Strategy for Older People in Wales - Phase 3
Published on 25 October 2012 09:30 AM
Age Cymru has welcomed a 10-year government commitment to work towards improving the lives of our ageing population.
A consultation about the third phase of the landmark Strategy for Older People in Wales from the Welsh Government is being launched today.
Commenting on the strategy, Our Director of Influencing and Programme Development Victoria Lloyd says:
"Clearly, the Strategy for Older People has achieved a significant amount over the last nine years.
"The emphasis must now be on the actions that the Welsh Government will take to continue to improve the lives of older people in Wales.
"With 1 in 4 adults in Wales currently aged 65 or over, and that number set to rise to 1 in 3 in less than 20 years' time, there is an obvious need for this initiative and Age Cymru welcomes the Welsh Government's renewed commitment to a Strategy for Older People in Wales.
"Age Cymru wants to see a pledge to make our communities 'Age-Friendly' so that they are suitable for all of us as we age, with accessible services, lifetime homes, good public toilet provision and opportunities to participate.
"We also feel strongly that action is needed to tackle the pensioner poverty which continues to blight the lives of 110,000 older people in Wales."
Victoria Lloyd continues:
"The Strategy for Older People in Wales has played an important role in raising the profile of older people's issues since it was first launched in 2003.
"Its purpose is to prepare Wales for the changes needed in society and government to adapt to the needs of our ageing population."
Since 2003, the Strategy for Older People in Wales has led to the creation of a system to help older people influence decisions that affect them both at a local and national level.
Each local authority in Wales has been required to appoint an Older People's Champions and a Strategy Coordinator to represent older people's interests.
The Strategy for Older People in Wales has also seen an increase in older people's forums - campaign groups set up to promote older people's voices, around the country.