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| How can we build a better society for older people? Live discussion | How can we build a better society for older people? Live discussion |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| Society is failing to value and harness older people’s skills, knowledge and experience, a Guardian survey has revealed. Some 92% of the 1,250 respondents to the ageing population research believe that older adults’ contribution to society is not recognised. | Society is failing to value and harness older people’s skills, knowledge and experience, a Guardian survey has revealed. Some 92% of the 1,250 respondents to the ageing population research believe that older adults’ contribution to society is not recognised. |
| One said: “On the whole the public view older people as a drain on society instead of an asset.” Another added: “Older people are mostly seen as a bundle of problems and service-needs. Their strengths, skills and knowledge are not harnessed or appreciated in a society infatuated by the cult of youth.” | One said: “On the whole the public view older people as a drain on society instead of an asset.” Another added: “Older people are mostly seen as a bundle of problems and service-needs. Their strengths, skills and knowledge are not harnessed or appreciated in a society infatuated by the cult of youth.” |
| In fact, older people in the UK contribute an estimated £61bn to the economy through employment, volunteering and caring. And, according to Ros Altmann, the UK government’s champion for older workers, being 50, 60 or 70 in the 21st century is no longer a predictor of physical or mental abilities. It certainly does not signify that someone has failing health and will soon be unfit to work, or no longer able to learn new skills. | In fact, older people in the UK contribute an estimated £61bn to the economy through employment, volunteering and caring. And, according to Ros Altmann, the UK government’s champion for older workers, being 50, 60 or 70 in the 21st century is no longer a predictor of physical or mental abilities. It certainly does not signify that someone has failing health and will soon be unfit to work, or no longer able to learn new skills. |
| Meanwhile, with numbers of people aged 75 and over expected to double by 2040 and the proportion of older people in the UK due to rise from 23% to 28% of the population by 2030, it is vital to plan for the necessary services to support our ageing society. | Meanwhile, with numbers of people aged 75 and over expected to double by 2040 and the proportion of older people in the UK due to rise from 23% to 28% of the population by 2030, it is vital to plan for the necessary services to support our ageing society. |
| How can we create a society where people aren’t so worried about getting old, where there’s less stereotyping of older people, more inter-generational contact, and more opportunities to see older people as assets? What are the issues around financing retirement and how do we make sure older adults are not excluded because they don’t have enough money? | How can we create a society where people aren’t so worried about getting old, where there’s less stereotyping of older people, more inter-generational contact, and more opportunities to see older people as assets? What are the issues around financing retirement and how do we make sure older adults are not excluded because they don’t have enough money? |
| We will be discussing these questions and more on Wednesday 25 March from noon till 2pm. | We will be discussing these questions and more on Wednesday 25 March from noon till 2pm. |
| The live chat is not video or audio-enabled but will take place in the comments section (below). Get in touch via sarah.johnson@theguardian.com or @GdnHealthcare on Twitter. | The live chat is not video or audio-enabled but will take place in the comments section (below). Get in touch via sarah.johnson@theguardian.com or @GdnHealthcare on Twitter. |
| The panel so far ... | The panel so far ... |
| Simon Bottery, director of policy and external relations, Independent AgeJonathan Morgan, senior service manager, Red Cross Independent living services in LondonHelen Creighton and George Holley-Moore, International Longevity CentreRoger Newman, trustee, Older People’s Advocacy AllianceAnna McEwen, director of support and development, Shared Lives PlusAndrew Williams, deputy honorary secretary, British Geriatrics SocietyAnthea Tinker, professor of social gerontology, King’s College LondonGillian Connor, head of external affairs, HanoverGemma Heath, PA Consulting Group |