Elderly people should be aware of their rights, which have now been copper-fastened in an official declaration drawn up by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The declaration states the elderly have the right:

To be involved as contributors in the creation of social partnership schemes.

To live safe and comfortable lives in an environment shielded from violence and annoyance.

To have access to appropriate accommodation.

To feel proud of their age and not be marginalised because they are elderly.

To obtain a fair pension, structured to be proportionate to the prevailing average social wage and which will provide a dignity to life.

To obtain work if they wish, with due recognition of their lifelong experience.

To have access to free or low-cost training schemes appropriate to current requirements in the workplace which do not incur penalties.

To have access to quality medical care regardless of accommodation status.

To a continuing quality of life and extended expectancy.

To representation in all aspects of legislation affecting society.