PositiveAgeingMonthBooklet_October2022

Welcome As Chair / Cathaoirleach of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council I am delighted to welcome you to this year’s publication for Positive Ageing Month 2022 in our District. Fáilte romhaibh. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) is truly committed to making our District a place where our older people can live active and engaged lives, and can, crucially, continue to make a valuable contribution to their communities. Positive Ageing Month is one such initiative. The Council, in association with our statutory partners, is working collaboratively to put together an extensive and diverse range of events and workshops. As in previous years, the programme will once again be a blended mix of in person and virtual events. The way of the world now in 2022. This will allow many more participants who have been able to embrace the technological revolution to log on to events. However, virtual is not for everyone and does not replace the face-to-face connection. I encourage you to attend some of the wide range of events in the District. Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh will be illuminated purple to mark International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged us all in so many ways and has required us to press the reset button in our lives and evaluate what is really important. One of the most positive aspects is that so many older people have embraced the digital age, regularly going online to shop, socialise and keep in touch. Zoom has taken on a whole new meaning and it is wonderful to see. I would encourage as many of you as possible to avail of the opportunity to attend whatever events you can, whether socially distanced, in person or by joining events, virtually, from the comfort of your own home. Once again, I express my thanks to our active partners, namely the Western Health and Social Care Trust, South West Age Partnership and the Public Health Agency for their continued commitment to the project. Councillor Barry McElduff Chair, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council 2 Positive Ageing October 2022 | #positiveageingwest