Having a variety of interests, good, positive communication and challenging yourself, are some of the tips a Port Macquarie Probus Club says can help you enjoy a mentally healthy and stimulating life in retirement.
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According to beyondblue, 10 to 15 per cent of older adults experience depression, and about 10 per cent will experience anxiety. While people over the age of 65 hold more stigmatising views about depression than the rest of the population.
Statistics also show that one in seven Australian men experiences depression or anxiety or both in any year.
Port City Combined Probus Club says it wants more focus put on strong mental health, particularly for retirees.
President Scott Barnes, life members Keith and Rae Adams, and committee members Ron Berry and Robynne Lowe also believe that anyone nearing retirement needs to broaden their interests and challenge themselves.
Mr Barnes said joining groups such as Probus is also a good start.
"Probus attracts a variety of people from differing backgrounds who are either retired or semi retired," he said.
"Unfortunately some people don't plan well enough for retirement. They may just sit back and read a paper or watch television or just not work.
"I think people need to be stimulated and encouraged to get out and get involved and to find and do all those interests they may have had when they were younger.
"And sometimes you have to push people too."
Mr Berry described mental health as "a really big issue around Australia".
He says staying active and getting involved are vital in keeping alert.
"Especially for men. Most men probably started work at 16 years of age and just kept working through to their retirement at 65 or 70 years of age," he said.
"Then one day they come home and that's it. They've retired.
"They probably haven't had to worry too much about anything - just work - but they don't have the same social connections as their wives or partners.
That's why it is important to be mentally healthy. While you are happy, you are not depressed.
- Ron Berry
"That's why it is important to be mentally healthy. While you are happy, you are not depressed," he said.
Mrs Lowe stressed the importance of thinking and planning for your retirement.
"I was active anyway before I retired. I was working and playing tennis and being fairly active," she said.
"When I followed my daughters to Port Macquarie, I decided to join the Probus club.
"Joining a group helped me meet new people. It has literally saved my life."
Foundation members Keith and Rae Adams travelled extensively immediately after Keith retired at just 58 years of age.
One of his first tasks in retirement was to build a shed where he took up wood turning, despite not having a woodworking background.
"I don't spend all day out in the shed but I get out there for a few hours and really enjoy creating things," he said.
"That's been good for us, but it is not the only thing either. You have to have a variety of interests to go with your family life and keeping active around the house and the yard."
That's been good for us, but it is not the only thing either. You have to have a variety of interests to go with your family life and keeping active around the house and the yard.
- Keith Adams
Probus says the prospect of retirement can be daunting but there are several ways to ensure you remain mentally healthy.
Focus on your physical health by exercising and eating a balanced diet. Try a new sport or physical activity and do something as basic as attempt a new recipe.
Explore what gives you purpose and ensure you have purposeful activities planned. Finding your purpose can be fun and will help you feel like you are contributing something to the world.
Connect with the outside world and develop healthy relationships with others that will help lower levels of anxiety and depression. It can also raise self-esteem. When you retire from work, you might feel like you've lost a lot of connection all at once.
Consider your sense of safety which is important to mental wellbeing. This can include feeling safe at home and in your neighbourhood, feeling financially secure and feeling supported within your close relationships and your community.
Seek support if you think your mental health condition is affecting you. It's important to know that these conditions are health conditions, not a weakness or character flaw.
To find your nearest Probus Club go to their website.
For more information go to the federal government's head to health website.
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