A week of music, movement, storytelling, history and fun will celebrate the many opportunities that come with growing older
The Waterford Older People’s Council is inviting older people across Waterford city and county to come together and celebrate Positive Ageing Week with a programme of free events taking place from Monday, 28th September to Friday, 2nd October.
The week will highlight the importance of staying active, connected and engaged at every age, while offering plenty of opportunities to meet new people, learn something different and, most importantly, have fun.
A packed programme of activities has been organised, with something to appeal to a wide range of interests.
The celebrations get underway on Monday, 28th September at 11am with “Back to the Future – How to be 50 at 80!”, presented by Ray Fuller, retired Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and Vice-Chair of the Waterford Older People’s Council Executive.
The event will take place at Central Library, Waterford City, with a further presentation at Dungarvan Library on Friday, 2nd October at 2.30pm. The free event promises an entertaining and thought-provoking look at positive ageing and the ways in which people can continue to enjoy life, activity and participation as they grow older.
For those looking to try something new, there will also be an Introduction to Lawn Bowls at The Causeway Tennis & Bowls Club in Abbeyside, Dungarvan, on Monday, 28th September at 11am and Friday, 2nd October at 2.30pm.
The lawn bowls sessions are free, but booking is essential. Places can be reserved by calling 085 145 1872.
History enthusiasts will have the opportunity to discover more about the local area during a Historic Walking Tour of Dungarvan Town on Wednesday, 30th September from 3pm to 5pm.
The free walking tour will provide an opportunity to explore Dungarvan’s rich history while enjoying some fresh air and company. Booking is essential by calling 085 145 1872.
Storytelling will also feature during the week with a special Storytelling Workshop, an introduction to the art of storytelling with actor Michael Power. Participants will learn how to tell the stories of their lives in a warm and engaging way.
The workshop takes place at St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre on Friday, 2nd October from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to come along and bring a friend.
The week will finish on a high note with a Tea Dance, taking place at St Paul’s Parish Centre, Waterford City, on Thursday, 1st October from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Music will be provided by Richie Hayes, with admission free and including a raffle, tea and treats. It promises to be a wonderful afternoon of music, dancing and friendship.
There are many more events taking place across Waterford as part of Positive Ageing Week, organised by Waterford Sports Partnership. Older people are encouraged to check out the full programme of activities and find something that interests them. Details are available on the Waterford Sports Partnership website, or you can contact them directly by phone for further information about events and activities taking place in your area.
The Waterford Older People’s Council is encouraging older people throughout the city and county to take part in as many of the events as possible.
Positive Ageing Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution older people make to their families, communities and society, while also recognising the importance of friendship, activity, learning and enjoyment at every stage of life.
Whether it is taking to the dance floor, discovering local history, trying lawn bowls, sharing stories or hearing some fresh perspectives on ageing, the programme offers plenty of ways to get involved.
The message from the Waterford Older People’s Council is simple: positive ageing is about staying connected, trying new things and enjoying life at every age.
