An ambitious Age Friendly Strategy for Limerick has been officially launched by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD. Age Friendly Limerick Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028 builds on the successes of the first strategy to create a more inclusive and vibrant community for people of all ages.
The plan is informed by invaluable insights of older residents and reflects Limerick’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for every member of the community as the age profile of the population continues to grow older.
16% of Limerick’s population or 33,588 people are aged 65 years and over according to the most recent Census returns in 2022. This was an increase in this age group of 23% in Limerick since 2016.
The percentage of those aged 80 years and over was 3.6% in the 2022 Census figures.
The Age Friendly Limerick Strategy emphasises the importance of empowering older residents to actively engage in volunteerism and civic endeavours, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. It aims to create a universally attainable environment where individuals can remain socially active and valued members of their communities.
Age Friendly initiatives span areas including housing, community engagement, transport, cultural activities, and social inclusion.
At the launch of the Age Friendly Limerick Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell commented:
“None of us are getting any younger, but we are however, living longer! As life expectancy increases, it is imperative that we continue to build on the good work already done to transform Limerick into a model county for aging gracefully. This strategy underscores our commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to shape the policies and initiatives that affect their lives.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD officially launched the new strategy, saying:
“The government will and must continue to support our older citizens to remain living independently across the county and city of Limerick, to feel safe in their homes and communities and to feel like they are a crucial part of our society – because they are! We need the wisdom of the elders, their experiences and their guidance to navigate difficult situations, and I hope to be a strong voice on behalf of older people, in my capacity as a cabinet minister.”
Key to the success of the strategy is the active involvement of key stakeholders including, the Older People’s Executive, Age Friendly Alliance, Age Friendly Programme Manager and Age Friendly Housing Technical Advisor.
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly is the Chair of the Limerick Age Friendly Alliance that develop and oversee the Age Friendly Strategy. Dr Daly highlighted the collaborative effort, saying:
“Our Age Friendly strategy is based on consultation with older people and collaboration with our Alliance members, ensuring that we can adapt and respond to the changing needs of an aging population and provide supports where needed. The Alliance plays a vital role in our society, ensuring we have an age friendly approach to our policies, services, programmes and infrastructure for both the physical and social environment. Age friendly Limerick respects decisions and lifestyle choices of older people, and anticipates and responds to related needs and preferences. ”
Chairperson of the Older People’s Executive, Elizabeth Stanley says the strategy will have a generational impact:
“The Age Friendly Strategy for Limerick is an ambitious plan for the future of all Limerick people. It reflects the wishes, hopes and dreams of the people who were asked for their opinions about the kind of place they would wish for themselves and those who come after them.”
The Age Friendly Ireland Programme has been operational in Ireland since 2008 and is affiliated to the World Health Organisation [WHO] Global Age Friendly Cities and Communities Programme with Ireland being the first country in the world to have full affiliation to the Global WHO Programme.
The launch of the Age Friendly Limerick Strategic Plan 2024-2028 marks a significant step forward in realising the collective vision of a thriving, inclusive community where individuals of all ages can flourish. Limerick City and County Council extends gratitude to all stakeholders and older residents for their invaluable contributions in shaping the future of Limerick as a county we can all be proud to grow old in.
