As October fast approaches, there are just a few weeks left until the opening of the Positive Ageing Month programme.
Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Darren Guy, took the opportunity to officially launch the PAM brochure at the Mayor’s Tea Dance, one of the most popular local events for the older community.
It was an opportunity to get speaking to some of Derry and Strabane’s very active older people, and find out more about the issues that matter to them.
Positive Ageing Month is the ideal platform to engage with the older community, through a wide range of activities, programmes and events. Derry City and Strabane District Council works alongside the Western Health & Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency (PHA) to promote the initiative, which aims to celebrate the important contribution older people make to society.
This year’s theme acknowledges the many vital roles they play, and Ald. Guy said he was delighted to see so many local groups getting involved.
“Just looking around at our Tea Dance audience here today, it’s obvious that we have an energetic and active older community who are keen to get involved in local events and enjoy a vibrant social life.
“Positive Ageing Month gives local organisations the chance to connect with that audience and ensure they have access to a wide range of services, activities and programmes to enrich and support local people as they age.
“As a council we want to ensure that everyone has the chance to live a happy and fulfilling life, and this is another step towards achieving that. Check out what’s on the programme and how it could benefit you.”
Jeff Scroggie, Regional Lead for Ageing Well at the PHA said: “The PHA is delighted to help raise awareness of Positive Ageing Month and highlight the programme of activities taking place in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
“Positive Ageing Month provides an opportunity to celebrate older people and encourages them to connect with each other and with activities in their community.
“Taking part in programme activities can help to reduce isolation, increase physical activity and benefit good mental health.
“Growing older shouldn’t be a barrier to leading a happy and fulfilled later life.
“Empowering older people to live healthier and fulfilling lives is crucial to maintaining and improving their wellbeing. We recognise the invaluable contribution older people make within their community and within wider society.”
Seamus Ward, Head of Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement at WHSCT added, “This year’s theme, ‘The part we play: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities’, is about celebrating the role you and your friends and neighbours make to improve our community.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in putting together this brochure and programme of events.
“I am looking forward to working closely with other stakeholders in coming weeks as we allocate grants for older people activities. These grants enable community and voluntary groups to create activities that enhance the physical and mental well-being of our older population.
“I hope you get a chance to benefit from the many excellent programmes that will be available in your community as a result of this work.”
The brochure is available at a number of locations as well as online at: www.derrystrabane.com/community/age-friendly/positive-ageing-month
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