Castletown Community Centre welcomed Age Friendly Laois last Tuesday for the AGM of the Older People’s Council.
There was a full house for the event, at which the new Laois Age Friendly Strategy was launched by the Age Friendly Ambassador, Anna May McHugh and the Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council, Paschal McEvoy.
Anna May spoke powerfully on “remaining active as you age and how age is just a number”.
She informed attendees that she only “feels 45 and she has no intention of slowing down”. She told the audience that we were all born with gifts that we should share.
As she continues to remain active, Anna May also praised Portlaoise Active Retirement group, who will celebrate 20 years in existence next April.
Special mention went to founding member Andy McQuillan, who at 90 years of age is still an active member of the group.
Cathaoirleach Paschal McEvoy welcomed the strategy and praised all involved in its production.
He noted that Laois is blessed with an active older population and that it up to all ages to ensure that the actions contained within the strategy are realised and delivered upon for the benefit of the citizens of Laois.
He noted that the voice of the older person is at the heart of the strategy and that the actions within the strategy are a direct result of consultation with the older community.
Pamela Tynan, A/SEO , Laois County Council on behalf of the Age Friendly Alliance welcomed all attendees from all over Laois and acknowledged the inputs of the alliance members in the design and future implementation of the strategy.
She also praised the volunteerism and community spirit of Castletown, which led to the upgrading of the venue that hosted the Older Persons Council this year.
There was a presentation from Eileen Hughes, from Age Friendly Ireland on the Age Friendly programme and local Age Friendly co-ordinator Mr Tom Curran gave a brief outline of some Age friendly Initiatives, which was followed by a video presentation from Joe Tierney of Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone on the topic of Agism.
Those in attendance were joined on the day by members of the Alliance, who also provided information stands to those in attendance.
These were LOETB , Laois Volunteer Centre, Local Link Laois Offaly, Laois Libraries & Laois Offaly Community Policing Gardai.
There was also an opportunity on the day to update your Electoral Register details through Laois County Council and checktheregister.ie.
An Eircode awareness campaign was also launched on the day and the importance of knowing your Eircode was highlighted.
Music and Dancing followed to the ever popular Martin Delaney, who kept the dancefloor full all afternoon.
The Laois Age Friendly Older People’s Council AGM further cemented its commitment in creating an age-friendly community that promotes inclusivity, respect and vitality for older residents.
With the formation of a new Executive Committee and the launch of the Age Friendly Strategy for Laois 2023-2027, the future indeed looks promising for age-friendly initiatives in the region.
If you would like to be involved in the Executive and in having a say in your future, contact Tom Curran at the details below.
To see more details on the Age Friendly programme visit agefriendly.ie, laois.ie and to contact the Laois Age Friendly Programme co-ordinator email tcurran@laoiscoco.ie or call 05786 64150 / 0860363426
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