There are approximately 426,300 people over the age of 70 living in this country. As a group, they have been in the news throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

In much of the commentary, they have been portrayed as being frail, isolated and dependent.

Like the rest of the country they have been subject to social distancing, self-isolation and more recently they have been cocooning for their own good.

Extraordinary contribution

With all of this going on it would be easy to forget that this generation provides a huge level of support to their families and communities and life would be very difficult for many without it.

A new report by The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has quantified this contribution and the figures are quite extraordinary.

But the over 70s don’t just care for grandchildren, they also care for spouses, family, neighbours and friends

Take caring for grandchildren for an example. It’s estimated that 131,700 – or 31% of the over 70s – provide care for grandchildren. Of these, 75,000 provide care of between one and 20 hours a week, while a massive 23,400 spend more than 40 hours a week caring for grandchildren.

But the over 70s don’t just care for grandchildren, they also care for spouses, family, neighbours and friends. Approximately 132,200 provide help with household chores and vital care with the basic activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating and toileting.

A significant 21,100 provide care for a median of 25 hours a month. However, there are a small number of the over 70s giving an average of 64 hours care per month.

Adults over 70 are the fabric of their communities

These are figures that deserve acknowledgement says Dr Christine McGarrigle one of the authors of the report.

“Much of the discussion around the over 70s has characterised them as being dependent, elderly and frail. But they should not be characterised in this way. Adults over 70 are the fabric of their communities and deserve acknowledgement of this during the COVID-19 crisis.”

The data in this study highlights the enormous contribution that older people make to society in Ireland

Dr McGarrigle says we need to be more careful about the words we use to describe the over 70s. “Much of the commentary has been ageist and we need to ensure that people remember the contribution they make to volunteering, care giving and childminding.

“The data in this study highlights the enormous contribution that older people make to society in Ireland and to the economic fabric of the country.

“They enable others to take part in the work force through their volunteering and caring. The Irish people and policy makers should have a huge appreciation and greatly value this role which assists the Irish people and the Irish economy.”

Dr McGarrigle added that we need to understand how this negative portrayal of the over 70s effects their own perception of aging.

“It can have both a mental and physical impact and that impact could last a lot longer than this crisis. That’s why we need to be more careful about the words we use.”

Department of Health response

The evidence so far is that hospitalisation rates and case fatality rates are much higher for those aged 70 and up. In Ireland, 667 of the 769 deaths reported (87%) have been in people who were 70 or older as of 22 April.

It is a really important for those aged over 70 who are fit and healthy and finding cocooning difficult to realise that their general fitness is no protection against COVID-19. That is why the advice is for that group to cocoon.

Volunteering

Approximately 206,800 (47%) of the over 70s volunteered in the last year, while 17% volunteer every week. The over 70s volunteer for a wide range of organisations including:

  • The GAA and other sports, social groups and clubs.
  • Church connected groups.
  • Self-help, charitable and community groups and day care centres.
  • More than one-third of those who volunteered did so for at least one day each week.
  • The work of volunteers benefits hundreds of thousands of people in all age groups throughout the country. Volunteering also benefits the volunteers in terms of better physical and mental wellbeing, as well as overall quality of life.
  • Approximately 330,400 (60%) enjoy regular social and leisure activities. People aged over 70 continue to lead active and social lives. Activities include:

  • Going to films, plays or concerts.
  • Attending classes or lectures.
  • Playing cards, bingo, games in general.
  • Going to the pub and eating out of the house.
  • Taking part in sport activities or exercise.
  • These activities provide a means for people to maintain friendships, pastimes and generally remain engaged. The activities also support the economy. Participation in social and leisure activities have many benefits including better physical and mental health and cognition.

    TILDA

    The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing began collecting information in 2009 on people aged 50 and older in Ireland. Data is collected every two years. The same participants take part so that researchers can map each individual’s experience of getting older in Ireland.

    They are currently recruiting people in the 50-59 age group. So if you receive a letter asking you to take part, they would appreciate your support.