Wokingham

Older people in the Wokingham borough will be looking on the bright side of ageing this month.

The borough’s older people’s forums are hosting a celebratory conference as part of national Age Week in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Council, Berkshire West Primary Care Trust, Leisure Connection and Age Concern.

In the past, the annual Wokingham conference has been a chance to take part in discussions on issues affecting older people, such as housing, but this year’s is a fun celebration of age and will include food tasting, Tai Chi, badminton, bowls, swimming and even ballroom dancing. The ballroom dancing session will be taught by Alan Waite, father of Strictly Come Dancing’s Ian Waite. And all those who attend will receive a meal deal voucher entitling them to a free sandwich, cake or piece of fruit and a drink!

Karen Jackson, head of Wokingham disability and older people’s services, said: “The idea of turning the annual conference into a celebration came from the older people’s forums who wanted to highlight the positive aspects of age. There is a perception that old age is about ill health and decline, but that is completely wrong. In the Wokingham borough older people are incredibly active and play an important role in the community and this conference will highlight that.”

Everybody is welcome at the conference, which will take place at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Rushey Way, Lower Earley, from 10am to 4pm on Thursday October 18.

Champion for older people Wokingham Cllr Bob Wyatt said: “I am delighted this year’s conference will be a celebration of age. It is important to look at issues that affect older people, but it is also important to recognise that old age is not just about problems it is about opportunities and this conference is an exciting opportunity to show that.”

Beverley Thompson, sports development manager, said: “The conference will allow older people to sample a range of activities. Physical activity not only enhances our health but can also prevent and alleviate the effects of many common illnesses, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and asthma. There is no need to book, just come along!”

There are five older people’s forums in the Wokingham borough: The Northern Parishes, Woodley, Earley, Wokingham and Finchampstead.

Wokingham Borough Council