Positive Ageing Week 2010

Positive Ageing Week 2010 runs from Friday, 24th September 2010 to Saturday, 2nd October 2010.

Positive Ageing Week is a festival which highlights the positive aspects of ageing and celebrates the contribution older people have made and continue to make to their communities.

The central aim of Positive Ageing Week is to dispel the many negative perceptions that surround ageing and to transform attitudes towards ageing and older people. We need to celebrate the fact that we are living longer, that ageing is not a burden but an opportunity.

Age Action coordinates Positive Ageing Week. Events and activities are organised by active retirement groups, local voluntary groups, nursing homes, libraries, commercial organisations and individual older people themselves.

This is the 8th year Age Action has marked UN International Day of Older Persons (1st October) and each year Positive Ageing Week has become bigger and better. Last year over 700-recorded events took place in 26 counties throughout the country and this year we are hoping for at least 850, including many from across the border.

In Sutton, an Introduction to Petanque shall take place on Wednesday, 29th September 2010 from 10am until 12:30pm in the Petanque Grounds of St. Ann's Park, Raheny. Petanque is an inexpensive and entertaining game for all ages to play. However, it is particularly suited for seniors. It is also known as FrenchBoule. It costs as little as €10 to buy a set of pleasure boule, and that is all you need to start. There are petanque grounds available at no charge in most public parks. At 10am, weather permitting, there will be an introduction to the game and a demonstration by experienced players. Between 10:30am and12:30pm those interested will be encouraged to play 15 minute games to see if they like Petanque. This event is open to all. For more information, please contact John Murray from Club Arroyo de Santa Ana, 163 Sutton Park, Sutton on 0879700290.

For more information in relation to Positive Ageing Week, please log onto http://www.ageaction.ie/positive-ageing-week.htm

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager