Registrations are now open for ‘Communities of Meaning: Enriching Life in Retirement’

Registrations have now opened for the February 2026 Research Day – Communities of Meaning: Enriching Life in Retirement – cohosted by the University of Divinity and the Christian Research Association.

Having meaning in life can make a huge difference to our lives. There are studies going on around the world which demonstrate that. Meaning can give us resilience in times of hardship. If we have directions in our lives and an urge to accomplish certain things, then we may well find a way through our difficulties, even through major health problems such as cancer. It is a significant factor too in mental health and helps us overcome depression and anxiety, for example.
Hughes, P. (2025) The Creation of Meaning in Life: An Initial Report of CRA’s Latest Research. Pointers. Vol.35(3), September p.1.

A University of Divinity and Christian Research Association hybrid research day will present papers from six researchers, representing various academic institutions. Using qualitative data from 71 in-depth interviews, the researchers will explore how making connections and engaging in communities of meaning can help retired Australians to flourish as they age.

As Australia’s ageing population grows, provision must be made not only for the physical and mental wellbeing and care supports for older people, but also for their ongoing social connections. Organisations which aim to serve people well should seek to create communities in which individuals will be acknowledged and supported, and provide opportunities for people to contribute their experience or skills, or simply allow opportunities for supportive listening. Such communities should build on peoples’ goals of maintaining their physical and mental health and developing their passions and interests. It is in doing this in contexts where people are valued and can add value that meaning is created.

Presenters from the University of Divinity include Reverend Professor Philip Hughes (Pilgrim Theological College) and Associate Professor Robyn Wrigley-Carr (Whitley College). Other presenters include Professor Johannes Luetz, Dr Enqi Weng, Dr Fleur Creed, and Dr Stephen Reid.

We invite all researchers in spiritual care, aged care and wellbeing to join this conversation, as well as organisations which provide services to people where this nexus between adding value and meaning-making might be explored.

This event is FREE to attend and includes lunch. We invite you to read more about the event, and register, so that we have numbers and dietary considerations for catering. Alternatively, if you are unable to join us in-person, please register so we can send a zoom link.

Communities of Meaning: Enriching Life in Retirement