Ulster GAA: Positive ageing month in the club

Equality, diversity and inclusion will continue to play a key role in the success and sustainability of our clubs into the future.

Practices which promote EDI allow us to live out our Gaelic games values of community identity, fairness, inclusiveness and respect, amongst others.

“We are what we repeatedly do” and this concept calls us, in our clubs and in our counties, to turn inward and reflect on the actions we’re implementing to ensure that Gaelic Games continues to be a place “Where we all belong.”

This month is positive ageing month which is an annual, month-long festival of events and activities held in October to celebrate older people, promote their wellbeing, and highlight their valuable contributions to their communities.

Our older GAA members are mentors who pass on skills, storytellers who share our history and volunteers who give their time year after year.

Firstly, it is important that activities organised in the club for older members are suitable for age. It is really important that this is rooted in self-determination and empowerment.

This ultimately means that our older members have a role to play in informing the type of activities they personally want to do and we take that into account.

The incorporation of gradual progression of these initiatives can be integral to their success, such as a slow beginning and acknowledging of various milestones along the way.

In general, the club should be a welcoming environment for older people which includes a positive atmosphere and specialised groups that they can be a part of. In the winter months this can be as simple as a warm space or a cup of tea.

Physical accessibility to the club is a key part of this. Moreover, any communications around events for older people at club level should focus on the wellbeing aspects.

The social interaction of these events can be hugely undervalued when it comes to tackling issues like loneliness; one of the greatest risk factors for poor health of our population.

Promotion

Similarly, promotion of events through community channels can be most effective, including local radio, newsletters and newspapers and word of mouth.

Communications should also reflect the strong social connections that nearly always come as a result and buddy systems can be very effective in this space.

Promotion of EDI in the club requires us to try and walk in the shoes of others and understand their perspective.

This can be particularly the case when it comes to the setting the times of events for older people in the club.

Flexible scheduling like during the day and during the week can be very effective in this area, even though this may not be your first thought.

Lastly, as clubs we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to deliver activities or events on our own. Particularly in the area of valuing our older members, it can be extremely worthwhile to collaborate with healthcare providers, other outside agencies and local councils. Positive ageing month provides the perfect excuse to do just that.