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Speed dating for over-65s
Senior, single and ready to mingle.
Photo: Still from documentary The Age Of Love.
L
ove is love’ has been a catchcry for
many in the past few months, and
a group of Canberran seniors want
people to remember that the sentiment is
true at any age.
Eighteen people aged 65 and older
were recently invited by the University of
Canberra to test their pick-up lines and
banter in a Senior Speed Dating event.
Organised by a group of Master of
Occupational Therapy students and
their lecturer, it aimed to open a space
in which older people could socialise
to encourage active ageing.
Participants took part in short dates
lasting six minutes each, followed by an
afternoon tea for further mingling. Prompt
cards were handed out to inspire conversation.
Dr Daniela Castro De Jong, lecturer in
occupational therapy, said the University
of Canberra team hoped to create an
opportunity for elderly Canberrans to meet
others with similar interests who may be
able to then spend more time together.
“Doing things together, like going out
for a movie, a coffee, or a walk around
the lake, is beneficial at any age,” Castro
De Jong said. “For persons over 65 years
old, in particular, meeting others through
shared interests can improve quality of life
and health and combat social isolation.”
While the aim was to create new social
connections, participants in attendance
were open to a romantic relationship.
The event was inspired by 30 seniors from
Rochester, New York, who signed up for
speed dating exclusively for 70- to 90-year-
olds. Their experiences were captured in a
documentary called The Age of Love.
The University of Canberra team already
has another event planned due to the high
demand. It has also received interest from
those younger than 65 and who live in
other states. ■
agedcareinsite.com.au
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