Positive Ageing Campaign in the West
3rd October 2018
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) and lead partners Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, South West AgePartnership, Public Health Agency, Community and Voluntary organisations are working together to promote Positive Ageing Month throughout the west in October 2018.
Speaking at the launch of Positive Ageing Month on Monday 1st October 2018, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton, said:
“One of the core tenets of the Council’s Corporate Plan 2015/19 and indeed of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Community Plan 2030 is to help older people lead more independent, engaged and socially connected lives and one of the actions associated with achieving that objective is to work with partner organisations such as the Western Health and Social Care Trust, South West Age Partnership and the Public Health Agency, to develop and implement an Age Friendly Plan and to develop, support and participate in initiatives as appropriate. Positive Ageing Month is one such initiative of which we are all very proud.”
Positive ageing month takes into consideration the 5 steps to wellbeing, Be Active, Connect, Take Notice, Give and Keep Learning. This PHA initiative shows that if these 5 simple steps are built into our daily lives they can help maintain and improve emotional health and wellbeing. Positive ageing activities include tea dances, walking groups, knit and knatter groups, circus skills, dance classes, yoga, IT support, Tai Chi, Men’s Shed, Art Classes, and more. Hopefully there will be something to suit everyone.
Ms Fionnuala McKinney, Assistant Manager, Health Improvement, Equality & Involvement Dept, WHSCT says:
“Positive Ageing Month captures a snapshot of older people groups and activities that exist throughout the Fermanagh Omagh Area. In an ageing population, it is important we continue to work together to encourage older people to reach out and connect with their local community, not only to reduce social isolation and loneliness but to support them to live, long healthy lives. We also must not forget the valuable contribution older people give within our local communities and that without them many groups would not exist.”
South West Age Partnership add:
“Positive Ageing Month is a great opportunity to showcase the brilliant work being carried out on the ground by local older people’s groups and local community. We hope this encourages more older people to engage in the programmes and activities happening not just throughout October but all year round”.
The Positive ageing programme will be circulated throughout the Fermanagh and Omagh area and is available to download from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website www.fermanaghomagh.com.
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