Positive Ageing Month Launched by Ards and North Down Borough Council and Partners

Age Friendly Ards and North Down, in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), has launched the plans for Positive Ageing Month 2024. Positive Ageing is a month-long campaign of events, activities and programmes that takes place every October and promotes positive ageing as well as recognising the part that people aged 50+ play within the local community.

Led by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Age Friendly Ards and North Down has been working with community, voluntary and statutory partners to develop a comprehensive brochure that encourages people over the age of 50 to take the five steps to wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give. These five steps built into our daily lives can help maintain and improve our health and emotional wellbeing.

The events begin on Tuesday 1 October to mark International Day of Older Persons and this year's UK theme is "The part we play": Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities.

Some highlights of the programme include walks, physical activity, singing, digital training, creative sessions, and a roadshow in Ards Blair Maine Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Newtownards, on Thursday 17 October that promote and help with ageing well.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"I am delighted to introduce the Positive Ageing Month 2024 programme. It offers a wealth of opportunities for people aged 50+ years to be included in all aspects of community life across the Borough. The Age Friendly programme aims to support and enable people to age well by increasing participation and access to services, thus making sure Ards and North Down is an enjoyable place for people to live and grow older in. The wide range of opportunities are reflective of the partnership working by all stakeholders including the community and voluntary sector who continuously reach out to support our citizens.

"I would like to thank everyone for their contributions and the Public Health Agency for their ongoing support. I would encourage everyone to use Positive Ageing Month as an opportunity to try something new, get along to as many of the activities as possible and encourage others to join you."

Jeff Scroggie, Regional Lead for Ageing Well at the PHA, said:

"Empowering people aged 50+ years to live healthier and fulfilling lives is crucial to maintaining and improving their wellbeing. It can help reduce isolation, become more active and develop important connections that can benefit mental health.

"Positive Ageing Month is a welcomed opportunity to celebrate the contribution older people make to their communities and for them to connect and become involved in events and activities."

For more information and to access a copy of the Positive Ageing Brochure, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/positive-ageing-month or call the Age Friendly Coordinator on 0300 013 3333 (Ext. 40336).