Catering for Clare’s ageing population

A NEW strategy aimed at catering for the needs of Clare’s ageing population has been launched this week.
Latest Census figures show that over 11.5% or 13,315 of Clare’s population of 117,196 are currently aged 65 years or over, representing a 0.5% increase on the 2006 Census figures. This figure is expected to grow in the coming years.
Following the launch of the Clare Age Friendly County Programme last September, Clare County Development Board is now developing an Age Friendly County Strategy. The initiative, which is supported by the Ageing Well Network, is being championed by former Bishop of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh.
A countywide series of public consultations will begin in Ennis next Thursday when members of the community, especially older people, will be asked to submit their suggestions as to how County Clare can be made a more age friendly place to live in, to work in and to visit. 
The consultation sessions will take place at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis (11am-1pm next Thursday, May 3), Kilrush Golf Club in Kilrush (2pm-4pm, Thursday, May 10), The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon (3pm-5pm, Tuesday, May 15), Oakwood Arms in Shannon (11am-1pm, Thursday, May 17), and Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe/Ballina (2pm-4pm, Thursday, May 24).
Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes, on behalf of Clare County Council, joined mayors from New York, Barcelona, Mexico, Dublin and Edinburgh last year in signing the Dublin Declaration committing to making County Clare a more Age Friendly Place to live in, to work in and to visit. 
Mayor Hayes noted that the plan would aim to achieve much valued improvements in quality of life, quality of services and quality of environment for older people living in County Clare.  He added it was important that no section of the local community was left behind in the future delivery of services across the county
“This plan will result in greater awareness of the needs of older people in our communities. For example, almost 30% or 4,000 persons aged 65 years or older in this county are living alone in private households. Their ability to access basic services needs to be assessed, while we are also keen to hear their thoughts on a range of other issues that may be affecting them. This consultation is the first stage of developing Clare’s Age Friendly Plan and I would encourage everyone to be involved in the process.”
According to Tom Coughlan, Clare County Manager and chair of the County Clare Age Friendly Programme, “It is important that we get the plan right and encourage older people especially to become actively involved in the process. I am delighted that the programme is being championed and supported by Bishop Willie Walsh who continues to be an inspirational figure in County Clare.” 
Patricia Goan from Ageing Well Network, added, “An age-friendly county is a place where more and more older people can stay living in their own homes and communities, lead healthy and active lives, get to where they want to go, when they want to go, are valued contributors to the lives of their communities, live in places where the social and physical environments are safe and conducive to being out-and about.”
Members of the public unable to attend a public consultation session can make a written submission or observation regarding the development of the Age Friendly Plan for County Clare. Submissions can be made in writing to the Community Development Section, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis or via email to agefriendly@clarecoco.ie before Thursday, May 31.