Northern Ireland

From loneliness to tv licences: older people's survey reveals issues affecting day-to-day lives

More than 750 older people were surveyed for the Age NI 'lived experience' report
More than 750 older people were surveyed for the Age NI 'lived experience' report More than 750 older people were surveyed for the Age NI 'lived experience' report

LONELINESS, bus passes, TV licences and end-of-life care are among the main issues affecting older people in Northern Ireland, according to a major new report calling for change.

The charity Age NI surveyed more than 750 people aged 65 and over and found that a dramatic shift in policy focus is required to respond to their needs and future older generations.

They warned that by 2028, the north's older population will outnumber the youngest for the first time, with a higher proportion of pensioners than those under 15.

The 'lived experience' report asked people what matters to them most and its findings will inform next Friday's Pensioners' Parliament where older people will have an opportunity to put their questions to Stormont executive ministers for health, communities, infrastructure and the Executive Office.

Dr Paschal McKeown, Age NI director, said they believe everyone in later life has a right to influence how they will live their later years, adding that "decisions should be made with older people, rather than for them".

"If we are aiming to add life to years and not just years to life, this will need a dramatic shift in attitude and attention from our decision and policy-makers and society as a whole," she said.

The charity chief said the report "kick-started an important public conversation" which will begin with people's voices being heard in the Assembly chamber next week.

"The survey heard directly from more than 750 older people, on topics ranging from health and social care to TV licences, from loneliness to bus passes, from pensions and end-of-life care to digital inclusion: everything that is important to living well and supporting independence in later life," Dr McKeown explained.

"There's no doubt that Covid has shone a spotlight on older people, particularly with regard to health and social care, but this report has revealed other day-to-day matters which become major barriers to older people if they’re not properly thought through or considered."

David Trelford, who chairs Age NI's consultative forum, said the report ultimately showed that older citizens wanted to be able to access the help and support they need to "stay well, live as independently as possible, and to be protected from ageist attitudes and discrimination".

"The fact that Northern Ireland has an ageing population is something which impacts on us all," he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Older People has described a 35 per cent price hike in gas bills in some parts of the north as a "devastating blow" for thousands of over-65s already struggling with household bills.

Eddie Lynch has called on the executive and the utility regulator to look at "all reasonable measures" for those who cannot afford to heat their homes and make it easy for older people to apply for help.

"I would advise anybody who is concerned about their ability to meet these increased prices to contact their supplier urgently. Energy companies must do everything they can to provide a solution for vulnerable older customers who cannot afford these increases," he said.