Dubs think older people not valued in society

ONE in three Dubliners believe that older people are regarded as a burden on society.

According to a survey commissioned by Senior Help Line, a quarter of those polled in the capital also believe that older people are not valued in society.

This is higher than in any other region in the country.

The findings were uncovered in a recent national survey of adults conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes for Senior Help Line, a national confidential listening service for older people.

Senior Help Line is part of the charity, Third Age, the national voluntary organisation that promotes the value of older people in society

Third Age has over 1,200 volunteers working variously as tutors, advocates and listeners in programmes throughout the country.

Dubliners aged over 55 were asked about how they describe themselves. It showed that 94 per cent of older people describe themselves as independent and 85 per cent regard themselves as active whilst 93 per cent describe themselves as happy.

“It is unfortunate that a substantial percentage of Dubliners feel that older people are regarded as a burden on society and unvalued,

? said Aine Brady, CEO of Third Age.

“The vast majority of older people in Dublin describe themselves as active, happy and independent which highlights the potential role the older people can have in creating a better society for all. The more valued older people are and the greater the voice they have, the better our society will function and grow.

?