Oxford Town Hall was abuzz with energy and connection yesterday as it hosted Older People’s Day 2025, a vibrant celebration marking the UN International Day of Older Persons.

Organised by the Oxford 50+ Network with support from Oxford City Council, the event welcomed hundreds of visitors from across Oxford to explore services, activities, and opportunities that support healthy, fulfilling ageing.

This year’s theme, Building Belonging, resonated throughout the day, with over 70 organisations showcasing their work to promote wellbeing, independence, and inclusion for older adults. Attendees enjoyed a varied programme of talks, digital workshops, and interactive sessions, alongside the chance to connect with local charities, health services, and community groups. From ballroom dancing to blood pressure checks, digital support for smart devices to reading well for dementia, the event offered something for everyone and provided valuable information from across community services for older people in Oxford.

The highlight of the day was the bustling exhibition that filled the main hall from morning to late afternoon, offering a variety of information and support. Attendees were warmly welcomed by a diverse range of organisations, each showcasing their work to support older people across Oxfordshire.

Among the many stands, the joint Oxford Health Research and Development and National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Be Part of Research team stood out for its warm welcome and clear call to action: get involved in health and care research. Staffed by colleagues from the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) South Central Team, Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF), Oxford Health Research and Development Team and the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry, the stand invited attendees to explore how research participation can shape better care for all. Whether living with a health condition or simply curious, visitors learned how easy it is to register interest, find studies, and contribute to discoveries that improve lives.

Angela Conlan, Public and Patient Involvement, Engagement and Participation Lead at Oxford Health CRF told us: “It was wonderful to see so many people engaging with research and asking thoughtful questions about how they can contribute. Older People’s Day is a powerful reminder that lived experience is vital to shaping better health care, and research is one of the most meaningful ways to make that voice heard.”

Research Engagement & Inclusion Facilitator at NIHR South Central Regional Research Delivery Network Kerri Dempster said: “Older People’s Day is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the richness of lived experience and to show that research isn’t just for academics, it’s for everyone. Including older adults in research is absolutely essential; their insights help shape studies that truly reflect the realities of ageing. We spoke to people who hadn’t considered taking part in research before, and it was inspiring to see how many left feeling empowered to make a difference.”

Among the many stands on the day were  Oxford Health’s Falls Prevention Service, Oxford Health’s Talking Therapies, GLAM (Gardens, Libraries and Museums), Oxfordshire Mind, Age UK Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Libraries to name but a few, plus a host of community centres all offering practical advice and opportunities on local activities and involvement. Visitors were also able to speak with representatives from the Museum of Oxford who added a cultural touch, inviting attendees to explore the city’s rich heritage and share their own stories.

With so many teams under one roof, the exhibition created a welcoming space for conversation, connection, and discovery.

Oxford’s Older People’s Day continues to grow in reach and impact, thanks to the dedication of organisers, volunteers, and community partners and we look forward to representation at next year’s event.

For more information about our research studies and opportunities to get involve, please email: oxfordhealth.CRF@nhs.net