16 November 2017: Occupational therapy students from the University of Canberra will play the role of matchmakers when they host a speed dating event aimed exclusively at older Canberrans TODAY.
Men and women aged 65 and over will have the opportunity to meet a potential companion at the Senior Speed Dating gathering.
The event aims to encourage ‘active ageing’ among the participants. Active ageing is considered a key strategy to remaining healthy and connected as people age, with social interactions being one of the strongest indicators of good health in people aged 65 and over.
The event, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, was organised by a group of Master of Occupational Therapy students and their lecturer to open a space in which older people could socialise in the nation’s capital.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy 10 short dates lasting a total of six minutes each. Prompt cards will be provided to inspire the conversation. An afternoon tea will follow the dates, facilitating further interaction between participants.
“We hope to create an opportunity for elderly Canberrans to meet others with similar interests so they can do things together,” University of Canberra Lecturer in Occupational Therapy Dr Daniela Castro De Jong said.
“Doing things together, like going out for a movie, a coffee, or a walk around the lake, is beneficial at any age. For persons over 65 years old, in particular, meeting others through shared interests can improve quality of life and health and combat social isolation.”
Second-year student Anna Ye said she was excited to be providing older people with a chance to recapture their youth by getting back on the dating circuit.
“It seems like a great and fun opportunity to provide social opportunities to a section of the population that is usually excluded from the occupation of dating,” Ms Ye said.
The event is inspired by the experiences of elderly people as portrayed in a documentary called ‘The Age of Love’.
‘The Age of Love’ follows the humorous adventures of seniors in America who signed up for a speed dating event for people aged between 70 and 90 years old.
It’s a tale of intrepid seniors who lay their hearts on the line to discover how dreams and desires change – or don’t change – from first love to the far reaches of life.
The experience of this event will form the basis of a research project to be included as part of the coursework of the University’s Master of Occupational Therapy next year.
WHAT: Senior Speed Dating event
WHEN: Today, Thursday 16 November, 2pm – 4.30pm
WHERE: Belconnen Community Centre (26 Chandler Street, Belconnen)
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415