The Age Friendly Partnership is marking International Day of Older Persons on 1 October by recognising and celebrating the important role older people play across Causeway Coast and Glens.
Older people make a significant contribution to life across the borough through family, volunteering, caring responsibilities, employment, community activity and civic participation. Their knowledge, experience and skills are invaluable assets that help strengthen communities, support local organisations and enrich the lives of people of all ages.
Age Friendly Causeway works with partners across the borough to help create places where people can remain active, connected and involved as they grow older. Central to this work is ensuring older people have opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives and to help shape the future of their communities.
Councillor Tanya Elder, Chair of the Age Friendly Partnership and Age Friendly Champion, said:
"International Day of Older Persons gives us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution older people make across Causeway Coast and Glens every day.
"Whether through supporting family members, volunteering in their communities, sharing their skills or helping shape local organisations, older people make a tremendous difference to life across our borough.
"An age friendly community is one where people can continue to participate, contribute and have their voices heard as they grow older. Through our Age Friendly Partnership, organisations across the borough are working together with older people to identify priorities, address challenges and ensure everyone can feel valued, included and connected."
Stephanie Scott, Age Friendly Officer with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council added:
"International Day of Older Persons is an important opportunity to recognise the positive role older people play in our communities and the wealth of experience, knowledge and skills they bring.
"This year's theme, 'What's on Your Doorstep?', reminds us that staying connected to our communities is about more than simply having services nearby. It is about having access to opportunities, information, support networks and social connections that help people remain active, involved and valued.
"Age Friendly Causeway is committed to ensuring older people are involved in shaping the decisions that affect them and that their voices continue to be heard. By working together with older people, communities and partner organisations, we can help remove barriers to participation and create places where people can thrive as they age."
International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on 1 October and highlights the achievements, contributions and rights of older people while promoting positive attitudes towards ageing and greater inclusion within society.
This year's UK theme, 'What's on Your Doorstep?', encourages people to think about the people, places, services and opportunities that help them stay connected to their communities. It also highlights the importance of ensuring older people can access the information, activities, support and social connections that enable them to remain active and involved in community life.
The day also marks the beginning of Positive Ageing Month, which takes place throughout October.
To support the month, the Age Friendly Partnership has produced a Positive Ageing Month 2026 booklet, highlighting events and activities taking place across the borough, alongside information on local groups, organisations and services.
The booklet is available online via the Council website, with printed copies available from Council offices, libraries and community venues across the borough.
Positive Ageing Month | Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council