Ex-GAA President shares important health message for older people - Kilkenny Live

Former GAA president and Kilkenny Age Friendly Ambassador, Nickey Brennan, has joined with fellow Age Friendly Ambassadors from across the country to promote emotional, mental and physical health, arguing those health factors must take centre stage in how Ireland supports and celebrates ageing.

Age Friendly Ireland is the national body supporting Ireland’s 31 local authorities to deliver the government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland. Each local authority leads a dedicated Age Friendly Programme, in partnership with older people, service providers and community stakeholders.

New insights gathered from Age Friendly Ireland’s network of 30 high-profile Ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, business, sport and public service, including Francis Brennan, Gavin Duffy, Sandy Kelly, Geraldine Plunkett and Celia Holman  Lee, reveal that nearly 80% fear cognitive or mental decline more than any other aspect of ageing.

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When asked what gives them hope, over half pointed to the growing commitment to an inclusive, supportive society that values older people and being able to remain active and independent.

As it stands, the over-65 population is expected to double by 2050.

"I see the key task of my role as supporting the Age Friendly Alliance and Age Friendly Older People’s Council in Kilkenny," Brennan said.

"I work with them to promote their activities while also supporting engagement with individuals or bodies who provide activities aimed at enhancing all aspects of older people’s lives.

"I would encourage any older person or even someone who just wants to learn more about ageing well in Ireland to contact their local Age Friendly Programme by contacting their local council," he continued. 

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