What have been the main challenges?
I suppose funding has been a challenge. Of course, that is the cry from most charities and other organisations, so perhaps we can take some credit for what we have achieved despite having to be careful with the funding we have acquired.
We have a strong membership of people who all represent their different groups and organisations. By working together in partnership we have been able to bring the concerns and suggestions for improvement from our older people to the attention of Government. Hopefully this helps Government in their decision-making to improve the lives of older people.
What advice would you give to people in other communities trying to make them more age-friendly?
Change requires effort, so become involved and add your voice to others. Being passive accomplishes nothing – you have to step up!
What is your vision for age-friendly in Scotland?
We need to work towards all older people being able to live in appropriate homes that are warm and able to eat well without beggaring themselves as this prevents ill-health and gives a sense of security and wellbeing.
Being able to meet with friends and join in activities of their choice would avoid loneliness and isolation which can lead to mental health problems which of course costs the NHS – prevention is always better than cure!
In the rural areas, transport is a problem and therefore we need to think cleverly to avoid lonely, not well-off people to get out and about and engage with their communities.
