AQO 2471/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 25/09/2025
Answered On Date: 14/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how they are planning strategically for the long-term implications of an ageing population.

Answer:

Older people make such a valuable contribution to our local communities and it is vital we do everything we can to support them. We understand the importance of meeting the challenges we face with an ageing population, but we must also embrace the opportunities.

Our Programme for Government includes commitments to wellbeing and inclusion that apply directly to older people.

And a new Active Ageing Action Plan, based on the framework of the previous Strategy, is being led by the Department for Communities.

This plan will help address the needs and priorities for older people and alongside our PfG commitments, will ensure we can make an immediate and lasting impact on the quality of the lives of our older people.

We are also developing strategies on data and the use of analytics to improve policy making and future proofing. This will prove critical in the planning and investing in the right areas.