A CELEBRATION of the achievements and contributions that older people make to society and the economy is taking place in Poole.

Borough of Poole and partner organisations will be marking Older People's Day with a series of events in the town on Monday, September 21. It is held every year to coincide with the UN International Day of Older Persons.

To mark the start of a series of events and activities dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing, residents are invited to join Skills & Learning Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole for free meditation taster sessions in Poole Park.

Everyone is welcome to join in with four free-of-charge sessions at 10am, 10.30am, 11am and 1.30am. Meditation is becoming increasingly popular with more and more people using it to relax or cope with stress and evidence shows it can help with a number of problems such as depression, anxiety, addictive behaviour and chronic pain.

Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, will be joining participants at the sessions to see the sorts of activities on offer.

"We know we have a high proportion of older residents here in Poole, so it’s very important to us to help keep people independent and active," she said.

"The free meditation sessions and other events planned to mark Older People’s Day are set to show that there is a whole host of activities available for older members of the community.”

Anyone – of any age - wishing to join in with the sessions is welcome to meet outside the Cricket Pavilion in Poole Park – sessions will be held in the Pavilion itself if wet. Each session will last 20 minutes, and attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or blanket to lie on. For further information contact Skills & Learning on 01202 262300.

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Further events taking place on October 1 include a health and wellbeing fair at Poole Central Library from 10am to 1pm with information stands from local groups, and have-a-go indoor curling, knit a twiddlemitt, have a massage and colouring for adults.

A gentle sports and games Age Concern event for people with dementia and their carers takes place at a PHP sheltered housing scheme in Lake Avenue from 1pm to 4pm and there is an open day at Poole Day Centre in Commercial Road from 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 3pm.

On October 5 a Stroll and Shoot Photography taster session is being held at Poole Museum from 10.15am to 12.45pm, on October 7 an iPad taster session at Rossmore Library from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and on October 9 from 10am to 12noon a Flower Arranging Beginners taster session at Hamworthy Library.