(09 September 2021) Reconnecting Our Communities by Reframing Ageing is the theme for Positive Ageing Week (PAW) 2021 which seeks to challenge negative stereotypes about ageing and older people.
The portrayal of older people as vulnerable, frail, in need of care and protection that characterised much of the narrative during COVID-19 failed to recognise the diversity of experience and situation of older people.
PAW is an Age Action initiative to promote the agency of older people and to celebrate the contribution they make to our families, workplaces, communities and society as a whole. For 19 years individuals, groups, local authorities and businesses have been organising events to mark PAW.
We hope that PAW is an opportunity for communities to reconnect while also reframing how we think, feel and act about older people and ageing.
If you are organising an activity please register it on the Positive Ageing Week website so others can join in or get inspiration.
Celebrating International Day of Older Persons
PAW also marks United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October the theme for which is ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’. Digital exclusion is a reality for 50% of people over the age of 65 in Ireland. During COVID-19 restrictions the ‘digital divide’ was experienced by people in all age groups. People without access to suitable digital devices or adequate broadband and those who lacked digital skills were at a disadvantage accessing information, services and staying connected to family, friends, and their wider community.
Age Action advocates for proactive approaches to support the digital inclusion of older people. Age Action will be announcing details of events to mark the day in the coming weeks.
