Mytime Active stories - Glenise
Finding Purpose After Retirement
When Glenise, 76, moved to Cudham, near Orpington with her husband, Bob, five years ago, retirement felt like more of a challenge than a reward. After 32 years of running their own heating business and living in Pratts Bottom, she missed the daily commitments and constant client contact that had given her life structure and purpose.
But everything changed when she struck up a friendship with her neighbour who was a fitness instructor at Mytime Active. Her friend suggested Glenise should join Mytime Active’s Primetime programme, designed for people aged 60 plus.
Glenise says: “I hadn’t been someone that was ‘into’ keep fit and so I was naturally apprehensive when I started, but I soon found the Primetime classes weren't just about helping me staying fit, they helped me put down fresh roots in my new community. I made friends and had a weekly routine. It was comforting to know that if I didn’t turn up for one of my regular classes my new friends would wonder where I was.”
From Participant to Volunteer
Glenise was immediately drawn to Mytime Active’s volunteer buddies, who provide a friendly face at Primetime sessions. She explains: “I could see firsthand how Buddies created a welcoming environment and put people at ease. Since I was already attending classes, becoming a volunteer felt like a natural next step.”
Glenise has been a Primetime Buddy for three years. She volunteers at four sessions a week at Crofton Hall & Sports Centre, Mytime Active’s community sessions at St Nicholas's Church in Orpington and covers sessions at Blundells in Biggin Hill. She has also completed Mytime Active's dementia-friendly training, which included educational talks and practical sessions, which gave her valuable knowledge and experience.
Glenise explains: “I love chatting to people at the classes and especially like helping out at the dementia-friendly sessions, including making the all-important tea and coffees. The exercise sessions are so important for both the carers and those people living with dementia. In many ways the carers need more support than those with dementia. Carers often get forgotten, so simply asking them 'how they are' or 'what can I help with' is always appreciated. Coming to these sessions gives carers respite, as the Buddies can help with the people who have dementia, giving the carers space and time for themselves.”
Glenise's volunteer work has taken on even deeper meaning recently, as Bob, her husband, has been diagnosed with dementia. She says: “Being a volunteer gives me routine and purpose, and that's even more important now. It's essential for me to have something for myself.
“I love being a Buddy. After retirement I felt like I needed to do something to add value to both my life and my community, and being a Buddy provides me with that perfect balance.”