Ireland must adapt its workplaces to reflect an increasingly age-diverse workforce, Age Friendly Ireland has said, with multigenerational employment at the heart of the third annual Age Friendly Ireland Ambassadors’ Day.
Mike Hanrahan, Age Friendly Ambassador for Clare, is among those promoting the importance of age-friendly workplaces and supporting employers to plan for an ageing workforce.
The annual event, this year hosted by Kerry County Council, brought together representatives from across the country to examine how employers can respond to Ireland’s changing demographics.
Age Friendly Ireland’s nationwide network of Ambassadors, including Francis Brennan, Geraldine Plunkett, Gavin Duffy, and John Spillane, gathered to discuss the theme of Age Friendly Workplaces and the practical steps needed to support longer working lives.
As people live longer and healthier lives, many want – and need – to remain in the workplace for longer. Age Friendly Ireland said this shift presents a significant opportunity for employers willing to embrace flexibility, inclusive cultures and long-term workforce planning.
Held at the Rose Hotel in Tralee, the event highlighted insights from Age Friendly Ireland’s Workplace Pathfinder Programme, which brought together businesses, recent retirees, and people approaching retirement age to understand what needs to change to support the fast-growing older population. These insights include workforce succession planning, phased retirement models, increased pension planning, and addressing harmful stereotypes in the workplace.
A nationwide survey of workers aged 45-65 found flexible working arrangements are the single biggest support needed to enable people remain in the workplace longer, with 37% of respondents identifying it as a key priority. A full report, including policy recommendations to support multigenerational employment, will be launched by Age Friendly Ireland later this year.
Francis Brennan, Irish Television personality, former hotelier and Kerry Age Friendly Ambassador said: “One of the most important conversations we need to have in Ireland today is about how we value older people in the workplace. Experience, diverse perspectives and resilience are enormous assets to any organisation. Older workers bring insights, stability and real-world knowledge that strengthen multigenerational teams. If we truly want to plan properly for our future as a country, we need to ensure our workplaces reflect our ageing population.”
Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said: “On Ambassadors’ Day, we want to sincerely thank our Age Friendly Ambassadors across the country for the leadership and visibility they bring to this important movement. They use their voices and lived experiences to challenge perceptions of ageing, and to highlight the opportunities that come with living longer lives.
Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive, Meath County Council, said: “We are living longer, healthier lives and many people want to continue contributing their skills, knowledge and experience. Becoming Age Friendly is not about accommodation, it is about recognising value. Employers who recognise and harness the strengths of every generation will build stronger, more sustainable organisations, and have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent”
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.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley said: “I warmly welcome the Age Friendly Ambassadors Day to Kerry. We look forward to sharing new ideas and experiences. As Kerry has just embarked on the development of a new Age Friendly Strategy, I am very interested in hearing about projects and initiatives across the county and how we can continue to develop and sustain Age Friendly communities.”
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.
Those wishing to learn more about ageing well in Ireland should contact their local Age Friendly Programme via their local council or visit agefriendlyireland.ie.
Age Friendly Ireland coordinates the management of 31 local authority-based, multi-agency Age Friendly Programmes to improve the quality of life of older people throughout Ireland. In April 2019, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by being recognised by the World Health Organisation as the first fully affiliated Age Friendly Country in the world.
Age Friendly Ireland facilitates cities, counties, towns and villages across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. Age Friendly programmes work to provide age friendly environments, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for older people to participate in community activities. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places to age and grow older.
Age Friendly Ireland is an appointed Shared Service of local government hosted by Meath County Council. Age Friendly Ireland directs, supports and provides technical guidance to the 31 local authority-led, multi-disciplinary Age Friendly Programmes which includes 31 Older Peoples Councils.