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 formally launched today 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.”
Ms White said the award would create a greater awareness of the basic human rights of older people and address the discrimination and injustices suffered by this group in the Republic and Northern Ireland.
“Every day of our lives we search for inspiration and something that will lift our spirits and encourage us to keep going,” she said.
“I believe this is a truly inspirational award.”
Awards will be presented in three categories. The first will recognise a man or a woman aged 55 or over who is an “outstanding role model of an active and inspirational life in later years”.
The second category will recognise an individual who has provided “inspirational leadership in engaging older people in leading active and fulfilling lives”. The third category 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 in 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; Padraic 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 said today he believed those aged over 55 had a “wealth of experience from the university of life, which is the best experience of all”.
Commenting on his own experience of enforced retirement at 60, he said: “I did not go quietly.” 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 experience of older people within an organisation is an important asset that should not be lost due age limitations," he said.
“We need increased flexibility on the retirement age, which I believe would not only have a positive effect on the economy, but also on the self esteem and quality of life of older people.”
Fran Walsh, circulation marketing director of The Irish Times, said it was “most appropriate” that the awards were launched in the offices of the organisation in the same year that the newspaper celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Mr Walsh acknowledged the support of BT and Vodafone and said the event would not be possible without their sponsorship. The trophies to be awarded to the winners are sponsored by Tyrone Crystal.
Awards will be presented in February, May and August 2010 followed by an annual event to recognise the achievements of all the award winners. 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 Friday January 8th 2010.