In 1975 Professor Bob Butler MD published the landmark book, Why Survive – Being Older in America.  He started off by asking what it is like to be old in the United States and what our own lives will be like when we are old. Many Americans, he found, consider it hard to imagine old age until they are propelled into it. This analysis maybe relevant to Ireland at the moment, both North and South, particularly in relation to the Positive Ageing Strategy consultation process (www.dohc.ie/consultations/open/positiveageing) and the proposed Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland. Here we asked to consider investing in policy and statutory positions to prepare for the years ahead. www.niassembly.gov.uk/researchandlibrary/2009/7209.pdf.

Increased years to life is the good news story of the 20th Century.  We experienced the greatest extension of years during the 20th century than in the past five thousand years.  With a million people aged 60 and above now living on the island of Ireland, (rising to 28% by 2031 in Northern Ireland, and taking until 2041 to reach a similar level in the Republic of Ireland) the significance of longevity of life cannot be underestimated. The greatest growth will be in the number of people aged 85+. This cohort will rise almost fivefold, from 74,000 to 356,000 by 2041. (Ageing Across Ireland - A Statistical Comparison – Forthcoming, CARDI publication.)

Increased longevity has brought with it a growing focus on the cost and burden of ageing. However, we must not see an ageing population as a financial dilemma. While there are particular financial issues associated with growing older, if we focus only on the cost of healthcare and pensions, important as they are, the immense contribution that older people make to society as carers and consumers is lost (www.cardi.ie/elibrary/cardiresearchbriefing). If increased life span is seen as a problem for  successful societies and talked about only in terms of a burden, then we need to reconsider our views of age and what we expect for ourselves in old age. If a nation cannot afford old age, we must contemplate the society that we are part of.

Indeed I was concerned to learn that the Department of Social Development is proposing to cease the analysis and publication of the Pensioners’ Income Series Northern Ireland (www.cardi.ie/news/dataonpensioners%E2%80%99incomestoovaluabletolose). In a time of population change there is a need for increased investment and use of such research data if we are to measure progress in poverty reduction among older people and improve the lives of our ageing population. It is essential that ageing research helps play its part in planning for demographic change. Effective strategies depend on our ability to use the knowledge of our research community, not just to accept it unquestionably, but also to challenge it. 

Finally, why survive? Given the choice between increased ‘Longevity’ or ‘Shortgevity’ the preference is clear. Now the challenge is to prepare for our old age and to make sure that the majority of us can positively experience this valuable part of the life cycle.

Roger O'Sullivan, Director, CARDI