HOLISTIC APPROACH NEEDED FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN RURAL GALWAY

Date Published: 20-Feb-2012

Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Kathleen Lynch says there needs to be an holistic approach to tackle social exclusion for rural older people.

The Junior Minister was joined by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister, Michelle O' Neill in the city today to launch a research report by NUIGalway.

It was completed by the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at the college.

The research was carried out in many rural areas across Ireland including Inishbofin.

The report identifies 5 areas where older people living in rural areas can be excluded - social connections, services, transport & mobility, safety &crime and income.

Minister Lynch says the evidence is now there to create a cross-departmental policy.