Age Friendly Ireland

Age-friendly programmes have been set up across the country with the aim of making Ireland a great place to grow old. 

As we age we may face specific challenges that hamper our ability to live independently and continue to enjoy a high quality of life. 

That’s why age-friendly programmes have been introduced in all local authority areas. These programmes seek to address the challenges that older people face and aim to create environments where all of us are able to thrive.

Age-friendly programmes improve public spaces that were not designed with older people's needs in mind. They enhance housing and transport options, access to key services, and opportunities for older people to participate in community life. 

In doing so, age-friendly programmes equip communities to become better places for people of all ages to live.

Co-ordinating and guiding the work of age-friendly programmes across Ireland is Age Friendly Ireland, a local authority shared service hosted by Meath County Council.

Age Friendly Ireland supports age-friendly programmes in a number of ways:

• It provides a framework for consultation with older people, so that their feedback can heard. This involves the creation of Age Friendly Alliances and Older People’s Councils.
• It fosters collaboration between agencies that serve older people, including local authorities, the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána, Chambers of Commerce, transport providers, academic institutions and others.
• It provides networks and communication channels between stakeholders, enabling the sharing of learnings and best practices.
• It offers Housing and Public Realm training to people who design homes and public spaces, so that the needs of older people are always considered.

Further information about Age Friendly Ireland can be found at agefriendlyireland.ie