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Our first stop of the day was Age UK Barnet\u2019s<\/a> annual Silver Sunday celebration, where residents of the Barnet area were once again congregating at Middlesex University for a lively day of activities. Remarkably, this year\u2019s event proved to be even bigger and more popular than last year, with some 800 people coming together to enjoy an afternoon of live music, health checks, talks and much more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fresh from his recent appearance on the red carpet interviewing the stars of The Thursday Murder Club, Age UK\u2019s Chief Executive Paul Farmer reflected on what the film, and the books that inspired it, are reminding the general public about older people in our society.<\/p>\n \u201cThey tell us a story about older people not being invisible and contributing to our society,\u201d explained Paul in his opening remarks. \u201cThat\u2019s what today is all about as well \u2013 bringing older people out into the community.\u201d<\/p>\n There was plenty for older community members to explore at Age UK Barnet\u2019s event, with stands featuring information on the local Age UK\u2019s many services, as well as stalls celebrating the area\u2019s diversity. These stands acknowledged the contributions of the African Caribbean and South Asian communities, illustrated with clothing, food, musical instruments and more. Plus, the nearby Disco Room provided a space for people to cut loose \u2013 especially during a freestyle dancing session.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the day\u2019s dancers was particularly recognisable. Strictly Come Dancing\u2019s Katya Jones made a special appearance, getting everyone to their feet for a spot of salsa, including the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich, who enthusiastically threw himself into proceedings.<\/p>\n Katya explains that she\u2019s witnessed her mother benefitting from embracing new things \u2013 in her late fifties, after decades supporting Katya\u2019s dancing, her mum decided she wanted to give it a go herself<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019d brought her children and helped bring her grandchildren up, and decided it was her time now,\u201d explained Katya, proudly. \u201cSo she took up Argentinian Tango.\u201d Now aged 62, Katya\u2019s mum now travels the world to dance at a competitive level. Inspirational stuff!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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