About this project

The city of Leeds promotes and celebrates IDOP each year in October to promote:

• a positive view of old age
• older people being enabled to lead active healthy and involved lives as citizens
• full participation of older people in the decisions and processes which affect their lives
• challenging the barriers faced by older people to independence, inclusion and equality
• older people being treated with respect and dignity at all times

International Day of Older People (IDOP) on 1 October is celebrated annually in Leeds, focusing on a different theme each year.

International Day of Older People 2024

Age Friendly Leeds is hosting a creative showcase for International Day of Older People embracing the theme of “the part we play”: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities. The event aims to highlight the fantastic contributions of older people in Leeds, as well as providing new opportunities.

When?  Tuesday 1st October – 11:00-2:00

Where? South Stand concourse, Headingley Stadium. 

The event is partnered with Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds City Council and will be hosted by internet sensation and Out Together ambassador Matthew Jameson

There will be a welcome speech from Roger Harrington, who is both chair of Leeds Older People’s Forum and a member of the The Performance Ensemble 

A marketplace of 35+ age friendly stalls will be spread across the south stand concourse. The stalls will surround an entertainment space which will feature performances and interactive sessions from: 

• The Irish Arts Foundation
• Ascendance
• Silver Swans
• The Performance Ensemble
• Music from the Attic

A pop-up cafe – Rose’s Tea Bar – hosted by local Neighbourhood Network, OWLS, will provide refreshments and promote their work.

12:00 -2:00 – Take part in the following talks

• ‘The Importance of Social Connections’ by Matt Jameson from Out Together 
• ‘Older Performers in Burlesque’ by Professor Alice O’Grady followed by a performance by Medusa Has Been
• ‘Celebrating Later Life’ by The Golden Years Elders from Hamara 
• ‘Working at 90 at Leeds United’ by Annie Cochrane 
• ‘The Power of Sport’ by Bramley Walking Wanderers Football Team 

And…

• Free behind the scenes stadium tour at 1:30

• Free ‘I love International Day of Older People’ bags from Age and Dementia Friendly Business, Chadwick Lawrence, for the first 100 attendees.
  
  
•  Age Friendly Leeds Image Reel showcasing all the wonderful things people are getting up to in our communities

The venue is accessible with level floor access, lifts, accessible toilets and changing places. Car Parking is FREE, blue badge and minibus parking is also available.  We will have designated quiet spaces and additional seating, additional waymarking and volunteers will be available to signpost people. Programmes will be handed out on arrival and prompts for activities and sessions will be announced.

Recent International Days of Older People in Leeds

• Read: IDOP 2023, on the theme: ‘The resilience of older people in a changing world’.
• Read: IDOP 2022, on the theme: ‘the resilience and contributions of older women’.
• Read: IDOP 2021, on the theme, ‘Linking Lives’.

IDOP Leeds is organised by Leeds Older People’s Forum with the support of Leeds City Council Public Health, Leeds City Council Adults & Health and Leeds City Council Equality and Diversity, Safer and Stronger Communities Team