International Day of Older Persons

To mark the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October we’ve put together a reminder of some of the many activities, events and types of support available for older people in our community.

Take a look at what’s going on in Camden, whether it’s for yourself, or so you can tell an older friend, neighbour or relative.

Staying active

Moving just a bit more can help to transform our mental and physical health. In Camden, there are all sorts of ways to stay active, whatever your age or ability, from walking and gardening to swimming and dancing. Find activities and tips on how to move more in Camden on the We Can Move website.

All Camden residents aged 60 plus can swim for free on weekday mornings at Better leisure centres. Free swimming will be available all day on Tuesday (1 October) to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons - you’ll just need a pay and play card. If you’re looking for other new ways to move more while meeting new people, check out the Better 55+ club activity programme.

You can also visit We Are Undefeatable for more tips, resources and inspiration on finding ways to be active that work for you.

Connecting to your community

Getting involved in your local community through groups, events or activities can help you stay healthy for longer, remain independent and enjoy life more. It’s also a great way to socialise and meet new people. Why not use Ageing Better in Camden’s useful event calendar to find out what’s going on near you? Upcoming activities include social clubs, adult learning courses, Saturday lunch socials and a theatre club. You can also join their Older People’s Advisory Group, which is an open group for anyone living in Camden who is over 60. Every month they focus on a different topic, where you can have your say and ask questions about local issues.

We also recommend taking a look at Age UK Camden, who offer a range of support for older people, their families and carers. Their focus is to help older people to stay active, stay connected and get the most out of life.

Getting involved in volunteering

There are hundreds of ways to volunteer in Camden, from gardening or organising local events to befriending. Volunteering can improve and maintain your mental and physical health, and the social contact of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall wellbeing. If you’re not sure where to start, come along to Volunteer Centre Camden’s Volunteering Fair on Wednesday 9 October to find your perfect volunteering role. The event is from 12 to 2pm at Voluntary Action Islington, 200a Pentonville Road, N1 9JP. You’ll get to hear from around 30 organisations and find something that fits you. You can also visit Volunteer Centre Camden’s website at any time to find opportunities near you.

Learning something new

Whether you want to learn something new for work, for everyday life or just for fun, there are a range of informal courses available across Camden that allow you to learn at your own pace. Visit our website for more information, or pop into your local library to ask about courses near you.

Find out more

Our Camden Care Choices website offers a wealth of information and advice on how to stay as healthy, active and independent as possible, as well as details of organisations and services in your local area.

You can also download a copy of the Camden Companion, our guide to healthy living.