Celebrating the resilience of our older people on International Day of Older Persons

The theme for this year’s International Day of Older Persons tomorrow (October 1) is ‘Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World’.

We have all experienced big changes in the last few years, particularly with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Everybody’s lives changed overnight and for most it proved very difficult.

But the resilience shown by people was amazing, especially older people.

Older people had to deal with not seeing their families, community and social groups temporarily stopping, shops closing and much more.

Everything was affected, and for those whose time was not taken up by employment it was especially difficult.

Thankfully, the majority of things have now returned to normal, including Springboard – Oldham Dementia Carers’ Support Group.

The purpose of the charity is to provide support, advice and leisure activities to people living with dementia, their carers and those that have been bereaved.

One of their recent activities included a visit from George, Ziggy and Eclipse – alpacas from Calderbrook Alpacas.

They have also just celebrated their 10th anniversary with a well-deserved party, supported by Making Space.

Over 70 people attended the event, which included afternoon tea and live music.

Paul Smithies, Chairman of Springboard, said: “It’s so rewarding for our committee to see the Springboard family sharing highs and lows alongside joining in with the wide range of appropriate activities we have each and every week. 

“Springboard has developed over the past ten years it’s status and reputation to the extent of becoming recognised on a local, regional and national basis despite being told we would not last a year in 2012.”

Polly Kaiser, Greater Manchester Older People’s Mental Health Lead, said “The idea behind Springboard was to help people who had received a diagnosis springboard onto activities that matched their interests.

“It’s important that people with dementia and their carers feel there is still life after the diagnosis and Springboard provides exactly that.

“The fact that the group were able to carry on supporting each other through covid is testament to their resilience and the relationships they have built.”

A service user with dementia, said this about the group: “People feel comfortable, not threatened, at ease with others.

"It engenders a feeling of confidence and fellowship.”

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Groups like Springboard provide vital support to older people who are affected by dementia.

“Paul and the other volunteers should be extremely proud of everything they have achieved and the amount of people they have helped over the past decade.”

The number of people over 70 with depression has doubled since the pandemic so groups such as Springboard are vital to alleviate loneliness and share support.

The resilience of older people is once again being tested as we deal with the cost of living crisis.

Cllr Brownridge added: “As the cost of living crisis looms over us older people will need support more than ever.

“Our adult social care team will be helping with the problems that will undoubtedly arise and they deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work.”

To help during this difficult time, Oldham Council have launched a We Can Help campaign to try and ease the worries and problems of Oldham residents, including our older people.

More information on this can be found at: www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.