During the month of October, the Western Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with lead partners, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, South West Age Partnership, Public Health Agency and other community and voluntary organisations are working together to promote Positive Ageing Month throughout the west.

Positive Ageing Month takes into consideration the five steps to wellbeing, 'Be Active', 'Connect', 'Take Notice', 'Give and Keep Learning'. This Public Health Agency initiative shows that if these five simple steps are built into our daily lives they can help maintain and improve emotional health and wellbeing. Positive ageing activities include tea dances, walking groups, knit and knatter groups, dance classes, yoga, IT support, Tai Chi, Men’s Shed, Art Classes, etc. Hopefully there will be something to suit everyone.

Speaking at the launch of Positive Ageing Month, the Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, said: “The Council, as a key partner contributing to delivery of the Community Plan ‘Fermanagh and Omagh 2030’, has aligned its services and activities to deliver the eight long-term agreed outcomes set out in plan, four of which focus on people and community. While three of the outcomes are applicable to all ages one applies specifically to older people; encouraging and empowering them to lead more independent, engaged and socially connected lives."

“The success of the inaugural Positive Ageing Month last year demonstrates the benefits of working in partnership with other key stakeholders to improve the quality of life of the people of the district. The Council is pleased to work in partnership with a number of organisations this year again to showcase the various activities and programmes available for older people and I encourage as many people as possible to embrace the opportunity to attend the organised events as part of the programme,” she added.

Vincent Ryan, Assistant Director for Primary Care and Older Peoples Services at the Western Trust said:

“Positive Ageing Month captures a snapshot of older people groups and activities that exist throughout the Fermanagh Omagh Area. In an ageing population, it is important we continue to work together to encourage older people to reach out and connect with their local community, not only to reduce social isolation and loneliness but to support them to live, long healthy lives. We also must not forget the valuable contribution older people give within our local communities and that without them many groups would not exist.”

South West Age Partnership added: "Positive Ageing Month is our chance to tell the story of the wonderful work taking place across Fermanagh and Omagh with older people. We hope it will encourage older people to become more engaged and socially active in their local community, not just in October but throughout the year.”

The Positive Ageing programme will be circulated throughout the Fermanagh and Omagh area and can be accessed on the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website.