Wednesday 20 September 2017

International Older People's Day 2017

It's International Older People's Day on Sunday 1st October 2017.  Age-Friendly Manchester has planned two special events on the 4th October to mark and celebrate International Older People's Day.

During the morning, the Age-Friendly Manchester Older People's Board will attend the Full Council meeting to recognise and award two Honorary Board Members, Val Stevens and Kate Torkington. 
You will be able to watch Full Council live via this link.

During the afternoon, the Age-Friendly Manchester team will launch an updated Ageing Strategy for the City, with an event in the Manchester Art Gallery

You will be able to hear more about the two Honorary Board Members and read the refreshed ageing strategy in an e-bulletin following the days events.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 19 September 2017

RAISE: Careers Guidance

Still need to work?  Struggling to find a job?

Would you like to speak to a dedicated careers advisor?

RAISE have developed a team of advisors who will work one-to-one with customers, building an understanding of where they want to get to and then developing a plan of how they can get there.

RAISE has an awareness of how everyone's situation is different. A customer might be at the start of their career; need to re-train to change careers; may have family caring responsibilities, or might be struggling with the motivation they need to get back on track.

If you would like to know more about the RAISE advisors and get involved, you may:

Email Tracey Harmer or call 07872 503 665, or
Email Stacey Burgess or call 0161 667 6430.


(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Monday 18 September 2017

Manchester Food & Drink Festival 28 Sept - 9 Oct

Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which returns from 28 September to 9 October, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The festival is the UK's largest urban food and drink festival and takes over much of Manchester city centre and the surrounding districts of Greater Manchester, with a huge programme of both indoor and outdoor events taking place.

Click here for more information.

Sunday 17 September 2017

Wednesday 13 September 2017

Koalap: A new smartwatch study exploring the relationship between activity and pain

Researchers at the University of Manchester have launched Koalap (Knee OA: linking activity and pain) a collaborative sub-study developed in partnership with Google  that is exploring how smartwatch technology might help us to better understand the relationship between activity and pain.

If you have diagnosed knee osteoarthritis; are over the age of 50; live in the Greater Manchester area and own a smartphone,
find more information about the study here. And if have any further questions email the dedicated study email address.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 12 September 2017

Funding Success for 'Wellbeing in Later Life' Course

Local mental health charity, Manchester Mind is delighted to announce renewed funding for its Building a Healthy Future – Living Well in Later Life course.

Funding has been received from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, as part of their Transitions into Later Life programme, enabling Manchester Mind to deliver seven further courses to residents in the city.

The course aims to improve people’s resilience, their ability to cope with life’s challenges, with much of the focus being on improved emotional wellbeing.


The next course starts on 9th October and is hosted by Age UK at Openshaw Resource Centre. Subsequent courses will run through to June 2018.

For more information about Building A Healthy Future – Living Well in Later Life visit the Manchester Mind website.

Further courses details will be updated on the site in due course.

For further information please email Aimee Lawless.

Monday 11 September 2017

Age-Friendly Culture Champions: Being a Cultural Connector

Manchester's Age-Friendly Culture Champions are planning three sharing and networking events over the next 6 months.

The events will be an opportunity for Culture Champions (new and existing) to share their experiences and skills and network with other Champions from across Manchester.

The first sharing and networking session: Being a Cultural Connector will take place on Tuesday 19th September from 11am to 2pm at the Whitworth Art Gallery; meeting room one. Refreshments will be provided.

To register for a place (only 20 places available) email Claire or phone/text on 07776 170688.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Friday 8 September 2017

Ambition for Ageing for All

Tuesday 26th September, 10:15am-3pm

Are you keen to make Greater Manchester a better place to grow old? Interested in how inequalities and discrimination shape older people's experiences?


Go along to the first ever public event hosted by the Ambition for Ageing Equalities Board!

The event will:
  • share the findings from Ambition for Ageing's Equalities Reviews and Visits and look at what Ambition for Ageing has achieved over the first 18 months of the programme.
  • choose research projects for the Equalities Board to fund over the next few months.
Follow this link to learn more about the event and contact Valeska Matziol if you have any further questions. The event will be held at Friends Meeting House, Mount St, Manchester City Centre.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Who makes your community buzz?

Who do you know in your community who does a great volunteer job for your neighbourhood and creates a brilliant buzz?

Well, now’s the time to give your local Queen Bee (or King!) a moment in the spotlight!

Nominate them for this year’s Be Proud Awards: nominate the individuals and families, the local groups, organisations or businesses that you know of. Nominate anyone who’s going the extra mile in your area.

There are 12 categories to choose from: find out more about them and how to put your community champions forward for the Be Proud Awards 2017.

It’s the perfect way to thank these extraordinary individuals and groups for their hard work in helping others. Closing date is Sunday 10 September.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Monday 4 September 2017

Cottonmouth MCR Podcast

CottonmouthMCR is a weekly podcast hosted by Vaughan Allen. Tune in to hear discussions about the issues affecting city centre Manchester and Salford. They’ll be looking at rough sleeping, security and transport, the history of our cities, and the rise and rise of the food and beverage sector. And they’ll be interviewing many of our major players, from cultural to business to political leaders.

New episodes every Thursday (and sometimes more often).


Download on Itunes and Acast or listen via Soundcloud.


Wednesday 30 August 2017

15 Best Free Things To Do in Manchester

Just a reminder... in case you're running out of things to do with the grandkids before they go back to school.  

Click here for links.

Monday 28 August 2017

Women's Words Manchester Project

Are you a woman who’s 16 years or older? Women's Words MCR want you to add your own words to a new archive of women’s stories about living, working and growing in this vibrant city we call home; Manchester...

"Has this city been a part of your story as you’ve become the amazing woman you are today? We’d love to hear your story in your own words. You don’t have to be a confident writer to take part. It’s your story that matters, not your ability or background. Even if you can’t write in English, you can have someone write your words down for you. Your story should be 1000 words or less, and can be in the form of a story, a poem, even a list of notes, memories or thoughts."
Find out more: http://womenswordsmcr.com/

Monday 14 August 2017

Updating Manchester's Ageing Strategy

Since March, the Age-Friendly Manchester Team has been working on a refresh of the City's Ageing Strategy, which will be relaunched on 4 October 2017. They have been looking ahead to the next four years, talking to services and partners about how they can deliver action to improve the lives of older people. 

They have had a busy month, holding their Older People's Forum, a Communication with Older People Workshop, an Older People, Employment and Skills workshop and a Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods Coordination Group. They've also spoken to their Older People's Board and their Age-Friendly Ambassadors.

The feedback gained from all of these sessions has helped shape and inform the refreshed strategy but they still want to hear from YOU!

Please take the opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to the future of our Age-Friendly City. Follow this link to complete a short consultation survey - it will take five minutes.

Thursday 10 August 2017

HomeSAFE Study

A new research project has been launched to seek experiences and views of LGBT*Q people living in social housing.

The HomeSAFE study will use focus groups, interviews and an online survey to identify the steps that housing providers can take to address the concerns of LGBT*Q residents.

If you are an LGBT*Q person and are interested in taking part in the study, please visit HomeSAFE Registration. You can email Frances, the research project assistant, or call on 07895 656222.

Wednesday 9 August 2017

When2Go Research Study 

You are invited to take part in an online study conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester. In this study, we are evaluating a tool which helps people decide if they need to see a doctor about certain symptoms. You can take part if you, or someone you know, has any of the following symptoms:
 
A cough (whether dry and tickly or productive with phlegm)
A long-standing cough that changes or gets worse
Feeling out of breath
Discomfort in the chest, shoulder or back
Coughing up phlegm with blood in it (even if just a few specks) / spitting blood
Changes in your voice
Unexplained weight loss or unexplained  loss of appetite
Swelling of face and neck
Persistent / recurring chest infections
Tiredness or lack of energy
Any changes in the appearance of the fingers or finger nails (such as a softening of the nailbed, stronger than normal curving of the fingernails, or thickening of the fingertips)

If you would like to find out more or take part, please visit the study website or contact julia.mueller@manchester.ac.uk, telephone: 0161 275 7821

Tuesday 8 August 2017

Royal Voluntary Service Manchester

Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is an age-positive, national charity founded 79 years ago. At a local community level, we deliver personal and practical support, making a difference to the lives of 100,000 older people every month. If you want to make a difference to older people’s lives, join us at RVS to help make an impact.

Across Greater Manchester, we are delivering a programme where we aim to develop and deliver new services which meet the needs of older people in individual, local communities, alongside retaining and growing our existing service portfolio. This is an exciting and highly relevant piece of work working alongside multiple Local Authorities and Hospital Trusts.  The team are responsible for managing, retaining and developing existing services day-to-day, alongside seeking opportunities for pilot projects across the City and wider area to deliver multi-faceted, needs-led services for older people across GM.

The team recruits, trains, manages and leads volunteers to deliver the support elements of the services; delivering bespoke support at home and in the community via a suite of service offers. The team also works to identify, engage and work with partners to extend our reach.

RVS currently has the following vacancies:



Service Coordinator North/South, based in Rochdale. This role will be working across North Manchester, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Bury

Service Support South, based in South Manchester. This role will be working across South Manchester, Trafford, Stockport and Salford.

Monday 7 August 2017

The North City Nomads hit Llandudno

Over 200 North City Nomads went on a trip to Llandudno this month. Check out the blue skies in the photo above!

Together, the Nomads are reducing loneliness and promoting health and happiness. Making new friends and catching up with existing ones. Great days out for people living in North Manchester.

If you would like to know more or get involved, email Tracey Annette or call 0161 234 4299.

Friday 4 August 2017

Out in The City

It's fifty years this month since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain. Approximately 7,650 people aged over 50 living in Manchester identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). 

Read the State of the City for Manchester's LGB Communities Report published by the LGBT Foundation.

AgeUK Manchester continues to support members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community through their innovative Out In The City initiative, which is a friendly social and support group for people over 50.

Out in the City meets at The Church of England, Diocese of Manchester located at Church House, 90 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GP every Wednesday between 1pm and 3pm.

For more information, email Sue Nzilani or telephone 0161 302 4130.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Thursday 3 August 2017

Love Letters to Whitworth Park Exhibition

If you were at the Whitworth Art Gallery on Saturday 22 July you may have seen an exhibition in the Art Garden.

Housed in ARC Stockport's pop-up dome, the work exhibited  was the culmination of a short project, Love Letters to Whitworth Park.

Love Letters to Whitworth Park ran over a four week period. Workshops were led by an artist from ARC who worked with three groups including Handmade (the Whitworth's older people's craft
workshops) to create artwork inspired by the Park and Art Garden. During the sessions participants discovered that one of the regular attendees of Handmade had an uncle who was head gardener at Whitworth Park. 

You can find more information on the Whitworth Age Friendly work here, or contact Claire Cowell, Age-Friendly Culture Coordinator - tel: 07776 170 688 or email: claire.cowell@manchester.ac.uk

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 2 August 2017

The Golden Generation?

The Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA) launched a new report this month: The Golden Generation?.

By examining the impact that work, retirement, social activity, volunteering and health all have on the wellbeing of older people, the report concludes that the "golden generation" referred to in its title is a myth that can no longer be applied to today's population of older people.

As part of a series of mini blogs examining the report, Paul McGarry has written a post: Creating age-friendly policies to improve experiences of later life in Greater Manchester.

If you have any questions about the Manchester Institute for Collaboratuve Research on Ageing, you can email micra@manchester.ac.uk.

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Thursday 27 July 2017

But should I stay or should I move?

Keynote address by John Galvin, CE of EAC, to the Housing LIN Conference 2016
  • How well do we understand older people’s attitudes to moving home?
  • What barriers deter some of those who wish to?
  • What are EAC’s plans to improve our understanding and to help reduce barriers to moving?
  • How could housing providers and commissioners work with us in this?
See full transcript here.

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Keeping Active

GreaterSport, working in partnership with the Sport and Physical Activity sector, wanted to encourage more people to be active across Greater Manchester so they could enjoy the physical, emotional and mental benefits of physical activity.

In 2010, GreaterSport set the target for Greater Manchester to achieve 1 million active people across the county by 2017. The most recent data shows this target has been exceeded! Learn more about the GreaterSport programme here.

In continuing this initative this month Age Friendly Manchester attended an Active Ageing Workshop, aiming to develop evidence based, insight led approaches, supporting older people to become and stay active in their communities.

To find your nearest activity click here to go to the GreaterSport activity finder.

You can join in the Active Ageing conversation online using #GM1MILLION and share your stories!

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Free Coffee Morning Fundraiser Packs from Cyril Flint Befrienders

FREE Coffee Morning Packs now available! Fundraise to help end loneliness whilst enjoying a cuppa and a cake!


Monday 24 July 2017

Dementia Buddy Tags

Learn how Lancashire Police and the Good Deeds Trust are working together to roll out the new Dementia Buddy Tags in Lancashire.

Thursday 20 July 2017

Keeping Well - A Short Film

Age Friendly Manchester has worked in collaboration with the Manchester Carer's Forum, the NHS, the Institute of Community Reporters and People's Voice Media to create a new short film on what keeps older people well. 

The film features a number of short interviews with older people who discuss the importance of family and friends, work and volunteering and helping others.

Tuesday 18 July 2017

Living, not Existing: Putting prevention at the heart of care for older people

New report: Living, not Existing: Putting prevention at the heart of care for older people by The Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Download your copy here.


Thursday 13 July 2017

Theatre Trippers Club for Older People in Miles Platting

Late last year a new community group was started in Miles Platting and Ancoats led by Mike Bishop and Kath Bates, with funding awarded through the Ambition for Ageing programme and Age Friendly Manchester. The idea was to create a club for those who enjoy theatre or are looking to try something new. Manchester has many theatres with a number offering good discounts for community groups.

Since starting the group members have been to see around ten performances and have many more planned for the rest of this year. Each theatre trip has attracted about twelve members and many new friendships have been made. Some of the group's favourite theatres include the new HOME theatre and the local Hope Mill Theatre on Pollard Street in Ancoats.

For more information please email Mike Bishop or telephone Kathryn Bates on 07961643781 (after 11am).

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 12 July 2017

Age UK Manchester: Information & Advice Volunteers Wanted

Age UK Manchester are looking for volunteers to help within their Information and Advice service. Available roles include generalist advisors, telephone advisors, benefit advisors and benefit form filling advisors. Full training and support will be given as required.

If you are interested in helping Age UK Manchester to help older people around Manchester, contact Jennifer 0161 833 3944, or email: jennifer.gregory@ageukmanchester.org.uk by the end of August 2017.

Monday 10 July 2017

Tram Tracks

This year celebrates the Bridgewater Hall’s 21st birthday as well as Transport for Greater Manchester’s 25th birthday. They have joined forces to create 93 brand new songs – one for each stop on the Metrolink!

You can find more information on the Tram Tracks project here.

Friday 7 July 2017

Older People's Forum - 20th July 2017

Are you an older person living in Manchester? Do you want an opportunity to have your say on issues that directly affect people as they grow older in Manchester?

Then, get yourself along to the citywide Older People's Forum at the end of July and join over 100 fellow older residents.

If you would like more information on joining the Forum and/or to book your place, please email Sophie Black on s.black@manchester.gov.uk.

Wednesday 5 July 2017

The Miles Platting Plodders

The Miles Platting Plodders is an established walking group for older people who prefer to walk as part of a group at a gentle pace.

The group meets every Wednesday at 10.15am at either Trinity Methodist Church, Ancoats (every 1st and 3rd Wednesday) or outside Morrisons in Piccadilly (on the other Wednesdays). New members are always welcome and the group is well known as a friendly, chatty bunch. After their 'out of the city' walks members usually stop at a cafe for a spot of lunch.

The group participates in local walks or members travel together on public transport to enjoy walks further afield and have previously walked in and around Wythenshawe Park, Heaton Park, Hollingworth Lake and Fletcher Moss Gardens.  The group is developing its new programme of walks for July onwards and is happy to share details with anyone wanting more information. 

After seven years of leading the Plodders, Diane will bid the group "farewell" and begin her journey into retirement. Everyone at the Age Friendly Manchester team and the Plodders wishes Diane well - we will miss you!! We are confident the Plodders will keep on plodding with Donna Smith taking over as walk leader. For more information about the group contact Donna on 0161 914 9623 or email donna.smith@ageukmanchester.org.uk

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 4 July 2017

East Manchester Leisure Centre - Open Day for over 50's!

East Manchester Leisure Centre - Open Day for over 50's! Thursday 13 July 7am - 4pm take a look at the flyer below for more information.

Monday 3 July 2017

Launch of Age-Friendly Wythenshawe Network

June saw the launch of the Age Friendly Wythenshawe Network, attended by the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

The launch event at the Wythenshawe Forum Centre was followed by a fun-packed-fortnight of activities and events, designed to showcase the diverse range of things to do for the over 50s.

Highlights included the Dementia Friendly Day Club, Tai Chi, Easy Rhythms Classes, Chess, Chatty Crafters, Murder Mysteries, Indoor Bowling, Art Classes, Coffee Mornings, Wheelchair Dancing, IT Sessions, History Groups, Afternoon Tea, Indoor Bowling, Sequence Dancing, Zumba and Martial Arts... to name just a few!

The Network has been established to make Wythenshawe a better place to grow old. What a fantastic start!

Learn more about the Network here, and email to share your ideas and get involved.

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Thursday 29 June 2017

Wednesday 28 June 2017

The Association of Retired Single Women Facebook Group

If you're female, retired (or soon-to-be-retired) and single, join us in the Association of Retired Single Women Facebook group. We're a friendly lot - mostly happy to be single and not particularly looking for another relationship (but we haven't completely closed that door to the right person.)

Instead, we try to get the most out of our lives - travel, hobbies, moving to new areas (or new countries!) and even starting retirement businesses!

It's a closed group, so we'll need to approve your application - but if, after reading your profile, it's clear that you're retired, single and female... you're in!  Click here to ask to join.

Monday 26 June 2017

Seth's Blog: Make two lists

On one list identify the grievances, disrespects and bad breaks:

    People who don't like you.
    Deals that went wrong.
    Unfair expectations.
    Bad situations.
    Unfortunate outcomes.
    Unfairness...


Seth's Blog: Make two lists

Friday 23 June 2017

Active gaming is good for brain health and memory, finds study

Video games which involve physical activity significantly boost our brain health as we get older, according to new research led by University of Manchester experts, Dr Emma Stanmore and Joseph Firth.

Read more.

Thursday 22 June 2017

MICRA to host study into effect of post-retirement work on wellbeing

Dr Ellen Dingemas has been awarded a Rubicon grant to study how the physical and cognitive wellbeing of retirees across Europe is affected by post-retirement work.

Learn more.

Wednesday 21 June 2017

A Message from Age Friendly Manchester and Age UK

The Met Office is forecasting that temperatures are likely to reach over 30 degrees in most of England until Thursday this week.

Please do pay special attention to older neighbours and friends, who may need extra help in the current very hot temperatures.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both life-threatening conditions and can develop if left untreated. Click here for advice on how to spot and treat heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Monday 19 June 2017

Get up and go - a guide to staying steady

Do you know someone who would benefit from taking the 'timed up and go test' (from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy), which helps to assess whether a person is at an increased risk of falls?

Click here to see a video of the test in action and advice about how to help someone that may be of greater risk of falls.

Friday 16 June 2017

How 'walking football' helps depressed men

From the BBC:

As a survey by the Mental Health Foundation suggests older men are less likely to recognise the importance of relationships, Graham Satchell meets a group of 'walking footballers'.  Click the link here to watch the video.

Wednesday 14 June 2017

Upcoming age-friendly events and things to do in Manchester

There are lots of events and regular groups across Manchester in June and beyond. Activities range from days out, local history groups, IT sessions, health and fitness classes, classic film screenings, dementia-friendly swimming and social clubs.

As a taster, events that have recently been added include:
 

    'Separate + Together', a photography exhibition in Miles Platting
    'Games For the Brain' activity group in Wythenshawe
    A Pop-Up Parkinson’s Wellbeing Café in Didsbury
    Sporting Memories Sessions in Rusholme


Check out the event listings for all the latest details.  The Age Friendly Manchester team recommend that you keep checking back as events are added throughout the month.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Monday 12 June 2017

Vintage FM

Vintage FM gives a real voice to Manchester's over 50s. It's produced by a mixed bunch of volunteers who've trained at All FM as radio producers.

It began in 2015 with All FM 96.9 in partnership with Age Friendly Manchester, Manchester Art Gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery, Royal Exchange Theatre, Anchor Housing and the Baring Foundation.

You're invited to listen in - for fun, new skills, ranting on radio, and discussion about life histories, community concerns, art, culture, and history combined with lots of laughs:  www.allfm.org.

Friday 9 June 2017

Stockport Walking Football Tournament


Looking for Community funding in GM?

Local groups and organisations with great ideas to make their neighbourhoods and communities even better places to live are invited to apply for funding to turn their ideas into reality.

Active Communities is funding a programme for community groups and not-for-profit organisations. They are looking for small and local projects, designed and run by local people.
Click here to find out more.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Thursday 8 June 2017

Over 55s Overcoming Anxiety Group

If you're over 55 and anxiety is affecting your life, the Overcoming Anxiety group is there to help.

The next course is starting: Thursday 15 June 2017, 10am-12pm, for 10 weeks, every Thursday, at Gaskell House Psychotherapy Services, Swinton Grove, Manchester M13 0EU (near back of MRI).

Please ring Karen Buckley on 0161 861 2236 or Pete Ireland on 0161 833 3944 to book a place or if you have any queries or questions.  Here's a link to a bit more information.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 7 June 2017

Interview with Esme Ward, Age Friendly Culture Lead

The work of Age Friendly Manchester around age-friendly arts and culture is going international!

The Japanese Performing Arts Network interviewed Esme Ward, who leads Manchester’s work on age-friendly arts and culture. In the interview, Esme gives us an insight into her background, the importance of age-friendly culture in the City, and her work at the Greater Manchester level.
Read the full interview here.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Monday 5 June 2017

Volunteers needed at the National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is looking for volunteers for two exciting projects:

Football Memories Programme Volunteer

This role will support the delivery of football reminiscence work to improve the health and wellbeing in older people.

Football Story Box Project Volunteer

This role will be to support the delivery of Story Box project workshops for people living with dementia. Story box is a ground breaking creative project designed for people living with dementia.

For more information on both of the roles, you can email the Football Museum.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Saturday 3 June 2017

The Horsfall @ 42nd Street in collaboration with Age Friendly Manchester present the 5Ways Café.

Monday 12th June, 4:30pm – 7pm
The Horsfall, 81 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester. M4 5AG.

The first in a series of 5 cafés offering people of all ages an opportunity to spend time together and explore ways to support their own and each other’s wellbeing. The event is part of a creative programme offered to the people of Greater Manchester by mental health organisation 42nd Street.


5Ways: Connect
Experience a new sound installation by sound artist Jacki Waldock, young people from 42nd Street and the voices of older residents of Ancoats; connect across generations; learn to work your own printing press; play in the games corner, enjoy snacks and drinks; find a place to relax and just be.
 
Click here for more information and to tell them that you are interested in going along, or you can email Julie.McCarthy@42ndstreet.org.uk.


(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Friday 2 June 2017

The Surprising Science of Happiness

Dan Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness," challenges the idea that we’ll be miserable if we don’t get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things don’t go as planned.

Tuesday 30 May 2017

Slides from the 2017 MICRA Annual Public Lecture - Ready for Ageing Now?


2017 MICRA Annual Public Lecture – Ready for Ageing Now? from Centre for Ageing Better

In 2013, the House of Lords Select Committee report 'Ready for Ageing' stated that we were “woefully underprepared” for our longer lives and our growing older population. Geoffrey Filkin, who proposed and chaired the Committee asks: "What has changed four years on?".  Slide notes available here.                  

Monday 29 May 2017

Life Expectancy Calculator

This won't be to everyone's taste but the Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator uses the most current and carefully researched medical and scientific data in order to estimate how old you will live to be.

Apparently, most people score in their late eighties... how about you?

The calculator asks you 40 quick questions related to your health and family history, and takes about 10 minutes to complete. At the end, you will be asked to create an account to store your answers. 
Click here to find your score...

Friday 26 May 2017

Manchester Arena Attack: A Message from the Leader of the Council, Sir Richard Leese

Dear Friends,

We are all shocked and saddened by the horrific attack carried out at the Manchester Arena and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The immediate response of the emergency services speaks to their heroism along with the reports of homes and hotels opening up, taxi drivers offering free lifts and people going out of their way to help and care for their fellow citizens. We have also seen everyday people coming together at the Vigil on Albert Square to remember those who have lost their lives and stand together. We have also seen queues of people waiting to donate blood to help the victims - This all shows the true spirit of Manchester and this is something we need to hold onto and be proud of.

We will not let this attack intimidate or divide us – It will bring us together.  The worst thing we could do is what they want.   We have a long history in Manchester of communities standing together during difficult times and in the coming days we will be working closely with community representatives to continue to identify and address any issues and concerns but also amplify the work on community cohesion.

We welcome your feedback on how as a city we continue to strengthen community cohesion across all our communities over the coming weeks.  We would be grateful if you could make contact with us and share your ideas, plans and events by emailing Shazia Awan.

As the citizens of Manchester, we also need to check in with those who may be struggling to come to terms with the attack that took place in the city on Monday and support those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into activities that have the potential to create divisions and tensions in our communities 

We also request anyone who experiences a hate crime to report it to Greater Manchester Police by calling 101 or online (this can be done anonymously)

A book of condolences has been opened at Manchester Town Hall and is also available online.


(Information shared by Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 24 May 2017

MICRA blog: Making Greater Manchester great for older people

Dr Elaine Dewhurst, MICRA researcher and Senior Lecturer in Employment Law at The University of Manchester, has written a blog exploring the impact new Mayor Andy Burnham could have on the lives of older people in the city.  Here's the link.

#StayStrongOurKid

Seen on Twitter, author unknown... My heart goes out to all families who have lost loved ones.


Tuesday 23 May 2017

Participants sought for research that investigates link between diet and eye health

Optometry researchers at the University of Manchester are seeking participants for research which examines the link between diet and eye health as we age. The study is recruiting volunteers aged 40-60 years old with normal vision and good general health.

Click here for more information.

Monday 22 May 2017

MICRA Ageing PhD Network Meeting - 1 June 2017

An invitation from MICRA (Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing):

Please join us for this free event on Thursday 1 June. This session will include a introduction by MICRA Director Prof Debora Price, a presentation by Dr Tine Buffel and an opportunity to browse our first 'age-friendly' poster session. The event is open to all students and older people interested in ageing research.

Click here to book your place.

Friday 19 May 2017

Upcoming age-friendly events and things to do in Manchester

There are lots of events and regular groups across Manchester this month and beyond. Activities range from days out, craft and local history groups, IT sessions, choirs, health and fitness classes, classic film screenings, dementia-friendly swimming and social clubs. Please keep checking as new events are added throughout the month.

Click here to see the events listings for the latest details.

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Generations Together Manifesto

Age Friendly Manchester is developing a Generations Together Manifesto. This is all about creating a set of key actions that Council and other organisations can use in their work bringing older and younger people together. They have some early ideas of what could be in the manifesto. These have come from a two day Intergenerational symposium held last October at the Coop.

Over the next six months they want to work with older and younger people and groups and organisations who work with them, to develop the manifesto and then to bring it to life through work and activity.

To find out more or get involved contact Patrick Hanfling on p.hanfling@manchester.gov.uk or call 0161 234 4188.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Monday 15 May 2017

A History of Manchester in Ten Plants - Weds 24 May

The botanical world has underpinned the story of Manchester. Cotton made us and other plants have also been important in our history. A plant powered the Industrial Revolution, another fed the masses and a third displayed our great wealth for the country to admire. What plants would you include in your list?

This is a free talk delivered by Anne Beswick from Manchester Guided Tours.

No need to book just drop in.

Wednesday 24 May 2017

6.30-7.30pm

Central Library
Performance space
St Peters Square
Manchester

Friday 12 May 2017

Want to be happier? Stay in the moment.

When are humans most happy? To gather data on this question, Matt Killingsworth built an app, Track Your Happiness, that let people report their feelings in real time. Among the surprising results: We're often happiest when we're lost in the moment. And the flip side: The more our mind wanders, the less happy we can be.

Thursday 11 May 2017

North City Nomads Trip to Skipton

Over 250 North Manchester residents went on a day trip to Skipton this month. Upon arrival, they were given a warm welcome at the weekly 3 Lions Coffee Morning and then visited The Lord’s Bedchamber at Skipton Castle. As always, a fantastic day was had by all, spending time with friends and meeting new people!

The North City Nomads AGM will take place at the Whitemoss Club, Southdown Crescent on 10th May 2017 at 1.30pm.

The group is also actively recruiting volunteers and has a number of exciting roles for people interested in lending their support. For further information contact Tracey Annette on 0161 234 4299 or t.annette@manchester.gov.uk.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 9 May 2017

Lone Star Dining are looking for Volunteers aged between 50yrs and 75yrs

Information from Lone Star Dining (courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

This is a social eating approach and naturally it is about involving a community and working in partnership with local businesses. As such we will be having conversations with breweries, pub managers, cafe managers, restaurants and social club trustees about their offer of service to older people.

We are looking for volunteers who could visit a range of eateries and pubs and social clubs with the Lone Star Dining approach. All volunteers will receive training to acquire the skills to design develop and deliver the approach, and expenses to purchase a beverage and cake at each venue they visit. Some of our service users have told us they resist organised activity delivered through projects, schemes and churches because they don't identify as old/elderly and they want to socialise when they want to, not when it has been arranged by a third party. We are offering the older community a way to open up their community, extend their friendships groups and most importantly we are giving them choice about when and where they socialise and who with. Something many of us take for granted.

Click here for more information, and if you want to volunteer please contact Marie Greenhalgh 07875286866 or email thegpprojects@live.co.uk.

Monday 8 May 2017

Friday 5 May 2017

One Million Mentors

The purpose of One Million Mentors is to train, recruit and connect a million mentors to a million young people in the UK to help them maximise their talents and get into the world of work, over the next 10 years.

Organisers are piloting their offer in Manchester and are looking to recruit 200 mentors by the end of June to be trained and deployed to organisations working with young adults aged 18-25

It's easy to sign up - just click here and you'll be registered in no time.

For more information contact Rosa Battle 07983990907 or rosa.battle@yahoo.com

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 3 May 2017

Whalley Range News and Events Spring Issue

The Whalley Range Community Forum has lots of exciting events coming up – including the Celebrate Festival on 1st May.

They have put together a Spring issue of News and Events which you can see on their website.  Click here to get the details.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 2 May 2017

Age Friendly Manchester Design Group

The group has been running since 2012 and has a diverse membership. This includes retired Planners and Architects, students, practising Architects, Access Officers and more. They work on varied projects such as Age-friendly parks and homes, street design, events, funding bids and public consultations.

Meetings are on a Wednesday from 13:00 - 15:00, every six weeks. To find out more contact Patrick Hanfling on 0161 234 4188 or p.hanfling@manchester.gov.uk.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 25 April 2017

Participants sought for research into how the ageing process affects our ability to combine sensory information

Researchers from The University of Manchester are seeking participants aged 65 – 89 years who are native English speakers for a study about how the ageing process affects our ability to combine sensory information, a process known as multisensory integration.

Click here for details.

Monday 24 April 2017

Ageing and social eating: developing age-friendly communities through eating with others

You are invited to this free MICRA event on Friday 28 April 2017. This afternoon of short talks will consider the findings of recent MICRA Seedcorn research exploring social eating with older adults across neighbourhoods in Manchester, and work by researchers that connects with this work.

Click here for further information and to book.

Friday 21 April 2017

Get Your Cat Spayed for £5

Eligible owners in Manchester & Salford can get their cats snipped or spayed for just £5 at participating local vets.  Visit the Cats Protection League website to check for eligibility and find a vet in your area.


Wednesday 19 April 2017

What's on your 'Soon List'?

Most people have (or at least understand the concept of) a 'bucket list'. Quite often though, the things we have on our bucket list are 'big ticket' items - things that take a lot of cash, or time, or planning or even courage.

Alongside your bucket list, it's a good idea to have what Steve J Scott calls a 'Soon List' - the things you'd like to enjoy soon (in the next month, for example) and the things that are more easily done/can be planned into your day-to-day life.

Some examples of things that can go on your 'Soon List' are:
Then you have to make time to actually do the things on your list.  You have to book the restaurant or call your friend. or schedule the get-together and tell everyone about it. But, as Steve Scott says: 'If you keep an ongoing list of fun activities then you'll proactively create opportunities to enjoy life a little more'.  (And who could argue against that?)

So... what's going on your 'Soon List'?