Over 65s to get support they need

dun Laoghaire-Rathdown has a higher-than-average number of people aged over 65 and this is expected to double in the next 25 years.

and with the aim of improving the experiences of the increasing number of older people living in dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Mary Butler, Minister of state with responsibility for Mental health and older People, launched the dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (dlr) age-Friendly strategy, 2022-2026 in County hall, dún Laoghaire recently.

The five-year strategy agreed by the dlr age-Friendly alliance sets out the vision, objectives and actions to promote age-friendly supports and activities over the coming years, so that older people can engage positively within their communities for as long as possible.

The dlr age-Friendly alliance has agreed over 60 actions in the strategy, which are based on widespread consultation with the public, with the members of the alliance and other groups and individuals supporting older people in dlr.

Ms Butler said at the launch:

“With more than 60 agefriendly actions identified by dozens of groups and organisations, the strategy certainly reflects many diverse voices of older people throughout the county.

“as I often note, the voice and choice of older people should be heard and be central to our planning and decision making.

“as a Government, we are committed to creating an age friendly Ireland and to supporting older people to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible. In 2023, our overall investment in older persons services will be over €2.4 billion.

“This ensures that each day, older people in our communities are supported to live independently through key services such as day care centres, meals-on-wheels and home support,” she added.