Declaring our commitment to a fairer later life

Last Thursday, we brought together a diverse and passionate group of stakeholders from health, care, academia, local government and the voluntary sector, all united by a shared commitment: to shape a fairer future for older people and unpaid carers in Oxfordshire.

Kindly hosted by St John’s College, Oxford, the event marked the official launch of our new five-year strategy. But it was more than a launch - it was a moment of connection, reflection and collective resolve.

Professor Maggie Snowling opened the evening with a powerful reminder that institutions like St John’s thrive not only through academic excellence, but through meaningful engagement with the wider community. Her message set the tone: collaboration is not a luxury - it’s a necessity.

Paul Ringer, CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, spoke about our renewed focus on supporting those who need it most. He called on everyone present to help shape a future where ageing and caring are embraced, not feared.

Informed by over 400 voices and grounded in lived experience, the strategy is a promise to those most affected by inequality in ageing and caring. It acknowledges the stark realities – such as a seven-year gap in life expectancy depending on postcode - and responds with a bold commitment to equity.

“Ageing isn’t equal. And standing still is not an option.”

We envision a society where later life is defined not by struggle, but by strength, dignity and opportunity.

Professor Sarah Harper CBE, Chair of HelpAge International and a leading voice in gerontology, placed the strategy in a global context. She also reinforced the importance of our goal to continue to centre lived experience.

“It is the lived experience and the voice of older adults that is so important to complement the kind of robust data and scientific research that we do.”

Throughout the evening, powerful video stories – featuring Steve, Janice and Phil, and Ches - brought our work to life. These voices reminded everyone that behind every statistic is a person navigating real challenges, and highlighted the realities of poverty, illness, disability, caring and loneliness.

Andrew Lane, our Chair of Trustees, described the strategy a “collective commitment”. The evening closed with a moving poem by Andrew Pritchard, one of our ambassadors, reflecting on hope, resilience, and the power of community.

In his closing remarks, Paul Ringer reinforced the message:

“You are essential to this journey. Every conversation, every commitment made helps shape a future where ageing and caring is embraced, not feared. Together, we can build a fairer later life.”