PICTURES: Roscrea's Age Friendly hold fascinating 'Community Conversation'

Roscrea Age Friendly hosted a community conversation on planning for ageing from both a personal and community perspective in the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Roscrea.

The event attracted more than 120 people and generated a lively discussion on how individuals and communities can prepare for the future.

Common themes emerging throughout the evening included a positivity about the opportunities and enjoyment of later years, the importance of physical activity, social connectivity and appropriate housing planning to support positive ageing within the community.

Anne Keevey, Age Friendly Roscrea, opened proceedings and paid tribute to those who contributed to the establishment of the Muintir na Tíre Hall, describing it as a valuable resource that has supported community connections across all age groups for many years.

Anne said that the event provided a timely opportunity to restart the conversation on planning for the future as Age Friendly Roscrea marks its tenth anniversary.

She stressed the need for imaginative planning to build on the progress made over the past decade and to ensure Roscrea becomes an even better place in which to live and grow older.

The discussion was chaired by Deirdre Laffan, journalist, broadcaster and Roscrea native. Panel members included Professor Eamonn O’Shea, Professor of Economics and Director of the Centre for Economic and Social Research at NUI Galway; John Lonergan, Tipperary Age Friendly Ambassador and former Governor of Mountjoy Prison; and Liam Ryan, Architect with Tipperary County Council, who provides expertise on age-friendly housing and public realm design.

When asked about planning for ageing from a personal perspective, Mr Lonergan said the people of Roscrea should be proud of all that has been achieved in the town over the past ten years.

He added that age should not determine how people live their lives and that, as we grow older, we possess an abundance of life experience and wisdom that cannot be acquired through any other means.

He said that both exercise and social activity are crucial in maintaining health and independence in later years.

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Professor O’Shea also stressed the importance of exercise at every stage of life, adapting activities as people age, whether through walking, cycling, swimming or weight-bearing exercise.

He spoke about his role in developing the national dementia strategy and highlighted the importance of personhood and citizenship in all care and in particular dementia care.

He emphasised the right of every individual to remain part of their community, stating that communities matter and that the visibility of older people within them is essential.

Responding to a question about planning for ageing from a community perspective, Liam Ryan referred to the Gantly Road Age Friendly Neighbourhood (phase 1) development in Roscrea, which will see the construction of 17 homes.

The award winning design is by Roscrea native Claire McManus (JFOC architects) and Liam said the development will provide a blueprint for other towns across the county from an accessibility and community connectivity perspective.

Mr Ryan also highlighted the importance of people feeling safe and connected within their communities and the need for adequate housing planning to support these goals into the future.

John Lonergan referred to rural depopulation and the isolation it can create for older people who remain in those areas.

While acknowledging the difficulties associated with leaving a family home, he encouraged people to consider what option best supports their wellbeing and independence, whether that involves downsizing, moving to a residential setting or relocating to an area where it may be easier to remain connected to community life.

Professor O’Shea added that while it is important to live in the present, planning for the future is equally important. He said both individuals and organisations share responsibility for ensuring communities are prepared for an ageing population.

Anne Keevey returned to the issue of social connection for nursing home residents, noting that when people choose to live in residential care they remain an important part of the wider community.

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While it may be more difficult for residents to reach out, she said communities must make greater efforts to reach in.

She announced a new Age Friendly Roscrea initiative, currently in its early stages, which will see volunteer groups known as the ‘Buzzy Bees’ regularly visiting nursing home residents.

Volunteers will offer opportunities for conversation, reminiscence and engagement with arts, culture and entertainment activities.

The initiative aims to complement existing activity programmes by fostering friendship, enjoyment and meaningful engagement, while helping residents maintain social connections within the local community. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Roscrea Courthouse on 0505 22550.

A number of speakers from the floor also joined the discussion.

Fiona Crotty of Tipperary County Council spoke about the Council’s commitment to supporting age-friendly initiatives and planning for positive ageing within communities.

Anthony Moroney of Transport for Ireland described transport as a key enabler of independence for older people and outlined ongoing plans to improve services, including facilitating additional stops within town centres.

Paramedic Ross Manson provided an overview of services currently available and discussed plans to further develop an enhanced age-friendly approach in the years ahead.

PJ Wright announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed in Roscrea and invited people of all ages to become involved. 

They meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Ardills Rosemount. Attendees were then invited to share comments and suggestions.

Many acknowledged the progress made by Roscrea Age Friendly over the past decade.

Issues raised included: Market square junction; parking at AIB and Post office; ambulance response times in the area; water quality concerns, the need for greater community ownership and support our new developments .

Other issues discussed were Age Friendly Neighbourhood, the new Dean Maxwell Community Unit, the Roscrea Family Resource Centre, and the HSE takeover of Mount Carmel Nursing Home, Mount Carmel Nursing Home built as a legacy by the Sisters of St Marie Madeleine Postel to serve the community of Roscrea.

The importance of securing future solid funding to sustain and expand community programmes was emphasised.

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Participants also stressed the need for organisations such as Tipperary County Council, the HSE, leisure centres, GAA clubs, businesses, FTEC and schools to consider the needs of all age groups when planning services and activities.

The importance of involving people with lived experience in planning processes was highlighted, while one contributor suggested creating opportunities for older people to visit schools and share their life experiences with younger generations.

Concluding the meeting, Anne Keevey thanked everyone for their valuable contributions, which will be considered by Roscrea Age Friendly as it develops future plans and programmes.

She also acknowledged the longstanding support provided to the community by SuperValu and extended best wishes to Judy and Brian as they progress with the reopening of the premises.

The apres meeting cup of tea provided further opportunity for discussion and people went away with lots of food for thought. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome, call (0505) 22550/ [email protected]