Celebrating the older generation

Whether you want to age disgracefully or would prefer a formal high tea in your Sunday best, there will be something for every older person next Monday, when Taranaki communities celebrate International Day of the Older Person.

The day is a United Nations initiative which is celebrated all around the globe every year. It encourages people to celebrate the elders in their life and communities, recognising their contributions, and is the perfect day to connect with any senior people in your life.

This year’s theme is Celebrating Older Human Rights champions.

In Stratford, the day will be celebrated with a formal high tea in the afternoon. Organised by the Stratford Positive Ageing Group and Stratford District Council the event offers people the chance to come along “dressed to impress” and even bring their best bone china!

There are prizes for the best dressed and most impressive tea set on the day.

Gloria Webby, chairperson of the Stratford Positive Ageing Group, says she is looking forward to the event.

“Positive ageing events are always popular. They give our seniors an opportunity to get together, listen to interesting speakers, have a good old chinwag over lunch or a cuppa, and be generally entertained. The high tea should be great fun.”

In South Taranaki they will be ageing disgracefully.

South Taranaki District Council has organised an Ageing Disgracefully event for the day, with a programme packed full of fun from riding an e-bike, or trying out virtual reality goggles to trying some tai-chi or learning about hydroponics.

“Lots of these things are common place to a younger generation, so this is an event for older citizens to try something new.” South Taranaki mayor Ross Dunlop says older people are interested in technology.

“Just because lots of us are reaching ‘older person’ status doesn’t mean we aren’t active or interested in robotics or different ways to exercise.”

He hopes peoples will join in to have fun, “and to remind ourselves and others that once we’re over the hill we just pick up speed”.

■ Stratford Positive Ageing Group High Tea: Monday, October 1. Stratford War Memorial Centre. 2pm4pm. RSVP by noon on Friday, September 28 by contacting Peter Boyd, Stratford District Council on 06

765 6099 or email pboyd@stratford.govt.nz

■ South Taranaki District Council Ageing Disgracefully: Monday, October 1. Normanby Recreation Centre. Register with South Taranaki District Council Community Development Unit 0800 111 323 or email CDunit@stdc.govt.nz