Feel supported in retirement with help of friends, urges local couple

A Sudbury-based couple have shared their story in support of an ongoing campaign by a local friendship group, Babergh Oddfellows, to inspire retirees to stay connected, active and fulfilled in retirement.

Having joined the Sudbury-based social group three years ago, Marie Retzback, 70, and husband, Philip, 74, want to encourage other 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.

It comes after a recent survey, commissioned by the Oddfellows Friendly Society, found that 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.

They 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).

Marie retired at 64 from her high-achieving NHS healthcare career which spanned 46 years and included specialist roles within dermatology teams at hospitals and clinics across the region.

Philip took early retirement from his profession as an engineer on medical grounds at 60 due to a hearing impairment.

The early days of retirement were a tricky adjustment for the both of them, shared Marie.

“When you first retire, it feels like you’re on holiday. You lie in a little later and you think everything is hunky dory,” she said. “But you soon get bored. I’m too active a person and have a very active brain. I couldn’t be a couch potato if I tried.”

Looking for something they could do together, and independently, they decided to try a local friendship group. It was a decision, she described, which “opened up another life”.

“A fellow friend from the local Women’s Institute suggested trying out an Oddfellows social event. She and her husband were already members. Phil and I went along and we got a lovely welcome,” shared Marie.

“We’ve made such good friends at the Oddfellows. It has given us back companionship. There’s a real buzz at meetings. It brings laughter into your day. It also gives you a reason to leave your house, even on a cold morning. It’s important to have something to look forward to.”

Babergh Oddfellows, based in Sudbury, is part of the Oddfellows’ Bury St Edmunds and Colchester District Branch, which has around 1,100 members, made up of mostly older adults and retirees. The group says joining a local social group can help keep boredom at bay by attending events and meeting new people.

Helen Patel, social organiser for Babergh Oddfellows, said: “Marie is a force of nature and we’re so very lucky to have her and Phil as part of our group. She’s an inspiration.

“We appreciate how the early years of retirement can be a particularly tricky time to navigate.

“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,” added Helen.

Babergh Oddfellows hosts regular meetups at Sudbury’s Masonic Hall, in North Street, as well as lunches and days out.

Newcomers are invited to give any of their events a try, which includes a game of Boules in Acton on Tuesday, July 2, at 10am, and a guest talk on the History of Town Criers in Sudbury on Wednesday, July 10, at 7.30pm.

The society also runs around 60 online events every month which are free and open to all.

Marie added: “It’s uplifting to make an effort to dress nicely and slap on some lipstick when you’re meeting up with your fellow Oddfellows. It’s good for the self-esteem of both sexes.

“The variety of speakers and social events not only broaden our minds, but ensures we keep our grey matter functioning especially at quiz meetings.

“I can’t praise the Oddfellows enough. They are a tremendous support in retirement.”

Babergh 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.

To find out more about Babergh Oddfellows, contact Helen on helen.patel@oddfellows.co.uk or call 07876 710053.

To request details online, or to see a range of advice around retirement, visit its website at www.oddfellows.co.uk/retirement.