We must plan for an older population

We have to realise that people are living much longer  and that the majority of children born in the developed world will live to be 100.

Older people represent a rapidly increasing % of the population. In the last census in 2016 Cork County had - 54,116 people over 65  which represented 13% of total population of the county.
It is expected that the world 65+ population will double in size from 11% today to 22% by 2050 and that will mean that for the first time in world history there will be more 65+ than under 5. 

These were some of the figures given by Cork County Older Peoples  Council  (OPC) Vice Chairperson Liz Downes at a Health Information Seminar organised by Cork County Muintir na Tire and hosted by Glanworth Community Council.

The OPC  brings the concerns and experiences of older people to the Age Friendly Alliance and is the voice of older people to the decision making process of the Age Friendly Initiative throughout the County.

The Age Friendly Alliance is made up of Cork County Council •Cork University Hospital •Mercy Hospital •HSE •Bus Eireann •Local Link Bus •Cork Chamber •Garda Siochana •OPC Chair and Vice Chair •the four  Age Friendly Towns •CIT •UCC as well as representatives of the OPC

The OPC capitalises on the vast knowledge of older people to find ways of solving challenges that older people face and allows direct involvement of older people in deciding priorities, shaping actions and bringing about change.

Success to date includes Age Friendly Parking, Age Friendly Seating and the Age Friendly Libraries
Strategy 2018-2022.  Actions planned include raising the standard of facilities in terms of space and accessibility and improvements are dependent upon funding, availability of Premises and planning as well as local issues.  Digital Skills Training; Training and Upskilling on digital devices with   Age Action in libraries for free.

Pics From the Health Seminar in Glanworth.