Ageing

Life expectancy gains mean that more and more people are living for longer.

Globally, one in every six people will be 60 years or more by 2030 and double to 2 billion by 2050, having significant implications for public health.

Why is ageing a public health issue?

Population ageing is one of the greatest successes for public health. Today many more people are living longer and healthier lives but this is not universal. There are still considerable health, social and economic challenges to be addressed to fully benefit from the dividend of increasing life expectancy. Recognising the diversity of later life is important to understand the implications for older people – not just as recipients of health care but as consumers, volunteers, carers and, increasingly, as workers. It is important to plan and make the fullest use of research to take account of this demographic transformation.

Support Services

If you or a loved one are in need of support, advice and information is available from the following organisations:

Ireland: Contact the Health Service Executive or Age Action.
Northern Ireland: Contact the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland or Age NI.

Key Facts: Ageing

Globally, the population of people aged 60+ years will double by 2050

Ireland: The number of older people (65 years +) is projected to double to 1.6 million by 2051 (IPH)

Northern Ireland: The number of older people (65 years +) is projected to exceed 500,000 by 2051 (IPH)

Ireland: Policy, Strategy, Legislation

The following strategy outlines Ireland’s vision for ageing and older people.

National Positive Ageing Strategy (2013)

Northern Ireland: Policy, Strategy, Legislation

The following strategy outlines Northern Ireland’s vision for ageing and older people.

Active Ageing Strategy 2016-22

Recent work on ageing and older people

Our team use new and emerging evidence and data to develop policy briefs and submissions that will inform public policy in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Recent examples of work include research examining how older people can be better supported to be physically active and the development of a free online course, ‘Getting Active for Better Ageing’, for health professionals.

Other areas of work include arts and creativity, adult safeguarding, home support, and the development of an image bank following a recent 'How We Age' photography competition.

Latest Ageing Resources

Ageing

Blog: Healthy Brains for a Healthy Population – the road to a brain-healthy lifestyle

Blog

18 May, 2021 - Dr Claire McEvoy, Lecturer in Nutrition and Ageing Research, and Rebecca Townsend, PhD researcher, at the Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, advise that it is never too early or…

Ageing Chronic Conditions

Blog: How creative arts can support positive ageing

Blog

15 Mar, 2021 - In this blog Laura McQuade from the Institute of Public Health provides some insights into how the creative arts can support positive ageing. The longevity dividend of the last century has…

Ageing Arts and Creativity