SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has said that the Executive must do more to address the challenges that will arise from an ageing population.
She was speaking after the Assembly passed a motion which called on the First and deputy First Minister to embed ageing population planning in the final Programme for Government 2024-2027.
Said Ms McLaughlin: ”Our society is ageing and will continue to do so as we live healthier lives and greater medical advancements are made.
“This demographic shift will impact every part of our society. From housing to healthcare, it must be able to meet the demands of our ageing population.
“Homes must be developed to fit the needs of our ageing population and our health and social care system should provide services that offer the best care possible.
”In absence of Executive leadership, our community and voluntary sector has led the way when it comes to providing our older people with the support they so vitally need.
“Organisations such as Age NI and Agewell Partnership are carrying out incredible work which must be valued. We need these organisations to be funded appropriately to ensure they can keep carrying out this important work.
”I would call on the First and deputy First Minister to not only signal their willingness to address the challenges our older people face by including ageing population planning in the finalised Programme for Government, but I would also urge them to take action on this issue.
“A cross-departmental strategy, which takes into consideration the particular difficulties our older people face, must be developed to ensure services are adapted and resourced to meet the needs of an ageing society.”
