A special event will celebrate the integral role older people play in communities across Middlesbrough.
The town will mark the International Day of Older People at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday, October 2.
A report from the Centre for Ageing Better has identified that older people are more likely to provide unpaid care and to volunteer both informally and formally than younger generations.
With that in mind, the event’s theme will focus on ‘the part we play’ in celebrating older people in our communities.
Staff from Age Friendly Middlesbrough have worked with local people to create a video on the theme, which will be shown on the day.
The free to attend, drop-in event also features around 30 stalls and activities focusing on health, money and leisure.
They include free hearing and blood pressure checks, Tai Chi exercise demonstrations, a virtual reality workshop, digital support and advice on living independently.
Staff from the Council’s Revenues and Benefits team will have a stall, which will primarily focus on ensuring people are receiving the correct benefits.
The team has started work on a new initiative to maximise the number of eligible people receiving benefits they are entitled to, including Pension Credit, writing to 750 households who could be in a position to claim.
Lunch and refreshments will also be on offer at the event, which runs from 10am to 2pm.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Supporting our older residents is something I’m passionate about, and I’m delighted to see the theme of this year’s event recognises the vital role they play in our community.
“It’s free, will be filled with useful information, and I’m delighted that our welfare advisers will be on hand to try and help ensure our residents are receiving all the financial support that they’re entitled to.
“The event is always popular and well organised, and I’d urge residents to go along to the Town Hall on Wednesday and see what’s on offer.”