Since 1990, when, on the initiative and with the support of, the National Council on Ageing, a group of older people came together to form The Irish Association of Older People, members of the Association have worked voluntarily on a daily basis with and for older people,
Members of the association participate in voluntary and statutory partnerships,
so that care provision systems are local, community based and accessible, are person-centered and needs-led, facilitate living and ageing in place, so that, if at all possible, as is our preferred choice, we will approach journey's end in our own homes and/or in the communities in which we are known and accepted.
For older members, time is of the essence and we learn best by doing. So, Association members
- participate in and support projects that provide capacity building skills,
- encourage informed and constructive participation,
- furnish opportunities and offer choices to both frail and active older citizens,
projects that- encourage reinvestment of skills and life experience,
- affirm and socially integrate and, most of all,
- provide for those who survive into great old age, social and emotional support to minimise the experience of bereavement, inevitable at that stage of life.
In the next decade, as the proportion of older people increases, the emphasis will be on health promotion and income adequacy, and the Association is currently addressing these issues.
On a day-to-day basis, members are serving informally
- as advocates,
- as links between Information Providers and Users,
- as informal carers and community activists.
We network at local, national, and European level, keep up to date on research, participate in comparative and issue studies and in exercises identifying best practice, at all times listening to hearing and working with those who possess the wisdom of years and life experience; the citizens whose immense contribution to this State we deeply respect and cherish.
