Introduction
NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) is pleased to contribute to the development of a National Positive Ageing Strategy. Over 60% of the people using NCBI’s services are over the age of 65 and as we know, over the next decades, Ireland is set to experience a significant ageing of its population.
According to the recently published Health Status Report 2008 , life expectancy in Ireland is at its highest level ever, at 76.8 years for males and 81.6 years for females. In 2006, life expectancy in the EU-15 was 77.1 years for males and 82.7 years for females. CSO projections (based on the 2006 census) indicate significant growth in the future population, especially in those aged 65 years and over, with this group predicted to increase by almost two fifths by 2016, and to treble by 2041.
An increase in life expectancy, coupled with improved healthcare, will raise the proportion of older people and in turn, the number of older people who experience sight loss. However, it must be taken into account that older people who have difficulties with their eyesight do not form one homogenous group with the same needs. First of all there are people who have lived with sight loss for all, or most, of their lives and who are now growing older. Then there are people who acquire sight loss as they get older, which NCBI is seeing more of each year. In order to sustain this growth in older people living with sight loss, existing policies need to be developed in order to increase the overall living standards of our ageing population.
We must also consider what it is we want ‘positive ageing’ to represent. NCBI believes that to age positively should be to meet individual goals, whatever they may be. An individual might want to learn to use computers, travel independently or complete new and exciting challenges or they may wish to simply remain independent in their own home and be able to read the post that comes through the door. Any of those tasks may represent a big challenge to the individual, who must be supported in determining and meeting these goals successfully. It is important that this strategy considers what measurements will be used to determine what positive ageing is and how that is achieved inclusively, to the benefit of all older people.
According to the World Health Organisation (2002: 12), positive ageing, or active ageing, should take a life-cycle approach.
"Active ageing applies to both individuals and population groups. It allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well being throughout the life course and to participate in society according to their needs, desires and capacities, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they require assistance."
Active ageing should be an inclusive concept, careful not to exclude people who are ill or have a disability.
"The word “active” refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force. Older people who retire from work and those who are ill or live with disabilities can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations. Active ageing aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they age, including those who are frail, disabled and in need of care." (WHO, 2002: 12)