St. Vincent’s University Hospital Hosts Discussion on Ageing in Ireland With Alone and IGS

17th May 2019

Friend of ALONE, Vincent Browne, acts as moderator for symposium.

Dublin, 17th May 2019, St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) hosted a dedicated event on the theme of ageing in Ireland featuring ALONE and the Irish Gerontological Society. The symposium titled ‘Living Well in Our Community – Opportunities and Challenges’ was moderated by friend of ALONE and broadcaster Vincent Browne in St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

Focusing on responses to issues facing older people and solutions to these challenges, the seminar discussed housing options, loneliness and social isolation, community supports and delayed hospital discharges, among others. With over 1.2 million people to be aged over 60 in Ireland by 2032, ALONE and the Irish Gerontological Society believe that the time to discuss and plan how Ireland will support our ageing population is now.

The seminar welcomed experts in the care for older people, including representatives of; St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Social Justice Ireland, the Department of Health, Connolly Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and St. James’ Hospital in addition to ALONE and the Irish Gerontological Society.

Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea, Consultant Geriatrician at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and Irish Gerontological Society President, said, “Today’s symposium in partnership with ALONE and with the invaluable input from all aspects pertaining to older people is essential in solving the issues currently affecting the lives of our older people, but also anticipated challenges and opportunities.”

“The IGS is particularly concerned with the persistent issue of delayed hospital discharges and today we have launched a position paper to address this challenge. Significant for the health and wellbeing of an older person, as well as the efficiency of hospitals, innovative solutions must be implemented to tackle delayed discharges.”

Speaking to the importance of linking health and community services to support older people, Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, commented, “Ageing with appropriate supports is an issue for everyone in Ireland. For the best results in terms of quality of care, independent living and sustainability, we must engage in joint-up actions to effectively tackle the challenges facing older people. ALONE is delighted to have partnered with the Irish Gerontological Society on today’s event and we hope the dialogue continues and innovative solutions can be developed.”