Nobody ever imagines themselves getting old, but the reality for those lucky enough to reach their golden years, it is a given.

However, it’s not a given that by reaching a ripe old age that it will be a healthy one. We are only one generation away from one in four of the population being over 65 – the current numbers are one in eight and by 2036, it will be one in six.

Thankfully, there are experts and specialists in public health policies studying how best over 65s can live their best lives. To live that best life as an older person it would greatly help if there was better accessibility where you live, whether on public transportation, safer footpaths and cycling lanes and well-planned housing.

Staying active is another important factor no matter what age you are and obviously amenities and facilities in the community can make a difference.

Exercise and keeping active is key to being a healthier senior citizen according to James O’Connell, a Public Health doctor with the HSE West and Northwest (pictured).

James has assessed what the ageing population of Galway needs to be healthy, active and engaged. His study, which concentrates on the city, but equally applies to the ageing population in rural Galway, calls on all local authorities and public agencies to include the needs of an ageing population when formulating policies for the future.

“I have assessed what our ageing population in Galway needs to be healthy, active and engaged. We need public transport, walking, and cycling that is accessible to all. Reframing how we plan our transport from being primarily about traffic management to being about our health and wellbeing can help achieve this.

“Galway is a young city today, but this is changing rapidly as we are only one generation away from having one in four aged over 65, as opposed to one in eight,” he says.

He says it is crucial for public bodies to consider this statistic when planning for the future whether that’s about transportation or housing or promoting better health practices — not just exercise and activity but stressing the need for people to stay engaged in their communities.

He says the main thing that has come out of the study is that in the near future there will be an imbalance in the population between dependant people and the economically active people.

However, James says it is not too late to act now to lessen the projected imbalance if no action is taken.

Simply put, people who continue to stay active and socially engaged have a greater chance of remaining healthier into their old age.
This is a shortened preview version of this story. To read the rest of the article, see the December 22 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can support our journalism and buy a digital edition HERE.