The recent Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPC) convention held in Kilkenny saw the participation of members from the Waterford Older People’s Council. The event brought together around 200 older individuals from across Ireland to discuss various issues affecting the older demographic, with a key focus on the technology gap experienced by this group.
Taking place on May 9 and 10 at the Ormonde Hotel, the convention provided a platform for discussing concerns related to online banking, the trend towards a cashless society, and the prevalence of automated customer service helplines. The primary aim of the event was to explore potential solutions to bridge the existing technology gap faced by older adults.
Notable attendees at the convention included Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People at the Department of Health, Minister Mary Butler, who hails from Waterford. The event also saw the participation of Older People’s Councils and 31 local authority representatives. Panel speakers at the convention included Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service, and Mark Harrington, National Manager of Healthy Age Friendly Homes.
The convention programme encompassed seven workshops in addition to panel discussions. Participants were provided with various opportunities to network and share insights with fellow attendees.
This year’s convention theme, ‘Ageing with Independence,’ underscored Age Friendly Ireland’s commitment to creating environments that promote the well-being and independence of older adults within the community.
The discussions and initiatives that emerged from the convention are essential in addressing the technological challenges faced by older individuals, and the event serves as a critical platform for advocating for the needs of this demographic. The insights gained from the convention will contribute towards informing policy decisions and community initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for older adults.
Key figures such as Minister Mary Butler have underscored the importance of addressing the technological gap, and the presence of local authority representatives signifies a collaborative effort to find practical solutions to these challenges. As the older demographic continues to grow and become an increasingly integral part of our society, it is imperative that their needs are addressed and that they are provided with the necessary support to navigate the evolving technological landscape.
Moving forward, it is vital for communities and policymakers to continue engaging in dialogues and initiatives aimed at bridging the technology gap faced by older individuals. By doing so, we can work towards creating a society that is inclusive, supportive, and empowering for individuals of all ages.