International Day for Older People

The first of October was the International Day for Older People, observed in many corners of the world, on days close to the date.

In Bromley, Kent older people were invited to try their hands at some new activities at an event at the Civic Offices. As well as helping them to stay fit and healthy, it was a chance for over 60s to make new friends and socialise. The event was attended by over 30 different organisations, so the older people had plenty of activities to choose from.

In Belfast, Stormont ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly urged older people to try and find someone to champion their interests. At an event for the Executive’s programme for Government at Everglades Hotel in Derry there was a commitment to deliver a strong independent voice for older people.

The day was also observed in Malaysia. In response to a recent report suggesting that as more people live longer these days, the chances of people getting dementia have increased.

Professor Philip Poi, Head of Geriatric Medicine from Universiti Malaya, explained dementia in the local setting, and said: “Dementia is still unfamiliar to the ordinary Malaysian as many sufferers appear normal until the condition becomes severe. Alzheimer’s is the commonest form of dementia, afflicting about one in every five elderly Malaysians over the age of 80.”

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