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ESRI report ignores shortage of housing for older people

Published 08/03/2016

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Age Action has criticised this morning’s report from the ESRI examining the suggestion that older people should be incentivised to move out of their homes. The organisation said the report ignores the lack of housing options available for many older people.

Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications at Age Action, said: “Today’s report from the ESRI on incentivising older people to move out of their homes seems to ignore the lack of choice faced by many older people.

“Successive Irish governments have failed to plan for our ageing population. The National Positive Ageing Strategy, which highlighted housing as a key priority, has been sitting on a shelf without an implementation plan for almost three years now.

“There is an enormous lack of step-down and sheltered housing options for older people in Ireland compared to what is available to our European neighbours.

“If we are serious about providing housing for people in later life we need to be building more sheltered housing communities, providing the kind of places where people are able to age with dignity and with the supports they need."

Age Action also highlighted the social challenges many older people face when downsizing.

Justin Moran: “Many older people struggle with loneliness and social exclusion. They don’t want to move out of homes where they know their neighbours, where they are close to family.

“There is an enormous sense of security, particularly for someone living alone, in knowing you have friends and neighbours nearby to check in and make sure you are okay.

“Moving away from those community supports is simply not something many older people are able to do.”

The organisation also questioned whether the impact of the proposal would be as positive as has been suggested.

Justin Moran continued: “An older person selling their home and seeking to downsize is going to be competing against first-time buyers looking for their starter homes.

“The very people this initiative is designed to help could find themselves priced out of the market.”

For more information contact Justin Moran on 087 968 2449.

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Age Action Ireland to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland Survey

Gas Networks Ireland is raising money for Age Action. If you've recently called their contact centre or had work done by them, you might receive a text from Gas Networks asking for your feedback. For every response received, they'll donate €2 to Age Action. There is no obligation to participate.

How It Works - If you've had contact with Gas Networks Ireland service centre or had work carried out by them, you may receive a message from Marie Lyster, their Customer Experience Manager. This message is an invitation to share your feedback. 

By providing feedback – only if you choose to – you'll be supporting Age Action Ireland. For every piece of feedback received, Gas Networks Ireland will donate €2 to our organisation. This contribution can support our efforts to improve the lives of older people in Ireland.You won't be asked for any bank details or money. Gas Networks Ireland is handling all the donations.

If you would rather not get these texts, just let them know and you won’t be included.  If you are over 65yrs old, you can contact them directly on their Age-Friendly service.  See their contact details here.

For Corporate Clients- Please note that Gas Networks donate €50 for each qualitative interview their commercial customers take part in.

Details on Gas networks customer surveys is available here.

For more information about our work and other ways to get involved with Age Action, please click here.