A new report by Gateshead Public Health is shining a light on the key to ageing well.

Recommendations to help address social isolation in the borough include working with partners across Gateshead ensuring there are activities available for all, regardless of age, that are based on the five ways to wellbeing:

• Connect - Talk and listen. Be there. Feel connected
• Be active - Do what you can. Enjoy what you do. Move your mood
• Take notice - Remember the simple things that give you joy
• Keep learning - Embrace new experiences. See opportunities. Surprise yourself
• Give - Your time, your words, your presence.

In the annual report by Gateshead's Director of Public Health, Alice Wiseman, figures estimate that by 2041 there will be an additional 12,100 people aged 65 or older living in Gateshead – a rise of 31% since 2016.

As part of the report Equal Arts supported artist Ceinwin Haydon to run a series of workshops capturing the thoughts and ideas of older people living in Gateshead.

Among those taking part in Letters to My Younger Self was 92-year-old Tommy. For the past decade he’s been taking part in creative activities run weekly by the charity.

He said: “I hear people refer to it, you know ‘oh it’s old age’ and I say ‘what is old age? I don’t feel old.”

Tommy is a key member of our group the Carers Cultural Adventures, meeting each Wednesday 10am – 12pm to explore creative sessions with artists.

This summer he and the group saw their work exhibited at The Laing Gallery in Newcastle as part of a sharing event as part of a project focused on Home.

To find out more about how you can get involved with our creative activities email information@equalarts.org.uk or ring us on 0191 261 1619.

You can read the full report here.