Ferm-Omagh-Age-Friendly-Strategy-26-30-1

6 I Age Friendly Strategy 2026 - 2030 Age Friendly Strategy 2026 - 2030 I 7 3. Stating the Need Socio-Economic Profile Analysis of the population statistics for NI as a region and FODC at local authority level provide a strong case for actions to develop an Age Friendly society. It is recognised that NI is ageing at a faster rate than the rest of UK with 326,500 people aged 65+ and a 24% increase in population aged 65+ since 2011. Over half (57%) of the 65+ population have activities limited by long term health problem or disability and it is estimated that by 2028 the regional population will comprise more people aged 65+ than children under 15. (source: Age NI). At local level, there are currently 21,000 people aged 65 and over in Fermanagh and Omagh, representing 18% of the population. NISRA predicts an increase of 28% in the number of older residents in the district by 2030, representing 22% of the district population by 2030 and 25% by 2040 and, as noted by the Community Plan overview, highlights the need for future proofing of services and delivery, including ensuring accessibility and affordability to enable FODC’s older citizens lead fulfilling and healthy lives. The Office for National Statistics reports healthy life expectancy for males in FODC is 63.3 years and 61.7 years for females. The average life expectancy is 79.2 years for males and 83.2 years for females, suggesting an average person could have almost 20 years of life during which they experience poor health. As a result, Age Friendly actions place an emphasis on increasing healthy life expectancy as opposed to overall life expectancy in order that older people can lead rewarding lives. (Appendix II). This will impact on the design and delivery of services, and particularly access to services, given the rurality of the district. The Northern Ireland Poverty and Income Inequality Report provides the key evidence on poverty levels across NI, using standard measures such as relative and absolute income poverty based on disposable household income. In 2023/24, 17% of the NI population (331,000 people) were living in relative poverty before housing costs, with rates for people of state pension age at 19%. Based on the average across the grouped years 2021/22–2023/24, Fermanagh and Omagh recorded one of the highest poverty rates of all Councils at 22%, both before and after housing costs, representing an increase compared with the previous three year period. While Council level data for people of state pension age is unavailable, applying NI wide relative proportions in 2023/24 suggests local poverty levels for this age group may be around 24% before housing costs and 16% after. Given ongoing pressures such as the cost of living and fuel poverty, the evidence shows that over one fifth of people in Fermanagh and Omagh are living in poverty. This can affect many parts of life for older people including health, travel, staying warm, and being able to access services often leading to increased feelings of isolation. Age Friendly Strategy & Action Plan Programme for Government Fermangh Omagh Community Plan Anti-Poverty Strategy for Fermanagh and Omagh 2024-2034 Making Life Better Active Living Sports & Physical Activity Strategy for NI Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 Health & Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together Public Health Agency Corporate Plan 2025 - 2030 NIHE Older Peoples Housing Strategy Policy Context In addition to grass roots consultation, the Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan has been developed in the context of the wider policy environment. The diagram below provides a sample of relevant policies that were considered. Further detail on policy alignment is included in Appendix IV. Community Consultation A detailed survey was carried out by FODC, in conjunction with SWAP to engage with older people in the district. The Age Friendly survey covered questions aligned to the WHO Age Friendly Cities Framework and the information gathered from the 925 survey responses has provided a robust evidence base to inform the co-design and development of the Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan for the next four years. The Strategy and Action Plan have also been informed by comprehensive consultation with older people. In addition to the district wide survey undertaken in summer 2023, a series of focus groups were undertaken in April/May 2024 with older people’s groups facilitated by SWAP and attended by the FODC Age Friendly Officer. A detailed survey analysis and consultation is provided in Appendix III, and the Action Plan has been developed to reflect the consultation findings.