Older people ‘being hindered by barriers’ going about daily lives
OLDER people are facing obstacles to going about their daily lives from lack of transport to fast-changing traffic lights, a new report reveals today.
The report shows high levels of participation by older people in family and society.
But they are often met by barriers, not least in the built environment, the ‘Positive Ageing in Age Friendly Cities and Counties – Local Indicators for Ireland’ report said.
Research from the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative showed:
■ Nearly two-thirds are dissatisfied with availability of accessible toilet facilities;
■ Almost half were not satisfied with the availability of seats or resting places;
■ More than a quarter were dissatisfied with traffic calming measures and quality and continuity of pavements;
■ Around one-fifth are affected by the lack of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in their area as well the timings of these facilities;
■ More than a quarter of those from rural areas have difficulty walking in their area as compared with over a fifth in urban areas.
The research involved more than 10,000 people aged 55 and over in 20 county and city councils across Ireland.
Sinéad Shannon, project manager, said: “Almost half of the 10,000 people interviewed for this report engaged in community activities once a month and this was evenly reflected among those aged 55 to 69 and those aged 70 and over as well as among men and women.
“However, many people experience barriers to participation, such as not being able to get to the venues where social activities take place. This varied across the areas we surveyed from as little as 2.1pc in south Dublin to almost 25pc in Laois.”
They are heavily reliant on cars and almost 70pc drive every week, including 58pc of those aged 70 and over. But almost a third had difficulty accessing public transport, most pronounced with those living in the countryside, where 68pc experienced problems.
A quarter had difficulties in socialising, doing tasks or getting to appointments.