ELIZABETH Miller said keeping well informed can help people to feel connected and secure as they grow older.
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That's why Ms Miller, 82, has been a member of the Morisset Senior Citizens and Pensioners Association for 14 years.
The changing rules around pensions, wills and property matters can be difficult to keep track of.
But as members of the Morisset group, Ms Miller and her colleagues are kept informed by the state association's head office.
"We also have guest speakers at our monthly meetings," Ms Miller said.
Speakers have included legal experts, pharmacists, property experts, and representatives from NSW Fire and Rescue, and NSW Ambulance.
Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, and Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon, have also been popular and informative guest speakers, she said.
But it's not all about the serious stuff.
"There's a social aspect to our association, too," Ms Miller said.
"You get to meet up with people of the same age, and we enjoy outings, including quite a few bus trips."
Members also meet for lunches, and have fun dressing up for events such as the Melbourne Cup.
Ms Miller said members came from diverse backgrounds, but all brought valuable knowledge to the group.
"There's a lot of life and professional experience among our group," she said.
Members mostly came from Morisset, Dora Creek, Cooranbong and Wyee, she said.
The group meets at the Masonic Hall in Morisset on the third Tuesday of the month at 9am.
Meetings typically feature a guest speaker or entertainment.
Membership costs just $15 a year, which covers the cost of using the hall.
Ms Miller is the group's chairperson and social secretary, among other roles.
She said the group's membership had declined in recent years, as some members moved into aged care.
She hoped that by publicising the benefits of being part of the group, more locals would be inclined to join.
Phone Ms Miller on 4973 3550 or secretary Bob Jay on 4973 2443 to learn more.