Sir, – The publication of the National Positive Ageing Strategy by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch represents a milestone in the framing of policy on ageing in Ireland. However, there is a danger that your Editorial on positive ageing will lull people into a false sense of security regarding their future wellbeing (April 29th). This would be unwise. The reality is that the National Positive Ageing Strategy requires an implementation plan if it is to have a tangible impact on older people’s lives. The Minister, to her credit, recognises the need. She has committed herself to the completion of an implementation plan, including actions, timelines and performance indicators, within six months.
Now is the time to sustain pressure on Government for the production of an implementation plan. Our advice to older people is to remain vigilant during the next six months and to continue to lobby their public representatives for a result. The launch of the National Positive Ageing Strategy followed a seven-year campaign by older people and their advocates. Let’s make one final push now for an effective implementation plan! – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA CONBOY,
Director,
Older & Bolder,
Jervis Street, Dublin 1.