9th May 2024: Up to 200 older people from across Ireland have gathered in Kilkenny for the Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPC) Convention, addressing the pressing issue of the technology gap experienced by older demographics. The national annual convention at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel — held today and tomorrow (9 May and 10 May) — will tackle concerns surrounding online banking, a cashless society, and automated customer service helplines; offering potential solutions to bridge this divide.
Pictured at the Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPC) Convention in Kilkenny [L-R] MAry Cronin from Claregalway, Co.Galway and Paddy Gollogly from Curduff, Carrickmacross, Co. Managhan. Photo; Mary Browne
Image: Mary Browne, Brownes Photography REPRO FREE
The event, attended by Minister Mary Butler, TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People at the Department of Health,the Older People’s Councils and 31 local authority representatives, will feature discussions from panel speakers including;
- Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service and Mark Harrington, National Manager, Healthy Age Friendly Homes.
- Garret Doocey, Assistant Secretary from the Department of Transport with responsibility for Land Transport, Investment and Public Transport Policy will be discussing transport supports such as the travel assistance scheme, JAM card, Wayfinding centre and accessibility improvements to bus shelters, buses, age-friendly car parking and Age Friendly train stations.
- Philip Hogan, CEO of Cliffrun Media, a Dublin-based technology company specialising in technology solutions for older individuals such as the ACORN Age-Friendly Smart Tablet, will be demonstrating technology that supports ageing.
- Diarmuid Angland, a Department of Finance specialist, who is leading the development of a National Payments Strategy, will outline the meaning of digital inclusion and the implications of a cashless society.
Pictured at the Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPC) Convention in Kilkenny [L-R] Paula Hilman (AFI National Advisory Group), Assistant Commissioner AGS , Garret Doocey, Assistant secretary Department of Transport, Ita Healy from Trim, Co.Meath, Mark Harrington from Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service, Healthy Age Friendly Homes, Catherine McGuigan Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service and Diarmuid Angland Dept of Finance. Photo; Mary Browne
Image: Mary Browne, Brownes Photography REPRO FREE
Read full press release HERE