On Sunday June 11th 2023, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council presented the dlr Age Well Expo in association with the dlr Age-Friendly Alliance. The event took place in the Pavilion at Leopardstown Racecourse to celebrate and showcase services and products available to older people in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown with hundreds in attendance.
The dlr Age Well Expo also provided an opportunity to connect, engage and hear about topics of interest, particularly around the subjects of participation, health & wellbeing, safety & security, lifelong education and volunteering thus empowering older persons to participate in society and to overcome barriers to achieving wellness. The event was free of charge and featured a large and diverse exhibition space, performances, talks, demonstrations along with a networking and café area.
Speakers on the day included Emeritus Professor Ian Robertson, author of the brilliant and thought-provoking book; ‘How confidence works: The new science of self-belief’ with an inspiring talk on Confident Ageing.
Celebrity Chef Tara Walker provided Cookery Demonstrations on Healthy Cooking for One. Dr Ann Monaghan from TCD’s The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) presented a fascinating report on ‘Age with Purpose – Lessons from TILDA’.
Áine Flynn, director of the newly launched Decision Support Service gave an excellent presentation on Decision-Making legislation and one of the highlights of the event was a performance by 90-year-old Actress Sheila Flitton from the Banshees of Inisherin, of her highly acclaimed one-woman show ‘Beezie’.
Councillor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council speaking after the dlr Age Well Expo said
“The dlr Age Well Expo was a wonderful event highlighting the importance of bringing together the many organisations, groups, services and activities that support older people to age well in dlr.
The Expo showcased the many social, cultural, community, befriending, sporting and creative opportunities and activities that are available, many of which are organised and delivered by older people and we sincerely thank the wonderful Sheila Flitton – the epitome of ageing well and all the speakers, performers, exhibitors and organisers and everyone who attended to make it a memorable day”.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said
We are delighted that the DLR Age Well Expo organised and funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in conjunction with our partners on the DLR Age-Friendly Alliance was a huge success. We look forward to working with all the community to ensure that we fulfil our shared mission of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown as a vibrant place where people can age well, thrive and engage positively with our services, facilities and amenities and that we all experience good health, wellbeing and fulfilment in our local communities and neighbourhoods throughout our lives.”
