Forum

Iar-Uachtarán na hÉireann Mary McAleese invited a number of older men from around Ireland in addition to leading academics, health and social care professionals, service providers and local and national representatives to Áras an Uachtarán in October 2007 to discuss the marked absence of older men at senior citizen events she visited around the country.

The former President, in organising the Forum, hoped that it would provide an opportunity for the participants to:

• Hear the voices and stories of older men and their views on why older men are less likely to join in;
• Highlight related national and international research findings;
• Acknowledge examples of initiatives currently providing support to older men;
• Elicit ideas from participants on how social engagement by older men could be encouraged and how worthwhile initiatives might be disseminated and duplicated nationwide.

In addressing the Forum, former President McAleese remarked that, “everyone has the right to a full and fulfilling life” and, most importantly, that we need “a social life to give us fun, good memories, something to look forward to, opportunities to express ourselves and to develop ourselves and our interests”. She referred to the similarities in the needs, stories and experiences of men and women but also that significant and important differences must be recognized. She also made the point that the reasons for the marked absence of older men at social events must be explored and mechanisms to increase their participation and engagement identified.

The former President praised the energy and commitment of Ireland’s ageing citizens and the many examples of good practice across the country. She noted that the lives of many senior citizens had been characterised by a lack of opportunity, frugality and self-sacrifice and that there is a growing need to ensure a place for these in our society. The former President also said that we must ensure “no one lives on the lonely margins” and guarantee that “all are gathered in community, are needed and wanted and that their lives are enriched and enriching”.

The older men at the Forum shared their personal stories, the reasons they felt men were reluctant to join social gatherings and what they thought would encourage men to join more frequently. They identified a number of factors which would support local engagement by older men, including:

• Strong leadership in the community;
• A specific event to which men could be invited;
• A personal invitation;
• An approach which accords respect and dignity to the older person;
• Ongoing companionship and support;
• The need for perseverance in building sustainable contact.