Active Retirement launch new positive ageing audio series

ACTIVE Retirement Ireland has launched a new positive ageing audio series on local radio stations, reports Lauren Castleman.

The series, entitled ‘The Old Country’, examines healthy ageing in Ireland, produced by Ireland’s largest representative body for elderly people. Created to mark the beginning of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, the series first began as a podcast in July 2021, available only on streaming services like Spotify and iTunes as well as the Active Retirement Ireland Website.

On May 25, thanks to a partnership with CRAOL, ‘The Old Country’ began broadcasting to different stations across the country, such as Liffey Sound, Dublin South FM, and RosFM.

‘The Old Country’ explores challenges and opportunities around an ageing population, covering issues such as combatting ageism and age-friendly environments.

Throughout the 12 episodes, guest speakers will give insight into ageing in Ireland, aiming to serve as a reflection and an urging to make Ireland a better place to grow old.

Each guest speaker is an active contributor to making Ireland a better place for growing old, with guests ranging from volunteers to activists to policy experts.

These guests include specialists such as Active Retirement Ireland National President Anne Drury and Dr. Emer Coveney of Age Friendly Ireland.

On the topic of the announcement, Active Retirement Ireland CEO Maureen Kavanagh said: “I am delighted to announce our partnership with CRAOL Community Radio Ireland and the launch of our podcast series ‘The Old Country’ on community radio stations around Ireland. The podcast was recorded during the pandemic and during a time when we saw older people lose their agency and their voice and really struggle to get it back.

“While we can reflect on this and the impact that Covid-19 had on older people’s lives, we also need to take this opportunity to learn from it, to move forward and recreate an Ireland where everyone is valued and respected.”

In addition, CRAOL Community Radio Ireland Honorary President Jack Byrne commented:                “Older people will find a welcoming, respectful, and creative space in community radio. Already many older people have found community media can provide outlets for their aspirations, for forming new friendships and for giving them a voice on matters of concern.”

A directory of Ireland’s community radio stations can be found on the CRAOL website: www.craol.ie/stations/directory