Older People

The Social Democrats want to build a society where we can all feel confident about our futures as we grow older, and we are proposing a number of measures to make this goal a reality.

Over the coming decades, the make-up of Ireland’s population will change considerably. We often talk about the needs of Ireland’s ageing population as if it represents a change in demographics to be considered for the distant future. In fact, our population has already gotten considerably older in recent years, and will continue to do so.

Older people are not a homogenous group and every individual’s experience of ageing will be different. Most older people will live full and independent lives. However, some are more likely to experience challenges relating to health, income, housing, transport, work, digital communications, and more besides. It is important to have policies in place to deal with each area.

Equally, it is important to have a structure in place to ensure policy takes account of the needs of older people, and allows their voices to be heard in reviewing the adequacy of policy, legislation and services affecting older persons. The appointment of a Commissioner for Ageing and Older Persons would provide the oversight currently lacking to drive a rights-based approach to ageing policy and services.

Our Priorities for Supporting Older People

• Appoint a Commissioner for Ageing and Older Persons
• Link the State Pension to at least 34 per cent of the average wage
• Introduce a statutory right to homecare to support people to remain in their own homes
• Build age-appropriate older persons’ housing
• Increase funding to the suite of housing grants for older people
• Prohibit the ‘digital only’ provision of publicly funded services

Find Out More

You can read more about our policies and plans in our policy document on Supporting Older People, linked below.