Seniors Week goes virtual in
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Day of Solidarity Between the Generations
The first day of Queensland Seniors Week, Saturday 15 August, is being dubbed ‘a Day of Solidarity between Generations’, which is especially fitting given the need for us to remain connected and look out for each other.
Last year the “OK Boomer” hashtag was making global headlines. It became a derisive catchcry for members of younger generations to express frustration and disrespect towards older people they felt were out of touch.
Financial inequality, housing affordability, and climate change have become particular areas in which intergenerational tensions and ageism – on both sides – have escalated.
During COVID-19 a new mantra has emerged - we are all in this together.
Our communities are made up of people of all ages who care about and value other people, whether they know them or not, and whatever their age.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans said Queensland Seniors Week provides opportunities for people across all generations to connect.
“We need to keep those connections, keep showing intergenerational solidarity, keep showing each other respect and care after the pandemic is over. This pandemic could change forever the way we live together in our communities”
“28 500 people have signed up to the Care Army to look out for those who are older, vulnerable, or in quarantine yet most older people have said they don’t need the support. The Care Army is now supporting international students as well as vulnerable seniors.
The theme of this year’s Queensland Seniors Week is ‘Celebrating Queensland Seniors’, and our first day being a ‘Day of Solidarity between Generations’, acknowledges how important family relationships are to the health and well-being of people of all ages, particularly in the lives of our seniors.”
“When we connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, we often find that there is more that connects us than divides us.”
Queenslanders are invited to gather with family and friends, young and old, to enjoy a specially curated online event on Saturday 15 August, to kick off this year’s Queensland Seniors Week (15 – 23 August 2020).
Presented by Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and COTA Queensland, this special event called Drawn Together celebrates the powerful relationships that exist across generations. Interspersed with performances by some of Queensland’s leading musicians and artists, the conversation will broach ideas of happiness, family heritage, and the value of the arts to individuals and to the community.
More information is in the newsletter below.
Do you have questions? I am here to help. You can reach me on seniorsweek@cotaqld.org.au or by phoning 07 3316 2908.
I can't wait to celebrate with you!
Lisa Hodgkinson
Coordinator
Communications and Queensland Seniors Week
COTA Queensland
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Handy Guide to Access
Virtual Events
Seniors Week has historically provided opportunities for people to connect, find support and services, and assistance to reduce social isolation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year Seniors Week will be predominantly an online celebration and we don't want older Queenslanders to miss out on this important event.
We know older people with limited internet skills can feel isolated from their community, friends and family. Some people need extra support to get online and build their digital skills and also need a compelling reason to take the plunge.
A handy guide, Helping you to access virtual Seniors Week events, was created in partnership with the Queensland Government, Volunteering Queensland, Telstra, and COTA Queensland to assist people to access the online events and activities.
If you know someone who would benefit from this guide, lend a helping hand and print and share this guide with them.
Are you looking for more information about digital literacy support? Read our by Helping you go virtual e-newsletter.
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Drawn Together
Join us as we celebrate the powerful relationships that exist across generations. Gather your friends and family for a very special morning tea, conversation and performance event Saturday 15 August.
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E-Safety Webinars
The internet is a wonderful place to explore, and it can help you do a lot of things easily. But there are some things you need to know so you can enjoy being online safely.
Join nbn™, eSafety Commissioner, Queensland Police and COTA Queensland at one of three webinars on eSafety as they show you some simple tips to stay safe online.
Click on the webinar name below to find out more and to register.
Please note a link to access the events(s) will be sent to you after registration.
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Virtual Seniors in the Studio
This Queensland Seniors Week join in one of four FREE Virtual Seniors in the Studio dance classes, Sunday 23 August 2020.
The four classes on offer will cater to all abilities. Click on the class names below to find out more and to register.
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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.
- 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?
Find out more.
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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.
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Together: the stories of us
A people powered project aimed at showcasing the diversity of Queenslanders through stories, photos, videos, and recipes.
Without a doubt we are living in an interesting time due to the COVID pandemic. But we are not alone.
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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.
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Did you know: Queensland has five of Australia's eleven World Natural Heritage areas. These include the Scenic Rim National Parks, Fraser Island, Riversleigh Fossil Fields, the Wet Tropics (including Daintree National Park), and one of the Wonders of the World—the Great Barrier Reef.
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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.
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Queensland Seniors Week is coordinated by COTA Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.
This program supports the building of Age-friendly communities in Queensland.
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