Young for life

Day 11/30 #blogjune

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.”

Healthy ageing - stay physically active

Day 9/30 #blogjune

As the excellent folk at Better Health Channel have said, "Physical activity (exercise) can help older people maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease. Muscle mass and bone strength can be improved with regular exercise. Walking, swimming, dancing and cycling are all good forms of exercise which can also be sociable"

So where do libraries fit into this picture?

• DVDs (tai chi, yoga, zumba, stretching, dancing, seated exercises, pilates.... )
• classes - why not have a tai chi class in the library or offer a 'try before you buy' seniors session for a variety of activities
• festivals of healthy ageing featuring health providers
  
• community directories listing physical activity options for over 50's

Extreme Seniors

This clip featuring the athletic adventures of some of Whistler's most extreme senior citizens really speaks for itself.

Go for your life!

What a fabulous title for a health and fitness program for the over 50's ... Go for your life! This is a Victorian Government initative and includes tips on simple ideas and activities to help older adults improve their eating habits, become more physically active and involved in their communitites. The tip sheets are also available in five community languages [Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese].