JANUARY 2007

Voice of Older People Campaign

The Voice of Older People, Donegal is calling on people in the county to add their voice to the campaign to improve the lot of older people. 'If we are to achieve the changes necessary to ensure that all older people can age positively and participate fully in the life of Donegal, then we need the support of the whole community', says Joe Brennan, Positive Ageing Officer with the Voice of Older People. He was speaking as they launched an information campaign in conjunction with Donegal Creameries, who are carrying information on the Voice of Older People on the sides of their milk cartons.

The Voice of Older People is a network for older peoples groups in County Donegal. It aims to promote positive ageing, tackle ageism and to advocate on issues affecting older people. 'As part of our consultations we have asked older people what it is like to be older in Donegal. While a lot of people are very happy with their lives the issues of the lack of public transport, fuel, poverty, isolation, security and access to health services are constantly raised. These need to be tackled both locally and nationally, says Joe Brennan.

The Voice of Older People promotes a positive sense of being older today, as it is part and parcel of who we are. 'We want to challenge the perceptions of older people as dependent and frail. The reality is that 95% of older people live active lives in their own homes,' says Joe. 'We are asking people to stop and think about how they would like to be treated when they grow older and then compare that to the reality today'. There are serious gaps that need to be tackled. With the economy performing so well there are real opportunities to tackle these issues with imagination.

As part of this campaign, Donegal Creamery suppliers are to deliver postcards that call on the government to develop a National Strategy for Older People. These postcards are part of the 'Older and Bolder' campaign. 'We are asking people to sign and return the cards to the address on them so that the people of Donegal send a strong message to the government on the importance of prioritising older people's needs.' according to Joe.

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