How have we supported Older People so far?
It is estimated that by 2041, people aged over 65 will account for 22% of the population in Ireland, compared to some 11% today. A society can be judged by how it takes care of its older people. Crucially it should also be judged by how active and engaged older people are with civic society.
We, alongside our generous donors, have supported the rights of older people since we were founded. We recently set up a dedicated long-term philanthropic fund focussed on this area called The Older Persons’ Fund. This has been set up with an initial investment of €3 million.
Its twin priorities are to empower older people to speak up for what they want and need and to champion older people’s participation as active citizens in their communities.
Over €250,000 has been awarded to CRAOL, the organisation for community radio stations. The funding was used to train a number of older people as broadcasters and empower them to represent themselves on the airwaves. In addition, other organisations who have received support include Age Action Ireland, Age and Opportunity, Older Persons Network and Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
In the longer term, the Fund will also support activities that address older people’s social exclusion including loneliness and isolation.
Covid-19
The Community Foundation for Ireland and its donors are providing a lifeline to older people during the pandemic. Our Response Fund set up as the virus arrived in Ireland has been keeping Meals on Wheels services operating, put vital health and wellbeing supports online and improved digital access and know how for many people who would otherwise be isolated and alone.
We are ensuring aftercare for survivors of stroke, supporting dementia friendly tea dance music performances from the National Concert Hall and keeping older people connected with their loved ones.
Through our frontline grantees we know that even when the end seems in sight for the pandemic that it will cast a long shadow and there will be needs over the long term. Like all our investments we back projects where are strategic, sustainable and long term. Many of the measures supported and put in place now can be called upon again and again, not just when there is a public health emergency but when there is severe weather events or other disruptive events.
How You Can Help
We need to strengthen The Older Persons’ Fund so it can invest in the areas of poverty and social exclusion.
By building the fund, we and our generous donors can continue to support older people to advocate and represent themselves in order to address policy issues.
We need to make sure the older people in the community are heard and respected.
Visit our Giving section to explore how you can strategically fund the rights of older people in Ireland. You can support the Thematic Fund immediately or leave a gift in your will. The choice is yours.