Newsletter and IYOP Initiatives Australian Coalition '99

IYOP Initiatives in South Australia

Healthy Lifestyles Program of Helping Hand Aged Care have been very active in organising a series of programs throughout the Year. These include:

· Wild Women's Weekends -Lifestyle retreats for women over 50 who need some time away to recharge their batteries. Activities include walking, personal growth, massage, aromatherapy, mind mapping, deep listening circles, relaxation and discovering "the goddess within". Venues and costs vary.

· Kickstart Your Life! A dynamic and interactive half day seminar for older people (50+) on how to get more out of life. Presented by health professionals who will be available to come to clubs/groups on request, including rural areas.

Information about both programs, contact Merrike Mannik 08 8267 0809.

· The Council on the Ageing (SA) is arranging a series of 'Interactives' on topical issues related to ageing, designed to stretch one's thinking. Topics already covered include 'What if there were no nursing homes?' and 'Sex, Intimacy and Ageing". Other sessions are currently being arranged.

· City of Unley are undertaking an impressive and broad range of activities which span celebratory events, including concerts, exhibitions and a 'Meet the Author' series, as well as discussion groups addressing various issues, for example pedestrian safety, security, technology and recreation needs. New initiatives include the Seniors in Schools Project, Supported Residential Facilities Visiting Project and a community consultation process for seniors.

· The Australian Association of Gerontology (SA), Australian Society for Geriatric Medicine (SA Division) and Geriaction (SA Branch), throughout the Year, are presenting a special IYOP series of meetings, a Dinner and a Conference (in Alice Springs) on the theme, "Age-related Strategies for the Future". For more details, contact Vivienne Wookey 08 8201 7552.

· Anglicare SA, as part of their contribution to the Year, has initiated an intergenerational, cooperative project titled, 'A Lesson in Life', involving students and successful older South Australians working together to produce a valuable social history, suitable for publication. For more details, contact Peter Bleby 08 8305 9265

· Recreation for Older Adults has developed a Successful Ageing initiative titled Get Up and Get Going. There are two core streams, Get Up And Get Gardening and Get Up And Get Secure. The program aims to create partnerships in planning and service delivery with local councils and community services in order to increase access to educational opportunities, neighbourhood involvement and new activities. For further details contact Pauline Brooks 8410 1507.

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