Study found that one-in-three older people had undiagnosed hypertension and almost half had undiagnosed high cholesterol
Many older adults in Ireland remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated for a range of conditions, with serious implications for wellbeing and health system efficiency, according to new research.
The latest findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin found that, among 8,000 adults aged 50 or older, 36 per cent had undiagnosed hypertension and 45 per cent had undiagnosed high cholesterol – based on clinical thresholds.
The report also found that depression in later life is underdiagnosed, under-treated, and often not reported at all.
While 12 per cent of older adults had clinically significant depressive symptoms, fewer than half received appropriate treatment, and over 45 per cent had not reported their symptoms to any healthcare provider.
Since 2009, TILDA has collected detailed information on health, social, and economic factors through biennial waves. Fieldwork for this latest iteration – Wave 6 – was conducted between September 2020 and December 2023.
Prof Rose Ann Kenny
“This is the most comprehensive and wide-ranging report TILDA has produced to date,” said Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, principal investigator of TILDA.
“It’s the first time we’ve brought together such an extensive, longitudinal view of the key issues shaping the lives of adults in Ireland. From loneliness and emotional wellbeing to healthcare access and the realities of caregiving, these are topics that matter deeply to the individual, but also to health and social care”
The report found that loneliness has emerged as a persistent and powerful factor influencing the health and wellbeing of older adults. Levels and frequency of loneliness among respondents more than doubled during the pandemic, but returned to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
Despite being quite static over time, the report found that a significant proportion of older adults experience loneliness, and associate it with poorer health outcomes, including functional limitations, poorer self-rated health, and a higher number of depressive symptoms.
“What makes the Wave 6 findings so compelling is that the majority of the issues we’ve identified, like untreated hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic pain, and depression, are largely modifiable,” added Prof Kenny.
“These are not inevitable aspects of ageing; they are challenges we can address with the right health and social care systems in place. This study shines a light on where immediate, evidence-based action can transform outcomes for older adults in Ireland.”
Ireland is one of the fastest ageing countries in Europe, with the population aged 65 and over projected to double by 2051. This demographic shift will place increasing pressure on public services particularly health and social care and will require significant planning and adaptation.
The study also examined the emotional and mental health impacts of caregiving, and makes the case for stronger policy supports to reduce caregiver strain and improve wellbeing.
It found that carers who provide more than fifty hours of care each week report poorer mental health and reduced overall well-being, highlighting the emotional strain of high-intensity caregiving.
Among these caregivers, women in particular were more likely to report increased symptoms of depression, pointing to a gendered impact of prolonged caregiving responsibilities.
“This report reveals how health evolves over time, uncovering the complex interplay of biology, behaviour, and environment that shapes the aging process,” said Prof Cathal McCrory, co-principal investigator of TILDA.
“By tracking the same individuals over time, TILDA distinguishes typical patterns of aging from those that are atypical and potentially concerning.
“This report highlights that ageing is not a unidimensional process of decline, but a diverse and dynamic experience that involves growth, adaptation, resilience and vulnerability. These insights provide an essential evidence base for designing policies that optimise the health, wellbeing, and opportunities of older people in Ireland.”