Variety of events lined up for Positive Ageing Month
Older citizens encouraged to get out, get involved in October-long initiative focused on our valued elders
FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council and lead partners, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Public Health Agency and South West Age Partnership, are working together to promote Positive Ageing Month throughout the Council area as it runs all through October.
At the launch of Positive Ageing Month, the Chair of the Council, Councillor Barry Mcelduff, said: “The Council is a member of the World Health Organisation Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
“One of the themes of the Council’s Corporate Plan 2020 – 2024, and the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan 2030, is to help and encourage older people to lead more independent, engaged and socially-connected lives.
“Positive Ageing Month is one such initiative where, in association with its partners Western Health and Social Care Trust, South West Age Partnership and the Public Health Agency, the Council has put together an extensive array of events and workshops to promote this objective.”
‘Delighted’
Councillor Mcelduff added: “I am delighted that the Council has been able to put together such a wide range of activities for people to celebrate Positive Ageing Month, which will be delivered live and online.”
Data from the recently released Census 2021 findings showed that 18 per cent of the population in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area is aged 65 years and over – an increase from 14 per cent in 2011, showing that events such as Positive Ageing Month are particularly important and welcome.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in the events,” added Councillot Mcelduff.
Brónach Mcmonagle, Involvement Manager, Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: “The Western Trust is delighted once again to support the Positive Ageing campaign.
“There is a wide range of events and activities for all our older people and we are pleased to see the promotion of the five steps to wellbeing – Be Active, Connect, Take Notice, Give, and Keep Learning.
“We would like to thank our partners as this initiative shows what we can achieve when we work together. We encourage everyone to take a look at this year’s brochure and get involved as much as you can.”
Marj Aitken, Chair of South West Partnership, said: “South West Age Partnership is again delighted to be working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Western Health and Social Care Trust in this year’s Positive Ageing month campaign.
“As usual, there are different activities taking place through the month, some face-to-face and some digitally. It’s fantastic to see such a variety of events and programmes.
“Please take some time to check through the booklet, share the information with your family and friends but most importantly, get involved. I look forward to seeing some of you throughout October.”
For further information on the programme for Positive Ageing Month in the Fermanagh and Omagh district, and how to book events, see www. fermanaghomagh.com/communityservices/agefriendly.