Why get involved?

While we have a strong evidence basis as to what benefits people get from Ageing with Confidence, perhaps the most compelling explanation came from someone who spoke at a 2008 Ageing with Confidence event.

Simon Donohoe (pictured left) from Kildare, at 65 years of age - despite being active "in mind and body" - had to retire from his paid employment. In common with many newly retired people, he found that there seemed to be too many hours in the day to fill. Having spent his life working and providing for his family, he started to feel redundant.

Luckily for Simon, his wife picked up a leaflet in their local post office. With some misgivings, he signed up for the eight-week course. He admitted straight off that many of his initial fears were unfounded. For example, he was concerned about what to expect, that he would find it boring and unproductive or that he wouldn’t have anything in common with the other people on the course.

Summing up what he had gained, Simon said "My greatest learning was that life did not end just because you are retired. In fact, I now view retirement as a new beginning, where I can explore new possibilities, challenges, interests and dreams. The course has taught me that just because I am a pensioner, I am still in charge of my life and that all of us, no matter how old we are, deserve the best out of life."

Ann Healy talks about the experience of the Southside Partnership in providing Ageing with Confidence.

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