nsw Tips for events managers working with older people

Transcription

1 nsw on Tips for events managers working with older people

2 nsw on Introduction Older people have the time to participate in events Retirement or semi-retirement opens up many opportunities for older people to engage in leisure and more serious pursuits, ranging from parties and festivals to exhibitions, meetings, conferences and seminars. Many events are organised especially for older people, whilst others involve a range of participants, including a high proportion of older people. Introduction Older people may face challenges getting out and about Many older people are agile and healthy and get around just as well as people half their age. Many others are not. They may have difficulty walking far or climbing steps; they may tire easily, have poorer eyesight and hearing, be reliant on public transport, or indeed be unable to use it. Because of low incomes or preference, they are less likely to own a mobile phone. However, if your event is designed appropriately, none of these constraints need affect older people s ability to attend and enjoy your event. It doesn t matter whether the events management is undertaken by a specialist professional commercial agency, a group of volunteers, a community organisation or a government agency, these considerations must be addressed. Purpose of fact sheets This brochure is intended to highlight the challenges facing events organisers who want to run a successful event for or including older people.

3 Meeting these challenges will not only ensure the smooth operation of your festival, party, exhibition, launch, meeting, conference or seminar, but will be sure to save you money and put you or your company or group in a favoured position for further business. What do these fact sheets cover? The brochure assumes you have identified your objectives, your target audience and the type of event you wish to manage, but need to find out more about tailoring your event to older people. Each section identifies the major challenges faced by older people, whether it is getting around easily, participating in comfort or being treated with dignity and respect, and offers some solutions, to make your event a success. Who are these fact sheets for? You may be a professional events organiser with a commission, an events manager for a government agency, company or community organisation, or a co-ordinator of a team of volunteers. You may be developing a brief and/or managing a contract for an event. Whatever your role, you will find practical ideas in this brochure to make your event popular and successful with older people.

4 nsw on Older people in NSW Facts about older people Population The population of NSW is ageing. Currently nearly 17% of the population of NSW is aged 60 years or more. This represents nearly 1.05 million people. In 1996 in NSW, 27% of people aged 65 and over were born overseas, two-thirds from non- English speaking backgrounds. By 2021, older people are expected to represent over 24% of the population, bringing the number to more than 1.8 million. In 2041, that number will rise to 2.3 million and represent nearly 30% of the population. Over half of older people in NSW have a disability of some kind, ranging from minor to major. Where older people live Over 80% of older people in NSW live in the Sydney metropolitan area and along the coast. The regional areas of the State with the highest proportion of older people are the Hunter and Central Coast, Illawarra, Far West, Murray, South Eastern NSW, Northern NSW and Mid-North Coast Regions. Life expectancy On average, men now live for 76 years and women live for 81 years. There are 75 men for every 100 women aged 65 and over, and 40 men for every 100 women over the age of 85. Income A greater percentage of older people s disposable income is discretionary income. Although older people have lower disposable Older people in NSW

5 income than other age groups, they also have significantly fewer outgoings such as housing and debt repayment. Leisure time Less than one third of people aged 60 to 65 are still working. The vast proportion want to get out and about. Many are looking for challenges, enjoyment and/or excitement. Aspirations of older people Respect and dignity Independence Participation in community activities of all kinds Wide variety of interests Major concerns of older people Safety of their person or their property Affordability entry fees, transport, catering Health risks preventing falls, conserving energy Information availability ability to plan their activity and know what to expect Older people and events Some events are organised specifically for older people. These include: Seniors Week activities in mid March in NSW International Day of Older Persons October 1 each year Seniors Christmas concerts and lunches often by local Councils or church organisations Some events can expect to attract large numbers of older and retired people. These include: Day time events held indoors or outside Open gardens, heritage events Weekday events Health centred events Religious functions Art exhibitions Musical events and professional concerts Lifestyle, gardening, craft and travel EXPOs Agricultural shows Civic events.

6 nsw on Overview of major concerns Venues Proximity to transport; getting around with safety and ease; signage; adequate and accessible rest areas with shade and seating, toilets and public telephones. Venues Proximity to transport Is public transport nearby? Whilst the majority of older people drive, they are also major users of public transport, particularly in urban areas. Many have difficulty walking long distances or in hilly terrain, so proximity to major bus routes or railway stations is of prime importance. Is there a taxi rank nearby? Adequate and safe parking Is parking including well signposted wheelchair accessible parking adequate? Many people prefer or need to drive. Is the parking on a level site with lift or level access to the venue? Is the lighting adequate? Are the footpaths safe and under cover where possible? Barrier free access and visual safety Can wheelchair users and other older people with mobility difficulties enter through the same entrance as other participants? Are footpaths free from obstruction? Are there lifts between floors? Is each floor on the one level? Are large glassed areas clearly marked to ensure the safety of people with a vision impairment?

7 Reception areas Is there adequate seating for frail older people to wait in comfort? Are toilets well sign-posted? Are there enough toilets? Is a uni-sex wheelchair accessible toilet provided? This will allow a family member or friend of the opposite sex to assist if needed. Is the flooring non-slip? Is lighting adequate? Soft lighting is problematic for people with vision impairment. Is there adequate seating for older people during intervals? Does seating have arm-rests and a suitable height? Are public telephones available? Many older people still rely on public phones rather than mobiles. Is there adequate signage to direct participants to the event and public facilities and services? Are attendants on hand to meet and greet? Main event area How many stairs do participants have to climb? How far is it between various activities eg. conference room and refreshment area? Can alternative arrangements be made for people who cannot walk far? Is there adequate level seating for wheelchair users or people with poor mobility? Are wheelchair accessible spaces interspersed with other seating? Can wheelchair users sit next to their family members or friends? Do stairs have handrails? Are stairs well lit, with edges clearly defined? Is there a hearing loop capacity and access to a hearing loop? Is there a microphone? Is there adequate shade?

8 Presentations Are there regular breaks in presentations, allowing participants to stand up or move around? Will you ensure that all presenters use the microphone? Do your presenters know to use large font size on overhead transparencies minimum 33pt font? Many older people are hard of hearing and have poor vision. Black pens on whiteboards are best. Handouts of slide presentations are very welcome. Noise What are the noise levels? High levels of background noise can be a problem for older people. Catering Is food easy to manage? Small pieces of cake, a plate paper will do! Is there seating, a table or bench to place a cup and saucer whilst eating at the right height? Many older people cannot stoop to a low bench. Consider participants dexterity and fine motor skills. Have you thought about a take-away lunch box? These have proved popular with older people, as long as they are easy to manage and without wasteful quantities. Have you thought about dietary requirements? Some people may be diabetic or have other dietary requirements eg gluten-free, dairy-free meals. Can you provide food prepared according to cultural or religious beliefs and customs eg kosher food? Is there water at tables and some straws for people with severe physical disabilities? Have you carefully considered the timing of meals and coffee breaks? An early sitting for lunch say midday or a little after is better for many older people. If food is to be purchased separately, are there affordable eating areas?

9 Overview of major concerns Proximity to transport and to the event Proximity of accommodation to the event and to transport; noise levels; reasonably priced accommodation and food; adequate parking close to accommodation; safe and accessible design of facilities. How far away is public transport? nsw on Accommodation Whilst the majority of older people drive, they are also major users of public transport, particularly in urban areas. Many have difficulty walking long distances or in hilly terrain, so proximity to major bus routes or railway stations is of prime importance. Is the accommodation close to the event? If not, is there event-organised transport? Accommodation Common areas Does the accommodation provide space for guests to meet and mingle with other guests? Do common areas have seats with arm-rests and a suitable height? How far do guests need to walk between their accommodation and other areas such as restaurants? Noise levels Is the accommodation in a quiet street, or at the back of the facility if on a main road? Is there a noisy function room or facility say a pub nearby? Adequate parking Does the motel or other accommodation have adequate parking close to each room? Is lighting and signage in the parking area adequate?

10 Barrier free access? Is there a lift or level access between the accommodation, reception and restaurants or bistros, and to transport pick up points? Bathroom facilities Are the floors, especially wet areas, non-slip? Are there rooms with grab-rails, shower chairs and hobless showers? Are any rooms designated fully wheelchair accessible? Is the lighting in bathroom - and bedroom - adequate for reading and personal care? Are there sharp corners on furniture? Bedrooms Is there an easily accessible telephone or a call button? Does the television have a remote control with instructions for use? Are any rooms designated fully wheelchair accessible? Are power points well-placed so that bending, reaching or stooping is not required? Discounts Does the facility offer Seniors Card discounts? Eighty six percent of NSW residents aged 60 plus have a Seniors Card and want to use it. Offering a seniors discount is a welcoming gesture.

11 nsw on Overview of major concerns Registration Simplicity of application forms, telephone booking procedures, choice of payment methods, registration process, readability of material, confirmation of registration, dealing with special needs, such as dietary requirements, hearing loops, Auslan interpreter, wheelchair access or other mobility requirements, provision of information in alternative formats? Registration Simplicity of registration forms How easy are forms to fill out? Is the space for writing adequate? Some older people cannot write small. Do the forms ask complex questions? Is the print size adequate, with good colour contrast, including a pale background? Is the pricing structure for accommodation and the event clearly set out and non-ambiguous? If in doubt, ask a few older people for their opinions. Registration process, including payment options Can people submit their registration in different ways by mail with a cheque, by , by fax with a credit or debit card or over the counter? Many older people do not use plastic cards, preferring to rely on cash or cheques. Telephone booking procedures Can the inquirer speak to a real person? Recorded telephone messages with menu selection options may be difficult for older people. Many do not like them and will not use them. Are the recorded messages clear and do they offer the option of speaking to a live operator? Is there a telephone typewriter (TTY) available for deaf people to make inquiries or book tickets?

12 Confirmation of registration Will you issue a receipt? Older people may need to be assured their registration has been accepted. Dietary requirements Does the registration form acknowledge specific dietary requirements? A significant proportion of older people may have specific dietary requirements they may be diabetic or need a low cholesterol or non-dairy meal. Wheelchair access/ hearing loop Is there space on the registration form to notify organisers of physical access or hearing augmentation requirements? Do you have procedures to follow up customer requirements? Do participants need to book a wheelchair accessible parking spot or access? (Sometimes the case in inappropriately designed venues). Carer requirements Timing of event/ registration process If inviting carers, are funds available to help pay for respite? Can you schedule your event to avoid peak hours for travel to and from the event? A ten o clock start and/or a three o clock finish is preferable. This will ensure travel in comfort outside peak hours.

13 nsw on Overview of major concerns Publicity Recognising the market value of older people; targeting older people; avoiding stereotypical attitudes about older people; using appropriate formats and print size. Publicity Market value of older people Whilst the majority of older people live on low or modest incomes or are dependent on an age pension, a growing proportion of older people have higher disposable incomes. Many also have the time to attend a wide range of events. Older people often have a higher proportion of discretionary expenditure than other age groups, and will often spend this on travel, entertainment and learning. Targeting older people Older people are regular readers of local papers. Older people s organisations have wide membership bases. The Seniors Information Service ( ) should be fully informed it is a first point of contact for many older people. 16 per cent of older people (and growing) use computers, especially the Internet and , although the percentage is still very low among older age groups ie. 75 plus. Advance notice and reminders Older people have the time to participate, but they are also busy people. They may need plenty of time to schedule your event into their program. Reminders may also be a good idea. Avoiding stereotypical attitudes Don t assume older people have a limited range of interests. Many carry over their interests from younger days active participation in sport may translate into a broadening interest in spectator sports. Women may choose in widowhood to develop new interests. Don t assume sing-a-longs, craft, passive activities and old-time dancing suit all older people.

14 Readability of brochures and forms Is the registration material easy to read? What is the print size? Is the colour contrast adequate? A light background colour is best. Glare is a real problem. Glossy paper should be avoided.

15 nsw on Ageing information Resources Resource Seniors Information Service Council on the Ageing NSW Contact details Resources Older Women s Network NSW Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association Older Men: New Ideas Local government Many local Councils produce directories of information about local community and older people s organisations Community Services section of the local Council Disability Access Advisory Committee Contact though the Community Services section of the Council Useful Websites Seniors Information Service NSW Committee on Ageing Council on the Ageing Seniors Card Older Women s Network (NSW) Building facilities and parking Australian Standards on parking, access, safety, lighting This information is quite technical. For general information about accessible community facilities, your local Council Disability Access Advisory Committee may be the best source of advice. Standards Australia Pty Ltd 1 The Crescent Homebush NSW

16 Acknowledgements With thanks to members of the NSW Committee on Ageing and representatives of ageing organisations and events managers for their helpful comments. Written by Margaret Tucker for the NSW Committee on Ageing. For further information about the NSW Committee on Ageing visit us at: or write to: Level 13, 83 Clarence street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Phone: (02) Fax: (02) ISBN December 2000 Photographs: Easy Care Gardening Scheme, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Images of our Elders 1999, The Hammond Care Group, Phil Carrick photographer The Hammond Care Group 1994 Design: Wendy Farley, anthouse@acay.com.au