Menu
13/09/2006
Charity reveals high rate of death among elderly during winter
Help the Aged have announced that more than 1,500 elderly people in Northern Ireland have died over the winters from 2000.
Around 290 people aged over 65 died between December and March last year, it was stated.
Duane Farrell, Head of Policy, Research and Communications at Help the Aged commented: "It is a scandal, in a country as developed as Northern Ireland, that any older person should die cold and alone in the winter months."
Help the Aged has compiled a table of mortality figures, which puts the winter death figures for 2004/5 for people over the age of 65 into context against a number of other causes of death in Northern Ireland.
The charity said avoidable winter deaths come seventh in this table - roughly equalling the figures recorded in 2004 for deaths from breast cancer and leukaemia, and is double that recorded for suicide and transport accidents.
Farrell added: "All deaths, caused by whatever reason, are sad and often tragic but deaths in winter are not only large in number but also often avoidable. Action needs to be taken now and continually throughout the year if this terrible toll is to be reduced."
Over the coming months, the Help the Aged Winter Deaths Campaign aims to raise awareness about avoidable winter deaths and ensure older people have information about how to prepare for winter and beat the cold.
Over the coming months the charity`s Winter Deaths Campaign will:
Mervyn Kohler, head of Public Affairs at Help the Aged commented: "The most urgent need is for the Government to boost the cash available to older people through the winter fuel payment."
Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the scheme is being urged to contact Help the Aged.
(DS)
Around 290 people aged over 65 died between December and March last year, it was stated.
Duane Farrell, Head of Policy, Research and Communications at Help the Aged commented: "It is a scandal, in a country as developed as Northern Ireland, that any older person should die cold and alone in the winter months."
Help the Aged has compiled a table of mortality figures, which puts the winter death figures for 2004/5 for people over the age of 65 into context against a number of other causes of death in Northern Ireland.
The charity said avoidable winter deaths come seventh in this table - roughly equalling the figures recorded in 2004 for deaths from breast cancer and leukaemia, and is double that recorded for suicide and transport accidents.
Farrell added: "All deaths, caused by whatever reason, are sad and often tragic but deaths in winter are not only large in number but also often avoidable. Action needs to be taken now and continually throughout the year if this terrible toll is to be reduced."
Over the coming months, the Help the Aged Winter Deaths Campaign aims to raise awareness about avoidable winter deaths and ensure older people have information about how to prepare for winter and beat the cold.
Over the coming months the charity`s Winter Deaths Campaign will:
- Raise awareness about avoidable winter deaths
- Ensure that older people have information about how to prepare for the winter and beat the cold
- Challenge behaviour and attitudes about winter
- Challenge the Government and energy providers to ensure existing help is better targeted and to co-ordinate their approach more effectively
Mervyn Kohler, head of Public Affairs at Help the Aged commented: "The most urgent need is for the Government to boost the cash available to older people through the winter fuel payment."
Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the scheme is being urged to contact Help the Aged.
(DS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2011
Cold Comfort As Winter Deaths Fall
One of the coldest and harshest winters to hit NI in memory failed to cause any rise in the levels of winters mortalities. Despite the cold weather, last winter (December 2010 - March 2011) there was in fact a fall in the number of deaths registered.
Cold Comfort As Winter Deaths Fall
One of the coldest and harshest winters to hit NI in memory failed to cause any rise in the levels of winters mortalities. Despite the cold weather, last winter (December 2010 - March 2011) there was in fact a fall in the number of deaths registered.
24 August 2022
Jet2 Announces Two New 'Winter Sun' Destinations
Jet2 has announced two new 'Winter Sun' destinations from Belfast International Airport for their 2023/24 programme. Winter holidaymakers will now be able to travel direct from Belfast to both Malaga and Faro. The new routes are part of a wider Winter Sun programme from Jet2.
Jet2 Announces Two New 'Winter Sun' Destinations
Jet2 has announced two new 'Winter Sun' destinations from Belfast International Airport for their 2023/24 programme. Winter holidaymakers will now be able to travel direct from Belfast to both Malaga and Faro. The new routes are part of a wider Winter Sun programme from Jet2.
21 February 2013
Bootcamp Offers Employment Boost
A Graduate Winter Bootcamp at the University of Ulster to boost graduates' employment prospects has proved so popular that organisers are planning a series of similar events for the future. The two-day forum attracted more participants than expected and those who were unable to secure a place will be enrolled in the next session.
Bootcamp Offers Employment Boost
A Graduate Winter Bootcamp at the University of Ulster to boost graduates' employment prospects has proved so popular that organisers are planning a series of similar events for the future. The two-day forum attracted more participants than expected and those who were unable to secure a place will be enrolled in the next session.
31 January 2011
NIHE Winter Woes Back In Focus
Harsh weather compensation is in the news again as a Sinn Fein MLA and member of the Stormont Social Development Committee seeks clarification with regards to a compensation scheme for those NI Housing Executive tenants who had their property damaged as a result of the severe winter weather over Christmas.
NIHE Winter Woes Back In Focus
Harsh weather compensation is in the news again as a Sinn Fein MLA and member of the Stormont Social Development Committee seeks clarification with regards to a compensation scheme for those NI Housing Executive tenants who had their property damaged as a result of the severe winter weather over Christmas.
01 March 2006
Soaring costs trigger electricity price rise
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has announced domestic tariffs will rise by 10.8% from April 1, on the back of soaring international fuel prices. Following consultation with the energy regulator and the Consumer Council, NIE said that the increase brings electricity prices to the western European average of 11.6p per unit.
Soaring costs trigger electricity price rise
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has announced domestic tariffs will rise by 10.8% from April 1, on the back of soaring international fuel prices. Following consultation with the energy regulator and the Consumer Council, NIE said that the increase brings electricity prices to the western European average of 11.6p per unit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
