For many, retirement means the chance to relax and enjoy a well-earned break after decades of work and family duties. Not so for Tarragal Manor’s tireless community champion, Joan Dibben.
At 94, Joan spends five days a week volunteering at drug and alcohol clinics on the Central Coast, assisting young people struggling with addiction.
For Joan, volunteering is all about helping those who need it.
“I always have more to learn, more kids to listen to, and so many people to be there for,” she said.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says elderly volunteers make a valuable contribution to society in both economic and social terms.
Volunteers also benefit from staying active and gaining social connection, a sense of identity and self-esteem.
Joan has lived at the Erina community longer than any other resident after moving to a care apartment in 2000, and staff at Tarragal Manor are consistently amazed by her positivity and energy.
Tarragal Manor employee Jason Millers said Joan’s attitude is infectious.
“Joan’s big smile and quote of the day always turns my busy day around in a happy direction,” he said.
“She jumps out of bed every day and goes out to make a positive contribution to the community.”
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