User:rorynoonanDate:24/06/2013Time:08:27:08Edition:24/06/2013ACAllAboutCork240613Page:1Color:
AC - V1
ALL ABOUT CORK 1
(YHQLQJ (FKR Monday, June 24, 2013 Monday, June 24
New Lord Mayor to fight for elderly PLANS are underway to make Cork a friendly and open city for its senior citizens. Outgoing Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer has signed a declaration to make us an age-friendly city. Now the city’s new Lord Mayor Cllr Catherine Clancy has pledged to see the work through. The move comes as part of an EU summit on ‘Active and Healthy Ageing’. An age-friendly city facilitates an inclusive and accessible urban environment which promotes positive ageing. Cllr Clancy said: “This is about us as a city playing our part to allow people to realise their full potential as well as improving mental wellbeing throughout their lives. “A healthy ageing city is in all our interests as the majority of us hope to maintain some semblance of independence as we grow old.� Some of the items on the list to ensure an age-friendly city include non-slip pavements, reliable and frequent public transportation and public toilets which are sufficient in numbers as well as being well main-
By SARAH HORGAN
tained and accessible. “I am already working on ideas with various organisations who work directly with the elderly and hope to collaborate with transition year students too. “Factors such as public transportation can mean the difference between dependence and independence, so it’s important that we do everything to match if not exceed the standards of age-friendly cities across Europe.� She also emphasised the importance of ensuring an active voice for the elderly. “Older people need to be more involved in decision-making regarding things that will potentially affect their lives in order to thrive in society.� She pointed out that the initiative was also about raising awareness of existing services “It is sometimes just a case of older people not realising the amenities in their area. “Putting policies in place does not necessarily mean a massive amount of funding, sometimes a little creative thinking is all that is required.�
Lynda Kenny and Cara O’Sullivan at the City Hall during the conferring of the Freedom of Cork on Cork actors and comedians Michael Twomey, Billa O’Connell and Frank Duggan by Cork City Council. See pages Picture: Eddie O’Hare two and three for a photo special from the event.