Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is continuing to champion lifelong learning and intergenerational engagement through a series of age-friendly initiatives, including the hosting of an Age-Friendly Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop at MIC Thurles on Monday 9 June.
Running from 11am to 1pm, the workshop will introduce adults to the basics of AI in everyday life, with a focus on approachability and building confidence around emerging technologies. The session will include small group discussions exploring themes such as hopes for AI in the future, concerns about its impact and ideas for making AI more age-friendly. The event will conclude with group feedback and a light lunch.
The event comes amid a wider calendar of age-friendly initiatives taking place across MIC’s campuses. Currently underway is an Intergenerational Music Project involving Dr Maria Varvarigou—lecturer in Postgraduate Studies in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at MIC—alongside Sixth Class pupils from Scoil Mhathair Dé and residents of the Sisters of Mercy Convent.
Taking place in early June, the project fosters connection and creativity between generations through shared singing and choral rehearsals. Participants are working together in preparation for a final public performance on 7 June, coinciding with Cruinniú na nÓg—Ireland’s national day of free creative activities for young people.
Earlier this spring, MIC hosted an Intergenerational Clay-Making Workshop in March, bringing together older adults and students in a collaborative creative experience. The College also hosted a Big Bealtaine Tea Party in May, as part of the month long Bealtaine festival—Irelands national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age—which highlighted the role of older learners as active participants in cultural and educational life.
These initiatives are part of MIC’s broader mission to make education accessible and meaningful to all ages. The College has recently applied for membership of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a designation that recognises institutions working to include older adults in teaching, learning, research and campus life.
Patricia O’Sullivan, Enterprise & Community Engagement Manager at MIC, emphasised the value of this work: “As a college dedicated to initial teacher education, MIC places paramount importance on delivering high-quality educational programmes. The College’s age-friendly campus initiatives over the past three years show our commitment to lifelong learning for all ages. We believe that everyone, no matter their age, should have opportunities and access to education.
We are committed to offering a range of programmes that cater to the interests and needs of older learners, as MIC aims to enrich their lives, promote their wellbeing, and foster a vibrant learning community. Offering older adults more access to the MIC campus and the education programmes provided by the College will also enhance intergenerational learning opportunities for our student body.”
Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at MIC stated that “the Age Friendly Initiative at MIC, is dedicated to addressing the needs of an aging population while actively challenging ageism and stereotypes, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.”
With an expanding network of age-friendly participants and continued collaboration with local communities, MIC is building a strong foundation for inclusive, intergenerational learning in the region.
The Age-Friendly AI Workshop at MIC Thurles is presented in collaboration with key stakeholders and sponsors, including ADAPT, TU Dublin, DCU and Research Ireland.
To sign up for the Age-Friendly newsletter or to request further information about Age-Friendly events, please email age.friendly@mic.ul.ie.
