Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK. Led by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation, it celebrates the value and knowledge they contribute to our communities while combating loneliness and isolation. Everyone can get involved, whether that’s organising an event, spreading the word, or simply attending an activity. The next Silver Sunday is on 1st October 2017.
Silver Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate older people taking part in community events and especially those living with dementia. There are many things that can be done in the early stages of the disease that can help to make life easier and more enjoyable. Events like Silver Sunday show that dementia is not a barrier to enjoying community activities and initiatives like this are really important to show that you can live well with dementia.
“lt is so important that older people feel included in London’s communities. That is why I support Silver Sunday and hope that you all have a wonderful time celebrating the valuable contributions that older people make. These contributions span not just London but up and down the UK. In a city as large as London there is no need for older people to ever feel lonely or isolated but sadly some do. As Mayor, I want to make sure that everyone is engaged and active in their community – young or older”.
It is fantastic to see schemes like Silver Sunday leading the way in providing support to older people and helping them enjoy their well-earned later years, doing what they want to do, whether it is working, being at leisure, volunteering, enjoying hobbies or a combination of all these.
With an ageing population we have more Senior Citizens than ever before, not all of them are blessed with family and they can often feel isolated. Silver Sunday is a real opportunity for communities to get together and celebrate the contribution that our Senior Citizens have made to all that makes Britain great.
“Who cares what it says on your birth certificate – it’s how you feel about yourself that matters. We all have just one life to live. Make sure you live it to the full.”
“Silver Sunday: A day not to ignore older people, but celebrate and remember the important role that they play in our society. Older people are often undervalued by society and by getting involved in events such as Silver Sunday we can help to tackle loneliness and build a fairer society.”
“I’m so looking forward to being a part of Silver Sunday once again this year. Our “West End Sing-A-Long” was such fun and we all had a good song, a good laugh and an even better a cup of tea after! It’s an honour to be a small part of this fabulous nationwide event!”
“Silver Sunday is growing in events and popularity year on year – what a wonderful excuse for the retired generation to meet and make new friends and for us to benefit from their knowledge and life experiences.”
Silver Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate older people and to remember the important role we can all play in supporting those who might be lonely or isolated in our community. By getting involved in events such as Silver Sunday we can help to tackle loneliness and build a fairer society.
As an independent expert on later life issues, I am really proud to be taking on this important new role. Older people are often so undervalued by society and even undervalue themselves – this needs to change. Older members of society have so much wisdom and experience and everyone can benefit from ensuring their skills do not go to waste when they still have so much to offer.
As you know I am hugely supportive of Silver Sunday and totally agree that it is important to celebrate the contribution of older people. That is why this year I have decided to throw open the doors of City Hall and host our very first Silver Sunday.
Many people believe that these days growing older is something that should be celebrated. Silver Sunday certainly encourages the enjoyment side of getting out and about and meeting new people: offers like tea dances, computer classes, yoga, film nights, belly dancing … are hard to resist (well, maybe the belly dancing is) and that is what we hope is achieved by Silver Sunday – a little encouragement to make the most of life.
“This is a special day for older people to get involved in community events and activities to bring back some of the traditional community spirit. It’s also a small thank you for your contribution to society.”
Silver Sunday: a day not just to celebrate the Silver Surfers’ great contribution to their communities, but a special day for the young-at-heart everywhere.