Full of Life: Bridget Fox helps Islington's elderly celebrate Older People's Day

4.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 5th Oct 2009

Bridget chats to a local resident over some giant knitting at the St Luke's Older People's Day celebrations

Thursday 1st October was Older People's Day and Islington South and Finsbury's shadow MP, Bridget Fox was in Bunhill to help the locals celebrate. St Luke's Community Centre played host to elderly people from the local area who enjoyed a free lunch and activities, laid on by a large number of hard working volunteers.

The day coincided with the UN International Day for Older People. "Full of Life" events were held all over the country to celebrate the opportunities, achievements and aspirations of older people and to recognise the contribution they make to society.

Live music got people up singing and dancing, the green-fingered got to do some gardening and a free health check was available for anyone who wanted it. There was something for everyone, with giant knitting, games and information about services and support organisations.

Bridget Fox, Islington South and Finsbury's shadow MP said:

"It was a real pleasure to meet so many of our older citizens and join in with activities from knitting to computing. Older people are too often ignored in our society, so it's great to see them being put first.

St Luke's provides a vital resource for the local area and the people who go there really appreciate it. The volunteers who were out in force on Older People's Day made a real impact and the day was a huge success.

It's vitally important to recognise the role that older people play in our society. These are people who have lived and worked in our area for decades, some all their lives. They have all made a huge contribution and continue to do so. It's great to have events like this to recognise the difference they make."