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Draft Consultation In partnership with Carers Together, Cumbernauld Action for the Care of the Elderly, Alzheimer's Scotland, Action on Dementia, Voice of Experience Forum and NHS Lanarkshire.
Foreword
'Living Well in North Lanarkshire' is the draft quality of life strategy for older people in North Lanarkshire. The strategy represents a commitment by the council and its partners to improving the lives of older people in North Lanarkshire.
The strategy challenges public agencies, businesses and communities to recognise and maximise the contribution older people make to our communities.
There is no single definition of what constitutes an older person. Different organisations, agencies and people use different definitions. It is important to recognise that older people are not all the same. Patterns of economic contribution, longevity, health and ill health and the distribution of older people are very varied across Scotland.
Our strategy reflects this diversity, celebrates its positive aspects and takes meaningful measures to address issues such as wide differences in life expectancy.
This is a draft strategy and we want you to tell us what you think of it. Please turn to page 23 to find out how you can contribute to the strategy.
Older people should be valued as active members of the community who are able to contribute as well as be supported.
Ken Corsar Chair NHS Lanarkshire
Jim McCabe Leader North Lanarkshire Council
Why we need a quality of life strategy
"It is not how old you are but how you are old that matters"
Chinese proverb
People should look forward to leading as full and active a life as possible in older age.
- Older people should be valued as active members of society with a real contribution to make to the community.
- Older people should be able to access a wide range of life opportunities and services such as leisure, transport, housing, employment, education, social activities, health promotion and support services.
- Services should be available to support older people when they or their families need them.
We intend that this strategy will help to:
- Raise the profile of older people in North Lanarkshire.
- Challenge stereotypes that present older people as dependent and a liability. Make connections between services and communities.
Policy background
Older people: a national and local priority
The Scottish Executive recently published 'All Our Futures: Planning for a Scotland with an Ageing Population (March 2007)'.
This document represents the local strategy for North Lanarkshire.
Profile
North Lanarkshire currently reflects the overall trend in Scotland, with an ageing population and falling birth rates. Current estimates state that 40% of Scotland's population will be 65+ by 2040.
We know that in the current population of North Lanarkshire 45,010 people (14% of total) are aged 65+, 3955 of whom are 85+.
We also know that older people in North Lanarkshire are more likely to live in poverty and experience poorer health, for longer, than in many parts of Scotland.
62.1% of older people in North Lanarkshire say that they are experiencing long-term limiting illness.
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Average Life Expectancy
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North Lanarkshire |
Scotland |
UK
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Men |
72.2 |
74.2 |
76
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Women |
77.6 |
79.2 |
80.9
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While 99.6% of older adults in North Lanarkshire described themselves as white British, we must ensure services are sensitive to the needs of older people in black and minority ethnic communities.
Key outcomes
Our vision for North Lanarkshire is that it should be a place where older people:
- Have a fair income
- Have real opportunities
- Are able to take part in community life
- Feel safe
- Feel valued
- Are heard
- Live in good quality housing
- Get the right support
Having a fair income
Having access to a fair income is essential if older people are to enjoy a good quality of life.
Information, advice, and maximisation of income
Households with older people are more likely to be among the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and socially excluded. The majority of older people still receive the largest proportion of their income from state benefits, particularly the basic pension. Certain groups, such as older single women, carers or those who have experienced illness or disabilities are likely to be further disadvantaged through the lack of, or reduced, occupational pensions. The poor uptake of benefit entitlement reflects older people's lack of knowledge of the benefits system and their reluctance to use advice services.
If you would like copies of this document you can download a pdf copy from the top right hand side of this page.
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