We live in an ageing population in which the number of older people will outnumber younger people by 2023^{Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (2005) Population Projections 2004}. Therefore, it is important that government adapts to this good news story and ensures that it delivers services that meet the changing needs of society. To do this, it is vital that older people play a role in policy development and that their experience and skills are valued and fully utilized by government and other decision-makers.

Age Sector Platform (ASP) recognises the importance of working in partnership with other organisations, groups and individuals in order to ensure the voice of older people in Northern Ireland is strengthened, heard and listened to. Ensuring older representation on groups and committees across a range of sectors will not only reinforce the older persons’ perspective during decision making but allow older people to become empowered through contributing to issues that will have an impact on their lives.

The Review of Public Administration (RPA) represents a significant period of change in Northern Ireland, and during this period, it is imperative that Government listens and acts on the views and experience of older people in society. ASP will work to ensure older people can represent their concerns on relevant decision making groups and at local public meetings.

Age Sector Platform aims to:

• Ensure the older voice is heard on relevant groups that contribute to policy making and impact on the lives of older people. Priority areas identified include Community Safety, Health and Transport issues
• Provide strong older voices for decision making bodies following the RPA
• Encourage older people’s attendance at local public meetings on issues that matter to them.