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Inequalities in old age: the impact of the recession on older people in Ireland, North and South
- Authors:
- PATSIOS Demi, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 13(1), 2012, pp.27-37.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This study investigated the consequences of the existing inequalities in older age in both Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Data was drawn from qualitative focus groups and analysis of existing data on social exclusion and poverty in NI and RoI. The analysis on publicly available data in the north and south of Ireland revealed few comparable measures on poverty and social exclusion. The study was, however, able to establish key pre- and intra-recession differences between older people in both areas. The qualitative analysis detailed the similarities and differences in the impact of the recession in north and south. In ending, the paper makes recommendations for improving data collection on measures which would allow policy makers and researchers to examine the current and future impact of the recession on the living standards and well-being of older people in Ireland.
Inequalities in old age: Ireland North and South 2011
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN IRELAND
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 12p.
- Place of publication:
- Dublin
The recession has affected many groups across Ireland. It has increased the risk of poverty in both Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). A previous study showed that the number of single pensioners in NI at risk of poverty had risen in the preceding six years. In ROI, while the rate of pensioners at risk had fallen, the research showed that there was heavy dependence on the State pension for income, and benefit cuts were likely to affect pensioners heavily. This follow-on study examined the impact of the recession across Ireland on the older population. Key findings showed that 23% of pensioner couples and 39% of single pensioners in NI have no income on top of state benefits. 93% of people aged 65 and over in NI benefit from the state pension compared to 91% in ROI. 45% benefit from other pension income, compared to 32% in ROI. As the income data shows for both NI and ROI, the groups with the lowest income will suffer severe consequences with any cuts to state benefits. In the bottom fifth quintile in terms of income in NI, single pensioners earn just £93 per week and pensioner couples earn £169 per week. The bottom fifth quintile in ROI earns €209.41 on average. It is these groups whose health, quality of life and lives will deteriorate with further cuts to state benefits.
Understanding socio-economic inequalities affecting older people
- Author:
- McGILL Paul
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 74
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report explores socio-economic inequalities and investigates whether there are inequalities that affect older people as a group compared with younger people, or inequalities that exist within the older population. It also examines how these inequalities change over time and whether they have a detrimental impact on older people or on a substantial number of them. Finally, it considers how harmful socio-economic inequalities can be reduced or eliminated and what the implications for policy-making are. Socio-economic inequalities are examined in three contexts. Chapter 1 examines evidence in Ireland, North and South, contained in research reports funded by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI). Chapter 2 carries out an analysis of spatial deprivation, specifically the proportion of older people in small areas of Northern Ireland with low incomes. Chapter 3 examines the earnings and incomes of older people in Ireland, North and South, including the impact of the first few years of the recession. Chapter 4 then sets out some of the general policy background to inequalities and outlines policy developments in Ireland, North and South. Finally, Chapter 5 discusses the policy implications with reference to the preceding chapters. (Edited publisher abstract)
Spotlight report 2008: spotlight on older people in Northern Ireland
- Author:
- HELP THE AGED IN NORTHERN IRELAND
- Publisher:
- Help the Aged in Northern Ireland
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 32p.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report looks at the issues that impact on the lives of older people in Northern Ireland to demonstrate both the positive and the negative, to discern how we treat older people and how, in addressing the issues raised, we can ensure that as many people as possible enjoy and maintain a good quality of life. Each section is illustrated by a number of statistical indicators based on the latest available figures, a commentary on the issues raised and quotes from older people themselves. Behind the statistics presented in this report are individuals with different life experiences, different circumstances and different needs. In common with any other sector of society, older people are not a homogenous group but individuals with a diverse range of views, lifestyles and experiences. However a significant number of older people in Northern Ireland do share a common ground: the misery of poverty, isolation and neglect. It is life for this group of people that this report focuses on.
A profile of older people in Northern Ireland: annual update (2015)
- Author:
- NORTHERN IRELAND. Statistics and Research Agency
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 126
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
The fourth in a series of annual statistical reports produced to highlight the socio-economic circumstances of older people in Northern Ireland, monitor changes in their circumstances over time and the factors that cause them to be at risk of exclusion. Chapters cover: population estimates and projections; health, residential care, community care and carers; numbers and characteristics of pensioner households; composition of low income pensioner groups; risk of falling into low income pensioner groups; comparison of low income groups in Northern Ireland and the UK; lifestyle, including access to the internet; fuel poverty; and crime. Findings reported include: that number and proportion of older people in the population is steadily increasing and is projected to continue to do so; as age increases so does the likelihood of them suffering a long term condition; and that households headed by older people were much more likely to be living in fuel poverty than other households in 2011. (Edited publisher abstract)
Community, consumerism and credit: the experience of an urban community in North-West Ireland
- Author:
- MANKTELOW Roger
- Journal article citation:
- Community Work and Family, 14(3), August 2011, pp.257-274.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The problems of debt and consumerism are global phenomena. For people on low incomes, consumer credit is often used to pay for essentials; these people pay substantially more for their credit than the better-off. The study addresses how global forces of credit and consumerism are experienced at a local level and what local collective strategies can be developed to counter such forces. The study was conducted in a relatively deprived, urban, public housing estate in the City of Derry, Northern Ireland. The community can be characterised as having strong links of shared communitarian values and informal systems of mutual aid, and weak ties into the wider world producing a sense of insularity, isolation and stagnation. The impact of debt and consumerism in the community was investigated using 4 focus groups held with representatives of key constituencies (women, teenagers, children and older people.) The constituent groups of the local community reported a diverse experience of strain, isolation, powerlessness and guilt. Five key themes were generated from analysis of the data; these themes described the consumerist pressures and reported the financial struggles and resulting threat to well-being. The themes are: the young consumer; being a good mother; celebration and ritual; the pattern of credit and debt; and managing and not managing.
Analysis of the future need and demand for appropriate models of accommodation and associated services for older people
- Author:
- PARIS Chris
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 99p.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This reports analysed demographic and policy trends to support informed decision making regarding future housing need assessment for older people; collation of information on the existing supply of accommodation for elderly people in relation to the distribution of the elderly population for Northern Ireland. The review examined issues relating to older persons’ housing and care needs: housing arrangements and preferences, independence and control; income, poverty and wealth; health and well-being; and neighbourhood and location. It identified strong evidence that older people wish to maintain independence in their own homes for as long as possible. In many instances, this would require at most small levels of assistive input. Some older people, however, prefer other options: moving to more suitable mainstream accommodation or accommodation combined with care. Research indicated that access to suitable housing is not perceived as a major problem by older people, but they are more concerned about the fear of crime, keeping warm in winter, loneliness, making ends meet (especially ‘asset rich, income poor’ households) and isolation.
Rural ageing in Northern Ireland: quality of life amongst older people
- Author:
- HEENAN Deirdre
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland. Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 76p.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This study investigated the quality of life of older people living in rural areas in Northern Ireland. It highlights the diversity of experience and addresses the many assumptions which surround ageing in a rural context. Its purpose was to provide an insight into the reality of growing old in rural areas by listening to the voices of older people in Northern Ireland to explore their experiences, perceptions and attitudes. The study comprised qualitative research involving a number of methods including in-depth interviewing, focus groups and participant observation. Four main themes emerged from the research: perceptions of rural living; attachment to place; access to services; and community cohesion and social capital. The research highlights the high levels of unmet needs in rural communities and the lack of understanding of rural living. Disadvantage in rural communities exists beside advantage and prosperity. Housing deprivation, fuel poverty, social isolation, difficulty in accessing fundamental services, and withdrawal of services are key concerns in these communities. The report concludes that there is a need for policy makers charged with delivering services to address the hidden and dispersed nature of disadvantage in these rural communities.
Policies for peace of mind?: devolution and older age in the UK
- Authors:
- McCORMICK James, MCDOWELL Eleanor, HARRIS Andrew
- Publisher:
- Institute for Public Policy Research
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 37p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
This paper considers the changing landscape of policy and practice for older people since 2000 and how this varies across the four countries of the United Kingdom. It reflects on UK Government reforms over this period as well as the early choices made by the devolved administrations, which have varying powers. Much more is known about policy inputs - programmes designed to improve older people’s quality of life - than about their impact. As a result of devolution to the three smaller countries of the UK, it is possible to identify the intended policy aims for older people, as well as the role of policies reserved to Westminster. In particular, the research explores how far policies have sought to improve well-being for all older people or for some, targeted for example on need, resources or stage within older age. The paper draws mainly on a desk review of published documents, supplemented by a small number of interviews with policymakers in each of the four countries of the UK.
The face of older homelessness
- Author:
- MCCRUM Joan
- Publisher:
- Simon Community
- Publication year:
- 2002
- Pagination:
- 89p.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
The population of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is ageing. Older people are more likely than younger people to be living in poor housing conditions. This combination of factors has led to a common incidence among older presenters in Northern Ireland of homelessness due to the unsuitability of accommodation associated with increased age and infirmity. Statistics are provided for the incidence and causes of homelessness among older people in Northern Ireland. Similar information is not available for the Republic of Ireland but county based figures are provided where possible.