Golden Opportunities

In the final episode we reflect on how the difficult days of the pandemic has led to unexpected friendships, possibilities, and connections. Today we hear about the different kinds of creative endeavours that have helped older people across Ireland to rediscover their uninhibited selves, as we turn once again to hope.

There is a freedom and lightness that comes from dancing and today we take a waltz around the sprung dance floor of the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance, Glenfarne, Leitrim. Couples reflect on the importance of dancing together throughout their lives, as they contribute to a virtual reality exhibition at the ballroom.

In today’s episode we drop in on the Community Time Machine project in Co. Wicklow that's addressing this challenge. Teenagers are put in contact with older people in their neighbourhood, working together on an interview and art piece, prompting conversations and new connections, aiming to build a stronger sense of community.

Today we encounter Doorstep Dances, a collaboration between VISUAL Carlow and Róisín Whelan Dance Company supported by Creative Ireland, Participants are engaging with Róisín from their doorsteps, building up their capacity for movement, and embarking on a programme of dance that expresses their unique personality and the music they love.

Today we encounter 'A Memory of Water', a project lead by artist Orlagh Meegan-Gallagher. Residents of Castleross Nursing Home, Co. Monaghan become immersed in memories of being beside or on the water, sparked by objects sent from beyond the nursing home, like seashells, sand or family photos.

As a child, you may have been told you could not sing, but Anne Woodworth, leader of the Bealtaine Choir in Waterford, disagrees. She believes everyone can sing and today we meet members of the Bealtaine Choir in Waterford aged in their 70s, 80s and 90s whose love of singing has kept them connected this past year.

This week we encounter Cork Cultural Companions. The initiative connects people aged over 55, helping them to make friends through arts and culture. One of the first events has been Tea & Ballet, where participants are getting to know each other every Monday over a cup of tea, while exploring the ballet Giselle, as performed by Cork City Ballet.

This week we meet members of the Dunshaughlin Choral Society as they collaborate remotely. Together they have been writing their own powerful song, expressing their thoughts on grief and loss during the pandemic.

This week we explores the joy of creativity as we get older and we meet Rosaleen Murphy, who says the IMMA outreach programme 'brings me back to me.'

Olive Galbraith's immersion in the outreach programme for older people at IMMA has fostered a joyous new lease of life, giving her a second chance at art, after having felt it wasn't possible as a child. 'Curiosity is your ticket' says Helen O'Donoghue, Head of Engagement and learning at IMMA. Produced by Grey Heron Media for RTÉ lyric fm