Fine Gael Policy Lab proposes new vision for fulfilling potential of longer lives in Ireland
Commissioner for Positive Ageing, better planning to support housing needs and preparing people to stay active, connected and healthy for a long life are among key recommendations
Fine Gael Policy Lab is proposing a new vision for positive ageing in Ireland aimed at reimagining how we think, feel and act towards ageing.
Deputy Richard Bruton, Vice Chairperson of the Fine Gael Policy Lab, said: “The growing number of older people brings wonderful opportunities for our country; however we are not treating this demographic change with the seriousness or urgency that it deserves.
“A new vision is required which ensures life after retirement can be active, connected, respected, secure and independent, just as it was for people before.
This vision requires a redesign of institutions, and long-term structural changes to combat the shortcomings of the present approaches.
“The vision that motivates this work is that Ireland would become the best country to support a long and fulfilled life. At all ages, it should be a voyage filled with adventure, enjoyment and full of knowledge.
Life after retirement should be active, connected, respected, secure, and independent, just as it is before. We need to be bolder and more ambitious about how this can be achieved.”
Recommendations from the Fine Gael Policy Lab’s latest report, ‘A new framework for positive ageing’, include:
- A new whole of Government approach is essential so that the many agencies who must contribute are mobilised in a coherent implementation plan.
- A Commissioner for Positive Ageing should be established with a mandate to monitor progress, conduct research and advise the Oireachtas on policy and performance.
- Better preparation for retirement, will give people better pathways to stay connected.
- Agencies like the Workplace Relations Commission and the Intreo Offices can play a new role.
- The creation of Local Partnerships could open up new ways for families to get support and develop inter-agency cooperation to deliver the flexibility needed.
- Planning for suitable places to live with better access can promote new thinking about the design of our communities and open up possibilities like rightsizing which is now so difficult.
- A new emphasis on Staying Healthy and Navigating Care would require new roles to be set for insurers and services in the community, and the use of technology to help catch and manage difficult conditions that often now evade detection until too late.
- Assistance for independent living will be put on a statutory basis, with a Homecare Development Agency to provide individual homes and more purpose built accommodation. It will work with both private and public providers.
- The establishment of a Positive Ageing Social Innovation Fund to promote intergenerational connections and combat isolation within communities and families.
Read the full report
