Celebrating Queensland Seniors
The 1960s was a decade of change, with the children of the post-war exerting their influences and ideologies onto the Australian cultural landscape. There were public demonstrations against the Vietnam War, conscription, and established rules and restrictive morals.
Whilst it could be argued that it was also the decade when we saw the start of the generation gap it was also the beginning of Seniors Week, or Old People’s Week as it was then, in Queensland.
Sixty years later we are at the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, a time when we are coming together for ten years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of older people, their families and the communities in which they live – said Mark Tucker-Evans, Chief Executive, Council on the Ageing Queensland, which coordinates the government-funded Queensland Seniors Week.
“Yet it is also a time to celebrate the achievements of the past, the contribution that older people have made and continue to make to the development of our State.
This year, because of COVID-19, Seniors Week will be different. Regrettably, there will not be as many large events and gatherings of people as we continue to work to maintain the safety of our communities and the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
This year more than ever people need something to celebrate, albeit in the safest way possible.
As COVID-19 regulations have seen many older people in self-isolation, never has it been more important to ensure people remain connected and don’t become segregated.”
To do so, Queensland Seniors Week will be working outside the box and are looking to launch a full calendar of events.
“Seniors Week has always been a great opportunity for Queenslanders to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds and we want to make sure that continues this year, even if many of them are having to do it from their own home,”
“While it may be a time for physical distancing, we want Virtual Seniors Week to be a time of great social interaction, bringing people together in unique ways they may not have tried before.”
“From virtual hugs and connecting through stories, people of all ages will be coming together, however, we can, to celebrate 60 years of celebrating Queensland seniors” said Seniors Week Coordinator Lisa Hodgkinson.
“Not everyone wants to be online, can access the internet, or programs some of the events are being held through. Does this sound like someone you know?
Consider hosting a small COVID Safe BYOT (bring your own tea) party, getting together with family and friends who can assist in enjoying the virtual calendar of events. This can be achieved by sharing a computer, smart TV, Chromecast, or by using a projector.
Whilst it is not our usual way of celebrating, it gives us the opportunity to access a range of events and activities held throughout Queensland.”
Queensland Seniors Week is coordinated by COTA Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.
This program supports the building of age-friendly communities in Queensland.
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