Older men find purpose
WHEN Stan Carroll’s wife passed away seven years ago, he wondered what he would do with himself after 52 years of marriage.
He became involved with TOMNET, which helps men reconnect and find purpose after they retire.
“This organisation existed, it was for older men, and was a social organisation that did volunteering and things,” Mr Carrol said.
“I thought ‘that would suit me and keep me out of trouble’, which it does.
“TOMNET’s ultimate goal is to turn the period from age 50 onwards into one of the most satisfying times in a retired man’s life.”
Mr Carroll is now president of TOMNET, and is excited about the launch of a new program helping retired men find new opportunities.
The program involves a series of one-on-one sessions with a facilitator who helps men who are feeling lost in retirement get back on their feet.
The program can help men struggling with loss, relationship or family issues, or feeling a lack of purpose.
TOMNET general manager, Louise Adcock said the new program was especially important with suicide rates increasing.
“We plan for our careers, but rarely plan for our retirement which now lasts for nearly as long,” Ms Adcock said.
“This is where we come in. “We help men think outside the square as to how to get invlced in new opportunities such as volunteering or connecting with a new social network.”
TOMNET also provides regular weekly gathering and volunteering opportunities.