Celebrating Victorian Seniors this October

Organised by the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services, the upcoming month of October brings forth the Victorian Seniors Festival. Seniors in the Victorian community are warmly invited and are encouraged to take part in one of the 1,500 events happening.

Running for the third year in a row, the theme for this year is ‘You’re welcome’. A diverse range of events are being held, including cabaret shows, guided tours and a variety of recreational activities. These events are planned over the duration of October and will span across Melbourne.

“The Victorian Seniors Festival is a great time for Lifeview as a company to give something back to the local communities in which we operate, and are an important part of,” says LifeView Chief Executive Officer Madeline Gall.

“To be able to put in these events and grow our relationships with local seniors is something we are very proud of, and aligns closely within our LIFE Principle of Engage – it is the little things that have a huge impact and make someone’s day,” she adds.

At the heart of the city, Federation Square is planned to light up from on Sunday 8 October, with Celebration Day starting at 10.30am and running until 4pm. Seniors and their friends and families are invited to come and watch the roving performers, take part in demonstrations and listen to live music.

A private tour of the Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale is also one of the activities offered on Wednesday 4 October. Seniors living in Cranbourne will be given the opportunity to get close and personal with animals including a koala, barn owl and dingo.

Lifeview will be sponsoring the Kingston Council’s Seniors High Tea by the Sea, held at Doyles in Mordialloc on Wednesday 18 October. Seniors are welcome to attend the event (at a reduced price) and enjoy an afternoon socialising with other residents.

The Festival will end with the Positive Ageing Celebration on 27 October. This year’s event, ‘Lifeview Sets Sail’, will invite all Lifeview residents to come together in a cruise ship themed display.

The State Government will also provide free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders in metropolitan and regional Victoria from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 October.

Other events include the Dalyston Seniors Dance, presented by the Dalyston Hall Committee. A gold coin donation will offer the opportunity for aged care residents as well as interested members of the public to come together for an afternoon of dancing. Afternoon tea will also provided.

The Royal Park Tennis Club will also be hosting a Social Tennis morning

for seniors. Players of all skill levels are welcome to join, with morning tea included.

For the more adrenaline-inclined seniors, Adventure Guides Australia will be putting on an ‘Abseiling at Mount Buffalo’ activity on Sunday 29 October from 10am-2pm. The session is a free come-and-try short 10 metre abseil at The Gorge car park at Mount Buffalo. Short guided bushwalks are also available for those who prefer their feet firmly planted on the ground (bookings essential).

Other events held concurrently with the Festival aimed at seniors include a ‘fashion and film afternoon delight’. A screening of the documentary Bill Cunningham: New York will be shown at Library at The Dock on 12 October from 2-5pm.

Koonung Cottage Community House will be hosting a Roast Lunch, held on the third Wednesday of every month. The two course meal will be an opportunity for seniors to socialise with others.

A Games Day will also be held at City Library Activity Space on 26 October from 2-5pm. Seniors are invited to this free event and are encouraged to try out a range of different board games, with an added touch of some friendly competition.
To see a full guide of events that are taking place during the festival, visit https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festivalsandawards/festival-event-directory

This article originally featured on Aged Care Guide on Tuesday 26th September 2017