IT was time for the older generation to shine in Colchester with a variety of different events to help celebrate the aspirations and achievements of older people.

UK Older People’s Day, on October 1, gave older people in the town a chance to steal the limelight by taking up a new hobby, getting fit and breaking records.

Under the banner of full of life, the events aimed to challenge the many stereotypes associated with ageing.

The week of events opened with a health and well-being day, at St Anne’s Community Centre.

Organised by Colchester Borough Homes, residents took part in massage and chi kung sessions, as well as learning about the health benefits of laughter.

More than 120 Colchester Borough Homes residents in Grymes Dyke Court, Plum Hall, Heathfields, Enoch House, Walnut Tree House, and Britannia Court took part in the scheme.

The events came to an end with older people breaking a local record for the number of people taking part in armchair aerobics at the same time.

The special exercises, which can all be done in a seated position, are ideal for improving the health of older people with restricted mobility.

Meanwhile, residents at a residential care home, in Colchester, were proving you are never too old to learn.

Tai chi experts were passing on their skills to events co-ordinators at Loganberry Lodge, in New Farm Road, Stanway, to enable them to hold special classes for residents.

There are more than 80 residents at the lodge, all aged over 75, and they have already been having taster sessions in the traditional Chinese exercise, which is said to improve well-being and help with a range of conditions, including dementia.

Marise King, business support manager at the lodge, said: “This is all about enhancing the well-being of our residents and it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always learn something new.

“Tai chi is ideal because it is gentle exercise which can be done by anyone, regardless of age. It is already proving popular among our residents, which is excellent.”