To celebrate Positive Ageing Month, Ards and North Down Borough Council is hosting a Positive Ageing Event in Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex on Monday 28 October from 10am-1pm.

Aimed at those aged 55 and over, local agencies and clubs will promote their activities and ensure visitors are provided with important information about what’s on offer in the borough.

There will be an opportunity to try different sports and activities on site, including low-impact taster sessions in Tai Chi as well as ‘Active Ageing’ and ‘Gently Does It’ classes. And for those who want to be a bit more active, they can try badminton, pickleball, zumba and walking football!

This year’s theme is based around ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ – a Public Health Agency campaign that aims to raise awareness of five simple actions to maintain and improve emotional wellbeing: Give, Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning and Take Notice.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, said:

“The event will highlight the range of activities and clubs that are available in Ards and North Down. The number of older people in the world, including our borough, is increasing at an exponential rate so we want to bring them together and help them become more active and more socially connected.

“This growth in our population is one that should be viewed as a successful achievement and the Council intends to make Ards and North Down a great place to grow older as well as a place that is supportive, valuing and enabling for older people.”

The Positive Ageing event is free to attend and opens at 10am on Monday 28 October. A variety of exhibitions, workshops and activities will be on offer so remember to wear comfortable clothes and suitable non-slip shoes!