Events and activities highlighting Positive Ageing Month have been launched by Mayor of Derry, Alderman Graham Warke.
A packed programme of local activity aimed at the older community is now underway, celebrating the important role older citizens play in our city and district.
The campaign aims to shine a light on older people and provide them with an opportunity to engage with a wide range of organisations and activities that offer support services as well as opportunities to socialise and learn new skills.
Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Western Health & Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency have come together to create a diverse programme of activities and events throughout October and are encouraging various groups and organisations to get involved.
Council is also currently engaging with the older community to shape a dedicated "Age Friendly" strategy for the region prioritising older people and ensuring their health and well-being is a key consideration in the positive development of Derry and Strabane.
Mayor Graham Warke said: "Positive Ageing Month offers the chance to celebrate the older members of our community, and the huge influence they have on our society.
"The onus is on all of us to respect and engage with older citizens, and really value their lived experience and knowledge they bring to bear when shaping policies and programmes for our Council area.
"More people within our local community are living longer, healthier lives, so we must ensure that those later years are enriching and rewarding for growing old in our area.
"We must ensure that their needs are identified and prioritised and that we all take a more responsible and positive approach to life as we grow older. I hope to see lots of older people connecting with the programme and the opportunity to enjoy new activities."
Seamus Ward, of the Western Health & Social Care Trust, said: "I am delighted to be launching this year's Positive Ageing campaign.
"It is a great opportunity to showcase the fantastic work being carried out on the ground by older people's groups and community and voluntary organisations. The programme of events that we have produced shows a variety of activities that exist throughout Derry, Strabane and Limavady areas for older citizens.
"It is important we continue to work together to encourage older people to reach out and help them re-connect within their local community, not only to reduce social isolation and loneliness but to help them live long, healthy lives.
"We also must not forget the valuable contribution older people make within our local community."
Among the many highlights of Positive Ageing Month this year are opportunities to learn new skills and crafts, as well as events to entertain and engage.
Why not sign up for Digital Development for the over 60's, relaxation workshops, Christmas crafts, line dancing, Japanese Craft Making, organised walks at various locations around the City and District, or even a virtual sing along?
You can find out more about the full programme of activities here.
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