IRELAND’S POPULATION IS aging, with the number of young adults in the country falling by 10 per cent, according to recently released figures by the Central Statistics Office.

The latest Census results showed that the 19-24 year old age group was the only category to show a fall, with a decrease of 12 per cent since the last Census in 2006.  In contrast, the number of older people (aged over 65) has increased by 14 per cent, and there are more older people now living in nursing homes (20,000) and residential hospitals (5,000).

The average age in Ireland has risen to 36.1 years.

Meanwhile, the population of pre-school children has increased by 18 per cent – up 50 per cent since the last Census was conducted. More children were also found to be living in flats and rented accommodation than in 2006, with a 51 per cent rise in people aged 25-64 living in rented accommodation noted.

The data showed a 7 per cent increase in the number of young adults (19-24) living in the family home.

The CSO says that emigration plays a significant role in the diminishing young population.

While the average age of the population overall increased, the average age fell in counties Laois, Cavan and Longford.

Read the Census 2011 Older and Younger results in full>