Exciting events for over-50s as Plymouth celebrates Ageing Well programme
Plymouth is set to celebrate International Day of Older People (1 October) with a whole week of events and activities for people aged over 50.
It’s all part of the city’s new Ageing Well programme, which has seen Plymouth City Council commit to ambitious plans to make Plymouth a city where older residents are supported and empowered to live life to the fullest.
From 30 September to 7 October, a range of events will give older people the opportunity to try out new activities, meet new people and learn more about the support on offer.
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Councillor Mary Aspinall, cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “There’s an absolutely brilliant line up of events and activities taking place across the city during the first week of October.
"I can’t think of a better way to launch our Ageing Well programme than by demonstrating all the activities and support available for older people in Plymouth and I hope to see lots of people getting involved.”
Plymouth Active is hosting a number of free taster sessions and classes for over-50s to explore a huge range of exercise options: swimming, climbing, walking netball, badminton, table tennis, Nordic walking, bowls, seated exercise classes and gym introduction sessions.
More details and information on how to book will be available from Monday 16 September at: plymouthactive.co.uk/events.
Improving Lives Plymouth also have a range of activities taking place at venues across the city. The sessions on offer include seated yoga, tai chi, gentle walks for unpaid carers and the people they care for, ballet, boccia (a ball sport in the same family as bowls) and community craft sessions.
A small fee applies for these sessions and more information is available at: www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk/our-services/age-positive.
There are also a number of free drop-in events taking place throughout the week, with no booking required:
Coffee and Creativity with Elder Tree and Theatre Royal Plymouth
Tuesday 1 October at 10.30am, Theatre Royal Plymouth (Front of House area)
A session celebrating and promoting seated dance and drama
Red Velvet Cinema
Wednesday 2 October at 10.30am, Devonport Guildhall
A fortnightly gathering of older people to watch a classic film and enjoy refreshments with the chance to socialise
Information and Advice Fair
Friday 4 October from 1pm to 4pm, Memory Matters Hub, 69A New George Street
Professional, friendly advice from local organisations about benefits, legal matters, befriending services, health and wellbeing opportunities and dementia support.
Silver Swans Sunday
Sunday 6 October from 2pm to 4pm, Elspeth Sitters House, PL1 2JB
Silver Swans Ballet session, existing members are welcome as well as anyone who would like to learn more and try a free taster dance session with refreshments.
Volunteering Fair
Monday 7 October, 1pm to 4pm, The Box
Find out about the great volunteering opportunities available for over-50s at a range of different organisations serving a diverse range of communities and causes.
Confirmed attendees so far include Barnardo’s, Timebank Southwest, Marie Curie, Trevi, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth City Council, Hearts Together, Improving Lives Plymouth, Elder Tree Befriending, Nature Plymouth, Citizens Advice, Age UK and the NSPCC.