MANY OLDER people are going to bed early in the evenings to save on rising fuel bills, according to research conducted by the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Fuel poverty is one of many issues highlighted in the report, which is aimed at providing an insight into the lives of hundreds of older people living in Ireland today.
The study of 600 people also shows that a lack of public transport is a major issue facing older people in both urban and rural areas. Significant numbers are undertaking long and stressful journeys to hospitals at great expense because of poor public transport
It is also cited as a problem in cities such as Dublin, with many reporting patchy services and long waiting times for buses in parts of the capital.
Overall, the report examines the lives of older people and their attitudes towards issues such as growing old, the younger generation, family links and income support.
Loneliness is a major problem and is particularly acute in rural areas, where there is less contact with people as a result of declining public services such as post offices and transport links.
Speaking at the launch of the report yesterday, Maireád Bushnell, national president of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, said the report also highlighted deep anxiety over issues such as income and fuel.
She said some older people in winter months were going to bed as early as 7pm to save on heating, or are prepared to endure “siege of Leningrad” type conditions in winter to avoid large fuel bills.
Hot water bottles were used not only at night but during the day, while some people switched off their electricity once their free units were used up.
Others used a single room in the house that they kept warm and concentrated all their activities there by bringing the bed, cooker and electric kettle into the sitting room.
The report also finds that those reliant on the State pension are “just able to manage”, while so-called stealth taxes such as dental charges, waste charges and prescription charges are eating into their incomes.
Significant numbers of those living alone are concerned about security at night, fearing attack in their home or on the street. The number of people who have been the victim of a crime is relatively small, however.
Overall, the report finds that older people’s attitude to old age is generally quite positive, and participants regard Ireland as a good place in which to grow old. It also says many have embraced the message of keeping fit and active.
Older people also see themselves as an asset to the country, making positive economic and social contributions.
They perform key caring roles, look out for neighbours and have considerable buying power. In addition, they retain specific skills from their careers, such as negotiating, organising and managing money, the report states.
While modern technology has helped, it has sometimes proved difficult for older people to adapt.
Most older people especially dislike “robotic telephone answering systems” used by public and private companies which, they feel, reduce personal contact.
Ms Bushnell called on the Government to address the issues highlighted by providing more generous fuel allowances for older people and improving transport services and home-help support.
The report, written by independent researchers Brian Harvey and Kathy Walsh, is based on focus groups, expert interviews and group discussion with almost 600 volunteers, members and clients of the society at more than 40 locations across the State.
