A PROGRAMME of activities is taking place in September and October to mark International Older People’s Day 2023.
The Full of Life events programme has been unveiled by East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Seniors’ Association (ESSA) and features over 40 free and paid for activities open to the 50 plus age group.
Film screenings, lunch clubs and wellbeing workshops are just some of the events taking place to celebrate International Older People’s Day.
Other activities available across East Sussex include coffee mornings, singalongs, creative crafting, and board games sessions.
To encourage healthy ageing, the programme also offers Golden Yoga, or chair yoga, fall prevention and sleep workshops. A health and wellbeing day will also allow people to have a go at Tai Chi and belly dancing, and enjoy hand and foot massages.
The over 60s can also take the opportunity to try new activities for free including badminton, walking football, table tennis, Pilates and aqua aerobics at Freedom Leisure Centres in Wealden.
Many of the events have been organised by ESSA Senior Forum groups which, as well as holding social events and offering help and advice to older people, provide a collective voice for the over 50s across the county.
ESSA Senior Forums meet with the council’s Adult Social Care team and the NHS every two months, influencing the decisions made locally on the issues which impact their everyday lives.
There are groups in Eastbourne, Hastings, Seaford, Wealden, Rother, Lewes, and the Meridian area of East Sussex, and membership is free to anyone aged 50 plus who lives or works in the county.
Lin Neeve, Chair of East Sussex Seniors’ Association, said: “It’s great to see such a varied programme of events across East Sussex again this year to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among older people. There really is something for everyone.
“As well as meeting new people and trying something different by getting involved in activities, I would encourage residents to consider getting involved in their local forum and becoming a voice for older people. By being part of a forum you can stay connected with your community, take part in social activities and learn more about health and care services.”
Full of Life events are taking place in locations across East Sussex including Bexhill, Eastbourne, Forest Row, Hastings, Newhaven, Rye and Seaford.
Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for adult social care and health, said: “I am delighted we are supporting Older People’s Day and the Full of Life events programme for the sixteenth year.
“The awareness day on October 1 is about celebrating the important role older people play in our communities. There are more older people living in East Sussex than ever before, and keeping physically, emotionally and socially active is a great way to stay happy, healthy and connected.
“As well as taking part in the some of the fantastic events on offer over the next two months, I also encourage our older residents to consider joining their local Senior Forum so they can play an active part in shaping services and facilities across East Sussex.”
People can view the full events programme and find out more information about activities taking place in their area at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday.
Event booklets are currently available from libraries, council buildings and other community venues.
To find out more about Senior Forums in East Sussex including how to join one of them, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/community/over-50s/forums-clubs-services-for-older-people/older-peoples-forums.