Active Retirement Ireland

24/06/2026

National AGM 2026 is underway here at the fabulous Sheraton Athlone Hotel. Thank you to our guest speakers, Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O'Donnell TD, leading geriatrician and Clinical Lead for Ireland's National Stroke Programme Professor Rónán Collins and Solicitor Alan Raftery, and to our more than 270 members who made the trip to be here in attendance today 👏 👏 👏

18/06/2026

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Noreen Daly, a much-loved member of Youghal Active Retirement Association (YARA).

We offer our most sincere condolences to Noreen’s family and her many friends in YARA and the wider community in this time of unspeakable loss.

Moreover, we are heartbroken about the circumstances of her death. Older people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Violence against older people, particularly a woman alone in her home, is particularly abhorrent and utterly contemptible.

May Noreen’s gentle soul find eternal peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Mai Quaid
National President
Active Retirement Ireland

16/06/2026

🎼The wonderful and very talented BARA (Ballinasloe ARA) Singers held a concert in May at the Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre, joined by the Ballinasloe Town Band, the Grey Lake String Quartet and Soprano Rachel Goode. The concert, BARA Singers' 12th Annual Songfest event, attracted a huge turnout with all proceeds donated to the Ballinasloe Town Band 👏👏👏

16/06/2026

👨 Men's Health Week 2026 | 15–21 June 👨

This week marks Men's Health Week 2026, an all-island initiative encouraging men to take positive steps towards better health and wellbeing. This year's theme is "One Step at a Time – Progress, Not Perfection".

Good health doesn't require dramatic changes. Small actions can make a real difference:
✅ Book that overdue health check
✅ Get moving a little more each day
✅ Reach out and stay connected with others
✅ Talk about your mental wellbeing
✅ Seek help early if something doesn't feel right

At Active Retirement Ireland, we know that staying active, socially connected and engaged in your community plays an important role in supporting health and wellbeing as we age.

Men's Health Week aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues affecting men and encourage men of all ages to take practical steps to improve their health. If you're an ARI member, why not use this week as an opportunity to take one positive step for your health—and encourage a friend to do the same?

For information and resources, visit:
https://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2026.html

15/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to educate yourself and others about elder abuse, challenge ageist norms and behaviours and stand in solidarity with older people.

Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial. It can be neglect, exploitation or coercion.

Stand for dignity, safety and respect. Stand against elder abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is out there. Visit Safeguarding Ireland for information on how to respond and report it https://safeguardingireland.org/report/

15/06/2026

Have You Experienced Age Discrimination in Housing?

The European Commission is carrying out a study on equal treatment in housing across the EU and is seeking participants for an online focus group.

The study aims to understand people's experiences when accessing or maintaining housing, including issues such as affordability, adequacy, discrimination, exclusion, renting, home ownership, temporary accommodation and homelessness.

If you have experienced age discrimination in housing, your voice could help inform future European policy and practice.

📅 Online Focus Group
Thursday, 18 June 2026
🕜 1.30pm Irish time (2.30pm Central European Summer Time)

To register your interest, please complete the survey here:
🔗 https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/f1fc5921-6cc3-f48d-79ad-517eadf72702

All information shared will be treated confidentially and analysed anonymously as part of the study being conducted on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST).

If you have experienced challenges accessing housing, securing a tenancy, maintaining your housing, or have encountered age-related barriers or discrimination, this is an opportunity to ensure your experience is heard.

Please share this opportunity with others who may wish to contribute.

11/06/2026

On 29 May, members of Portlaoise ARA took part in a national Make Way Day walk organised in Portlaoise by Laois County Council.

The members formed part of group of more than 40 people who walked with members of the council highlighting various obstacles that make the town unsafe to navigate, such as uneven footpaths, poor lighting, impossible access for wheelchairs or people with limited vision and so on. A lovely and very constructive morning was had by all in glorious sunshine, followed by lunch in the staff restaurant at County Hall.

Make Way Day is a national awareness campaign led by the Disability Federation of Ireland.

10/06/2026

🟥⬜️Our fabulous Midleton and District ARA in Co. Cork have around 150 members who enjoy a huge range of activities, social outings and trips.

New members are always very welcome ☀️ so if you're retired or semi-retired in the Midleton area and you'd like to join in the fun, don't hesitate to get in touch. From a recent new member after an ARA day trip to Kilkenny: "Thank you for a brilliant day, it was my first day with Midleton ARA and you are all lovely! Thank you Helen, Nora, Carmel and committee" 🙌

09/06/2026

🎉We have reached 10,000 followers! Such a fabulous milestone and it’s all thanks to you, our wonderful members and friends. Here's to the next 10K and to sharing Active Retirement Ireland's vision and the work we do with many more 💞

09/06/2026

Safeguarding Ireland has produced a comprehensive suite of four information resources on financial safeguarding — how to stay in control of your finances to make sure your money, benefits and assets are safe 💸💸💸

These resources are available on the Safeguarding Ireland website at https://safeguardingireland.org/staying-in-control/ — if you have concerns about yourself, a friend or a family member, find out what steps can be taken to stay in control and protect against financial abuse.

Stay in Control of your Money to prevent abuse Know the ‘Warning Signs of Financial Abuse’ and ‘Stay in Control of your Money’ – those are the messages of a new awareness drive to prevent financial abuse. The initiative led by Safeguarding Ireland highlights what to watch out for and top t...