We continue our mini-interview series with the Velo-city 2019 Keynote Speakers! #VC19Keynote #MeetTheSpeakers #CyclingForTheAges

Dr. Orna Donoghue is the Project Manager for The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) which is a large-scale nationally representative cohort study of over 8,000 community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and over resident in Ireland.

Orna is responsible for the overall planning, execution and management of the TILDA data collection process to facilitate TILDA research and policy objectives. Her current research interests focus on the factors influencing walking and mobility in older Irish adults, with a particular focus on how these can predict adverse outcomes such as falls, disability and cognitive decline.

What does cycling for the ages mean to you?

Cycling for the ages should promote opportunities and inclusivity, while considering age-specific needs and abilities to promote safe, accessible and enjoyable cycling for all.

How will the city of the future look like taking into consideration the gaps in the developing and developed world?

The global population is ageing rapidly with huge increases in the older age groups projected in the coming decades. This is a challenge for all countries but it is happening more quickly in developing countries. All cities of the future will need to adapt the physical and built environment, ensure appropriate services are available and easily accessible and cultivate social opportunities to promote better health and quality of life for all. 

What do you expect from Velo-city 2019 Dublin?

I am excited to hear more about existing and planned cycling and walking programmes, the experiences of those providing these programmes and the impact on transport patterns, health, social participation, safety, and the environment. 

Dr Orna Donoghue is a speaker in the third plenary session of Velo-city 2019 Dublin, entitled “The Importance of Being Happy & Healthy” to take place on Wednesday, June 26th 2019 at 9.00-10.00.
For more information on the Velo-city Programme, Exhibition and Registration go to: https://www.velo-city2019.com 
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