Today marks the International Day for Older Persons–a United Nations initiative that encourages the celebration of seniors in our community–2020 marks the 30th Anniversary.

Considering the year that our community has confronted in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic and the heightened risk to older people, the following UN themes are poignant:

• Inform participants about the strategic objectives for the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
• Raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health and to the functioning of the societies in which they live.
• Increase awareness and appreciation of the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons, with special attention to the nursing profession.
• Present proposals for reducing the health disparities between older persons in the developed and developing countries, so as to “Leave no one behind”.
• Increase understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older persons and its impact on health care policy, planning, and attitudes.

Today also marks the launch of Probus Day.

Established in Australia in 1976, Probus is a not-for-profit organisation with over 110,000 members. Probus is all about social connections in retirement. Probus Clubs provide the opportunity for retirees and semi-retirees to come together in their local community, make new friends and participate in a wide range of activities.

The inaugural Probus Day theme is all about Staying Connected with many Probus Clubs planning celebrations during the month of October to mark the day. While some of the celebrations and events may be constrained or conducted in a virtual format, depending upon the level of restrictions, the key is to celebrate retirement and Probus members are experts in demonstrating just that.

There are seven Probus clubs in the Bean electorate. More information about their meetings and activities is available on their website or by calling 1300 630 488.

If you are retired, or are contemplating retirement, you may find the guide I have produced useful. Request a copy here.