President
‘I am the representative from the INMO retired nurses section.
I have worked as a nurse and a manager in the HSE and I am very aware of the social and health needs of older people and how the quality of life can be improved if society responds in a positive way to ageing and facilitates housing, transport and an adequate income to all older persons.
I am interested in a range of activities, I enjoy foreign travel and visiting historic sites abroad and in Ireland. I read a lot and enjoy gardening . I am a member of an active retirement group in Naas and I enjoy general socialising with friends. The lockdown during Covid has made me realise how quickly one can become isolated and how is it an issue for many older people even at normal times.
My interest in issues for older persons comes from many experiences in my life, I was a very active trade union member during my working life and I fought hard for the rights of employees, I also acted as an advocate for older persons when I worked in the area of long-stay care. My mother lived until she was 93 yrs old and I became acutely aware of the many issues she faced.
The voice of older persons needs to be heard by politicians and planners of services in a cohesive and professional manner which I believe the ISCP can deliver. We need to ensure that older persons are protected and that the media and politicians do not drive a wedges between generations.’
Vice President
‘I represent the 3LA from Dublin City University. DCU is an Age Friendly University and 3LA means a love of Life, Long Learning. Age should not determine how we live and learn and to that end DCU is a welcoming space to continue that process with the provision of many topics and modules.
I am an avid reader, like drama, music, cooking and travel. While curtailed during Covid I did manage to spend 3 months in Australia last year.
My interest in the ISCP stems from a place of interest in how the “older” population are perceived in both the political arena and wider society. It is an uphill battle to stay “visible” and I would like to think that I have made a contribution.’
‘I have 35 years of nursing experience working at clinical and management level. I served on the board of The Irish Motor Neuron Association for five years and bring that experience with me to ISCP. I also volunteered for five years with The Alice Leahy Trust where I worked “hands-on “with people who were homeless, including older people.
I love spending time with my family and grandchildren. I am trying to learn Irish and Spanish at the moment. I enjoy walking including hillwalking, reading and current affairs. I am open to new experiences travelling at home and abroad.
My age and retirement have focused me on everything that affects my generation. I have worked for many years in caring for those who are older and infirm and supporting their independent living. I believe our voice and opinions need to be heard and who better to represent our diverse needs than the older generation themselves. We always welcome new people to the organisation and as activists, this adds strength to our voice.’