Age Well Expo and Waterford Older People’s Annual General Meeting

How policies are influenced and shaped for older people across Waterford city and county were among the daylong discussions addressed by older people who attended the Annual General Meeting of Waterford Older People's Council (WOPC) in Dungarvan.

Throughout the day over 100 people attended the various events covering talks on Assisted Decision Making to Common Cardiac Conditions, New Medical Admissions at the medical admission unit at UPMC in Waterford and Healthy Eating as we Age.

The keynote address was presented by John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, author and currently the age friendly ambassador of Tipperary Older People's Council. In his address he brought hilarity to his audience as well as promoting respect for people who are living full lives in busy "retirement" lives.

Ray McGrath, chairperson of the Older People's Council, highlighted some of their involvements and achievements over the past year. Among them was phase one of a Walk Ability Study in Dungarvan, an award for St. Joseph’s House, which was opened over a year ago for older people in the city, and Age Friendly Parking in the city and county. 

Among the events organised by WOPC was outdoor events for the Bealtaine Festival last May and at the end of September a series of events to mark Positive Ageing Week.

Last week’s event was formally opened by Cllr Seamus Ryan, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council. Other speakers included Ann Cusack, Waterford Age Friendly Ambassador and Caroline Brogan, Age Friendly Ireland Regional Manager. 

The final speaker of the day was Seamus De Faoite, who represented Waterford City and County Council's senior management team.