Age NI continues call for the ageing population to be a priority in the Programme for Government

With latest figures from NISRA revealing that the number of people aged 65 and over in Northern Ireland is projected to increase by almost 50% by mid-2047, Age NI is continuing to call for our ageing population to be made a priority in the Programme for Government. 

 Linda Robinson BEM, Chief Executive of Age NI said: 

“The latest figures from NISRA only confirm what we have already known for a long time, that the ageing population is growing rapidly. 

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. 

This requires 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.” 

Age NI is 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. 
• Support and protection for older workers