1st October is marked across the world as International Day of Older People (IDOP).

The IDOP is observed by the United Nations to change negative stereotypes and misconceptions about ageing and to allow older persons to continue to contribute to their societies.

The theme for this year is, “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide.”

It is in furtherance of this theme that 5thSense Strategies, a communications and events management company, has teamed up with the Aviation Social Centre, Airport Accra, to “Celebrate Active Ageing” through the Seniors’ Day Out picnic on Saturday, 5th October, 2024.

The Seniors' Day Out aims to celebrate the vibrant spirit of older folks by giving them a fun-filled day. The event, which is scheduled to take place between 9:00am and 4:00pm at the Aviation Social Centre targets individual retirees/senior citizens, pensioners associations, and Old School Groups whose members are 60 years old and above.

The Event Director, Nana Adwoa Kwegyir-Aggrey is upbeat about the activities lined up for patrons, saying “We will have games and contests, gentle exercises and aerobics, free health, self-care services, and wellness activities.”

She adds that “There will also be live band music and dance, seniors reflexology and massages, morning refreshment and buffet launch, hydration stations, fruit juice and local bar, beer garden, liquor and cocktail bar. So, there is something for everybody.”

Abigail Sappor, General Manager of the Aviation Social Centre says “As partners with 5thSense Strategies, we consider the Seniors’ Day Out as an opportunity to make our older persons know that there is a place away from home where they can come to at any time.”

“Last year, through the collaborative efforts of our partners, we hosted over 450 lively older people. The activities for this year have been carefully selected to meet their needs during the seven hours that they will be with us. We are geared up to welcome all 60-year-olds for an exciting time,” she assured.

Dr. Esi Ansah, Executive Director, Association of Ghana's Elders (AGE), says “Our members look forward to this year’s Seniors’ Day Out with bated breath. We consider this event as a rare occasion to wine, dine, and have fun with our compatriots. Last year, we had a lot of fun and made new friends. The members cannot wait to reunite with their peers.”

The Seniors’ Day Out is supported by the Volta River Authority, Bigoo, Japan Motors, SSNIT, Verna, Drugnet, Paycode, Bracebridge Consultancy and GT Bank.