1. The world's population is ageing at a record pace. In 2000, approximately 605 million people worldwide were 60 years and older. By 2050, that number is expected to reach 2 billion.

2. Seniors 85+ are the fastest growing segment of the global society. They are looking for long term care, health care, retirement and nursing home facilities and home care services more than any generation before them.

3. In Ireland, the current population is around 4 million, with almost half a million seniors age 65+ (12% of the overall population). The projected senior population in 2025 will be approximately 800,000.

4. In Ireland in 1962, the average male and female life expectancy was less than 58 years of age. By 2007, the average male life expectancy was 76.7 years and female was 81.5 years.

5. In Ireland, only 4-5% of the population will go to a long stay bed or nursing home when they are older.

6. Of the over 70 population in Ireland over 33% live alone. The number of women in this age group living alone considerably outstrips the number of men.