Three Out Of Four Older People Concerned About Impact Of Brexit

Three out of four older people in Northern Ireland are concerned about the impact Brexit will have on them, according to a new report.

A report launched by the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament also revealed seven out of ten concerned about freedom of movement across the border.

The report and its findings will be discussed at the 2017 Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament which continues in Belfast on Friday, 27 October.

The parliament, organised by older people’s charity Age Sector Platform, will see around 200 older people from right across the province in attendance.

Ivan Baxter from Age Sector Platform commented: "The older generation in Northern Ireland have lived long enough to remember custom checks on the border and it's not a situation to which we would like to return. Regardless of how older people voted in the referendum, it is clear from our research that maintaining a soft border and protecting cross border free travel for over 65s is very important to the vast majority of older people here.

"Over the last year there has been a great deal of political and media commentary blaming the older generation for the Brexit vote. Our research has revealed that half of older people here feel vilified, despite the fact that nine out of ten considered the impact the result would have on younger generations when voting. We are parents and grandparents after all and want the best for our families in the years to come.

"Despite the accepted belief that older people are responsible for the Brexit vote, our findings suggest that in Northern Ireland the majority of older people voted remain. In fact, our research reveals two in three older people voted to remain – a higher proportion than the population as a whole."

(CD)