Older People Policy Statement

In updating its 1982 world strategy, the United Nations hasrecognised ageing as one of the three major challenges now facing the world. Older people living in Northern Ireland face particular challenges of discrimination, poverty and lack of recognition of the very positive contribution they make to their communities. In Northern Ireland there are currently 300,000 people aged over 60 (17% of the population). This figure is set to increase to over 20% by 2020 and to 30% by 2040.

Poverty and discrimination remain significant barriers to older people enjoying a full quality of life and it is imperative that these issues are addressed by our political leaders. Older people want equality of opportunity and the choice to work as long as they choose through flexible working patterns. They want to feel safe in their communities and to be full participants in society. However, attacks on older people continue to rise year on year and the issue of community safety is a current feature in the media. Older people want recognition of the substantial role they play in caring and family life, public health promotion, education and peer support. This adds up to a major social and economic contribution.

Those representing older people in Northern Ireland expect that government will implement theNorthern Ireland Assembly'scommitment to a Single Equality Bill which would extend to goods, facilities and services as there is limited legislation with regard to older people. The choice of older people as a priority under the current Promoting Social Inclusion Initiative is welcome as this initiative should begin to address some of the major issues of inequality facing older people, such as discrimination in employment opportunities, in health and in access to entitlements. Government should also recognisethat a great many older people are active, keen to work and volunteer and wish to see a much more positive image presented of themselves. The development by the Northern Ireland Executive of an integrated strategy to commit all departments and public bodies to ensuring that older people are included in every area of public policy is also to be welcomed.

Political parties and the Assembly should:

• Introduce free personal care for older people in nursing homes and in the community and ensure that assessed needs are met fully.
• Introduce free public transport for women aged between 60 and 65 until the equalisation of pension age.
• Introduce an entitlement to student loans for lifelong learners over 54 and reinstate funding for LearnDirect courses for the over 65s.
• Introduce systematic training for all public bodies on challenging ageism.
• Establish accurate details of current underclaiming by older people and increase uptake of benefit entitlements by 15% year on year.
• Provide free personal and home safety devices to all older people regardless of where they live.
• Establish a Commissioner for Older People with adequate powers and resources to protect and promote older people’s welfare and their rights.