Bridging the Information Gap: Fingal’s Community Events Empower Older Adults

In consultations with older people, the lack of access to information is continuously cited as a barrier to ‘ageing well’. The ability to access clear and concise information can impact on a range of aspects of an older person’s life, from health and wellbeing to social connectedness to financial security. To address this challenge, Fingal County Council has committed to organising two information events for older people in different locations across the county each year. Regular local events are considered the most effective way to reach those who are isolated and in need of up-to-date, community-specific information on services and activities. Venues, days, and times are selected based on recommendations from Fingal’s Older People’s Council, which represents the voice of older people in Fingal.

The success of these events relies heavily on effective promotion, with advertisements shared on social media, as well as through posters and flyers distributed to trusted service providers, such as pharmacies and post offices, as well as venues commonly visited by older people. This approach ensures that the information reaches those who may be isolated.

This initiative has proved to be a successful and sustainable way to bridge the digital gap among older people and importantly at a very low cost, making it feasible to implement in other locations. Its success is reflected in the increasing number of older people attending each event, with a major shopping centre in Fingal agreeing to host the next information event. Feedback from service providers, indicates that many older people in need of supports are identified at these events, who would not otherwise have come to their attention.