Older people's advocate Dame Joan Harbison was on hand to support the 'All Ireland Inspirational Life Award,' and has called for nominations in Northern Ireland.

The award aims to promote a positive attitude towards older people by showcasing the achievements of those aged 55 years and over, as well as individuals and organisations who have fostered positive ageing.

Dame Joan said there needs to be a sea-change in the attitudes of a large portion of society towards older people.

She said: "We need to work together to tackle ageist attitudes and ensure older people — as citizens — share in the same rights as people of other ages in our society."

She said that society as a whole was ageing and would become more and more dependent on older people, both economically and as a valuable resource of experience and as carers.

"If you take it on an all-Ireland basis, there will soon be more than a million people aged over 60."

Dame Joan said: "The whole purpose of these awards is to show that these people are making a huge contribution.

"It's absolutely very important that we realise that as the economy begins to grow again that younger people realise that we will be dependent on older people to work longer."

The older people's advocate said even older people who had retired still played a vital part in society.

"They make a huge contribution in terms of volunteering and in caring for spouses and, of course, grandchildren."

Dame Joan said the notion that older people are a burden on society must be dispelled.

"They are a vital resource and even when they need care they are entitled to that support because of the contribution they have already made to society."

Award categories are:
- a man or woman, aged 55 and over, who is an outstanding role model of an active and inspirational life in later years
- a man or a woman who has provided inspirational leadership in engaging older people to lead active and fulfilling lives
- an organisation, in the public, private or community sector, which has shown leadership to end discrimination on age grounds or taken initiatives to engage older people in leading active and fulfilling lives.

The awards, supported by Age & Opportunity; Age Concern Help the Aged NI and Third Age Foundation, will be presented in February, May and August 2010 followed by an annual event to recognise the achievements of all the winners.

Nominations are being sought and applications can be made online at www.irishtimes.comevents/inspirational or posted to All Ireland Inspirational Life Award, P.O. Box 4601, Dublin 2. The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 8.