Today, I am announcing that I have been appointed to the City of Greater Bendigo Positive Ageing Advisory Committee.
I’m very happy and feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the community on this issue that is very important to me. I am looking forward to taking the Positive Ageing message to the community and presenting feedback from my communities to Council for consideration.
“The Positive Ageing Advisory Committee will advocate for and provide feedback and advice on behalf of Greater Bendigo’s older adults, on matters of concern, related to positive ageing, and receive information from Council to share with their networks” – City of Greater Bendigo
We had our first committee meeting today, which I’ve been looking forward to since being appointed a few weeks ago. I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow committee members and to learning more about the needs of older people in the Bendigo community. As a committee we represent the diversity of interests of older adults, their backgrounds, cultures, ages and experiences of living in Greater Bendigo. I feel that I am definitely able to provide valuable input on this topic.
What is Positive Ageing?
Put very simply, positive ageing is being able to stay positive about older age by keeping good health and feeling good about yourself. The experience of ageing is enhanced when older adults feel healthy and fit and are able to continuing engaging with their community in their senior years. Keeping a positive attitude towards ageing is particularly important, as it enables the person to continue to feel confident and positive. This gives a sense of control, when facing the next stage of life, as an older adult in the community.
The following are some of the ideas that pop into my head when I think of what is required for positive ageing to be possible.
- Being healthy and active in both mind and body
- Good health and access to health and support services
- Financial security
- Community involvement and feeling valued with a sense of belonging
- Having nutrition needs met
- Staying connected and supported
- Recreation facilities available and being able to easily access them
- Continuing paid employment
- Positive attitude
The idea and experience of getting older appears to be changing. Statistics show that the percentage of the population that is over 65 is increasing. Older adults today have different needs to older adults in previous generations. They expect to be healthy, socially active, and physically active, with a much different lifestyle to that lived by their parents. In many cases adults past 65 expect to keep working. This is so in my case. I have no intention of giving up work for a few years yet, unless I’m forced to by sudden or unexpected ill health. Employers are starting to recognise the value of older adults to their work force.
So far, my experience of ageing definitely is positive and enjoyable. The above requirements all feature heavily in my life. I don’t feel smug about this, but on the contrary I feel very grateful that I’ve been given good genes which have enabled me to have a high level of resilience and to stay healthy and fit. I do usually have a positive attitude to most things, which I’ve intentionally developed over the years. A positive attitude does help with positive ageing in my opinion.
What do you think of the concept of Positive Ageing? I’d love to hear your thoughts and promise to reply to all comments.
Fantastic Jennifer and what a great committee to be involved in! You’re perfect for the role. A positive attitude does help with positive ageing in my opinion – what a great attitude! Huge congrats.
Congratulations! What a fantastic honour. Positive attitude and an open mind are essential to positive aging – and moving. Don’t stop moving… #MLSTL
Hi Joanne I agree with you that we must keep moving. Movement is so important to health and mindset.
Congratulations: you will be an ideal member. I think ageing is about balancing ‘what is’ about our bodies with ‘what we can control’ with our minds. It IS about being realistic but not about throwing in the towel when 65 arrives.
Thank you for sharing. I hope the committee gets some good projects to work with.
Denyse #mlstl
Hi Denyse I love the way you describe positive ageing. Thanks for visiting
Jennifer you are the perfect example of positive ageing – you’re fit, healthy, engaged, working, blogging, reading, and so much more. They’re lucky to have you on their committee and I think you’ll be a real asset. Congrats on your appointment xThanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Thank you so much for your lovely comments Leanne.
Congratulations, Jennifer – what a great role to have. Hope you really enjoy the work and see some really positive changes around you. And yes, a positive mindset is such an important thing!
Thanks for visiting Christine. I also think a positive mindset is important.
Jennifer, congratulations on your new role. I’m sure you will be putting in valuable input, as you noted. They are lucky to have you available and willing. As someone that is still working I think the committee scope might include the transition period between work and retirement. One of my reasons for getting into family history is about preparing for the retirement years. Having something I love to do when I wake up that first day of retirement I am sure will be most positive. Plus I have made many friends already. I believe that planning for retirement is a must to positive aging, regards Fran
Hi Fran I agree with all you say about preparing for retirement. Genealogy is a great retirement hobby. I plan to be more involved in retirement. At the moment while working I just do what I can. Thanks again for your comments
I’m a huge proponent of positive aging and have been reading a number of books about how to do it (and summarizing them on my blog). Congrats on this new appointment. I’ll be curious as to what the committee actually does (as you learn more and get involved).
visiting from #MLSTL
I’m interested to read your positive Ageing posts Patricia so will visit your blog. One of our roles is to pass recommendations from our communities to council for consideration. And much more that I’m yet to learn. Thanks for your interest
How wonderful Jennifer and you are certainly a great ambassador for positive aging! I’ll be sharing on social media and I know you will do a sterling job in your new role. x #MLSTL
Thank you so much for your support and confidence in me Sue. Looking forward to my four years stint on the advisory board