Positive Ageing Week 2011 in Thurles will commence on Friday, September 23rd and finish on Saturday, October 1st, which is designated as United Nations International Day for Older Persons.
To clear up any confusion which may arise, an older person is simply defined as someone over the age of 65 years. Our senior citizens here in Ireland represent 11% of the population, when those under-18 are excluded and they also represent 17% of the present electorate.
A number of free, exciting, and informative events are taking place here in Thurles to honour our older citizens in the town and all are heartily invited to attend the organised events. Remember, if you are a young person and therefore possibly more accustomed to Internet use, do please inform your elderly family members and relatives regarding this week long event, and encourage them to take part. Some senior citizens may need assistance, e.g. transport etc, so please do your bit.
Picture shows: Back Row, left to right, Bridget Fitzgibbon, Active Retirement; John Kennedy, Town Councillor; Michael Wright, Home Instead Senior Care; Evelyn Nevin, Town Councillor; Catherine Hayes, Golden Years Day Care Centre; Nancy Tynan, Active Retirement.
Front Row, left to right, Breada Ryan, North Tipperary Leader; Nicola Cleere, Community Garda; Janice Nolan, Community Garda, Fr Martin Hayes was a guest at this meeting.
Missing from Photo: Bob Maher, St Vincent de Paul; Damien Cleere, Community Garda; Mary Shortt, Community Hospital of Assumption; Brian Dowling, Town Council and Ann Marie Brophy, Thurles Library. (Photograph courtesy G.Willoughby.)
Thurles Positive Ageing Week Events
Friday 23rd: Information Day for Seniors starting 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m. at the Sarsfields GAA Centre, Thurles. Therapists will be available throughout the afternoon giving FREE TREATMENTS. Special offers available from stands. Information will be provided by many community and voluntary groups. Learn what you are entitled to and how to stay safe in your home. Call Michael Wright on 083 3581304 for further information and transport options.
Saturday 24th: A Historical Short Walk of Thurles and a visit to St. Mary’s Famine Museum starting 11:15a.m. to 1.30pm, (Tour Guide – George Willoughby.) Please gather outside of the Ulster Bank on Liberty Square. Places are limited so please do call Nicola Cleere on 086 4069696 to reserve your place. Note: Tea and refreshments will be provided at the end of this walk, in St Mary’s Famine Museum.
Monday 26th: Successful Aging Workshop, Angel Ambiance, Baker St. Thurles. Free course on stress reduction techniques. Places again are limited so please contact Julie O’Regan at 086 6098265 to reserve your place.
Tuesday 27th: Art Masterclass 3:30p.m. to 5.30p.m. at Golden Years Day Centre, Thurles. Bill Noble will be teaching how to use watercolours and delegates will be learning and practising new techniques. Places are limited so please call Catherine Hayes at Golden Years Day Care Centre on 0504 23211 to reserve a place. Tea and refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday 28th: Celebratory Mass for Older People, 12:00p.m. at Bohernanave Church, 1:00p.m. sandwiches, cakes, tea, Music and Craic after Mass, at the Sarsfields GAA Centre. Call Evelyn Nevin on 087 9774725 for more information and transport options.
Thursday 29th: Visit to Bord Na Mona Briquette Factory 11:00a.m. to 2.00p.m. Places are limited so please call Damien Cleere on 086 3903396. Refreshments provided.
Friday 30th: Older Volunteers Celebration, 11.30am to 12:30p.m. Thurles Library, Guest Speaker Phil Prendergast MEP. All older volunteers in Thurles are invited to attend this event. Refreshments provided. For more information call 0504 29720.
Funding for events has been received from the European Commission.
More Information about Positive Ageing Week.
Following a Social Inclusion Strategy for Thurles carried out in 2009 by an Inter-agency Group, one of the key issues identified were the needs of Older People. In order to address the issues raised, an Older Persons Working Sub group was formed. Its membership is made up of representation from organizations and agencies, with a remit in the provision of services to older People.
The key activity delivered by this Group in 2010 was a number of events during Positive Ageing Week, to highlight the positive aspects of ageing and to celebrate the contribution made by older people to their communities. Building on the success of last year, the group are currently organising events for 2011 Positive Ageing Week.
For more information please call 083-3581304 or e-mail michael.wright@hisc.ie
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