OLDER PEOPLES DAY

I belong to the British Dietetic Association Group which looks at supporting nutrition and older people so thought this may be of interest.

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.

Why do we need an International Day of Older Persons?   By 2020, half of our UK population will be aged 50 or over.  People have a better quality of living, which means longer lives!

Well, as the population changes, the country will too.  We need to improve attitudes towards older people and appreciate the roles they play in society more.  They can be forgotten about and sometimes treated like lesser members of society.  That's definitely not how I want to be treated when I'm older, so let's take care of the elderly in the present and carry it on to the future!

So, would you like to help?  You could plan an event around this year's theme.  Arrange fun days, tea dances, fitness activites, or my personal favourite, events that focus on bringing generations together.

I found one story particularly heart-warming.  Sixth formers from a Community Technology College each brought a modern item of technology and spent time showing the elderly people how to use them. To return the favour, the senior citizens brought along gramophones, old typewriters and other interesting items the kids would never have had the chance to use.

For more information visit the International Day of Older Persons website.  Plan your event and then keep checking back on the official website to find about other events happening near you!

Older People's Day

Saturday, 01 October 2016

People are living longer, let's celebrate the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and tackle negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.

witter:  twitter.com/OlderPeoplesDay #OlderPeoplesDay #FullofLife

Get involved with UK Older People’s Day and help celebrate the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and tackle negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.

This annual event coincides with the UN International Day of Older Persons.

Events will be taking place across the country

Celebrations and activities will be held on, or around, 1 October also promote healthy life styles, give opportunities to combat loneliness, encourage volunteering and sharing skills with different generations. After all nearly everyone is an Older Person to someone!

Joining in UK Older People’s Day is a great way of building new relationships between people of all ages and will create a real buzz in your local community. Visit the website to register or find an event.

Watch this space or sign up to our social media channels to keep up to date on how Royal Voluntary Service will get involved.