A NEW all-Ireland initiative will showcase the achievements of those aged over 55, as well as the work of individuals and organisations who have fostered positive ageing.
The All-Ireland Inspirational Life award was launched yesterday by Senator Mary White, who said the island of Ireland was an “ageing society”.
“For the first time, nearly one million people aged 60 and above live in Ireland,” she said.
“Older people suffer discrimination on a daily basis and face barriers in some of the most basic areas of life, just because of their age. We hope that ultimately the award will inspire others to realise their true potential and break down barriers to a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.”
Awards will be presented in three categories. The first will recognise a man or woman aged 55 or over who is an “outstanding role model of an active and inspirational life in later years”.
The second will recognise an individual who has provided “inspirational leadership in engaging older people in leading active and fulfilling lives”.
The third will acknowledge an organisation or business that has shown leadership to end discrimination on age grounds or that has taken initiatives to engage older people in leading active and fulfilling lives.
The award is supported by organisations in the North and the Republic, including Age Opportunity, Age Concern Help the Aged NI, and Third Age Foundation. The judging panel includes Catherine Rose, chief executive of Age Opportunity; Anne O’Reilly, chief executive of Age Concern Help the Aged Northern Ireland; Sir George Quigley, chairman of Bombardier Aerospace; Inez McCormack, Participation and the Practice of Rights in Northern Ireland; Mary Nally, chair of the Third Age Foundation; Pádraic White, entrepreneur and former managing director of IDA Ireland; Nickey Brennan, former president of the GAA, and Martin Donnellan, former assistant Garda commissioner.
Mr Donnellan last year failed in a High Court action that challenged the system under which senior officers were forced to stop working at 60 rather than 65.
The initiative is sponsored by BT, The Irish Times, Vodafone and Tyrone Crystal. Awards will be presented in February, May and August 2010. Nominations are being sought and applications can be made online at www.irishtimes.com/events/inspirational. The closing date for the first round of nominations is January 8th.