In delivering the Waterford Age Friendly Strategy 2023-2028, the Waterford Age Friendly Alliance will ensure that the City and County continues to have an age-friendly approach to policies, programmes, services and infrastructure relating to the physical and the social environment, enabling older people to live in security, good health and continue to participate in society in a meaningful way. Waterford City and County Council plays a key leadership role, and so it also has a vital role to play in the implementation of the strategy and in motivating the commitment and contribution of other key stakeholders.
Waterford Age Friendly programme runs various events across the city and county including:
- The Age Well Expo held in May and October showcased the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives. The expo featured over 40 exhibition stands, talks from keynote speakers and interviews with local organisations and community groups providing insightful and topical information to everyone who strives to age well.
- Virtual Dementia Bus: Age Friendly Waterford in conjunction with Healthy Waterford invited members of the public along with healthcare professionals to attend Virtual Demential training. This ground-breaking programme allowed participants to simulate the cognitive and sensory impairments associated with dementia.
- OPC AGM – In September the OPC held their AGM in City Hall in Waterford. Guest speakers included the Ombudsman Ger Deering along with Emer Covney from Age Friendlly Ireland. Supports and services providers available to older people were also in attendance.
Waterford Older People’s Council Executive is made up of 15 members and meets on the second Tuesday of each month. It was involved in the strategy consultation preparation, and the OPC has been involved in many events including during Positive Ageing Week and the Bealtaine Festival.
Climate action workshop – Age Friendly Ireland in conjunction with CARO delivered a Climate Action workshop in January to Waterford Older Persons council along with members of the public. This workshop covered:
- An introduction to climate science, impacts and solutions
- Energy saving, carbon footprint and home energy upgrades.
A facilitated workshop to identify possible climate actions at a local level
The Business Recognition Programme has, and will, continue to be rolled out across the City and County, giving businesses the chance to become more Age Friendly.
