Age Is Just A Number: Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Forum
Age Is Just A Number: Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Forum
What if getting older wasn’t something to worry about, but something to look forward to?
That’s the idea behind Age Concern Taranaki’s Age Is Just A Number Forum, happening on Thursday 1 October 2026 at The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth.
But before you decide whether this event is for you, you might have a few questions.
Is it just for older people? Do I need to be an Age Concern client? What will I actually do on the day? And is it going to be a whole day of sitting and listening to people talk about ageing?
The short answer is: no, no, and definitely not!
Here’s everything you need to know.
So, what is the Age Is Just A Number Forum?
The Age Is Just A Number Forum is a one-day event designed to get people thinking differently about ageing and what it means to live well throughout life.
Hosted by Age Concern Taranaki, the forum brings together inspiring speakers, practical ideas, interesting conversations and opportunities to connect with others.
Age Concern Taranaki works alongside older people, their families, whānau and communities to promote wellbeing, social connection, dignity, respect and positive ageing.
We’re running this forum because we believe the conversation about ageing needs to start before you reach a certain age.
Ageing is something we all do.
So why not think about how we want those years to look?
Is this event just for “old people”?
Absolutely not.
In fact, that’s one of the biggest things we want people to understand about this forum.
You don’t have to consider yourself old. You don’t have to be retired. You don’t have to use Age Concern Taranaki services.
You might be:
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In your 40s or 50s and starting to think about the future
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Approaching retirement and wondering what comes next
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Already retired and looking for new inspiration
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Supporting an older parent, partner, friend or family member
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Working in health, community or social services
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Interested in keeping your brain and body active
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Looking for ways to stay socially connected
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Simply curious about how to make the most of life as you get older
If you’re interested in living well for longer, this day is for you.
Why is Age Concern Taranaki running it?
At Age Concern Taranaki, we see every day the difference that connection, activity, purpose and good information can make to people’s lives.
We also know that ageing is often surrounded by assumptions and stereotypes.
Getting older doesn’t mean your life gets smaller.
There are new things to learn, places to go, people to meet, challenges to overcome and experiences to enjoy at every age.
The Age Is Just A Number Forum is about starting those conversations, challenging some of the stereotypes around ageing and giving people ideas and inspiration for the years ahead.
What will I actually see, hear and do?
This isn’t simply a day of sitting in a room listening to presentations.
You’ll hear from thought-provoking speakers, discover new ideas, learn more about your brain, wellbeing and planning for the future, and have opportunities to connect with other people.
There will be plenty of time to talk, participate, ask questions, discover what’s happening in our community and enjoy the company of others.
And yes — there will be time for a bit of fun too!
We want you to leave the forum not only having learnt something new, but feeling inspired, connected and excited about what’s ahead.
Who will you hear from?
We’re bringing together a range of speakers and guests who will each bring a different perspective to the conversation about ageing and living well.
🧠 Nathan Wallis – Neuroscience Educator
Our keynote speaker, Nathan Wallis, is a neuroscience educator who is passionate about helping people understand how the brain works.
He’ll explore what happens in our brains throughout our lives and what we can do to support healthy brain function as we age.
🎤 More speakers to be announced
We have an exciting line-up of speakers and guests who will bring different perspectives on ageing, wellbeing, retirement, connection and making the most of life.
We’ll be sharing more about each speaker and the programme next week, so keep an eye on the Age Concern Taranaki Facebook page and website.
What does the day look like?
The forum runs from 9.30am to 3pm, with doors open from 8.45am.
You can expect a mixture of:
Welcome & introductions
Start the day by meeting fellow attendees and hearing what the forum is all about.
Inspiring speakers
Hear from experts and people with valuable perspectives on ageing, wellbeing and life beyond the traditional milestones.
Practical ideas & information
Take away things you can actually think about, try or put into practice in your own life.
Connection & conversation
Meet other people, share experiences and make new connections.
Fun & activities
Because learning doesn’t have to be serious all day! There will be opportunities to participate, enjoy yourself and have a few laughs along the way.
More information about the full programme and individual sessions will be added soon.
What makes this different from a typical conference?
We don’t want this to feel like a conference where you sit quietly, take notes and head home.
We want it to feel like a great day out.
A chance to hear something that makes you think.
A conversation that changes your perspective.
A new idea you want to try.
A person you’re glad you met.
Maybe even a laugh or two along the way.
Most importantly, we want you to leave thinking:
“I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
What’s included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes access to the full Age Is Just A Number Forum at The Devon Hotel.
Your ticket includes:
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Entry to the full-day forum
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All keynote speakers and sessions
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Activities and opportunities to participate
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Opportunities to connect with other attendees
- Opportunities to connect and engage with other local organisations
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Morning tea
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Lunch
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Free parking at The Devon Hotel
When and where is it?
📅 Thursday 1 October 2026
📍 The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth
🕘 Doors open from 9am
🕤 Forum starts at 9.30am sharp
🕒 Finish at 3pm
Do I need to be an Age Concern client?
No.
The forum is open to anyone who wants to attend.
You don’t need to participate in any Age Concern Taranaki programmes or services, and you don’t need to meet a particular age requirement.
Bring your partner, friend, family member or colleague.
Come on your own and meet some new people.
Everyone is welcome.
Ready to join us?
If you’ve ever thought:
“I wonder what the next chapter will look like?”
“How can I stay healthy and active as I get older?”
“What can I do now to make the most of the years ahead?”
or even simply…
“That sounds like a good day out!”
Then we’d love to see you at the Age Is Just A Number Forum.
🌟 Thursday 1 October 2026
📍 The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now and places are limited.
Age is just a number.
It’s what you do with the years that counts.
