Ageing population means elderly are now 'purpose' of health system — Dr Henry

Dr Colm Henry said the idea over-65s can only be treated by specialist geriatricians must be “openly refuted” as the population in Ireland has changed. File photo: Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland

Older people are now the purpose of healthcare and not the problem, a change which must be acknowledged by everyone in the system, the HSE chief clinical officer has said.

Dr Colm Henry said the idea over-65s can only be treated by specialist geriatricians must be “openly refuted” as the population in Ireland has changed. Central Statistics Office (CSO) data shows the population aged 65 and over is projected to double to 1.6 million by 2051 in Ireland.