Case Studies / Age Action
Challenging self-directed ageism through inclusive, community-based learning.
Product & Service
Facilitator-Led Training
Use Cases
Positive Ageing
Key Challenges
Translate complex research into practical learning.
Approach sensitive experiences of ageing with care.
Key Features
Four-part facilitated workshop
Multimedia resources
Age Action is Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation for older people and ageing. Its work supports a society where everyone can participate fully as they grow older, without facing discrimination, exclusion or limiting assumptions based on age.
As part of this work, Age Action wanted to explore self-directed ageism: the ways in which people can internalise ageist messages and allow them to influence their confidence, identity, health choices and participation in society.
Cobblestone Learning worked with Age Action to transform this complex subject into an accessible four-part workshop programme. The resulting toolkit combined research, lived experience, facilitated discussion and personal reflection to help participants recognise and challenge ageist beliefs.
We have worked since 1992 to create change in Ireland by building an inclusive and age-positive society. We make our vision a reality through advocacy, DIY services in people’s homes and education.
The Challenge:
Self-directed ageism is a complex and deeply personal subject. It can be shaped by language, media, social expectations and experiences across areas such as health, relationships, work and community participation.
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- Age Action required a learning programme that could introduce these topics without becoming overly academic or prescriptive. Participants needed space to reflect on their own experiences, discuss difficult subjects and consider how ageist assumptions may affect their everyday decisions.
- The programme also needed to be accessible to participants with different levels of digital confidence. It had to work effectively in community settings without requiring learners to use personal devices or access online learning.
- Finally, Age Action needed a toolkit that facilitators could use confidently. The materials had to provide enough structure for consistent delivery while remaining flexible enough to suit different groups, venues and facilitation styles.
The Solution:
Cobblestone Learning designed and developed a complete facilitator-led programme consisting of four three-hour workshops. Using our Engage, Study, Practice, Summarise methodology, we structured each workshop to balance new information with conversation, reflection and practical application. Complex academic and policy research was translated into clear activities that participants could connect to their own lives.
The workshops explored themes including ageist language, identity, media representation, health and social care, sexual expression and healthy ageing. Each theme was approached through discussion, storytelling, group exercises and guided reflection. Activities included photographic icebreakers, “Did You Know?” discussions, scenario-based exercises and reflective journalling. Participants were encouraged to share experiences, question common assumptions and identify practical ways to challenge self-directed ageism.
Designed with older people, not simply for them
Co-design was central to the development process. We worked closely with Age Action, advisory groups and older adult participants throughout the project. Their feedback informed the language, examples, activities, workshop structure and facilitator guidance.
Materials were refined through participant testing and iterative review. Particular attention was given to language clarity, emotional impact, accessibility and the way sensitive subjects were introduced. This process ensured that the programme reflected the lived experiences of older people rather than relying solely on research or expert opinion.
A complete facilitation toolkit
The final toolkit provided facilitators with everything required to plan and deliver the programme. Detailed facilitator guides were developed for each workshop, with learning objectives, timings, activity instructions, discussion prompts and supporting notes. Practical guidance covered areas such as room setup, technology, accessibility and participant engagement.
The toolkit was designed to support both experienced and first-time facilitators. Workshop plans aligned directly with the presentation slides and participant resources, creating a clear and consistent delivery experience. The modular structure also gave facilitators flexibility to adapt activities to different audiences, delivery settings and time constraints.
Participatory and reflective learning
The learning experience was built around participation rather than passive presentation. Group discussions allowed participants to learn from one another and recognise shared experiences. Scenarios demonstrated how self-directed ageism can influence everyday choices, while journalling activities provided space for more private reflection.
The workshops also included opportunities for personal action planning. Participants could consider what they wanted to change in their own thinking, language or behaviour following the programme. This blend of conversation, reflection and practical action helped make a sensitive topic approachable and relevant.
The Result:
Cobblestone Learning delivered a complete four-workshop learning programme that enabled Age Action to address self-directed ageism through accessible and engaging community-based learning.
The programme brought together research, facilitation, multimedia and lived experience in a format that encouraged meaningful discussion and personal reflection. Participants were supported to explore how ageist beliefs can influence confidence, wellbeing, relationships and participation.The facilitator toolkit gave Age Action a practical and reusable resource that could be delivered across c ommunity, educational and advocacy settings. Its modular structure allowed facilitators to adapt the experience while maintaining clear learning outcomes and a consistent standard of delivery.
The programme launched nationally during Positive Ageing Week, supporting Age Action’s wider goal of promoting equality, participation and more positive experiences of ageing across Ireland.
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