“As we head into what will be a difficult winter for us all, we will continue to work together – as we have throughout the pandemic – to scrutinise the action being taken by governments and public bodies across the UK. We will hold them to account for the decisions they take and make sure that the voices, experiences and concerns of older people are heard.
We will continue to work with, and support, individuals, groups and organisations that have provided vital help and assistance to make a positive difference to the lives of older people across our communities. We’ve seen some of the best of who we are as a society as people of all ages have come together to look out for and support each other. This solidarity between generations will be more important than ever as we move forward: together we are stronger.
Ensuring the vital action underway in our communities is sustained and adequately resourced will be important. And, as we deal with the next phase of the pandemic and the pressures that our public services will face, we also need a relentless focus on protecting older people’s rights.
Despite statements from governments and public bodies across the UK about the importance of older people’s rights, earlier in the year we saw several concerning examples that suggest there have been significant gaps between this rhetoric and reality. As we move forward together, action is needed to ensure that older people’s rights are protected and upheld. Ageism and age discrimination – whether conscious or unconscious – must not influence or undermine efforts to deal with COVID-19.”
Joint statement by:
Caroline Abrahams: Charity Director, Age UK
Deborah Alsina: Chief Executive, Independent Age
Jane Ashcroft: Chief Executive, Anchor Hanover
Heléna Herklots: Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Victoria Lloyd: Chief Executive, Age Cymru
Eddie Lynch: Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland
Donald Macaskill: Chief Executive, Care Scotland
Linda Robinson: Chief Executive, Age Northern Ireland
Brian Sloan: Chief Executive Age Scotland