New strategy to transform supports for older people in Mayo

Older people in Mayo are set to benefit from a new national strategy aimed at improving support and helping them remain living independently at home.

ALONE, the organisation dedicated to supporting older people, has launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2029, setting out an ambitious vision to tackle loneliness, poverty and barriers to essential services.

The plan comes as Ireland’s ageing population continues to grow rapidly, with the number of people aged over 65 expected to double in the next two decades.

A key focus of the strategy is ensuring that older people in counties like Mayo can access the same level of support as those in larger urban areas, ending what has been described as a “postcode lottery” in care services.

The new approach aims to provide a more joined-up system, bringing together healthcare, social supports and community services so that individuals do not have to navigate complex systems themselves.

For older residents in Mayo, the impact could be significant. The strategy highlights a typical example of a 76-year-old woman living alone in the county, showing how coordinated supports could be delivered directly to her home — including practical help, social interaction and access to healthcare — without the need for lengthy applications or multiple agencies.

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CEO of ALONE Sean Moynihan said the plan is about creating a system that works for people.

“Ageing is one of the most significant changes facing Ireland, and how we respond will define the kind of society we become,” he said. “We are determined to ensure no older person is left behind.”

The organisation expects to support over 52,000 older people nationwide in 2026, including many in rural counties such as Mayo, with plans to expand that figure to 125,000 by 2029.

The strategy also places strong emphasis on community involvement, with thousands of volunteers expected to play a key role in delivering support on the ground.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of community-based services in helping older people remain independent.

“This strategy recognises both the scale of Ireland’s ageing population and the need for coordinated, forward-looking solutions,” he said.

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ALONE said its approach will not only improve quality of life for older people but also ease pressure on hospitals and care facilities by reducing unnecessary admissions and supporting people to stay in their homes longer.

For rural areas like Mayo, where isolation and access to services can be particular challenges, the strategy is being seen as a significant step toward ensuring older residents can live with dignity, connection and security in their own communities.