Older & Bolder closed June 2013 This is an archived website
2009
What is needed to enable positive ageing in Ireland?
Welcome to the second video in the series. Last summer participants at Older & Bolder consultation meetings were asked a range of questions about ageing in Ireland. This video explores the question “What do you think is needed to enable positive ageing for people in Irish Society?”
Watch the video and use the comments box below to share your views
Your action helped save State Pension
Older people reliant on State Pensions and other supports have escaped from Budget 2010 unscathed. They stood in front of the firing squad with other Social Welfare recipients and they were not hit by any flying bullets. We are relieved because we know how reliant a majority of older people are on social transfers to protect them against the risk of poverty. Older & Bolder welcomes the maintenance of State Pensions at current levels, the protection of the Household Benefits Package, Travel Pass, Living Alone Allowance, Over 80 Age Allowance and Fuel Allowance.
Keeping the State Pension safe
Thanks to the many thousands of people who signed Older & Bolder’s petition asking the Government not to cut State Pensions in the Budget on Wednesday 9th. We received a tremendous response to the campaign and the support from around the country has been heartening. With the assistance of some hardy bikers the petitions were presented at Dáil Eireann on Friday December 4th and received by Minister Mary Hanafin’s private secretary. The Minister herself was not available.
Your Views 1
We have received a tremendous response to our petition to defend the State Pension for Older people from a proposed cut. Older & Bolder have been inundated with hundreds of comments, displayed below is a small selection of your views. Use the comments box to add your own voice. Remember the deadline for our petition is 1st December 2009.
Irish Times Campaign Article
Older & Bolder has a full page article in the Irish Times in today’s Irish Times, 19th November. Download the article here (PDF 3MB)
Share your thoughts on these issues using our comments box below.
Sharing the pain of economic crisis
Madam, – I write as one of many State pensioners, with a great deal of anxiety due to a proposed reduction in my pension in the next Budget. I, and most of my fellow- pensioners, contributed over our working lives for this modest pension, unlike politicians who receive exorbitant ones.
Contrary to Government propaganda, the cost of living has not reduced and will increase again with increases in fuel taxes in the next budget.
What does "Positive Ageing" mean to you?
Participants at Older & Bolder consultation meetings were asked what 'Positive Ageing' meant to them. Watch this video to see their response
The Government has promised consultation meetings with older people on a National Positive Ageing Strategy. The Strategy will be a long-term plan for making Ireland a better place in which to grow older. It will cover policies, services and practices in areas such as health care, housing, transport, income, employment and independent living.
Cuts to State Pension Indefensible
Any cuts to welfare and social supports would have a devastating impact on older people. Currently the weekly rate for contributory pension is €230.30 and the weekly rate for non contributory is €219 and €229 for those aged over 80. These are by no means princely sums. When you consider that the “at risk of poverty rate” for older people is 16.6%, certain vulnerable groups of older people simply cannot afford to give more.
