A CELEBRATION of the role played by older people marks its 10th anniversary with a packed two-month programme of events across East Sussex.

The full schedule of activities being held in the county throughout September and October to mark Older People’s Day on Sunday, October 1 2017 has now been published.

It features nearly 130 events – many of which are free – including sports and physical activities, walks, coffee mornings, film screenings, singalongs, trips out and events for people with dementia.

The programme, based on the theme Full Of Life, is supported by East Sussex County Council, Clinical Commissioning Groups and East Sussex Seniors’ Association, in partnership with leisure centres, local councils, charities and community and voluntary organisations.

Kate Davies, chair of East Sussex Seniors’ Association, said: “Older People’s day has brought a huge amount of pleasure to people over the last 10 years and this year promises to be as successful as ever.

“The varied programme offers people the chance to get out, meet new people, try something new and perhaps find an activity they’d like to keep on doing.”

Events being held include a health and hobbies fair on Hastings Pier, a Good Life show featuring stalls on health, fitness, hobbies leisure and learning at Eastbourne International Tennis Centre and various events at The Keep archive centre in Moulsecoomb.

East Sussex has one of the highest proportions of older people in the country, with a quarter of the population aged 65 or over compared to the national average of 18 per cent – a 23 per cent increase in 10 years.

Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council lead member for adult social care, said: “We’re proud to support Older People’s Day, which recognises the important role older people play and the valuable contribution they make to communities across the county.”

People can download the full programme online or pick up a copy from local libraries, leisure centres and council offices or through community and voluntary organisations.

It includes contact details to book places where necessary, information on how to get to the venue, details of catering on offer and entry charges where applicable.

The programme can be downloaded from www.eastsussex.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday