A community-led week of free events is coming to Tauranga Moana, in celebration of International Day of Older Persons.

The Young at Heart Festival, September 30 to October 6, will be a week of celebrating our older community — parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours — which does so much for the city.

The festival offers a range of events including pickle ball, aerobics, and Zumba classes, sand art demonstrations, exhibitions, social get-togethers, and digital drop-in sessions at Te Ao Mārama Pāpāmoa Library.

While community-led events start from Monday, September 30, the Young at Heart Festival officially kicks off on the International Day of Older Persons, Tuesday, October 1, with the launch event at Holy Trinity Tauranga.

The launch will include activities and information stalls, and attendees will be able to enjoy performances by the Rise Dance Company and the Village Choir, and be entertained by the Singalongs with The Hantlers.

Tauranga City Council community development and emergency manager Paula Naude said the council supported the development of the city as a place where people could age positively, and where the older population were highly valued and recognised as an integral part of the community.

“Council aims for our city’s older persons to feel respected for their contributions, valued for their wisdom; and for those new to the city, opportunities to get involved in their community and make friends.”