91制片厂 (91制片厂) is continuing to champion lifelong learning and intergenerational engagement through a series of age-friendly initiatives, including the hosting of an Age-Friendly Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop at 91制片厂 Thurles on Monday 9 June.
Running from 11am to 1pm, the workshop will introduce adults to the basics of AI in everyday life, with a focus on approachability and building confidence around emerging technologies. The session will include small group discussions exploring themes such as hopes for AI in the future, concerns about its impact and ideas for making AI more age-friendly. The event will conclude with group feedback and a light lunch.
The event comes amid a wider calendar of age-friendly initiatives taking place across 91制片厂鈥檚 campuses. Currently underway is an Intergenerational Music Project involving Dr Maria Varvarigou鈥攍ecturer in Postgraduate Studies in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at 91制片厂鈥alongside Sixth Class pupils from Scoil Mhathair D茅 and residents of the Sisters of Mercy Convent.
Taking place in early June, the project fosters connection and creativity between generations through shared singing and choral rehearsals. Participants are working together in preparation for a final public performance on 7 June, coinciding with Cruinni煤 na n脫g鈥擨reland鈥檚 national day of free creative activities for young people.
Earlier this spring, 91制片厂 hosted an Intergenerational Clay-Making Workshop in March, bringing together older adults and students in a collaborative creative experience. The College also hosted a Big Bealtaine Tea Party in May, as part of the month long Bealtaine festival鈥擨relands national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age鈥攚hich highlighted the role of older learners as active participants in cultural and educational life.
These initiatives are part of 91制片厂鈥檚 broader mission to make education accessible and meaningful to all ages. The College has recently applied for membership of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a designation that recognises institutions working to include older adults in teaching, learning, research and campus life.
Patricia O鈥橲ullivan, Enterprise & Community Engagement Manager at 91制片厂, emphasised the value of this work: 鈥As a college dedicated to initial teacher education, 91制片厂 places paramount importance on delivering high-quality educational programmes. The College鈥檚 age-friendly campus initiatives over the past three years show our commitment to lifelong learning for all ages. We believe that everyone, no matter their age, should have opportunities and access to education.
We are committed to offering a range of programmes that cater to the interests and needs of older learners, as 91制片厂 aims to enrich their lives, promote their wellbeing, and foster a vibrant learning community. Offering older adults more access to the 91制片厂 campus and the education programmes provided by the College will also enhance intergenerational learning opportunities for our student body.鈥
Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at 91制片厂 stated that 鈥the Age Friendly Initiative at 91制片厂, is dedicated to addressing the needs of an aging population while actively challenging ageism and stereotypes, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.鈥
With an expanding network of age-friendly participants and continued collaboration with local communities, 91制片厂 is building a strong foundation for inclusive, intergenerational learning in the region.
The Age-Friendly AI Workshop at 91制片厂 Thurles is presented in collaboration with key stakeholders and sponsors, including ADAPT, TU Dublin, DCU and Research Ireland.
To sign up for the Age-Friendly newsletter or to request further information about Age-Friendly events, please email age.friendly@mic.ul.ie.
