Not a fogey found at Full of Life fair
7:00am Sunday 14th October 2012 in News By Rachel Bishop
Active lives: Today's older people are enjoying a far wider range of activities
Visitors to this year’s Full of Life fair lived up to the event’s name as they threw themselves into Nordic walking, exercise classes and juggling.
The Twickenham Stoop was buzzing when more than 350 residents and carers from the borough enjoyed the activities at Richmond Council’s annual fair on Tuesday, October 2.
The event provides older people with information and advice about what is available to them locally to help them live full and active lives. It is also held to celebrate the huge contribution they have made, and still make, to the borough.
One mother and daughter even decided to swap roles, learning to see what it was like from the other side, with the daughter learning what it is like to be pushed around in her mother’s wheelchair.
The council’s champion for senior residents, Councillor Frances Bouchier, said: “I place a lot of importance in reaching those residents who live isolated later lives. It is a real problem in this borough and I want to use my time as champion to work with local community groups, care groups, Age UK and others to help reach this group of people.
“It is important to show them what is available and help to keep them involved in their local community. Sometimes, it’s just about a visit or phone call which can lighten up someone’s day.”
Stalls ranged from the Richmond Ramblers and Age UK, to the Orange Tree Theatre and the Museum of Richmond.
Nordic walking taster sessions, from Try Nordic, shed light on the benefits of keeping fit, while Richmond citizens’ advice bureau provided one-to-one financial advice.
For those who preferred to take in their surroundings with a cup of tea and cake, there was also the option to enjoy a free hand massage by Ishkama or take part in a crafts session held by the arts service at Orleans House Gallery.
The council has announced that October is officially the Full of Life month in the borough as the local authority will be continuing to highlight and promote options available for older residents throughout the month.
