Representatives of the 2026 Older People's Parliament convened at Parliament Buildings yesterday (Thursday 15 October) with attendees from throughout Northern Ireland.
The gathering was co-designed with various organisations and groups operating within the sector to facilitate direct engagement between older citizens and government officials.
Opening proceedings, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA, welcomed participants and emphasised the necessity of ensuring older people have opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers.
During the event, delegates tabled questions to the Minister of Health, Minister for Communities, Minister for Infrastructure, and the Minister of Justice on a broad range of issues identified by older people.
Topics discussed included health and social care services, support for carers, financial security, age-friendly housing, accessible transport, protection from scams and abuse, active ageing, advocacy services and age discrimination.
Delegates sought to share their lived experiences and raise specific concerns regarding matters affecting older people and their communities.
The event provided an important opportunity for participants to discuss these critical issues face-to-face with the relevant ministers.