Positive Ageing Week: Supporting Older Adults in Laois - HSE Dublin and Midlands
The Frailty and Older Persons Service at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is inviting the local community to a special information event as part of Positive Ageing Week. The event will take place on Tuesday, 30th September, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Dunnes Stores, The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise, and will provide valuable information, resources, and support for older adults, families, and caregivers.
This year’s Positive Ageing Week theme is “Celebrating the Power of Connection across Generations.” Ageing well isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better, with meaning, joy, and a sense of belonging. One of the most powerful ways to achieve that is through intergenerational connections. By working together to meet and share information, the Portlaoise event will provide an opportunity for connection, sharing, and community.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about frailty in older persons, helping people to understand the signs, symptoms, and supports available. By fostering education and community engagement, the team hopes to empower older adults to maintain independence, health, and wellbeing for longer.
The team will be on hand to answer questions about the importance of early intervention, nutrition, exercise, and other supports for healthy ageing.
“Our aim is to take the stress out of older people’s inherent life changes by providing clear information, support, and guidance,” said Paula Murphy - Senior Pharmacist with the Frailty and Older Persons Service.
The Frailty and Older Persons team at MRHP is committed to promoting positive aging. Using research and innovation, they are continually enhancing the experience of older adults attending the hospital, while also striving to improve the long-term impacts of ageing. Through education, early interventions, and signposting to community services, the team is helping people to live well for longer. Recently, the service was recognised nationally, reaching the finals of the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2025 for Healthcare Team of the Year.
The event will also feature: •
- Free educational resources from HSE
- Signposting to local services for older adults
- Health information and advice from clinical specialists
- Community raffle supported by national partners
By creating a culture of awareness and understanding, the Frailty and Older Persons Service hopes to build a community where older adults can age with dignity and respect.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 30th September
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Dunnes Stores, The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise
Photo caption:
Pictured left to right: Laura Dunne, Frailty Senior Physiotherapist; Catriona Brennan, Frailty Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Smitha Joy, Dementia Nurse Specialist; Paula Murphy, Frailty Senior Pharmacist; Tanya McGahey, Frailty Senior Occupational Therapist.
