In 2009, Jackie Flaherty visited a care home and asked a simple but powerful question: could later life be more joyful, meaningful and full of possibility? Determined that older people deserved opportunities to thrive, she founded the Grow Old Disgracefully Charitable Trust, supporting activities that brought creativity, connection and purpose to people’s lives. Through this work, Jackie found a natural partner in NAPA. Sharing the same belief that age should never be a barrier to dreams, ambition or adventure, the two organisations worked together to challenge stereotypes and celebrate what is possible in later life. In 2022, Grow Old Disgracefully became part of NAPA, ensuring that Jackie’s vision would continue to inspire generations to come.

Today, Grow Old Disgracefully sits at the heart of NAPA’s commitment to positive ageing. We believe that ageing is not something to fear or diminish, but a stage of life to embrace with confidence, purpose and possibility. Through campaigns such as Grow Old Disgracefully and the Living the Dream prize fund, we challenge ageism and support people to continue pursuing their aspirations, whatever their age. Ageism affects how we think, feel and act towards older people. It limits opportunities and impacts health and wellbeing. At NAPA, challenging ageism is a core principle. We champion the right of every person to live a life filled with meaning, enjoyment and individuality.
But we cannot do this alone.

By supporting NAPA, you are helping us continue Jackie Flaherty’s remarkable legacy and build a society where everyone can grow older with confidence, purpose and a sense of adventure. Join us in challenging ageism and proving that it is never too late to live life disgracefully.