Rural isolation in Ireland
Posted on 20th July 2016
The national census taken every five years provides a fascinating snapshot, pointing to population changes and living trends in Ireland, and providing invaluable information for policy makers in terms of future planning. This year’s census, whose preliminary results have been published, is no exception.
One finding is that our population has grown by almost four per cent, or c170,000 since 2011. But not all the news is good. There has also been a decline in the rural population in every county. Many of those who have departed are young people, with repopulating not keeping pace. We know we are an ageing nation, and that the percentage of people aged 70 and 80+ is growing at a faster rate than the general population. Add to this the growing number of single person households, and you begin to get a picture of loneliness in many parts of rural Ireland.
Population mapping in Ireland shows that Connaught and Ulster have the largest percentage of older people, with Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Roscommon being among those with the highest numbers of the over 65s. You can, therefore, bet that amidst the quiet beauty of these landscapes, there will a large number of single person households with older people living lives of hidden and stark loneliness. While the success of the Wild Atlantic way as a tourist attraction for Irish people and visitors alike is welcome, evidence of solitariness is all too obvious from the single dwellings alone on a distant hill, or glimpses of older people standing at their gate just watching the cars go by.
We know we are an ageing nation, and that the percentage of people aged 70 and 80+ is growing at a faster rate than the general population. Add to this the growing number of single person households, and you begin to get a picture of loneliness in many parts of rural Ireland.
There is now increased awareness of the damage that loneliness can do to body, mind and spirit. TILDA, the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing in Ireland has quoted one study from the University of Chicago which found that loneliness raises levels of cortisol, the hormone that increases stress, and can lead to risk of strokes and heart attacks. We all knew that loneliness and isolation could be distressing and unpleasant. We are now learning it can also be a silent killer.
Commenting on this growing trend revealed in the census, the Department of All-Island Research at NUI Maynooth says there are already serious implications for retention of amenities such as Garda stations, post offices, and the need for better rural transport links. The closure of so many garda stations around the country has already created feelings of insecurity among home owners, particularly older people living alone, and the government has recently re-opened some stations that had been closed. The local post office, bank, village shops is particularly relevant to less mobile people who are dependent on such facilities.
While the success of the Wild Atlantic way as a tourist attraction for Irish people and visitors alike is welcome, evidence of solitariness is all too obvious from the single dwellings alone on a distant hill, or glimpses of older people standing at their gate just watching the cars go by.
Regarding transport, as people age they may reluctantly have to give up the family car due to inability to pass the driving test, poor health, or capacity relating to driving in traffic. Third Age locally and nationally is well aware of the importance of good, frequent, reliable rural transport in helping to keep older people connected with life. In Meath, the Third Age Bus and People Carrier are invaluable supports to members for trips, holidays, and local needs. Third Age is also aware of the value of Flexibus, Navan. Flexibus, which serves people of all ages, is part of a rural link transport scheme and offers a service in response to people’s needs, facilitating shopping trips, GP appointments, hospital visits and more. This type of service is also available in other counties.
There is generally greater awareness now people’s need to be connected with others and to their community. Services such as Meals on Wheels, for example, fulfil a vital role particularly for older people. Muintir na Tire is a long-established national organisation which promotes community development in the most practical way. There are Muintir na Tire groups around the country each identifying local needs and working together to meet them. Local groups typically run the Community Alert Scheme which has helped to give a sense of protection, organise carnivals and summer festivals, refurbish the local community hall, open an Internet Cafe and a local community savings bank.
Third Age locally and nationally is well aware of the importance of good, frequent, reliable rural transport in helping to keep older people connected with life.
Finally, two responses to rural isolation are Befriending Network Ireland (BNI) and Third Age's Senior Help Line. BNI is a new umbrella group co-ordinating the many local groups around the country offering face to face visits and befriending to older people. Currently hosted on the Alone web site, Third Age is a member of the steering group of BNI. Senior Help Line, a national programme of Third Age, is that vital telephone link between older people throughout Ireland. Each call is subsidised, costing the caller no more than 30 cent, irrespective of length or location. No wonder that so many callers describe the service as their lifeline, keeping them company during the day, being with them at times of crisis, and still there at bedtime to say goodnight.
