There is a great initiative in Singapore, an annual Active Ageing Festival coordinated by the Council for Third Age (C3A). It is their goal to "introduce seniors to a variety of activities and experiences that will lead them on the journey to an active lifestyle."
Are there opportunities for public libraries to initiate their own local active ageing festivals? There are many health care providers, physical activity opportunities, clubs and organisations seeking to engage with seniors and a combined annual event could create quite a bit of momentum in a community.
There is a great example of a library based festival: The Hills Shire Library Service in Sydney's west won an award in 2010 for its "Festival of Active Living" at the Castle Hill Library. "The three-day Festival included hobbies, health and wellbeing and lifestyle options and talks by gardening guru Sandra Ross, meditation expert Kevin Hume, media personality Ita Buttrose and author Mary Moody... Objectives of the festival were: to change perceptions about libraries and increase awareness and usage; open opportunities for seniors to remain active and enhance their quality of life; to help build a vibrant, healthy and active community; and to provide avenues for seniors to connect and be part of their community.”
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