One in every seven older people is living in severe poverty according to a new report, Spotlight on Older People in Northern Ireland, produced by Help the Aged in Northern Ireland. This figure is predicted to get worse in coming years as the cost of living continues to increase yet pensioners' main source of income, the basic state pension, remains static.

Spotlight on Older People in Northern Ireland draws attention to the issues faced by vulnerable older people today: poverty; isolation; neglect; ageism and future deprivation. One year after the return of devolved government to Northern Ireland, Help the Aged is challenging the Executive to address the range of issues raised in the report as a matter of urgency and to commit to action now to address the poverty and financial hardship being experienced by older people.

This report shines a harsh light on the poor quality of life being experienced by far too many pensioners in Northern Ireland. That older people, at the start of the 21st century, do not have enough money to live on is nothing short of a scandal.

Our Executive has committed itself to action which will address the shocking instances of child poverty. Yet older people equally face terrible choices in light of ever increasing prices not matched by increases in the basic state pension or benefits.

This report paints a dismal picture of life for many older people in Northern Ireland. We recognise that since the Assembly has returned, some initiatives have been brought forward which will work towards addressing some of themes identified in the report. However, Help the Aged is concerned that not enough is being done to significantly improve the quality of life for older people, and without change, these statistics will only get worse as our society continues to age. Older people are demanding that our politicians do more to address these issues urgently – we cannot wait for the proposed Commissioner for Older People to come into office to see these issues being addressed. The time for action is now.

Help the Aged in Northern Ireland has issued a series of key policy demands from the Government: * Effective legislation to be introduced to outlaw age discrimination in the provision of goods facilities and services.

* Benefits uptake process should be simplified and a system of automatic payment of benefits should be developed and implemented.

* Increased funding and better targeting of energy efficiency schemes such as Warm Homes.

* The Northern Ireland Office to respond, as a matter of urgency, to the recent consultation on Community Safety Proposals for Older People.

* Sustainable funding to be provided by Government for Community Services that help address social isolation.

*A Ministerial led group should be established to improve rural public transport options.

Duane Farrell

Head of Policy, Research and Communications

Help the Aged