ACT Seniors Week has been replaced with the Silver is Gold Festival to help re-imagine ageing and encourage more community connection with older people.
Council on the Ageing ACT this week revealed the newly branded ACT Seniors Week, which was usually held in March but was cancelled last year in any case due to coronavirus restrictions.
Under Silver is Gold Festival, there will also be events throughout the year, not just one week.
COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs said the name change reflected that it was time "for everyone to re-imagine older people and ageing".
"There are two very important messages for everyone living in Canberra regarding our new brand," Ms Mobbs said.
"The first is connection. We are keen to see the whole community take responsibility in reaching out and building a co-operative spirit, particularly with our older folk.
"The second is re-imagining ageing. Many people in our society have a negative opinion of older people, ageing and the aged. We are all living longer, seniors are active and they contribute hugely to society, be this through volunteering, looking after grandchildren or being in the work force.
"It's time for everyone to re-imagine older people and ageing. Contributing to a community that welcomes and nurtures our seniors is a far better place for everyone to live."
The upcoming events for the Silver is Gold Festival are:
April 28: The Silver is Gold Festival launch, Community Art and Photographic Exhibition Openingat the Legislative Assembly
April 29: Chief Minister's Concert at the Canberra Theatre Centre
September 14: The Silver is Gold Seniors Awards
September 16: Silver is Gold Expo
October 31: Silver is Gold Grandparents' Day
"COTA ACT invites all seniors to save the dates for Silver is Gold and take this opportunity to spark a connection and re-imagine ageing," Ms Mobbs said.
"Help us in our active campaign to broaden the community's perspective on improving society for our ageing citizens.
"Support us in our vision to actively create connections between people of all ages and to re-imagine a community that shares, respects and integrates fully with its senior community."
