Get real! We may be older but certainly not past it (From Gazette)

Get real! We may be older but certainly not past it

8:58am Thursday 2nd October 2008

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Over 50s had better watch out – they are now officially older people.

That’s according to the Government, anyway.

Yesterday saw another Older People’s Day, an annual national event which is part of the Government’s Full of Life campaign, to celebrate older people, raise awareness of issues affecting them, encourage generations to mix and learn from each other and help older people get social and active.

Events are being held throughout this week across the country, and in Essex, Age Concern, Essex County Council and the Older People’s Planning Group have joined forces to “portray positive images of older people”.

It makes sense to re-vamp the image of what it means to be old. After all, people are living longer – Government figures estimate that, nationally, a quarter of the entire adult population will be over 65 in 20 years’ time, with double the number of over 85s we have now. The number of over 50s will have risen by one third, they said.

In Essex, the number of over 50s will rise from 343,900 today, to 620,400 in 2020 and 699,300 in 2031. The proportion of those who are over 65 will grow too, from 241,600 today to 399,800 by 2031.

With longer life beckoning, being 50 is not the same now as it was just ten or 20 years ago. And being a pensioner does not mean sitting back and watching the world pass you by, but starting a new life.

However, the image of older people does not seem to have evolved with the reality and that is what this week’s events are aiming to change.

Derek Robinson, 69, who is older people’s champion at Essex County Council, explained: “Although this event is designed to highlight the issues many of our older people face, this is primarily a celebration of age and a great chance for older people to promote their extensive range of knowledge, skills and expertise.

“Older people have so much knowledge they try and pass on, but often I don’t think they get the opportunity to express themselves.”

Research carried out by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of Older People’s Day, found that older people in the east of England have a host of practical skills they are keen to pass onto younger generations, including DIY and cooking.

While he welcomed Older People’s Day, Mr Robinson disagreed that being over 50 qualified as old, putting the definition at about 65 instead.

“I had this debate with Government officers recently because a majority of over 50s lead very active lives. I go out and play football with my grandchildren.

“But there are people who need help meeting others because if you are not careful, you retire and sit back and become inward looking,” he said.

Yesterday’s Essex Older People’s Day launch in Chelmsford included displays, demonstrations on how to use computers, exercises, health and wellbeing promotions and “exhibitions showcasing the contributions older people make to society”, said Essex County Council.

On Saturday, BBC Essex radio presenter Dave Monk will compere an activity day in Chelmsford, which will include Asian dancing, Tai Chi, singing and musical performances.

But despite the good intentions, having a day to celebrate the contributions made by the over 50s could sound a little patronising.

Mr Robinson admitted it was not something he had considered before, but agreed it could come across that way.

He said: “You can’t put everyone in the same category,” he said, referring to more active over 50s.

“Some over 50s need help, others don’t until after they have retired. For example, people in rural areas may have issues with transport and with services such as the mobile library. As a council we have to make sure it stops in those areas and people can access it easily. It’s a social thing.”

Although age no longer prevents people living their lives to the full, people’s perceptions of old age has not evolved with this change.

Older people still come up against problems including age discrimination and poverty, particularly in current times when food and energy bills are rocketing.

So while a national Older People’s Day may seem like an uncomfortable token gesture to some, it may be the only platform older people, whatever age they are, have to stand up and shout that they might be older, but they are definitely not past it.

l For more information about the celebrations, call Age Concern on 01245 346106.

l For more information about the Older People’s Planning Group, a forum for older people and relevant organisations, call 01245 434470.

OLD AGE - THE FIGURES
Colchester

• In 2008 there are 55,700 people aged over 50, of which 25,700 will be aged over 65.

• By 2020 this will rise to 69,100 over 50s of which 35,300 will be aged over 65.

• In 2031 it is predicted there will be 81,100 over 50s, of which 44,000 will be over 65.

Tendring

• In 2008 there are 69,700 people aged over 50, of which 39,000 will be aged over 65.

• By 2020 this will rise to 86,800 over 50s of which 51,300 will be aged over 65.

• In 2031 it is predicted there will be 100,500 over 50s, of which 64,600 will be over 65.

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