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AGENDA
information for older people

A NEW Scottish version of a practical guide for the over 50s has been produced by the Department for Work and Pensions in conjunction with the Scottish Executive.

"Are you over 50? - Scotland" is a practical guide to advice, support and services across government on a number of issues such as work, money, healthy living, learning and training.

For a copy telephone 0845 6 022 260 (local rate) please ask for the Scottish version of "Are you over 50?". A service for textphone users is also available on 0845 6 055 560. The Guide is also available on the internet at www.over50.gov.uk/scotland

Look out too for the "Pensioners' Guide - Scotland" which gives more detailed information about extra money in retirement.

It also gives information about leisure opportunities, housing and home improvements, transport, legal services and dealing with crime.

Phone 0845 6 065 065 (local rate) for a copy or visit the website at www.info4pensioners.gov.uk/index_sc.htm

ON 7 JANUARY the new Scottish Executive healthyliving campaign was launched. It aims to encourage people across the country to adopt a healthier diet.

As part of the campaign a new telephone advice line 0845 2 78 88 78 (local rate), staffed by specially trained healthyliving advisors provides detailed, individually tailored nutritional information and advice. The advice line is supported by an interactive website www.healthylivingscotland.gov.uk which offers a range of features including recipe and meal ideas and a quiz to help people assess how healthy their diet is. Callers can also request written healthy eating information from the advice line or via the website.

The booklet "Eat Well, Stay Active" has inspiration and practical advice for older people about eating well and staying active. "Getting Fitter Needn't be a Marathon" offers simple, practical advice on how to lead a more active life, highlighting that getting older needn't mean slowing down. Both are available from the advice line.

Gillian Kynoch, Scottish Food and Health Co-ordinator, commented: "The response to the advice line has been very positive. Calls to the line from older people have been very varied, ranging from a request for practical advice on cooking for one following recent loss of a partner, to general information on healthy eating following diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes."

Over 60? - Travel by Bus?

Lewis Macdonald, Deputy Minister
for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
and John Wilson, President of the
Scottish Pensions Association.

MEN AGED 60-64 can now get the same concessionary travel benefits previously offered to men aged 65 and over and women over 60. These benefits include the national minimum standard of free local off-peak bus travel which was introduced on 30 September 2002.

Additional benefits, over and above this national minimum standard, may be offered by your local concessionary fares scheme. These might include concessionary peak travel or cross-boundary travel.

For information on how to obtain a concessionary travel card and details of the scheme operating in your area, please contact your local authority or travel office.

OAP does not mean old and past it!

by Fiona McCubbin, Positively Healthy Ageing, Project Manager

FIT, FABULOUS and 50+! That's how the walkers with Positively Healthy Ageing feel after completing 25 health walks in the Hamilton area between November and December 2002.

Positively Healthy Ageing was set up by Hamilton/ Blantyre and Larkhall Local Healthcare Co-operative in March 2002 as a "pilot" project to promote physical activity in the 50+ age group using community health volunteers who are themselves mainly over 50. After a period of research and public consultation, the project manager decided to set up health walks. Twenty volunteers were recruited and trained as walk leaders and a programme of walks were set up to run to December 2002. As a result about 100 older people have taken up regular walking.

What difference has this made to their lives? As one walker now says "OAP does not mean OLD AND PAST IT!" another says "Life begins at 50!" One of the volunteers is so pleased with the improvement in his general health that walking has encouraged him to also join the gym and take swimming lessons. Many have also forged new friendships and are walking together outwith the project.

Positively Healthy Ageing is also hoping to encourage older people to take part in other activities and welcomes any ideas from anyone in the community of this age group. New walkers are also welcome.

So, if you live in the Hamilton area and fancy a walk in the park or a stroll around your local area and the chance to meet new friends contact Fiona McCubbin, Project Manager on 01698 285707 (national rate) for information or write to her at Hamilton/Blantyre/Larkhall LHCC, Central Clinic, Orchard Street, Hamilton ML3 6PB.

Falls Prevention -- Taking steps to avoid trips and falls

by Fiona Borrowman, NHS Health Scotland,
Programme Manager, Health in Later Life

FALLS, ESPECIALLY in the home, are the most common accident for older people. The older we get, the more serious the consequences of falling. It is therefore important to raise awareness of the issues and measures we can take to hopefully reduce the number of falls suffered.

Many of the measures are very simple and there is a lot you can do to avoid falling. For example, looking after your eyesight and feet, making your home safer, talking to your GP or pharmacist about the medications you take and taking a little more exercise. Scientists reckon that a bit of activity helps your co-ordination, your balance and your strength. Taking up exercise has many benefits and should be fun.

The NHS Health Scotland (formerly HEBS) Health in Later Life Programme has worked with a group of experts and interested older people to develop a Falls Prevention Booklet and Video - "Taking Positive Steps to avoid trips and falls". Dorothy Paul (pictured), comedienne, introduces the video and encourages us to try out simple exercises which can help to avoid a trip or fall. The video and booklet also discuss other important prevention measures to reduce the risk. The booklet is now widely available from GP practices and local pharmacists. Alternative language versions are also available.

The Falls Prevention Conference, held on 26 November 2002, was the result of an exciting partnership between HEBS (now NHS Health Scotland), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Age Concern Scotland and National Osteoporosis Society.

The conference successfully brought together over 450 health, social care and voluntary sector professionals with interested older people and experts in the field of falls prevention and osteoporosis. Discussion included the latest research, evidence, models and best practice. The aim of the conference was to highlight falls prevention evidence and practice with practitioners working in this area and raise the issue of falls prevention with the people of Scotland. It builds on good practice already underway in Scotland and hopes to support and develop this work further.

For more information about NHS Health Scotland visit the website www.hebs.com

Accident Prevention

by Elizabeth Lumsden, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Home Safety Manager (Scotland)

OUR HOMES may feel like the safest place to be but they can often contain many hidden dangers. Home accidents account for 40% of all fatal accidents, in fact they account for around 300 deaths each year in Scotland.

It is also estimated that around 1,000 people every day will seek medical attention for an injury they have received in the so-called safety of their own homes.

Some older people can be at increased risk, however, everyone can benefit from making their home a safer place to live in.

Almost all accidents are preventable through following some practical and affordable measures.

FALLS

• Keep stairs clear of clutter
• Make sure handrails are securely fixed
• A handrail on either side of the stairs gives extra stability
• Keep stairs well lit
• Make sure carpets are secure and in good repair
• Use a non-slip mat in the bath
• Use a step stool with a handle
• Get up slowly
• Wear well-fitting shoes

FIRES, BURNS, SCALDS

• Fix a fireguard to all fires
• Never leave clothes to dry on a fireguard or over a cooker
• Keep pan handles to the side and use back rings first
• Take care when smoking and avoid smoking in bed
• Check electric blankets regularly
• Run cold water into the bath and then add the hot
• Fit a smoke alarm to give early warning of fire

For further information visit the RoSPA website atwww.rospa.co.ukor contact the Home Safety Department,RoSPA Scotland, Slateford House, 53 Lanark Road, Edinburgh EH14 1TL

A Wealth of Opportunity

PACKING IN your job in exchange for retirement comes as a bit of a shock to many of us. You could say it's like being released from prison - something for which you've longed for years. But it can feel very different. This stage in life presents the challenge of making the best out of a new beginning.

When you have achieved that magic age of 65, or for some, a few years earlier, there's no going back. There can only be a moving forward into the unknown, requiring major readjustments to our lifestyle.

It is easy to remain "unemployed" as such but it does not take too much imagination to think out activities that can be built into this new phase of our life. For instance there may be correspondence waiting to be tackled or many books that we have never got round to reading.

There is something everyone has always wanted to do but never had the time or inclination to actually do it. Retirement can give us the chance to put our dreams into action. Like me it could be a simple matter of putting down your thoughts on paper. No one ever need see them; but just to write can provide a most satisfying activity.

It might be that you could send something to the local press or feel drawn to begin that short story or novel!

It is equally important to remember that to enjoy a full life also involves doing things with and for others.

This may be learning a new skill at the University of the Third Age or offering our services to organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Samaritans or Bereavement Care. Becoming a volunteer in an area that interests you can provide a most satisfying activity.

As you may imagine, they appreciate the helpful involvement of retired people who have time on their hands and who in turn seek to use it wisely and well.

James B Lawson

Edinburgh - A City for All Ages

by Rachel Gunn, Information Officer, A City for All Ages, City of Edinburgh Council
Picture courtesy of City of Edinburgh Council

A CITY for All Ages is the Edinburgh City plan for older people. The plan has a vision for 2010 with 21 aims, which are to be achieved before 2005.

The plan is about improving opportunities and services for older people and removing discrimination towards them so that Edinburgh can truly become a city for all ages. A significant amount of progress has already been made in many areas.

One such success is the newly launched "Get Up and Go" programme that contains over 300 activities and opportunities. The directory also includes an improved listing of useful organisations. The second edition runs from 1 April to 30 September 2003 and copies can be picked up from local libraries, Council offices, health centres, Edinburgh Leisure venues or community centres in Edinburgh.

Other important achievements have been "A Safer Edinburgh For Us All and A City for All Ages" video. A Safer Edinburgh For Us All was the first debate of its kind to examine both young and older people's fear of crime. It was organised by Edinburgh Young Scot, A City for All Ages and NHS Lothian. The fear of crime debate was filmed and edited to produce a resource pack that can be obtained by contacting A Safer Edinburgh for Us All on 0131-550 6810 (national rate).

The video captures the spirit of some of the most innovative projects in Edinburgh, showing ways in which older people who have changing needs and expectations are actively involved in creating a city for all ages. Copies of both videos can be borrowed from local libraries in Edinburgh.

To find out more contact Glenda Watt or Rachael Gunn at City of Edinburgh Council on 0131-469 3806 (national rate) or 0131-469 3504

Housing Associations reach out to Black and Minority Ethnic Older People

by Rohini Sharma, Housing Equal Opportunities Officer, Hanover, Kirk Care and Bield Housing Associations
Picture courtesy of Hanover, Kirkcare and Bield

ACTOR SAEED JAFFREY, OBE, recently joined with the Hanover, Bield and Kirk Care Housing Associations to develop and launch a 30-minute video, designed to ensure the inclusion of older people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in accessing sheltered housing. The event was also supported by the Commission for Racial Equality.

The benefits of sheltered housing such as 24-hour heating, nearby amenities, personal care if required, companionship, ability to cook at any time or have meals prepared, help with communication and form filling - are all shown in the video. Interspersed with footage of the accommodation and older people living independent lives, are a number of interviews with older people from BME communities, already living in sheltered housing.

Rohini Sharma commented: "With the cultural emphasis on the importance of family and the considerable respect given to older people in BME communities there can be a stigma of moving into sheltered housing. The video will go a long way to addressing these stigmas and ensure older people in Scotland's BME communities are not excluded from a housing resource which could offer them independence, security, companionship and dignity in their older age."

The video was produced by Edinburgh community-based video production company, Pilton Video and has been translated into four community languages - Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali and Chinese. It is being distributed in video and DVD formats to community representatives, community professionals and service providers and through the groups and networks across BME communities.

For further information contact Rohini Sharma on 0131-225 7246 (national rate) or e-mail at rsharma@kirkcare.co.uk

DID YOU know that if you suffer from a disability and require community care services you can ask your local authority for direct payments and arrange the services yourself? Using direct payments can give you more choice, control and flexibility over the way you receive every day services and help you increase your independence.

A direct payment is money paid by a local authority directly to a person whom it has assessed as needing community care services. The person then uses the payment to purchase the agreed services. This could mean contracting with an agency or employing your own personal assistant.

2003 is a "big" year for direct payments. From 1 June 2003 local authorities in Scotland will no longer be able to choose whether or not to make direct payments available. Instead, they will be required to offer them to all eligible people. Furthermore in 2004 they will become more widely available when anyone who requires community care services, not only disabled people, will become eligible to be considered for direct payments. This means that people who need services because they are frail or are recovering from an accident or operation will also be able to receive them.

If you would like more information about direct payments you should contact your local social work office. Alternatively, Direct Payments Scotland has been set up by the Scottish Executive to help promote direct payments and can offer help.

Telephone: 0131-558 3450 (national rate) website: www.dpscotland.org.uk

U3A Reaches its Majority

by Karen Cannon, U3A, Scottish Representative

THE UNIVERSITY of the Third Age (U3A) will be celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.

There are now 15 U3As in Scotland, from Nairn to Dumfries.

The term "university" is somewhat misleading in that U3A is not an institution but a self-help voluntary educational co-operative committed to lifelong learning. Members (not students!) tutor and help each other in a wide range of subjects at low cost. It uses the term "university" in its ancient meaning as a "community of scholars".

U3A defines the "third age" as coming after the "first age" of youthful growth and education and the "second age" of maturity, career and/or home-making.

For many members, the "third age" comes with retirement but for others it is the end of full-time employment.

A typical U3A will offer study groups on languages, art, local history, books, creative writing and so on. The list is limited only by the resources and imagination of the membership. While expertise is needed for some subjects, for others the learning is a shared experience with members taking responsibility for researching and presenting a subject.

Each U3A is an independent unit, but is overseen by the Third Age Trust which provides, through a nationally represented board, support services including resources, conferences and summer schools.

For information contact U3A's Scottish representative, Karen Cannon on 01738 840606 (national rate) or the visit the website at www.u3a.org.uk

OLDER PEOPLE ENCOURAGED TO STAND UP FOR THEIR RIGHTS

by Sam Eccles, The Advocacy Project in Glasgow, Team Leader

THE ADVOCACY PROJECT in Glasgow recently launched its Older People's Service. The new service, works with individuals on a one-to-one basis enabling them to take greater control of the decisions that affect their lives; express their needs and opinions and access the resources and facilities which are available in their community. The team do not make decisions for someone - they work with a client to identify their needs, look at how to resolve any problems, and represent the clients decisions to relevant organisations or individuals.

"Whilst many older citizens can speak up for themselves, we are aware that all too often their views are ignored or overlooked - particularly about the services they receive," said Sam Eccles, Team Leader of the new project. "The aim of our service is to re-dress this imbalance. An advocate can have a huge impact on an older person's life. Our experience shows that older people can frequently be unhappy, feel isolated or alone. Often by working with an advocate, these feelings can be addressed"

Typically advocates can work with an individual through issues connected with housing, health issues, support, feelings of isolation, or where an individual may find it difficult to get their views across. The service is available throughout Glasgow to individuals aged 65 and over.

If you wish to find out more, then contact Sam Eccles or Gerry McGuire at The Advocacy Project on 0141-553 2300 (national rate).

PENSIONS NEWS

What changes are taking place to the payment of pensions?

Many pensioners already have their pensions paid into a bank or building society. In the future all pensions will be paid straight into an account at a bank, building society or the post office. Called Direct Payment, it is a more efficient and secure way of paying pensions and benefits.

Will I still be able to collect my pension at the post office?

Yes. You will get more information about your options when the Pension Service writes to you.

What do I need to do?

Over the next two years, the Pension Service will be writing to pensioners still paid by pension book. You don't need to do anything until the Pension Service contacts you. If your pension is already paid into a bank or building society account, there will be no change.

Why is this being done?

Direct Payment is being phased in by the UK Government to replace the old, expensive way of paying people through order books and giros. It also reduces the opportunities for fraud.

When is this taking place?

The changes are being phased in over the next two years.

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Call free on 0800 092 7037 or visit the website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk /

STOP PRESS!......STOP PRESS!......STOP PRESS!......STOP PRESS

Age Concern Scotland have prepared an information leaflet on the changes to pensions payment for older people. This is available from Age Concern Scotland by calling 0131-220 3345 (national rate). You can also get a copy by contacting your local Age Concern Group (address in phone book) or from the Age Concern Scotland website at: www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk

Age Positive in Scotland

by Department for Work and Pensions, Age Positive Team

IT IS wrong that people are being judged by their age and that's why Age Positive Scotland is working with businesses to tackle ageism in employment. Age Positive Scotland is part of the UK Government's campaign to promote the benefits of a mixed-age workforce to employers - and reverse the trend of older workers being left out of the job market.

A spokesperson from the Age Positive Team said:

"Ask anyone if they think it's right that a person who was doing a perfectly good job yesterday is now incapable of doing exactly the same job, and they'll almost certainly tell you that's rubbish. Yet that is exactly what is happening every year, when people hit a certain age and are given their marching orders, regardless of their ability or willingness to carry on". Age Positive Scotland is encouraging employers to value older workers - and not to turn a birth certificate into a P45.

The UK Government is bringing in legislation to end age discrimination in the workplace by 2006. There is already a momentum building for attitudes to change. Soon nearly 40 per cent of the working population will be over 45. This age group has a wealth of experience and maturity that few businesses could afford to ignore. The evidence is quite clear: age doesn't matter in employment - skills and abilities are what count.

For details of the Age Positive Code of Practice on Age Diversity, and campaign news, visit www.agepositive.gov.uk or for a copy of "Age Diversity at Work" booklet phone 08457 330360 (local rate) quoting reference "Age 4". For more information about Age Positive in Scotland contact: Alistair Haw, 0141-560 5519 or email alistair.haw@geronimopr.com

Thank You and Comments

MANY THANKS to all contributors to this issue of Agenda and those organisations who help with the distribution. In particular to the WRVS for distributing copies through their Meals on Wheels service. We welcome contributions, comments, useful information, ideas to share or articles on issues that affect older people. If you have something you would like to share with older people across Scotland then write, fax, telephone or email to:

Jim Richardson
The Scottish Executive Older People's Unit
Room 1N.01
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Tel: 0131-244 2712 (national rate)
Fax: 0131-244 2022
email: olderpeople@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.scotland.gov.uk/olderpeople

ALTERNATIVE FORMATS are available on request by phoning 0131-244 2712 (national rate).
We can supply versions in Braille, audio tape and large print format and in Gaelic, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Hindi, Arabic and Cantonese.

NEXT ISSUE

ISSUE 5 is due out in November 2003. Any articles you would like to be considered should be with us by 15 September 2003.

THIS ISSUE was produced by the Scottish Executive and NHS Health Scotland (formerly the Health Education Board for Scotland and Public Health Institute for Scotland).

THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE seeks to ensure that the information published in Agenda is up to date and accurate at time of publication. However, the information does not constitute legal or professional advice and the Scottish Executive cannot accept any liability for actions arising from its use. The Scottish Executive cannot be held responsible for the contents of any articles submitted by external organisations.

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