News

The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is pleased to announce its brand new website design at www.ifa-fiv.org. The new look site continues to be a repository of information surrounding the IFA and its associated networks with up to date news, resources, projects and initiatives.  

Today’s older people are pretty good at paying attention to their general physical health and fitness. But it’s worth knowing that paying attention to social relationships and networks also pays off in maintaining a healthy life, writes Padraig O' Morain Irish Times. For example, people with good social relationships live longer than those who are isolated.

Doctors and scientists want drug regulators and research funding agencies to consider medicines that delay ageing-related disease as legitimate drugs. Such treatments have a physiological basis, researchers say, and could extend a person’s healthy years by slowing down the processes that underlie common diseases of ageing — making them worthy of government approval.

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.

The 26th Galway Film Fleadh (7-12 July 2015) will feature a short film in its documentary strand entitled Running Man which show that later life can bring new adventure and challenges. Running Man, directed by Ciarán O’Connor, is a touching portrait of Dubliner Chris Devoy, who put on his sneakers late in life and hasn’t stopped running. Read more here.

Researchers from RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) are calling on family carers to volunteer to take part in a research study which aims to address the absence of the carer's voice in health research. The research findings will provide information to healthcare planners and policy-makers in order to better understand carers' perspectives on caregiving and the process of entry to nursing homes in Ireland. 

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.

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice is hosting the International Conference on Palliative Care and Care of the Older Person in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, from 15th – 17th October 2015.

The conference theme is “On Life’s Journey…” and will explore and examine the unique life journey of people requiring palliative and care for older people services.