SWAP_Booklet_PAMBooklet_Oct25 PRINT

2 Foreword Foreword / Réamhrá As Chair / Cathaoirleach of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC), I am delighted to welcome you all to the 2025 Positive Ageing Month publication. Fáilte romhaibh uilig. Positive Ageing Month, held each October, is a special time to honour and celebrate the vital role older people play in our communities. It shines a light on the importance of ageing well encouraging active, healthy, and fulfilling lives. I personally know many inspirational older people in many spheres of local life across Tyrone and Fermanagh. Our older residents enrich society in countless ways: through volunteering, caregiving, sharing their knowledge and traditions, and remaining engaged and valued members of the community. Through a wide range of events and activities, Positive Ageing Month encourages social inclusion, challenges age related stereotypes and supports well-being in later life. The Council is pleased to once again be working with South West Age Partnership (SWAP), Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and Public Health Agency (PHA) to put together a varied programme of events and activities, both in-person and online. With fitness classes, cluster meetings, taster events, chat-tea dances, informative talks and various activities, there is something to suit all. I would encourage everyone to take part and attend as many events as possible. They provide an excellent opportunity to socialise and to create connections and try something new. Socialising is very important for us all: "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine," is an Irish language saying which explains that people are interdependent and live in each other’s shelter. The Council will be illuminating both Strule Arts Centre in Omagh and Enniskillen Castle in purple on Wednesday 1st October 2025 to recognise International Day for Older Persons and the commencement of Positive Ageing Month. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to supporting older residents in leading independent, connected, and socially active lives. Positive Ageing Month offers a meaningful chance to challenge age-related stereotypes and highlight the richness of later life a time for continued growth, learning, and enjoyment. It reminds us that ageing is a natural part of our journey, a privilege that is denied to some. Let’s make the most of it. I would like to thank our partners for their ongoing commitment to the Positive Ageing Month initiative. The Council values the strength of partnership working because this enables us to deliver a fuller, diverse programme of activities and events that enhance the lives of our older residents. Councillor Barry McElduff Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Foreword