Friends of the Elderly, Ireland

19/06/2026

🎶🎤 What a fantastic afternoon of Music Bingo with The Sick Notes! 🎤🎶

Today, our members enjoyed an afternoon filled with music, laughter, friendly competition and plenty of singing along as The Sick Notes brought their energy and enthusiasm to Friends of the Elderly.

Music Bingo proved as popular as ever, with members testing their musical knowledge, sharing memories sparked by familiar tunes and enjoying great company throughout the afternoon.

A huge thank you to The Sick Notes for helping to create such a fun and memorable event. Days like these remind us of the importance of connection, friendship and the joy that music can bring.

💙 Creating lifelong friendships and supporting positive ageing, one song at a time.

17/06/2026

💙 Men's Health Week 2026 | One Step at a Time 💙

This Men's Health Week, we are reminded that health is about more than physical wellbeing. It is also about connection, purpose, belonging and friendship.

At Friends of the Elderly, our research into loneliness among older men found that loneliness remains a significant challenge for many older people across Ireland. Too often, older men can find themselves isolated due to bereavement, retirement, ill health or changing family circumstances.

The good news is that small steps can make a real difference. A phone call, a visit, joining a social group, volunteering or simply checking in with someone can help build meaningful connections and improve wellbeing.

This year's theme, "One Step at a Time", is a reminder that positive change does not have to be overwhelming. Sometimes the most important step is reaching out.

📖 Read our research report on loneliness among older men here:
https://friendsoftheelderly.ie/research/
Together, we can ensure that no one faces ageing alone.

16/06/2026

A sincere thank you to the team from .ireland for joining us at our Tuesday Club this week.

Your support and company were greatly appreciated by our members. It was wonderful to see conversations flowing, friendships being made, and everyone enjoying the afternoon together.

Volunteering is about more than giving time it is about creating meaningful connections, and your visit helped make the day that little bit more special.

Thank you for supporting Friends of the Elderly and helping us tackle loneliness and isolation among older people across Ireland.

15/06/2026

🌟 What's On This Week at Friends of the Elderly 🌟

Friendship, laughter, learning and music are all on the agenda this week at Friends of the Elderly!

🎤 Monday – Voices & Verses | 1pm–4pm
A unique programme using music, song and storytelling to build confidence and tackle literacy in a creative and supportive environment.

☕ Tuesday – Social Club | 1pm–3pm
Join us for conversation, companionship and a warm welcome.

🎶 Wednesday – Social Club | 1pm–4pm
An afternoon of friendship, music and dancing with plenty of smiles along the way.

📚 Thursday – Hi Digital Kindle Book Club | 2pm–3pm
Exploring books, technology and new ways to stay connected through reading.

🎵 Friday – Music Bingo with Sick Notes | 1pm–4pm
A fun-filled afternoon of music, memories, prizes and plenty of singing along!

At Friends of the Elderly, every activity is designed to help older people stay connected, active and engaged while building meaningful friendships that make a real difference.

📍 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1
📞 01 873 1855

15/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a reminder that every older person has the right to live with dignity, safety, respect and free from harm.

At Friends of the Elderly, we see every day how connection, friendship and community can help protect older people from isolation, vulnerability and abuse. As Ireland's population continues to age, it is more important than ever that we challenge ageism, listen to older voices and ensure that older people are treated with the respect they deserve.

Globally, around 1 in 6 people aged 60 and over experience some form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial or neglect. Behind every statistic is a person, a life lived, and a fundamental right to be treated with dignity.

Today, we stand with older people everywhere and reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where ageing is valued, voices are heard, and everyone can grow older with confidence, security and friendship.

💜 Human rights do not retire.
💜 Ageing should never mean becoming invisible.
💜 Every older person deserves dignity, safety and respect.

https://social.desa.un.org/issues/ageing/events/2026-world-elder-abuse-awareness-dayhttps://social.desa.un.org/issues/ageing/events/2026-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day

13/06/2026

We were delighted to contribute to this week's Irish Farmers Journal article highlighting the growing issue of digital exclusion among older people in Ireland.

The research featured in the article found that one in three older people feel digitally excluded, despite technology playing an increasingly important role in accessing services, staying connected with loved ones, and participating in everyday life.

At Friends of the Elderly, we see first-hand the challenges many older people face when navigating an increasingly digital world. We also see the incredible difference that the right support can make. Through initiatives such as our Technology Clubs, delivered in partnership with Vodafone Foundation's Hi Digital programme, older people are building confidence, developing new skills, and discovering new ways to stay connected and independent.

Digital inclusion is about far more than devices and internet access. It is about ensuring that older people can continue to participate fully in society, access essential services, and maintain meaningful connections with their communities.

As Ireland continues its digital transformation, we must ensure that nobody is left behind.

A huge thank you to Sarah McIntosh and the Irish Farmers Journal for shining a light on this important issue.

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/careers/education/one-in-three-older-people-in-ireland-feel-digitally-excluded-917977

12/06/2026

🌞 A Wonderful Day Out in Wexford! 🌞
Yesterday, our members enjoyed a fantastic day trip to beautiful Wexford, filled with friendship, laughter, and great company.

At Friends of the Elderly, we know that opportunities to get out, explore new places, and spend time with friends are about so much more than a day away. They help create lasting memories, build connections, and support positive wellbeing.

From the conversations on the journey to the smiles shared throughout the day, it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and making the most of a well-deserved outing.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We are already looking forward to our next adventure together! 💙

11/06/2026

We are delighted to be featured in Dublin Live, highlighting the transformation of our Ritzy Rags Charity Shop thanks to the generosity of Fleetwood Paints' Community Colours campaign.

The importance of our charity shop cannot be emphasied enough - every euro raised helps provide friendship, support and meaningful social connections for older adults who need our help.

The makeover has completely refreshed our shop creating a brighter, more welcoming space for our members, volunteers and customers. Many visitors have even commented that it now feels more like a boutique than a charity shop!

A huge thank you to Fleetwood Paints and the team in Finglas for their support. Initiatives like Community Colours demonstrate the incredible difference businesses can make when they invest in local communities.

Every purchase, donation and act of kindness helps us continue our work tackling loneliness and isolation among older people while promoting positive ageing, dignity and friendship.

If you haven't visited Ritzy Rags yet, we'd love to welcome you to 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1. Monday - Saturday 9-5pm

The campaign sees Fleetwood Paints give away up to €1,000 worth of paint each day throughout the month of June to charities, community groups and sports clubs nationwide

09/06/2026

🎶 Voices & Verses: Tackling Literacy Through Creativity, Connection and Friendship 🎶

At Friends of the Elderly, we are delighted to welcome participants to our new Voices & Verses programme at our community hub on Bolton Street, Dublin 1.

Developed with the generous support of ALL Strategy, Voices & Verses takes an innovative approach to tackling literacy challenges among older people. By combining music, storytelling, poetry, conversation and reminiscence, the programme creates a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can build confidence in reading, writing and self-expression without the pressures often associated with traditional learning.

The programme recognises that literacy is about more than words on a page. It is about confidence, communication, connection and having the opportunity to share your own story. Through creativity and friendship, participants are developing new skills, rediscovering old passions and building meaningful social connections along the way.

At Friends of the Elderly, we believe it is never too late to learn, grow and find your voice.

📍 Friends of the Elderly, 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1
📞 01 873 1855
📧 [email protected]

08/06/2026

🌟 What's On at Friends of the Elderly Next Week 🌟

We're looking forward to a fantastic week ahead as we welcome our friends from Citi for a full week of CSR volunteering and friendship!

Here's what's coming up:

📦 Monday – Voices & Verses
☕ Tuesday – Social Club with live music
🎶 Wednesday – Wednesday Club with live music
🚌 Thursday – Day Trip to Wexford, giving members the opportunity to enjoy a day out, enjoy new experiences and make lasting memories with friends
🎲 Friday – Music with Declan followed by Wingo
Throughout the week, Citi volunteers will be lending a helping hand across our programmes, meeting members, building connections and helping us create moments that matter.

A huge thank you to Citi for their support. Together, we're helping to ensure older people feel connected, valued and included in their communities.

💜 Friendship never grows old.