Active minds: Peter Pike, Rick Vincenti and Michael Norris embrace creative writing.
THE older you get, the more you need to keep your mind ticking over, and co-editor of FreeXpresSion, Peter Pike said one of the best ways to do this was through creative writing.
"It's important to keep your mind active as a senior," he said.
"Regrettably, many seniors believe that it's easier to stay at home rather than contend with public transport or some other challenge.
"Before long they start to live insular lives, often becoming bored, lonely and apathetic."
Mr Pike is convinced that FreeXpresSion, in conjunction with organisations like the University of the Third Age (U3A) and the Fellowship of Australian Writers, provide not only the stimulus to participate, but also a strong social network where people of similar interests can meet together regularly and share their ideas as well as their work.
Mr Pike retired in 1988 and took up writing as a pastime. He and three others decided to create a writing club as a branch of FAW at Liverpool.
The aim was to give members an opportunity to provide each other with feedback and constructive advice.
"In 1993 we published our first monthly edition of FreeXpresSion, but the expenses associated with its production precluded it from being a profitable hobby," Mr Pike said.
"However, it is most profitable from a satisfaction point of view."
Most of the subscribers and contributors of the magazine are retirees.
"Writing can be a most therapeutic pursuit in a world fraught with uncertainty and the stress of daily living," Mr Pike said. "Seniors who express themselves through this medium are better at getting things into perspective. Many U3A members in particular have found the group a real lifeline after losing a partner."
Visit: freexpression.com.au.