Delivered by Age Friendly Ireland in partnership with the Creative Ireland Programme, these initiatives respond to research on the value of creative engagement for older people’s health and wellbeing.
The regional initiatives were developed in consultation with Older People’s Councils, which are established citizen structures under the national Age Friendly Programme. A diverse range of creative initiatives will be open to all older people in the community.
- South East Region – A River Flows Through it: Creative Engagement with My Place
The project will respond to the impact of the Three Sisters rivers on the landscape and cultural heritage of the region. Older people who live near the Three Sisters – the Barrow, the Nore and the Suir – will reflect on how their lives have been influenced by their riverine neighbourhood and to express this relationship in a creative way.
- East Region – Creative Lives: A series of outdoor creative events in public parks
Creative Lives will deliver a series of events offering creative activities in outdoor settings tailored to suit older people. Activities will include music, film, local history, and walking routes.
- North Region – Creative happenings celebrating cultural lore related to St Brigid
The North-East will see a series of creative happenings celebrating cultural lore related to Brigit/St Brigid; collectively sharing older people’s knowledge and celebrating active customs and folkloric traditions associated with Brigit; particularly the cloak ‘brat Bhríde’, the cross and the Brideóg, though craft-making workshops.
- Midlands Region – Music teaching residency for older people
Through this music residency series, older lapsed musicians in the Midlands Region will be offered support to return to playing instruments and new older learners will have opportunities to learn how to play an instrument.
