Belfast holds a month of events for over 60s

October is an exciting month for older adults in Belfast as the city celebrates Positive Ageing Month. The month is aimed at the over 60s and will see over 200 events, workshops and activities take place.

The Positive Ageing Month is hoped to encourage better well being and reduce social isolation. The latter is particularly important for those who have reduced accessibility as many high streets may seem unfriendly and therefore limit social interaction. Public facilities are often lacking, leaving people to remain in the comfort of their own home with specialised facilities such as walk-in baths for the elderly. 

The Positive Ageing Month in Belfast looks to not only engage older adults socially but also creatively as many local cultural, arts and community groups will showcase their projects and clubs that run throughout the year. Encouraging older adults to regular attendance at such a club is a simple way to build community spirit and keep loneliness at bay while exploring a skill and enjoying oneself.

The events will take place in a range of diverse and interesting venues such as the Grand Opera House and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. There will also be lots of fun activities designed to get people talking and enjoying themselves. Previous Punjana Tea Dances at Girdwood Community Hub have proved popular and many expect them to attract a lot of attention while those looking for a more traditional pastime should head to ‘The Big Quiz’ later in the month.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Sonia Copeland, told Belfast Live: “Positive Ageing Month celebrates the contribution that older people make to both their own communities and the city of Belfast as a whole, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful month celebrating our older people and making Belfast a fabulous city to grow old in.”

Image Credit: Ardfern