Look forward to a great adventure

A man of 71 cycled from Alcester to join 200 members of the Senior Citizens Action Network (SCAN) at Stratford Racecourse for their biennial district meeting last week, arranged by Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

SCAN members gathered to hear guest speaker Professor George Giarchi give his celebrated talk 'Ageing - the Great Adventure'.

The Professor said ageing presented a choice to individuals: that of 'a bleak winter or second spring'. He challenged his audience to 'seize the moment' and live as full a life as possible and he gave many inspirational examples of older peoples achievements.

The Professor also attacked the very many people in society who label older people as 'past their sell by date' and he promoted the World Health Organisation mission statement for older which requires them to have Dignity, Education, Support, Independence and Rehabilitation.

His talk was truly stimulating and inspirational and he received a standing ovation.

The next Stratford SCAN meeting is at 10.30am in the Wesleyan Hall side rooms on 5 December when District Council Chief Executive Paul Lankester will be consulting with SCAN members on the 'World Class Stratford' initiative.

Professor Giarchi is head of faculty for health and social work at the University of Plymouth. He can be contacted on 01752 233235.