United Nations International Day of Older People (York)
1st October 2024

What is IDOP?

What’s happening?

Joining the UK network of Age-friendly Communities, every year, on 1 October, people from across the world come together to mark the United Nations International Day of Older People (IDOP).

As part of the much loved and well-established 50+ Festival, the York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA) is leading a celebratory series of events from 24 September to 2 October 2024.

Our exciting activities focus on the Memories and Dreams of older individuals, aiming to:

  • dispel ageist stereotypes
  • enhance wellbeing and enjoyment
  • foster intergenerational understanding and links

The activities will include filming and workshops to encourage creative participation, a ten-day exhibition trail hosted by voluntary organisations in popular venues across York city centre, and the creation of eco-friendly butterfly puppets symbolising evolution and wonder.

The events being planned include:

  • 10-day exhibition trail

    • Tuesday 24 September to Wednesday 2 October 2024
    • Around the city, shop-front spaces with stories from groups of elders in our many creative voluntary groups
    • Films in public places telling elder’s stories

  • IDOP Celebration Parade

    • At 12 noon on Saturday 28 September a parade will begin at York Theatre Royal, go through Museum Gardens, stop at St Helen’s Square, where the Lord Mayor will receive the parade, a creative “happening” will take place including music and dancing
    • The parade then continues onto St Sampson’s Centre in Church Street for refreshments

  • Performances on Saturday 28 September

    • York Theatre Royal’s Studio Theatre
      • York Playback Theatre performance at 13.30
      • Silver Swans masterclass plus mini-ballet at 15.00
    • York Art Gallery
      • Facilitated visual arts painting workshop at 14.00-15.30
    • Museum Gardens
      • Tai Chi demonstration
    • St Helen’s Square
      • Butterfly making with song and dance 10.00-16.00
    • Free tickets will be available on the door(s) on a first-come-first-served basis

Why is it important?

Professor Dianne Willcocks, IDOP Convener explains:

“York is a city experiencing a substantial rise in our elder population, enriching civic life with their creativity and wisdom. During this time of significant challenge and change for the wider community, we are proud to be hosting the IDOP Celebration.

“The event is dedicated to promoting intergenerational understanding, combating loneliness and isolation, and infusing joy into the lives of participants.

“Our goal is to dispel myths about ageism and demonstrate that many older adults remain active and make meaningful contributions to society.”

Who’s involved?

Stories

Contact

together with …

We gratefully acknowledge the support from Rotary Ainsty York

See our video discussing how the Silver Swans has introduced many older people to ballet for the first time and how it is a wonderful example of older people learning in later life, giving back, enjoying themselves and giving pleasure to others. Video made with the generous assistance of the Kirkham Henry Performing Arts.

During the IDOP celebrations, Jorvik Silver Swans, our partner from last year, will be leading a Silver Swans masterclass followed by a mini-ballet in the York Theatre Royal’s Studio Theatre on Saturday 28 September.

Hear Issy Sanderson who runs Parkinson’s Creatives, an intergenerational arts group, connecting the elderly and the very young, making for a truly joyful collaboration.

For IDOP, a visually dramatic art installation of giant flowers with giant eco-butterflies will parade through Museum Gardens and be on display in St Helen’s Square along with musicians in celebration of this special day.

Memories and dreams – We feel enriched by elder’s wit and wisdom and by their presence amongst us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOKRmyuPJf8

This video features eminent elders from York and North Yorkshire who have made significant contributions across various fields, including public service, creativity, caregiving and work, representing a diverse array of communities.

They are people with very impressive stories, people who count, people who make a difference, and people who make us smile.  They talk about ambition, family, memories, identity – shaping their own identity but also influencing others – so that we respect and love the differences amongst us.

Pictures

Resources

  • Press Release 1 – Memories and Dreams dazzle in York’s celebration of International Day of Older People – York Older People’s Assembly announces plans for International Day of Older People

  • Press Release 2 – Excitement grows ahead of International Day of Older People with previews of two special celebration events – Momentum is building in the run up to York’s celebration of International Day of Older People, as YOPA shares behind the scenes insights into two of our many special events

  • Press Release 3 – We’ve nailed it! IDOP York is coming to life with less than a week to go!

    Excitement is growing ahead of York’s celebration of International Day of Older People as we unveil the complete schedule of events.

  • Press Release 4 – It’s a wrap! Butterflies have fluttered all over York to honour International Day of Older People

IDOP 2023

Celebrating York Our Changing City

Please click on the above link for a film at YouTube

York Older People's Assembly
York Older People's Assembly

Tel: 07965 246193

Email: yorkolderpeoplesassembly@outlook.com

York Older People’s Assembly

St Sampson’s Centre, Church Street

YORK YO1 8BE

Working for older people in York, we aim to:

  1. represent the views of older people in York to decision makers locally and nationally.
  2. Inform older people about services that are available.
  3. Identify where needs are not being met.