News

A diet high in protein, particularly animal protein, may help elderly individuals function at higher levels physically, psychologically, and socially, according to a study by researchers at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan. Men in the highest quartile of animal protein intake had a 39 percent decreased odds of experiencing higher-level functional decline than those in the lowest quartile. These associations were not seen in women.

The CSO is projecting the population of the Republic of Ireland aged 85 and over will more than double in 15 years. While debate surrounding our ageing population has focused on funding pensions, little of the discussion has focused on the over-85 category who, by virtue of the levels of frailty and complexity of care needs, may require residential care. Read more here.

A first-ever survey of patient and carer experiences of palliative care has been launched. The Let’s Talk About survey is being led by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) with support from the HSE.

The survey asks people with illnesses which may not be cured, in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, to share their experiences both good and bad. This includes people living with conditions such as advanced respiratory disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart failure or dementia.

Fear of crime is a major issue for older people, Bill Carson, Age Sector Platform writes in a piece for the Belfast Telegraph. He notes, however, that older people are still unlikely to be targets of crime. Read more here.