TRIBAL DRUMMING, pilates, canoeing and line dancing are just some of the 650 events under way this week to mark the sixth Positive Ageing Week.
An information technology conference for older people will be held at Croke Park today when Ireland’s first “silver surfer” awards are presented. Awards will be made in five categories to honour older people who are enthusiastic users of technologies such as e-mail, Skype and texting.
The first Cork Senior Wii’lympics will be held in seven day-care centres in Cork this week. Older people will play virtual bowling, tennis and baseball with the help of a Nintendo Wii.
Ten towns have been selected as positive ageing towns and special events have been organised to mark the week. They are Arklow, Athy, Boyle, Drogheda, Dublin, Dungarvan, Galway, Midleton, Sligo and Tullamore.
Age Action chief executive Robin Webster said ageing was frequently presented as a negative experience. “The aim of the week is to demonstrate the fact that we are all living longer, healthier lives and this is something to be celebrated. Coming at a time of economic downturn, we are hoping these celebrations can help lift the national spirit.”
A mobile hearing clinic operated by Hidden Hearing will travel the country this week offering free hearing checks to raise awareness of hearing loss.
Audiologist Keith Ross said people put up with poor hearing for up to 15 years before seeking help, but would get their sight checked after just three years.
He said the European average for using hearing devices was 15 per cent while the average in this State was under 11 per cent.
Full details of events around the country are available at www.ageaction.ie.
