Thursday 22 December 2016

Monday 19 December 2016

Living with pain in Manchester?

If you're living with a persistent pain problem, click here to have a look at the Manchester Pain Toolkit website - a handy guide to understanding and managing your pain on a daily basis.

Quote from the website:
It is not meant to be the last word in pain self-management but a handy guide to help you get started - all you need to be is willing to read and use it and take on board some of the suggestions.

Sunday 18 December 2016

Volunteer with Manchester Samaritans

Manchester Samaritans provides emotional support, day and night, to over 42,000 people every year - with Christmas being a particularly tough time for many people. As a Samaritans volunteer, you'll receive all the training you need to help make a difference to the lives of others – whether your role involves listening over the phone, joining outreach activities or helping out with administration tasks.

Check out the Samaritans website to find out how you can get involved: www.samaritans.org/branches/manchester-and-salford-samaritans

Saturday 17 December 2016

Volunteers needed for Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter

Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter is looking for people from all walks of life who will volunteer to help with the distribution and organisation of shelters for the homeless. There are seven locations across the area.

Check out the website at gmwns.wordpress.com to find out how you can get involved.

Thursday 15 December 2016

If you're feeling lonely...

Most of us will feel lonely at some point but there are some experiences common in older age that can make it more likely.  A new advice guide from Independent Age suggests things you could try which could help to reduce loneliness, as well as information about where to look for more help.
Find out more


(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 13 December 2016

Whalley Range Festive Feasts

Age Friendly Whalley Range is holding two free Festival Feasts for  local (older) residents. Places are limited, so book a.s.a.p.

Men's Shed Manchester


Did you arrive at this page looking for pre-retirement courses or coaching? You'll need our Contemporary Retirement website.

Friday 9 December 2016

Ergsy - Health & Wellbeing Advice and Support

Ergsy is a not for profit organisation, providing free videos on subjects relevant to older people.  It's run by older people for older people, providing a free online library of pre-vetted self-help videos, under the topic headings, Health, Legal, Money, Care and Welfare.

Viewers of the videos will be able link to experts and professionals in their postcode, such as lawyers, accountants, pension advisers etc. for a free half hour advice session.  All videos in the Ergsy library have been vetted for accuracy and are made by trusted professionals.

Visit ergsy.com for more information

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)


Wednesday 7 December 2016

Don't Forget to Get Your Flu Jab!

Flu is an unpredictable virus that can cause mild or unpleasant illness in most people. It can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups including older people, pregnant women and people with an underlying health condition. 

You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you: are 65 years of age or over; are pregnant; have certain medical condition; are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility; or receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.

Visit nhs.uk/staywell for more info

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Sunday 4 December 2016

'buzz' Manchester Health & Wellbeing Service has launched!


22nd November saw the official launch event of 'buzz', pictured above.  Their aim is simple: to help improve the health and wellbeing of people and communities in Manchester, helping individuals and families live fuller, healthier, happier and longer lives.  Their neighbourhood health workers are busy working in the heart of communities, helping to develop age-friendly networks across Manchester.

As experts in health improvement and self-care, they have the knowledge and expertise to offer the right advice and guidance to help put a spring into people’s lives offering one to one support, training and working alongside other key health initiatives and partners in the area.

Find out more about 'buzz'


(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Saturday 3 December 2016

Don’t stay on your own in your home… Homeshare!

The idea is simple: if you have a spare room, you could offer it to someone who, in return, would provide you with 10 hours of support per week, eg cooking, cleaning, taking you to your appointments or just spending some time with you. This is Homeshare!

Take Doreen, a 78 year old lady from Heywood: after spending months in a care home following a fall, all she wanted was to go home. Thanks to PossAbilities Homeshare, she is now living with Anouck Truffaux, a French Master student in Law, who came to England to practice her English after graduating. Anouck helps Doreen with cooking, house-cleaning, and they often go out together. Doreen is now much happier, feels useful as she helps Anouck get around her new life in England, and ‘feels much younger than when she was in the nursing home’!

For more information, please visit
www.possabilities.org.uk/homeshare, call us on 01706 626 747 or email homeshare@possabilities.org.uk


(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Christmas Carols by Salford Royal Choir - 4 December

Starts: 14:00 - 4 Dec 2016

Ends: 15:00 - 4 Dec 2016


Venue:  The John Rylands Library

In the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of the Library’s grand Historic Reading Room, enjoy a medley of Christmas carols by Salford Royal Choir.

Take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy an afternoon that will truly get you into the festive spirit.

This locally-based choir have played at many charitable organisations as well as the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, for over 35 years.

Donations welcome for Wood Street Mission.

No need to book, just turn up.

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Introductory Tour of the John Rylands Library - 2 December


Starts: 15:00 - Friday 2 December 2016


Ends: 15:30 - Friday 2 December 2016


What is it: Tour


Organiser: The John Rylands Library


Venue opening hours: Monday 12noon - 5pm; Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12noon - 5pm


Who is it for: General public


Ever wanted to learn more about this fascinating building and some of its history?  This is your chance.  No need to book, just turn up.

(Other dates available - see the 'What's On' Guide for details.)

Friday 25 November 2016

Kindness Advent Calendar

What a fab idea!  If the world feels a bit short of kindness at the moment, use this Kindness Advent Calendar to put some of your own out there! The blog post contains a link to download your own calendar.
http://maketodayhappy.co.uk/act-of-kindness-24-kindness-advent-calendar/

Thursday 24 November 2016

Celebrate winter at the Whitworth Gallery

On December 3rd and 4th, the Whitworth Gallery transforms into a Scandinavian winter wonderland for a weekend of free events to celebrate winter.

Saturday 19 November 2016

How to save the world with fish poo (and other great ideas) - Manchester Museum

Urban Naturalist at Manchester Museum

14:00 - 16:00, Saturday 26 Nov 2016


Who is it for?: Adults, General public

Friendly, practical workshops run by leading naturalists. From wild food-foraging and composting to bird song and insect identification, explore biodiversity on our doorstep.

How to save the world with fish poo and other great ideas?  Go along to the November Urban Naturalist, to hear from Real Food Wythenshawe to find out more about how we can grow fruit and vegetables from fish waste. Hear about the trials and tribulations of setting up an Aquaponics system that can produce good quality food and learn some of the science behind the produce. You’ll also get to see the Manchester Museum’s Aquaponic system in action.

Adult Event, Free, Book on mcrmuseum.eventbrite.com or 0161 275 2648

Friday 18 November 2016

Little Free Pantry

Should be easy enough to do for a retiree with some time on their hands and a desire to do something good for their community...


Thursday 17 November 2016

Please help find a new cup for Ben

Volunteer Hosts Needed for Manchester Christmas Dinner



Are you interested in volunteering as a host at the Manchester Christmas dinner? 

The Christmas Dinner is a pop up organisation founded by the poet Lemn Sissay and a group of professionals who, between them, have over a hundred years experience of working with young people. Their aim is to provide a Christmas Day Dinner for care leavers aged between 16 and 25 on Christmas Day. Many care leavers are sitting in flats, B and B’s, hostels, away from family or are sofa surfing or living on the streets on their own at Christmas.

"Christmas is a reminder of everything they never had. It's often a dreaded day. Not now. We will put on a scrumptious Christmas meal and create a magical day to remember at a secret location in Manchester."

More hosts are needed to make the day a success - see the Manchester Christmas Dinner Facebook Group if you'd like to help...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1670920986553483/1671142183198030/

Wednesday 16 November 2016

How many calories do I need?

It's easy to start piling on the pounds once you retire.  Use this calculator from bbc.co.uk to find out how many calories you need to maintain your current weight. Then, if you think you could stand to lose a few pounds, reduce that figure by up to 500 calories a day to start losing weight safely.



Is Dementia a Leading Cause of Death?

Following the recent revelation that dementia has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in England and Wales, here's a link to an article by James Rupert Fletcher which casts a little more light on the story behind the headlines and what it means for people with dementia and for healthcare in general.

Is Dementia a Leading Cause of Death? by James Rupert Fletcher

Saturday 12 November 2016

Volunteer Opportunities: Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter

Recruiting now...

Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter organisers are looking for people from all walks of life to volunteer for one (or more) shift(s) per week at one of their seven locations.

Most volunteers do a regular weekly shift, but you can do more or less than this.

Mandatory training and an induction will be provided by Greater Together Manchester, with the opportunity to attend further additional training on a number of specialist topics.

Want more information about volunteering at the Night Shelter? Why not visit their blog.

If you would like to volunteer at the Night Shelter, click here to complete an application form.

Questions? Click here to drop the Night Shelter Project Worker an email.

Friday 4 November 2016

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Can you help University of Manchester researchers?

Researchers at the University of Manchester are looking for adults aged 65 years or older, to participate in interviews about why older adults may engage in activities involving prolonged periods of sitting or lying down, and possible ways of reducing or breaking up such activities. (The interview can take place at a location of your convenience e.g. your own home, or at the University with cost of transport covered.)

If you are interested in taking part or would like further information, please contact Laura McGowan on laura.mcgowan@manchester.ac.uk or 0161 275 2562.

Sunday 30 October 2016

Sporting Memories Group

The Sporting Memories Foundation believes in the power of stories to reignite connections between generations and combat the effects of dementia, depression and loneliness in communities.

The Sporting Memories Group meets every Friday from 1.30 to 3pm at FC United of Manchester, Broadhurst Park, 310 Lightbowne Road, Manchester M40 0FJ

You're invited to go along to this friendly group and listen to and share sporting memories with other older sports fans.

Free to attend.  Refreshments available.

For more information, call Jason on 07514698879 or
email jason.white@sportingmemoriesnetwork.com

Friday 28 October 2016

Walking Football has its own website

A post about Walking Football (for the Over 50s) usually gets a lot of attention, so here's a site that's dedicated to the sport: Walking Football United.  Click on the 'Find a Club' link to get a list of all the Greater Manchester clubs with times of games, contact numbers, etc.

http://www.walkingfootballunited.co.uk

Thursday 27 October 2016

Free Museums and Galleries in the UK

If you're looking for something to do with the grandkids during the school holidays, check out Money Saving Expert's listing of all the UK's free museums and art galleries:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/free-museums-and-art-galleries

Monday 24 October 2016

North Manchester Over 50s 'Be Well' Sessions

North Manchester Over 50s 'Be Well' Sessions
Whitemoss Road Housing Office/Community Room
Every Wednesday, 2.30 - 3.30 pm

A free healthy activity session to promote mental and physical wellbeing - all over 50s from the estate are invited to join in. 
(Meet at Housing Office at approx. 2.15 pm.)

Thursday 20 October 2016

Testing Your Retirement Budget

If you've always enjoyed spending right up to the limits of your income (or even exceeding them) whilst you've been working, how will things need to change for you when you retire?

Most people have to have some sort of budget in place once they retire - after all, there aren't many people who would tell you that they have more than enough money from their retirement income, that they'll never have to worry about their cashflow ever again.

If you're worried about your ability to cope on your retirement income, give it a trial run for six months now to see how you get on. This is easy enough to do:

1. Find out what your projected retirement income will be.

2. You're going to need two bank accounts. The first is your current account which you're going to use as your 'pension account', i.e., the account in which you keep your projected retirement income and the money which you'll live on for the next 6 months. The second account will be a deposit account and you'll 'sweep' the difference between your net salary and your pension into this.

So, for example, if you were expecting a total monthly retirement income of £1000 and you receive a salary of £2000, on pay day, you sweep the excess £1000 from your current account into your deposit account, leaving yourself £1000 to live on for the next month.

3. After you've done this for 3 months, you'll be able to tell if you're going to be able to cope on your projected retirement income or not. If it becomes obvious that you're going to struggle, you have time to do something about that situation now. Maybe you need to have a word with your employer and arrange to continue working a little longer to accrue more pension savings. Or maybe you could get a part-time job somewhere else. Or start a retirement business.  If you like the idea of a retirement business, click here to check out our 'Boomers Starting Businesses' blog for some ideas and tips.

Friday 14 October 2016

Saturday Sewing Club (Central Library)

Saturday 17 September 2016 - Saturday 10 December 2016
City Centre: Central Library, St Peter's Square, M2 5PD 10:00 - 12:00
Free

Do you want to try your hand at sewing but don't have a machine?  Get yourself along to one of the  informal monthly sessions at Central Library’s Media Lounge.

Sewing machines and thread are provided together with learning materials including printed guides, computers and tablets to watch online tutorials on.


You take your own fabric, and eagerness to 'have a go' at some simple projects.

If you can already sew, why not go along and share your knowledge and meet other hobbyists.

Thursday 13 October 2016

Upcoming age-friendly events and things to do in Manchester

The Age Friendly Manchester website has over 40 listed events and regular groups across Manchester this month and beyond.  Activities range from craft and local history groups, IT sessions, choirs, health and fitness classes, classic film screenings, dementia-friendly swimming and social clubs.

See their events listings for the latest details

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Manchester City coaching 'walking football' games for Over 50s

Manchester City Football Club has launched a new team with a combined age of more than 700 years, as it coaches a walking football club to encourage fitness among pensioners.

The project by Manchester City Council, the club's City in the Community scheme and three local clinical commissioning groups is part of a long-term health and social care plan, with the emphasis on prevention rather than cure by encouraging people to get involved in their community and stay active and healthy.

Read the full article and find local walking football venues.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Dig out your groovy gear, clubbers

My Generation Mcr returns to the city centre for an evening packed with nostalgic music.  Club regulars will pay tribute to their former host, DJ Frank "Mr Soulman" Byrne who sadly passed away earlier this year. Frank, was well known on the club circuit for playing sounds of the 60s, Soul and Motown and Northern Soul. Is this the sound of your generation?  With Live Music from The Cavernites to help you relive the Beatlemania Years - everyone is guaranteed of a great night.  Supported by Age-Friendly Manchester. 

Find out more and order tickets

(Article courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Monday 10 October 2016

Urban design for younger and older

17/18 October

New Generation – Design for Living is a two-day workshop event, exploring the challenges and opportunities for designing our city from a generational perspective. This could be from younger and older people working together, or it could be across other generations too. We want to identify opportunities for working with younger and older people together and to explore how our city is re-imagined, designed and inhabited by future communities.

Find out more and register or contact Patrick Hanfling (Age-Friendly Manchester) on p.hanfling@manchester.gov.uk or 0161 234 4188.

(Information courtesy of Age Friendly Manchester)

Sunday 9 October 2016

Who wants to work forever? Work, retirement and well-being in later life - Sunday 6 November 2016

Sunday 6 November 2016
Seminar 14.00-16.00
People's History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3ER

The British population is ageing. Today, about 10 million people living in the UK are aged 65+. This is expected to increase by 50% by 2050. As people are living longer and fewer people are being born the government is seeking to encourage people to remain work until later in life. However not everyone can or wants to continue working until much later in life. This event, organised by Dr Martin Hyde, will have speakers from a wide range of backgrounds who will each discuss the challenges and opportunities of extending working lives.
Register online

How to Make a Fresh Start

How to Make a Fresh Start