An event celebrating the International Day for Older People centred on the importance of talking to boost mental health.
The Andover Over 55s Forum's annual Full of Life Day was held on Thursday, October 2, with the theme focused on communication as a means to improve mental well-being.
The event was inaugurated by the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Gordan Bailey, and Mayoress Karen Hamilton.
The forum highlighted the mental health challenges faced by older people, which can often lead to depression and social isolation.
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Support from statutory and voluntary organisations, including churches, helplines and voluntary bodies, was acknowledged.
The importance of "talking to others and going out" was underscored as part of the "Five Steps to Mental Health" by representatives from Andover Mind.
Dr Romilly Hegli from the Andover Primary Care Network gave a talk on when to approach GPs with mental health concerns.
Health and social care students from Andover College demonstrated CPR and took blood pressure readings.
A spokesman for the forum said: "Through the auspices of your newspaper, I would like to thank all standholders who attended with informative displays, Test Valley councillors and Blue Bird Care who gave us grants to help with the costs, and to our Executive Team who helped run the event."
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