Yesterday Belfast played host to Northern Ireland’s first major gathering of policy makers and researchers to discuss the possibility of a study to plan for our rapidly ageing population.

In Northern Ireland it is expected that by 2031 the percentage of older people will increase to 28%. The largest increase will be in the older old; the number aged 80+ is expected to triple by the same date. However, unlike England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland has no study to track the changing needs of older people.

The Centre for Ageing Research and Development (CARDI) and the UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health highlighted the importance of setting up a longitudinal study and the valuable evidence it can provide to policy-makers and service providers.

Three key areas the study can assist in strategic policy planning include pensions, health, and care provision. The study can help Northern Ireland position itself for the future in relation to labour market participation and how to access the potential contribution older people can make to society. A strong message on the need for reliable data was discussed.

“Perhaps, there is no better time than during a recession for Government Departments to have accurate data on the experiences of older people. Information from a longitudinal study has the potential to inform better policies to reduce health and social inequalities and enable older people to be economically active for longer”.
Professor Frank Kee, UK CRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health

Speakers from across the UK and Ireland stated that Northern Ireland is ideally positioned to launch such a study and action is warranted now to get the greatest returns from such research.

Ageing population is a major challenge to all parts of society and it is important that we are prepared. This study will provide unique information that will be of value to policy makers, business, the voluntary and community sector and academics.”
Professor Bob Stout, Co-chairperson, CARDI.

For further information please contact:
Kate Morris at 00353 867927684

Communications Officer
CARDI
The Centre for Ageing Research and Development
c/o Institute for Public Health Dublin Office
5th Floor Bishop's Square
Redmond's Hill
Dublin 2
Ireland
t:+353 1 478 6308
f: + 353 1 478 6319

www.cardi.ie