A Bury-based group is encouraging retirees to join them for "new opportunities, adventure and friendships".

South East Lancashire Oddfellows, made up of around 100 members, mostly older adults and retirees, appreciates how the early years of retirement can be a "particularly tricky time to navigate".

In a recent survey commissioned by the Oddfellows, it found how a third of retirees (39 per cent) have worked through negative feelings such as loneliness, boredom and a reduced sense of identity and purpose.

Of those who felt bored, 66 per cent said this happened within the first year, and a third (34 per cent) in just three months.

They also claimed their boredom was due to having too much time on their hands (64 per cent), having a lack of motivation or purpose (61 per cent) and that they struggled with a lack of daily routine (50 per cent).

The group’s latest message is part of an ongoing campaign to inspire people to stay connected, active and fulfilled in retirement.

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Social organiser for the group, Claire Rose, said: “You have grand plans when you retire, and rightly so, but the reality is that you have lots of free time on your hands and you need to give it structure and purpose.

"It can be hard to keep yourself motivated each day.

“It’s commonplace to plan for your finances in retirement, but it’s also important to make sure you look after your emotional and social needs, too.

"We can definitely help with that."

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The group says retirees can get more from their retirement by meeting up with new people, trying new activities and visiting new places.

Each month, it holds around 10 events in and around the Bury area, from walks, talks and coffee mornings, to lunches, excursions and quizzes.

Group member, Elaine Diggle, 69, from Bury, retired from her job four years ago.

She says that by adding regular Oddfellows events into her diary has helped her find more enjoyment in retirement.

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Elaine said: “I’ve found that you have to have something to look forward to and it’s a great way to get to know other people in a similar situation.

“You can also try activities that wouldn’t normally come your way, like trips out and some of the guest talks.

"You need to stay curious and try new things or boredom can definitely creep in.

“I also lend a hand when its needed. It feels good to feel part of a team. You can miss that aspect of working life.”

South East Oddfellows’ upcoming social activities include a trip to a special event at Manchester Museum on July 8 and a "pig racing" evening on July 16.

The society also runs around 60 online events every month which are free and open to all.

The group is part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies. It aims to improve people’s lives through friendship and support.

As well as social events, Oddfellows members can access a wide range of benefits, including care and welfare support and a travel club.

There are also opportunities to volunteer and play a part in raising money for good causes.

To find out more about the group, or to request an events diary, contact Claire on claire.rose@oddfellows.co.uk or 07564 641909. To request details online, or to see a range of advice around retirement, visit its website at oddfellows.co.uk/retirement.