Identity Connection and Choice Engagement work to inform

Identity, Connection and Choice Engagement work to inform the Older People’s Framework undertaken by SOPA in Jan/ Feb 2019

Identity, Connection and Choice Engagement activity…. • event on 4 th February, central Edinburgh = 28 participants • online and paper questionnaire = 422 responses

Identity, Connection and Choice Key findings Hearing and sight loss Employment Communication Transport Pressure to use ‘on-line’ Examples where you feel your age Banking was a barrier to accessing services Pavements Scams Waits for appointments and care Physical access to buildings, seating, rails Age limits on loans, mortgages, insurance, car hire

Identity, Connection and Choice ‘More and more services and information are only available on line. People have no where local to go anymore. I used to pop to the shops, the bank and the post office and meet my pals along the way. Now I have to do everything online, so I don’t need to go out and that means no one else does either. It’s causing isolation and loneliness. ’ ‘People need to understand the needs of older people. There is a corelation between age and disability – particularly in relation to visual and hearing impairment. Hearing loss is often an invisible disability. Some old people are afraid to go out because they might fall on uneven or slippery pavements. There is never any benches or places to sit. ’ Barriers?

Identity, Connection and Choice Do you feel like you have opportunities to continue your hobbies and interests as you get older? No: 5% Yes, but it is getting more difficult: 28% Yes: 67%

Identity, Connection and Choice What can get in the way of taking part/ continuing your hobbies and interests? Personal health and wellbeing Restricted income(78) Transport issues(73) Fear of going out after dark(64) Caring Responsibilities(54) Stereotypes about older people(35) Age restrictions(23) (156)

Identity, Connection and Choice Do you feel that the contribution of older people is recognised in the wider community? Not really (42%) Sometimes but only in a small way Yes (28%) (30%)

Identity, Connection and Choice Are you aware of the International Day of Older Persons on the 1 st of October? Yes: 12% No: 88%

Identity, Connection and Choice Are you aware that older people are protected from discrimination through the Equality Act 2010? No: 42% Yes: 58%

Identity, Connection and Choice How would you like to see the contribution of older people celebrated in Scotland? 1) A focused campaign on specific themes e. g. older people in the workplace (54%) 2) An ongoing National Campaign celebrating older people throughout the year (48%) 3) Local Community Recognition Awards (46%) 4) National Recognition Awards (35%)

Identity, Connection and Choice Challenging the stereotypes of age Keep a positive focus - its good for everyone Consultation and Engagement Needs to be fully incorporated into the Curriculum Meaningful, actionable and accountable Recognise that society is ageing and be respectful Intergenerational Work Strengthen support for organisations that facilitate consultation Negative images of 'age' need to stop Media

Identity, Connection and Choice Challenging the stereotypes of age ‘Working across age groups is so important. Older people are being used to plug a gap in the curriculum. It should be funded work’. ‘SOPA and other organisations are flying the flag for older people. We shouldn’t be too humble. We need to be listened to’. ‘We need to recognise that the country is aging. Keeping older people active, healthy and engaged is of benefit to everyone. This must be a key message’. ‘Intergenerational work must have a more positive focus. Less about ‘tackling loneliness’ and more about friendship and learning and having connection. ’

Identity, Connection and Choice Top Priorities for the Framework Connected and Included: Action and support to foster spaces and places where older people can socialise, interact with others and be part of their community. Living Independently and in a Warm Home including practical support to live well and high quality care packages Access to suitable transport to support inclusion and access to the services needed Well designed spaces and public services which meet the needs of older people - in practical terms but also a sense of worth while using them

Identity, Connection and Choice What do you feel are the top three priority issues that a new framework for older people should address?

Identity, Connection and Choice How do we make change happen? Innovation Human Rights based approach to strengthen the voice of older people Adequate funding to support a person centred approach.

Identity, Connection and Choice The full report is available at the SOPA stall, or on the SOPA website under News: http: //www. scotopa. org. uk/news. asp