Older people call for bigger say in their communities

Older people want to play a role in shaping their communities and becoming active digital citizens, according to a new study.

The charity Toynbee Hall surveyed 500 older people living in Tower Hamlets for the study, which looked at their needs and aspirations.

Researchers found older people saying they want to feel safe, know what’s on offer and how to be active digital citizens, despite one in five saying they seldom or never had contact with others, including their families.

In particular, they found older people want to play an active role in shaping their communities.

As well as traditional volunteering, the researchers found there was a real appetite for learning new technical skills and it stresses that older people should not be ‘pigeonholed’ as only being interested in certain things.

It also found that fear of crime prevents people from actively engaging in volunteering, social projects and building bonds with their neighbours.

Researchers also found older people want more drop-in centres offering IT training and places they can go to quickly sort technical issues with their own computers and laptops.

‘Many older people want to have a bigger say in how to make things better, they just don’t have the opportunity,’ said Toynbee Hall chief executive, Jim Minton.

‘Through supporting local people to investigate and understand community needs – and propose solutions – we hope we have established a real optimism that not only can they enjoy better services, but they can help shape them.

‘At the same time, older people say they are isolated, and need better advice on benefits and pension credits which are vital to their day to day needs. So, there is still significant work to be done. The project has been a real learning journey for us, but one we hope will lead to better outcomes here in Tower Hamlets, and a stronger community for everyone,’ added Mr Minton.

Welcoming the report, Tower Hamlets mayor John Biggs, commented: ‘Many of the findings in the report reflect the work the council is carrying out to support our older residents to be more independent and to lead healthier, happier lives.

‘Earlier this year, we appointed Cllr Denise Jones, cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing as older people’s champion.

‘The appointment follows the launch of the council’s Ageing Well Strategy, which includes 10 themed commitments and action plans for improving the health, wealth, and wellbeing of older residents,’ added the mayor.

Earlier this week, New Start reported that social enterprise, United for All Ages, is nearing its crowdfunding target of £25,000 which it will use to create 500 centres where older and younger people can mix.

Their aim is to support the development of 500 ‘centres for all ages’ by 2023, with at least one in every community.