Celebrating the vital contributions of older people in Cheshire West and Chester

Every year on 1st October, communities around the world celebrate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (referred to as International Day of Older People in the UK).

This year, the Age-friendly Cheshire West Partnership will join communities across the UK to celebrate this day and highlight the crucial role of older adults in our local communities.

Older people help to strengthen our communities and neighbourhoods, as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. However, these contributions are often overlooked, and many older people find themselves encountering barriers to getting involved in their communities in ways they would like.  

The Council has an important role in the Age-friendly Cheshire West Partnership, which works to ensure that all people in Cheshire West and Chester can grow older in healthy, well-connected and inclusive communities.

As part of the celebrations of the International Day of Older People, older adults in the borough will be sharing their stories on the Council’s social media channels between 30 September and 6 October. On Tuesday, 1 October, Council buildings will be lit up purple, the colour most commonly used by age-friendly communities across the UK.

Viv Gee, interim chair of the Age-friendly Cheshire West Partnership, shares her story.

She says:

“In being part of Age-friendly I get a sense of achievement and it’s about meeting lots of interesting people and doing lots of interesting things.

“To anyone else thinking about volunteering, for anything, I would say just do it – it keeps the wheels turning and you’re giving something back.”

Cllr Sheila Little, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:

“Older people continue to be active and participate in and contribute to workplaces, communities and society in many different ways. Through the International Day of Older People, the Age-friendly Cheshire West Partnership is shifting attitudes towards ageing and telling a new story: one where we challenge common stereotypes of later life and celebrate the skills, experience and expertise of older adults.”

Residents are encouraged to look out for and engage with #IDOP2024 on the Council’s social media channels between 30th September and 6th October.

For more information about the Age-friendly Cheshire West Partnership and how to get involved visit: 

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/agefriendly. 

Anyone who is not online can visit one of the borough’s libraries for support to access the website.

Pictured - Viv Gee, interim chair of the Age-friendly Cheshire West Partnership.