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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.
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.
A flourishing society: aspirations for emotional health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland
- Authors:
- LEAVEY Gerard, et al
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 114p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
Commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland (NI), this report undertakes a review of the current mental health promotion and suicide prevention strategies in NI. Specifically it aims to: consider progress achieved against the recommendations within the existing strategies; to identify the actions within the existing Mental Health Promotion Strategy 03-08 that will need to be carried forward to a new strategy; to highlight gaps that will need to be addressed in a new strategy; to review the relevant international research and advise on its transferability to the NI situation; to consider approaches to building resilience at both an individual and community level; to investigate the development of population metrics to measure improvement in mental health levels; to provide advice and direction to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) to assist with the development of a new mental health and emotional wellbeing strategy.