Ireland West Airport & Shannon Airport become first Age Friendly Airports in the world

Ireland West Airport and Shannon Airport have today become the first airports in the world to be recognised as Age Friendly airports by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Both airports were officially launched as Age Friendly Airports, certified by the WHO, at a ceremony in Ireland West Airport, officiated by the Hildegarde Naughton TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport. Age Friendly Airport guidelines were drafted for certification by the World Health Organisation, based on walkability studies and reports carried out at the two airports.
The airports have worked closely with Age Friendly Ireland and their respective local authorities to enhance their services for older people.
Age Friendly Ireland is a local government shared service that supports all of society to prepare for population ageing. At present in Ireland, there are about 742,000 people aged 65 and over. The number and proportion of older people is set to increase exponentially in the coming years due to a demographic trend called population ageing. All facilities and aspects of society need to be more aware of older people’s needs and ensure that the built environment and services are fully accessible to older people. This work contributes towards this government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland as set out in the Programme for Government.