Ireland’s Elderly Defy Stereotypes with Remarkable Lifestyle Figures!
Dublin: A fascinating trend is emerging among Ireland’s elderly population, revealing a unique and vibrant lifestyle that defies traditional stereotypes. Recent revelations from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shed light on a community that not only celebrates marriage but also engages in active work, driving, and night-time travel during their golden years.
Marriage, typically associated with the younger demographic, is experiencing a notable surge among middle-aged and senior citizens in Ireland. Over the past decade, the number of marriages among individuals over 60 has more than doubled, rising from 505 in 2012 to 1,028 in 2022. Additionally, marriages among those aged 65 and above have increased by 40% from 2013 to 2023, reflecting a growing trend of later-life unions. The total number of new couples in the country has surged from 569,000 to 806,000, with the CSO projecting a further increase to 1.6 million by 2051. Health statistician Sarah Crilley attributes this enthusiasm to longer life expectancies and increased vitality among the elderly population.
Contrary to common assumptions about the limitations of old age, the CSO reports a substantial rise in the number of older individuals holding valid driving licenses. Currently, 80% of licensees aged 70 and above have seen an increase from 205,000 to 366,000 over the past decade. Moreover, late-life employment is becoming a significant trend, with 113,000 newly employed 65-year-olds working an average of 31 hours per week as of the third quarter of 2023.
Night-time activities have also become a part of the senior lifestyle, as the number of overnight trips by individuals aged 65 and over has grown from 125,000 to 269,000 between 2017 and 2021. Notably, the usage of public transportation among women aged 75 and above has nearly doubled, with 13% of women versus 7% of men taking the bus weekly.
However, despite embracing various aspects of modern life, statistics reveal a surprising lack of interest in internet usage among the elderly. A substantial portion, 42% of 75-year-olds, has never used the internet, and only 13% of individuals aged 60 to 74 engage with online platforms.
On a less positive note, the CSO highlights a concerning trend of criminal activities involving individuals aged 65 and over. In 2021, there were 240 offenders in this age group, contrasting with 2,187 offenders aged between 18 and 29. The period between 2021 and 2022 witnessed a record increase in crimes such as murder, assault, harassment, and related offences involving seniors, with a quarter-on-quarter rise in this category. This complex portrayal underscores the multifaceted nature of the elderly population, challenging stereotypes and highlighting both their active engagement in society and the challenges they face.
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