Forward

Seniors Week goes virtual in

Celebrating Queensland Seniors
15-23 August

Great news!
Relaxing of restrictions to Stage 3 means that more people may be able to come together to celebrate.

Are you planning an event? We have information that may assist as well as some event inspiration ideas.

We know older people with low internet skills can feel isolated from their community, friends and family. Some people may need some help or support to get online, increase their skills and confidence.

To assist people to access virtual events there are a range of digital literacy programs available:

Tech Savvy Seniors helps older people to develop skills and confidence to use technology for socialising, accessing services or conducting personal business. You can access Tech Savvy Seniors resources available in English and other languages.
Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world, working with community group partners offering in-person help and support as in addition to an extensive resource library.
GetOnline Qld works with local community organisations and groups to provide free, one-on-one help.

Staying safe and secure online is important:

ACCAN (Australian Communications Consumer Action Network) helps consumers to make good choices about communications products and services.
Office of the eSafety Commissioner is committed to helping all Australians have safe, positive experiences online.
Scamwatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.

Together we can support one another to get online in a safe way.

Not everyone wants to be online, can access the internet, or programs some of the events are being held through.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

If it does consider hosting a small COVID Safe get together with them to enjoy the virtual calendar of events. This can be achieved by sharing a computer, smart TV chromecast, or by using a projector.

Whilst it is not our usual way of celebrating, it gives us the opportunity to access a range of events and activities held throughout Queensland.

Find more information about Queensland Seniors Week by clicking here.

Do you have questions? I am here to help. You can reach me on seniorsweek@cotaqld.org.au or by phoning 07 3316 2908.

Lisa Hodgkinson
Coordinator
Communications and Queensland Seniors Week
COTA Queensland

Help create our birthday playlist

Queensland Seniors Week is turning 60 this year and we are creating a playlist of music on Spotify for everyone to enjoy.

A playlist is simply a collection of songs.

Do you have a favorite song?
Is there a song that embodies the spirit of Seniors Week for you?
Do you have a 'go to' song or songs when you're having a party?

Sign up to Spotify for free and add your songs to our playlist.

Spotify is a digital music, podcast, and video streaming service that gives you access to millions of songs and other content from artists all over the world.

You can search for songs by using either the name of the artist or the song title.

If you need a little help getting started click here and further information and videos for creating and adding to playlists can be found here.

HELP CREATE OUR PLAYLIST

Together: the stories of us

A people powered project aimed at showcasing the diversity of Queenslanders through stories, photos, videos, and recipes.

‘Together’ is defined as an adverb (with each other).

In the company of others
Interaction and communication between people
Corporation to achieve a goal or purpose

Without doubt we are living in an interesting time due to the COVID pandemic. But we are not alone.

Together we are supporting one another. Together we are learning new skills, and ways to keep in touch. Together we are aiming to inspire, celebrate, and stay socially connected even when we are physically distanced. Together we will thrive.

By sharing our stories we can connect, find aspects of ourselves in others and of others in ourselves. We all have stories and that is what brings us together.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Hugs

Our favorite embrace. Not all of us can share one at the moment but that doesn't mean we can't share the sentiment of a hug.

We won't be without hugs forever, but during this time we can let someone know we are thinking of them by giving them a virtual hug.

GIVE A HUG TODAY!

Did you know: Seniors Week was first initiated in 1960 by COTA Queensland as Old People's Week. In 1969 it was renamed as Senior Citizens Week.

Who is COTA Queensland?

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is a statewide not-for-profit organisation advancing the rights, interests and futures of people as we age.

For over 60 years we have worked with older people to ensure the futures of Queenslanders are filled with opportunity and possibility.

Our programs support older Queenslanders to influence decision making and create positive social change.

To find out more about COTA Queensland, click here.

Queensland Seniors Week is coordinated by COTA Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.