Senior service: Group for older people in Cork city is thriving

Social interaction is necessary at any age; and even more so as we get older.

“There’s nothing like a chat and sharing a cuppa,” agrees Eileen Barrett, who is one of the original members of the North Cathedral Seniors group formed in May, 2022.

Eileen is one of more than 25 members who enjoy a chat and a cuppa every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm in the hall of the church. That’s when she’s not dancing, singing, playing bingo, or doing yoga!

“I’ve made great pals at the group,” says Eileen. “The friendly atmosphere among the group is really nice. We all enjoy each other’s company. The group started with 18 members and now there are over 25.”

All ladies?

Eileen laughs.

“Yes, all ladies!” she says.

Are the men shy?

“We can’t seem to get men,” replies Eileen. “They might just be shy, or they might enjoy going to the Men’s Shed instead. But men are more than welcome to come along.”

The close-knit group enjoy a variety of activities and outings.

“The activities and events available for all of us to enjoy are really good,” adds Eileen, who moved to Cathedral Road three years ago.

“Back in the day, I was used to going to Mass every morning and having a nice chat with people outside after.”

Times changed.

“It was a case of go home after Mass, with nothing to do, not going out again. It was like the art of chatting had disappeared. There was a sense of isolation.”

Eileen decided to try to alleviate the loneliness and isolation that older people can experience.

“Patricia Cotter, from Cork City Partnership, thought starting a club for seniors was a great idea and she helped me set it up,” says Eileen.

When Covid lockdowns hit, everyone felt isolated.

“North Cathedral Seniors was formed after lockdown,” Patricia says.

“People were feeling more isolated in this part of the city. The rationale behind forming the group was that the older women who are living around North Cathedral, Shandon Street area were unable to attend other places like Blackpool, etc, as they had no transport, and they are an older group.

“We wanted to reintroduce the seniors of the local and surrounding community back into society after Covid.”

The call went out.

“More than 30 women showed up for their first Meet and Greet and now they meet every Wednesday morning, where various activities are provided for them, from dancing, singing, mindfulness, relaxation classes, chair yoga, and bingo.”

Other people arrived too.

“Staff from various agencies give the group information on seniors’ entitlements, Credit Unions and the Community Garda, for instance,” says Patricia. All the members of the group have benefited.

“Since forming this group, everyone has formed lovely friendships, and they really look forward to meeting every Wednesday, and we keep the group going through the summer also.

“We had a lovely outing last year to Clonakilty, which they really enjoyed,” says Patricia. “We are in the planning stages now of organising another outing for September.”

Patricia likes being involved with North Cathedral Seniors. Cork City Partnership’s involvement in the group is very important too.

“With me, as the worker, comes a budget,” says Patricia. “So we can provide some guest speakers for the group during the year.

“The group can apply for the Cork City Partnership’s Small Grants, which they have been successful in doing in their two years’ existence.”

Patricia is hands-on.

“I attend most Wednesday mornings to give a hand with the group, setting up, giving out refreshments and organising activities.”

She is one of the gang.

“I am!” she says. “I love it!”

Tricia Harrington loves the company and activities at North Cathedral Seniors too.

“Last September, we went on an outing to Cobh. I remember the day was horrendous,” says Tricia.

It didn’t matter.

“All our members had a great day and generally felt that, if they didn’t go on the trip, they would be looking out at the rain instead of enjoying the bus spin and great company of the other members.”

The group is a great success.

“The group is a success firstly because of the organisers and volunteers, but also because members continue to attend, making it a huge team effort by everyone,” says Tricia.

Meaningful social interaction promotes better health outcomes for older adults and reduces loneliness and isolation.

“Groups like North Cathedral Seniors are a really important component for senior care, “says Dr Giillian Moore Groarke, Consultant Health Psychologist at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork.

“I think groups like this are fantastic, providing a healthy lifestyle and health and wellness.

“Having human connections with like-minded people helps overcome feelings of isolation, especially after older adults no longer work in a large group or if their adult children have moved on,” says Dr Moore Groarke.

“The world of senior adults can become smaller and smaller.”

Her own dad enjoys social connection.

“My mum died during Covid,” says Dr Moore-Groarke.

“Every Sunday morning, Dad’s neighbour drops into him for a chat. If dad needs a lightbulb changed, his kind neighbour does it for him.

“Having that social connection is really important for dad.”

Lifestyle ‘medicine’ is really important for senior adults.

“At the hospital, we are promoting lifestyle medicine in the form of movement, nutrition, stress management and healthy mind and body,” says Dr Moore Groarke.

“There are so many beneficial groups available to older people now, like Active Retirement, Men’s Shed, the ICA, and ALONE.

Local libraries offer information and lectures on diet, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, etc. Art groups welcome older people.”

There is no need for people to feel vulnerable, lonely or isolated.

“With lovely groups opening up all over the country, like North Cathedral Seniors, that welcome people to come, chat, have a cuppa, participate, and make friends, it can only be a good thing and hugely beneficial for our older citizens.”

North Cathedral Seniors meet every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm.