Newsletter and IYOP Initiatives Australian Coalition '99

SHOALHAVEN IYOP CONFERENCE - "Moving with the Times"

Shoalhaven City Council hosted an IYOP conference called "Celebrations in the Shoalhaven - Moving with the Times" at Worrigee House Reception Centre between 14th and 16th April 1999. The objectives of the conference were to promote the image of older persons as agents and beneficies of development, to promote and enhance interest and involvement in health and education, self care and independent living and sports and leisure activities for older people. The conference was opened by the Mayor, Councillor Max Atkins, who in his welcome, made reference to hearty ninety nine year old, Mr Charlie Shepherd of St Georges Basin as an example of healthy ageing. Mr Shepherd was recognised by the Prime Minister, the Premier and by the Council of Ageing in this special year.

The Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs Joanna Gash, noted the rapidly growing number of retirees in the Shoalhaven and produced general laughter when she recited a poem she sees frequently from behind the door of her small room in Parliament House, which suggests that everybody is ageing but the person concerned. She introduced Senator Kay Patterson, the former Chairperson of the International Year of Older Persons Steering Committee. Senator Patterson said the Shoalhaven was "the first cab off the rank" in planning for the Year of Older Persons, as well as being one of the first regions to be involved in a plan to encourage older people to use new banking techniques.

The Koori welcome by the Elders of the Shoalhaven reminded those present that the land and animals are sacred in Aboriginal culture. The symbolism of the didgeridoo, a branch of a eucalypt and a rock which protects the small creatures, was well received by the three hundred strong audience, as was the reconciliation symbolism of a candle lighting ceremony denoting the warmth and hospitality of camp fires and unity among people.

Hugh Mackay, well known commentator and political economist was the keynote speaker. His talk covered the generations between the thirties to the present time. One thing he did note in passing was that the didgeridoo player had a mobile phone strapped to his waist, a sharp contrast between Aboriginal Dreamtime and the current technological age.
He also challenged the audience's perception of the three generations, the "lucky generation" (so called following the years of depression), the baby boomers who challenged the tribal elders with their access to better education and the beginning of a more permissive society as well as a new awareness of consumerism. He suggested that the boomers were now into nostalgia as they stuffed themselves into jeans.
According to Mr Mackay, the next generation, the "options kids" viewed the boomers devotion to the work ethic with skepticism. He suggested they were not impressed by the high divorce rate, (43% of this generation was against marriage). He touched on the issues we all worry about, such as the drug culture and the increasing evidence of AIDS.

A demonstration of Tai Chi by the Older Women's Network (OWN) introduced the topic of the way politics affect the older woman by emphasising that their visibility is often disregarded. Workshop sessions included transport issues, housing, injury prevention, the role of Local Government in the New Millennium and health related matters. The feedback from these workshops was very positive.

On the second day, Dr Rick Swindell, Senior Lecturer in Education from Griffith University, Queensland spoke to the theme "Older People and Outreach". He spoke of his growing interest in older people's passion for more education and noted that he was devoting much more time to introducing networks to facilitate learning patterns through teleconferencing and through the Internet. He spoke of the longevity of older people, and of increasing health problems, the accelerating costs of health and of the many older people who become housebound, but more importantly he stressed the sense of independence which is inherent in so many. Dr Swindell is in the vanguard of encouraging the University of the Third Age On-Line. He mentioned two programs which can now be accessed on the internet - Writing Family History and Botany for Knowledge.

Concerns about older people and safety issues was addressed by Senior Constable John Irlam from the Nowra Police Department and resulted in strong audience participation.

As a contrast to concerns about unspoken fears and safety issues and practical hints, a discussion followed with young people from the south giving an account of the sort of activities they participate in: Youth Week, Youth Forum and debates on many subjects. They explained to the audience that they often didn't know how to speak with them and the interaction that took place on this occasion showed that there was plenty of opportunity to develop networks.

A lively session of gentle exercise and entertainment from the Filipino Dance Group completed the day.

The third day was entirely devoted to a regional conference for the University of the Third Age and those present participated in workshops or learning processes of some kind. Some took advantage of the opportunity to visit Coolangatta Estate, the home of Alexander Berry while others enjoyed the opportunity to be introduced to computer technology at the Berry Campus of the Wollongong University. In a second address Dr Swindell noted that passive leisure was important and that most people over 75 years rated their health as good despite disabilities. He also noted that with the increasing number of older people there would be pressure on taxpayers and on the economy generally and that it was essential that older people should seek ways to maximise healthy practices. One suggestion he made is that people should exercise, have a pet and enjoy a glass of red wine each day. "Social isolation, he added, "is as great a risk to health as smoking."

The conference also hosted an expo which included arts and crafts as well as literature from the Home and Community Care. The generous donations from organisations such as the Illawarra Retirement Trust, local churches and the Aged and Disability Department and others were acknowledged. In conclusion, the Conference opened the way to the future for older people. It does indeed show that "Moving with The Times" is as important for older people as it is for youth.

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