Seniors Week from 14 – 20 October celebrates older Tasmanians and their contributions to communities.
To mark the Seniors Week, Clarence City Council has put together Festival of the Ages program offering a variety of free activities for all ages to enjoy.
The theme of Seniors Week this year is ‘Connecting Generations’, and events directly connected to the theme include ‘Storytime and Nature Play’ and ‘All Ages Dance and Paint’ sessions at Rosny Library.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said Seniors Week was a chance to celebrate older Tasmanians and their invaluable contributions.
“The older people in our community have a lot to offer and they deserve to feel valued and welcomed at all times,” he said.
“Events like these provide a great opportunity to have some fun and importantly, they are a chance for people from different generations to connect.”
Clarence Positive Ageing working group member, Jan Kasteel and Chair of Youth Network Advisory Group (YNAG), Grace Williams agreed they benefit from local intergenerational programs.
“When I am in the presence of older people I forget all the things going on in my personal life and I free myself,” said Ms Williams.
“It’s also rewarding to share stories and spend quantity time with them to make them feel free to express themselves.”
Clarence Positive Ageing working group and YNAG both participate in the Our Shared Space program.
Mrs Kasteel wanted to encourage other older people to get out into the community and make the most of these opportunities, as it had improved her quality of life.
“It makes me feel younger, the aches and pains I have, go away. I don’t feel lonely, I’m sure my health is better because of it,” she said.
“When I get out and meet with young people, I come home feeling uplifted, in far less pain and much happier. It’s just so worth it.”
The Clarence Festival of Ages is open to all, and each event is free, but some require bookings.
A history walk around Bellerive and a gentle exercise class are other events included the program – and local comedian, Daryl Peebles, has written and will perform a stand-up comedy routine “Stand up for ageing – but not on a bus” which takes a comical look at aging with a strong message about the positive health benefits of laughter.
Events for the week include:
- Youth Drop in
Date: Monday 14 October
Location: Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre
Time: 3pm-4.30pm - Storytime and Nature Crafts
Date: Tuesday 15 October
Location: Rosny Library
Time: 11am-12.30pm
Register here - Dance with Paint
Date: Tuesday 15 October
Location: Rosny Library
Time: 3.30pm-4.45pm
Register here - The outrageous history of TV ads in Tasmania
Date: Wednesday 16 October
Location: Rosny Library
Time: 3pm-4.30pm
Register here - The unscary Sing Thing!
Date: Thursday 17 October
Location: Queen Victoria Care Lindisfarne
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Register here - Stand up for Ageing – but not on a bus!
Date: Thursday 17 October
Location: Rosny Barn
Time: 11am-12.00pm
Register here - Bellerive Historic Walk
Date: Thursday 17 October
Location: Bellerive
Time: 12.30pm-2.30pm
Register here - Live Well Live Long – Staying Stronger Gentle Exercise class
Date: Friday 18 October
Location: Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre
Time: 9am-10am
These events are run in partnership with…