Headline

LOCAL friendly society Reading Oddfellows is encouraging retirees in the area to get the most out of post-work life by seeing it as a time for new opportunities, adventure and friendships.

The group, which meets in and around Reading, has about 1,100 members, mostly older adults and retirees.

It appreciates how the early years of retirement can be a particularly tricky time to navigate.

A recent survey* commissioned by the Oddfellows found that more than a third of retirees (39 per cent) have worked through negative feelings such as loneliness, boredom and a reduced sense of identity and purpose.

Of those who felt bored, 66 per cent said this happened within the first year and a third (34 per cent) in just three months.

Many also claimed their boredom was due to having too much time on their hands (64 per cent), having a lack of motivation or purpose (61 per cent) and that they struggled with a lack of daily routine (50 per cent).

The group’s latest message is part of an ongoing campaign to inspire people to stay connected, active and fulfilled in retirement. Debbie Jex, district secretary for Reading Oddfellows, said: “You have grand plans when you retire, and rightly so, but the reality is that you have lots of free time on your hands and you need to give it structure and purpose.

“It can be hard to keep yourself motivated each day.

“It’s commonplace to plan for your finances in retirement but it’s also important to make sure you look after your emotional and social needs, too. We can definitely help with that.”

The group says retirees can get more from their retirement by meeting up with new people, trying new activities and visiting new places.

Each month, it holds about 20 events in and around the Reading area, such as a singing and exercise groups, talks, art sessions, excursions and quizzes. Member Linda Cripps 67, from Reading, retired from her job as a science technician in a school two years ago.

She said that adding regular Oddfellows events into her diary had helped her find more enjoyment in retirement.

Linda said: “I’ve found that you have to have something to look forward to and it’s a great way to get to know other people in a similar situation.

“You can also try activities that wouldn’t normally come your way, like trips out and some of the guest talks. You need to stay curious and try new things or boredom can definitely creep in.

“I also lend a hand when it’s needed. It feels good to feel part of a team. You can miss that aspect of working life.”

Reading Oddfellows’ upcoming social activities include poetry readings in Tilehurst in the afternoon of July 15, Play Your Cards Right in Henley in the afternoon of July 16 and a picnic on the Thames in Hurley in the evening of July 18.

There are also weekly singing and exercise groups in our hall near the centre of Reading. The society also runs around 60 online events every month which are free and open to all.

Reading Oddfellows is part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies. It aims to improve people’s lives through friendship and support.

As well as social events, Oddfellows members can access a wide range of benefits, including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to volunteer and play a part in raising money for good causes.

For more information or to request a local events diary, call Debbie on 0118 957 3354 or email readingdistrict@oddfellows.co.uk

Established in 1810, Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK with around 40,000 members across 99 branches nationwide.

It is a non-profit mutual run by members for members. It costs from £25 a year to join. For more information, visit www.oddfellows.
co.uk

*The online survey of 1,800 adults aged 55+ was conducted for Oddfellows by OnePoll between April 26 and May 1. A total of 938 respondents were retired.

Debbie Jex