Menu
22/07/2009
Cross-Border Study Targets Ageing
A top Irish university is set to lead a cross-border research network which will explore healthy ageing in rural communities on the island of Ireland.
NUI Galway will co-ordinate the network, which is the first of its type and will draw on expertise in social care and public health, gerontology, economics, spatial planning and rural geography.
It involves NUIG's Irish Centre for Social Gerontology and its geography school; Queen's University Belfast and the Rural Community Network and Forum community group in Letterfrack, Co Galway.
The network, known as Health Ageing in Rural Communities, (Harc) has received grant aid from the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland.
The programme aims to promote North-South partnerships on issues affecting older people, and the research will involve senior citizens with the aim of improving policies and services.
Kieran Walsh, of the NUIG Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, said although there is an over-representation of older people in rural areas throughout Ireland, research into rural ageing has been limited to small-scale studies.
"There has also been a total absence of any cross-border coordination," Mr Walsh said. Even though there are many similar issues facing both regions, the cross-border and interdisciplinary study of rural ageing in Ireland has not been developed.
There is a lack of understanding of the difficulties and inequalities that face older people in rural areas, as well as the opportunities and benefits that are to be obtained from living in our villages and countryside.
The said that Harc will allow sharing of "existing knowledge, identify key research questions for future study and ultimately increase the capacity for rural ageing research across Ireland".
The cross-border network is one of six recipients of grant-aid recently announced by CARDI for all-island studies.
Trinity College, Dublin, QUB, the University of Ulster and the Quality Initiatives consultancy will examine different standards in long-stay care, and will also work with older people to draw up specific standards to meet the needs of those diagnosed with dementia.
The transport needs of vulnerable older people, especially in rural areas, is also the subject of another grant-aided study, which is due to be carried out by University College, Dublin, UU and Age Action Ireland.
(BMcC/JM)
NUI Galway will co-ordinate the network, which is the first of its type and will draw on expertise in social care and public health, gerontology, economics, spatial planning and rural geography.
It involves NUIG's Irish Centre for Social Gerontology and its geography school; Queen's University Belfast and the Rural Community Network and Forum community group in Letterfrack, Co Galway.
The network, known as Health Ageing in Rural Communities, (Harc) has received grant aid from the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland.
The programme aims to promote North-South partnerships on issues affecting older people, and the research will involve senior citizens with the aim of improving policies and services.
Kieran Walsh, of the NUIG Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, said although there is an over-representation of older people in rural areas throughout Ireland, research into rural ageing has been limited to small-scale studies.
"There has also been a total absence of any cross-border coordination," Mr Walsh said. Even though there are many similar issues facing both regions, the cross-border and interdisciplinary study of rural ageing in Ireland has not been developed.
There is a lack of understanding of the difficulties and inequalities that face older people in rural areas, as well as the opportunities and benefits that are to be obtained from living in our villages and countryside.
The said that Harc will allow sharing of "existing knowledge, identify key research questions for future study and ultimately increase the capacity for rural ageing research across Ireland".
The cross-border network is one of six recipients of grant-aid recently announced by CARDI for all-island studies.
Trinity College, Dublin, QUB, the University of Ulster and the Quality Initiatives consultancy will examine different standards in long-stay care, and will also work with older people to draw up specific standards to meet the needs of those diagnosed with dementia.
The transport needs of vulnerable older people, especially in rural areas, is also the subject of another grant-aided study, which is due to be carried out by University College, Dublin, UU and Age Action Ireland.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2002
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
23 September 2024
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
03 August 2022
Vigilance Needed To Tackle Rural Crime – DUP
The DUP has called for vigilance to tackle rural crime, following the release of the NFUs Rural Crime Report 2022. The report showed a fall of over 33% in the number of incidents over the last 12 months in Northern Ireland, but that the rural crime in Northern Ireland in 2021 was valued at £1.7m.
Vigilance Needed To Tackle Rural Crime – DUP
The DUP has called for vigilance to tackle rural crime, following the release of the NFUs Rural Crime Report 2022. The report showed a fall of over 33% in the number of incidents over the last 12 months in Northern Ireland, but that the rural crime in Northern Ireland in 2021 was valued at £1.7m.
17 November 2006
New support brochure for rural enterprises launched
As part of National Enterprise Week 2006, a new support brochure designed specifically for rural businesses called, 'A look at opening your business to new prospects' was launched at Loughry College, Cookstown.
New support brochure for rural enterprises launched
As part of National Enterprise Week 2006, a new support brochure designed specifically for rural businesses called, 'A look at opening your business to new prospects' was launched at Loughry College, Cookstown.
13 August 2008
Country Matters Up For Debate
Communities, organisations and individuals with an interest in rural areas are being encouraged to air their views on how issues affecting them could be championed inside and outside government.
Country Matters Up For Debate
Communities, organisations and individuals with an interest in rural areas are being encouraged to air their views on how issues affecting them could be championed inside and outside government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
