– We have previously received financial support from Thisted Municipality, but no longer, and therefore it is very important that we receive money from, among others, funds to cover part of the expenses in our association, says Bente Homann, who is the chair of the board.

The Free Pensioners in Klitmøller was established in the wake of Thisted Municipality's decision to close the local care center 'Klitrosen'. At that time, there was a very well-functioning activity committee at the care center, which was behind a wide range of activities for the residents and the city's other elderly. In addition to being a care center, Klitrosen was therefore a popular gathering point. All of this came to an end when Klitrosen closed in 2016 and was instead transformed into a facility for psychiatric patients and those with acquired brain injuries.

– The decision to close the care center caused some frustration here in the town, as the residents who lived at Klitrosen were older people from the town, who found joy in going to the sea and enjoyed having their network close by. Therefore, no one wanted to participate when a new activity committee was to be established at Klitrosen, says Bente Homann.

Instead, The Free Pensioners in Klitmøller was established. The purpose of the association is to prevent loneliness and create community. Activities are organized to strengthen physical and mental health – including excursions to cultural activities, music events, summer singing by the sea, Christmas concerts, and bingo games. Every week there is billiards, gymnastics, weaving, krolf, and petanque.

– We accept members aged 60 and over and early retirees – the only requirement is that they have a connection to Klitmøller, and we have several summer homeowners who want to be part of the community here, says Bente Homann, who adds that the disappointment over the closure of the care center should not stand in the way of new activities, and The Free Pensioners have therefore resumed a number of activities at Klitrosen.

The association currently has nearly 250 members, which is quite impressive considering the size of the local community.

– I believe that the support is due to the fact that people are happy with what we do. Furthermore, it probably matters that members of the association receive ten percent off their purchases at our local SPAR grocery store, says Bente Homann, who is pleased with the grocer's financial support for both the individual members and the association.

– The Free Pensioners help create unity in the town, and the activities contribute to ensuring that citizens who have become alone do not feel so lonely. We are incredibly grateful for the large turnout and the support we experience in the board.