Older people in Kildare urged to join their local Older People’s Council
Solutions to better protect and support older people during severe weather events will serve as the main focus of this year’s National Age Friendly Ireland OPCs Convention
Older people living in County Kildare have been urged to join their local Older People’s Council (OPC).
Solutions to better protect and support older people during severe weather events is the focus of this year’s National Age Friendly Ireland OPCs Convention, with more than 200 older people from across Ireland gathering in Athlone, County Westmeath, later this week.
Hosted by Age Friendly Ireland (AFI) once again, and held in partnership with Westmeath County Council and Westmeath’s OPC, the 2026 Convention will examine how older people can be supported to live happier, healthier and longer lives in their own communities.
The event also aims to focus on ensuring how to better prepare, inform and support older people whenever severe weather strikes Ireland.
RECOGNITION
According to AFI, storm preparation 'must now be recognised' as an Age Friendly issue.
For many older people, severe weather events can quickly disrupt access to transport, health appointments, home heating, electricity, communications, medication, food supplies and social connection.
Without clear planning and joined-up local information, those most at risk can become isolated or unsupported when extreme weather occurs.
A key focus of the upcoming Convention will be how stronger coordination of local systems that identify and support those most at risk during emergencies can improve safety, independence and quality of life.
It is for this reason that a key focus of the upcoming Convention will be how stronger coordination of local systems that identify and support those most at risk during emergencies can improve safety, independence and quality of life.
In addition, delegates at this year's event will also take part in practical demonstrations on how to assemble a storm-ready emergency pack.
This will ensure that older people and their families have the essential items, contacts and information in place.
HIGHLIGHTED DATA
Speaking ahead of the event, Catherine McGuigan, the chief officer of AFI, explained: “Severe weather events are becoming more frequent and more disruptive, and older people are often among those most at risk; a power outage, an icy road, or interrupted access to medication or transport can have a detrimental effect on those most vulnerable.
"Attendees at last year’s Convention highlighted data sharing between agencies as one of the most important actions to progress in 2026.
She added: "This reflects a growing concern about how vulnerable people can be identified and supported during emergencies, whether that is a severe weather event, a power outage or a public health crisis; that is why storm preparedness, and stronger coordination between agencies, is such a key focus this year."
Furthermore, Catherine Lenihan, chairperson of the National OPC, said: "A key point we will be raising is that building Age Friendly sustainable communities is not just about planning for older age, but about creating places where people of all ages can live well, stay connected, and support one another through any scenario.
"Through our local OPCs, we are sharing the experience and insight of older people while helping to shape stronger, more inclusive communities for future generations."
She added: “With this in mind, I would encourage any older person who wants their voice to effect change in their community to join their local OPC; this is where your lived experience can help influence decisions and contribute to a more sustainable and age friendly future for all."
Moreover, Barry Kehoe, the chief executive of Westmeath County Council, asserted that building sustainable and Age Friendly communities 'means ensuring older people can continue to live with independence, dignity and security'.
Joe Grogan, OPC member; Catherine Lenihan, the chairperson of the National OPC; and Kieran Kehoe, the chief executive of Meath County Council. Photograph credit: Paul Molloy. Photograph supplied by Springboard Communications.