Valuing Older People

We believe older people are an asset to society and that aging can, and should, be celebrated. Our aim is to help change the perception of ageing and play our part in helping our communities to continue living well.

In December we launched our Stamp Out Ageism campaign with the aim of raising awareness of ageism in society as we believe that ageing can, and should, be celebrated.
 
We find that all too often a negative connotation can be attributed to ageing and a recent study has found that nearly 40% of those surveyed had experienced a lack of respect due to their age. As well as this, with an increasing older population we also all too often hear phrases such as ‘crisis of ageing’ which only adds to an unhelpful perception.
 
Also, research has indicated that loneliness is a growing problem in the UK. Among those aged 65 and up, more than half live alone, 17% are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week, and almost five million say the television is their main form of company.
 
Although ageing can bring with it some challenges, we firmly believe that older people are a valuable part of their local communities.
 
As well as having a lifetime of experience and wisdom which should be recognised and celebrated, older people can often find that they have more free time. According to the RVS, Older people are the backbone of a large part of the volunteering across the UK.
 
As we continue to help our customers live enjoyable and comfortable lives at home, our aim is to help change the perception of ageing and play our part in helping our communities to continue living well.
 
There are a number of ways we are working towards this goal including working in partnership with fantastic community organisations such as the Alzheimers’ Society to promote and provide easily accessible support.
 
You can find more details about the organisations we are working with and our Stamp Out Ageism campaign in our Spring newsletter which will be published soon.