Author: Tony Watts

  • Is expecting older people to downsize really such a good move?

    Is expecting older people to downsize really such a good move?

    On a regular basis the cry goes up: “Older people should downsize to free up their houses for younger families.” However, it’s not quite as straightforward as it’s made out to be.

  • Reaching out in Gloucestershire to get older people’s voices heard

    Reaching out in Gloucestershire to get older people’s voices heard

    Representation of older people nationally, regionally and locally has become increasingly difficult in recent years as forums have been starved of support and Covid has discouraged meetings. Here is how one county is looking to fill that void. By Matt Fellows, CEO Age UK Gloucestershire There are some 150,000 older people across Gloucestershire – but…

  • A new beginning for the Age Action Alliance

    A new beginning for the Age Action Alliance

    December 2022 marks a new beginning for the Age Action Alliance, which many of you will remember from when it was set up just about a decade ago under the aegis of the DWP and Age UK to facilitate collaborative working between anyone with a shared interest in later life issues. Over the next few…

  • “You are old, wrinkled and ugly – Happy Birthday!”

    “You are old, wrinkled and ugly – Happy Birthday!”

    National campaign promotes age-positive birthday cards In an age when Britons are living longer, healthier, and more active lives, and the over 50s are the largest and most influential consumer group in the UK, the Silver Marketing Association is backing a campaign to urge consumers to combat the “crass, offensive, hurtful and negative” messages communicated…

  • Four in five older people find road sign ageist, survey reveals

    Four in five older people find road sign ageist, survey reveals

    Since the controversial “elderly people” road sign, designed by a child in a drawing competition sign, was introduced over forty years ago, it has repeatedly come under attack for its ageist imagery depicting a physically-challenged couple bent over walking sticks. The Silver Marketing Association, which campaigns for ethical and respectful marketing for older people, has…

  • Leeds Older People’s Forum makes “Warm Spaces” resources available

    Leeds Older People’s Forum makes “Warm Spaces” resources available

    With community groups all over the country setting up “Warm Spaces”, Leeds Older People’s Forum is sharing its resources to help others around the country. Writes their Good Practice Mentor, Jessica Duffy: “Now so many people have opened up Warm Spaces here in Leeds yet, so I thought it might be a good time to…