Developing a policy instrument to address the challenges faced by older people in Fingal: Fingal Age Friendly Strategy 

The development of the Age Friendly Strategy demonstrates a commitment by Fingal County Council to improving the quality of life of older people by guiding and coordinating Fingal’s strategic development as an age friendly county. It takes a bottom-up approach, gathering information from 745 older people through public consultations, interviews and surveys, as well as feedback with key service providers Data analysis has been conducted, identifying barriers to the social participation and engagement for older people across four broad themes: Information and Participation; Mobility and Accessibility; Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods; and Health and Wellbeing. 

The oversight for the implementation of the Strategy lies with Fingal’s Age Friendly Alliance. The Alliance is a high-level cross-sector group, whose member agencies form an overarching strategic partnership involving senior decision-makers from public, commercial and not-for-profit organisations. The Alliance are taking a multi-agency approach to developing and implementing the initiatives to address the challenges identified in the consultations and are currently focusing on actions that have measurable outcomes. 

Challenges encountered in the development the Strategy are those associated with the consultation process with older people. Challenges included attracting older people to consultations, particularly those from minority groups; connecting with those most isolated; identifying suitable venues and times for consultations; and discussing topic of loneliness due to the stigma attached.  

Due to their tendency to be hidden and their low likelihood of attending consultations or recognising themselves as lonely, isolated older people often go unnoticed. Therefore, a key action to be included in the Strategy Action Plan is the implementation of a programme aimed at addressing loneliness and isolation among older people. This programme will draw on best practices identified in the KORALE EU Project, with plans to pilot two initiatives in 2025-2026, and ultimately expand these initiatives to targeted areas across Fingal during the timeframe of the Strategy. To support the promotion of this policy document and its related initiatives, an Age Friendly Ambassador has been appointed for Fingal. Terry Prone, a media personality and communications expert, will serve as the primary advocate for age-friendly policies and practices in the county.  

Learn more: https://www.fingal.ie/news/terry-prone-be-leading-advocate-age-friendly-policies-and- practices-fingal