News Now One in five Irish people carry ‘iron overload’ gene
so symptoms might not appear until ages 30-40 years. Symptoms can include: Chronic fatigue, joint pain and arthritis, diabetes, liver disorders, reduced sex drive and heart disease.
According to a new survey conducted by the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPC), 57 per cent of of preretirees have adapted their retirement plans after the Covid-19 pandemic. 32 per cent of those surveyed are now considering retiring early, while 25 per cent plan to postpone their retirement plans. The survey was carried out amongst participants of the RPC’s ‘Planning for Retirement’ courses in late 2021 and early 2022.
If you are worried about any symptoms of iron overload or if someone in your immediate family has haemochromatosis, contact your GP to arrange a simple blood test. If haemochromatosis is diagnosed and treated early, patients can go onto live normal lives and avoid complications later in life.
Respondents were asked whether they would consider delaying retirement or retiring early in the wake of the pandemic. Those who decided to defer retirement cited remote working flexibility, as well as limited travel opportunities, as the main factors influencing their decision.
For more information visit: haemochromatosis-ir.com; Email: info@haemochromatosis-ir.com; Helpline on (01) 8735911
The desire to retire early was driven by factors such as changes in the working environment and work-related stress caused by the pandemic. On a more positive note, respondents also expressed how lockdowns made them realise the value of spending time with family and friends outside of work, influencing their decision to retire early.
David Beggy, GAA All Star, with his daughter Andrea and Anna McCarthy Power, launch World Haemochromatosis Awareness Day in June
What is haemochromatosis, also known as ‘iron overload’? ‘Iron overload’ or haemochromatosis is a genetic condition where a large amount of iron is absorbed from our diet and deposited in major organs in the body, such as the liver but also the pancreas, heart and joints. More men than women can develop symptoms of haemochromatosis because women lose iron through regular blood loss from menstruation and pregnancy. In Ireland, 1 in 5 people carry the gene and 1 in 83 are at risk of developing haemochromatosis. Ireland has the highest incidence of the condition in the world. Iron builds up slowly in the body,
Limerick Greenway celebrates 500,000 visits Limerick Greenway has welcomed over 500,000 visits to the 40km scenic offroad walking and cycling route since it reopened in July last year, following a €10 million investment by Limerick City and County Council. Winding through the countryside of West Limerick — via the three market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale — visitors pass through the 115m Barnagh Train Tunnel and cross the cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct, both restored relics of the 19th century train line. The recreational amenity, on the
Survey reveals varying attitudes to retirement
former Limerick to Tralee train line, will see further improvement works over the coming year. The Railway Goods Shed at Rathkeale is to be restored to supply services to Greenway users and will form part of a Greenway Hub that will also include upgraded car parking facilities. Limerick City and County Council has also confirmed that it will commence work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West, later in the year. For more information, including bike hire, amenities and itineraries visit limerickgreenway.ie.
2 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
The majority of participants (73per cent) also agreed that lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic provided some insight into what retirement might be like, which may also be a driving factor for pre-retirees who have changed their plans. When asked what lessons they had learned during the pandemic that might help them to better prepare for their retirement, pre-retirees emphasised the value of social interaction and everyday routine.
