture, merging tranquil vistas captured in needlepoint tapestries with the gritty, unadorned lyrics of pub rock. | Dates: 14 - 20 Oct Location: Darlinghurst Install Project [DIP], 30 Golden Grove Street, Darlington Cost: Free |
Sydney Craft Week - Makers Market Makers Frontyard is a grass roots, maker’s market trail with a warm, community feel. It offers everyone the opportunity to meet local creatives in their front yards and buy handmade goods direct from the makers themselves. | Dates: Sat 19 Oct, 10am - 4pm Location: Park Ave, Ashfield 2131 Cost: Free |
Sydney Ceramics Market Offering the chance to meet, support, and shop directly from a vibrant community of local ceramicists, potters, artists, and makers who celebrate the potential of clay in all its wonderful forms. | Dates: 19 - 20 Oct, 10am-5pm Location: Carriageworks Cost: $6 |
Barrenjoey Artwalk Avalon Village will be turned into a sidewalk gallery! Support local artists and the Barrenjoey High School. | Dates: 19 Oct - 3Nov Location: 23 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach Cost: $0 - $10 |
Reignite Runway Support the Women’s Resilience Centre and women recovering from domestic abuse, trauma and loss. Enjoy nibbles and a fashion show featuring recycled designs, fantastic speakers on the decline of fast fashion, and a chance to network with inspiring individuals. | Dates: Sat 19 Oct, 2 - 4pm Location: Surfboat Brewing, Warriewood Cost: $35 |
Bags To Riches Second hand market! Come and grab a bargain, find a treasure while you enjoy live music from young beaches musicians. | Dates: Sun 20 Oct, 9am - 1pm Location: Walter Gors Park, Howard Avenue, Dee Why Cost: Free |
Free Arts & Crafts Workshops The Creating Wellbeing program is a series of free arts and crafts workshops for adults run on the last Friday of each month. Learn new skills and meet new friends! | Dates: Last Friday each month (25 Oct), 12:30pm Location: North Sydney Community Centre Cost: Free |
Groups
Description | Details |
|---|---|
Sydney Street Photographers | Always wanted to pick up that dusty camera? This group is all about engaging intimately with the world around you in an attempt to capture the unfamiliar in the familiar, to find the unseen in the mundane and connect with equally passionate people. Joining fee: Not listed |
Northern Beaches Social | Live on the Northern Beaches or Lower North Shore, and aged somewhere from early 40's to your 60's? If you're single or not, and wish to meet others from our local area, face to face and have some fun and laughter in the process. Then this group is for you! Joining fee: $20 |
Volunteering
Opportunity | Description | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
One Meal - Northern Beaches | Volunteers needed for: preparing meals, bake treats, warehouse packers, meal deliveries, serve meals | See website |
NB Library of Things | Why buy when you can borrow? Northern Beaches Library of Things is opening 23rd Nov. Donate or volunteer today! | See website |
As always, I’d love to hear if you tried any of the things I’ve mentioned above, or if you’ve participated in other great activities that the community should know about!
Until next week!
-Liana xx
References
Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review.
National Institute on Aging: The Impact of Social Isolation on Mental Health.
Harvard Health: How Social Connections Keep Dementia at Bay.
American Psychological Association: The Health Benefits of Volunteering.
National Council on Aging: Why Giving Back Improves Your Well-being.
Reply