New Strategy Launched For Older People Living In Wicklow

A new five-year Age Friendly Strategy for County Wicklow was launched by Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, at an event in County Buildings.

The Wicklow Age Friendly Strategy 2023 - 2027 was developed by the Wicklow Age Friendly County Alliance following an extensive consultation with older people throughout the county. 

 This is the second Wicklow Age Friendly Strategy and the new strategy was informed by the views of more than 300 people across county Wicklow, aged over 55, from a wide range of ages, with diverse interests and circumstances.

Their views were collected through a series of public consultations to ensure that older people’s needs were considered and addressed.

 In developing the Strategy, the Alliance adopted the Age Friendly Ireland model and World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Age-friendly Cities and Communities framework. This proposes eight interconnected domains that can help to identify and address barriers to the well-being and participation of older people.

 The new five-year Strategy includes an action plan which details 72 actions, across eight thematic areas or domains:

• Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
• Transportation
• Housing
• Social Participation
• Respect & Social Inclusion
• Civic Participation & Employment
• Communication & Information
• Community Support & Health Services

The Strategy aims to enhance the quality of life of older people in County Wicklow, using a multi-agency approach (statutory, voluntary and community sectors) to implement a range of objectives and action designed to significantly enhance the quality of life of older people living in Wicklow.

The Wicklow Age Friendly County Alliance is a high-level cross-sector group, chaired by Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council.

Members include representatives from the County Wicklow Older People’s Council, Wicklow County Council, Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána, Local Link, Bray Area Partnership, County Wicklow Partnership, Citizens Information Service, Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board, Wicklow Town & District Chamber of Commerce.

The County Wicklow Age Friendly Strategy 2023-27 can be downloaded here or request a copy by email to agefriendly@wicklowcoco.ie