The proportion of older people living in Dublin's inner city is in sharp decline, in contrast to the rest of the capital, where numbers are increasing, new research shows. Carl O'Brien, Social Affairs Correspondent reports.
New census figures show that in the East Wall area, for example, the proportion of older people has fallen by almost 20 per cent over the last decade. This pattern is repeated in other old communities in the inner city.
However, the proportion of older people in Dublin city as a whole increased by 13 per cent over the last decade.
The findings are contained in a research project by the Nascadh Community Development Project, which will be launched today by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Researchers say the demographic shift is due to a number of reasons, such as changes in patterns of home ownership, with homes being sold to investors or younger people from outside the area, rather than being retained within families. The shortage of sheltered housing or other forms of care for dependent older people may also be a factor.
The report by Nascadh warns that the falling population increases the risk of social isolation and loneliness being experienced by older people.
In a survey of older people in the East Wall area, it found that almost 60 per cent of older people are either widowed, separated or divorced, underlining the need to address issues of social isolation and loneliness.
Almost 25 per cent of older people said they went through days on a regular basis without seeing any friends or relatives. This figure rises to almost half of older people when only those living alone are counted.
The report notes that many older people feel unsettled and nervous about the pace of change and are fearful of its impact on the cohesion of the community. Others say they know less and less of their neighbours because of newcomers moving into the areas.
The sense of social isolation was compounded by what many saw as poor public transport, while mobility issues hindered many from getting involved in community activities.
The situation in East Wall mirrors a number of outcomes from a National Council on Ageing and Older People report on loneliness and isolation. This report stated that isolation was caused by factors such as loss of family contact or family disputes, a reduction in day-to-day callers, a fear of increased crime levels and the collapse of traditional communities.
The Nascadh research project - much of which was carried out by older people - includes a series of recommendations aimed at improving life for older people in the area. They include:
Setting up a local befriending and visiting services, where older people would be visited by local people;
A bereavement counselling service aimed at the many widowed people living in the area who have lost spouses, as well as children and other close relatives;
Secure transport to allow older people to travel from their own homes to places where social activities are taking place;
A series of street parties should be organised to help long established residents meet with younger residents who have moved into the area more recently.
