Tipperary older people to attend national conference to have their voices heard

Older people from Tipperary will attend a two-day conference which will put the spotlight on preventive over reactive healthcare, brain health, and intergenerational solidarity as keys to ageing well.

The Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPCs) Convention will take place in Dublin, and will feature older people from the Premier County who will add their voice in building an inclusive, Age Friendly society where prevention, participation, and intergenerational support are central to how we plan for the future.

A key highlight will be a personal fireside conversation between Brendan Courtney, the Convention’s MC and broadcaster; and Professor Ronan Collins, Age Friendly South Dublin Ambassador, Consultant in Geriatric and Stroke medicine and current RCPI National Clinical Lead for Stroke.

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Professor Collins will reflect with Brendan on their shared experiences and discuss the urgent need for earlier intervention, community awareness, and open conversations between generations on healthy ageing.

Mary MacMahon, Chair of the local Tipperary Older People’s Council said: "We have heard at the convention this year that ageing well is not about adding years to life, it’s about adding life to years and through our local OPC, we share the wisdom of our years with the next generation.

"With this in mind, I would urge everyone in Tipperary to join their local OPC to ensure they have a say in the policy decisions being made for their future of ageing well. This is where your voice can be heard and where your experiences shape the services and policies that affect your daily life. Join us by visiting agefriendlyireland.ie or contacting your local authority," Ms MacMahon added.

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Professor Ronan Collins said: “Intergenerational solidarity is what’s required for us to age well as a nation. This means equipping younger generations with the knowledge and tools to age well and to play a supportive role in enabling healthy ageing across society.

"This national convention of OPCs is an opportunity for older people to ensure their voices are being heard, so that they can add life to years over just years to life".