Miscellaneous

Chatting on Facebook, posting on Instagram, virtual GP appointments, ZOOM with the family, all without leaving our own homes – is this really the future? We know that more and more older people are using digital technology such as smartphones and video call apps to stay connected, but do these technologies actually help reduce loneliness and isolation. We know that social isolation and loneliness are harmful and widespread amongst older people – damaging physical and mental health, reducing the quality of life, and shortening lives. Covid-19 showed us just how crucial social connections are for our wellbeing.  When it wasn’t…

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International Day of Older Persons is a special day worldwide, to showcase the spirit and contribution of older people in a changing and challenging world. The United Nations (UN) marks this day by encouraging countries to draw attention to, and challenge, negative stereotypes, and misconceptions about older people, and to allow older people to live well and realise their potential. Of course, it’s also a chance to share memories, desires, and celebrate older people! This year’s theme – The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women The recent pandemic has worsened existing inequalities for many, but has significantly impacted the lives…

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There are many factors that contribute to long life, but according to one comprehensive scientific study, there are two powerful predictors of successful ageing. A thorough analysis published in the science journal PLoS One and the National Library of Medicine in 2019, called ‘Lifestyle predictors of successful aging: A 20-year prospective HUNT study’, investigated the effect of midlife lifestyle conditions and how they consequently led to successful ageing. “Lifestyle factors predicting successful ageing…are important for understanding healthy ageing, interventions, and preventions,” wrote the study researchers. ‘Successful Ageing’ was described as free of certain specified diseases and depression, having no physical or mental…

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“Age Friendly” describes communities that support access to services and opportunities for people as they grow older, and that promote the inclusion and participation of older adults in all aspects of life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities is a world-wide group of communities committed to changing their societies to make them appropriate for older adults and beneficial for people of all ages. The Older People’s Commissioner wants to make Wales the best country in the world to grow older and sees the development of age-friendly communities as a key part of this goal. In…

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The Royal Welsh Band played outside Hafan Gwydir in Llanrwst on Thursday the 22nd of September.  In full uniform accompanied by their mascot, the band played for a full 15 minutes before heading off on the next stop of their Wales-wide tour. Thanks to a Canon Power Shot SX 120, we were able to take some photos.

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March the 8th is International Women’s Day, and the theme for 2021 is ‘choose to challenge’.  We should all choose to call out bias against women and inequality and choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. So, my thoughts turned to Elizabeth ‘Betsi’ Cadwaladr who very much chose to challenge. She challenged a class system that oppressed the poor, a patriarchy that condemned women to a life of subservience and ageism by working as a nurse in the Crimean War at age 65, and challenged a bureaucratic system to improve hygiene conditions on the frontlines and properly treat soldiers….

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Between June and September of 2021, ten Forums were held in Conwy County. Information packs, and a few goodies, were given to those attending. It was lovely to see many familiar faces and some new ones. There is still concern about COVID-19, and there was lots to talk about. Digital Exclusion – a shift to most information and services being available only online, leaving many older people completely out of the loop, and then further penalised by extra charges for paper bills, using cheques and so forth. Older people are cautious of doing anything online for security reasons, and don’t…

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