Positive Ageing Week is an opportunity every year to emphasise the positive aspects of aging and celebrate the invaluable contributions of older individuals in our communities. The theme of Positive Ageing Week 2023 is Challenging Ageism- Reframing How We Think, Feel and Act towards aging and older persons.
This Positive Ageing Week (October 1 – 7 ) Galway is shining a light on 30 people from across the City and County who are wonderful examples of the positive aspects of ageing and the vast and varied contributions of older people who quietly improve our lives, neighbourhoods and communities all year round.
The flagship event is the Local Heroes Exhibition which will feature in various libraries across the City and County showcasing 30 amazing people who epitomise positive, healthy and active ageing. They represent the many older people who enrich our lives in so many ways.
“It is so uplifting to read about the lives and activities of these men and women from communities all over Galway,” says Jacquie Lynskey of COPE Galway “
Research tells us that our ageing journey can be impacted by what we see and hear about ageing. That is why it is so important to shine a light on people who are living life to the full and are so often family carers, valuable members of clubs, associations, community groups and enriching our lives so much.
Amongst the 30, You’ll meet Ann King who is well into her eighties, and is an inspiration to many as she remains young at heart by gardening, volunteering, visiting her local library, walking and caring for her husband. Captain Charles John Ball who at age 91 loves indoor bowling, circle dancing and playing chess with his grandson. And Mary Fahey who is an exceptional family carer who looks after her sister and also took care of her parents until they passed away some years ago, while still finding time to embrace life to the fullest, as she has an activity planned for every day, either by way of meeting friends to have a cuppa and a chat or a walk. And Josephine O’Halloran who loves Balinfoile Community Centre where she was involved with a craft group who made baby blankets for Ukrainian mothers and babies coming into Galway
The local heroes exhibition is an initiative of the Galway Age Friendly Programme and was made possible mainly by Galway City and County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway Rural Development and Galway City Partnership. Together organisers would like to thank all who sponsored or contributed to this year’s initiatives and most especially the wonderful people from across Galway City and County who contribute to our families, communities and society and who inspire others to do likewise.
There are other events taking place across the City and County and can be found at Grandparents day is celebrated on October 6th and so Positive Ageing Week also offers opportunities for children to take part with free “colour me in” note cards available in local libraries, Galway Atlantaquaria, Charlie Byrnes Bookshop, or directly from COPE Galway. Children can colour one of four bespoke cover design choices and write a message to a grandparent or a special older person close to them. There is an opportunity also to win a year’s family membership to Galway Atlantaquaria by capturing the moment they deliver the card.
For further information on Positive Ageing Week, visit www.copegalway.ie/positiveageingweek
