Between 2005, when the strategy was launched, and today, the situation for older people in Northern Ireland has got worse:

• The number of older people living in severe poverty has increased.
• The number of older people receiving home help care has reduced.
• The number of pensioners living in fuel poverty has increased.
• The number of excess winter deaths has increased.
• The number of unfit dwellings occupied by over 60s has increased.
• The number of older people registered for Further Education college courses has decreased.

Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Age Concern Help the Aged NI, said: 'The lack of progress made by Government on improving the lives of older people in Northern Ireland is a great disappointment to us.

'We believe that for the Government’s ageing strategy to be effective there is an urgent need for a change in direction. The strategy must shift to become focused on positive ageing and be built on a rights-based approach to ageing.

'We believe that our report will persuade Government of the urgent need to address these concerns; and that on conclusion of the review we will be presented with a revised strategy, supporting action plans and a renewed vigour to make Northern Ireland a great place to age.'

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