Supporting Older Travellers: A Community-Led Approach to Health, Dignity, and Inclusion
In Ireland, the term “older person” typically applies from age 55. However, within the Traveller community, this term is applied from age 50. This is because Travellers face significant health inequalities which contribute to an accelerated aging experience when compared to the majority population. These disparities are rooted in the social determinants of health, which includes access to education, housing, employment, and healthcare. According to the Central Statistics Office (2022), a notably higher proportion of Travellers report long-term conditions or disabilities. Research from Trinity College Dublin (2023) highlights that Travellers over the age of 65 experience higher rates of injury, underscoring their increased vulnerability. Additionally, chronic illnesses such as metabolic syndromes, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis are two to three times more common among Travellers.
According to the All-Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS 2010):
- Traveller men live on average 15 years less than men in the general population, while Traveller women live 11.5 years less than their settled counterparts.
- Mortality rates from respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and suicide are significantly higher than the majority population.
These statistics are not just numbers, they reflect lived experiences of exclusion, discrimination, and systemic neglect of older Travellers.
At Wicklow Travellers Primary Health Care Project (TPHCP), our peer-led Active Age Group is working to change this. We work in partnership with the HSE, Traveller Health Unit, Wicklow Sports Partnership, Local Primary Care services, KWETB, Healthy Ireland and others, to support older Travellers through psychosocial interventions that promote:
- Mental wellbeing
- Social connection
- Cultural pride
- Health literacy
- Empowerment and resilience
Our approach is rooted in community, compassion and Traveller identity. We believe that ageing should be celebrated, and that every older Traveller deserves to live with dignity, health, and joy. The TPHCP team support participants by providing access to health education, promoting health literacy, offering lifestyle guidance and supports, and signposting to relevant services and supports. Arts and crafts are a central part of the Active Age sessions, offering not only a creative outlet but also a therapeutic one. These activities help maintain dexterity and cognitive engagement, while also celebrating Traveller heritage and storytelling traditions. Whether it’s making beaded jewellery, cooking, gardening, painting, or textile work, the creative process strengthens bonds and provides a sense of pride and accomplishment. These activities and others have the added benefit of supporting and promoting positive mental health.
The Active Age group addresses the social determinants of health by fostering social inclusion, reducing isolation, and promoting access to health services that are respectful of Traveller identity and culture. We also integrate community development principles, ensuring that the group is co-created with participants, responsive to their needs, and empowering in its approach. The group meets every Monday morning from 10:00-12:00, in CEART, at Wicklow Travellers Group, Crinion Park, Wicklow Town.
Please call Kathleen on 086 7925629 or Nicky on 086 2737373 for more information.
Article Written by Nicky Condell and Christina Moorehouse (Wicklow Traveller Primary Health Care Project)
