Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) have officially launched a comprehensive national consultation process aimed at reshaping how public policy addresses the needs and rights of older people across Ireland. This collaborative initiative seeks to bridge the gap between decision-makers and the lived experiences of the aging population, ensuring that the perspectives of those over the age of 65 are not merely heard but are foundational to the legislative and social frameworks that govern their lives. By partnering with Mosaic Social Impact, a specialist consultancy, the two organizations are inviting older people, community advocates, and civil society groups to participate in a large-scale survey and feedback mechanism that will remain active until September 19, 2025. This effort comes at a critical juncture for Irish society as demographic shifts necessitate a radical rethink of healthcare, housing, economic participation, and digital inclusion for an aging citizenry.
Strategic Objectives of the National Consultation
The primary objective of this consultation is to build a "stronger voice" for older people in the corridors of power. Historically, policy affecting senior citizens has often been developed through a top-down approach, which can lead to service gaps or programs that do not align with the actual priorities of the community. Age Action and the ISCP aim to invert this model by collecting primary data that reflects the diversity of the aging experience in Ireland. The consultation is not limited to those currently in their later years; it also invites participation from younger generations and advocacy groups, recognizing that the policies established today will define the quality of life for everyone as they age.
The partnership with Mosaic Social Impact provides a methodological backbone to the project. By offering both a digital survey platform and a dedicated telephone line, the organizers are attempting to mitigate the digital divide that frequently excludes older demographics from public discourse. The data collected will be analyzed to identify recurring themes, urgent needs, and systemic barriers to well-being. These findings will subsequently be used to inform government departments, local authorities, and international bodies on the specific requirements of Ireland’s older population.
Demographic Context: Ireland’s Aging Population
The urgency of this consultation is underscored by recent data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). According to the 2022 Census, the number of people aged 65 and over in Ireland has increased by 22% since 2016, reaching a total of 776,315 individuals. This demographic now accounts for approximately 15% of the total population, a figure that is projected to rise significantly over the next three decades. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly one in four people in Ireland will be over the age of 65.
This demographic transition represents one of the most significant social shifts in the history of the state. It places unprecedented pressure on the national infrastructure, particularly in terms of healthcare delivery and pension sustainability. However, it also presents an opportunity to harness the "silver economy" and the social capital of older citizens. The Age Action and ISCP initiative seeks to move the conversation away from viewing aging as a "burden" and toward viewing it as a natural and valuable stage of the life course that requires proactive, inclusive planning.
Chronology of Engagement and Key Deadlines
The consultation process has been designed with a long-term horizon to ensure maximum reach and depth of engagement. The timeline for the initiative is structured as follows:
- Launch Phase (Late 2024): Announcement of the partnership between Age Action, the ISCP, and Mosaic Social Impact. Deployment of the online survey and the establishment of the telephone response line (01 203 0737).
- Community Outreach (2025): Throughout the first three quarters of 2025, Age Action and the ISCP will engage in regional outreach, utilizing their networks of local branches and community groups to encourage participation among hard-to-reach populations, including those in rural areas and marginalized communities.
- Closing of Submissions (September 19, 2025): The formal window for public input will close, marking the end of the data collection phase.
- Analysis and Reporting (Late 2025 – Early 2026): Mosaic Social Impact will compile the responses into a comprehensive report. This document will serve as a roadmap for future advocacy and a benchmark for government accountability.
- Policy Implementation and Lobbying: The findings will be presented to the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) and relevant stakeholders to influence the 2026 Budget and future National Positive Ageing Strategy updates.
Addressing the Digital Divide and Accessibility
A significant component of this consultation is its focus on accessibility. As government services increasingly move toward "digital by default" models, many older people find themselves excluded from essential services. Research has shown that a substantial percentage of the over-75 demographic does not regularly use the internet, often due to lack of infrastructure, affordability, or digital literacy.
By providing a telephone submission option alongside the digital survey, Age Action and the ISCP are practicing the very inclusion they advocate for. This "multi-modal" approach ensures that the voices of the most isolated individuals—those who may not have a smartphone or a reliable internet connection—are included in the data set. This is particularly vital when discussing issues like the "cashing out" of the economy or the removal of in-person banking and post office services, which disproportionately affect older citizens.
The Role of the Partnering Organizations
Age Action Ireland is the country’s leading advocacy organization for older people and aging. Its work is rooted in the belief that all older people should be able to live full and independent lives, participating in society as they choose and being treated with dignity and respect. Age Action provides a range of services, including computer training (Getting Started), home repair services (Care & Repair), and policy advocacy.
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) is an umbrella organization that represents the interests of senior citizens’ groups across the country. It is a non-party political organization but is deeply involved in political advocacy. The ISCP’s strength lies in its grassroots network, which allows it to tap into the concerns of thousands of older people at a local level. By joining forces, these two organizations combine professional advocacy with broad-based community representation, creating a formidable platform for social change.
Key Policy Areas Under Scrutiny
The consultation is expected to cover a broad spectrum of policy areas, with several key themes likely to emerge as priorities for participants:
1. Income Security and Pensions
With the cost of living remaining a primary concern, the adequacy of the State Pension is a critical issue. Advocacy groups have long argued that the pension should be benchmarked against average earnings to prevent older people from falling into poverty. The consultation will likely gather data on how inflation is affecting the ability of older people to heat their homes and afford nutritious food.
2. Healthcare and Home Care
The shift toward "Sláintecare"—Ireland’s planned universal healthcare system—emphasizes care in the community. However, there remain significant waitlists for home care packages. Older people often express a desire to "age in place" (remain in their own homes for as long as possible), but this requires robust state support. The survey will investigate the gaps in current care provision and the impact on family carers.
3. Housing and "Rightsizing"
There is a growing debate in Ireland regarding "rightsizing"—providing smaller, age-appropriate housing for older people who wish to move out of larger family homes. This policy area requires careful navigation to ensure that such moves are voluntary and supported by appropriate infrastructure, such as proximity to shops, medical facilities, and public transport.
4. Combatting Ageism and Social Isolation
Ageism remains a pervasive issue in the workplace and in general society. The consultation seeks to identify how older people perceive their status in Irish life and what measures can be taken to promote intergenerational solidarity and reduce the epidemic of loneliness, which has been linked to significant negative health outcomes.
Analysis of Implications for Future Governance
The launch of this consultation signals a shift in the landscape of Irish civil society. It suggests that advocacy groups are no longer content with reactive lobbying but are instead moving toward a proactive, data-driven model of influence. For the Irish government, the results of this survey will represent a "litmus test" for the effectiveness of the National Positive Ageing Strategy, which was launched over a decade ago.
If the consultation reveals deep-seated dissatisfaction with current services, it may increase pressure on political parties to include specific, costed commitments for older people in their election manifestos. Furthermore, the findings will likely resonate at the European level, as the EU continues to grapple with the challenges of an aging workforce and the need for sustainable social protection systems.
The involvement of Mosaic Social Impact ensures that the final report will meet the high standards of social research required to influence high-level policy. By quantifying the "lived experience" of thousands of citizens, Age Action and the ISCP are creating a tool that can be used to hold current and future governments accountable for their promises to the older generation.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the consultation remains open until September 2025, the organizers are making a sustained call to action for all stakeholders. The success of this initiative depends on the volume and diversity of the responses received. Older people are encouraged to share their stories, challenges, and aspirations, while community organizations are urged to facilitate these conversations within their memberships.
The message from Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament is clear: the future of aging in Ireland must be designed by those who are living it. By participating in this survey, whether through the online portal at mosaicsocialimpact.ie/consultation or by calling 01 203 0737, the older people of Ireland have a unique opportunity to ensure that their perspectives are the cornerstone of public policy for decades to come. This initiative is more than just a survey; it is a vital exercise in democratic participation aimed at creating a society that is truly age-friendly and inclusive for all.
