Sheraton Athlone Hotel hosts Age Friendly Ireland Convention

Solutions to better protect and support older people during severe weather events were the focus of this year’s National Age Friendly Ireland Older People’s Councils Convention which took place in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel.

Hosted by Age Friendly Ireland in partnership with Westmeath County Council and Westmeath’s Older People’s Council, more than 200 older people from across Ireland gathered at the venue for the two day convention on May 7 and May 8.

The 2026 Convention was shaped around resilience and sustainability, exploring how older people can be supported to live happier, healthier and longer lives in their own communities, while ensuring they are better prepared, better informed and better supported when severe weather strikes.

Age Friendly Ireland said storm preparedness must now be recognised as an Age Friendly issue. For many older people, severe weather events can quickly disrupt access to transport, health appointments, home heating, electricity, communications, medication, food supplies and social connection.

Without clear planning and joined-up local information, those most at risk can become isolated or unsupported when extreme weather occurs.

A key focus of this year’s Convention was how stronger co-ordination of local systems that identify and support those most at risk during emergencies can improve safety, independence and quality of life.

This included a discussion on the importance of a unified vulnerable persons register to help local authorities, emergency responders and community partners to respond more effectively during storms, power outages and other severe weather events.

Delegates also took part in practical demonstrations on how to assemble a storm-ready emergency pack, ensuring that older people and their families have the essential items, contacts and information in place.

The annual Convention, facilitated each year by Age Friendly Ireland, provides a national platform for members of Older People’s Councils from across the country to discuss the issues affecting older people in Ireland today and to help shape practical, local responses.

With the Convention’s focus rooted in the empowerment of older generations and their families to be prepared for evolving weather events, ensuring they have access to knowledge of the supports available, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer, Age Friendly Ireland said co-ordination between agencies is a key focus going forward..

“Severe weather events are becoming more frequent and more disruptive and older people are often among those most at risk. A power outage, an icy road or interrupted access to medication or transport can have a detrimental effect on those most vulnerable.

“Attendees at last year’s Convention highlighted data sharing between agencies as one of the most important actions to progress in 2026. This reflects a growing concern about how vulnerable people can be identified and supported during emergencies, whether that is a severe weather event, a power outage or a public health crisis.

"That is why storm preparedness and stronger co-ordination between agencies is such a key focus this year," Ms McGuigan said.

Closing the Convention, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath, Councillor Aoife Davitt, emphasised that the roles older people play in local communities.

"Age friendly communities do not happen by chance, they are built through collaboration, commitment and people who care deeply about their place," Cllr Davitt said.

For more information or to find out how to join your local Older People’s Council, visit www.agefriendlyireland.ie or contact your local authority.