HUNDREDS of people have come together to discuss health, wellbeing and the growing use of technology as part of Carmarthenshire’s annual 50+ Forum.

The popular event brings together a wide variety of people and over 30 organisations, and provides opportunity to reflect positively on aging as well as focusing minds on the needs of the county’s older people.

It was held on Thursday at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, where guest speakers included Dr Charles Musselwhite and Allyson Rogers of Swansea University’s Centre for Innovative Ageing, and Julie Morgan AM, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.

This year’s key themes reflected what the forum’s 600 strong membership have said is important to them.

On‐line technology, mobility and access to transport were high on the agenda, with keynote speakers touching on these points.

Members also had the chance to take part in a series of workshops focusing on digital health monitoring, banking, shopping, communication and research, as well as spotting and avoiding scams.

There were also wellbeing workshops, tasters and demonstrations in arts and crafts, exercise and ageing well.

Wyn Llewellyn, Chair of the 50+ Forum, said: “Carmarthenshire 50+ Forum successfully reached out to many communities this year, clarifying the key challenges being faced and providing a focus for the 50+ Annual Event. In 2019-20 we want to engage more with communities and seek volunteers across the county to be local contacts for 50+. The aim is to improve our service to the community and bring 50+ Forum a stronger, more credible voice on their behalf. Come and help us - together we are stronger!”

The annual event is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council and Welsh Government.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s 50+ Champion, Cllr Linda Evans, added: “Today’s event was well attended and well received with a common voice from people in our communities on a range of important issues.”

For further information about the 50+ Forum, or to join, visit carmarthenshire50.org.uk