Contributions and collaborations from older people across York are celebrated with a schedule of events beginning today (Tuesday, September 24).
The York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA) is leading a programme of mixed media activities until October 2, as part of the well-established 50+ Festival, and which also takes in the UN International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on September 28.
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Jorvik Dance Silver Swans performing at York Theatre Royal
Festival convener Professor Dianne Willcocks said: “Our exciting array of activities focus on the memories and dreams of older individuals, aiming to dispel ageist stereotypes, enhance wellbeing and enjoyment and foster intergenerational understanding and links.
“We are so lucky to have had the support of so many to make our ambitions come to life - a joyous shout-out from elders living with dementia, imaginative eco-model-making from the Parkinson’s community, and ’look again!’ photos from Age UK members.”
It features ‘eminent elders’ from North Yorkshire who’ve made contributions across various fields and represent a diverse array of communities.
A ten-day exhibition trail also begins today, inviting participants to ‘discover the creativity and dedication that older citizens bring to York society and civic life’.
A trail leaflet can be downloaded here and keep an eye out for IDOP stickers around the city.
Saturday, September 28 sees the IDOP celebration parade, with a gathering point of York Theatre Royal in St Leonard’s Place, from 12pm.
From there, the parade will move behind York Art Gallery, passing through Museum Gardens, and arriving at Mansion House, where the Lord Mayor of York and the Sheriff who will formally recognise and celebrate the group's activities and installation.
Other activities on Saturday include a Parkinson’s UK Art installation in St Helen’s Square will comprise butterfly making with song and dance in St Helen’s Square, a York Playback Theatre performance at 1.30pm at York Theatre Royal’s Studio Theatre, a visual arts painting workshop at York Art Gallery, a T’ai Chi demonstration in Museum Gardens and a demonstration from Jorvik Dance Silver Swans.
For more details and a full programme of events, visit York Older People's Assembly at https://www.yorkassembly.org.uk/
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