Western Mail Colimn: Bridging generation gap is important

Gwenda Thomas explains how the strategy for older people will work

THE second phase of the strategy for older people in Wales is set to build on the achievements of the first phase, which has seen the introduction of popular schemes such as free bus travel and free swimming for older people, and the appointment ofment a Commissioner for Older People – unique to Wales.

The strategy was originally launched in 2003 and the first phase aimed to raise the profile of older people’s needs and ensure that their views were sought in the development and delivery of local services.

I am proud to be able to say that the strategy has been successful and has been recognised internationally as best practice for the way to engage in which older people have been engaged in the decision making process.

The new phase of the strategy, – from April 2008-2013 – will be supported by an additional £7m from the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that it is effectively implemented. It will concentrate on four key strategic and cross-cutting themes – engagement with older people; economic status of older people; health, wellbeing and independence; and implementation. Overall, this will help older people to stay independent and active for longer.

Indeed, as the number of older people grows, the challenge that this places on society grows too. One key to addressing this challenge is to unlock the potential for older people to play an even greater role in their communities.

Too often older people are treated as passive recipients, rather than active consumers with their own views. We must challenge this misconception and support independence rather than enforcing dependence, and our policies and services should reflect individual need rather than being predetermined by chronological age.

When creating services for older people we must recognise that they are as diverse as any other group in our society in terms of age range, gender, orientation, race, culture, religion and health; and, correspondingly, they have a wide range of goals, needs, knowledge and abilities.
As part of One Wales we are committed to developing a Wales that is inclusive and offers equity in opportunity and treatment to all people who live in Wales. For older people this is particularly significant.

Addressing the implications of an ageing Wales is not a quick fix – and one of the real challenges for the strategy over its next phase will be to evolve our approach so that issues about ageing and older people are mainstreamed.

As phase two of the strategy begins, I look forward to working with the new commissioner for older people Ruth Marks, who takes up her post next month.

This post will be at the heart of our wider vision for the future governance of Wales and will act as a very practical tool to help older people speak out about problems or issues of concern, and to seek redress when things go wrong.

Over the next five years I expect to see the good work already started to continue and develop further.

One key area of work is breaking down stereotypes. Research tells us that many older people in Wales are unable to live the lives that they want or deserve because they feel marginalised and discriminated against, with too many barriers preventing them from making a contribution.
These barriers prevent older people from using their knowledge and skills for the benefit of our economy and everyone in our society.

It is therefore essential that we take action to combat the prevalence of age discrimination and to build upon the role older people play in our society so that they are fully engaged in decision making.

To do this the Assembly Government is working with young and older people to help shape its future policy on intergenerational practice – people from across the generation gap working together to share experiences and expertise. Re-establishing links between generations is a very effective way to dispel myths and fears and encourage mutual respect between young and old.
I am also encouraged by the work being carried out across Wales to ensure that older people receive respect and dignity when in a care setting.

There are many challenges ahead, for example in addressing poverty among pensioners, making life-long learning a reality for more and increasing economic activity, to mention but a few
One of the real challenges for the strategy over its next phase will be to evolve our approach so that issues about ageing and older people are mainstreamed – that is they are integrated on an equitable basis in all aspects of public policy. We are on the right road and making steady progress.

Gwenda Thomas AM is deputy Minister for Social Services