Club keeps isolation off the table

A research project launched today reflects the isolation of older people in Irish society, but there are solutions, as Social Affairs Correspondent Carl O'Brienfinds out in a snooker hall.

You can hear the racket from St Mary's youth club before you even enter the building. Inside, a stereo playing Dean Martin's greatest hits struggles to be heard above the high-decibel banter around the snooker table.

"You can't be doing that," shouts Larry Redmond (73), as one of the group takes a foul shot. "Take it out, take it out," says another, in his 80s. "Kelly, do you want to be hand-fed?"

The games club for older men in the East Wall area of Dublin's inner city is clearly not for the faint-hearted. Most of the group know each other since their early teens. They went to school with each other, joined the same football teams together, and worked in many of the timber yards or dockyards that once populated the area.

Yet, despite the closeness of the community, they might not have met up at all if it wasn't for this twice-weekly games club, established recently by a local community development project.

"This is all new - prior to this we had nothing," says Larry Redmond.

"I think a lot of men are fairly shy, deep down. Women are better at getting together, they're more into socialising. For men, the pub is the only social outlet. But drink is expensive, and old folks don't get cheaper drink."

Patrick May (81), who worked as a shoe-maker locally for many years, says that meeting his friends is a highlight of the week. "We love coming here now. You have to get out of the house. The worst thing is to be looking at the four walls, that's a real killer . . . but it's lovely to see everyone enjoy themselves. It's the satisfaction of simple things."

Some of the men have found it difficult to adjust to old age. Bereavement, separation and illnesses have triggered loneliness. The loss of contact with family, fear of crime, or a sense that the community is disintegrating are others.

Fred Rock (71), a former pork butcher based in George's Street, says he feels saddened that the community isn't as strong as it used to be.

"This used to be a good area, but it's like everywhere else, there are a lot of bad elements. Kids before had loads to do - boxing, arts and crafts and drama. They don't have that any more. It's all gone a bit sour. It's a real pity."

The community of East Wall is like many other inner-city areas in the capital which have experienced rapid growth over the last decade or so.

The majority of older people have lived here their whole lives, forging strong community ties. However, spiralling property prices, the break-up of old communities and time pressures on young couples have contributed to the isolation of older people as never before.

The rapidly changing population in the area also means that the proportion - as well as the number of older people is falling dramatically. In East Wall, for example, the proportion of older people has dropped by almost 20 per cent over the last decade, while the proportion has increased by 13 per cent for the city as a whole.

This decline raises the prospect of increased isolation and loneliness for older people, especially those who have been bereaved. However, the changes are not necessarily irreversible.

Community development groups, such as Nascadh, are working with local residents to improve the lives of older people. The games club for older men is just one example: others include film nights, mystery tours and social events.

However, it also realises that if it is to effect major change, it needs to influence the policies and services of State agencies and voluntary groups involved in the local community.

Fran Laycock, chair of Nascadh, says: "It's clear that older people have a lot to say about how services and facilities might be improved and that opportunities should be created to link into the views and opinions of older people about the development of services, policies and programmes."

The result is a research project, due to be launched by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today, on the views of older people living locally. The project was distinguished by the fact that older people were trained and supported in conducting one-to-one semi-structured interviews with local residents.

The results are sometimes surprising. For example, the majority of older people say they have a good life and enjoy living in the area. Most feel financially secure, given that they own their own houses and are pleased with recent pension increases.

But many also feel aspects of their lives have fallen into decline.

Significant numbers had suffered ill-health, many had been bereaved through the loss of a partner, or son or daughter.

While some have the confidence to socialise with others, there are many who are more withdrawn. Some 40 per cent of those approached to take part in the survey, for example, declined. Of those who did answer, almost 25 per cent said days go by when they do not have any contact with family or friends.

The report notes: "There is a clear sense that many older people are not coming out, not turning up at various community events and are fairly withdrawn and removed from the rest of the community."

The recommendations to improve life in the community - which have come from older people themselves - are simple and hardly expensive.

For example, they include: setting up befriending and visiting services; bereavement counselling for those who have lost partners or children; a "bring a buddy" scheme to help older people encourage others to participate in local activities; and transport to help older people travel from their own homes to wherever activities are taking place.

One of the big demands was for an affordable chiropody service, which would help older people maintain their mobility. Sheltered housing and complexes for older people would also help older people remain in the area, once they are no longer able to live independently in their own homes.

"Many of these recommendations will not require a large financial contribution. They are either low-cost or will involve some refocusing of existing services," says Fran Laycock.

The games club is one simple example. The men who meet up twice a week have started bringing friends and other relations since it started. It's getting so popular that they're playing one shot each, rather than full games, so everyone can have a go at the snooker table.

As the afternoon draws to a close at St Mary's youth club, they are shaking hands, with some making plans to meet again later in the week.

"All of this means a hell of a lot," says Tommy Rafter. "You've something to look forward to twice a week, hanging around with your pals. There's not a whole lot of us left - so it's a great feeling."