Along with partner organisations across the area, Borough of Poole will be celebrating Older People’s Day on Wednesday 1 October. Held every year to coincide with the UN International Day of Older Persons, the day aims to be a celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people make to society and the economy. To mark the start of a series of events and activities dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing for older people, residents including the Mayor Cllr Peter Adams took part in a join Skills & Learning Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole free mass tai chi session at Branksome beach on Tuesday 23 September. It was led by Paul Lockyer from Natural Elements who run tai chi classes across Bournemouth and Poole.
Studies have shown that tai chi can help people aged 65 and over to reduce stress, improve balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs.
The Mayor said: “The latest census recorded over 30,000 Poole residents over the age of 65, so it’s very important to us to help keep people independent and active. The free tai chi sessions and other events planned to mark Older People’s Day are set to show that there is a whole host of activities available for older members of the community.”
Further events will be taking place at Poole Central Library and in Falkland Square on Wednesday 1 October – please visit www.boroughofpoole.com/fulloflife for further details. The day will also see the official launch of the pan-Dorset My Life My Care website (www.mylifemycare.com), a new online guide to the care available across the area. The site aims to help people lead independent lives and features a wide range of information, from how to access help around the home and personal care services, to dealing with money worries, keeping mobile and staying safe.
