Assembly for over fifties

THANKFULLY there are few isms left in life – we are tackling sexism, we are tackling racism, but one very big one is still out there waiting to be tackled – Ageism.

In Torbay we are lucky to have Ageing Well which is seeking to change attitudes as well as tackling the debilitating effects of isolation and loneliness in over 50-year-olds.

Not having company is one thing, but being viewed in a negative light is another and some people feel that they are no longer valued in a society that could really benefit from their wealth of experience and knowledge, if only society could work out a way of harnessing it.

We have come a long way down that route here in Torbay and along with 13 other schemes around the country we have learned a lot about how our society views older people.

Some of it is positive, but a lot of it is negative – and needs to change for the good of society as a whole, which has lots of problems to tackle without throwing unnecessary and damaging ageism in to the mix.

We ought to be able to celebrate ageing and take full advantage of the skills, experience and wisdom that often comes with it. We need to change those attitudes and we are doing. Step by step, one argument at a time.

And things are beginning to speed up. Having harnessed the power of (older) people we are now moving forward to ensure they are taken into account at every level of decision making – from the very bottom to the very top.

Over the next few months, a group of motivated older people who have been working behind the scenes for months, will launch a series of roadshows, talks and campaigns with the intention of forming a Torbay Over 50’s Assembly.

The Over 50’s have recognised, an overwhelming urge to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. As it rolls out the Assembly representatives will be talking to peers in all three towns in the Bay to give older people the chance to get involved. They will be looking for people who are not just passionate about their communities but also have an interest in making sure older people are represented. In Torbay last year when we asked for older people’s views via our Food for Thought Sessions you told us that housing was a key issue – particularly the desire to be able to stay at home instead of moving into residential care. You also told us transport was a very important subject for people to be able to stay independent and socially active. Other things at the forefront of older people’s minds was accessible advice and information, social activities, support services and the environment all of which closely align with World Health Organisation’s priorities. The experts are of course older people themselves and that is why here at Ageing Well Torbay we are looking to help launch the assembly to give a voice to all these concerns at the highest levels.It will aim to ensure the needs of our ever growing older population remain at the top of the agenda – be that in the council chamber, the health authority or in the various statutory bodies. Ultimately the aim is for Torbay to achieve ‘Age Friendly’ status. If you want more information email; davidgledhill@torbaycdt.org.uk phone 01803 212638 or drop into the Torbay Community Development Trust in Temperance Street,

Torquay.