Central Coast Council is hosting a Morning Tea at Laycock St Theatre to celebrate International Day of Older Persons on 1 October.

Council is committed to creating positive attitudes towards ageing and celebrating the role and achievements of older people in our community.

Council Director Community and Recreation Service, Melanie Smith said International Day of Older Persons is about honouring our older residents and paying homage to the contribution they make in our communities, while recognising their rights to age positively.

“We strive for a community that includes and values older people in all aspects of life and provides valuable opportunities for older people to participate and contribute fully within society,” Ms Smith said.

“We want a society in which dignity, choice and freedom are achievable and in which older persons are supported in having independent, active and fulfilling lives.

“Older persons in our community are invited to come along to Laycock St Theatre, where guest speakers will be educating our older persons about their rights in all aspects of ageing, such as residential retirement village living and aged care rights, online security and identity theft support.”

The day’s events will include:

•    MC - Frank O’Toole, Gosford Musical Society 
•    Speakers - Jenny Samuels, Seniors Right Service and Alicia Anderson, ID Support NSW 
•    Singing Entertainment - Sunrise Michelle

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council has a key role to play in supporting our residents to live longer, healthier and fulfilled lives on the Coast.

“Older persons make up the majority of the Central Coast’s population with 27% aged 60 years and above,” Mr Hart said.

“Each year we plan, develop, and implement programs, activities, services and infrastructure to support our older persons to remain active participants in all aspects of community life, throughout all life stages.

“What we know from developing the Positive Ageing Strategy is that a major feature of retaining a positive attitude to ageing is a sense of belonging, feeling part of a community and maintaining links with family and friends.

“We encourage older persons to connect with local community groups and organisations and discover the wide range of services, activities and events available, which will enable the development and continuation of meaningful work, leadership, self-worth and resilience for older people living on the Coast.

To register to attend the Morning Tea at Laycock St Theatre, search ‘International Day of Older Persons’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

ENDS