Carlow’s Faith Amond champions age-friendly workplaces at National Ambassadors’ Day

RENOWNED Carlow milliner and style icon Faith Amond attended the third annual Age Friendly Ireland Ambassadors’ Day last week, representing County Carlow as the region’s age friendly ambassador at an event that brought together public figures and policymakers from across the country to tackle ageism in the workplace.

The event, hosted by Kerry County Council at the Rose Hotel in Tralee on 5 March, focused on the theme of age-friendly workplaces and the steps needed to support longer working lives in Ireland. Ms Amond was among a host of well-known ambassadors including television personality Francis Brennan, actress Geraldine Plunkett, and general secretary of the World Ploughing Organisation Anna May McHugh, who gathered to discuss how Irish employers can adapt to the country’s rapidly changing demographics.

Age Friendly Ireland said the day highlighted the growing need for businesses to embrace multigenerational workforces, with a nationwide survey of workers aged 45 to 65 finding that flexible working arrangements are the single biggest support needed to help older employees remain in work longer. Some 37% of respondents identified flexibility as a key priority.

The event drew on findings from Age Friendly Ireland’s Workplace Pathfinder Programme, which worked with businesses, recent retirees, and those approaching retirement age to identify what needs to change. Key recommendations included workforce succession planning, phased retirement models, improved pension planning, and tackling harmful age-related stereotypes.

Catherine McGuigan, chief officer of Age Friendly Ireland, paid tribute to ambassadors like Amond for the leadership they bring to the movement. “They use their voices and lived experiences to challenge perceptions of ageing, and to highlight the opportunities that come with living longer lives,” she said.

Kieran Kehoe, chief executive of Meath County Council, said employers who recognise the strengths of every generation will build stronger organisations and gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent.

Age friendly ambassadors are appointed by city and county councils across Ireland to challenge ageism, champion dignity in ageing, and promote more inclusive communities. A full report, including policy recommendations on multigenerational employment, is expected to be published by Age Friendly Ireland later this year.

Those wishing to learn more can contact Carlow County Council’s Age Friendly Programme or visit agefriendlyireland.ie.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​