International Day of Older People (IDOP) is an annual celebration day observed on October 1st and local people joined parties hosted by community groups across Calderdale to mark the day this year.
The celebration day was created by the United Nations (UN) in 1990 to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages. Calderdale Council has committed to making Calderdale an age-friendly borough and provided support to eight local community groups to help them celebrate the 31st International Older Person’s Day with special events throughout October.
As the voice of older people, Calderdale Forum 50 Plus has worked closely with the Council to raise awarness of this celebration day and encourage local groups to get involved. We are also an active member of the Council’s Age Friendly programme.
Events included traditional Indian dance demonstration, a team dance, volunteers party and an over-50s activities morning. See our event highlights below.
Young at Heart – “Back in the Day” event
The first event took place on 6th October at The Shay Stadium with the Young at Heart group holding a “Back in the Day” party. Current members and new visitors enjoyed an afternoon of games, bingo and a beetle drive with an afternoon buffet tea.
To find out more about the Young at Heart club, call Jean on 01422 355059 or visit our In Touch web pages.
Indian Oil Lamps with Annapurna Dance
Over 100 people attended a traditional Indian dance and music demonstration with storytelling at The Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough Mills on Sunday 6th November.
To see more pictures and a video from this event see the Annapurna Dance Facebook page.
Memory Lane Cafe Party
Memory Lane Cafe held a party for carers and their partners/friends on Sunday 16th October at The Maurice Jagger Centre in Halifax. A packed room of visitors were entertained with music, bingo, quizzes and dancing plus plenty of cake. They were joined by representatives of local support organisations: homecare companies Home Instead and Bluebird Care, Overgate Hospice, Calderdale Dementia Hub and the Ageing Well team from our local NHS CCG.
Find our more about Memory Lane Cafe’s fortnightly meetings.
See the Memory Lane Facebook page.
Southowram Over Fifties Activities Group (SOFA)
On Wednesday 19th October, Southowram Over Fifties Activities Group (SOFA) held a celebration coffee morning at Southowram community centre to showcase SOFA activities and give an opportunity for people to participate in some of their current activities such as New Age Kurling, art and Tai Chi.
Age Concern Todmorden held an Afternoon Tea Party for Volunteers on Wednesday 26th October
40 volunteers from local charities and community groups were treated to afternoon tea at Central Methodists in Todmorden. For one volunteer the date was also her birthday and she commented: “That was the best birthday I’ve had since Covid!”
Calderdale Carer’s Wellbeing Service at Making Space
The charity for carers in Calderdale, held a Carer’s Tea Dance at the Kings Centre on 1st November.
Around 50 people enjoyed music and dancing with professional entertainment, a tombola and an information stand. An NHS team also attended to provide a drop-by vaccination service for both covid boosters and flu.
See the full list of events that took place during October 2022
