Organisations and individuals are being invited to take part in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s programme of activities and events for Positive Ageing Month, which takes place in October.
Positive Ageing Month is a month-long campaign of events and activities for older people that recognises and celebrates the contribution older people make to their communities and the wider society.
This year’s campaign will focus particularly on activities that will promote active and healthy ageing and reduce social isolation and loneliness.
A comprehensive programme of events will be developed that encourages older people to take the five steps to well-being every day, which are Be Active, Give, Connect, Keep Learning and Take Notice.
This year, in light of Covid-19, a mixture of activities is being planned that enable older people to connect both virtually through online events, and physically where this is permissible within the Covid-19 guidelines.
The International Day of Older Persons, which is held annually on 1st October, will kick-start this year’s month-long campaign.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, will launch the campaign, and said it will be a fantastic programme to promote Council’s Age-Friendly status.
“Derry City and Strabane District Council are pleased to be supporting the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) with the Positive Ageing Month Campaign.
“Older people play such an important role within our families, our communities and the wider society, and it is important that their contribution is recognised and celebrated.
Mayor Tierney added: “Our Council is a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities and we are committed to promoting the interests of our older population and to fostering the exchange of experience and mutual learning between cities and communities worldwide.
“The Council has recently appointed a dedicated Age Friendly Co-ordinator whose role it will be to promote and implement an Age Friendly Strategy ensuring the delivery of the Community Plan actions.
“The Council is also an active member of the Age Friendly Network for Northern Ireland.
“I would like to encourage older people to embrace the programme of activities, get involved, and connect with others to try something new or learn a skill during Positive Ageing Month. You won’t be disappointed you did!”
The Positive Ageing Campaign runs throughout the month of October.
If your organisation, or you as an individual, would like to include an activity or event for inclusion in this year’s programme brochure and marketing campaign, please contact the Age Friendly Co-ordinator at [email protected] before Friday, August 7, 2020.
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