You are never too old for new adventures – Jacquie Lynskey

After 28 years with COPE Galway, Jacquie Lynskey, Head of Senior Support Service, is moving on to pastures new. Jacquie reflects on her time with COPE Galway and tells us how her perspective on ageing has changed for the better. 

Joining as CEO in 1997, a position she held for 24 years before becoming Head of Senior Support Service, Jacquie looks back on her time with COPE Galway and feels an “overriding sense of pride” for the charity, for its clients, staff and supporters.

“I feel very lucky to have worked in this organisation. It has always been so much more than a job. It has been my life.”

Jacquie started with COPE Galway when it had a much smaller workforce across its homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services. With just 40 staff at the time, senior roles were more broadly shared and Jacquie, alongside her CEO duties, took on additional oversight responsibilities for the Senior Support Service. When she stepped down as CEO, applying for the newly available Head of Senior Support Service role felt like a natural next step. 

Jacquie says her perspective on ageing has also evolved in a positive way and her experiences in COPE Galway gave her the courage to change careers at this stage of life.

“Many people reach their 60s and feel how they’re going to end up as an older person is predetermined. But we have control of our ageing journey. I’m not sure I’d see that if I hadn’t worked here.”

According to the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Life Expectancy index, people in Ireland can expect to live to 82 years. Jacquie notes this longer life expectancy is down to improved living conditions, medical care and a realisation that many factors contributing to a positive ageing experience are within our control. 

When it comes to embracing our ageing journey, Jacquie notes that education and public information is key. She emphasises that we can continue to live productive, fulfilling lives if we plan for them, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of older people in our communities today:

“While a common misconception on ageing sees older people as frail and dependent, the reality is often the complete opposite. Most people over 70 are engaging in and enriching their communities. Nowadays, 60 feels like the new 40!”

For others who find themselves at a transitional point in their lives, or who want to try something new like Jacquie, there’s one reminder she will always emphasise – you are never too old!

We wish Jacquie the very best with her adventures ahead and thank her for continuously working to uplift people to promote lasting change in our community.