Insights on ‘ageing well’ shared at RCPI meeting

A public event titled ‘Living Well, Living Long’ was held as part of the College’s Annual Conference

Over 300 attendees gathered at the RCPI Annual Public Meeting to explore the question: ‘Is there a recipe for ageing well?’ The event, held as part of the College’s Annual Conference, was titled ‘Living Well, Living Long’. It aimed to provide the public with expert advice on maintaining health and longevity.

The panel included Prof Rose Anne Kenny, Founding Principal Investigator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA); Mr Francis Brennan, hotelier, TV personality, and author of Age is Just a Number; and Ms Rachel Duffy, Age Friendly Ireland Ambassador. The discussion was chaired by Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, President of the RCPI and Consultant Geriatrician, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.

The importance of social connection and community

A key theme was the vital role of social connection in promoting health, particularly as people age. Dr O’Shea emphasised that the RCPI’s mission is not only to improve healthcare outcomes through continuous professional development, but also to inform the public about prevention and wellbeing.

“RCPI is a globally connected community of over 14,000 doctors and our focus is on improving people’s health. We do this through continuous professional development to provide our patients with the best possible care and outcomes. We also do it by helping to inform the public and focusing on prevention. With our growing and ageing population, living well into our older years has never been more important and is increasingly becoming a priority we are focused on as individuals and as a society,” said Dr O’Shea.

Ms Duffy spoke about the lingering social disconnection brought about by Covid-19. She highlighted the urgency of rebuilding social bonds across all age groups. 

Ms Duffy also shared how, in some rural areas, individuals came together with the question: ‘What can we do for the people in this community who are getting older?’ This led to the creation of a social initiative, in conjunction with the local GAA club, which organises days out, classes, and courses. “You don’t have to be over a certain age to participate,” Ms Duffy explained, noting that this initiative included people from all generations.

She also emphasised the importance of recognising those in the community who may be isolated and finding ways to include them.

An additional example of the value of community was drawn from Roseto, Pennsylvania, which uncovered a powerful secret to good health: A close-knit, socially connected environment. Prof Kenny explained that their health ‘secret’ was their sense of community. They maintained strong family ties, held communal, intergenerational meals, and engaged regularly in social activities, which reduced feelings of isolation and provided a sense of purpose. This link between social engagement and improved health outcomes further underscored the importance of fostering connected communities, especially as populations age.

Cross-generational engagement and the role of technology

The panel also explored the benefits of intergenerational relationships, with several speakers pointing out how younger and older generations can learn from each other. Mr Brennan gave examples of younger people helping older generations to engage with technology, which can be crucial in fostering a sense of inclusion. “Technology should be for everyone,” remarked Ms Duffy, who advocated for more opportunities for cross-generational collaboration.

She also emphasised the importance of being proactive in finding and nurturing connections within the community. For the young generation, she encouraged a more empathetic and understanding approach towards older people. This intergenerational interaction, she argued, fosters mutual understanding and reveals common ground between people of different ages.

Health, nutrition, and positive perceptions of ageing

Prof Kenny focused on the physical aspects of ageing well, providing practical advice on maintaining health into older age. She advised that a good intake of protein is essential as you get older. She also debunked the myth that medication prescribed in later life is a lifetime commitment, stressing the importance of regularly reviewing prescriptions as people’s physiology changes over time.

Mr Brennan also encouraged the audience to stay active in both body and mind, noting that small actions like taking the stairs instead of the lift could make a significant difference over time.

Perception of ageing was another important topic. “Perceptions matter,” Prof Kenny stressed. She explained that positive thinking is essential in slowing both cognitive and physical ageing. Prof Kenny urged the audience to reject ageist language and attitudes, noting that how people view their own ageing process can significantly impact their health. “If you are constantly bombarded by ageist language and ageist attitudes, that eventually affects the perceptions of how you are ageing. It gets under the skin,” she added.

Ms Duffy echoed this sentiment, pointing out that ageing should be seen as a privilege rather than a burden. “It’s a privilege to grow old – a privilege my mother didn’t have – and I wish more people of my age appreciated that,” she said.

Preparedness for ageing: Reflective and mindful ageing

Preparedness for ageing was another important topic, with Mr Brennan emphasising the need for reflective and mindful ageing. He stressed that many people reach older age without a plan for their future, often leading to increased stress and anxiety.

Prof Kenny also explained how these emotional experiences can trigger inflammatory processes in the body, making individuals more susceptible to disease.

Preparing for these challenges early can greatly reduce anxiety and help individuals approach ageing with confidence rather than fear.

Dr O’Shea also highlighted the value of education early in life, noting its long-term benefits for healthier ageing.

Addressing the challenges of the ‘sandwich generation’

A question from the audience raised the issue of the “sandwich generation” – those caring for both older parents and children. “They are caring for both ends of the spectrum,” noted Prof Kenny, explaining that stress from caregiving can take a toll on mental and physical health. The discussion underscored the importance of community support, along with access to adequate formal care, in ensuring caregivers are not left to struggle alone.

Dr O’Shea wrapped up the session by urging people to take small, but meaningful steps to improve their own wellbeing and that of others. He encouraged everyone to challenge themselves by trying something new. Beyond personal growth, he stressed the importance of fostering connections by reaching out to neighbours or friends, particularly those they may not have spoken to recently.

In addition, he called on individuals to hold their political representatives accountable by asking what they are doing to support both child health and the wellbeing of an ageing population. This call to action was a reminder that promoting wellbeing requires both personal and collective responsibility, with an emphasis on supporting each other at every stage of life.