How will ageing populations affect need for care?
Summary
Newstalk Breakfast discusses a new ESRI report projecting a 49% rise in family care needs in Ireland by 2040 due to an aging population. Guest Dr. Sheila Connolly explains that the 85+ demographic is expected to double, placing significant strain on middle-aged carers who balance work, children, and elder care. The report highlights a growing gap between increasing care demand and a shrinking pool of available family carers due to smaller family sizes and geographic dispersion. Consequently, the episode explores the urgent need for expanded formal care services to prevent excessive pressure…
Topics discussed
Show introduction and sponsor
Introduction of Dr. Sheila Connolly and ESRI report
Projected doubling of 85+ population by 2040
Analysis of care needs and demographic shifts
Projected 49-58% rise in family care demand
The 'sandwich generation' balancing work and care
Declining availability of carers due to demographics
Impact of urbanization and migration on care access
Challenges in meeting additional care demand
Pressure on family carers vs formal services
Sign-off and show promotion
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