The East Sussex Full of Life Festival runs throughout September and October. It brings a vibrant and empowering outlook on life after 50 whilst celebrating International Older People’s Day. Created by the United Nations and marked on 1 October, Older People’s Day celebrates life as you age, encourages people to socialise, and, most importantly, have fun.

Scroll down to find details of the East Sussex Full of Life Festival 2023.

Let’s first explore how we can live our best later life with some practical ideas to help protect physical and mental health and enhance overall wellbeing.

 

Engage in regular physical exercise

 

Physical activity is not only important for maintaining physical fitness but also plays an important role in brain health. Engaging in regular aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, can help improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, enhance brain function, and also give you the opportunity to meet new people. It’s also important to do strength and balance exercises at least twice a week.

There are some exercise options in the East Sussex Full of Life Festival. Or why not contact your local leisure centre to see if they have something that inspires you.

 

Maintain a healthy diet

 

Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet is necessary for good health though this might be harder to do with the current cost of living crisis.

Where possible, include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. Lentils and pulses are a good cheap source of protein.

Try to limit the consumption of sugary foods, processed snacks, and saturated fats, as they can have a negative impact.

 

Stimulate your mind

 

Regular mental stimulation is like a workout for your brain. Engage in activities that challenge you, such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or playing games. These activities promote the formation of new neural connections and help keep your brain sharp.

Social interaction is equally important, as it can provide stimulation and emotional support. Stay socially engaged by joining clubs, volunteering, or maintaining strong relationships with family and friends.

The events in the East Sussex Full of Life Festival, many of which are free, are an opportunity to meet new people and get better connected.

 

Prioritize quality sleep

 

Adequate and restful sleep is vital for brain health and many people now advocate the benefit of a short daytime nap. During sleep, the brain clears away toxins and stores memories. Try to establish a consistent sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and maybe practice relaxation techniques before bedtime. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to enhance health. If you have trouble sleeping you might like to consider attending the Feel Brighter, Sleep Better free event. For details, scroll down for the East Sussex Full of Life Festival programme.

 

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in promoting overall well-being. Start implementing these strategies today to enjoy a brighter, healthier future.

 

East Sussex Full of Life Festival 2023

 

The East Sussex Full of Life Festival is now in its 16th year. Last year’s festival was a massive success, and this year’s is bigger and better, with even more events scheduled across the county.

The East Sussex Senior’s Association, together with other local organisations, have planned a wide variety of events that are scheduled throughout September and October. Events include lunch clubs, talks, quizzes, crafts, cinema, carers groups, tech tutorials, guided tours, and health and wellbeing.

Get your copy of the events programme

Seniors’ Forums

Anyone aged 50 and over can join their local senior’s forum, and local groups are keen to welcome new members. There is no membership fee to belong to a senior’s forum with groups in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Meridian, Rother and Seaford. Hastings also has an Older People’s Ethnic Group.