Positive Ageing

Hilary painting Maisie at Ballymoney house in Northern Ireland

The star of Positive Ageing month, which was held in Autumn 2024, was 106 year old Maisie Allison, a resident in a supported sheltered house in Ballymoney.

Across Abbeyfield & Wesley in Northern Ireland, residents and tenants got involved with all sorts of activities and events and Maisie really enjoyed taking part in the celebrations honouring the contribution older people make to society. 

Maisie Allison

Following some very positive press coverage in the Causeway Coast area, local artist Hilary McMichael got in touch. Hilary said she has always wanted to paint portraits of older members of the community and wondered if it would be something she could offer to do for Abbeyfield.  

Hilary was keen to paint the portraits in a communal area of the house, to prompt conversations and interactions. She also brought along additional painting materials in case any of the residents wanted to have a go or rekindle a talent they perhaps haven’t used in a long time. Several residents in our Abbeyfield Ballymoney house were happy to have their portraits painted, including our oldest Abbeyfield & Wesley resident, Maisie Allison who is now looking forward to her 107’s birthday. The residents greatly enjoyed the experienced, and we plan to hold an exhibition of the work sometime in 2025.