Older people thriving at Walkerville

Posted in Culture

Even in old age, they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. – Psalm 92:14  

Ageing and wellness have been a focus for many Uniting Church communities in recent months. In 2017, the Board of Resthaven Incorporated generously donated $250,000 to the SA Synod to offer as grants for churches and mission networks to support positive ageing.

Walkerville Uniting Church successfully applied for a grant to fund a comprehensive series of events and programs to be run throughout 2018 with the motto “Don’t just survive: thrive with age”.

Nearly 50% of the population of Walkerville are over 55 years of age, with a particularly high number of people who identify as Baby Boomers. Many other suburbs in the area show similar figures.

Walkerville Uniting Church saw the opportunity to consider programs that would engage community members in a fun, informative and celebratory way and encourage the ageing to remain fit and healthy mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.

The intention of the programs on offer at Walkerville Uniting Church is to encourage open exploration and dialogue as people transition through the various stages of the ageing process, and to offer support and guidance that enables them to thrive, rather just survive.

My Life Story was the first program from Walkerville’s ageing and wellness series to take place. Held over three Friday morning sessions, participants were each given the opportunity to tell their life story through photographs, which were then made into professionally bound booklets. These are valuable resources for older people, helping them to share their stories with family and friends, and assisting them with private reflection.

Events are being held throughout April, May and June, each with a different focus. Some of these are one-off events, while others will run across several sessions. Gravity Fighters is also being held weekly on Tuesdays, 10.30am-11.30am, to help older people learn simple chair exercises to keep the body energised.

All the programs are facilitated by professionals whose values and beliefs are strongly tied to the Christian faith.

At the end of the Thrive with Age series, all those who have taken part in the programs will be invited to a special event to celebrate the lives of members in the Walkerville community and to give thanks for a life well lived.

For more information about programs being run though the Thrive with Age series, please visit walkerville.unitingchurch.org.au or contact the Church Office on 8342 5875 or Turn on Javascript!

Pictured: Participants sharing memories and photos through My Life Story, a program run by Walkerville Uniting Church.

 


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