'Ageing and Loving It' FREE community forum
Seniors Week 13-20 March 2005

Wednesday 16 March 2005

Ageing is a time for learning and adventure - and to celebrate Seniors Week in the Hunter, a free community forum titled 'Ageing and Loving It' will take place on Thursday 17 March 2005 at the New Lambton Community Centre.

The 'Ageing and Loving It' forum aims to contest negative perceptions of ageing, while celebrating diversity, individuality and adventure in older age. The Centre for Research and Education in Ageing (CREA) at the University of Newcastle and Rainbow Visions Hunter will host the event.

Mr Bryce Gaudry, MP for Newcastle will officially open the forum and guest speaker Professor Victor Minichiello from the University of New England will make a special presentation on sexual well-being.

Professor Julie Byles, Director of CREA and Mr Ivan Skaines, President of Rainbow Visions Hunter are encouraging seniors to come along for what promises to be a fun, informative and interactive day addressing topics like travel, staying fit over 50, eating well, ageing well and diversity and advocacy in ageing.

"We intend to celebrate and promote diversity and imagination when it comes to our approaches to physical activity, nutrition, sexual well-being and life long learning," Professor Byles said.

"We wish to add strength to the belief that older age can be enjoyable and a time for growth, healthy activity and rewarding physical relationships," Mr Skaines said.

A number of local researchers in ageing studies and community seniors groups have been very enthusiastic about being involved with the forum. Seniors in the Hunter are very important to local researchers, with a number of local seniors being invited to take part in the Hunter Community Study to address the health needs of the nation's ageing population.

This community forum is proudly supported by HMRI, Newcastle Institute of Public Health, Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the Australian Association of Gerontology Hunter Chapter.

What: The Centre for Research and Education in Ageing (CREA) at the University of Newcastle and Rainbow Visions Hunter are hosting a one-day community forum titled 'Ageing and Loving It'.

Why: To celebrate diversity, individuality, learning and adventure in older age.

When: Thursday 17 March 2005.

Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Where: New Lambton Community Centre, Alma Road, New Lambton.

RSVP: For bookings or more information, please phone Meredith Tavener on (02) 4923 6322

MEDIA CONTACT: For more information on the 'Ageing and Loving It' forum or to arrange an interviews please contact Professor Julie Byles on (02) 4923 6643.