Thursday 20 March 2014

New ISA offers £15,000 annual limit @age_uk

Savers have an annual allowance of £15,000 as part of the new super ISA announced in George Osborne's Budget. The Chancellor revealed that stocks and cash individual savings accounts (ISAs) will be...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Gwanwyn festival grant winners announced @agecymru

Our arts festival for over 50s has published the names of the 49 arts groups and projects that will be receiving one of its 'Gwanwyn' grant this year. The Gwanwyn festival is a Wales-wide, month-lo...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Wednesday 19 March 2014

Age UK’s response to the Chancellor’s Budget 2014 @myageingparent

Age UK welcomes help for savers unveiled in today’s Budget statement, but at the same time highlights that the poorest pensioners won’t benefit from the changes announced. {DynamicContent:Social… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post Age UK's response to the Chancellor's Budget 2014 appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

How will Budget benefit older people? @myageingparent

The latest budget from George Osborne could be good news for older motorists and bingo players alike, experts suggest. Chancellor George Osborne has already suggested he is not prepared to stray fr… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post How will Budget benefit older people? appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

The Budget – a first take @age_uk

In its tone and delivery the Budget speech sounded good news for pensioners, and there is much to applaud in the Government's proposals.   But before getting carried away with enthusiasm it is important to take a cool look at what … Continue reading

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Age UK’s response to the Chancellor’s Budget 2014 @age_uk

Age UK welcomes help for savers unveiled in today's Budget statement, but at the same time highlights that the poorest pensioners won't benefit from the changes announced. {DynamicContent:Social...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Labour Market Continues to Improve for People Aged 50+ @TAEN_UK

The UK labour market continues to improve for people aged 50+ with another record high for the number of people aged 50-64 in employment.  The number in work has risen by 318,000 over the past year and the employment rate for 50-64 year olds has risen faster (+1.3 per cent ) than for any other age group over the period. Two-thirds (69.3 per cent) of the total rise in UK employment over the past year has been amongst those aged 50+. But how many in this age group classified as ‘employed’ are in fact self employed is not known nor how much work…

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Budget 2014 - Age Cymru responds @agecymru

Commenting on today's Budget, Age Cymru's Head of Policy and Public Affairs Graeme Francis says: "The UK's rigid pensions system has become increasingly out of step with the reality of contemporary...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Response to the Chancellor’s Budget 2014 @agescotland

A welcome help for savers but no gains for the poorest pensioners says Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK.

Our rigid pensions system has become increasingly out of step with the reality of contemporary working lives so we hope that the more flexible approach announced today will revitalise pension saving, giving younger age groups more hope of future security in retirement.

440x210_older-woman-husband

We particularly applaud the immediate changes announced today that will allow the millions with several small pension pots to draw their money in cash – it's a move Age UK has been campaigning for over many years.

We are also very pleased that guidelines are to be introduced to offer pensioners and those approaching pension age impartial face to face financial advice. Giving people a real choice about how and when to use their pension savings is the right approach, but it must be an informed choice so the advice available to them when they make this crucial decision needs to be first rate. Making this a reality  will be central to the success of the reforms and we look forward to working with the Government and the financial services industry to make sure this happens.

Radical as these changes are, it's important to recognise that they are not a panacea. If you are one of the 1.6 million pensioners living in poverty in England, this budget will have done nothing to help you cope with rising living costs. Nor will it do anything to reduce the crisis in social care that has seen the number of  older people receiving support  falling by more than a quarter since 2005

Furthermore, we know that people regularly underestimate how long they will live and people retiring now often have immediate calls on their savings such as interest-only mortgages and debts to pay off.  Work needs to start now to ensure these people will have assets to support them in very old age, that free financial advice is of a consistently high standard, and that the industry develops some good value financial options so people get the certainty they need for security in later life.

If you are have questions about your own finances or just need a friendly ear, phone us at the Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90


View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Better Care in NI Hospitals Needed, Says Age NI @age_ni

Linda Robinson, Age NI Acting Chief Executive, commented, 'Age NI is shocked, but not surprised, by the recent media reports about the appalling, inhumane and  poor treatment of older people while ...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

How will Budget benefit older people? @age_uk

The latest budget from George Osborne could be good news for older motorists and bingo players alike, experts suggest. Chancellor George Osborne has already suggested he is not prepared to stray fr...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Tuesday 18 March 2014

We don’t have to look for babysitters @agescotland

You may have seen our 'Love Later Life' adverts on the TV or at the cinema…

The advert features a voiceover from actor Jonathan Pryce who is reading a poem about ageing which has been written specifically for the occasion by Roger McGough – if you want to check it out click here .

We went out to see how people in Scotland are loving later life, here, Jean and Betty from Knightswood Community Centre tell us how they get out and about with their ‘Old Time Dancing’ group.


View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Monday 17 March 2014

Care system 'confusing' families @myageingparent

A number of families are being driven to ‘breaking point’ by an increasingly complex social care system, warns a consumer watchdog. Which? claims people trying to organise care for a loved one face… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post Care system 'confusing' families appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Age Cymru Twmpath postponed @agecymru

We have postponed the Age Cymru twmpath until further notice because of unforeseen circumstances. The event was due to take place on Friday 21 March at the Heath Sports and Social Club at the...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Care system 'confusing' families @age_uk

A number of families are being driven to 'breaking point' by an increasingly complex social care system, warns a consumer watchdog. Which? claims people trying to organise care for a loved one face...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

More than 30,000 Respond to Consultation on Zero Hours Contracts @TAEN_UK

The consultation launched by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills in December 2013 received more than 30,000 responses.  It followed  a review of evidence on the extent of the use of zero hours contracts conducted last summer. The consultation focused on two key issues that were raised in the summer review: exclusivity in employment contracts and lack of transparency for employees. Commenting on the consultation, Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “It is clear that a growing number of people are using zero hours contracts. While for some they offer welcome flexibility to accommodate childcare or top up monthly earnings,…

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

'Rethink perception of later life' says Charity @agescotland

More than four out of five (82 per cent) Scots want to see society adjust its perception of later life, moving away from negative stereotypes of ageing. New research from Age Scotland, commissioned...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Age UK launches 'Love later life' @myageingparent

According to new research from Age UK, over three quarters (77%) of adults are looking forward to living longer. But 9 out of 10 (91%) believe that changes need to be made in society to help us… continue reading Powered … Continue reading

The post Age UK launches 'Love later life' appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Age UK launches 'Love later life' @age_uk

According to new research from Age UK, over three quarters (77%) of adults are looking forward to living longer. But 9 out of 10 (91%) believe that changes need to be made in society to help us...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Friday 14 March 2014

Loneliness a ‘serious issue’ for older people @myageingparent

Urgent action is needed to prevent isolation among older people reaching ‘epidemic proportions’ by 2030. The warning in a new report by Independent Age and the International Longevity Centre UK (IL… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post Loneliness a 'serious issue' for older people appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Loneliness a ‘serious issue’ for older people @age_uk

Urgent action is needed to prevent isolation among older people reaching 'epidemic proportions' by 2030. The warning in a new report by Independent Age and the International Longevity Centre UK (IL...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Steep Fall in Number of Employment Tribunal Claims @TAEN_UK

The release of the latest quarterly figures from the Tribunals Service reveal a large drop in the number of people lodging a claim at employment tribunal.  The October to December 2013 quarter saw a fall of 79 per cent in the number of claims filed over the same period in 2012 and a 75 per cent fall over the previous quarter.. Fees for bringing a claim were introduced in late July 2013.  The October to December 2013 period was the first quarter when the fees were in force for the full period.

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Proportion of Employees in Workplace Pension Increases @TAEN_UK

In 2013, the proportion of employees who belonged to a workplace pension increased to 50 per cent, the first increase since 2006.  In 2012, prior to the implementation of workplace pension reforms, 47 percent of employees belonged to a workplace pension scheme. Although membership was 50 per cent overall in 2013, there was a significant difference between sectors: 85 per cent of public sector employees were members of a workplace pension scheme; 36 per cent of private sector employees were members of a workplace pension scheme. The overall increase in proportion of employees with a workplace pension between 2012 and…

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

The LGiU and CCLA C’llr Achievement Awards @age_uk

This guest blog was contributed by Josephine Suherman, Policy Researcher at the LGiU The LGiU and CCLA C'llr Achievement Awards aim to recognise and reward those councillors who go over and above what is expected of them; councillors who show absolute … Continue reading

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

March Update @myageingparent

Caring for a parent with a terminal illness Palliative care aims to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of illness for people when curative treatment is no longer possible. Care should also address the wide emotional, social and practical needs of … Continue reading

The post March Update appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Back to the 80′s – golf style @agescotland

A group of intrepid time travelling golfers are holding a Charity Golf Day in support Age Scotland.  Participants must use clubs from at least 30 years ago and also dress the part in the finest 1980′s apparel.  They were put onto Age Scotland by Daniel's Gran May Kinghorn who is the organiser of Age Scotland member group Duns Senior Citizens. Daniel tells us more

Vintage Golfing gear from Age Scotland's Charity shops

Vintage Golfing gear from Age Scotland’s Charity shops

With less than a month to our event starting, the boys have now all got their sponsor forms and are pinning down family and friends for donations to help support our event and raise as much money as possible.

We have all now rummaged through parents and grandparents garages and wardrobes to find Pre-1980′s equipment and clothing, with lots of Plus4s and Pringle Diamond Jumper lined up to wear on the day.

We still have couple of spaces if anyone is interested in joining us in our old school clothing and wooden clubs on the 5th of April.

Some of the boys have already been out to try there old clubs at the driving range and early reports suggest there could be some fun and games on the day with Pogo Patterson struggling to find the sweet-spot of modern clubs let along wooden headed ones.

More Golf bargains from Age Scotland Charity Shops

More Golf bargains from Age Scotland Charity Shops

If you fancy throwing them a few pound notes and 1/2p pieces, you can support them and Age Scotland here. We look forward to hearing more about and seeing the pictures afterwards….

Find Age Scotland charity shops here.


View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Thursday 13 March 2014

Adult social care funding falling 'significantly' @myageingparent

Older people are bearing the brunt of large cuts in public spending on social care, a new report suggests. The National Audit Office’s (NAO) Adult Social Care in England: Overview study warns that… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post Adult social care funding falling 'significantly' appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Adult social care funding falling 'significantly' @age_uk

Older people are bearing the brunt of large cuts in public spending on social care, a new report suggests. The National Audit Office's (NAO) Adult Social Care in England: Overview study warns that...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Wednesday 12 March 2014

ABI backs pension savings cash-in bid @myageingparent

People with modest pension savings should be allowed to cash them in when they retire, the chief executive of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said. Otto Thoresen said people who have… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post ABI backs pension savings cash-in bid appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

ABI backs pension savings cash-in bid @age_uk

People with modest pension savings should be allowed to cash them in when they retire, the chief executive of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said. Otto Thoresen said people who have...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

The best years of our lives? @agescotland

Next month, Catharine Ward Thompson, Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Edinburgh and Director of the OPENspace research centre linked with Heriot-Watt University, is speaking at the British Academy Big Debate on the body, brain and wellbeing. In this blog post, she takes us through some of the issues she will be raising as she asks, "are our communities – as places – ready for the opportunities and challenges posed by an ageing population so that old age might really offer some of 'the best years of our lives'?"

Catharine Ward

Catharine Ward Thompson at the first Advisory Group meeting of the Mobility, Mood and Place research project in January 2014. Age Scotland is partnering the research and the meeting was attended by Greg McCracken, Policy Officer at Age Scotland.
Image © John McGonagle

In my research, I'm interested in the potential offered by open space, at all scales, to enable people to be more active outdoors and engage positively with the natural environment. From recent research, such as the ten-year project Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I'DGO), I know that this is important across the life course; that getting out and about into oldest age can enhance both physical and mental health and wellbeing and make a real difference to quality of life. I'DGO demonstrated that, if older people live in an environment that makes it easy and enjoyable for them to go outdoors, they are more likely to spend a longer time outdoors, to be more physically active and to feel more satisfied with life. Participants in our study were twice as likely to achieve the recommended levels of healthy walking if they lived in an environment that they felt to be 'supportive'.

As our understanding of the consequences and implications of a rapidly ageing population has grown, much has been done, through I’DGO and other studies, to identify how to address the physical barriers to getting outdoors that some older people encounter. There is better awareness of the need for good design and, importantly, for higher standards of maintenance. For many reasons, not least financial constraint, our neighbourhoods might not meet these standards, but we have good evidence that they should. We know, through the project Go Far, for example, that better maintained footpaths could make a real difference to the incidence of outdoors falls and to the fear of falling among older people.

In my current research project, Mobility, Mood and Place (MMP), I am working with a team of experts from Edinburgh and other universities to look beyond physical barriers to older people getting outdoors, to find out what other factors help make a neighbourhood environment 'supportive'. We are building on earlier findings on aspects of the outdoor experience that make a difference to its quality, such as pleasantness, personal safety and stimulation. We are investigating, through working with architects in training, how older people can play a more active role in the design process and, using mobile neural imaging, studying real-time emotional responses to place. Working with data from the Lothian Birth Cohorts of people in their 70s and 90s, we are also considering the influence of local environments in which people have lived from childhood.

If you would like to hear more about my current and recent research and how it feeds into wider debates about our communities and their readiness or suitability for ageing, please join me at the British Academy Big Debate, The Best Years of our Lives?, at the Assembly Hall (The Mound) in Edinburgh on Tuesday 29th April 2014 at 6pm. The event is free but ticketed (register here). The debate will be chaired by actor, Simon Callow. My colleague on Mobility, Mood and Place, Professor Ian Deary of the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology (CCACE), will also be speaking, as will Sir Alan Peacock and BBC Scotland news presenter and journalist, Sally Magnusson.


View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Older people 'denied cancer care' @myageingparent

A professor from Northern Ireland has urged better access to cancer care for older people. Mark Lawler, professor at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University… continue reading Powered by WPeMatico

The post Older people 'denied cancer care' appeared first on .

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Commissioner for Older People calls for Anti-Age Discrimination Law @age_ni

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge, has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to bring forward legislation that would protect older people from age...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Points of View: Duane Farrell, Director of Policy - Stop Age Discrimination @age_ni

Stop Age Discrimination So, new research from Queens University has shone a welcome light on an important issue – that older people can be discriminated against in the provision of health and socia...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Older people 'denied cancer care' @age_uk

A professor from Northern Ireland has urged better access to cancer care for older people. Mark Lawler, professor at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen's University...

View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)

Improving allied healthcare for older people @agescotland

In February Yolanda Strachan joined Age Scotland as an Allied Health Professions (AHPs) National Consultant, a post she’ll share with Jenny Ackland.  She explains what Allied Health Professions are, and why her role matters.  

Toenail_Cutting_009

Jenny and I are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). Jenny comes from a Podiatry background and I come from a background of Speech and Language Therapy. Most people encounter the AHPs through exposure to services as part of their NHS care, for example Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.

The AHPs are increasingly placing emphasis on providing person-centred care with the growing realisation that health and well-being stretch way beyond physical needs.

The AHP family currently consists of;

  • Art Therapists (Music, Drama and Art)
  • Dietitians
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Orthoptists
  • Orthotists
  • Paramedics
  • Physiotherapists
  • Podiatrists
  • Prosthetists
  • Radiographers (Diagnostic and Therapeutic)
  • Speech and Language Therapists.

Ours is a national role, funded initially for two years by the Scottish Government through our Chief Health Professions Officer.  This is the fourth such role to be established in Third Sector with AHP colleagues already in post at the Care Inspectorate, Alzheimer Scotland and the Alliance.

Having spent most of our working lives in the NHS, we are thoroughly excited to be bringing that knowledge and skill base directly through the door of Age Scotland, and to be carrying the messages and focus of Age Scotland to the AHPs.

Please follow our progress on Twitter using #AHPLoveLaterLife.

Yolanda (L) and Jenny (R)

Yolanda (L) and Jenny (R)


View full article

 

(unsubscribe from this feed)