An open invitation was extended to older people and to organisations and groups that represent older people, to attend a meeting in Lough Lannagh on Monday, last October 10, to progress the setting up of an Older People’s Council in Mayo. The Setting up the Older People Council is an essential component to the roll out of the Age Friendly Strategy which was launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in June of this year .
The Age Friendly strategy has at its heart the ambition to improve the lives and well being of all older adults in Mayo. It is a plan that has been developed by Mayo’s Age Friendly Alliance and included detailed consultation with the older people of Mayo and the agencies and service providers involved in the delivery of services to them. Having listened to the views, thoughts and opinions of all and by researching models of good practice in creating age friendly environments, the outcome is the plan for delivering Mayo’s Age Friendly County Initiative.
The number of individuals and service providers that attended Monday ‘s meeting exceeded expectations. After some discussions an Older Persons Council was formed consisting of individuals and organisations that represent older people. The newly formed OPC agreed to have its inaugural meeting in early November to elect a Chairperson and other officials who will join the Age Friendly Alliance and will have the opportunity to raise issues that are important to older people such as health care, opportunities to socialise and stay in touch with friends and neighbours and feeling safe in their homes and when out and about.Mayo’s Age Friendly Alliance is a voluntary partnership made up of representatives from public sector agencies in the area and other organisations that promote a positive approach to ageing and include: Mayo County Council – Chief Executive and Cathaoirleach, The Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána, GMIT (Galway Mayo Institute of Technology ), MSLETB (Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board ), Mayo Volunteer Centre, Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo PPN (Public Participation Network ), Chamber of Commerce, Leader Partnership Companies, Community Action on Dementia in Mayo, Age Friendly Ireland, Mayo Older People’s Council.
All have given commitments to significantly help to improve the quality of life of older people in Mayo in the coming years under key headings including: (1 ) Outdoor Spaces and Buildings (2 ) Transportation (3 ) Housing (4 ) Respect and Social Inclusion (5 ) Social Participation (6 ) Communication and Information (7 ) Civic Participation (8 ) Community Support and Health Services. This partnership between organisations, the community and in particular our older people will make real, the vision of making Mayo a great place in which to grow up and grow old.
