Older people in Northern Ireland set to contribute
£24.7 billion to economy over the next 50 years
The Commissioner for Older People, Claire Keatinge, has launched a
major report on the UN International Day of Older Persons which
reveals that the over 60s in Northern Ireland will contribute almost £25
billion to the economy over the next 50 years through volunteering,
caring, childcare, replacement parenting and working.
The report, entitled Appreciating Age, attaches an economic value to contributions
made by older people to highlight the positive roles they play across Northern Ireland.
The report also considers the cost of older age-related spending, and subtracts these
costs from the total contributions so as to give a true reflection of the net economic
value older people bring to society.
The Commissioner said:
“Northern Ireland is a better and richer place because more of us our living longer and
healthier lives than ever before.
“Older people work, volunteer, provide care and participate widely in community and
family life, contributing significant social and economic value to life in Northern Ireland.
These contributions often go overlooked, and too often we hear negative voices saying
that older people are a burden on public expenditure.
“Appreciating Age challenges the negative perception that older people are a drain on
the public purse as it clearly shows that the over 60s put much more into society, both in
economic and social terms, than they take out, to the tune of almost £25 billion.
“But this report is not just about older people; those who are 20, 30 and 40 today are the
older people of tomorrow, and they will contribute in many different ways over the next
50 years. It is in all our interests to change the way wider society perceive older age.
“It is time that we reframe the debate and ensure that the contributions of older people
are properly valued, and that we invest resource, time and effort into making Northern
Ireland a great place to grow older.”
Chief Economist for Danske Bank, Angela McGowan, welcomed the report, saying:
“"Good economics is about knowing the true value of anything. This involves not just
looking myopically at cost - but rather exploring the amount by which benefits exceed
cost. This latest report by the Commissioner's Office shines a bright light on the true
value of older people to both our economy and NI society as a whole. By providing a
greater understanding of the direct and indirect benefits of older people this report both
progresses us socially and provides older people with recognition for their extensive
economic contribution".
OFMDFM Junior Minister Jennifer McCann commented:
“As this report shows, we all gain from the contribution of older people to society. Too
often the discussion focuses on the costs related to an ageing population. However,
older people have extensive life experience and skills to share, and the Executive is
committed to creating a society which values and supports older people to live actively
to their fullest potential”
OFMDFM Junior Minister Jonathan Bell added:
“I welcome the publication this report which clearly demonstrates the positive
contributions older people continue to make to life in Northern Ireland. The
Executive’s Active Ageing Strategy aims to lay the building blocks for the future
generation of older people to age with respect, dignity, choice and good health. It is
critical that we recognize our debt to older people and encourage everyone to challenge
ageism and fully appreciate the vast contribution older people make, socially and
economically, to make Northern Ireland a better place.”
The report is available for download on the COPNI website - www.copni.org
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For further information, contact Anna McAlister, Communications and Engagement
Manager, Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland.
Tel: 02890 890897
Mobile: 07885979803
Email: anna.mcalister@copni.org
Web: www.copni.org
Note to Editors:
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The full report is available on embargo on request.
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The launch will take place at The Mac, Belfast, on Wednesday 1 October to
celebrate UN International Day of Older Persons. For more information or to
attend contact Anna McAlister.
The Commissioner is available for media interview, please contact Anna
McAlister to arrange (see above).
Case studies are available for interview.
Key Facts:
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Northern Ireland has the fastest-growing ageing population in the UK. The
number of older people is expected to increase by almost 87% in the next 50
years.
Older people contribute to society in many different ways, such as working,
volunteering, childcare and replacement parenting.
The value of these contributions amounts to almost £117 billion in the next 50
years.
The cost of older age-related spending is just over £92 billion.
Over the next 50 years, older people will contribute £24.7 billion to the economy
in Northern Ireland.
The contributions made by older people far out weight the costs accrued over the
same period, evidencing that older people are an economic and social asset to
society.