'Positive Ageing' event had them leppin'

The recent ‘Positive Ageing Week’ event in the Parish Centre had the older folk leppin’ the boards and showing a variety of comedic and vocal talents.

More than a hundred of the elders from the community came along to the event, organised by the Pastoral Office in conjunction with the Senior Citizens Association.

Refreshments were served by Cross & Passion Transition Year students, who also took their turns at entertaining.

A representative from Age Action Ireland, Gerard Scully, outlined the support programmes run by his organisation, including computer training and carer support.

“Positive Ageing Week is about celebrating older people in the community,” he said. “It is about the wider community acknowledging the contribution made by its older people, and which they continue to make.”

Emphasising the need for intergenrational activities, Gerard praised the youngsters from CPC for being a part of the event. He also spoke of the importance for older people to keep themselves physically and mentally active.

“It is vital that you get involved in things in the community, that you get out and meet people. What you pitch your activities at depends on each individual, what they are physically capable of. But it is vitally important that you don’t just sit there in the afternoons and watch ‘Countdown’. Go out to the shops, visit friends, have friends in to visit you.”

He strongly advised that those present consider setting up an Active Retirement Group.

Entertainment was provided by Billy Redmond and friends, and among those who did ‘party pieces’ were Lily Morrissey and Bernard Berney.