Meath MEP says EU must do more to support ageing populations as Age Friendly Ireland visits Brussels
A Meath MEP has said that with ageing populations across the EU and in Ireland, transport, housing and public spaces must be designed to better support older people.
Nina Carberry was speaking after she hosted Age Friendly Ireland for a special conference in the European Parliament this week, where local and national representatives discussed how to help older people live more independently, stay socially connected and continue contributing to community life.
The event took place as Meath’s over-65 population is said to surpass 27,000, with Government figures forecasting a 70pc increase nationwide by 2040.
Ms Carberry invited Cllr Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, and Kieran Keogh, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, to Brussels to share examples of successful local initiatives.
Speaking after the conference the Meath MEP said: “Today we heard from Age Friendly Ireland about their commitment to help older people age well, better integrate into their communities and improve accessibility.”
“It really made me reflect that, here in Brussels, when we make new laws, we must be more conscious about how these will affect our elderly populations.”
“We have to close the gap between how long we live and how long we live in good health.”
“From EU funded projects creating new public spaces with accessible paths, to age-friendly housing developments like those we have seen in Meath already, we must be more aware of ageing communities when making public policy.”
“And it also goes beyond EU funded infrastructure projects, social connection is equally important. That’s why I raised in Parliament several weeks ago the possibility of making existing EU funding streams more accessible to Men’s and Women’s Sheds, which play such an important role in tackling isolation and loneliness.”
Ms Carberry added: “I was delighted to have a delegation over from Meath this week - it’s really important that local government and organisations like Age Friendly Ireland have a seat at the policy table in Brussels.”