Age Friendly Ireland’s Ambassadors’ Day returned on Wednesday 18th June with a clear message: emotional, mental and physical health must take centre stage in how Ireland supports and celebrates ageing.
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 VISUAL Carlow, this year’s Ambassadors’ Day brings together Age Friendly Ambassadors from across the country for a day of discussion, reflection and visibility around the theme: Wellbeing in Later Life — Physical, Mental and Emotional Health. The event shines a light on the lived realities of ageing in Ireland, where the over-65 population is expected to double by 2050, and underscores the need to place dignity, purpose and wellbeing at the heart of national policy, community initiatives and everyday conversations.
TV icon Geraldine Plunkett, Age Friendly Ambassador for Dublin City Council, said: “Wellbeing in later life means looking after every part of yourself — your body, your mind, your spirit. I believe staying mentally active is just as vital as staying physically well. My advice to younger generations is simple: never lose your curiosity. Stay engaged with the world, stay social, and don’t isolate yourself with people only your own age. Connection and curiosity keep us vibrant — at any age.”
Singer Sandy Kelly, Age Friendly Ambassador for Sligo County Council, added: “Music has always been my anchor — not just professionally, but emotionally. For me, ageing well means protecting your sense of self. A recent report, Supporting Creative Engagement in Older Age, which was delivered by Age Friendly Ireland with funding from the Creative Ireland Programme, found that creative engagement increased physical activity by a third and increased feelings of happiness by over half. It showed how something as simple as singing or storytelling can lift mood, spark memory, and connect people who might otherwise feel isolated.”
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. The full list of Ireland’s Age Friendly Ambassadors can be found here > https://agefriendlyireland.ie/meet-the-team/local-age-friendly-ambassadors/
Age Friendly Ireland is the national body supporting Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities to deliver the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland. Each local authority leads a dedicated Age Friendly Programme, in partnership with older people, service providers and community stakeholders.
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said: “Too often, ageing is spoken about only in terms of decline or dependency, but the reality is far more powerful and positive. Older people in Ireland are living longer, contributing more, and redefining what it means to grow older. This year’s Ambassadors’ Day puts the spotlight on the importance of our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, reminding us that our independence, connectedness and purpose are central to how we think about ageing. Through Age Friendly Ireland, and the local government sector, we provide the structure to enable that joined up thinking that is making this vision a reality in every town, city and county in Ireland. We are extremely grateful to our Age Friendly Ambassadors for championing this work.”
Those wishing to learn more about ageing well in Ireland should contact their local Age Friendly Programme via their local council or visit agefriendlyireland.ie .
