Money and how older people can make the most of it was the theme of a successful one day event at the Waterfront Hall.

More than 100 older people attended the event which was addressed by both the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley, and the Finance Minister, Mr Nigel Dodds.

Finance was chosen as the topic for the 2009 Seniors Convention after consultations with older people`s forums highlighted it as their main concern given the economic downturn.

Councillor Hartley said: “Older people worry about paying bills and meeting health care costs while trying to leave a legacy for their children.

“People of my generation and older grew up in an era when not being able to pay our bills was a terrifying thing and that fear still lingers.”

Access to benefits, paying for care and protecting their finances are just some of the topics covered at the event. Older people were able to question the speakers face to face and get direction to the best source of help for their needs.

“People are living longer and, for the most part, living healthier and more active lives. Belfast City Council is playing its part in this by working with other agencies to ensure older people get the best service possible,” said the Lord Mayor.

“We have set up an older persons all party reference group to ensure council services continue to meet the needs of older people and today`s Seniors Convention is part of that work.”

Councillor Hartley pointed out that among the council services offered to older people are free access to leisure centres before 11am, a free bus service to Roselawn Cemetery and Crematorium to visit the graves of loved ones, assisted bin lifts for those living alone and free home safety checks.

The council, in partnership with the health sector, has also recently appointed a healthy ageing co-ordinator to support and develop the work of the Healthy Ageing Strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of older people in Belfast.

“Clear concise information is what people are looking for and I recommend that they check our website www.belfastcity.gov.uk/seniors which provides useful information for older people, their carers and the professionals who work with them,” he added.

Among the organisations which took part in the event were the Financial Services Authority; Belfast Trust; Belfast Law Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau.