Seniors Week has taken on a new look and although it has had to cater to Covid19, they are not letting this disrupt their plans and for the first time in its 60-year history, Queensland’s annual celebration of seniors is going virtual. The Douglas Shire will look a little different this year as it adapts to the changing conditions.

To do this the decision was taken to maintain the week format, celebrating from Saturday 15 August – Sunday 23 August 2020.

A highlight is the brainchild of the Port Doulas Community Centre, who have introduced a first in a virtual Question and Answer project. There are five questions and the objective is to know about the special seniors in your life. 

Simply ask the individual to record their answers, selfie style and send them through Messenger to Port Douglas Community Service Network.

1. What was your favourite toy or activity as a child?
2. If you could have lived in a different era, which would it be?
3. What was your favourite job?
4. What’s your favourite technological invention that occurred in your lifetime?
5. If there’s any piece of advice you feel you need to share, what would it be?

The Interview project is in conjunction with the Douglas Shire Council.

“The interview process is a great initiative for Seniors Week and those who get involved are asked to record and send their videos in during the week which will be edited to create a wonderful snapshot of our seniors in 2020.

“We encourage people to get in touch with the seniors in your life, make them feel special and share their stories with the world,” said a Douglas Shire Council spokesperson.

“What I want to do is stress is that this is a great opportunity to engage families and be more connected,” the spokesperson said.

To help seniors make the most of the virtual experiences on offer, a guide has been prepared to make it easy to access a range of activities.

The Council spokesperson said they are encouraging seniors to visit www.qldseniorsweek.org to participate in the on line activities such as art classes and various other entertaining virtual experiences.

“Locally, we have free TAI CHI in Cow Bay, a free seniors program at the Mossman gymnastics club as well as a special Seniors display at the Mossman Library, that highlights the valuable contribution Seniors make to the shire. 

“Regrettably, due to the COVID 19 restrictions many of the old favourites have been cancelled for this year, and we all hope they can return in 2021,” the spokesperson said.

COTA Queensland initiated the first Queensland Seniors Week in 1960. Back then it was called Old People’s Week and COTA was known as the Old People’s Welfare Council. Language has changed over the years, but the purpose of the celebration hasn’t. Over the years Seniors Week has grown significantly into a major annual celebration.

If you know a senior who may need help, maybe spend some time with them and get them set up for the range of activities. The guide can be found here: Access Guide for Smart Phone or Tablet or by going to www.qldseniorsweek.org.au 

See the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre's video below: