2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards Now Accepting Applications in Co. Clare

The deadline for applications is 12th July 2024. To apply, visit agefriendlyireland.ie/national-age-friendly-recognition-and-achievement-awards or contact the Clare Age Friendly programme manager, Kelly Slattery at kslattery@clarecoco.ie.

There are eight categories in the Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, each reflecting a World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include the Transport Award; Active and Healthy Ageing Award; Business Innovation Award; Safety and Security Award; Communications Award; Environment Award; Community Innovation Award and Age Friendly Housing Award.

Speaking on the annual awards, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said: “The Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards highlight the extraordinary efforts happening nationwide to enhance the quality of life for older adults. We are seeking groundbreaking projects that not only make a difference but also set a benchmark for others to follow.”

She added: “Many remarkable initiatives come from grassroots community and voluntary sectors, showcasing the tireless work of front-line practitioners dedicated to supporting our ageing population. This event is a heartfelt celebration of the best practices and innovative solutions that make Ireland a great place in which to grow old. We strongly encourage everyone to participate and share their inspiring stories.”

The Age Friendly Recognition and Achievements Awards ceremony will be held in the Crowne Plaza, Northwood, Santry, Dublin on 7 November. This year’s event will be hosted by Fingal County Council.

Previous winners at these awards have included Healthy Islands, Specsavers and Dublin City Council Central Area Office. For full details on the National Project Awards, see  agefriendlyireland.ie/national-age-friendly-recognition-and-achievement-awards/.

Each year there are eight categories of awards, aligning to the World Health Organisation themes, as they have a meaningful impact on the lives of older people in Ireland. They are (WHO theme in brackets):

1. AGE FRIENDLY TRANSPORT AWARD (Transportation)

   Getting to where you want to go when you want to go is so important to so many older people. This category recognises the vital difference that availability to good quality, easily accessible, user friendly and reliable transport options can make to an older person.

2. AGE FRIENDLY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY AGEING AWARD (Community Support and Health Services)

   We are living for longer, but remaining healthy and active in later years can be a real challenge. This award recognises those initiatives that optimise opportunities for good health in later years, so that older people can continue to play an active role in community life.

3. AGE FRIENDLY BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARD (Civic Participation and Employment) We know that creating an enjoyable and accessible experience for older consumers pays dividends for small and large businesses and the wider community. This category acknowledges age aware businesses which are innovative in their approach, and which recognise that older people as both producers and consumers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our society. We welcome entries from collaborative projects where business and the community came together to effect change.

4. AGE FRIENDLY SAFETY AND SECURITY AWARD (Housing) Feeling safe and secure at home and when out and about greatly enhances the lives of older people. This category acknowledges the impact of community-based responses that enable older people to feel secure in their homes and in the wider community, and to know what to do when they don’t.

5. AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNICATIONS AWARD (Communication and Information) A lack of access to information is often cited as a barrier to ‘ageing well’ in Ireland. The ability to access clear and concise information can impact on a range of aspects of an older person’s life, from health and wellbeing to social connectedness to financial security. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for older people to use technology, but has also identified gaps where older people are not able to access the wide range of services that have moved online. This award recognises efforts being made around the country to bridge the information gap.

6. AGE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AWARD (Outdoor Spaces and Buildings) The built environment has a unique impact on the lives of all older people. Simple things like adequate public seating, level footpaths and appropriate crossing times at pedestrian crossings all have a huge impact on the ability of older people to be active in their towns and villages. This category recognises projects that bring about change in the built physical environment with older people in mind.

7. AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY INNOVATION AWARD (Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion) The voice of the older person is at the heart of the Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme, the Programme is designed and implemented with them and not for them. This award recognises those innovative projects that are driven by older people for older people. These projects not only enhance the lives of older people, but benefit the community at large.

8. AGE FRIENDLY HOUSING AWARD (Housing) As people age they spend more time in their own homes. This means that older people’s quality of life, and thus their health, can depend on the appropriateness of their home environment and the conditions in which they live. This award recognises innovative housing initiatives that enable older people to remain independent for as long as possible. We welcome initiatives at both local and national level.

About Age Friendly Ireland Age Friendly Ireland coordinates the management of 31 local authority-based, multi-agency Age Friendly Programmes to improve the quality of life of older people throughout Ireland. In April 2019, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by being recognised by the World Health Organisation as the first fully affiliated Age Friendly Country in the world.

Age Friendly Ireland facilitates cities, counties, towns and villages across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. Age Friendly programmes work to provide age friendly environments, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for older people to participate in community activities. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places to age and grow older.

Age Friendly Ireland is an appointed Shared Service of local government hosted by Meath County Council. Age Friendly Ireland directs, supports and provides technical guidance to the 31 local authority-led, multi-disciplinary Age Friendly Programmes which includes 31 Older Peoples Councils.

Page last reviewed: 20/06/24

Content managed by: Rural and Community

Back to top