Portlaoise hosts popular event to empower older people in managing their health

Queen of the Ploughing Anna May McHugh was centre stage at a special healthcare event aimed at older people in Portlaoise.

The Laois and Offaly Regional Literacy Coalition hosted the hugely successful expert-led event at Portlaoise Library on Monday, November 10.

Many locals gathered for the 'Ask the Experts - Your Questions Answered' event which brought together a panel of health experts to help support older people in understanding and engaging in their own healthcare.

The event aimed to give people a greater sense of confidence in navigating health information and services, with its core theme focusing on Health Literacy.

Anna May McHugh, Age Friendly Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, kicked-off the discussion and shared powerful insights on staying active, connecting with your community, and using your own voice when it comes to your healthcare. 

The expert panel featured professionals from public health medicine, pharmacies, social work, health literacy, and social prescribing. The panel was facilitated by Orlaith O’Reilly, Health Literacy Tutor with LOETB.

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Each speaker shared practical advice and key information that they believe is important for patients to know when speaking with healthcare professionals.

Among the many highlights of the event, Shauna Williams focused on mental wellbeing through explaining how social prescribing links people to community supports. Domhnall McGlacken also gave advice on communicating with healthcare providers and managing personal health.

There was also very practical advice for people, with Paula Murphy stressing the importance of keeping an up-to-date medication list and discussing how pharmacists can help with safe medication use. Talent Nyamakope provided tools for improving health literacy and understanding online health information. Pearse Murphy also spoke about the role of social work in primary care, including support for carers.

As well as this, Sharon Butler shared her personal experience with heart health and offered key prevention tips for older adults.

Commenting on the event, Tamara Latham, Regional Literacy Coordinator for LOETB, said: "In Ireland, nearly one million people struggle to understand health information. Many are unsure about what their healthcare professionals are telling them."

She continued: "Often, people feel embarrassed to ask questions, which can affect their health. This event was a direct action by our regional coalition to help communities feel more confident about their health – and to know it’s okay to say, ‘I’m sorry, can you explain that again?’"

One of the stand-out and very popular features of the event were the health screenings which were provided by the Irish Heart Foundation and Hidden Hearing.

Also on offer on the day were information stands from key organisations which can support people as they get older, such as the HSE, Age Friendly Ireland, Age Friendly Homes, LOETB Community Education, MABS, An Garda Síochána, Citizens Information, and Laois Sports Partnership.

If you missed out on this event in Portlaoise, there will be another one in Offaly on Monday, November 17 in The Charleville Centre from 11am to 1pm. You can register by contacting 085 856 0160.