Operation Conversation October 1st 2016

To celebrate UN International Day of Older Persons on Saturday 01 October 2016, Third Age in association with Specsavers and Dublin City University will host an intergenerational event in Albert College Park at Dublin City University (DCU).

People of all ages are invited to take part in Operation Conversation, a free family fun day which aims to combat social isolation and promote greater understanding and respect between generations. Legendary broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh will launch the event which takes place at DCU, the world’s first Age Friendly University. Between 2-4pm, guests can look forward to a day of entertainment and activities including music, a photo booth, face painting and giant outdoor games.

To encourage social participation, there will be jigsaws, crosswords and a word hunt with a prize for all participants along with a soap box based on the UN theme for 2016 ‘Take a Stand Against Ageism’.

The impressive line-up of guest speakers includes Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Senator Frances Black and renowned journalist and broadcaster Valerie Cox.

Operation Conversation began in 2013 as a pilot in Trim, Co. Meath to encourage isolated older people to engage and socialise with the local community through subsidised coffee mornings in local hotels and cafés. It is part of Third Age’s wider campaign to raise awareness of the challenges facing older people in Ireland and the importance of social interaction through the art of conversation.

Third Age is a national voluntary organisation committed to responding positively to the challenges and opportunities of ageing in Ireland and supporting the contribution of older people to their communities. All programmes, both national and regional, share an underlying philosophy of social inclusion and connectivity through communication and conversation. Third Age has over 1,400 older volunteers working in three national programmes, supporting isolated older people, migrants and older people in nursing homes and in the community that are in need of care.

This is DCU's second time  to host this event and we are delighted to be taking part again, so come along, bring friends and family and take your stand against ageism.