By Harry Toye

The East Meath Active Retirement Association’s (EMARA) recent annual summer party was a resounding success, a highlight event designed to foster community engagement and social interaction among seniors.

Held in St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Julianstown, East Meath, the event brought together almost 100 members for an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie.

A lively gathering at a charming venue. At the party held on June 27th, seniors treated themselves to a selection of refreshments such as tea, coffee, cakes, pastries, and sandwiches. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the nostalgic melodies of the ‘50s and ‘60s playing in the background. With the help of volunteers, the venue was transformed into a friendly space that promoted lively engagement between attendees.

Generous Support from Esteemed Sponsors

The event’s success was thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors, Freshways Food Company and Tesco Ireland, Bettystown. Ireland’s top food-to-go supplier, Freshways, generously contributed a wide range of fresh and tasty sandwiches, wraps, and pasta meals. In addition, Tesco provided a range of scrumptious cakes and pastries. A number of individuals brought homemade food or donated their time to the event as well.

According to Breda Kennedy, who led a team of volunteers in the kitchen, everyone raved about the freshness and deliciousness of the food. The support of Tesco Ireland, Bettystown, and Freshways Food Company was vital in allowing us to host a free party that our members thoroughly enjoyed.

Testimonials from Attendees

Maura Hand, the dedicated treasurer of EMARA, described the summer party as a fantastic experience. “I was able to squeeze in a jive to the fantastic 50s & 60s music, even with my financial obligations and helping out at the buffet.”

“The Freshways donation was exceptionally generous,” said Harry Toye, the committee member who coordinated with Freshways, “Diarmuid Shanahan, Managing Director, personally and immediately approved the donation and contributed even more than we expected. We greatly appreciate Tesco Ireland and Freshways Food Company prioritising local community support.

Why Social Interaction is Vital for Seniors

The summer party and similar events are essential for addressing senior loneliness and isolation. Engaging in social interaction has been shown to boost mental well-being, lower stress, and enhance overall health. EMARA is dedicated to providing its members with opportunities for staying active, engaged, and connected.

Quantifying the advantages of community engagement

According to research, seniors who engage in social activities are 30% less likely to be depressed and 40% more likely to maintain cognitive function. Engaging with the community improves both quality and length of life.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

EMARA is planning more activities and events to keep members engaged. Our regular meetings will resume after the summer break, along with new initiatives focused on fostering health, wellness, and social interaction.

Stay tuned for more exciting events in the coming months! Contact: Harry on 087 1349014 Website: https://activeirl.ie