The Foundational Pillars of Age Action's Mission
Age Action's commitment to creating a society where older people are valued, respected, and live independent lives is underpinned by five core values: dignity, participation, diversity, social justice, and professionalism. These values are integral to the organization's programs, policies, and operations, guiding their efforts to improve the lives of seniors.
Dignity: Upholding Respect and Individuality
The value of dignity emphasizes treating individuals with respect and compassion, affirming their independence as they age. This means recognizing the unique contributions of each person and ensuring their autonomy is respected in decision-making. Age Action's Care and Repair service, which provides assistance with small household jobs, supports older people in maintaining their independence and dignity at home.
Participation: Enabling Voice and Influence
Participation centers on inclusion and collaboration, empowering older people to be active and influential in society. Age Action works to ensure seniors can make decisions and influence policies affecting their lives. Programs like the Getting Started digital training promote digital inclusion and engagement.
Diversity: Valuing and Responding to Difference
Age Action values diversity by recognizing the differences among older people and challenging discrimination. The organization aims to ensure services are accessible and effective for all older people, regardless of background, and works to prevent discrimination in various forms.
Social Justice: Promoting Fairness and Equality
Social justice drives Age Action's advocacy for equality in access, participation, and resources. The organization challenges ageism and works to reduce social isolation, advocating for positive outcomes in areas like income, housing, health, and transport. Influencing public policy is key to securing the rights of older people, particularly those in need.
Professionalism: Operating with Integrity and Accountability
Professionalism ensures Age Action operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. This involves being committed, responsive, and innovative, maintaining stakeholder trust, and delivering programs effectively. Transparency is shown through publicly available reports, and professionalism extends to supporting staff and volunteers.
Comparison: Age Action vs. Typical Senior Care Services
| Feature | Age Action's Value-Driven Approach | Typical Senior Care Service |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Driver | Advocacy for systemic change and individual support, based on core values like social justice and rights. | Service delivery, focusing primarily on day-to-day assistance and specific needs. |
| Empowerment | Empowers seniors to participate in decision-making and policy influence. | Often provides care for seniors, with less emphasis on their active participation in broader decisions. |
| Scope | Broad scope, addressing issues like ageism, digital exclusion, and poverty through policy work and programs. | Narrower scope, centered on direct, in-home care services or residential facility management. |
| Perspective | Person-centered and rights-based, viewing older people as active citizens. | Often operates from a clinical or needs-based perspective, focusing on health and safety metrics. |
Conclusion
The values of Age Action—dignity, participation, diversity, social justice, and professionalism—form a strong basis for its advocacy work for older people. These principles ensure that their efforts are effective, compassionate, inclusive, and respectful. By challenging ageism and promoting a more equitable society, Age Action demonstrates the impact of a value-based foundation in healthy aging and senior care. For more information on their comprehensive approach, visit the official Age Action website: Age Action Ireland.
Through advocacy, practical support like Care and Repair, and educational programs, Age Action works towards its goal of making Ireland a better place to grow older.
