OK Google, are ‘smart homes’ really the answer to the care crisis?
'Smart homes' are sometimes posited as the solution to our social care crisis. But what are the limitations of using technology as a substitute for care?
New models of community are needed to give LGBT+ people a good later life
As the UK's older population becomes more diverse, we need to rethink our approach to later life. For the growing cohort of older LGBT+ people, this need is particularly acute.
Thirty years since I started volunteering, I’m still not ready to quit
90 year-old Pat has been a volunteer since she retired 30 years ago. Through volunteering, she’s found an amazing circle of friends and a real sense of purpose.
Older men can often be more lonely or isolated than others. For charities that aim to make communities more connected, they can be the hardest to reach.
We need to make sure that volunteering opportunities are more broadly inclusive and remove barriers associated with race and ethnicity, disability, poverty and disadvantage.
Breaking down emotional barriers is key to making volunteering accessible to all
Too many people are locked out of contributing to their community. Understanding why people might not feel able to volunteer is crucial if we are to make our organisations age-friendly and inclusive.
Becoming a volunteer changed my life – so I want to encourage others to do the same
When I was at a low point in my life, volunteering helped me connect with the people around me. This Volunteers’ Week I’m helping others to feel the benefits of volunteering too.
