Socially connecting this October

For the first time in its sixty-one-year history Queensland Seniors will be celebrated over an entire month and it's about to kick off.

Beginning on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, 1 October, the month will finish with National Grandparents Day, 31 October.

Humans are social creatures, and we have a fundamental need connect and interact with one another. This year's theme 'Social Connections' will reinforce the importance of feeling socially connected through inclusive events and activities.

Feeling socially connected, especially in a COVID world, is more important than ever and it can provide great health benefits and improve your quality of life.

People who get together with friends and family, volunteer or attend classes have more robust grey matter and healthier brains. The key is to avoid social isolation and cultivate safe ways to maintain social interactions in order to enhance your grey matter and amp up your wellbeing.

Whilst our conventional ways of connection may have been replaced by video, emails and phone calls our basic human need to feel safe and secure; stretched and stimulated; connected to and part of the wider community; and a sense of meaning about life and what we do, to name a few, has not wavered.

Whether it be attending a dance or a cooking class, a morning tea or concert, sharing a meal, an experience, a passion, or just having a chat with a neighbour over the fence, we simply feel good when we connect.

With over 1000 events on offer Seniors Month provides great opportunities for people to come together and connect through inclusive online and face-to-face events and activities, but there are other ways you can get involved.

In order to feel connected we need to feel seen, heard and valued. One way you can be seen is by contributing the Bigger Picture - an intergenerational, cross cultural digital art project powered by Queenslanders.

The Bigger Picture is a photomosaic that aims to highlight the diversity of older Queenslanders and to increase intergenerational connections through the shared use of technology. It is a great activity for families to get involved with.

Getting involved is easy. Simply take a selfie of yourself, or with friends and family and submit it online by Sunday 17 October. We will be launching the Bigger Picture on Sunday 24 October, just in time for Grandparents Day on 31 October.

To find events near you visit www.qldseniorsmonth.org.au or phone 1300 738 348.

Fun fact: Seniors Weeks, Months, and Festivals are held at different times of the year and for varried lengths of times throughout the states and territories. Making Queensland Seniors Month unique to Queenslanders.