Jeff and Kim Hasan run the Hampton Park Turkish Seniors. 71750Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Emma Sun
LOCAL seniors are invited to attend the Positive Ageing in Casey Festival, which runs until Sunday.
More than 40 activities are happening including walking in group, fitness sessions, performances, concerts, crafts, information sessions, day trips as well as sessions by discussion groups.
The theme is ‘Spring into Life’, which aims to promote health and wellbeing, introduce residents to new activities and bring together residents from different geographical and cultural groups.
There are many ways for residents to get involved in the community. One such way is through seniors groups such as the Hampton Park Turkish Seniors.
Nurten Kim Hasan, who started the group, said she wanted to give the seniors a chance to get out and socialise.
“Every week, we do something different so it won’t get boring,” she said.
“We get guest speakers, do health activities and play games. When we don’t have a guest speaker, we take them out if the weather is nice.
“It makes a lot of difference to their lives because I don’t only do activities with the Turkish group, I like to mix them with Australians as well so they can learn English.”
Ms Hasan and her husband Cevdet, also known as Jeff, have run the club for more than four years and are loving every minute of it.
“I like helping out in the community,” Ms Hasan said.
“If my husband and I see anyone who doesn’t have a family, we go together and take them out shopping or do their shopping for them.
“Because my English is good, if someone wants to go to the doctor and they can’t understand because their English is not good, I offer to go with them.”
Between 50 and 60 seniors frequent the Hampton Park Turkish Seniors every week, which is a great opportunity to meet new people.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes encourages seniors to take the chance to get out and have fun at the festival.
“No matter what you are interested in, I am sure you will find something you enjoy,” she said.
“It is the perfect opportunity to showcase the broad range of activities operating in Casey for seniors and to bring seniors from across our city together.”
To get a copy of the festival program, visit the council’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/ageingpositively or call 9705 5200.
