Monthly Update – October 2024

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Category: Latest News

Welcome to our October 2024 Monthly Update.

I am continually impressed with the commitment of all our tutors and volunteers. We have just received confirmation that two of our tutors, Ancita Beale and Benny Rosen, have received a Local Hero Certificate on behalf of Community Bank Caulfield Park in recognition of the wonderful work they do for our community. Congratulations to both Ancita and Benny and a thank you again to all our tutors, Committee and Office Volunteers.

We have a very vibrant community of over 1,100 active members. In addition, we email this newsletter to over 1,600 members who were active in previous years. If you are one of those members, please consider becoming active again in 2025. Life is much more rewarding with Glen Eira U3A.

A reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on Sunday 6 October when we need to put our clocks forward by one hour. As the days become warmer, this daylight saving allows better use of natural daylight and can help reduce our energy usage.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM on 10 October.

Mark Rubinstein
President

Upcoming Events

AGM – 10.00am on Thursday 10 October 2024

The AGM will be held at 10.00am, Thursday 10 October, 2024 in the Glen Eira U3A Green Rooms at 1151 Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly. This will be followed by morning tea.

Further information can be found on our website including:

  • Nomination and Proxy forms, which can also be obtained from Reception.
  • The financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024, which can also be obtained from Reception. Copies will also be made available at the AGM.

Seniors Festival – 1-31 October 2024
Victorian Seniors Festival is from 1–31 October 2024. Find out more at:
https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/victorian-seniors-festival

Glen Eira City Council – This year’s theme — Explore. Engage. Evolve – aims to encourage older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people and changing how we think of ageing. Find out more at: https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/services/seniors/whats-on-for-seniors/seniors-festival

Metro Trains – All Victorian Senior Card holders can explore Victoria with eight days of free public transport from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October 2024

Christmas Choir Concert – 2.00pm on Sunday 17 November 2024
Come and enjoy the Glen Eira U3A & Bentleigh U3A Choirs at their end of year Christmas Concert. The concert, followed by afternoon tea, will be held at the Glen Eira U3A Green Rooms at 1151 Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly.

Hearing Van – 9.30am to 3.00pm on Tuesday 19 November 2024
Hearing Australia will provide free hearing checks on Tuesday 19 November. You can reserve a spot by contacting Reception, either in person or by calling (03) 9572 0571. Each hearing check takes around 15 minutes and the Hearing Van will be parked in the Woolworths car park outside our Glen Eira U3A premises at 1151 Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly.

Course Update

2025 Enrolment Dates

Planning for our 2025 year is progressing well and we already have over 140 courses that will be on offer in categories ranging from art, craft, computer, dancing and language courses to social activities.

  • 2025 early enrolment (tutors and volunteers) – 9.00am Monday 13 January 2025
  • 2025 enrolment (members) – 9.00am Wednesday 15 January 2025
  • 2025 assisted enrolment (members) – 9.00am Wednesday 15 January 2025 (at Glen Eira U3A venue)
  • 2025 Semester start – Monday 10 February 2025

2024 Available Courses

There are still places available in some 2024 courses and you can find these by going to the homepage of our website at https://gleneirau3a.org.au and clicking on “Click here to see courses with current availability”.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Update – Focus on Wellbeing

Social engagement plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of seniors, significantly impacting their mental, emotional, and even physical health. As people age, they may experience isolation due to retirement, mobility issues, or the loss of loved ones, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Maintaining strong social connections helps mitigate these negative emotions and provides seniors with a sense of belonging and purpose.

Regular social interaction has been shown to boost cognitive function, reducing the risk of dementia and memory loss. It keeps the brain active, encouraging mental stimulation through conversation, shared activities, and problem-solving with others. Furthermore, social engagement promotes physical activity, as seniors who participate in community events or group exercises tend to be more physically active, which contributes to better physical health and longevity.

Emotionally, social connections foster support networks that provide comfort during difficult times. Seniors who are socially engaged feel more valued and less isolated, improving their overall quality of life. Encouraging involvement in social activities, whether through community centres, clubs, or family gatherings, can enhance seniors’ happiness and well-being as they age.

Some ideas to help you build social connections:

  • As well as our U3A and the courses and activities we offer, you can ask your local council, public library, public swimming pool or local sports club what’s on offer near you. Enter your location in the My Community Directory website to see what’s available in your area.
  • Lots of organisations, including our Glen Eira U3A, are looking for volunteers who can contribute to their organisation. This is another way to stay socially active and feel a part of your community. Find volunteering places near you on the Volunteering Australia website.