Background

• Ageing is a global phenomenon (580 million older people - aged 60 and over).
  
  
• Ageing well is important for all ages. 
  
  
• Older people are not a homogenous group and have a wide variety of diverse needs.
  
   
• Older people are a valuable resource, who can provide a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise.
  
  
• There is widespread variation in health status among older people and evidence that inequalities in health and socio-economic status persist into old age.
  
  
• The number of older people here is increasing.Over the last 50 years the numbers of persons aged 75 years and over has more than doubled - an increase of more than 50,000 people. In 2000, there was an estimated 220,000 people aged 65 and over here, forming 13% of the population.By 2015 this figure is projected to increase to 271,000 - making up an estimated 16% of the population.
  
  
• The U.N. defines 50+ as an older person.
  
  
• Sharp increases in life expectancy and substantial falls in fertility rates have led to this increase in the older population. 
  
  
• This increase presents challenges for policy makers and service providers.
  
  
• It is acknowledged that indirect discriminatory practice is within the NHS, the Social Security System, employment and financial institutions. Some of these issues raise complex ethical questions around rationing while others are based on attitudes and knowledge which are outdated and erroneous.
  
  
• Most older people want to keep their independence; they want to carry on with: 
      - Fending for themselves 
      - Making their own decisions 
      - Doing the things they enjoy doing 
      - Being value 
      - Contributing to society 
      - Staying healthy and active  

• Older people do not like being stereotyped. 
     
• Negative stereotyping can be an issue for older people. 
   
• Staying in control of the decision making process is important. 
     
• To be consulted is to be valued. 
     
• Older people retain the same rights as all other adults when it treatment or care within health and social care.
   
• Image is important – “what should older people be called?”

• Age Discrimination