Black Country Oddfellows forges new friendships with top tips for happiness in later life

It comes as meet-ups in Wolverhampton, Tipton, Wednesbury and Aldridge are marking an annual ‘friendship month’ with a series of get-togethers and special events. There is a packed schedule of opportunities – inside and outside of the monthly meetings.

Oddfellows was established in 1810 and is one of the largest societies in the UK who aim to improve the quality of people’s life through friendship, care and charitable support. September is Oddfellows Friendship Month and the society is continuing to create communities bonded by companionship and care.

In recent weeks, Wolverhampton members have enjoyed a canal boat trip, restaurant visits and theatre nights with plenty more to come in the run-up to Christmas.

With more than 200 years’ experience in helping people to get more out of life, Oddfellows have shared steps to greater happiness in later life:

Keep your brain busy

Increase your brain’s vitality and stay mentally active by challenging yourself with crosswords, starting a course or writing a letter. A recent example of this is Joy Gibson who re-entered academia at the age of 59 following a career as a drama teacher. She now has 5 degrees to her name at the grand age of 90 and has a 6th degree under way as well as thinking of her 7th! 

Help others

Volunteering encourages you to make friends by mixing socially with others. It can boost self-confidence, self-esteem, life satisfaction and overall it can contribute to having a purpose in life; approximately 2.2 million people over 60 help out with at least two charities but note, any age is encouraged. 

Join a local club or society

Meaningful friendships can be made through regular contact with those who share a common interest or hobby. Research has proven that people in their mid to later years tend to be happier and healthier if they have a large group of friends that they often spend time with.

Get physical 

Not only does exercise help maintain your weight but it also reduces cardiovascular risks, including high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, it helps combat stress, anxiety and depression. Running is an excellent exercise for those more agile as it can be a good way to protect against osteoporosis.

Use time more wisely

Rather than letting your household chores build up for the weekend, do a bit at a time every day either before or after work. We appreciate you may not always have the time to do this but at least give it a go and see the difference it makes. Even 15 minutes a day of house work will help and this will allow you to look forward to the weekend. If you can’t manage this daily, then seize the day on a Saturday and start early by getting the boring chores done and dusted! Then you can dedicate the rest of your weekend to more interesting activities – including points 1 to 4.

Look after animals

Here’s a final point we have added…The companionship that a pet offers is an excellent way to reduce anxiety and stress. Consider getting a pet or, if you can’t dedicate enough time to a pet, look after friends or family’s animals. The relationship between human and animals go back a long way and researchers have found that certain cells in a particular part of our brain involving emotions, only respond when we see animals but not people, places or objects.

It’s even well-known that looking at pictures of cute animals can make us happier. There are many people often in need of dog/cat sitters - this could be right up your street and make you feel happier!

Oddfellows run social events throughout the year and welcome anyone of any age to come along. They also offer volunteering opportunities and care and welfare support to members at 132 of their branches for those that feel lonely, unwell or are facing other difficulties.

For more information about Oddfellows’ Black Country and Birmingham events, please see oddfellows.co.uk/branch-finder/ or contact Elizabeth.Blackhurst@oddfellows.co.uk