From burden to benefit – embracing the joys and opportunities of our ageing population

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In a world where youth is often prized above all else, the phrase "ageing population" can evoke alarm rather than optimism. Concerns about increased healthcare costs, pensions burdens, and shrinking workforces dominate discussions. Yet, framing our ageing population as a societal challenge misses the wealth of benefits it offers. With the right mindset and policies, our older demographic can enrich communities, strengthen economies, and foster a more cohesive society.

Older people are often the backbone of community life. They volunteer, support charitable causes, and provide care to family members, neighbours and grandchildren. As older individuals increasingly participate in politics, the workforce, and cultural activities, they challenge stereotypes and prove that aging does not equate to irrelevance.

The ageing trend, which is fuelled by decreased fertility rates and increased life expectancy, is not unique to Ireland – it mirrors global patterns – but the pace of the shift in Ireland is striking. According to the CSO, by 2057, more than half of Ireland’s population will be aged 65 or older, marking a dramatic shift in the age profile of the nation.

Of course, these projections will present challenges; however, I believe by embracing a broader view of human potential, our society will benefit from the contributions of people at every stage of life.

Let’s look at the workforce dynamic currently. Many older adults are choosing to remain in the workforce for longer and thankfully that is set to increase into the future. Their participation in the workforce has been shown to contribute to economic productivity and offsets some of the concerns about a shrinking labour force. Flexible work arrangements and opportunities for lifelong learning can help harness this untapped potential, benefiting both employers and employees. And while healthcare will be a challenge, advances in public policy and education mean that people are not only living longer but also staying healthier for longer. Many older adults are active, engaged, and eager to contribute, whether through work, volunteering, or pursuing new interests.

We do, however, have to have an honest conversation about some of the challenges the changing population dynamic will bring. That includes pivoting our healthcare practices and education to emphasising interdisciplinary approaches to elder care and their changing needs. We must also start putting in place more inclusive policies and practices to ensure infrastructure, services, and opportunities are designed to accommodate all ages – from accessible public transportation to age-friendly cities and towns.

I believe we must also look at the social isolation and loneliness experienced by older people. If this issue is not addressed, it will only deepen in the coming years with an increased number of people affected. Loneliness is more than a feeling; it’s a public health issue. Research links chronic loneliness to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and even physical ailments like heart disease.

From my own perspective, I have two elderly parents who live in rural Ireland, and I see the impact that their narrowing social circle is having on their mental wellbeing. I recently published a policy paper on loneliness inspired by my father’s journey over recent years going from a very active and social man who found himself in a situation where all of his friends had died, and his social circles almost completely ceased to exist as a result. He has recently found a new lease of life, albeit he is suffering with dementia now, by accessing a daycare centre twice a week. This is the new Dementia Daycare Centre in Multyfarnham, which I am proud to have been able to help get up and running. It has been game-changing for my father, and I hope for many other families across our community.

To conclude, I firmly believe our ageing population offers us the opportunity to reflect on what society truly values. Older people embody qualities that can be overlooked in the rush of modern life: patience, empathy, and the ability to see the bigger picture. Their presence encourages a more measured, thoughtful approach to decision-making and problem-solving, that can benefit families, workplaces, and governments alike.

The next government must take a deeper look at how to effectively prepare for and respond to the needs of our ageing population and explore how we can shift the narrative from burden to benefit embracing the many opportunities that our ageing population offers.