Free yoga, art classes and coffee catch-ups are among the activities on offer at Lake Macquarie City Council’s Seniors Festival, which is set to take place from March 25 to April 3.
The festival aims to reconnect seniors throughout the region and encourage human connection after many struggled with social isolation during COVID-19 and its associated lockdowns.
Lake Macquarie City Manager Community Partnerships Andrew Bryant said this year’s program encouraged seniors to enjoy new experiences, continue learning, stay active and connect to their community.
“We’ve chosen a range of locations and activities where participants can get together safely and socialise,” he said.
Painting workshops at the Museum of Art and Culture yapang and an Art of Ageing photo exhibition at SEEN@Swansea aim to appeal to art-lovers.
Also, free yoga sessions at Morisset and exercise sessions at Belmont South and Cameron Park will help get the blood pumping.
Other free activities include history talks, coffee catch-ups, smartphone photography workshops, a nature treasure trail at Rathmines and a seagrass walk and talk at Belmont.
Belmont 94-year-old Reg Kerslake welcomed the upcoming program and said it was important to stay connected to prevent physical and mental isolation.
“When you become isolated, you start to think only within yourself, rather than thinking outwardly,” Kerslake said.
“Particularly when you get old like me.”
Despite his years, Kerslake said he remained active in his community through gardening, walking and daily visits to the shops for coffee and to buy the paper.
“And I’ve got excellent neighbours – that’s a big thing,” he said.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the Seniors Festival was an extension of the Council’s monthly Over 55s Program, which focused on health, safety and wellbeing.
“The activities we host as part of the festival and the wider Over-55s program help enrich and empower our seniors,” Cr Fraser said.
“They are such an important part of our community, and contribute so much to who we are as a city.”
Bookings are essential to attend Seniors Festival activities.
Locals can find more information on Lake Macquarie City’s website.
Maia O’Connor