Menu
01/10/2021
Wellbeing Of Older People 'Must Remain A Priority' - Hargey
Promoting the wellbeing of older people and ensuring they can enjoy life to the fullest "must remain a priority", Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said.
The Minister made the comments to mark the 31st UN International Day of Older Persons and the beginning of Positive Ageing Month.
The Minister said: "Promoting the wellbeing of older people and ensuring they can enjoy later life to the fullest is a priority for my Department. People here are living longer than ever and our older citizens make a significant contribution to society, whether that be volunteering, continuing to work or providing childcare. They have also shown fortitude and determination in overcoming the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"My Department continues work to create an age friendly community in which people, as they grow older, are valued and supported to live actively to their fullest potential, with their rights respected and with dignity protected. This includes appropriate housing to meet the needs of our ageing population, financial support to pay heating fuel expenses over the colder months and access to advice service to ensure individuals are receiving the support they are entitled to."
Linda Robinson, Chief Executive of Age NI said: "We welcome the commitment by the Minister to ensure older people live well and enjoy later life. Age NI's Lived Experience Report 2021 has identified the issues that matter most to older people and outlined a clear agenda for action for policy and decision makers. We look forward to working with the Minister and her Department on bringing about changes that will really make a difference to the everyday lives of older people, and not just for today, International Day for Older People.
"We know that older people want to play their part in local communities, and they are keen to be engaged and listened to when it comes to planning a better future for all of us as we age.
"With a larger proportion of older people in our society than ever before, the time is right to ensure Northern Ireland has fully age-inclusive services right across the board. We can all benefit from living in age friendly communities, where people are welcomed, get the extra help they need and are connected to the things that matter to them."
The Minister made the comments to mark the 31st UN International Day of Older Persons and the beginning of Positive Ageing Month.
The Minister said: "Promoting the wellbeing of older people and ensuring they can enjoy later life to the fullest is a priority for my Department. People here are living longer than ever and our older citizens make a significant contribution to society, whether that be volunteering, continuing to work or providing childcare. They have also shown fortitude and determination in overcoming the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"My Department continues work to create an age friendly community in which people, as they grow older, are valued and supported to live actively to their fullest potential, with their rights respected and with dignity protected. This includes appropriate housing to meet the needs of our ageing population, financial support to pay heating fuel expenses over the colder months and access to advice service to ensure individuals are receiving the support they are entitled to."
Linda Robinson, Chief Executive of Age NI said: "We welcome the commitment by the Minister to ensure older people live well and enjoy later life. Age NI's Lived Experience Report 2021 has identified the issues that matter most to older people and outlined a clear agenda for action for policy and decision makers. We look forward to working with the Minister and her Department on bringing about changes that will really make a difference to the everyday lives of older people, and not just for today, International Day for Older People.
"We know that older people want to play their part in local communities, and they are keen to be engaged and listened to when it comes to planning a better future for all of us as we age.
"With a larger proportion of older people in our society than ever before, the time is right to ensure Northern Ireland has fully age-inclusive services right across the board. We can all benefit from living in age friendly communities, where people are welcomed, get the extra help they need and are connected to the things that matter to them."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2024
How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?
Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.
How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?
Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.
30 May 2013
Two-Year Initiative To Tackle Fear Of Crime
A £60,000 initiative to tackle the fear of crime in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Department of Justice. The two-year project is to engage with older people to develop new ideas and solutions to address the fear of crime.
Two-Year Initiative To Tackle Fear Of Crime
A £60,000 initiative to tackle the fear of crime in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Department of Justice. The two-year project is to engage with older people to develop new ideas and solutions to address the fear of crime.
04 October 2011
Older Citizens Gain NI Commissioner
It has taken more than two years to be initiated, but from this week, senior citizens in NI are to have a professional voice lobbying on their behalf. The First Minister Peter D. Robinson and the acting Deputy First Minister John O'Dowd, yesterday announced the appointment of Claire Keatinge as the first Commissioner for Older People.
Older Citizens Gain NI Commissioner
It has taken more than two years to be initiated, but from this week, senior citizens in NI are to have a professional voice lobbying on their behalf. The First Minister Peter D. Robinson and the acting Deputy First Minister John O'Dowd, yesterday announced the appointment of Claire Keatinge as the first Commissioner for Older People.
02 October 2009
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI. Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue. The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI. Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue. The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
16 June 2023
1 In 10 Abuse Reports Made By People Aged Over 55
One in ten people who report domestic or sexual abuse in NI are over the age of 55, the PSNI has revealed as they urge people to stand up against elder abuse and help raise awareness of how to spot the signs.
1 In 10 Abuse Reports Made By People Aged Over 55
One in ten people who report domestic or sexual abuse in NI are over the age of 55, the PSNI has revealed as they urge people to stand up against elder abuse and help raise awareness of how to spot the signs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
