We need to be best place in the world to get old
Older people have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic.
A range of issues, from the high death rates and care home residents going without visits, to the removal of social care packages and inappropriate use of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation notes have all raised concerns along with access to treatment, ageism, loneliness and isolation. The treatment of older people during the pandemic has, more than ever, demonstrated the need for politicians to speak up for older people and to establish an independent commissioner who will work to protect and promote their human rights. We are asking the next Scottish Government to establish an Older People’s Commissioner to help protect and promote their rights. Over the last year we have seen just how important this role has been in Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, along with a
‘ Older people are an incredible asset
cabinet secretary and minister responsible for older people, this new commissioner would be incredibly valuable. A key theme of their work would be to advance and safeguard the rights of people living with dementia and help tackle age discrimination and ageism across Scottish society.
We also need action on tackling loneliness and social isolation, rebuilding the public services and the voluntary organisations that have been greatly impacted during the pandemic, reforming social care and boosting health services; ending pensioner poverty and health inequalities, and building more good-quality, accessible, affordable and energy efficient homes. There must be better support for older workers, creating age-inclusive workplaces; and a national effort to tackle ageism head on. Older people are an incredibly valuable asset to the country but too often under-appreciated. We want to see every party promote their ideas to help our older population, those in the greatest need above all, and for Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow older.
Read Age Scotland’s Action For Older People and back the campaign for an Older People’s Commissioner at age.scot/sp21