Older & Bolder urges Cork older people to take part in Government's Consultation on National Positive Ageing Strategy [23/02/2010]

The Older & Bolder campaign has urged older people in Cork and the southern region to take part in the Government’s consultation meeting on the National Positive Ageing Strategy (NPAS) which will take place on Thursday, 4 March next.  The meeting will take place in the Middle Parish Community Centre, Grattan Street, Cork from 2.00 to 4.15 p.m – registration/refreshments will be available from 1.00 p.m. and the theme of the meeting is Challenging Ageism to Create an Age Friendly Society.  Older people who are interested in attending need to contact Linda McKernan in the Cork City Partnership at (021) 430 2310.

Older & Bolder’s Director, Patricia Conboy, explained that Older & Bolder is not involved in organising these meetings and that the development of the National Positive Ageing Strategy  is a process led by the Government’s Office for Older People.  However, she said that Older & Bolder has actively campaigned for a meaningful consultation with older people and is now recommending to older people that they participate in large numbers and make their voices heard in relation to a national plan which will shape future of services for older people.

In order to help people to participate in a meaningful and effective way, Older & Bolder has produced leaflets which can be gotten by calling 01-8783623 or by visiting olderandbolder.ie.dedi2560.your-server.de.

“The National Positive Ageing Strategy is intended to be a long-term plan for making Ireland a better place in which to grow older.  To be effective, this blueprint will need to involve all levels of Government from Ministers to city and county councils.  It will need to cover policies, services and practices in areas such as health care, housing, transport, income, employment and independent living.  It is to be hoped that the National Positive Ageing Strategy will also influence the activities of organisations in the private and voluntary sectors.

“Given the potential importance of the National Positive Ageing Strategy to older people’s lives, Older & Bolder is actively encouraging older people in Cork, the southern region and right around the country to participate in the Minister’s consultation meetings and to make their voices heard.”

Older & Bolder is an alliance of seven non-governmental organisations in the ageing sector: Active Retirement Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Carers Association, Irish Hospice Foundation, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the Senior Help Line. Older & Bolder’s vision is of an Ireland that affirms ageing and the rights of all older people, enabling everyone to live and die with confidence and dignity as equal, respected and involved members of society as we age.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Pat Montague, Montague Communications, 01-8303116 or 086-7914429