1. Shaping Priorities in Ageing Research in Ireland

2. Outline of Presentation  Why priorities are important  The work of CARDI  Setting the context  UN Framework  Public policy context  Research in Ireland  Analysis  Emerging themes  Identification of priorities

3. Why Priorities are Important  Provide a strategic focus  Offer opportunities for collaboration  Wider ownership  Enable us to be more effective  Direct resources where they are most needed

4. CARDI’s Mission To advocate and advance the ageing research agenda by identifying, coordinating, stimulating and communicating strategic research on ageing and older people as a means to improve the lives of older people in Ireland (North and South) especially those who are disadvantaged.

5. CARDI’s Approach  All-Ireland focus  Identify, stimulate and co-ordinate rather than do research  Cross-discipline focus  Research to inform policy and practice  Promote the value of cross-sectoral working  Commitment to disseminating ageing research

6. Ageing in Ireland (North and South) Setting the Context

7. Number of People aged 60+

8. Number of Oldest Old (85+)

9. Male Life Expectancy by County and LGD 2002 - 2004

10. Excess Winter Mortality Ireland19% United Kingdom18% Austria14% Belgium13% France13% Luxembourg12% Denmark12% Germany11% Netherlands11% Finland10%

11. Older People at Risk of Poverty ROI14% 2006 (1) NI20%2005 (2) (1)Office for Social Inclusion (2)Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2006

12. Ageing and Disability Age and Disability ROI All 65+65-6970-7475-7980-8485+ Male26.619.422.229.238.151.4 Female31.918.023.032.744.961.8

13. Older People Working Labour force participation age 65+ Spring 1996Spring 2006 ROI15.314.5 NI6.06.7

14. United Nations Framework on Ageing The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002) - Changes in attitudes, policies and practice at all levels, in all sectors. The Research Agenda on Ageing for the 21 st Century - Developed by the United Nations Programme on Ageing and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (2007).

15. Public Policy Context Republic of Ireland Programme for Government National Development Plan Towards 2016 National Action Plan on Social Inclusion Positive Ageing Strategy (09) Green Paper on Pensions Quality and Fairness: Health Vision for Change (mental health) Northern Ireland Programme for Government Lifetime Opportunities: Anti- Poverty Strategy Ageing in an Inclusive Society UK Pensions Reform Bamford Review (mental health) Investing for Health A Healthier Future

16. Research in Ireland  Ageing research is relatively new on the agenda  Significant level of activity by small but growing number of researchers  Research dispersed and fragmented - little integration or co-ordination  Few examples of Ireland wide, cross sectoral or interdisciplinary research co-operation  Untapped relevant resources - both public and private  Opportunity for greater impact on policy

17. Research in Ireland  CARDI’s mapping exercise found a focus of research projects on: - social participation and integration - biomedical - healthy ageing - care systems  A very small number of cross-border research initiatives

18. Older People's Top 10 Concerns Independence Access to health care Family values Physical health Price and availability of fuel Crime and security Access to good public transport Changes in climate and environment Price and quality of food Social cohesion in your area Source: Age Concern (2005)

19. Analysis There is a need to:  Have good health and quality of life  Recognise the contribution and value of older people  Recognise the wide diversity of older people  Focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups  Plan and design services that meet the needs of older people

20. Emerging Themes Three emerging themes are: Healthy Ageing Tackling Inequalities in Later Life Age Friendly Services

21. Priorities  Under these three headings what do you consider as priorities for research - now and in the future?  Healthy ageing  Tackling inequalities in later life  Age friendly services  Are there missing areas?  What happens next?

22. Finally  Thank you for your time and interest  www.cardi.ie