Scotland’s society is ageing. By 2040, 1 in 4 of us will be over 65. This will have a wide-ranging impact on our public services, politics and daily life. It is a demographic shift that means the needs of older people must be at the core of the Scottish Government’s agenda.
That’s why Independent Age, along with more than 30 other organisations, is calling on the Scottish Government to establish an Older People’s Commissioner. United behind this demand are a diverse group of third sector partners, including charities like ourselves who support older people in financial hardship, health and social care organisations, carer’s organisations and food charities. We speak to older people every day and see first-hand the urgent need for a commissioner to shine a light on the issues that affect them.
More than a million people in Scotland are already over the age of 65, and by 2040 this is set to rise to 1.4 million. Our society isn’t prepared. The current cost of living is devastating for older people, with more than half who live on a low income worried about their ability to afford life’s basic essentials, like food and energy bills. The delivery of health and social care services to older people often falls short. Many older people face digital exclusion, meaning they miss out on the best deals, access to services and have increased isolation.
There are also hidden long-standing issues that affect older people. For example, there is a common and damaging stereotype that all in later life are living a comfortable retirement. In fact, 150,000 pensioners live in poverty in Scotland, yet this issue is little discussed. Poverty in later life leads to poorer health outcomes, greater social isolation and more stress and anxiety. Urgent action is needed to put it back on the agenda.
No one government department can respond to the needs of an ageing population alone, it needs a joined-up approach. The scale of the demographic change means that the Scottish Government must consider how almost all policy changes affect older people. An Older People’s Commissioner can facilitate collaboration and long-term planning to deliver innovative and effective solutions.
An Older People’s Commissioner in Scotland would join that of Wales and Northern Ireland, acting as an independent champion for older people and ensuring that policy-making across government considers the needs of older people. Every day, we speak to older people across the country who tell us they feel forgotten about and that their needs are ignored. A commissioner will raise awareness and work to resolve issues that older adults have, whilst giving voice to the concerns and hopes of this diverse population.
No one wants to live a later life blighted by poverty, struggling to access services, or feeling excluded. An Older People’s Commissioner will be an independent champion standing up for everyone in older age. This way, we can find solutions to the unique issues that affect us as we age and create the later life we all deserve.
Debbie Horne is Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age
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