Longford OPC meet every eight weeks to discuss and identify priority areas and challenges from a citizen perspective with the aim of enhancing the lives of the older person within our community.
Some of the issues discussed and initiatives undertaken by our OPC in 2025 include:
Presentation from Mary Murtagh, Development Officer, Longford Citizens Information Centre
Mary provided information on the free confidential service provided by CIC including advice and advocacy on a variety of topics such as social welfare, housing, health, employment, family matters, income support. Following this initial meeting with the OPC Longford CIC in collaboration with Longford Age Friendly Programme and National Shared Service have rolled out a dedicated Age Friendly Clinic which was launched on 6th May by Longford County Council and Longford AF Chief Executive Mr Paddy Mahon.
Longford Citizen’s Information Centre recently extended their current service offer to include a dedicated older persons clinic. Mr. Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council and Chair of Longford Age Friendly Alliance launched the new service at an event in the Citizens Information Centre Offices on Tuesday 6th May 2025. Paddy spoke about the importance of having a dedicated service as the population of older people in Longford has grown 25% since the last census. Kitty Hughes – Vice Chair of Longford Older Persons Council praised the Citizens Information Service as a service user and welcomed the new initiative, stressing the importance of having a face-to-face information service for older persons.
On the day Eileen Hughes from Age Friendly Ireland presented Mary Gray, Longford CIC with the Age Friendly Charter following her appointment as an age friendly champion. Longford Citizens Information Centre’s Age Friendly Charter is a statement of their commitment received.
The Age Friendly Clinic takes place at Longford Citizen’s Information Office every Tuesday from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Presentation to OPC from Pauline Lee, HSE Dementia Strategy Lead for Longford and Westmeath.
By 2045 150, 000 people will have dementia in Ireland. It’s a hidden disease. We are behind other countries currently in relation to services for dementia. Focus on “brain health “needs more promotion: Some practical tips for preventing and/or living well with dementia.
- UCD research on dementia equipment ie dementia clock
- Wear your hearing aid.
- Follow a mediterranean diet.
- Mind your blood pressure.
- Increased awareness of the different types of dementia