Poor diet among older people is an important public health issue, particularly as malnutrition contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Research suggests that older adults are particularly vulnerable to a compromised nutritional intake due to a range of physical, economic and social factors which influence food access, choice and behaviour. As a result, CARDI funded a study on demographic and socio-economic influences on food expenditure as part of its data mining programme in 2011. The resulting report, Age, income and food in Ireland (Bantry White et al., 2011) seeks to contribute to the emerging evidence base on food poverty and diet in older Irish people. It examines the demographic and socio-economic influences on food expenditure in the older populations in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Read the research briefing paper here. Read the research briefing paper here.

Full research report Inequalities in old age, Ireland, North and South

CARDI Director, Dr Roger O’Sullivan welcomed the research: “Reducing fuel poverty is an important component in ensuring the health and well being of older people across the island of Ireland. In this time of economic austerity, vulnerable older people, particularly those living alone, face many pressures on their household budgets but it is imperative that older people are able to heat their homes effectively and efficiently. This report underlines the importance of initiatives that upgrade the energy efficiency of all dwellings inhabited by older people.”

The report ***Fuel Poverty, Older People and Cold Weather: An All-Island Analysis features a review of national fuel poverty statistics relating to older people as well as an analysis of excess winter deaths among older people in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

CARDI has prepared a briefing paper based on the findings of this project which is available at the following link: Understanding fuel poverty in the older population

7.12.2011

Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish adult population

Dr Karen Morgan, lecturer in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, along with two colleagues, examines the link between an active lifestyle and depressive moods and anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure) in order to examine how the physical and mental health of older people can be improved through changes in public health and other services, such as transport.

You can read the full report at the following link: Physical activity and core depressive symptoms in the older Irish adult population

CARDI has also prepared a research brief including findings from this project and two other CARDI funded projects. Download the briefing paper here: Physical activity and mental health in ageing

17.11.11

New research funded by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) finds that people suffering from two or more chronic conditions are 20 times more likely to report disability than those with none. The study examines the prevalence of two or more chronic conditions, known as multimorbidity, and its impact on quality of life and disability in older people.

11.09.11

Scientists at Queen's University have developed special motion-controlled software which helps people with mobility problems to play the console games. In a CARDI funded project, the team, led by Dr Cathy Craig, are designing and testing computer games using low-cost technology (Nintendo Wii) to enable older people to master in a fun way new skills that will improve physical and mental well-being

View the news item from BBC-NI at the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14484516