Phase 1: Addressing the needs of older people 2009-2015
The Warrington Strategy for an Ageing Population is a Warrington partnership strategy developed to meet the challenge of demographic change in Warrington. It is intended as a high level strategy for the partnership, coordinating other more specific strategies dealing with health, social care, housing, etc. and is closely aligned to the Sustainable Community Strategy (One Warrington), which is the overarching strategy for Warrington.
Our vision for older people is,
"In Warrington, as people age, they will be valued, respected and enabled to lead as full and independent life as possible in safe and good quality surroundings.
They will have access to information and services which promote a healthy and active old age; and for those who need it, responsive, person centred services that promote dignity and choice".
Older people are defined as those aged 50+.
Phase 1 of the strategy focuses on medium term objectives of improving the quality of life for older people, helping to keep them active and involved in the community for longer.
It has five ambitions which match those of the sustainable community strategy:
Prosperous and vibrant
Where older people’s contribution towards a strong economy is encouraged and recognised and older people have financial wellbeing.
Environmentally responsible and attractive
Where older people benefit from a sustainable, attractive environment and have access to a suitable, high quality and affordable home.
Safe and strong
Where older people feel safe and participate actively in strong and flourishing communities.
Healthy and active
Where older people enjoy the best health and quality of life possible and are treated with dignity and respect.
Ambitious and achieving
Where older people are inspired and supported to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive contribution.
The strategy and action plan are managed by the Older People’s Partnership Board, which brings together officers from organisations in the town and representatives of older people’s groups.
You can download the strategy below.
Facts and figures
In 1946, 65-year-olds could expect to live another 13 years, today that has almost doubled with 65-year-olds now expecting to live another 23 years.
When the country is celebrating the Olympics in 2012, baby boomers will be turning 65 in record numbers. Over 800,000 of them - a staggering 150,000 more than in 2011 – will reach this key milestone. This massive increase corresponds to the post-war spike in births in 1946 and 1947.
In Warrington the number of people aged 85 and over is expected to double from 3,300 in 2006 to 6,600 in 2026.
Celebrating demographic change in Warrington
The growing proportion of older people in society can sometimes be portrayed as a problem, associated with increased costs of pensions, health and social care. Whilst there are challenges, which are being addressed through the strategy for an ageing population, older people also bring many benefits to society.
Older people are good for Warrington because:
Older people are good for families - they are often carers, looking after other older people and children, passing on their wealth of experience to younger generations.
Older people are good for communities - living healthy and active lives contribute to their communities through volunteering. We are all likely to rely more and more on the voluntary efforts of older people.
Older people are good for the economy - they increasingly want to stay in work, as it not only brings in an income but also keeps people active in the community. Older workers will be especially important in the future as the economy recovers and fewer young people will be available.
So let’s celebrate the role of older people.
Contact
For more information please contact Alan Boughey, performance development manager:
Tel: 01925 444156, E-mail: aboughey@warrington.gov.uk
Related documents