NUIG research indicates poverty amongst elderly may be more widespread
It is feared poverty amongst Ireland's elderly community could be more widespread than we realise.
Research from NUI Galway shows indicators used to measure hardship in surveys are less relevant to older people than other population groups - and it could lead to the under-reporting of the problem.
Whereas some sections of society would rate finances, or holidays away from home as essential, older people would rate clothing or items relating to housing as more important.
Experts behind the study say a special stand-alone index should be used to measure official statistics for the elderly.
