Celebrating the International Day of Older People 2025 at the Mayor's Parlour

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, warmly opened the doors of the Mayor’s Parlour this week to mark the International Day of Older People.

Over 20 guests were welcomed for an afternoon tea – a gathering that brought together older people themselves alongside representatives from some of Bolton’s most valued charities, community organisations, and initiatives. Around the table were voices from the Asian Elders Resource Centre, Bolton Dementia Support, Bolton Carers Support, Age UK Bolton, and the borough’s Ageing Well Champions and council representatives – all united in their commitment to ensuring Bolton is a place where older people can thrive.

The Mayor was joined by Cllr Linda Thomas (Older Peoples Champion) and was presented with a copy of Bolton’s new Age-Friendly Strategy 2025–28 – a strategy shaped by the lived experience, insight, and contributions of older people across the borough.

“It was a pleasure to host this special event to celebrate International Day of Older People and to hear all about Bolton's Age-Friendly Strategy. On this day we celebrate the wisdom, experience and lasting contributions of older residents who continue to shape and strengthen our Bolton community” - Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Chadwick. 

Lauren McKechnie, Chief Executive of Age UK Bolton and Co-Chair of Bolton’s Age Well Partnership, reflected on the importance of the occasion:

“We are proud that Bolton’s new Age-Friendly Strategy has been developed in true co-production with many of the older people in the room today. That matters – because this is not a document to sit on a shelf. It is a promise. It is important that, as a system, we are held to account for its delivery and that we each play our part in ensuring Bolton is a place where current and future generations of older people can live safely, with purpose, belonging and dignity.

What better way to bring that conversation to life than on the International Day of Older People.”

The afternoon was filled with warmth, conversation, and connection – a fitting celebration of the vital role older people play in the fabric of our communities, and a reminder that Bolton is at its best when it listens, values, and acts together.

You can read Bolton’s Age-Friendly Strategy 2025-28 here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bolton/about-us/boltons-age-friendly-strategy-2025-28/

Age UK Bolton is a local, independent charity. We rely on the generosity and support of local people and partners to deliver our vital work. Visit our website and donate today: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bolton/