“They’re Not Just Leaving, They’re Gone”: Challenges to Generational Renewal and Long-Term Care on the Islands of West Cork

While the field of rural ageing has garnered attention due to the rapidly ageing rural population worldwide, islands are generally given less consideration when examining the needs of older people. This study aimed to explore the challenges to ageing in place faced by residents in the farming community of two West Cork islands in Ireland. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight islanders in January 2025. A qualitative content analysis was conducted and nine overarching themes situated within the social-ecological framework were identified. The loss of the younger generation, its effect on generational renewal and informal care, and poor access to long-term care services were stressed as primary challenges to ageing in place. Some islanders feared they would have to leave the island as they got older, revealing a distinct challenge for ageing island residents. Participants expected the State to provide more supports, particularly in relation to health care services and housing, to make the islands more attractive to newcomers. This was seen as a necessary step to address the population crisis being experienced in these areas and to create additional supports for those who wish to age in place on the islands at both the State and community levels.