A STRATEGY to enable Warrington to meet the needs of a rapidly ageing population has been approved by Town Hall chiefs.
The document, Meeting the Needs of Older People 2009-2015 aims to reflect the fact that Warrington’s population is ageing at a faster rate than the national average and that in five years’ time, for the first time, the town will have more people aged over 65 than children aged under 15.
By 2026, the number of people aged over 50 will have increased by 30 per cent and the number aged over 85 will have risen by 84 per cent.
The development of Warrington New Town, 1968-1989, is thought to have led to the borough’s fast ageing population.
Improving the health and quality of life of older people is seen as having benefits for the whole community.
Social isolation for older people increases the burden on care services and contributes to fractured communities, distrust between generations and fear of crime.
Warrington’s strategy will aim to encourage older people to get more involved in community, cultural and learning activities – addressing a criticism from the Audit Commission that comparatively few people take part in activities organised by the council for people aged over 50.
Older people already provide the majority of volunteers in the borough and the council believes as healthy life expectancy increases, more will become available. In addition, falling numbers of young people entering the labour market make it essential that older people are encouraged to work for as long as possible.
A higher proportion of older people will also mean changes in demand for goods and services, with implications for the development of the town centre.
The council’s vision for older people is: “In Warrington, as people age, they will be valued, respected and enabled to lead as full and independent life as possible in safe, good quality surroundings.
“They will have access to information and services which promote a healthy and active old age; and for those who need it, responsive, person centred services that promote dignity and choice.”
Cost implications of the strategy are being considered separately – but it is acknowledged that they are considerable.
6 Comments
Good to see that the older generation are getting some consideration.
I am wondering how the council will deliver this whilst at the same time they are reducing services and facilities to save money?
Is this more spin from the Council or will they actually put their money where their mouths are?
Maybe it is not a question of more money, but rather using what the have got, better.
Not a snow-ball of a chance! It’s just sound bites to make people believe they are actually going to try and do something for the ageing population.
“Warrington’s population is ageing at a faster rate than the national average ”
How does that work then? can somone advise where I should move to to stay young?
This council has already CUT services for older people and is planning to CUT more! That’s how older people are ‘ ‘valued’ and ‘respected’. Come polling day Warrington’s older people may well show this council how well THEY are respected!