Age Action Positive Ageing Week
Old age is something that comes to us all, if we’re lucky enough. And old age can be great – but it’s tough for many. That’s where Age Action comes in, providing practical help so that older people can enjoy their final years in dignity and comfort.
Positive Ageing Week
Age Action holds an innovative annual Positive Ageing Week, raising funds and awareness that power the charity’s work throughout the year. The week also helps to highlight the positive things about getting older and the real benefit that older people bring to their communities.
This year will see the fourteenth Positive Ageing Week, under the theme ‘Celebrating Ageing in Your Community’. It’s a useful reminder of how important older people are to society, and a way to celebrate getting older rather than seeing it as something to fear.
How it’s Grown
Positive Ageing Week has seen huge growth in the number of participants, as well as the enthusiasm and innovation they show to take part. The week brings both young and old together to raise funds, helping also to forge friendships that will last well beyond the week itself.
As part of the week hundreds of activities are held all around the country. These activities don’t need to be huge – taking part can be as simple as different generations of families coming together for lunches or coffee mornings. Wider activities include ideas such as ITea, which combines afternoon tea with technology for those over eighty. Budget cookery workshops, chair Zumba, and an over fifties trip to the zoo are some of the other events featuring during Positive Ageing week, not to mention musical evenings and board game tournaments. There are also plenty of opportunities for the older generation to pass on their wisdom to younger ones with human library and storytelling events.
Aside from individuals organising events themselves, many institutions host their own events including libraries, nursing homes, and retirement associations. In fact, 12 Positive Ageing Week Towns are hosting a week-long series of events! From following some of the events on social media, it’s obviously great fun as well as a fundraising opportunity. You can keep up with what’s happening near you on the Age Action website.
What the Money Does
These events all help to fund important work by Age Action, which campaigns for and supports older people. Age Action works to break down the barriers faced by older people who want to live independently, participate in society, and have dignity throughout life.
This includes making the case for changes in Government policy, and providing direct services. For Example, Age Action runs a free house repair service for minor issues and put older people in contact with reliable tradespeople for larger jobs. This is a great service as many older people feel nervous about having a stranger in their house. Age Action also provides one-to-one training on smartphones, tablets and computers, and runs an information service by phone, email and social media where people can get information on issues that affect older people.
Age Action, Positive Ageing Week runs from September 26 to October 2. You can find out more at the Age Action website.
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