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Understanding fuel poverty in the older population: research brief
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN IRELAND
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 16p.
- Place of publication:
- Dublin
Fuel poverty is defined as a situation where someone is unable to afford to heat their home to a level that is healthy and safe. It is caused by the interaction of high fuel prices, low income and poor energy efficiency in the home. The Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) funded an all-island study in December 2009 which further builds on existing knowledge on fuel poverty but with a particular focus on older people. It involved an analysis of existing data and research on fuel poverty, a survey with older people on fuel poverty issues in ROI and an examination of mortality patterns in NI and ROI. It also identifies the groups among the older population who are most at risk of fuel poverty and the implications for their health and well-being. Key findings revealed that the older population is principally affected the most, with each one degree centigrade decrease in temperature being associated with 2.6% increased total mortality. The risk of fuel poverty is concentrated among older people living alone across the island of Ireland. 29% of all older people in ROI live alone and 32% of older people in NI. Increasing fuel allowance will in itself not address the root of the problem which centres on energy inefficient homes, low incomes and rising fuel prices.
Coping with the cold – exploring relationships between cold housing, health and social wellbeing in a sample of older people in Ireland
- Authors:
- COTTER Noëlle, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 13(1), 2012, pp.38-47.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This study examined the experiences of older people in cold weather with a view to informing fuel poverty policy and service responses. A postal and online survey utilising an opportunistic sample of 722 older people living in Ireland and linked with a range of services was undertaken. Data were analysed in the context of socio-economic, health, and housing circumstances. Findings indicated that, during the period of extreme cold weather, half of the sample went without other household necessities due to the cost of home-heating. Overall, 62% of those surveyed worried about the cost of home-heating. Homes considered too cold were more likely to lack central heating and experience draughts. Staying indoors, keeping the heating on, and eating hot food/drinks were common responses to cold weather. Also, associations between living in a cold home and higher levels of chronic illness, falls and loneliness, and fewer social activities were noted. Implications for policy are discussed.
Age, income and food in Ireland: North and South
- 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
Poor diet and malnutrition among older people is an important public health problem. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to compromised nutritional intake due to chronic diseases, polypharmacy, low functional status and poor nutritional intakes. The report ‘Age, income and food in Ireland’ (Bantry White et al., 2011) sought to contribute to the emerging evidence base on food poverty and diet in older Irish people. It examined the demographic and socio-economic influences on food expenditure in the older populations in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). This research brief is based on the key findings from the study. It shows that there is a complex relationship between age and food expenditure, but behaviour is influenced by factors such as income, gender and level of social exclusion. Expenditure on fruit and vegetables is quite low among older people in Ireland, and there a significant prevalence of inadequate intakes of micronutrients such as vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B2. Improving the diet and nutrition of the older population in Ireland requires a policy approach in 3 areas: welfare and anti-poverty policies; health and nutrition policies; and food production and distribution policies.