The Commissioner for Older People and Age NI call for Northern Ireland's ageing population to be prioritised in Programme for Government
The Commissioner for Older People and Age NI have come together to express disappointment and concern that the ageing population of Northern Ireland is ignored in the draft Programme for Government.
In an open letter to the First and Deputy First Minister, both organisations are demanding that a strategic and co-ordinated approach to the challenges of an ageing society is recognised by the government. The letter addresses the ageing population in Northern Ireland, the challenges this presents and the urgency for a whole of government approach in order to harness the opportunities of this demographic change and increase the quality of life for all.
Eddie Lynch has long urged Northern Ireland Government to recognise the needs of the ageing population in its policy framework. Despite sharing published advice to the First and Deputy First minister earlier this year, citing the demographic shift and the significant societal and economical challenges this poses, the 88-page draft Programme for Government has only two references to older people.
One in six people in Northern Ireland are aged 65 plus, and projections from NISRA indicate that this is likely to rise to one in five by 2030, and one in four by 2040. The Commissioner’s report, ‘At the centre of Government planning’ has warned that failure to prepare for this demographic shift could have devastating impact on already overstretched public services.
Both organisations are calling for:
- A strategic plan for an ageing society
- Transformation of and investment in health and social care
- Legislation to prohibit age discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services.
- Provision and protection for older workers
The Commissioner and Age NI are urging organisations and individuals to participate in the public consultation on the lack of representation of older adults and the challenges posed by an aging society.
Join us in voicing these concerns by making your voice heard:
Have your say
Respond to the consultation
The online Programme for Government consultation closes on 04 November
Write a letter to The Executive
Room E4.15 Castle Buildings Stormont Estate Belfast BT4 3SL
Send an email the Executive
PfGconsultation@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk
"We urge the Executive to listen to the voices of older people and ensure that this Programme for Government does not miss a vital opportunity to respond to the challenges of our ageing population and prioritise building a society where we can all thrive as we age."
Eddie Lynch, Linda Robinson, COPNI & Age NI
