Each year on 1st October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilize the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people. This year’s UK theme is: “The part we play”: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities.
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership are celebrating older people and the vital part they play, and have the potential to play, in making our community a better place to be. We all have a part to play in making our communities and neighbourhoods better places to age, supporting us to be living better for longer.
Jillian Galloway, Chief Officer, Angus Health and Social Care Partnership said “Angus, like other areas, has an increasing older population who play an integral role in our communities, both as workers and volunteers. We know that many of our unpaid carers are older people. The contributions that older people make to strengthening our communities is often overlooked and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every older person in Angus for everything they do to support their communities.”
Cllr Lois Speed, member of Angus Integration Joint Board and Angus Council Older People’s Champion said “”As the Older People’s Champion, I am dedicated to advocating for the invaluable contributions of older individuals within our communities. Older people play a vital role in our local areas bringing a wealth of experience, wisdom, and knowledge that can guide and inspire younger generations. Moreover, their diverse perspectives enrich community life. It is crucial that we value and and include older individuals to strengthen our social fabric and ensure a more inclusive and compassionate society.”
Volunteering has been shown to improve our social connections, enhance our sense of purpose and boost self-esteem. Most of the volunteers in Angus tend to be of retirement age. They support people in a range of ways, for example hearing aid support, driving to appointments, visiting people in hospital and hand massage. If you would like to know more about how to volunteer in Angus please contact Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@angus.gov.uk or call 01356 665110
Staying socially connected is so important.
The Angus Community Connector helps people to find all third sector organisations, services, community groups and social enterprises in Angus.
