Activities for Seniors
Bus outings for senior residents
Ashfield Council organises monthly bus outings for local senior residents. Residents are collected from their homes and venture to locations in the Sydney metropolitan and surrounding areas. Residents are returned to their homes in the afternoon.
These monthly outings are designed to provide seniors with an opportunity to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. Carers are welcome to accompany the person they care for. People often bring money to have lunch at local clubs and there may be occasional entry fees depending on the place being visited.
For more information please contact Council's Community Services Department on 9716 1842.
Yoga for 55's and over
Experienced yoga teacher provides guidance through stretching and strength building yoga exercises, appropriate to individual capacity. Floor and chair based exercise. Classes 10am - 11am and 11.30am - 12.30am Wednesdays. Please call Ruth for more information 9716 1842 or email ruthp@ashfield.nsw.gov.au
Seniors Aquatic Class
Gentle water aerobics at the Ashfield Aquatic Centre. Participants pay entry into the pool and then the class is free. Stay for a coffee at the cafe after class! Class is 10am - 10.30am Tuesdays. Please call Ruth for more information 9716 1842 or email ruthp@ashfield.nsw.gov.au
Alternative Therapies in Nursing Homes
We continue to employ a music therapist to work in different residential aged care facilities in the area. We are beginning a new program in partnership with Ashfield Baptist Homes called 'Ivory Keys for Retirees' where piano lessons for beginners will take place for community members at the Bethel Nursing Home in Ashfield. Participants pay a small fee for each lesson, and following the class head down to the cafe to social ise with some of the residents. We hope that these programs will create more interaction between local residnents living independently in the community and local residents living in residential aged care.
Ashfield Council recently worked with a professional aromatherapist in 5 different aged care facilities in the Ashfield LGA. This program was focused on developing the knowledge and skills of staff in these facilities, so that they can use aromatherapy techniques (including essential oils and massage) that complement the existing health plans of residents. The techniques used by staff worked on creating and sustaining an aesthetic, soothing and nourishing environment. The aim of this program is to support and enhance quality of life for residents living in residential aged care, their family and friends, and the work environment of staff.
Ashfield Men's Shed
The Ashfield Men's Shed is a social group for men comprised of retirees, war veterans and men living in local licensed boarding houses. Run by Ashfield Council in partnership with Mary MacKillop Outreach, activities of the group include making furniture for local nursing homes and the St Vincent De Paul Society. The group meet every Thursday and Friday from 10am - 1pm at Mary MacKillop Outreach, 1B Thomas Street, Lewisham. If you are interested in the activities of the Ashfield Men's Shed please telephone Mary Mackillop Outreach on 9568 0248.
The Ashfield Seniors Action Committee
Ashfield Seniors Action Committee meets quarterly to share information, get informed on local issues and provide feedback and advice to Council. This group welcomes new members who take an interest in the wellbeing of seniors in the Ashfield community. The Committee has representatives from many different seniors groups in the local area. For more information or if you are interested in joining this meeting please call the Community Development Worker (Ageing and Disability Services) on 9716 1842.
Seniors Week
Seniors Week happens in March every year, a time to celebrate the lives of older people in our community. In 2010 we are calling our program 'Over 55 and looking for seomthing new?' as we acknowledge and value the important role and ongoing contribution of people during this time of life. To look at the program of activities and events for Seniors Week click here on the Seniors Week Program and continue to check Council notices.
Seniors Social Group
The Ashfield Seniors Social Group meets every Tuesday between 10am and 12pm. Activities include cards (Skip Bo) and an opportunity to socialise with morning tea provided. Anyone is welcome. For further information please telephone Community Development Worker (Ageing and Disability Services) on 9716 1842.
The Cat Rescue "Seniors for Seniors" Program
Rediscover the joy of caring for a cat! Having an animal as a companion can provide great pleasure and enhance health and wellbeing. The ‘Seniors for Seniors’ program is a program that places an adult cat in need of care, with a local resident. An adult cat is matched as closely as possible, with the person taking part in the program. Care of the cat may be permanent or temporary and different cats may be requiring different levels of care depending on their history. For more information please visit www.catrescue.com.au