Intergenerational art project celebrates positive ageing and community connection in Carlow and Kilkenny

A unique intergenerational art project bringing together older adults and secondary school students was unveiled at the Oriel House Hub in Carlow recently, celebrating positive ageing, community connection and the shared experiences of different generations.

The artwork, titled ‘Growing Into Ourselves: The Human Journey Across Generations’, was launched on 13 October by the Carlow Kilkenny Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICOP) team in partnership with Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny.

The initiative saw older adults engaged with the ICPOP service collaborate with art students and teachers from Presentation Secondary School over several months. Through a series of workshops, conversations and shared reflections, participants explored what it means to age well, with their experiences and insights inspiring the final piece.

The project was led by Liz Nolan, Community Connector with ICPOP and ALONE, and aimed to encourage conversations around healthy ageing, wellbeing and the importance of staying connected within local communities.

Throughout the project, participants identified several key themes associated with ageing well, including maintaining curiosity and creativity, nurturing social connections, finding purpose in everyday life, adapting to life's changes and finding joy despite challenges.

Majella Cunningham, ICPOP Operations Lead, HSE Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons Carlow Kilkenny, said:"This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people of different generations come together to share experiences and learn from one another. It highlights the value of community connection and demonstrates how creativity can help promote wellbeing, understanding and positive ageing."

The artwork has also received national recognition after being shortlisted among ten entries selected for display at the Irish Gerontological Society National Conference in Cork as part of the prestigious Professor Davis Coakley Award, which celebrates artistic expression inspired by ageing.

The initiative reflects the commitment of the ICPOP team to supporting healthy ageing and social inclusion, while also showcasing the benefits of intergenerational learning and collaboration.

Now permanently displayed at the Oriel House Hub, the artwork stands as a lasting reminder of the wisdom, experiences and perspectives shared between older and younger generations, and the positive impact communities can have when they come together.