UN: Ireland one of safest places for old people

Despite a litany of recession-era cutbacks on elderly people, Ireland has still been ranked as one of the safest and most supportive places in the world to grow old gracefully.

A major study by the United Nations Population Fund and charitable group, Help Age International, made the claim after placing this country 12th in a 91-nation older persons league.

The first global index survey on the sector, published on the UN International Day of Older Persons yesterday, gave Ireland a 79.5% pass rate in how it addresses elderly peoples’ needs. And despite highly controversial Government attacks on medical cards, fuel allowances, and old-age pensions, along with repeated nursing home scandals, it ranked Ireland third in the world when it comes to over 50s feeling safe and supported.