Age ambassador Faith leads call on ageing well in Co Carlow
Pictured at the annual Age Friendly Ireland Ambassadors Day at Visual in Carlow were Nickey Brennan (Kilkenny ambassador), Mike Hanrahan (Clare ambassador), Geraldine Plunkett (Dublin city ambassador), Terry Prone (Fingal ambassador), Faith Amond (Carlow ambassador), Bob Gilbert (Cavan ambassador) and Seamus McDermott (Monaghan ambassador) Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
RENOWNED milliner Faith Amond joined fellow Age Friendly ambassadors from across the country to promote a clear message: emotional, mental and physical health must take centre stage in how Ireland supports and celebrates growing old.
New insights gathered from Age Friendly Ireland’s network of 30 high-profile ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, business, sport and public service ‒ including Francis Brennan, Gavin Duffy, Sandy Kelly, Geraldine Plunkett and Celia Holman Lee ‒ reveal that nearly 80% fear cognitive or mental decline more than any other aspect of ageing.
When asked what gives them hope, over half pointed to the growing commitment to an inclusive, supportive society that values older people and being able to remain active and independent.
Held at Carlow’s Visual arts centre, this year’s Ambassadors Day brought together Age Friendly ambassadors from across the country for a day of discussion, reflection and visibility around the theme . The event shone a light on the realities of getting old in Ireland, where the over-65 population is expected to double by 2050, and aimed to highlight the need to place dignity, purpose and wellbeing at the heart of national policy, community initiatives and everyday conversations.
Faith said: “It is an honour to represent my county as an Age Friendly ambassador. I’ve got involved in as many positive ageing events as possible, but I still want to create more awareness where I can.
“For me, ageing well means staying independent and active. I find the strength to do that through my community and local support. I would encourage any older person – or even someone who just wants to learn more about ageing well in Ireland – to contact their local Age Friendly programme by contacting their local council.”
Age Friendly ambassadors are appointed by city and county councils across Ireland to use their platforms to challenge ageism, champion dignity in ageing and support more connected, active and inclusive ageing across Ireland.
For more information, see agefriendlyireland.ie.
