Connecting Generations
September 25th - October 2nd 2026
Connection
Older and younger generations often live in separate worlds. A coffee morning bridges that gap with warmth and friendship.
Sharing
Older people can pass on stories, traditions, and life lessons, while younger people bring new perspectives, energy, and ideas.
Community
These gatherings reduce loneliness, foster respect, and strengthen the bonds that make communities thrive.
Host a Time for Tea
Choose your Venue – a local hall, community centre, school, or even your own home.
Mix the Guest List – invite colleagues, friends, students, and older community members.
Keep it Simple – tea, coffee, and a few home-baked (or shop-bought!) treats.
Encourage Conversation – maybe with icebreaker questions, storytelling, or even a small activity like sharing favourite songs or photos.
Add a Cause – if you wish, make it a fundraiser for Age Action or another local group supporting positive ageing.
About Positive Ageing Week
Positive Ageing Week (PAW) was established by Age Action in 2004 to celebrate the positive aspects of ageing and challenge stereotypes about growing older. It takes place each year around 1 October, the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
Since it began, Positive Ageing Week has grown into a nationwide celebration, with hundreds of events taking place in communities across Ireland. From coffee mornings and community walks to talks, workshops and cultural events, PAW brings people together to celebrate the contribution older people make to society.
In 2009, then-President Mary McAleese officially launched Positive Ageing Week, recognising the important role it plays in promoting positive attitudes towards ageing and encouraging people of all ages to get involved.
Today, Positive Ageing Week continues to encourage communities, workplaces, schools and organisations to celebrate older people, tackle ageism and create opportunities for people of all generations to connect.
PAW’s origin reflects a shift in societal perspective from viewing older age as a period of decline to seeing it as a season rich with experience, agency, and connection. The week continues to highlight that ageing brings value, not barriers and that communities grow stronger when all generations are valued.
Positive Ageing Week is about recognising the value, experience and contribution of older people.
It also encourages us to challenge negative stereotypes about ageing and to build communities where people of all ages feel respected, included and connected.
Whether you’re organising an event, volunteering, learning a new skill or simply spending time with an older friend or neighbour, every action helps create a more age-friendly Ireland.
Ways to Celebrate PAW
Host or Join an Event
Organise a coffee morning, tea party, or lunch for older people in your community.
Run anintergenerational gathering where stories, music, or traditions are shared between young and old.
Support or attend local PAW events (talks, walks, concerts, workshops).
Get Active Together
Organise a community walk, yoga, or gentle exercise class for all ages.
Try a dance class, gardening day, or music session to bring people together.
Promote Learning & Creativity
Run a digital skills workshop pairing older learners with younger “tech buddies.”
Encourage creativity with art, music, or writing workshops celebrating positive ageing.
Organise a book club featuring works that explore ageing, resilience, or wisdom.
Volunteer & Fundraise
Host a fundraising coffee morning (like Age Action’s Time for Tea).
Offer time at a local charity supporting older people.
Use the week to raise awareness about ageism and promote inclusivity.
Celebrate Wisdom and Stories
Invite older relatives, neighbours, or community members to share their life stories or skills.
Create a memory wall or storybook with photos and reflections from older community members.
Record oral histories or videos to preserve wisdom for future generations.
Everyday Acts of Kindness
Visit or call an older friend, neighbour, or relative.
Deliver a meal, run an errand, or simply make time for a chat.
Share a message on social media celebrating the positive impact of older people in your life.
Social Media Content
Positive Ageing Week Events
This year, Positive Ageing Week runs from the 25th September – 2nd October.
Register your event by filling out the form below
Positive Ageing Week Events
This year, Positive Ageing Week runs from the 25th September – 2nd October.
Check out the list of Positive Ageing Week Events running across the country for 2026.
Positive Ageing Week 2026 Events Listing
| Event Name | Event Date | Event Time | Event Location | About | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two generations, One community | 25th September 2026 | 11am | Tramore Nursing Home | Two Generations, One Community will be a four-day intergenerational programme bringing together residents and Transition Year students from our local school. Across the four days, the group will take part in a range of shared activities. The programme will conclude with a special coffee morning, incorporating music from both generations. | activitiestramore@mowlamhealthcare.com |
| Positive Ageing Week Coffee Morning | 29th September 2026 | 10.30am | The Physiotherapy Department, UPMC Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny | The Physiotherapy Dept in UPMC Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny, invite people to join them for a coffee morning to celebrate Positive Ageing Week 2026. Come and see our weekly Falls Prevention exercise class, followed by tea, coffee & treats and lots of information about age friendly services available locally. | powerm4@upmc.ie |
| MRRU - Coffee Morning | 2nd October 2026 | 11am | Mercy Regional Rehabilitation Unit, T23 V9TF | The Mercy Regional Rehabilitation Unit will host a coffee morning for both inpatients, visitors and staff with the aim of opening a conversation of patients understanding and goals for their rehab journey | isaramago@muh.ie |
| Age Action BIG 5K | 4th October 2026 | 11am | St. Anne’s Park, Dublin 5 | Join us for a meaningful and energising day in the beautiful surrounds of St. Anne’s Park, Dublin 5, for Age Action's BIG 5k. This is our first 5k event and we hope to see you there! Pre registration is essential. Contact events@ageaction.ie for more. | events@agection.ie |
Age Action Ireland is proud to convene and organise Positive Ageing Week each year.
Contact us at the details below for more information.
Phone: 01 4756989
Email: paw@ageaction.ie