Shoalhaven Council in NSW is celebrating the International year of Older Persons with a special Conference to discuss the issues associated with ageing and ways of making this a happy and positive time of life.
The Conference will be held at Nowra on the NSW south coast from 14-16 April is titled ‘Moving with the Times’.
Mayor Max Atkins said the issues to be addressed are important to all in encouraging greater security, safety and positive attitudes in older people.
Sessions will cover issues including community housing, injury prevention, tai chi, the role of grandparents, transport options for older people and computer use.
The Conference will be opened by Chairman of the International Year of Older Persons, Senator Kay Patterson.
Keynote speaker is noted social commentator and author, Hugh Mackay, who will discuss social, cultural and economic generational changes.
Other speakers include Shoalhaven’s Youth Development Officer, Karyn Apperley, who will provide a viewpoint of young people on ageing and older people.
Manager Health and Community Services at Shoalhaven, Dennis Haddy, said the Conference was originally set up for the people of Shoalhaven but has attracted much wider attention.
He pointed out that there are many sessions on the program widely applicable to Local Government, with delegates from other Council areas able to take back ideas to their own communities.
The final day of the program is devoted to the University of the Third Age and the diverse studies it offers older people.
In keeping with the principle of positive attitudes to ageing, entertainment will include the Older Women’s Theatre Group who use satire to demolish stereotypes of ageing.
For further information contact Ray Collins, telephone (02) 4429 3362.
