St Andrews event says don't go quietly into old age

If you want to be happy and active as you get older, be informed about your choices. (Picture: David Fulmer/Flickr.)

St Andrews Rotary Club, Haydays, an art organisation for over 50s, and charity Age Scotland have joined forces to organise a ‘Voices and Choices’ event involving talks, advice and representatives from more than 20 different statutory and voluntary organisations.

Organisers believe that old age should be about fitness, good health, friendship, volunteering and being useful and active, and say getting prepared is key.

“Knowing what is out there and finding out information has never been so important to a generation that is going to live longer than any other,” said Janie Douglas. “We need to make good choices and we need to have our voices heard.”

A general invitation was made to local organisations and there was an excellent response, with the two dozen stalls available for the afternoon soon snapped up.

It is hoped that the target audience will be equally motivated to attend.

“Many may be, as I am, in their 60s and definitely not willing to head to the future quietly and without knowledge and information,” Janie said.

“Maybe we can even affect some change in how Scotland treats our older population and how the older population can take some responsibility for their future care and needs.”

‘Voices and Choices’ takes place next Thursday, June 2, in St Andrews Town Hall, from 9.30am to 2.30pm.