Europe Day 9
May: Celebrating the older generation
The 9th of May is Europe
Day and this year it's all about the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity
Between the Generations.
The celebrations
kicked off with a flash
mob of older and younger people dancing together to music from a
live swing band in Grafton Street
in front of Bewley's Cafe. This year's Europe Day celebrates the concept
of Active Aging and Solidarity between Generations by
turning stereotypes on their heads.
Barbara
Nolan, Head of the European Commission's Representation in Ireland
said: "By challenging the stereotypes which lead to discrimination
against older people, older people themselves are also challenged to redefine
their own roles. The fact of the matter is that the older people in our
society are a valuable but often untapped resource."
Celebrations went on
with a free
open doors event in
European Union House. Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton
T.D., and Members of more than 20 voluntary and public bodies involved in Ireland
's year of Active Ageing attended. Live music was provided by
The Swing Cats and snacks from EU Member State embassy kitchens
were served.
For more
Information regarding the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity Between
the Generations in Ireland
see:
http://www.activeageing.ie/
