Mayo celebrates healthy ageing at ‘Age Strong, Live Long’ event

IN celebration of International Day of Older Persons 2025, over 200 members of the public gathered in Breaffy GAA to take part in the ‘Age Strong, Live Long' event, a vibrant celebration of healthy ageing and community wellbeing.

The event was a collaborative initiative between HSE Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP), Health Promotion, and Muintir na Tíre, with generous sponsorship from local shops and businesses providing food, refreshments and raffle prizes.

The venue hosted 15 engaging stalls, offering health checks, flu vaccinations, information on local services and interactive activities designed to support older adults in living well and staying active.

One of the organisers, Marie Alexander, ICPOP operational lead, Mayo, said: “This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of our local networks. We are proud to have brought together so many people to share knowledge, build connections, and promote healthy ageing in a meaningful way.”

She continued: “The ‘Age Strong, Live Long’ event reflects a growing commitment to integrated care and community-based health promotion, supporting older people to live independently and with dignity.”

Attendees praised the event for its organisation, atmosphere, and impact stating: “Thoroughly enjoyed it, very informative, well done - wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Excellent venue, very impressed with the young people involved. I learned lots of important information, had my ears checked and got my flu jab, it was an excellent day!”

“Amazing event and impressive to see how all that could be pulled together. Lots of stands and information, venue was great, would like it again.”

“There was such a big crowd, it says a lot that they got a standing ovation at the end.”

For further information or to get involved in future initiatives, please contact Marie Alexander on (087) 1216484 or email marie.alexander2@hse.ie.