A special celebration event is taking place in place in Warrington to celebrate older people.
The event takes place at The Gateway on October 1 to mark National Older People’s Day and the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
Entertainment will include live music, dancing and sports, whilst those who want to try something a little more relaxing can indulge in a soothing pampering session and learn about different holistic therapies they can try at home.
This year’s theme is about encouraging people to ‘stay healthy and active in later life’ and will encourage Warrington’s older residents to take up and maintain a regular social or physical activity. A key part of helping people to keep themselves well in later life is also encouraging them to stay active.
Throughout the day different organisations will host a range of activities and older people will be encouraged to try their hand at something new. There’ll be lots of different interests to choose from, including line dancing, arts and crafts and Tai chi. For anyone considering taking up a new social or physical activity, there’ll be someone on hand who can help find all the suitable activities in their local area.
Visitors will also have a chance to take a trip down memory lane by watching official archives and listening to the memories of people of all ages who took part in Warrington Walking Day.
Live entertainment on the day, will showcase the diverse talents of our communities, including the amazing skills of Tiny Ted the Magician and the musical talents of C’est ci Bon and the Ryfields choir.
The celebration event will also mark the launch of NHS Warrington’s Winter Warm campaign. This year the campaign will focus on helping people to be prepared for the coming winter months.
To help people to prepare for winter health professionals will be on hand to provide expert advice on a number of health issues and will also be taking the opportunity to speak to them about making sure they are prepared for the colder months. Everyone attending will also be entitled to a winter health and well-being check, whilst those over 65 can get a free seasonal flu vaccine.
Jannette Norton, NHS Warrington’s Healthy Ageing Project Coordinator, said: “It’s essential that older people are prepared for the coming winter. The extreme weather we experienced earlier this year left many of our residents facing difficulties. Cold weather can lead to more serious health problems for older people, such as heart attacks strokes and pneumonia”.
The day will conclude with an awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding achievements of our older residents and the contributions they have made to their local communities.
Warrington’s Older Peoples Celebration Event is open to all older people and their carers and will be held at the Gateway from 10am till 4pm, and a special winter lunch will be available at a reduced cost from the Gateway Café.
The celebrations have been jointly organised by NHS Warrington, the Older Peoples Engagement Group (OPEG) and Warrington Council’s Arts and Sports Engagement Team (ASET). For more information on the event call OPEG on 01925 246966.
