ALONE - the charity that supports older people in Ireland, is urging intergenerational connectedness between young and old while highlighting that both age groups have various benefits to offer society.
Following the celebration of International Day of the Older Person on Saturday, October 1, which was ‘all about celebrating the positive contribution that older people have made and continue to make to our society, culture and economy as well as highlighting the struggles and ageism that some older people continue to face’, CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan, also pleaded for tolerance and acceptance between the generations.
“It is great to celebrate the positive impact of older people in our country today, while also acknowledging the hardships felt by some older people. We underestimate how much older people enrich our lives, communities and economy every day. Over the last number of months in the run-up to Budget 2023 there has been a lot of ‘Old v. Young’ discourse in the media and unwelcome attempts at stoking intergenerational tension. We know from our work around loneliness, health, income and housing that the oldest and the youngest in the country are experiencing similar difficulties and have so much more in common than what divides them.
“A key pillar of ALONE’s services are its support and befriending services, which provide a perfect opportunity for younger people and older people to become friends. These relationships often last for years, with many older people and younger people describing the relationships built as life changing.
“For younger volunteers it is not only about helping the older person but being open to them helping you, and being ready to learn a lot from people who have been there and seen it all. This relationship helps continue the wisdom from one generation to next,” Mr Moynihan stated.
