Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I hope that my next endeavour on a new approach to ageing and ageism will have as much impact on the next budget and over Government policy in the coming year. One can well ask why a new approach to ageing is required. The number of people over 65 is increasing dramatically. They are a growing proportion of our population and are living longer than any previous generation. Society must reassess how it views older people, how it will respond to their needs, their role in the community and how to tackle ageism.

Currently, people over 65 comprise 11% of the population. In 2006, that number will rise to 11.16% and it will be 13.3% in 2016. It is interesting to note that not only is the number of older people growing but they are also much healthier and getting healthier. The population is living longer and is generally more healthy. In future it is likely that most Members will probably be very healthy when they are 75. People think that when one reaches 65 one becomes old and enters an older state of mind yet there is a major difference between a person of 65 and a person of 90. It is a whole generation. One cannot take the same policy approach to people of 65, 75 and 85. A blanket homogenous policy to people of these differing ages does not work and different policies should be in place for different age groups.

The most exciting aspect of my research to date is that we will all be much healthier. I am fascinated by this. I am sure Senator Henry is familiar with this research but it was news to me. As people get older those who have a genetic tendency to high blood pressure or strokes take medication so when they reach 65 they are capable of enjoying a full, healthy and active life.