A glance at the week that was
Healthy Future
The Central Statistics Office forecast this week
that, should high fertility rates and inward migration continue,
our population could finally return to pre-Famine numbers of 6.5
million by 2031.
For women born in 2041, it says, life expectancy will be 88.2 years, and 86.5 years for men. About 1.3 million of the population, though, will be aged over 65 by 2041, meaning that it will become a nation of golden oldies.
Note to twentysomething readers: get that pension sorted today.
Unhealthy Present
According to a new health survey, the population
isn't exactly healthy. The research, commissioned by the Department
of Health into 10,000 adults, says that the number of smokers has
risen since 2002, from 27 to 29 per cent, and that 80 per cent of
men aged over 45 are overweight.
However, the numbers drinking more than the recommended 21 units per week is down from 15 per cent in 1997 to 8 per cent, and fewer people admit to drink-driving.
Quote
"There are babies who have been born and are now
walking and talking since I started running for president" -
Barack Obama admits that the race for the Democratic
nomination has gone on a long time
We Now Know
• More than half of overseas tourists think
Dublin is too expensive, according to a Dublin Tourism survey.
• The number of Asian vultures is declining quicker than any bird in history, including the dodo, say conservationists. They blame an anti-inflammatory given to livestock, which is toxic to the birds.
• The Cabinet's parting gift to Bertie Ahern was two hanging baskets - which will join his now sizeable collection.
18
The age at which New Yorker Alia Sabur has become a
professor of physics, beating a three-centuries-old record.
£200,000
The estimate Christie's have put on John Lennon's
handwritten lyrics for Give Peace a Chance, which will be auctioned
this summer.
500
The number of dumped cars being removed from
Arranmore Island off Co Donegal.