Seniors Month spells out the benefits of staying connected

Tuesday morning means Scrabble for Angie La Spina, Wendy Frazer and Robyn Brunello at Tully Library.

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From Scrabble and Mahjong to bowls, pickleball, golf, pottery, walking and volunteering, Cassowary Coast seniors are keeping active, involved and connected in all sorts of ways.

This October, Queensland Seniors Month offers another opportunity to join in, with Cassowary Coast Libraries hosting free events where people can meet others and perhaps discover an activity that keeps them coming back.

At Tully Library, those connections happen every week around the Scrabble board.

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“I’ve been coming here every Tuesday since I retired about four years ago,” Robyn Brunello said.

She joins up to 20 keen wordsmiths and returns on Wednesdays for Mahjong.

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Scrabble keeps spelling and arithmetic skills sharp, but there’s a social side too, with cards drawn  each week to determine who plays who. Newcomers are always welcome.

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“If you want to have a look, we’ll squeeze you in,” Robyn said. “Same with Mahjong – even if you’ve never played before.”

Beyond games, Cassowary Coast Libraries offer year-round activities including Craft & Laugh, Conversation Café and Tech Help, helping people of all ages learn, socialise and stay connected.

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Connection could be your highest-scoring word this Seniors Month. Put your local library’s free morning tea on the calendar… With good company, fun and activities on the cards, it could be the first move towards a new hobby, group or friendship.

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Seniors Month – Cassowary Coast Libraries events

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Cardwell – Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Resilience
Friday 9th October, 10am–4pm
A free community day with morning tea, local history, guided tours, Conversation Café, digital workshops, Tech Help and other activities.

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Mission Beach Library Morning Tea
Thursday 15th October, 10am–12pm

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Tully Library Morning Tea
Friday 16th October, 9.30–11.30am

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Innisfail Library Morning Tea
Wednesday 21st October, 10am–12pm

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All events are free. Booking ahead for catering is appreciated. Visit your local library or call 1300 366 616.

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CONNECTED FOR HEALTH

Staying socially connected isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health.  

The World Health Organisation says around one in four older people is socially isolated, while research links social isolation and loneliness with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, depression and dementia. Meaningful social activities can improve mental health, life satisfaction and quality of life.

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