Seniors Week is run in most Australian states at various times of the year to emphasize the value that seniors add to the community, and for seniors to be aware of the services and activities provided for them.

COTA (Council on the Ageing) Queensland currently coordinates Seniors Week and receives Queensland Government funding to collaboratively plan, run and subsidise Seniors Week events and activities. COTA states that "Seniors Week is an opportunity for Queenslanders of all ages to join together and celebrate the valuable contributions of older people." Last year Seniors Week saw communities come together to celebrate with 737 events throughout the state. Seniors Week provides an opportunity to bring together all Queenslanders, through events and activities, to celebrate the contributions seniors make within their communities.

Queensland's Seniors Week aims to:

• improve community attitudes towards older people and ageing
• facilitate community participation and activity by older people, including those from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• enhance community connections and inter-generational relationships

Launch week kicks off today, Saturday 13 August, but will be officially launched on Monday 15 August at King George Square at 5:30 pm by Seniors Minister Coralee O'Rourke with the lighting of Brisbane City Hall in purple. The week aims to celebrate diversity by taking Brisbane's biggest elfie (elder selfie).

"But forget the purple rinse set. Forget those 'pastel people' frolicking on the beach in retirement. Older people are amongst the most diverse in today's society and they say 'a picture is worth a thousand words' so we are organising a photobomb to showcase the many faces of ageing," COTA representatives said.

The excitement in the city continues on Wednesday 17^th August at 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM in the Queen Street Mall, outside the Wintergarden, where it's going to be on for young and old and the Jubilee Wanderers, activities group organised by Jubilee Community Care, are inviting you to join them with a really easy routine to flash mob.

This weekend

Today, organized by Albany Creek National Seniors, there is a Seniors Week Family Fun Day from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM at a cost of $ 5.00 at Albany Creek State Primary School, 696 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek, Queensland 4035. You can join Albany Creek Seniors in a fun day with multiple events. The events include musical entertainment, a fun/competitive trivia event, displays of seniors activities and local service organisations, and a fun and entertaining session with Bush poets.

Entry includes free beverages and nibbles. The event is Wheelchair accessible and requires no bookings.

In Carina today, there is an Orchestral Concert commencing at 2.00 pm, finishes at 4.00 pm with a fancy afternoon tea to be served at approx. 2.45 pm at the Carina Senior Citizen's Club at 1 Edmond Street, Carina, Qld 4152.

In the Redlands today, from 1.30 – 3.00 pm join genealogy expert Lady Mary Teviot on a Genealogy Lecture Tour for beginner and experienced family history researchers. With 44 years of experience as a professional genealogist, Lady Teviot has appeared on the BBC series Heir Hunters and is sure to be an interesting speaker. Bookings are essential on 3843 8038. Also in the Redlands, at the Donald Simpson Centre at 2 pm is the Fabulous Fifties Musical, for bookings call 3216 3494. As an alternative head to the Redland Museum nightly this week to watch silent movies at the Golden Oldies Cinema Events Room 60 Smith Street Cleveland. Ring 3286-3494 for bookings.

Tomorrow there is a seniors walk in the beautiful Redlands visit the Bayside Bulletin site for more Seniors Week details. 

During the week there are activities across the state such as Palace Barracks Cinema inviting seniors and National Seniors Members to enjoy $6 films during Seniors Week. 

During the Week

Other interesting activities include gardening talks and tours (Grow it, cook it, compost it); Tai Chi demonstrations for balance, stability and healthy ageing; and a talk by Tippy Singh – Certified laughter Yoga Leader of Dr Kataria School of Laughter from India who will speak on the benefits of laughter on mind, body and spirit. She will run a yoga giggle workshop and have everyone laughing in the name of good health and wellbeing. 'Ask It' is a free 30-minute one-on-one session on a range of topics including: Being safe online, Facebook, Watching TV online, Internet searching, Email, downloading eBooks and audiobooks, transparent language online, searching the library catalogue and understanding computers run by Redland Libraries in Capalaba 3843 8010, Cleveland 3829 8779, Victoria Point 3884 4006 (bookings required).

For a fantastic program of events around Queensland visit here.

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