Event aims to address technology gap for older people

The technology gap for older people is one of the themes of a convention being held this week in Kilkenny by Age Friendly Ireland.

Concerns surrounding online banking, a cashless society, automated customer service helplines have been heard at the event organised by the organisation’s National Older People’s Council.

The attendance has included Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, and featured workshops and panel discussions.

Hosted by the Kilkenny Age Friendly Programme and Kilkenny County Council in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland in Meath County Council, this year’s theme, Ageing with Independence, underscores Age Friendly Ireland’s commitment to building environments conducive to the well-being of older adults.

There are approximately 806,300 people aged 65 and over living in Ireland.

“There is a huge value for local government officials having this direct connection to the citizen voice,” host and chief-executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, said.

Chief Officer with Age Friendly Ireland’s Shared Service, Catherine McGuigan, emphasised the vital role of open dialogue between older individuals, local authorities and the Government.

“Older people are not a homogenous group and it is essential that we hear from the collective voice so that older people themselves can co-design solutions to challenges,” she said.

“Over the past 15 years, they have done exactly that, and thousands of innovative initiatives have been implemented based on their recommendations. That’s the core principle that underpins everything we do in Age Friendly Ireland and the key reason why we hold this annual convention.”

Ms McGuigan added that there are technological solutions to support independence as people age, such as telecare which includes personal alarms, pendants/watches with 24-hour monitoring and smart home packages.

Ita Healy, chair of the National Network of Older People’s Councils, said new policies are forthcoming to tackle some of the concerns, including the National Payments Strategy which aims to resolve the issue of services not accepting cash payments.

“Support for choice in payment is widespread,” she said. “Safeguarding is an issue when payments can only be made online and older people must rely on neighbours, friends and family members to make their payments and access their personal information.

“At the recent NGO forum meeting, the safeguarding element was flagged especially for domestic abuse victims as cash is often essential for them to get away from their situation. People in all walks of life need the choice to use cash when and where they want to.”

Convention attendees called for older people to join their local Older People’s Council to ensure their voice is part of the conversation as the population ages.