In pictures: Donegal’s Older Persons Council - a decade of age-friendly progress

Donegal Older Persons Council (OPC) brought together community members, older persons, multiple agencies, inspirational speakers and advocates for older people’s wellbeing for their Annual General Meeting.

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The event highlighted the progress made since Donegal first joined the Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme in 2013 and looked ahead to the goals set out in the emerging Age Friendly Strategy to 2030.

The event was energetically kick-started by Ciara McVeigh Lunn from Donegal Sports Partnership, who led attendees in exercises, getting everyone moving and setting a positive tone for the day.

Attendees were greeted by Caroline McDaid, Chairperson of the OPC, who urged new members to register and join the executive committee.“This is your opportunity to inform and direct us on what the most important issues for you as an older person are and in the communities you live in. We all want to be heard and to feel like our voice matters.”

Cllr Paul Canning formally launched the Information Guide to Services for Older Persons in Donegal, which provides a reference to services, entitlements and activities available, including health, housing, safety, social activities and local support groups.

‘This event reinforces a core principle of the Age Friendly programme; when we talk about age friendly, we are really talking about community friendly,” Cllr Canning said. “This is what this programme is all about, it’s about listening, acting and building a County that’s truly a great place to grow old.”

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and chairperson of Donegal Age Friendly Alliance, John G. McLaughlin’s remarks underscored the need to adapt to demographic changes; ‘With our population ageing, it is more important than ever that our communities remain accessible and inclusive for people of all ages. There are approximately 40,000 people over 60 years of age in Donegal and the Age Friendly Programme must respond to their evolving needs.’

The AGM featured a range of inspirational speakers who shared insights and updates on initiatives supporting older people across Donegal. Dr Áine Keating noted that Donegal has a higher proportion of older people compared to the national average and emphasised the importance of equitable access to healthcare in meeting the needs of our ageing population. Aenghus Kennedy captivated the audience with his presentation on the unique biodiversity of Donegal and instilled a sense of responsibility in everyone to take action against climate change.

Maeve McKeon from the Health Service Executive Integrated Care Team for Older Persons reminded all in attendance that every movement counts and shared advice on how to remain fit for the future.

Mairead Cranley, Age Friendly Regional Programme Manager, outlined the national programme objectives that are cascading to local programme delivery across areas like communications, climate, workplaces, business and sports and highlighted the importance of collaboration between all Alliance partners.

Donegal’s commitment was further recognised with the shortlisting of Cúirt an Troisc / Trusk Road, an age-friendly housing development of 19 energy-efficient apartments built to universal design standards, for the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards to be held in Galway this week.

 In closing proceedings, Rosita Mahony, Age Friendly Programme Manager, thanked everyone who attended today's AGM, adding that ‘From all our conversations, it is clear that in Donegal, growing older is not an ending, but a beginning, where wisdom leads and community follows’.