Real stories of ageing well | COTA SA’s free event for International Day of Older Persons

Everyday South Australians will take the stage at the Adelaide Festival Centre later this month to share honest, relatable stories about navigating some of life’s most significant transitions.

COTA SA’s annual celebration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, titled Making the ageing experience better, together, will be held in the Banquet Room on Wednesday 30 September. The free community event will be officially opened by the Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, The Hon Katrine Hildyard MP, as part of South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well.

Through a series of short talks, speakers will share personal reflections on loss, caregiving, intergenerational connection, retirement, family responsibilities, new love and personal reinvention. Each has been selected for their relatable experience and their willingness to speak candidly about emerging stronger, more connected and with a renewed sense of purpose.

COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke said the event offers an opportunity to see our own experiences reflected in the stories of others.

“Ageing is not one neat or predictable journey. It is shaped by the challenges we face, the relationships we build and the many times we are asked to adapt, begin again or discover something new about ourselves,” Miranda said.

“There is enormous value in hearing somebody share an experience that feels familiar. It reminds us that we are not alone and that there are many ways to age well.”

An interactive workshop

Beyond the talks, guests will be invited to take part in an interactive workshop designed to help them reflect on what matters most and identify practical actions to support their own path forward. The event is positioned as a chance to connect with others, discover new perspectives and challenge the stereotypes that can leave older people feeling overlooked.

“Too often, ageing is portrayed as something to fear or resist,” Miranda said. “By sharing real stories from older South Australians, we can show that ageing can also bring new opportunities, deeper connections and an evolving sense of purpose.

“We want people to leave feeling inspired and confident about their own ageing journey, knowing there is no single definition of what ageing well should look like.”

Event details

• What: Making the ageing experience better, together
• When: Wednesday 30 September, 10am to 12.30pm
• Where: Adelaide Festival Centre Banquet Room, King William Road, Adelaide
• Cost: Free, morning tea included

The event is supported by Principal Partner Kalyra; Supporting Partners ECH and Resthaven; and Event Sponsors Hender Consulting and Flinders University Caring Futures Institute.

While the event is now sold out, you can register for the waitlist at Eventbrite.

International Day of Older Persons is celebrated globally on 1 October each year. Established by the United Nations in 1990, the day recognises the contributions older people make to society and raises awareness of the need to challenge ageism, prejudice and discrimination.

The COTA SA celebration forms part of South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well, held from 1 to 7 October.

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