The Western Health & Social Care Trust in partnership with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Public Health Agency, South West Age Partnership and Community & Voluntary groups worked together to deliver the third annual Positive Ageing Month programme across the district in October 2020. The virtual launch set the scene for the third year of Positive Ageing celebrations, with a sing-a-long and warm welcome from the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris Smyth, South West Age Partnership and Western Health and Social Care Trust.

 

Positive Ageing Month was a month-long campaign of events and activities for older people recognising and celebrating the contributions of older people to their communities and the wider society.  Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre were illuminated purple on 1 October 2020 to support and recognise International Day of Older Persons which was a perfect start to the month-long campaign during October.

The comprehensive programme of events was developed around the five steps to well-being:

• Be Active
• Give
• Connect
• Keep Learning and Take Notice

 Built into our daily lives, these five steps can help maintain and improve our health and emotional wellbeing 

 

Delivering events in the “new norm”

This year, against a background of unprecedented challenges as a consequence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the programme included a mix of virtual, online activities and in person  socially distanced events, enabling older people to connect in line with COVID-19 guidelines at the time.  This mix of activity took place up until the introduction of additional COVID-19 restrictions on Friday 16 October 2020. While in person activities could no longer take place after this point, the virtual events programme continued as planned.

 

The launch of Positive Ageing Month set the scene for the virtual events programme with the event taking place via social media and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Youtube channel and included a sing along with tenor and Fermanagh native, Andrew Irwin.  

 

Virtual Connections

Positive Ageing partner Place EE led the online activities to help older people master technology to connect with others and reduce loneliness and isolation.  Platform for Ageing Community Engagement - Exchange & Enterprise (PLACE-EE) is a project funded through The Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme 2014-2020.  Initially the Place EE project engaged older people with online activities through intergenerational projects with local schools. 

In response to COVID-19, Place EE adapted its programme of delivery.   At a time when so many have lost family and friends it can be hard to consider or vocalise positives outcomes of the pandemic. However, in Fermanagh & Omagh, it was found that in terms of older people and digital technology there has been a massive step forward. Older people who had previously skirted around the use of digital devices have now embraced the lifeline it presents to them. Those who had never considered the need for such technology have quickly learned the practical /essential benefits such applications can offer, including online banking, shopping and the video call components of apps like Facebook and WhatsApp enabling them to keep in touch and connected to family and friends.

One of the programme participants, Desmond from Dromore, summed it up perfectly by saying, “Digital technology has enabled me to stay in touch with loved ones so, although I was isolated, I was never alone. My grandson was born during lockdown, and only for the likes of WhatsApp and Facebook I wouldn’t have seen him or shared in this special family moment.” In addition, many of those taking part in Positive Ageing Month activities were provided with support to learn how to use Zoom, enabling them to log on to courses each week without assistance and to connect with the outside world from the comfort and safety of their own homes. 

Other activities on offer throughout the month ranged from Growing Winter Veg with Dougal at the Colebrook Estate Walled Garden to exploring the Northern Ireland Digital Film Archive, Mandala Art, Painting with Watercolours, Felting, Decoupage, lectures on local history, introduction to Genealogy and Storytelling.  For activities such as the Grow Winter Veg and Art, participants were supplied with art and gardening materials to have as full hands on experience as possible while taking part online.

Gwen from Teemore was one of those who learned how to use Zoom and participated in the Grow Winter Veg classes throughout the month. Speaking about the experience, Gwen said,

“Getting on zoom was quite tricky for me as I don't have wifi, I just have data on my phone. The first morning getting on took a long time, I'm sure Joanne (Community Engagement Officer PLACE-EE in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) was glad when we connected, however she was very patient with me and I am thankful to her for introducing me to zoom.  

I have learned four new skills and I am going to miss my classes as they were great company.  

The materials we received was second to none.” 

 

Getting connected opens new doors

Many of those who participated in Place EE went on to join other online courses and information events during the month.  These included scam awareness with Fermanagh and Omagh PCSP, safety in the home with NIFRS and an online consultation on the ‘Active Ageing Strategy’ with the Department for Communities.   

 

 

About the author

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to tackling exclusion and social isolation and to establishing a district in which our older people can live active, connected and engaged lives, making a valuable contribution to their communities.

Fermanagh and Omagh District is a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, UK Network of Age Friendly Communities and Age Friendly Network NI. 

Sharon Howe Age Friendly Officer Fermanagh and Omagh District Council age.friendly@fermanaghomagh.com

 

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Arts & Older People Programme: So you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? (blog)