Organised by Age Connects Wales, the inaugural Older Person’s Awards has been launched to celebrate the achievements of older people in communities across Wales. In categories including Later Life Hero and Ageing Well Award, nominations will be sought from people throughout Wales with 6 regional winners in 5 categories going forward to the awards night. The final decision will be made by an independent judging panel with each winner receiving a prize and trophy.

Nominations opened on October 1st to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons. Every year this date aims to raise awareness of the impact of an ageing population and the need to ensure people can grow old with dignity. People worldwide are living longer. Today, for the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond. By 2050, the world’s population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 900 million in 2015. Today, 125 million people are aged 80 years or older.

Speaking on behalf of Age Connects Wales, Dean Richards shared the ethos behind the planned Awards Ceremony, “A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for society as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career, volunteering or pursuing a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Here at Age Connects Wales we want to shout about all the amazing achievements of older people living in Wales and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve”.

Older People’s Commissioner, Helena Herklots added, “I’m delighted to be part of the judging panel for the inaugural Older Person’s Awards to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of older people in communities throughout Wales over the past year. Age Connects organisations continue to do fantastic work supporting older people throughout Wales and I am pleased to see they are recognising the contributions that older people make to our communities. It is essential that older people in Wales know and feel that they are valued members of society and these Awards are a great way to make sure that older people’s voices are heard, and achievements celebrated. Recognising and raising awareness of the vital contributions older people make to society every day brings us one step closer to a Wales where older people are valued, rights are upheld, and no one is left behind."

The awards are being supported by a range of sponsors, these include Action for Elders, a dynamic charity who support older people to  live with independence and happiness, OES, a rapidly growing digital technology company, and Retirement Butler who help people achieve the retirement they deserve.

To find out more about the award categories and nominate an older person you feel is a worthy winner, please visit: www.ageconnectswales.org.uk/awards  or call 01495 769264 or email: enquiries@ageconnectswales.org.uk. The winners will be announced on the 17th November 2021 during a streamed one-hour award event hosted by Eddie Butler.