Advancing Rights Through Advocacy and Policy
At the core of Age Action's mandate is its robust advocacy work. The organization is a national voice, representing the rights and needs of older people to government and other policy-making bodies. By informing and influencing public policy, Age Action strives to shape a society that respects the dignity and independence of older adults. This involves working on critical issues such as the state pension, housing, healthcare, and addressing the gender pension gap. The advocacy team engages with stakeholders, produces evidence-based policy recommendations, and facilitates consultations to ensure the lived experiences of older people are at the heart of public policy decisions. This effort also extends to promoting a life-course approach to ageing, which recognizes it as a lifelong process.
Influencing Key Policy Areas
Through its targeted advocacy, Age Action works to create meaningful change. Some of the specific policy asks and campaigns include:
- Securing adequate income in old age: Advocating for the State Pension to be benchmarked at 34% of average earnings to combat poverty.
- Promoting ageing well at home: Pushing for a high-quality statutory homecare scheme that allows older people to remain in their homes safely.
- Combating mandatory retirement: Challenging ageist practices and advocating for the option for older people to remain in employment beyond 65.
- Implementing a national ageing strategy: Calling for a comprehensive government strategy to eradicate ageism and prepare for demographic changes.
Providing Practical Services for Daily Living
Beyond policy, Age Action provides direct services that make a tangible difference in the lives of older people. Two of its most prominent programs are the Care and Repair service and the Getting Started digital skills training. These services address immediate, practical needs, directly supporting older people to live independently and stay connected within their communities.
Care and Repair Service
This service is a lifeline for many older people across Ireland, offering free, volunteer-led assistance for small, essential DIY jobs in their homes. The service's primary goal is to help older people maintain their independence and live safely in their own homes, a concept known as 'ageing in place'. Jobs can range from fitting grab rails and changing light bulbs to clearing trip hazards. The service prioritizes urgent requests, especially for those being discharged from hospital, to ensure a safe transition home.
Getting Started Digital Skills Programme
Recognizing the growing issue of digital exclusion among older adults in Ireland, Age Action created the Getting Started program. This initiative offers free, one-to-one, volunteer-led training to help older people gain confidence with technology, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The training helps with essential skills like sending emails, shopping online, and staying connected with family and friends. By improving digital literacy, the program reduces social isolation and promotes inclusion.
Comparison of Age Action Services
| Service | Primary Goal | Target Audience | Key Activities | Delivery Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care and Repair | To help older people age in place safely by providing home maintenance assistance. | Older people, especially those with mobility issues or post-hospital discharge. | Small DIY jobs like fitting handrails, changing light bulbs, and clearing hazards. | Professional teams and Garda-vetted volunteers. | Free of charge. |
| Getting Started | To combat digital exclusion and empower older people with technology skills. | Older people with limited or no digital skills. | One-to-one tutoring on devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. | Volunteer tutors, both in-person and potentially virtual. | Free of charge. |
| Advocacy & Public Affairs | To influence public policy and secure the rights and equality of older people. | All older people and future generations in Ireland. | Policy submissions, campaigning, media engagement, consultations. | Policy staff and older people's networks. | No direct cost to older people. |
Volunteerism and Community Building
Age Action's work is heavily supported by a dedicated network of volunteers. Volunteers are crucial to the delivery of the Care and Repair and Getting Started services, providing hands-on support and training. The organization also actively works to mobilize older people to advocate on their own behalf, ensuring that their voices are heard directly in public policy discussions. This approach fosters a sense of participation and empowerment among older adults. You can learn more about their mission and work on their website www.ageaction.ie.
The Mission: Creating an Age-Positive Society
Ultimately, Age Action's vision is to make Ireland the best place in the world to grow older. Its mission is to achieve fundamental change by empowering older people to live full, independent lives and securing their rights to high-quality services. The organization challenges ageism, highlights the needs of the most disadvantaged, and promotes the positive contributions of older people to society. By focusing on dignity, participation, and social justice, Age Action is working tirelessly to build a fairer and more equal Ireland for all. The challenges facing an ageing population are real, but Age Action's strategic efforts and grassroots work provide a clear pathway toward addressing them.
Conclusion: A Vital Resource for Older Adults
In summary, Age Action in Ireland is a multi-faceted organization that addresses the needs of older people through a blend of high-level advocacy and practical, on-the-ground services. It is an indispensable resource for combating ageism, promoting digital inclusion, and supporting independence. By championing the rights of older people and offering direct support, Age Action embodies a commitment to creating a more equitable and dignified ageing experience for everyone in Ireland.
