From health to wealth and food to travel, thousands of local people experienced a world of offers at the third Louth Age Friendly Business Fair at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, on Sunday.
An estimated 3,000 people attended the Age Friendly County’s flagship event and experienced an array of innovative products and services that will enhance and secure our lives as we live longer.
The Fair was launched by businessman Gavin Duffy, star of RTE Dragon’s Den and chairperson of the Louth Age Friendly Business Forum. “Once again, this was an amazing event, with a great spread of ages, and exhibiting companies, coming together to form a marketplace that will improve all of our lives,” said Gavin. “It was great to see cutting edge technology such as home health monitoring apps mix with such traditional businesses such as fuel suppliers and menswear shops.
“Many businesses have tailored products towards an age-friendly market in Louth so we now have chairobics in your home, age friendly meals in hotels, special prices in barbers and butchers offering age friendly portions.”
54 Age Friendly businesses exhibited as well as leading figures from caring and support services, technology, finance, fashion and law.
Sponsored by Myhomecare.ie, the Fair was supported by the Louth Age Friendly County Initiative, Age Friendly Business Forum, Older People’s Forum and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce.
The Fair was officially opened by Mr Duffy, who spoke along with Cllr Oliver Tully, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, and Declan Murphy, CEO of myhomecare.ie.
Also in attendance were Louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin, and Dundalk Chamber President Paddy Matthews.
Musical entertainment on the day was provided by traditional Irish band, Glasheen.
“The fair shows just how many local businesses have grasped the age-friendly message, and recognised the economic potential of our ageing local population,” said Miriam Roe from the Economic Development Unit of Louth County Council.
Louth Age Friendly Co-ordinator Mary Deery was delighted with the success of the Fair, and the take-up in age-friendly business offerings. “It was great to see so many people from all parts of the county and beyond engaging with the exhibitors.
The Fair also featured the launch of a 72-page booklet on Dementia and Memory Loss supports and service in the Louth area, written by Marie Hayes of the Citizens Information Service.
Picture includes Gavin Duffy demonstrating CPR at the Expo watched by Paddy Matthews President Dundalk Chamber and Declan Murphy sponsor from myhomecare.ie
