Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association and Laois Age Friendly Ambassador, Anna May McHugh, called for aging Laois people to mind their health.

The Queen of the Plough joined fellow Age Friendly Ambassadors from across the country at Age Friendly Ireland's Ambassadors' Day in Carlow.

Ms McHugh promoted a clear message to attendees; emotional, mental and physical health must take centre stage in how Ireland supports and celebrates ageing.

“Everyone should do a checklist on your health and make sure you are ticking all the boxes for your physical health such as bone density, heart and diet," Ms McHugh said.

Pictured: Anna May McHugh, Age Friendly Laois Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association and her sister, Eileen. Photo: Jason Clarke

"If you are considering retirement, have a plan; don’t stop working one day and have no purpose the day after. I would encourage any older person or even someone who just wants to learn more about ageing well in Ireland to contact their local Age Friendly Programme by contacting their local council.”

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Held at VISUAL Carlow, this year’s Ambassadors’ Day brought together Age Friendly Ambassadors from across the country for a day of discussion, reflection and visibility around the theme: Wellbeing in Later Life — Physical, Mental and Emotional Health. 

The event shines a light on the lived realities of ageing in Ireland, where the over-65 population is expected to double by 2050, and underscores the need to place dignity, purpose and wellbeing at the heart of national policy, community initiatives and everyday conversations.

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, spoke of the empowerment that comes with aging in Ireland.

“Too often, ageing is spoken about only in terms of decline or dependency, but the reality is far more powerful and positive," Ms McGuigan said.

"Older people in Ireland are living longer, contributing more, and redefining what it means to grow older. This year’s Ambassadors’ Day puts the spotlight on the importance of our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, reminding us that our independence, connectedness and purpose are central to how we think about ageing," she said.

Pictured: Ambassadors from across the country at Age Friendly Ireland's Ambassadors' Day in Carlow.

"Through Age Friendly Ireland, and the local government sector, we provide the structure to enable that joined up thinking that is making this vision a reality in every town, city and county in Ireland. We are extremely grateful to our Age Friendly Ambassadors for championing this work.”

New insights gathered from Age Friendly Ireland’s network of 30 high-profile Ambassadors from the worlds of entertainment, business, sport and public service — including Francis Brennan, Gavin Duffy, Sandy Kelly, Geraldine Plunkett and Celia Holman Lee — reveal that nearly 80% fear cognitive or mental decline more than any other aspect of ageing.

When asked what gives them hope, over half pointed to the growing commitment to an inclusive, supportive society that values older people and being able to remain active and independent.

Age Friendly Ambassadors are appointed by City and County Councils across Ireland to use their platforms to challenge ageism, champion dignity in ageing, and support more connected, active and inclusive ageing across Ireland. The full list of Ireland’s Age Friendly Ambassadors can be found here > https://agefriendlyireland.ie/meet-the-team/local-age-friendly-ambassadors/.

Age Friendly Ireland is the national body supporting Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities to deliver the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland. Each local authority leads a dedicated Age Friendly Programme, in partnership with older people, service providers and community stakeholders.

Laois people wishing to learn more about ageing well in Ireland should contact the Age Friendly Programme via Laois County Council, or visit agefriendlyireland.ie. 

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