Áine Brady TD, Minister for Older People and Health Promotion, today (26th March 2010) launched the Kilkenny Age Friendly County Programme, marking the beginning of a six month countywide consultation and awareness raising exercise to develop an age friendly strategy for Kilkenny. The development of the Programme is being led by an interim Alliance, hosted by Kilkenny County Development Board.

Speaking at the launch of the Programme, Minister Brady said “The Government is committed to a society in which older people are encouraged and supported in their efforts to live healthy, fulfilling, independent lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.”

The Minister went on to say “In the past, policy relating to older people tended to focus on health and social care issues. However, as a range of factors impact on older people’s health, well-being and quality of life, all sectors of society have a role to play. We must all take greater account of the experience, aspirations and preferences of older people when designing and delivering policies, programmes and services, to ensure that older people are not excluded from developments that could enhance their quality of life.”