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.
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland has criticized the draft Programme for Government, stating it shows a ‘blatant absence’ of policies and considerations for the ageing population.
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.
Eddie Lynch, The Commissioner for Older People said,
“It is deeply concerning that once again; older people and the ageing demographic has been overlooked by government. Our ageing population is growing rapidly, and with it, the demand for accessible healthcare, appropriate housing and robust social care systems; ultimately putting immense pressure on public services.
“The blatant absence of policies and considerations to the significant demographic shift is both negligent and irresponsible. Failure to incorporate this guidance risks the health and wellbeing of older people and generations to follow. We cannot afford to wait until crisis forces action.”
Chief Executive of Age NI, Linda Robinson BEM adds,
“Older people have told us they feel invisible in the Programme for Government.
The fact that we are living longer is a cause for celebration and creates benefits for society through the valuable role older people play in families, communities and the workforce. But demographic ageing also presents serious challenges to our public institutions and the economy which require adequate preparation.
The challenges of demographic ageing require a whole-of-government approach to planning that prioritises the need of older people now so that we can be a prosperous, cohesive society well into the future.”
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.
The Executive Office consultation is open until 4 November 2024 and available at www.northernireland.gov.uk/PfG-Consultation. Alternatively, you can email PfGconsultation@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk or write to:
Room E4.15, Castle Buildings
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SL
