This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Strategy for an ageing population
13/03/2006
A consultation begins today on how Scotland needs to adapt over the coming decades to harness the contribution and experience of older people and ensure services meet their needs.
The Executive is looking for views to feed into a Strategy for a Scotland with an Ageing Population which will be published later this year.
A survey, also released today, found:
- Only 57 per cent of those younger than state pension age have thought seriously about life after retirement
- 77 per cent of Scots below state pension age expect to be fit and healthy in later life
- Just under half of older people consider family and friends as the most important factor in having a happy old age
- Both young and older people in Scotland want to see respect between generations
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"Scotland is changing. Like many other European countries, we are living longer and society is becoming progressively older.
"People over 65 accounted for 16 per cent of the population in 2004. That is set to rise to 26 per cent by 2031. We need to plan for that now.
"We shouldn't view this as a burden - but as an opportunity. Older people have huge banks of experience and skills to offer and I want to see that recognised and maximised.
"This Strategy will set out a vision for the future. It is a challenge for everyone - from individuals to government - and I want to be sure that the decisions we take now reflect the needs of an ageing population.
"We also need to break down some of the stereotypes around ageing. Older people aren't just passive recipients of services although there will be a strong focus on better, more integrated services. Older people, however, also make immense economic and social contributions to our society.
"For example, they provide care for partners, parents, grandchildren, friends and relations.
"They might go to work, or be self-employed. They pay taxes and support the economy. They are consumers, buying goods and services, and supporting business.
"They are volunteers, giving their time and skills to communities and charities; and they are citizens, involved with friends, neighbours, families and communities.
"They have also contributed to society throughout their lives. So the question for us is what can we do to enable older people to play their full part in society?
"That could mean promoting activities to keep people healthy and fit in later life. Or improving services in areas like housing and transport to help meet their aspirations. Or harnessing the benefits of information technology which is still largely the province of younger people.
"Our Strategy will look at all of these issues and we need to hear views from all quarters. We want people across Scotland - young and old - to tell us what they want Scotland to look like when they are older."
The Consultation runs until June 5 and seeks views in five areas:
- Contribution
- Work
- Services
- Health and wellbeing
- Housing transport and surroundings