Story by Rhylea Thompson
Friendships in retirement are one of life’s greatest gifts, providing companionship, support and a sense of belonging.
The 2026 Queensland Seniors Month theme is ‘Connect and Celebrate’ and highlights the importance of creating social connections as we age, to combat mental health, loneliness and form a strong support network.
Seasons offers an inclusive and welcoming environment for retirees to form social connections and friendships through its engaging Lifestyle Program and everyday life.
Here are just some of the special friendships that have formed here at Seasons:
Judi & Don:
After a few rounds of cards and sitting together to enjoy the live music sessions at Seasons, Judi and Don instantly felt at ease in each other’s company.
Most nights, the pair now enjoy playing board games over a few glasses of wine, in the comfort of Don’s apartment.
“Don is very well-mannered and tends to do things that a lot of men don’t, which is what really struck me,” Judi said.
“He insists on walking me home from his apartment in Building B to mine in Building A as he wants to know I’m safe.”
Describing Judi as a ‘good friend’ and a ‘lovely lady’, Don said his relationship with Judi has made the world of difference.
“A lot of people our age tend to keep to themselves, but I’ve found it to be so beneficial mixing with and getting to know everyone,” he said.
“It can be very lonely when you’re by yourself, so I feel very fortunate to have met Judi.”
The pair spent Christmas Day together last year with lunch at the local tavern.
PERFECT PAIR: Bonding over board games, music and wine, Seasons residents Judi and Don said finding each other in their retirement has made ‘the world of difference’. Picture: Rhylea Thompson
Carol & Jody:
While Carol and Jody started out at rivals on the squash court, the pair’s unshakable bond has stood the test of time, lasting more than four decades.
“She was good at sledging,” Carol said.
Since the earliest days of their friendship, the pair have gone to the cinemas to watch a film together every Saturday, before grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat.
The sweet tradition has continued to this day, with the pair often choosing flicks from the action, thriller or horror genres.
Within six years, the pair became work colleagues and although the change in dynamic and other factors led to tensions, not even that could tear the friends a part.
“When it comes to falling out, you really need to take a step back and assess how you will feel if you lose that friendship,” Jody said.
“When Carol and I stopped talking for a little while, I needed to get over myself because at the end of the day, this friendship meant and means a lot to me.”
Although the pair do not agree on everything, they always respect each other’s right to have a differing opinion, are always open and honest with one another and can talk about anything together.
“I consider Jody to be my sister more than my friend,” Carol said.
Weathering their fair share of hardships and losses together, Carol supported Jody when her close friend lost her battle to Cancer, and vice-versa and Carol’s husband passed away in April.
The tight-knit duo moved into Seasons two years ago and despite being closer than ever, they admit they try not to live in each other’s pockets.
“We respect when the other one wants to be a hermit, which is usually me as Carol is more social,” Jody said.
“At our age it’s really important to have one or two really great friends who you would trust with your life, so we’re very lucky to have each other after all these years.”
Since moving in to the Mango Hill retirement community, both residents agreed they were very happy at Seasons and “would never move anywhere else”.
“One of the main reasons I decided Seasons was the right choice for us was when I came for the tour and all the residents smiled at me or said ‘hello’,” Carol said.
“That has always stayed with me, so every time I pass someone in the corridors, whether it be another resident, staff member or visitor, I always make the effort to greet them.”
CHOSEN FAMILY: Few friendships have lasted more than four decades but Carol and Jody consider each other more like sisters now than friends. Picture: Rhylea Thompson
Les & Peter:
When it comes to Les and Peter, food and footy are the way to their hearts.
Every day at midday and for the past three years, the pair have shared lunch at the same table in the Seasons dining room.
With Peter being a Brisbane Lions fan and Les backing the South Sydney Rabbitohs, it is unsurprising that the lunchtime chat often turns to sport.
“We’ve always met at the food trough,” Les said.
“There are two footy competitions here that we’ve joined… Peter is very good and almost won it last year, but I’m hopeless.”
Both residents have joined the Seasons footy tipping competition and are regular attendees of the Seasons monthly men’s outing.
“Since moving (to Seasons), it’s been great socialising with others and forming friendships,” Peter said.
FOOTY FANS: Food and footy are the constants in Les and Peter’s friendship, with the two pals often sitting next to each other during lunch in the dining room and discussing the latest results in the AFL or NRL. Picture: Rhylea Thompson
John & Jeff:
A Queenslander and New South Wales supporter sitting down for morning tea may sound like the beginning of a punchline, but not even State of Origin can tear Jeff and John a part.
When Jeff’s wife was diagnosed with Dementia and moved to a different facility, he found himself withdrawing from others.
Things soon changed when John and late resident Joe invited Jeff to join them in the dining room for morning tea.
“I was very shy and oh so timid when I first came to Seasons, but John and Joe really brought me out of my shell and now I’m a bit of a larrikin,” Jeff said.
“Those two are the best blokes I’ve ever met in my life.”
The trio would often venture to a different pub or club each week, never repeating the same venue twice.
After sadly losing their mate Joe three years ago, the pair have maintained their daily ritual of sharing morning tea at 9.30am.
Friends of six years, John and Jeff have also shared the difficult experience of both their wives having Dementia, which they have supported each other through.
“The little group we have at morning tea – that’s what keeps me alive,” John said.
“My wife and I had been married for 70 years so when she got Dementia it broke my heart.
“It’s been good to have someone you can chat to and who understands what you’re going through.”
Describing John as honest, straightforward and compassionate, Jeff said one of their favourite hobbies was ‘taking the mickey out of each other’.
“Despite my jokes, I don’t hate John for supporting New South Wales or the Newcastle Knights,” he said.
“But truly, without Joe and John… they helped me assimilate so quickly and I am so appreciative of everything they have done for me.”
ORIGIN TALES: Residents John and Jeff may be rivals during State of Origin, but any other time the pair are the best of friends and share morning tea together every day. Picture: Rhylea Thompson
Jan & Ruth:
After sustaining serious injuries in a horrific incident, Ruth relocated to Queensland and moved into Seasons.
Despite enjoying life at the community, Ruth knew no one and a determined Jan refused to take no for an answer when inviting the newcomer to play cards and games.
Now three years on, the pair have become the best of friends, often going shopping, attending each other’s medical appointments and travelling to Norfolk Island together.
“I remember falling over and Jan sat with me and waited for the ambulance to arrive,” Ruth said.
“For most of my life, I’ve been a bit of a loner and I don’t make friends easily, but I know this friendship was for life in that moment.”
Every night before Ruth goes to sleep, Jan rings to check on her friend and say goodnight.
Jan said the sweet tradition made it feel like “boarding school” sometimes.
Describing each other as loyal, trustworthy and funny, the pair said there has never been a moment in their friendship where they have not had each other’s backs.
“We have a great friendship group here at Seasons and we do our own thing too, but it’s great to have someone special who is always there for you,” Jan said.
“No one is perfect, everyone has flaws and having a friend who loves you anyway – that’s the most important thing in life.
“Seasons has been a great place to form friendships… it’s such a welcoming, warm and kind environment.”
LIFELONG FRIENDS: Despite not forming friendships easily, Ruth knew she had found a lifelong friend in Jan. The pair have enjoyed plenty of adventures together and love playing cards, but their sweetest tradition is phoning each other daily to say goodnight. Picture: Rhylea Thompson
Myles & Carol:
Whether they are on the road in a classic car, travelling around Australia or simply cuddled up on the couch watching action movies, Tipping Point or Home and Away, Myles and Carol are always happy when together.
Meeting at Seasons, the pair initially exchanged friendly banter across the breakfast table, before connecting over their shared interests and life experiences.
After sadly both losing their spouses, the pair were able to comfort one another and understood the pain of losing a loved one.
“When Myles found out it was my late husband’s birthday and saw I wasn’t in the dining room at lunch, he came up to my room and gave me the biggest cuddle,” Carol said.
“We got to chatting and after a while he said ‘look, I know it’s probably not the right day, but I like you and I’d love to be friends to see where it goes’.
“I just thought it was lovely and he’s made me feel happy again ever since.”
The couple have now been going strong for 15 months, are part of a local car club and love dressing up for Seasons events.
One of their most exciting milestones yet has been meeting each other’s families who are over the moon for the couple.
“Everyone always asks us when we’re going to get married but we’re so happy as we are,” Myles said.
“We truly thought we would never feel like this again but we really are living the life together.”
Although he admits he has always been impressed by Carol’s immaculate and colour coordinated outfits, Myles said her caring nature is what he loved most.
While Carol said she was attracted to Myles’ ‘cheeky smile’.
