The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Champion of elderly to aid with policies
Angus has appointed its first Older People’s Champion. Forfar councillor Lynne Devine is to take up the role with a pledge to help the area’s senior citizens emerge from the “torture” of the pandemic.
The move followed the unanimous backing of a full council meeting for a motion put forward by Kirriemuir SNP councillor Julie Bell.
She said: “With a growing older population, it is vital local decision-making meets the needs of older people and councillors have a better understanding of these.
“Local authorities, health and social care partnerships and the third sector are responsible for providing and supporting so many services upon which older people rely, such as public transport, social care provision, housing, planning and communities.”
National Records of Scotland data indicates the country’s over-75 population is set to increase by 12% by 2023, rising to 30.3% by 2028.
Ms Bell added: “We know people are living longer in Angus, which is great.
“But we also know people are living longer with a wider range of complex health conditions.
“We have an equalities
champion and a young people’s champion which are both important roles.
“I believe it’s time to place additional emphasis on our elders, who have contributed to and enhanced our society over their entire lives.”
Age Scotland and the Scottish Older People’s Assembly (SOPA) hope to see a network of champions established across the country’s local authorities.
SOPA chairwoman Diana Findley and Graham Galloway of Kirrie Connections dementia hub
both welcomed the development.
Ms Devine, the leader of the council’s SNP group, said: “I very much look forward working along with the provost as the veterans’ champion.
“Many people lost their partners during this time and have had to grieve alone. I intend to meet with older people, wherever they are, to hear their concerns and then bring those views back to the council, so that we can give them full consideration when formulating policy.”