Unlike England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland has no study to track the changing needs of older people. Delegates had an opportunity to hear presentations from researchers working on Irish (www.tilde.ie), English (www.natcen.ac.uk/elsa) and Scottish (www.radstats.org.uk/conf2009/index.htm)

Longitudinal Studies.
 

Discussion highlighted the value of such information to policy makers, business, the voluntary and community sector and academics, not only for health policy but also policies relating to social care, economic development, transport, recreation and culture.

 

The seminar covered a wide range of areas, with a focus on the challenges of gathering information from older people, especially on the more sensitive aspects of our ageing. As one speaker highlighted some members of the study often found it easier to talk about incontinence than income - both equally important in helping to plan for old age! 

 

In planning for our ageing population we need to ensure that we have robust data across the breath of issues affecting our ageing population. Longitudinal studies are recognised as the most valuable source but the substantial cost is often cited as a main barrier to their development. However, cost must be placed within the context of overall spend on ageing, for instance the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland spend £600million each year on the care of older people and this figure will increase as our population ages and our working population decreases.

 

Professor Frank Kee, UK CRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health, speaking at the event said “At no better time than during a recession do Government Departments need accurate data on the experience of older people in order to devise the right polices for the future. This will provide information to help reduce health and social inequalities and enable older people to be economically active for longer”.

 

Investing in research infrastructure is an essential component of our forward planning.