Tea dances help older GHA tenants get into the swing of things

Older people enjoy themselves at the tea dance organised by GHA and Glasgow Life at Castlemilk Community Centre
Older people enjoy themselves at the tea dance organised by GHA and Glasgow Life at Castlemilk Community Centre

Older GHA tenants got the chance to put their best foot forward at a series of tea dances.

The free events, organised by GHA and Glasgow Life, saw around 300 older people from across the south of Glasgow area hit the dance floor at venues in Castlemik, Penilee, Pollok, Pollokshaws and Govan.

They boogied the afternoon away to the big band sounds of That Swing Sensation.

There were also information stalls and GHA staff on hand so people could find out about other services available to older people.

GHA tenant Christine Easton, 76, from Dougrie Place, said: “Tea dances are a really good way for people to meet up. It was a great day and the band was terrific.

“I can’t get up to dance myself but watching everyone else was great fun.

“It’s a good laugh watching people do what you can’t do yourself.

“It’s really good mixing with other people and seeing people enjoy themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

GHA chair Gordon Sloan said: “Tea dances are a great way for people to meet up with friends, get some light exercise and have a bit of fun at the same time.

“Bringing people together like this is a great way of reducing the isolation some older people can feel - and it’s good to get active for their health too.

“But more than anything our older tenants really enjoyed themselves.”

Tenants and staff from GHA broke the world record for the biggest tea dance when 306 couples took part in an event in George Square in September 2010.

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