In the Southern Cape's Garden Route, three residents are redefining what it means to live a fulfilling life after 60. Dr Peter Berning, Alewijn Dippenaar, and Ling Dobson are examples of individuals who have continued to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their community. Their stories demonstrate that retirement can be a time for personal growth, volunteering, and giving back to society. By staying active and engaged, they are inspiring others to do the same. This approach to retirement is not only beneficial for the individual but also for the community.
Alewijn Dippenaar, an event organiser, is a prime example of an active 60-plusser who dedicates his time to high-impact volunteering. He has been involved in various projects, including the Outeniqua Chair Challenge, a sporting event for athletes with disabilities and wheelchair users, for eight years. Dippenaar has also co-organised the George Old Car Show and the Santos Beach Auto Extremo, an automotive festival in Mossel Bay. In addition to his event organisation work, he has provided logistical support for the Grootbrak Grabadoo, a cycling event and fun walk or run, for 15 years. His contributions to the community have made a significant impact.
Dippenaar's commitment to volunteering extends beyond event organisation. He has managed the public participation process for 12 construction projects in George for the past three years and is involved with various non-profit organisations, including DeafSA, DeafBlind SA, and the George Museum. He also conducts training sessions on topics such as coping with fear, anxiety, and depression, as well as conflict resolution and management. Furthermore, Dippenaar grows 500 spekboom plants every year for distribution and helps other organisers with their events. His selfless contributions have earned him recognition in the community.
Ling Dobson, a real estate agent, has also continued to pursue her passions after 60. She started her career at Pam Golding Properties and achieved GoldClub status within a year. Dobson bought the franchise from head office in 2009 and continued to work and sell properties. In 2013, she expanded her business to Plett and enjoyed the challenge of connecting people with the right properties. After a heart attack in 2018, Dobson sold her franchise to Gordon Shutte and returned to being a sales agent. This change allowed her to focus on what she loves – working with people.
Dobson's experience in real estate has been marked by numerous accolades, including winning the Pam Golding Lion Award. She also created the Knysna Literary Festival, a book celebration that became popular with the local community. Dobson has teamed up with a dynamic sales partner, Svelka Sharp, and together they have achieved even higher success. Her approach to life after 60 is centred around staying active, socialising with friends, and pursuing her passions. Dobson's story serves as an inspiration to others.
Dr Peter Berning, a medical doctor, has also continued to pursue his passions after 60. He played centre for the University of Cape Town rugby team in his varsity days and has a passion for flying. Berning's love for flying began on a flying safari in 1989, and he has since had many memorable air adventures. One of his most notable experiences was a flight to Lüderitz from Plettenberg Bay with his wife Joan and acclaimed photographer Obie Oberholzer. Berning has also been involved in polar expeditions, including a trip to the magnetic North Pole in 2005 and a journey to Antarctica in 2012.
Berning's commitment to his community is evident in his work as a medical doctor. He has been practising since 1975 and has worked in various locations, including Kleinzee, Angola, Australia, and Wales. Berning and his wife Joan moved to Plett in 1981, and he has continued to work as a medical officer. His wife Joan founded the initiative Eden to Addo in 2006, which aims to connect ecologically significant areas in the Garden Route. Berning's contributions to his community, both through his medical work and his personal projects, have made a lasting impact.
Key points
- Three Garden Route residents, Dr Peter Berning, Alewijn Dippenaar, and Ling Dobson, are examples of individuals who have continued to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their community after 60.
- Alewijn Dippenaar's commitment to volunteering and community work has earned him recognition, and his contributions to various projects have made a significant impact.
- Dr Peter Berning and Ling Dobson have also continued to pursue their passions, whether it be flying, medical work, or real estate, and have made a lasting impact in their community.
