Demography

Britain’s public transport system is failing older people, according to a new study. A third of British pensioners never use public transport despite being eligible for a free bus pass, and half use it less than once a month. The most common complaint from those aged 65 and over was that public transport is “not convenient and does not go where you want”, the report (pdf) by the International Longevity Centre thinktank and charity Age UK found.

The ROI Government is forcing older people into nursing homes by failing to provide support to allow them to continue living at home, according to a charity that provides services for older people. The Alone organisation said a third of those in nursing home care with low to medium dependency needs could live at home if they were supported to do so. Official policy supports the concept of ageing at home but sufficient funds are not being invested, it claimed.

Helen Mirren has spoken out about the “ridiculous” casting choices in Hollywood that have led to older men with younger female love interests. The 69-year-old actor, who won an Oscar in 2007 for her role in The Queen, has criticised the film industry for its sexism and ageism against older actresses. Read more here.

The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a Festival Of Ideas, including an International Dementia Conference in Birmingham on 3 and 4 November 2015.  Further information can be found via the following links;-

http://www.festivalofideas.org.uk/

http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/ideas/big-ask

http://dementia.stir.ac.uk/international-dementia-conference

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Ireland in developing initiatives that bring the
older and younger generations together. In 2012, in recognition of that, Age Action Ireland developed a mapping

A finance expert at Murdoch University has hypothesised that a worldwide ageing population could result in a natural reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions without the need for policy interventions.