Demography of the geriatric problem in Ireland

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Irish population aged 65 and over saw numerical growth between 1966 and 1971.
• Despite population shifts, the proportion of individuals aged 65+ remained stable.
• A significant portion, one-quarter, of the elderly population in Ireland lives alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze demographic trends in Ireland's elderly population.
• To identify key factors contributing to the geriatric care challenge.
• To inform future policy development for elder care in Ireland.

Main Methods:

• Demographic analysis of census data from 1966 and 1971.
• Examination of marital status and living arrangements among the elderly.
• Assessment of urbanization trends in relation to the elderly population.

Main Results:

• The number of people aged 65 and over increased, yet their percentage of the total population remained consistent.
• Childlessness was identified as a central issue in geriatric care needs.
• The geriatric care challenge is predominantly rural, even with increasing national urbanization.

Conclusions:

• While the elderly population grew numerically, its proportional size did not change.
• Childlessness is a critical factor exacerbating the geriatric problem in Ireland.
• Future elder care policies must address the predominantly rural nature of the geriatric challenge.