On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 30 I July/August 2019 | Page 25

Fortunately, there are boundless ways
to engage (or re-engage) with the people
and things that make us feel our best.
A relatively small amount of conscious
effort can yield a significant boost to
health and happiness.
Nurture your relationships
It tends to become increasingly clear as
we age that quality, not quantity, is what
counts when it comes to close
relationships. Don’t let your most valuable
connections fall into neglect by taking
them for granted. Perhaps it’s time to:
ƒ ƒ Phone a friend or family member you
haven’t spoken with in a while
ƒ ƒ Write an encouraging note to someone
you know is going through a difficult
time
ƒ ƒ Tell someone you love what you
appreciate about them – be specific!
ƒ ƒ Take on a task you know your partner
or friend dislikes doing.
Share your time and talents
Finding a local organisation that reflects
your interests is an excellent way to meet
people, particularly if you have recently
retired or moved to a new area. There
are many ways to get involved in your
chosen community, including:
ƒ ƒ Joining a sporting or hobby-related
club
ƒ ƒ Talking an exercise class at a nearby
gym or community centre
ƒ ƒ Giving your time and experience to
a community organisation, eg men’s
sheds, neighbourhood centres, Rotary
clubs
ƒ ƒ Donating food or items you no longer
need to a local charity
ƒ ƒ Engaging with local political or activist
groups.
Enjoy everyday interactions
It is not just our most significant
relationships that present opportunities
to create meaningful connection. Every
day, we interact with people who cross
our paths for all sorts of reasons. Here’s
just a few ideas to make those moments
more pleasant for all involved:
ƒ ƒ Say hello to your neighbours and make
an effort to welcome newcomers to
your area
ƒ ƒ Chat with service providers such as
cashiers, tradespeople or receptionists
ƒ ƒ Get to know the regulars at nearby
walking tracks or parklands – a dog
can be an excellent conversation
starter!
ƒ ƒ Let someone in front of you in a line of
traffic or at the supermarket
ƒ ƒ Treat people who may look, think or
behave differently to you with respect.
The range of things you can do to (re)
establish connections with those around
you is virtually unlimited. It is never too
late to reach out – and you never know
what benefits might flow, for you and for
them.
Adrienne Garside works for Iris Foundation, a charity that aims to reduce the risk of suicide on the
Central Coast. The Foundation achieves this by facilitating and supporting awareness campaigns,
programs and partnerships which enhance community connectedness and well-being. For more
information, please visit: www.irisfoundation.org.au.
Celebrate the sport of
kings with the KING!
MELBOURNE CUP LUNCHEON
with Elvis in Vegas!
• 2 course lunch
• Tribute to Elvis
• Best dressed
• Best hat prizes
Come dressed for
the races OR in
VEGAS costume
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5
TICKETS $45 AVAILABLE AT RECEPTION
Gosford RSL Club 26 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford 4323 2311 www.grsl.com.au
JULY/AUGUST – ISSUE 30
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