On the road: Ian Jackson sightseeing in Turkey.
ONCE a month, members of the Armchair Travel group gather at Wadham House to see the world — all from the comfort of Mount Waverley.
Participants leave their passports at home and instead bring digital holiday photos to share. "Despite our ages, we love travelling," convener Ian Jackson said.
The travellers are part of the larger Waverley Life Activities group. Mr Jackson is president and membership secretary. The club recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and has about 330 members.
Mr Jackson has been active in the organisation for 11 years. He heard about the club on Golden Days Radio but it was only after he retired as an engineer that he found the time to be involved.
He said the group's aim was to keep its members active. "There's the social aspects too, so people can go along and mix with like-minded people. Sitting at home is not good for you," he said.
The average age of participants is about 75, with 50 being the minimum age, but Mr Jackson said the club was looking to change its profile. "We'd like to get younger people in."
Members can take part in anything from cards and craft to disabled tennis and tai chi. Last year, the group's caravan and cabin club travelled to Warrnambool and this year they will be heading to Inverloch.
He said the organisation dispelled the myth that baby boomers spent their twilight years winding down.
"We're called the Life Activities Club — that's the whole point of it," Mr Jackson said. "We wonder how we ever had time to work."
Monash residents are invited to join the Waverley Life Activities Club. Cost: $27 annual fee for a couple, $16 for singles. Details: life.org.au/waverley or call Ian Jackson on 9560 6381.