Loneliness and a lack of social connection are becoming an increasing issue for older members of the community, something many WA local governments are trying to ease. Over coming months Have a Go News will dive into what councils are offering their older residents to ease the pangs of loneliness. We kick off with the City of Melville.
WHO could forget dance tunes of the 1970s like the Bee Gees, Staying Alive or ABBA’s Dancing Queen?
The City of Melville wants to bring tunes like those of the 70s and hits like Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean and Madonna’s Into The Groove from the 1980s back to life for the over 55s.
While the primary objective of the city’s first disco dance night of the year on Wednesday, February 4, is to have fun, the city’s mayor says there is a more serious motivation for the event.
Mayor Katy Mair says the city’s over 55s disco shows have been proving popular with today’s over 55s redefining what recreation and social connection looks like.
Research by some of the world’s leading health organisations, including a landmark report from the World Health Organisation, highlights social isolation and loneliness as being widespread, with serious but under-recognised impacts on health, well-being, and society.
Social isolation, a lack of connection and interaction with social networks is increasingly being recognised as a priority public health problem.
It has many consequences including poor self-care, decreased mobility, mood and even memory, apathy and poor diet. It has also been linked to mental illness, emotional distress, suicide, the development of dementia, premature death and poor health behaviours like smoking, physical inactivity and poor sleep.
Research shows that as people age, social isolation if exacerbated by lack of local opportunities, information and age-friendly infrastructure.
City of Melville’s Plan for the Future 2024-2034 directly addresses this, recognising the need for healthy communities with its focus on building a sense of belonging, social connection and participation.
Mayor Mair says each new generation of older adults brings different expectations, interests and lifestyles and many prefer vibrant inclusive contemporary events over traditional seniors’ centre activities.
“We have an active, socially engaged community and they’re eager for opportunities that reflect that,” she says.
“Our award-winning Healthy Melville initiatives include this Over 55s City Beats Disco, Sit to Fit, Tunes for Toddlers, Yoga in the Park and Functional Fitness are all designed to promote wellbeing both physical and mental.
“There are limited opportunities for people in the over 55 age group to dance and so our City Beats Disco addresses this.
“City Beats was first trialled in 2024 and has been a sellout event since.
“In fact, we have outstanding attendance at most of our Healthy Melville events which reflects a need in the community for initiatives like this, that build health and allow social connection.
“It’s so easy in this digital world to lose connections and we’re proud of the work we do in this area of public health.
“The year’s first City Beats Disco for over 55s will have a packed dance floor and plenty of disco magic.
“Our DJ will be spinning pure disco energy: upbeat, funky and dance-ready tracks from the ‘70s, ‘80s and beyond.
“I encourage you to join us from 7pm to 9pm in the City of Melville Main Hall for the first City Beats of 2026 and I know you’ll enjoy it.”
The City Beats Disco is a ticketed event, numbers are limited and it is likely to sell out. Tickets are available from https://events.humanitix.com/city-beats-disco-for-over-55s.
