Shaping Priorities in Ageing Research in Ireland

Outline of Presentation

Why priorities are important The work of CARDI Setting the context UN Framework Public policy context Research in Ireland Analysis Emerging themes Identification of priorities

Why Priorities are Important

Provide a strategic focus Offer opportunities for collaboration Wider ownership Enable us to be more effective Direct resources where they are most

needed

CARDI’s Mission

To advocate and advance the ageing research

agenda by identifying, coordinating,

stimulating and communicating strategic

research on ageing and older people as a

means to improve the lives of older people in

Ireland (North and South) especially those

who are disadvantaged.

CARDI’s Approach

All-Ireland focus Identify, stimulate and co-ordinate rather

than do research Cross-discipline focus Research to inform policy and practice Promote the value of cross-sectoral working Commitment to disseminating ageing

research

Ageing in Ireland (North and South)

Setting the Context

Number of People aged 60+

Number of Oldest Old (85+)

Male Life Expectancy by County and LGD 2002 -

2004

Excess Winter Mortality

Ireland 19%

United Kingdom 18%

Austria 14%

Belgium 13%

France 13%

Luxembourg 12%

Denmark 12%

Germany 11%

Netherlands 11%

Finland 10%

Older People at Risk of Poverty

Older People at Risk of Poverty

ROI 14% 2006 (1)

NI 20% 2005 (2)

(1) Office for Social Inclusion(2) Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2006

Ageing and Disability

Age and Disability ROIAll 65+ 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+

Male 26.6 19.4 22.2 29.2 38.1 51.4Female 31.9 18.0 23.0 32.7 44.9 61.8

Older People Working

Labour force participation age 65+Spring 1996 Spring 2006

ROI 15.3 14.5NI 6.0 6.7

United Nations Framework on Ageing

The Madrid International Plan of Action onAgeing (2002) - Changes in attitudes, policies and practice at all levels, in all sectors.

The Research Agenda on Ageing for the 21st Century - Developed by the United Nations Programme on Ageing and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (2007).

Public Policy Context

Research in Ireland

Ageing research is relatively new on the agenda Significant level of activity by small but growing

number of researchers Research dispersed and fragmented - little

integration or co-ordination Few examples of Ireland wide, cross sectoral or

interdisciplinary research co-operation Untapped relevant resources - both public and

private Opportunity for greater impact on policy

Research in Ireland

CARDI’s mapping exercise found a focus of research projects on:

- social participation and integration

- biomedical

- healthy ageing

- care systems

A very small number of cross-border research initiatives

Older People's Top 10 Concerns

• Independence

• Access to health care

• Family values

• Physical health

• Price and availability of fuel

• Crime and security

• Access to good public transport

• Changes in climate and environment

• Price and quality of food

• Social cohesion in your area

Source: Age Concern (2005)

Analysis

There is a need to: Have good health and quality of life Recognise the contribution and value of

older people Recognise the wide diversity of older

people Focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable

groups Plan and design services that meet the

needs of older people

Emerging ThemesThree emerging themes are:

Priorities

Under these three headings what do you consider as priorities for research - now and in the future? Healthy ageing Tackling inequalities in later life Age friendly services

Are there missing areas? What happens next?

Finally

Thank you for your time and interest

www.cardi.ie