The most important things to older people across Co Monaghan are "mobility" and "independence." That's according to Seamus McDermott who is Chair of the Monaghan Older People's Council. New members are being encouraged to join the Monaghan County Older People's Council which provides a way for older adults in the county to take a more active role in their communities and to have their voices heard.
Seamus says that the financial field is causing major problems for older people and the use of ICT for online banking. According to Seamus, less than 50% of people aged over 75 are capable of independently using ICT. Speaking to Northern Sound, Seamus believes it is "unfair" that older people are being left with no other option but to "ask others for help" especially when it comes to passing on important banking details.
"It's not fair that an older person has to get someone else to do banking transactions for them and reveal personal information about their bank account," he said. "Take someone who isn't isolated and is lucky enough to have a family member or even a neighbour help them, that person might not have the best intentions or could have an addiction problem that requires money and there would be temptation then to use such information to their advantage. It's leaving people vulnerable and it's interfering with the independence of that older person."
If you are interested in joining or would like more information about the Monaghan’s Older People’s Council please contact Barry Eaton, Monaghan Age Friendly Programme Manager, by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 047 73750.
