In the week running up to International Older People’s Day on 1 October, a programme of local activities is helping to celebrate the contributions that older people make in the Aylesbury Vale district and offering the chance to try something new. Amongst the many different activities on offer in the ‘Holiday at Home’ programme is horticulture therapy, an increasingly popular way of using gardening to improve health and wellbeing, get more active and increase people’s confidence whatever their age. Wendover-based charity Lindengate is offering people the chance to try out one of its Memory Pathway sessions.
One of the regular attendees is David (not his real name), who is 69 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2011. Although in generally good health, he does get tired easily and some days is very confused. At the sessions he works alongside a small group of other men, having a go at everything from watering to putting up bee houses and harvesting beans, while enjoying a chat over some refreshments. Although he was initially apprehensive, David is comfortable in the outdoor surroundings and enjoys his visits.
The Holiday at Home programme includes something for everyone, whatever their interests. Other activities include historic walks, gentle exercise, brewery and museum visits, computer skills training, crafts and volunteering opportunities. All the activities have been organised and provided by local people and organisations that offer year-round activities, so those who have enjoyed the taster sessions can continue with those activities.
Cllr Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communities and Civic Amenities, said: “We applaud the contribution that so many older people make in the local community. Older People’s Day is a chance for us all to recognise and appreciate this. There are so many different activities in the programme, created and provided by local people and organisations, that I’d urge all older people to try out something new.”
For a free copy of the Holiday at Home activities programme, visit http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/upcoming-events-older-people Hard copies can also be picked up from any of the organisers of events in the programme, at your local library or AVDC offices on Gatehouse Road in Aylesbury.
For more information about the Memory Pathway sessions and Lindengate’s work visit http://www.lindengate.org.uk