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For 79-year-old Des Weatherhog, life in retirement is all about embracing new adventures, staying active, and making meaningful connections.
“I lost my wife, Barb, to breast cancer 16 years ago, which really slowed down my motivation for a lot of things,” Des, a former children’s clothing agent and business owner, said.
“Then a few years later, I came across an advertisement in a local newspaper inviting people to learn the ukulele, sing, and have fun.
“I didn’t have a musical bone in my body, but I thought it would be a chance to meet people and learn something new, so I went along, and it was wonderful,” he said.
That decision was indeed life changing.
The ukulele group, which met at the home of Wendy Chappell, not only introduced Des to music but also to Wendy (74), who is now his trusty companion in a quest to live life to the fullest.
Exercise plays a big role in Des and Wendy’s active lifestyle after a recommendation from their doctor led them to the Bond University Allied Health (BUnyAH) program for healthy ageing.
“We’ve done every aspect of the program, and it’s been fantastic,” Des said.
“I particularly enjoyed exercising at the Avanti Health Centre in Southport because they operate on the ‘use it or lose it’ principle, which really resonated with me.
“I wasn’t as steady on my feet as I once was, and Wendy and I were both keen to keep fragility at bay, and so far, so good,” he said.
Des is a big fan of the program’s social aspect.
“I could see the improvements it made to so many people, especially those with physical disabilities or those who were hesitant to try new things.
“It wasn’t just the exercises – it was the camaraderie and support; some introverted people really come out of their shells during the group sessions.”
The guest speakers on the BUnyAH program also left a lasting impression.
“They shared so many practical tips, like what to do if you fall at home and general advice on staying safe.
“The enthusiasm of the BUnyAH instructors, which included Bond University students and academics, was contagious, and their energy fed down to all the participants – it made such a difference,” he said.
Des and Wendy’s zest for life extends well beyond the program.
“Too many people put things off for a tomorrow that never comes.
“We both love travelling, and our ukulele sessions have taken us to the Blue Mountains, up north to 1770, the Sunshine Coast – just about everywhere.”
The couple own a motorhome, which they use to explore Australia at their own pace.
“Some people our age hardly ever set foot out their front door except maybe to go to the shops, but Wendy and I just jump in the van whenever we want and take off.
“It’s magnificent – life is too short to just sit around and watch the world go by,” Des said.
Their adventures even include unique experiences like fossicking at Lightning Ridge last year.
“I wasn’t into kicking dust and digging things up before, but we had an absolute ball with some friends, and it was great,” he said.
Closer to home, Des and Wendy take walks and cycle daily along the beautiful Southport Broadwater, keeping their bodies and spirits healthy.
Wendy won a bronze medal at last year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games in walking netball and loves her social tennis and golf while music continues to be a source of joy and creativity for them both.
“I went to a workshop on the Sunshine Coast on how to make your own ukulele,” Des said.
“Mine is made from Tasmanian Oak, and it looks and sounds and feels and plays the best out of the eight I own,” he said with a smile.
Whether it’s Des strumming his handmade ukulele, cycling along the Southport Broadwater together, or setting off on their next adventure, they’re certainly loving life.
“The ukulele playing is all about meeting people, staying active, and enjoying life – and that’s exactly what the BUnyAH healthy ageing program is about too,” he said.
Learn more about the Bond University Allied Health (BUnyAH) Interprofessional Healthy Lifestyles Program and the Healthy Ageing programs funded by Gold Coast Primary Health Network.
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