Laois TD (66) to host positive ageing event

A LAOIS TD who turns 66 this year is to host a public information event on positive ageing.

Portlaoise Fine Gael TD and farmer Willie Aird, who was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the age of 64, will host the event in his hometown in October.

Deputy Aird was only 19 when he was first elected to Portlaoise Town Council in 1979 but had to wait until November 2024 to take a Dáil seat, following the retirement of long-serving TD and former minister Charlie Flanagan.

The free event at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on Friday, 16 October will examine how people and communities can plan for ageing and can support older people to remain independent, connected and active.

Running from 11am to 1pm, with registration from 10.30am, the event will be chaired by journalist and author Terry Prone, founder of the Communications Clinic and presenter of the new podcast Grey Matters.

The panel will include Professor Des O'Neill, specialist geriatrician at Tallaght University Hospital; architect Rodd Bond; Nina Carberry MEP, co-chair of the European Alzheimer's Alliance and Dr Ann Coyle, a former HSE manager and advocate for older people.

Discussion will focus on healthy ageing, remaining well at home for longer, maintaining social and community connections and making Laois more age-friendly for people of all generations.

Deputy Aird said the event would look at 'planning for ageing' both at an individual level and across the county.

He said: The event will feature a panel of speakers who will share insights on planning for ageing at both a personal level, including health, housing and social connection and at a county level, looking at how communities, services and local leadership can build on the good work already being done by local organisations.

“The session will also look at the opportunities that come with longer lives and the importance of planning ahead so that people can age with dignity, independence and purpose.” 

Dr Coyle, a former regional and national planning specialist for older people, said planning for later life was important for individuals and their families.

She explained: “Positive ageing isn't about pretending getting older is easy. It's about recognising that it comes with change and making sure we, and the people we love, have the support, connections and independence to meet that change on our own terms.

“I've seen what it looks like when that planning happens and what it looks like when it doesn't. That's why events like this matter.” 

The event will also consider how local services and initiatives can contribute to creating more age-friendly communities in Laois.

Admission is free and places can be booked online through Ticket Tailor or by contacting Deputy Aird's office on 057 8620232 between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Early registration is advised as places are limited. See https://www.tickettailor.com/events/laois/2409766.