News & Events
A fashion show where all the models are aged 55-plus; a cookery demo by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon; and a health section providing free checks, advice and talks – that’s just a sample of what’s on offer at a forthcoming Trade and Tourism show for the ‘active retired’.
The Trade and Tourism Show, organised by the national representative body Active Retirement Ireland (ARI), will take place at the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co. Dublin, on Tuesday, 17th April. The show will run from 12 noon until 6pm, and is open to the public, free of charge.
Other highlights will include painting and flower-arranging demonstrations; fashion and fitness workshops; a display of artwork produced by ARI members; and information stands from more than 70 exhibitors, covering tourism and heritage organisations, leisure facilities, the hospitality industry and active ageing groups.
Announcing details of the event today (05.04.12), Maureen Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer of ARI, said the Trade and Tourism Show not only promised a great day out, but also demonstrated the value to the economy of the ‘grey euro’.
“There are almost one million people aged 55 plus in Ireland,” she said. “That means over 20 per cent of our population are either already retired or facing into their retirement years.
“Never before have we had such a significant proportion of our population in this age-bracket. And, thankfully – due to medical advances, better education and healthier lifestyles – older people are now living longer and leading more active lives.
Value of Courting Older Consumers
“While many older people don’t have huge disposable incomes, they are generally shrewd and canny consumers, who carefully weigh up the options on offer and choose products and services that deliver value for money. We know from our own members that they are eager to contribute to the national recovery and that many are deliberately choosing to spend their money locally, whether on short breaks, recreational pursuits or social activities.
“Part of what we’re aiming to do with the Trade and Tourism Show is to demonstrate to businesses just how beneficial it can be to cater to the so-called ‘grey euro’ and to court older consumers. By offering products and services that satisfy the needs of older people, businesses can cultivate a very loyal customer-base.
“Retired people are available outside of peak demand times or holiday seasons. So for hotels, for example, it’s very worthwhile to offer mid-week deals to the over-55s. Or for culture and leisure centres, it makes sense to encourage retired people to visit their facilities during week-day mornings,” added Ms. Kavanagh.
Inspiration for the Newly Retired
In addition to convincing businesses of the merits of catering to older consumers, ARI also hopes the Trade and Tourism Show will give people a taste of the range of pursuits on offer for the ‘active retired’.
“Due to the Government’s public sector early retirement scheme, there’s a whole cohort of new retirees, who are perhaps struggling to adjust to life after work, and to find ways to fill their newfound free time,” said Maureen Kavanagh. “I would urge anyone who has retired recently – or who is due to retire in the coming months – to visit the Trade and Tourism Show to get a glimpse of just how much retirement has to offer.
“Not only will they get inspiration for future holidays, short breaks and recreational activities, they will also get to enjoy a very sociable occasion, which has something to appeal to everyone. Whether you’re into art, sports, eating out or music, the Trade and Tourism Show will cater to your tastes. And it will also give you an opportunity to meet other retired people from throughout the country, and to find out more about what Active Retirement Associations do, and the benefits of being part of the ‘active retired’ community.”
ARI’s Trade and Tourism Show is sponsored by Specsavers. The show can be accessed by public transport to the Saggart stop on the Luas Red Line, and a free shuttle bus service will run from this Luas stop to the Citywest Hotel. Further information about the Trade and Tourism Show is available at www.activeirl.ie or by calling 01-8733836.
