Hosting the event at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall Ian Paisley Jnr said: “The Executive’s desire is for the contributions older people make to our economy as well as to social and family life to be recognised and valued by all.
“We must ensure they are not seen as a marginalised or stereotyped generation, but as individuals, each with their own aspirations, desires and needs.
“They must be afforded the same opportunities in life as the rest of us. Opportunities for decent housing, good health care, further education and leisure facilities,” he told the 200 guests.
Gerry Kelly said: “The fact that we are all living longer is great news and worth celebrating, but it also represents one of the major challenges for the 21st century. Older people have much to offer and we have much to learn from them. If we ignore this, the loss is not only to them but to the economy and more importantly to our communities and younger generations.
“As a society we must ensure older people are not excluded from society, disadvantaged or left vulnerable in anyway. We must do all we can to help those who are most vulnerable, those who live with financial hardship, those who live with fuel poverty, those who live lonely and isolated lives and those who fear for their personal safety,” Mr Kelly added.
The Ministers also reiterated their commitment to an independent review into the appointment of a commissioner for older people which they hoped would report back to the Executive in the new year.
“Our proposals will look at how best to champion the needs of older people and the costs and benefits of different options. Ultimately, our proposals must be those that are most likely to deliver the positive outcomes that our older people deserve,” Mr Kelly added.
The review, which will be launched in late October, will review existing provision for older people as well as carrying out research into what other administrations do and consultation with key stakeholders, before making recommendations to Ministers.
Notes to Editors:
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