With the new year here many of us will look to set resolutions to improve our health or take up a new activity but for some older Australians that challenge means defying the odds as well as public perception. General practitioner Wendy Dobinson tried her first ballet class at the ripe age of 50.
"I am now 62 and when I was about 50, my youngest son had decided to take up ballet as a profession and I thought I better know a bit more about it," Dr Dobinson said.
Despite being anxious before her first class, Dr Dobinson said it has since become part of her daily routine.
"I've been hooked and here ever since," she said.
From the office to the shed:
When 73-year-old Albert Lee retired after several decades as a clerical worker, he was at a loss for what to do with his spare time.
Instead of sifting through reams of paper and bashing computer keys everyday, he now spends his time using his hands to craft things he can use.
"I always said when I retired that I'd at least volunteer to do something, so I volunteer for a few different organisations at the moment and I come to the Men's Shed once a day," Mr Lee said.
Through his involvement with the association, Mr Lee has discovered a passion for metal work — something he'd never done before.
Finding joy after loss:
Likewise, 65-year-old Robyn Bunting has not stopped learning in retirement, having returned to study after the death of her husband.
"I found myself in a kind of social and emotional void, I think I was basically quite lonely," she said
Ms Bunting joined the University of the Third Age — a membership-based institution which aims to stimulate retired members of the community.
The private organisation offers hundreds of classes to people aged over 50 including card games, computer skills and language courses.
Ms Bunting said the benefits followed her outside the classroom.
"I have made many new friends and continue to learn every week," she said.
"After class we go as a group to lunch at a local cafe and continue to chat about life, politics, and anything else we think of."
What the experts say:
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in seven people are aged 65 and over and that number is steadily growing.
But with only one in eight older people being engaged in employment, education or training, they are at greater risk of experiencing loneliness and functional decline.
Geropsychologist Nancy Pachana, from the University of Queensland, agrees that while there are challenges, the benefits of learning a new skill far outweigh the negatives.
"There's a lot of research on the benefits of learning any new skill at an older age because always in the brain there are opportunities for connections to be made," Dr Pachana said.
"For example, if you pick up a new language or you learn a new instrument, virtually any new skill can help exercise those muscles in the brain."
Dr Pachana acknowledged there was often a fear associated with taking up a new activity, and either failing or encountering injuries.
But she said the key to success was choosing to learn something that truly interests you and falls within your capabilities.
"I think that a key element is picking carefully what you want to do — whether it is a physical one or a mental one," Dr Pachana said.
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