PICTURES: Waterford's Age Friendly Expo draws a large crowd to Dungarvan

Waterford’s second Age Well Expo of 2024 drew a large crowd to the Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

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The Age Friendly Waterford event, which was hosted in association with Healthy Waterford, UPMC and Waterford City and County Council showcases the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives.

The expo featured 40 exhibition stands, talks from keynote speakers and interviews with local organisations and community groups providing insightful and topical information to everyone who strives to age well. 

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One of the highlights of the day, was the presence of Daniel Mulhall, a Waterford native and former Irish diplomat who has served as Ambassador to Malaysia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and most recently the United States.

In his keynote speech, Mr Mulhall recounted his fascinating and distinguished long-spanning diplomatic career and how he, since his retirement, has embarked on new and rewarding projects. 

Since retirement in 2022, Mr. Mulhall has been Global Distinguished Professor of Irish Studies at Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, Parnell Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge and a Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics, Harvard University. He is Honorary President of the Yeats Society (Sligo), a consultant with the global law firm, DLA Piper and a director of Carlichauns Entertainment, an animated TV series based on Irish folklore.  

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council and Chair of Age Friendly Alliance, commented: "The Age Well Expo is a friendly, accessible and practical event that provides valuable information and insights to older people to enhance quality of life. Being able to engage directly with a wide network of key support agencies and service providers really can have a positive impact when it comes to making informed choices about ageing well."

He added: "Judging by the energy and positivity in the room today, Waterford City and County Council will continue to support initiatives such as this, as we strive to make Waterford the best place to live, thrive and age well."

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Speaking following the event, UPMC Whitfield General Manager, Gwen Daniels said she was was delighted with the event and the numbers that attended.

“This is the second Age Well Expo that UPMC has supported.  We are proud to be associated with an event that showcases the very best of provisions and services available to older people in Waterford and the region. It's evident that this type of collaborative, multi-agency approach can undoubtedly enable older people in our communities to age better."

Established in January 2014, Age Friendly Ireland coordinates the national Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme with the first Age Friendly Strategy for Waterford City and County being launched in 2017. 

PICTURES: David Clynch