Newcastle to celebrate International Day of Older Persons

Age Proud Newcastle, a partnership of organisations and people from across the city, is hosting the celebration event to mark International Day of Older Persons. 

The event, which takes place from 10am to 4pm, will see a range of activities, exhibitions, films, performances and discussions aimed at celebrating older people and the role they play in the city, and looking at what further progress can be made to make Newcastle an age-friendly city. 

Cllr Karen Kilgour, Newcastle City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Older people play a vital role in our communities and I’m really pleased that we’re able to come together, in person, to celebrate their contributions to our city. 

“The last 18 months have been incredibly tough for all of us, but this is especially the case for our older generations who have been among the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“We have a long-standing commitment to making Newcastle a place that is safe, accessible and comfortable for older people and I’m really proud of the progress that has already been made.  But this will be a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation for older residents, celebrate their contribution to our city and communities, share experiences, and explore what else can be done to support people to live fulfilling lives as they grow older in our city.” 

Anne Raffle, Chair of the Elders Council of Newcastle, said: “Older Persons Day is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes of our generation, and celebrate our creativity and contribution to the life of the city.   

“Organisations in the city have come together to put on a wonderful programme of activities to suit all interests. During the Covid-19 Pandemic many of us took the opportunity to try activities we haven’t done before so join us on the day to find out more.  It’s never too late to try something new.” 

International Day of Older Persons was first launched by the United Nations in 1990 to draw attention to the challenges and opportunities arising from demographic change and the ageing population.   

Newcastle has shown its commitment to this by becoming part of the WHO Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities and working towards making Newcastle an age-friendly city, a great place in which to grow old.   

A range of partners in the city have worked together to put on this programme of activities which gives older people the opportunity to have fun and to celebrate the contribution they make to the city.   

Find out more details about the City Library event here.