by Alan Jacques
ISSUES affecting people over 65 such as loneliness, isolation, fitness and active ageing were brought to the fore at the first meeting of Limerick Older People’s Council (LOPC).
Comprising 36 members drawn from active retirement and senior citizen groups, Probus groups and the Limerick Seniors Forum, the LOPC was established as the voice of Limerick’s older people ensuring they are involved in decisions that affect their lives.
The Council was set up by the local authority as part of its commitment under the Age Friendly Limerick Strategy 2015-2020.
In partnership with key stakeholders, the LOPC will work with Limerick Age Friendly Alliance to promote the use of existing recreation and green spaces and identify areas that have potential for age friendly adult exercise equipment and tone zones to increase the activity levels among older people particularly those that are disconnected.
In his opening address at the inaugural meeting in County Hall, Mayor Liam Galvin explained that the council’s primary role will be to represent the voice of older people from all walks of life, including people who can’t take part directly in the decision-making process.
“By doing so, you will play an important role in the implementation of the Age Friendly strategy and in bringing to the attention of the Age Friendly Alliance, issues that might arise within Limerick communities that affect older people. These issues include isolation and loneliness to fitness and active ageing. In this age of rapid changes in society, it is important that no section of our community is left behind.”
“It is clear that the percentage of Limerick’s population aged 65 years or over will continue to increase over time and therefore, we must be ready to face the challenges that such an eventuality will bring to society. The Older People’s Council is at the forefront of these efforts locally,” said Mayor Galvin.
