Services for older people in Cork – helping to keep us active, social and well
As it is Positive Ageing Week across Ireland in the first week of October, we thought it the ideal time to take a look at some of the many support services for older people in Cork.
Increasing numbers of studies show just how important it is to stay active, connected and social as we grow older. In County Cork, we are lucky to benefit from a wide range of services, groups and supports that are working to help us get together, get active and stay healthy.
There are a broad range of services for older people in our community in Cork, including day services, community services, home care, home helps, social groups and healthcare organisations. In this article, we look at some of the key support services in our area.
“Enabling everyone to age positively”
Positive Ageing Week
Positive Ageing Week, which runs from October 1st to October 7th, shines a spotlight on the positive aspects of ageing. The campaign aims to celebrate the many positive contributions that older people make to the community. Older people play many integral roles in their families and in the community, as Grandparents, Carers, Volunteers, Storytellers and Advisors.
Lots of Positive Ageing Week events are taking place in Cork libraries throughout the area. Click here to see events in Cork to celebrate the festival this year.
Staying Active
Everyone should stay active. We all know that staying active and regular exercise is important but sometimes we don’t know where to start or we don’t have a willing companion. That’s where the Cork Sports Partnership can help. Their Older Adults programme provides a range of activities, initiatives and programmes to help older people to stay active.
Advice can vary on exactly how much physical activity we need to stay healthy. However, experts agree that some physical activity is always better than none. The good news is that if you take part in any amount of physical activity you gain some health benefits. The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that older people get at least 30 minutes per day of moderate intensity activity.
If you are interested in being more active, click here to see the activities available for older people with the Cork Sports Partnership. You can also call them on 021 434 7096.
Staying Connected and Social
Social relationships and health are the most frequently mentioned issues which older people say are the most important factors affecting quality of life. There are a growing number of groups, services and organisations in Cork which provide opportunities for older people to get together and stay connected.
Active Retirement Groups in County Cork are open to retired and semi-retired people whose days are no longer spent performing paid or unpaid work. ARI believe that older people have the right to be full participants in our society.
Friends of the Elderly are a charity that work to prevent loneliness and isolation amongst older people who live alone or feel alone.
Older Womans Network Ireland is a national network which links individuals and groups of women aged over 55. They provide opportunities for women to meet together to share their experiences and discuss their issues and concerns.
Third Age Foundation promote the value and contribution of older people. They have an energetic local programme offering activities, services and programmes to reach out to local members.
Dementia Cafes are held at The Activity Centre, St Finibar’s hospital in Cork on the last Friday of the month
Staying Well
There are a wide range of community healthcare services in our area, working to help us stay healthy, including:
Clinical Psychology Services offer support to develop and maintain overall health and well-being, with particular attention paid to mental health. Your GP can advise about which psychology services are available in your area. Call for more details – South Lee: 021 4779808, North Lee: 086-7871716, North Cork: 022 58740
Community Dietician Service offers one to one appointments. The Dietitian can help you to better understand how food can affect your health and keep you well. Ask your GP for the contact details of your local Dietician.
Physiotherapy Service for Older Persons in Cork provide qualified healthcare professionals who help to restore wellness to people following injury, pain or disability. Call 021 4923145 for North Lee, 028 40595 for West Cork or 022 58645 for North Cork.
Podiatry Service is a referral only service from a healthcare professional that is a High Risk Service offering assessment and treatment to those at greatest risk of developing foot complications due to any underlying medical conditions.
Primary Care Occupational Therapy promotes people’s health and wellbeing through their everyday activities. Call 021- 4923194 St. Finbarr’s hospital if an assessment is required to discuss any difficulties and get referred to the appropriate service or Occupational Therapist for your area.