A day to remember for over 55s

An event held in Norfolk for over 55s gave older people the encouragement to recognise that the best prevention for premature ageing is simply enjoying oneself.

The event was called A Day To Remember and was held at Gressenhall Farm and workhouse in Norfolk on Sunday 18th September when over 55s had the opportunity to reminisce without being interrupted by school groups.

There was much information and advice on holding on to one's youth for as long as possible. Topics included the switch-over to digital television, equipment to enable people to remain independent for as long as possible and complementary therapies and relaxation techniques such as reflexology and Reiki to improve body and mind.

A highlight of the day was the Norfolk Laughter Club as instructor Nina Whear demonstrated the joys of laughter yoga with a good belly laugh. Participants and onlookers alike were curious to find out what it was all about.

Ms Whear said: “Laughter yoga is about taking responsibility for your own happiness and not relying on anyone else."

“We create a laughter, but your brain can't tell the difference between real laughter and false laughter so you still get all the benefits - it's aerobic exercise, it's good for the muscles when you smile, you oxygenate your blood and release endorphins which are the feel-good hormones.”

There were also opportunities for over 55s to learn about the diverse people living in their area. Norfolk County Council provided a "human book service which enabled older people to "borrow" a real person with a striking story. including a Muslim woman and a survivor from Nazi Germany.

Other more fun activities include Punch and Judy and working steam engines, all these designed to take over 55s back to more youthful times. The Gressenhall Write Out Loud team's special theme for the day was to enable participants to recall tales of food and meals of the past.

A recent BBC programme The Young Ones was hailed by Gemma Pendleton from Age UK as promoting the message that reminiscing could play a large part in reversing the ageing process.

Ms Pendleton said: "That programme proved that just reminiscing about being younger and immersing yourself in that reverses the physical and mental effects of ageing.

“That's something Pabulum, our project working with people with dementia, uses a lot."

The word Pabulum comes from the Latin for nourishment. The Age Uk project "aims to "nourish the minds of its service users through the use of reminiscence-based, person-centred support in group work and home visits."

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