Wheeling into friendship as Port Douglas seniors hop on bikes to combat loneliness
SENIORS WRAP
Who says you can’t pedal your way to new friendships? This October, in honour of Seniors Month, one Port Douglas local took a creative spin on combatting loneliness, organising a “Seniors Ride to Lunch” event that got residents on two wheels and building connections along the way.
The event’s spark came from Angela Johnson, a key member of the Rainforest n Reef Cycling Club and owner of the Bike Shop and Hire, who saw the need for seniors to connect in meaningful ways.
The “Seniors Ride to Lunch” attracted 23 participants of varying cycling backgrounds, from beginners to more seasoned riders, all ready to embrace the ride’s core mission: to promote cycling as a way to connect, support one another, and build strong community bonds.
As they cycled along Port Douglas’s scenic routes, riders shared stories, laughter, and memorable moments, leaving the day-to-day stresses behind in exchange for a true sense of belonging.
Reflecting on the day, Angela Johnson noted that the event was about much more than exercise.
“It’s a powerful way to connect and we saw friendships formed and even people who came alone found themselves leaving with new connections,” Ms Johnson said.
“Events like this show how riding together can bridge gaps and bring people closer.”
The success of this event is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to combat loneliness is a shared activity, a little fresh air, and the open road.
Kubirri Aged Care
Pamela, a resident of Kubirri Aged Care Centre for just over five months, has been making quite the impression - not only for her warm personality but also her hidden talent for art.
From charming fridge magnets to detailed diamond art, Pamela’s creations have quickly become a hit among staff and residents.
It seems that Pamela didn’t always realise that she had an artistic streak, until she picked up cross stitch.
“I was always doing something to keep busy, but I never thought of myself as a crafty person, until I did my cross stitch when I was living in the UK,” she said.
“Then I discovered that I am quite good at it and then I kept going. I stopped doing cross stitching when I discovered diamond art, and I got hooked. I find it quite therapeutic.”
It seems this knack for creativity runs in the family, with Pamela recalling her family’s artistic abilities. “My Mother used to do embroidery and knitting, and my Grandmother would crochet the edge of doilies that my Mum made,” she explained.
The next thing she hopes to work on? “Anything and everything,” she said. “I’m looking forward to my Christmas diamond art, coming soon in the mail, so I can finish them and then I can put them on the Christmas tree.”
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