The young (at heart) generation

7:03pm Wednesday 1st October 2008

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FORGET the saying that life begins at 40. The new trendy age to be is 50 plus.

The number of older people is rising, people are taking early retirement, and living for longer in old age, and the government's definition of an "older person" now is someone of 50 or over.

The 2001 census showed that there are more people aged 60 and over than children under 16.

It is thought that by 2051, people over 65 are likely to represent over a quarter of the UK population.

Bournemouth is almost in that position today, with 23 per cent of the population being 65 or older.

But instead of the traditional stereotypes associated with ageing, residents are throwing themselves into a range of activities, from line dancing to computing.

Bournemouth Borough Council is also searching for "poster boys" or "girls" of older years who live life to the full.

The chosen four will front a campaign that will run on billboards and bus shelter advertising slots in November.

Various activities were held yesterday to mark UK Older People's Day, a campaign to challenge outdated stereotypes on age and to bring the generations together.

Residents at Woodlands in Stourwood Avenue, part of Bournemouth Housing Society for the Elderly, teamed up with the 896 club in Boscombe to have a go at rapping.

They also tried out computing, line dancing, bingo, darts, boules, pool and ballroom dancing.

One of the residents Jean Pearce, 65, told the Echo that group activities were good fun and kept everyone active, and ensured there was company.

"As long as you are over 55 you can put your name down to come here. Our oldest is 97 and still very active.

"We take care of each other. We notice if somebody is not there (at an activity)."

At Glenmoor School, students invited older residents and relatives to step back into the classroom and attend one of three lessons. They could also take tea with the headteacher and discuss modern schools with some of the students.

One of those taking part was a 102-year-old grandmother.

And at the Littledown Centre, the partners with Bournemouth 2026 launched a new Age-Friendly Bournemouth strategy.

They want older people and their carers to have greater choice, opportunities and satisfaction from playing a full part in the life of the community.

There were also around 20 organisations promoting everything from courses and free fire safety checks to a university project on reminiscences.

Neil Short, 43, of Bournemouth Borough Council, who organised the day at the Littledown Centre, said the expression Full of Life was exactly what they were aiming to encourage.

"A lot of older people are very active, very involved in their community. They belong to clubs, to committees, to neighbourhood groups. They do not just sit at home alone and become frail.

"They are go-getting, active people. That's what the government would like to see. That's what we in Bournemouth have embraced.

"We want to ensure our older people have a good quality of life and that they are healthy and fulfilled and are full of life."

He said 3 x 30 is encouraging people to take part in three lots of 30-minute exercise a week.

After the launch, a group of older athletes, cyclists and runners set off on the Full of Life relay, carrying a baton to various locations across Bournemouth.

The baton, signed at every pitstop, was then delivered to Mayor Stephen Chappell as he planted a tree in the Gardens to commemorate the day.

To apply to be a poster boy or girl, Bournemouth residents need to send their name, address, contact number, up to 100 words explaining how they live life to the full and a current passport-sized photo to Age Friendly Bournemouth Poster Competition, Bourne-mouth Borough Council, Corporate Communications, Room 40, Town Hall, Bourne-mouth BH2 6DY by next Thursday.