Tag: friendly

Ireland’s Age-Friendly AI Training Programme Launches in Cavan

The Age-Friendly AI training programme, Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative for Older Adults, was officially launched at Johnston Central Library in the Farnham Centre in Cavan on Monday. The programme is delivered by researchers from Technological University Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre. Funded by Research Ireland, the initiative will roll out in public libraries across Ireland throughout 2026 in partnership with Libraries Ireland, managed by the Local Government Management Agency.

Age-Friendly AI was developed in partnership with older adults and leading ageing-focused organisations across Ireland. This training programme follows a year-long public dialogue exploring their hopes, concerns and expectations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Accompanying resources and training materials for librarians and other educators will support lifelong learning in their communities.

Speaking about the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:

“As technology accelerates, we must ensure our progress is measured not just by the speed of innovation, but by its inclusivity. No citizen should be left behind in the wake of advancement. That is why the work being done through ADAPT’s Age-Friendly AI programme is so vital, it bridges the generational divide, ensuring that the rewards of AI are accessible, equitable, and empowering for everyone, regardless of age. I was delighted to work alongside the team at ADAPT to arrange for the Launch of Phase 2 of the Age-Friendly AI project held in Johnston Library, Cavan, and wish the project continued success.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said, 

“Libraries Ireland is proud to support the Age Friendly AI initiative as part of our national Skills for Life programme. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of every community and play a vital role in ensuring learning is inclusive and accessible as society evolves. Already this year, we have seen Age Friendly AI engagements in libraries across several counties, and over the rest of 2026, libraries across Ireland will host a national rollout of the programme. Ultimately, this is about ensuring older people are part of the conversation on AI, giving them the time, support and confidence to engage at their own pace.”

Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre said,

“Ongoing dialogue, enabled by the #DiscussAI national conversation on Artificial Intelligence, is at the very heart of this programme. By listening to older people from the outset, we ensure that the individuals this training aims to reach are actively involved at every stage of the process. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is relevant and resonates with the real-life experiences and needs of older adults across Ireland.”

Paula Kelly, Age-Friendly AI Lead at TU Dublin, added:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the LGMA, Libraries Ireland, under their Skills for Life programme, as well as over twenty other community partners, to bring this training to every corner of the country. The Age-Friendly AI initiative isn’t just about teaching AI technology; it’s about making sure older adults aren’t left behind as AI becomes part of our everyday products and services, from healthcare to banking to staying in touch with family.”

The launch event began with an introductory workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by Paula Kelly. Participants explored what AI is, where it appears in daily life and how it is shaping areas such as healthcare, banking and communication. The session also examined both the benefits and potential risks of AI and allowed attendees to try AI tools in a supportive, hands-on environment.

The event also featured remarks from Paula Butler, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Local Government Strategy, Research and Communications at the Local Government Management Agency, who highlighted the role of libraries in supporting community learning and digital inclusion.

Following the formal launch, attendees tried out interactive demonstrations, including “Spirit of Radio,” a vintage radio with a modern AI twist; an “Art or AI?” exhibit that challenged participants to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork; and a voice-activated smart lamp.

The Age-Friendly AI training programme will continue to roll out in libraries across Ireland throughout 2026, providing accessible, community-based opportunities for older adults to learn about and experiment with artificial intelligence technologies. No previous knowledge of AI is necessary.

For updates on upcoming workshops and programme developments, members of the public can sign up to the Age-Friendly AI newsletter.

Bixdo W60 Pro At-Home Blue Light Whitening Toothbrush Review

The Bixdo W60 Blue Light Whitening Electric Toothbrush is a state of the art toothbrush you could say with blue light technology built into the head of the toothbrush itself and a first that I have seen other than those gum sheild type things you are left sitting in your mouth for long periods of time in your local dentist or as they call them here whitening treatment kits.

The toothbrush itself however is cool and comes on a nice stand and when charging gives off a super cool effect and an ambient light of sorts which would look nice on your bedside locker for example.

You get two brush heads in the box and your user guide the charging dock and cable which is USB-C, there is no app which I was slightly dissapointed with however there is a small screen on the bixdo W60 blue light whitening electric toothbrush., Also in the box you get a whitening guide for your teeeth if you are after those movie star or turkey teeth looks. Each to their own on that one.

There is a small display oin the front of the toothbrush and two buttons also there is a light at the bottom which is blue for charging and turns orange when brushing too fast or hard which is good and easy to see in the dark or in bright areas the sreen can be a hit and niss at times depending on the light in the room at time but other than that it is clear to read and easy to follow overall compared to others on the market.

This will not work overnight it must be added it will take time and there is several modes to use during your journey of getting whiter teeth which works great with their own toothpaste but regular whitening toothpaste will also work as I am usnig this now after using their own tube.

The modes are easy to switch between on your journey and overall this is a non complicated toothbrush to use which is nice to see and hopefully next time they do have an app as these give users a better push and programmes and alerts to keep you on your toes with a good brushing routine.

Features

01 – Convenient & Time-Saving: Whiten and brush in 3 minutes; no more extra whitening tools needed. Visible results in 14 days, up to 21 shades brighter

02 – Uses the same whitening science as in-office treatments: The same wavelength and energy 460nm blue light as in-office treatments to activate the PAP whitening ingredient to break down stains

03 – Gentle whitening for sensitive teeth: Gentler, costs less, and works fast

04 – Smart Brushing: Equipped with premium smart reminders found only in high-end brushes

 

Highlights:

  1. Professional Whitening Performance 

Visible whitening backed by third-party testing

  • Up to 402% increase in whitening in 28 days*

Based on a third-party clinical study with 32 participants using the bixdo Blue Light Whitening Toothbrush and bixdo Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste twice daily for 4 weeks. Whiteness and color uniformity were evaluated at multiple time points. Individual results may vary.

 

Up to 21 shades whiter in 2 weeks*

Equivalent to the result of a professional blue light whitening session.

Based on a 14-day third-party laboratory study using bovine teeth to simulate twice-daily use with bixdo W60 in whitening mode and bixdo Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste. Actual results may vary.

* Data derived from third-party clinical and laboratory testing.

  1.1 Professional Blue Light Whitening Technology 
    Professional-grade blue light brings clinic-level whitening home
  • 460nm Blue Light Wavelength

Optimized wavelength commonly used in professional whitening to activate whitening agents effectively.
  • 300 W/m² Light Intensity
Delivers stable, professional-level energy output to support effective 3D whitening.
  • Patented Energy Infusion System
Channels blue light directly to the brush head, reducing energy loss and maximizing whitening efficiency.
The system ensures high, stable blue light output, improving daily whitening speed and consistency.
  • Enhanced PAP Activation
Blue light activates PAP (Bixdo toothpaste) deep within the enamel, helping break down stains effectively while maintaining enamel integrity.
  1.2 Synergistic Whitening System: Blue Light + PAP Toothpaste + Specialized Filaments 
    (1) PAP Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste
All-in-One ACE Formula (4-in-1): Whitening · Brightening · Strengthening · Moisturizing
PAP Whitening Technology: Gentle, peroxide-free whitening suitable for sensitive teeth
2.7× whitening power without damaging enamel
Compared to traditional whitening toothpaste: Reduced sensitivity compared to traditional peroxide-based whitening; No enamel erosion; Targets stains both internally and externally; Gentle enough for daily use and sensitive teeth.

 

    (2) Multi-Filament Brush Head Design
Four filament types for effective yet gentle whitening
Tynex® Galaxy Filaments – Support deep, efficient cleaning
Tynex® Classic Filaments – Gentle care for sensitive teeth and gums
Perlon® Filaments – Efficiently transmit blue light to the tooth surface
Tynex® Indicator Filaments – Visual reminder for brush head replacement
    (3) Whitening Synergy Explained
PAP molecules gently target and break down stains
Blue light activates PAP, accelerating the whitening process
Faster, more effective whitening without increased sensitivity
  1.3 Targeted Removal of Multiple Stain Types 
Designed to reverse years of staining in daily use
Tested on 10 common stubborn stains (Black tea, coffee, red wine, chili oil, ketchup, soy sauce, curry, vinegar, grape juice, carrot juice)
Based on a stain-removal simulation using HAP blocks immersed in staining solutions for 24 hours, then brushed for 2 minutes with the bixdo Blue Light Toothbrush and Active Oxygen Whitening Toothpaste.

 

  1. Whitening with Deep Cleaning Power 

High-frequency sonic cleaning for daily oral hygiene

31,000 vibrations per minute (VPM)

Powerful sonic vibration technology delivers deep plaque removal while supporting whitening performance.

Balances whitening efficacy with everyday cleaning needs.

 

  1. Cost-Effective Alternative to Professional Whitening 

Comparable results at a significantly lower cost

Professional in-office whitening:

Typically $350–$1,200 per session

Often achieves ~12 shades whiter

bixdo Whitening Kit W60

Up to 21 shades whiter in 2 weeks*

One-time investment: $139.99

Offers professional-level whitening results with better long-term value.

  1. Smart, User-Guided Design 

Premium features typically found in high-end electric toothbrushes

  • 4 Smart Modes for Every Need

WHITEN+ for deep blue-light whitening

FAST for a quick 2-minute morning clean

DEEP for a 3-minute thorough cleanse

SOFT for sensitive teeth

  • Screen Display

Provides real-time guidance on brushing areas, AI monitoring, and smart reminders

  • Brushing Too-Fast Alert

The base light flashes orange if you’re brushing too fast and color-changing bristles remind you when it’s time

to replace the brush head, helping improve brushing technique and protect gums

 

 

  1. Reliable Quality and Long-Term Durability 
  • 180-Day Marathon Battery Life

Designed for extended use with minimal recharging

  • IPX7 Seamless Waterproof Design

Safe for daily bathroom use and easy cleaning

  • Travel-friendly Design

No charger needed for short trips. A one-touch travel lock keeps it safe in your bag, without any accidental power-on.

About Bixdo

Top 1 Best-Selling Whitening Electric Toothbrush on Tmall (China)

Over 40,000 units sold in just 3 months

Top 1 sales in the water flosser category in China

The only fast-growing brand in a declining market, outperforming the overall category trend

Winner of 35 international design awards, recognized for both performance and aesthetics

As a top oral-care brand, bixdo listens to users and works closely with leading dental experts —delivering innovation from cleaning power to user comfort.

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Video Review

Dublin City Council to roll out BikeBunkers

Dublin City Council is pleased to announce the BikeBunkers service to provide secure bicycle storage units for residents. The service is designed to make cycling more convenient and help address one of the biggest challenges for urban cyclists, the lack of secure and accessible bike storage close to home.

This milestone follows the success of a pilot project, where 12 bike bunkers were installed in selected residential areas to test demand and gather feedback. The results were overwhelmingly positive; every unit was fully subscribed, and residents strongly supported expanding the programme.

Building on this success, Dublin City Council has developed a comprehensive framework to deliver up to 300 BikeBunkers across the city. The framework will run for 10 years, with an initial 4-year service contract. Following a competitive procurement process, Bleeper has been appointed as the operator to commission, deliver, install, maintain, and service the BikeBunkers. This will be a budget-friendly, subsidised service supported by Dublin City Council, making secure bike parking more accessible to residents across the city.

Visit BikeBunkers.ie to explore the service in detail and find out how to register.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said, “I’m delighted to see BikeBunkers rolling out across Dublin. This is a real win for communities, tackling one of the biggest barriers to cycling by giving people safe, secure bike storage close to home. 

BikeBunkers will make cycling easier and safer for Dubliners, giving people the confidence to use their bikes every day without worrying about theft or storage. Rolling out BikeBunkers across the city is a real boost for communities and a practical step in making Dublin a truly cycle-friendly capital”

Jennifer McGrath Head of Road Safety and Micromobility Unit, Dublin City Council said. “This service is about giving people practical support to cycle more in their daily lives. By providing secure, affordable bike storage in residential areas, Dublin City Council is helping communities embrace cycling as a convenient, reliable, and sustainable way to get around.”

“Bleeper has been meeting the needs of Dublin’s cycling community since our shared bikes launched in 2018, and we’re delighted to bring that wealth of expertise to the BikeBunkers service” says Hugh Cooney, CEO of Bleeper. “We understand how important it is to have secure cycle parking, and we’re excited to be working with Dublin City Council to bring BikeBunkers to neighbourhoods across the city.” 

New BikeBunkers will begin to arrive in neighbourhoods across Dublin by the end of 2025, and residents can register their interest in using a Bike Bunker by completing a short form on the website BikeBunkers.ie.

This project marks a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable and cycle-friendly Dublin.

***See Image attached: L-R Jennifer McGrath, DCC Head of Road Safety and Micromobility Unit, Richard Greene, CEO Bleeper, Olatomiwa Bammeke, DCC Road Safety and Micromobility Unit, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam and Zewar Zyada, DCC Road Safety and Micromobility Unit”””

Bank of Ireland becomes the first Irish bank to be Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly

Bank of Ireland is the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly, with all of its 182 branches across Ireland and Northern Ireland now recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, as well as extending its JAM Card partnership.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a “non-visible” disability or condition that may not immediately be apparent to others. Those availing of the service can wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or pin to indicate that they may need a helping hand, or more time in bank branches, with Bank of Ireland branch colleagues trained to identify the Sunflower ensuring additional supports can be provided when required.

The JAM Card is another discreet way to let others know that you need ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support, with Bank of Ireland first becoming JAM Card friendly in July 2020. Customers can show their JAM Card in branches to let a member of staff know they need a little extra time or assistance when doing their banking and all Bank of Ireland branch teams have also been trained to recognise the JAM Card.

In addition to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Jam Card initiatives, Bank of Ireland is introducing a broader programme of customer accessibility enhancements, including accessible ATMs, simpler customer communications, and new supports for customers with hearing impairments. These changes are part of a wide range of accessibility improvements being carried out across the Bank following the introduction of the European Accessibility Act.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “Providing an accessible and welcoming banking experience for all our customers is a priority, and I am delighted that we are the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. We also recognise the JAM Card across our entire network, are installing 650 new accessible ATMs, and have improved supports for customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties with SignVideo – an on-demand sign language video interpretation service. These initiatives help remove barriers that some customers encounter on a daily basis, and we will continue working to provide inclusive banking services across our entire customer base.”

Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Bank of Ireland to ensure all their branches are now Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. I want to recognise the continuing steps the Bank is taking to provide an inclusive banking experience for all its customers.”

Doro Aurora A30 unboxing and UI walkthrough

Recently Doro introduced a new trio of devices to their portfolio for 2025 which was the Aurora A10  Aurora A20  and the device we have here today the Doro Aurora A30 the top of the range device.

Aimed at more capable seniors you could say this is a fully fledged Android device with their own Doro Easy Interface on top which you can easily switch around from one to the other and an important feature on board is TeamViewer which enables others to access the phone in real time for those in need, we can look at this later on.

A recent Doro study revealed that 51% of seniors worry about pressing the wrong thing on their devices, while 49% struggle with app navigation. To address these challenges, the phones feature three physical buttons for easy calling and a dedicated home key, making navigation simpler for all users, including those with impaired sight or dexterity. The devices, with the buttons and their streamlined interface, also provide quick access to Google Gemini features.  With loud and clear sound quality powered by Doro ClearSound, they ensure crystal-clear communication.

Over the next few weeks we will be testing this device out and if you have any questions need answering feel free to ask us on all our socials and do check out the unboxing video below for more and watch out for more videos..

Unboxing Video

 

The  Doro Aurora A30 features

  • Doro Secure™ Button – One-touch access to immediate support and assistance.
  • Doro Easy™ Interface – A simplified smartphone experience tailored for all users.
  • Loud and Clear Sound – Doro ClearSound ensures optimised audio for enhanced clarity.
  • Remote Support – Loved ones can provide assistance remotely, reducing stress and ensuring a seamless experience.
  • Eco-Friendly Design – Crafted with recycled materials, reflecting Doro’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Easy charging – The Doro Aurora wireless charger makes charging easy and seamlessly blends into the home environment. It is ideal for hands-free video calling and comes with a dimmable light to be able to see at night easily. Available for purchase separately to the phones or as a bundle.

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Other Doro News 

UI walkthrough Video 

The Safest Yet Budget-Friendly Electric Cars Ranked

A recent study by Bruning Law Firm ranks electric vehicles (EVs) based on a composite score that equally weights crashability and affordability. Crashability was calculated using fatal crash data for 4 years, normalized as crashes per 10,000 cars sold. Affordability was measured using each vehicle’s starting MSRP. These two metrics were combined using Min-Max Scaling to generate a balanced composite score. Rankings highlight EVs that offer the strongest combination of low crash risk and entry-level pricing.

You can access the full research findings here.
Hyundai Kona Electric ranks first with a composite score of 82, offering the best balance of safety and price among all models analyzed. With just 0.96 crashes per 10K cars and a base MSRP of $32,975, it scores high on both metrics. Though not the cheapest on the list, its lower crash rate contributes significantly to its top placement.
Coming in second with a composite score of 81, the Chevrolet Bolt EV delivers a strong mix of affordability and crash performance. With a starting price of $30,000, it is one of the most affordable options. It experiences 2.10 crashes, a higher rate than some top contenders, but its low MSRP boosts its affordability score enough to earn it the second spot overall.
In third place, the Ford Mustang Mach-E earns a score of 80, driven mainly by its class-leading crash safety. It logs only 0.29 adjusted crashes, the lowest crash rate of any EV analyzed. Its higher MSRP of $38,490 slightly reduces its affordability score, pushing it into third place despite leading in safety.
The Volkswagen ID.4 holds the fourth spot with a score of 76, providing a solid mix of safety and cost-efficiency. It has a moderate crash rate of 0.54 and a starting price of $46,520. While not the cheapest, its strong crash performance keeps it among the top five.
The Nissan Leaf secures the fifth spot, supported by its relatively low price point. Although the Leaf logs 5.39 crashes, one of the highest among top-half vehicles, its $28,140 starting price helps it secure a solid ranking. Its popularity as an early-market EV may contribute to its higher crash exposure.
Tesla’s Model Y takes sixth place with a score of 75, combining brand reputation with a well-rounded safety profile. With 1.01 crashes and a $46,000 MSRP, it maintains a balanced position aided by strong safety metrics despite a higher entry price compared to others.
Holding the seventh position, the Audi e-tron earns a score of 74 by pairing low crash rates with a luxury price tag. It shares a 0.52 crash rate but comes with a steeper MSRP of $49,800, making it one of the most expensive on the list. Its high crashability score helps maintain a competitive rank.
With a score of 73, Tesla’s Model 3 comes in eighth, impacted by both its crash rate and price point. It logs 2.56 crashes, higher than most top-10 models. Its $44,130 base price also weakens its affordability, pushing it to eighth place.
The Kia Niro ranks ninth with a score of 44, reflecting its imbalance between low pricing and high crash frequency. Despite having the lowest MSRP at $20,490, it has a strikingly high crash rate of 26.58. Its safety performance significantly reduces its overall ranking despite being the most budget-friendly.
Finishing in tenth place with a composite score of 28.99, the Hyundai Ioniq trails the list in both crash safety and affordability. It shows the highest crash rate of 29.05 and a price tag of $42,600, landing it last on the list. Neither metric supports a high-value position.

Vodafone becomes Ireland’s first JAM Card friendly mobile retailer in new partnership with NOW Group

Vodafone has announced a new partnership with JAM Card and NOW Group, becoming Ireland’s first JAM Card friendly mobile retailer. This partnership enables customers with hidden disabilities or communication barriers to tell staff in Vodafone 86 stores nationwide that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy manner.

The JAM Card (Just A Minute) allows people with invisible disabilities to discreetly request patience during daily interactions—whether in stores, on public transport, or elsewhere. More than 1 in 5 potential consumers have a disability, and it is estimated that almost 1 in 5 people of working age has a disability.

As a JAM Card partner, Vodafone will provide tailored eLearning training for all retail teams, equipping staff with the skills required to support people with visible and invisible disabilities. Vodafone retail staff will be trained to recognise and respond to the JAM Card, enhancing customer service in 86 stores, making in-store experience less daunting and more efficient for shoppers with non-visible disabilities, whilst fostering a culture of understanding and neurodiversity across Vodafone.

Welcoming the partnership, Jenny Hayes, Head of Consumer Sales at Vodafone, said: “At Vodafone, we want to make sure no one is left behind. Over the coming weeks, we will work closely with our retail teams and JAM to make sure our staff are equipped with the correct training to recognise JAM Card users nationwide, providing them with support they need. Uplifting our ‘Inclusion for All in the Digital World’ initiative, this partnership is a meaningful step towards breaking down barriers, ensuring that everyone who enters a Vodafone store feels welcomed and supported.”

Aligning with Vodafone’s Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) policies, the partnership complements initiatives already in place, such as the retail stores’ sensory hours , which are from 9-11 am every Wednesday. All Vodafone retail stores will feature JAM Card signage to highlight this service, setting it apart from competitors who do not currently offer this support.

JAM has seen significant growth, with 123,000 JAM Card users and 10,000 JAM Card app users since it first launched in 2012. Leading global brands are choosing JAM Card to make their workplaces more inclusive, efficient, and happier. Developed for and by people with disabilities, the JAM Card is easy to use and discreet, making it the go-to choice for thousands of businesses.

Age Friendly Ireland Convention Addresses Technological Challenges Faced by Older People

Up to 200 older people from across Ireland have gathered in Kilkenny for the Age Friendly Ireland National Older People’s Councils (OPC) Convention, addressing the pressing issue of the technology gap experienced by older demographics. The national annual convention at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel — held today and tomorrow (9 May and 10 May) — will tackle concerns surrounding online banking, a cashless society, and automated customer service helplines; offering potential solutions to bridge this divide.

The event, attended by Minister Mary Butler, TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People at the Department of Health, the Older People’s Councils and 31 local authority representatives, will feature discussions from panel speakers including;

  • Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service and Mark Harrington, National Manager, Healthy Age Friendly Homes.
  • Garret Doocey, Assistant Secretary from the Department of Transport with responsibility for Land Transport, Investment and Public Transport Policy will be discussing transport supports such as the travel assistance scheme, JAM card, Wayfinding centre and accessibility improvements to bus shelters, buses, age-friendly car parking and Age Friendly train stations.
  • Philip Hogan, CEO of Cliffrun Media, a Dublin-based technology company specialising in technology solutions for older individuals such as the ACORN Age-Friendly Smart Tablet, will be demonstrating technology that supports ageing.
  • Diarmuid Angland, a Department of Finance specialist, who is leading the development of a National Payments Strategy, will outline the meaning of digital inclusion and the implications of a cashless society.

The convention will include seven workshops, panel discussions and the opportunity to network and share learnings.

Hosted by the Kilkenny Age Friendly Programme and Kilkenny County Council in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland in Meath County Council, this year’s theme, Ageing with Independence, underscores Age Friendly Ireland’s commitment to building environments conducive to the well-being of older adults. There are approximately 806,300* people aged 65 and over living in Ireland.

Speaking at the convention, Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council and host to Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said: “This is the only conference of its type in Ireland that harnesses the collective voice of older people and brings that wisdom directly into local government, and to the multiple stakeholders involved in the Age Friendly strategic response to demographic change. There is a huge value for local government officials having this direct connection to the citizen voice.”

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service emphasised the vital role of open dialogue among older individuals, local authorities, and the Government. She said: “Older people are not a homogenous group, and it is essential that we hear from the collective voice so that older people themselves can co-design solutions to challenges. Over the past 15 years, they have done exactly that — and thousands of innovative initiatives have been implemented based on their recommendations. That’s the core principle that underpins everything we do in Age Friendly Ireland and the key reason why we hold this annual convention”.

Ms McGuigan added that there are technological solutions to support independence as we age such as telecare which includes personal alarms, pendants/watches with 24-hour monitoring and smart home packages.

Speaking on behalf of the Older People’s Councils, Ita Healy, Chair of the National Network of Older People’s Councils said: “New policies are forthcoming that will tackle some of our concerns, including the National Payments Strategy, which aims to resolve the issue of services not accepting cash payments. Support for choice in payment is widespread.

“Safeguarding is an issue when payments can only be made online and older people must rely on neighbours, friends and family members to make their payments and access their personal information. At the recent NGO forum meeting, the safeguarding element was flagged especially for domestic abuse victims as cash is often essential for them to get away from their situation. People in all walks of life need the choice to use cash when and where they want to”.

Hosted in Kilkenny for the first time in its 15-year history, Lar Power, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council said: “We are delighted to host this year’s National Older People’s Convention in Kilkenny, there is immense work being done by the Kilkenny Older People’s Council to further the mission of making Ireland a great place to grow old. I would encourage anyone who wants to have their voice heard to join their Older People’s Council. It’s an opportunity to engage with your local authority and to remind them about agreed programmes of work.”

Anne Marie Shortall, Age Friendly Kilkenny Programme Manager added: “In Kilkenny, we strive to make our county a place where older people are valued for their wisdom, experience and contributions to an inclusive society and community. Our programme is ambitious but so too is the need to change how we think about ageing and how we collaborate to deliver improvements in supports and services for older people. This annual gathering provides an opportunity for the national shared service to collaborate on how best to broach this change.”

Convention attendees called for older people to join their local Older People’s Council to ensure their voice is part of the conversation as the population ages. For more information on Age Friendly Ireland visit agefriendlyireland.ie.

Tech Review – AENO Premium Eco Smart LED Heater

It is coming in the Winter months now and it already has some reach for their electric blankets and turning on their heating which is what we do and no better time to check out a new Premium Eco Smart LED Heater from Aeno. This is the latest piece of tech for the home we have been testing out over the last while coming up to the Christmas Season.

This heater can be placed on the ground or wall/ceiling mounted so there is choice and does not have to be a fixed heater, today most people tend to use portable heaters and this is certainly portable and not only that it does no look like a heater at first glance, it literally takes two minutes to set up on its legs if you are leaving it on the floor and the job is done and you can still move it around the house should you wish to do so.

The design is quite nice it is thin 11mm to be exact and light and looks like a wide monitor PC screen when you first take it out and set it up, there is controls on the sides but you have an app to do other changes and set things up to your needs which is handy and we take a look at this in the video review below.

One of the standout features of AENO Smart Heaters is their ability to SMART Mode when it is needed to maintain a configurable comfortable temperature without loss of electricity to the air. All models of AENO heaters are more efficient than other types of heaters and heating methods (convectional heating, air conditioning, floor heating, central heating). The heating is done through infrared rather than convection.

The AENO app – techbuzzireland

Quickly and effectively uses the whole 700+ Watts of power without wasting heat and money. Panel temperature can be changed through the application from 120 degrees Celcius to 60 degrees Celcius change the range of temperatures from 700W+ to 150W+. It cost me about 8 euro a week to run.

It is twice as efficient as a conventional heater. Once the room is heated to a set temperature, the heater automatically switches off, not wasting electricity, while upkeeping the room temperature (in SMART Mode). Upkeeping the room temperature is always cheaper. You can save energy and money and stay warm for the entire heating season. Traditionally the portable heaters you find in electrical stores today are not very economical on your electricity bill and don’t tend to be too expensive and this is the reason why so if you want to save money and have a stylish looking heater spending the extra money pays off in the long run.

Finally being able to control this with an app you can have your room heated before you get home a the tap of a button if you have not set a timer which in the Winter months is a win and checking my costings on my meter vs this it does save money and does not have to be left on all day and you are total control.

Aeno Premium Eco Smart Heater | 240-AGH0004S | Black

Features and benefits

The perfect combination of fast heating and energy savings

  • Safe for children and animals Fall/Tilt sensor – auto power-off if fallen and notification to APP
  • WIFI Compatiable with IOS and Android – Set up wintin 1 minute
  • Efficiency – 100% uniform distribution of heat in the room, and as a result, energy saving
  • Infrared + convection heating method – Heat the Room up to 30 m3
  • Eco packaging and Eco friendly materials – safe, natural, durable AND only 11mm in width
  • Low power consumption – 160 Watt-hours to 700+ Watt per hours – Adjustable panel temperature 60 °C – 120 °C
  • Ambient Room temperature sensor in cable Provide a more precise room temperature reading for more comfort
  • Smart Control – AENO Mobile application – time setting, room heating temperature selection

The AENO Smart Heaters are available from Harvey Norman

https://www.harveynorman.ie/small-appliances/heating-and-cooling/heaters/aeno-premium-eco-smart-heater-240-agh0004s-black.html

Video Review