Celebrating Age Festival 2014

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Mon 08 Sep 2014

When my mum turned forty, her mother-in-law said not to worry about it. Fifty is when things start going wrong. Ten years later, Mum discovered the truth of those words; muscles began to ache, bones began to creak, flexibility no longer fitted into her vocabulary. One of her famous sayings was 'I don't do excitement and I don't do bending.'

But it is not like this for all fifty-year olds or even some ninety-year olds for that matter. Why? Because they keep active. Ironically, the less you activity you do, the more worn out your body gets worn out; it seizes up, forgets how to do things. Basically it's use it or lose it. Since retiring, Mum has been going to several fitness classes a week, and has since seen a massive improvement. The only downside is that she can't use her favourite saying anymore.

Keeping active is not the only factor in one's health. People can suffer the most ill affects from loneliness and boredom.

That's why for the last twelve years Merton Council has worked closely with Age UK to make sure their senior members of the community stay happy and healthy. The Celebrating Age Festival aims to showcase what's available to older people in Merton,
encourage people to stay healthy in body and mind, encourage inter-generational activities, celebrate diversity, and promote the acquisition of new skills. From the 8th - 28th September will be able to enjoy a range of free or cheap activities that will keep your body fit, mind active, and soul alive. It is a chance to socialise, have fun, and learn new things. You can find out the full schedule of events in the brochure , but here is what you can get up to on the first day:

Tea and Dance
8th September, 1pm - 7pm, £5
Positive Network Centre, Taylor Road, Mitcham

Indulge in a luxury afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. This will be followed by an evening's dancing, including the waltz, tango, cha-cha, and quick step to a surprise famous band.

Walk4Life
8th September, 10.30am, Free
Morden Hall Park

Meet up at the National Trust Cafe for a gentle stroll around the park.

Ballroom Dancing
8th September, 2.30pm-3.30pm, £4
YMCA Wimbledon, The Broadway, Wimbledon

A fun way of keeping fit, come along for your favourite ballroom dances. You don't need to bring a partner, just enthusiasm.

Pilates for Seniors at Home
8th September, 2pm - 3.30pm, Free
Holmhurst Court, 9 Copse Hill, Wimbledon

For those who have trouble with mobility, the Living Centre Clinic teach gentle exercises to help with pain and fitness. Transport can be arranged.

Wimbledon Guild Gyrokinesis
8th September, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, First session free, then £3
Drake House, 44 St. George's Road, Wimbledon

A fusion of tai-chi, yoga, and other disciplines, Gyrokinesis is a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing.

Zumba Gold
8th September, 10.45am - 11.45am, £4
YMCA Wimbledon, The Broadway, Wimbledon

Zumba Gold adapts the high energy exhilarating dance workout for older people, with low impact moves, you can dance to the beat at your own pace.

Wimbledon Guild Senior Cinema Club
8th September, 1pm, Free
The Garringe Park, London Road

Giggle at the humorous British comedy starring Dame Maggie Smith in The Quartet.

Beginners IT Lessons
8th September, 12pm - 1pm, Free
Morden Library, London Road, Morden

Learn basic computer skills with the guidance of your local librarian, and get in touch if the twenty first century.

Wimbledon Guild Knitting Bee
8th September, 10am - 11.30am, Free
Guild House, Worple Road, Wimbledon

Want to learn how to knit? Then come along and gain a new skill. If you are already a keen knitter, come along for the company, and why not show the others how it's done?

Start a Business Workshop
8th September, 10am - 1pm
Social Enterprise Merton, Vestry Hall, London Road, Morden

Got an idea for a new business, but don't know where to start? Get advice on all the things you need to know.

The Snuff Mills
8th September, 2pm - 3pm
Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Park

Find out about the Taddy and Co tobacco business on a tour of the Snuff Mill.

West Indian Family and Friends Association Quiz Night
8th September, 7.30pm, £5
High Path Community, High Path, Wimbledon

Get your friends and family together for a quiz. Refreshments included.

Dance Exercise
8th September, 9.30am - 1030am, £2
Acacia Centre, 230 Grove Road, Mitcham

Fun exercise class to music.

#community_events
#festivals
#fun_things_to_do
#health_fitness
#merton
#seniors
#things_to_see
#september
!date 08/09/2014 -- 28/07/2014
%wnlondon