Age Friendly

Appendices: Chapter 1
Speech By Cllr. John Sheahan,
Cathaoirleach of Limerick County
Council at Age Friendly Event
Mayor, Manager, A Chairde Go Léir,
It’s not often that we see such a cross section of the community as we have here today represented
at a single event.I think it’s fantastic that all the main agencies and people from every corner of
Limerick have turned up for the launch of the Limerick Age Friendly Programme.
Personally, I am delighted to be able to represent my fellow Members of Limerick County Council
and of course, the people of County Limerick here in Adare this afternoon.
I am already on record in pledging my support for the initiative that we have gathered here today
to launch.The Limerick Age Friendly Programme is being developed in the context of the growing
international awareness of the need to plan for an ageing population. Since 1950, for example,
the average life expectancy at birth increased by 20 years globally and by 10 years in Europe
where it is expected to increase a further 10 years by 2050.
Despite having one of the youngest populations in Europe, CSO figures show that the percentage
of Ireland’s population aged 65 years or over increased by 14.4 per cent between 2006 and 2011.
Closer to home, the average age of a person living in Limerick in 2006 was 35.6 years of age in
2006 compared to 36.5 years of age just five years later in 2011.
Furthermore, the number of people aged 65 years or over in Limerick City and County in 2011
was 12.2% compared to the national average of 11.7%.
It is clear, therefore, that the roll out of the Limerick Age Friendly Programme is both urgent and timely.
As life expectancy increases the onus is on society to adapt in a manner that provides older people
with the physical, economic and cultural opportunities to ensure they enjoy the best quality of life.
All the great societies of the world down through history have placed great value on the wisdom
and life experience that their elders brought to their communities.
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