President Michael D. Higgins performed the official opening of Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing at St. James’s Hospital. In his address President Michael D. Higgins spoke of the opportunities as well as the challenges of ensuring that elderly citizens enjoy active and fulfilled lives.
“In a world where we can expect to see more and more people leading significantly longer lives, innovative and creative thought around the ageing process will become increasingly important.”
The President has spoken on many occasions of the importance of building a society which fully values its older citizens and which gives stronger voices to people often regarded primarily as passive recipients of services.