Seniors Festival aiming to reconnect over-55s

Published on 08 March 2022

Art classes and a photo exhibition celebrating older people are among the features of Lake Macquarie City Council’s 2022 Seniors Festival launching later this month.

The 25 March-3 April festival aims to reconnect seniors throughout the city, many of whom have endured social disconnection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manager Community Partnerships Andrew Bryant said this year’s program encouraged seniors to enjoy new experiences, continue learning, stay active and connect to their community.

“We’ve chosen a range of locations and activities where participants can get together safely and socialise,” he said.

Painting workshops at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, at Booragul and an Art of Ageing photo exhibition at SEEN@Swansea aim to appeal to art-lovers, while free yoga sessions at Morisset and Pelican, and exercise sessions at Belmont South and Cameron Park, will help get the blood pumping.

History talks, coffee catch-ups, smartphone photography workshops, a nature treasure trail at Rathmines and a seagrass walk and talk at Belmont are among the other scheduled activities, all of which are free.

Belmont 94-year-old Reg Kerslake welcomed the program, stressing the importance of staying connected to prevent physical and mental isolation.

“When you become isolated, you start to think only within yourself, rather than thinking outwardly,” he said.

“Particularly when you get old like me.”

Despite his years, Mr Kerslake remains active in his community through gardening, walking and daily visits to the local shops for coffee and to buy the paper.

“And I’ve got excellent neighbours – that’s a big thing,” he said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the Seniors Festival was an extension of Council’s monthly Over-55s program, focused on health, safety and wellbeing.

“The activities we host as part of the festival and the wider Over-55s program help enrich and empower our seniors,” she said.

“They are such an important part of our community, and contribute so much to who we are as a city.”

Bookings for Seniors Festival activities are essential. Go to lm.city/seniors for more information.