positive ageing
Supporters of Older & Bolder have repeatedly called for the development and implementation of a positive ageing strategy and have participated in Older & Bolder and the Government’s consultation process.
The time has now come for Government action on the National Positive Ageing Strategy.
It is now 2012 and a draft strategy is long overdue. This strategy must contain ten commitments if Ireland is to be a better place in which to grow older:
- Equality for older people
- Respect and dignity for people of all ages
- Fairer Health Care
- Effective Home and Community Care
- Clarity about rights and entitlements
- Secure Pension
- Effective Transport
- Meaningful involvement of older people
- Joined up planning and delivery of services and supports
- A road map for implementation
You have told Older & Bolder repeatedly that you want to be independent and self-governing whatever your age or circumstances. This hope has been expressed to us by older people who are active and healthy and by older people with illness and disability. You have also told us in repeated consultations that 
the right kind of planning, information and supports make the crucial difference between independence and dependence for older people. Older & Bolder compiled these insights and submitted them to Government in 2009.
With its upcoming draft strategy our politicians and decision-makers need to show that they understand what you, as older people, know and understand about the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing. Older & Bolder will ensure that politicians will be left in no doubt about the importance of these commitments for an effective positive ageing strategy.
Why is the National Positive Ageing Strategy Important?
We all age. We don’t know what our lives will be like as we age. Some of us will remain healthy and active. Others will experience disability and illness but we all want to live life until the end. Whatever our circumstances, the drive to manage ourselves and our own lives will remain powerful.
The National Positive Ageing Strategy can determine the baseline for a blend of values, policies, laws and services that will maximise our independence as we age. If this happens, Ireland will become a better place for people of all ages to live, age and die.
