On October 18th hundreds of people from Older and Bolder gathered outside Leinster House with placards and posters to protest at the cuts in Home Helps and Home Care Packages.
For some of the people involved it was the first time they had ever been involved in such a protest. They felt it was unacceptable for the most vulnerable in society to be targeted in this way by the government.
Older and Bolder is an active and vocal organisation, an alliance between the following; Active Retirement Ireland, Age and Opportunity, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Carers Association, The Irish Hospice Foundation, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, The Older Women’s Network and The Senior Helpline.
Older and Bolder campaign and lobby for the rights of older people in society. They want every person to be treated equally regardless of their age. They gather information from their member organisations and lobby on their behalf on key issues affecting our older citizens. They have highlighted a number of key concerns which they believe can be grouped together under the umbrella of ‘Positive ageing’ – these would include; equality for older people, respect and dignity for people of all ages, fairer health care, effective home and community care, being clear about rights and entitlements, a secure pension, effective transport and more joined up planning for the delivery of services and supports.
If you need any help, advice or want to get involved and be an active citizen get in touch.
They are based in Jervis House, Jervis Street .01-8783623 www.olderandbolder.ie
By Joan Mitchell
