Helping older people to live independently

Older people are being helped to understand how their housing choices will impact on their lives as they age.

A refreshed joint strategy between the Scottish Government and COSLA, which champions independent living for older people within their community, has been launched.

Announcing ‘Age, Home and Community’ at a meeting in Edinburgh with members from Age Scotland network groups, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“When we published our original joint strategy seven years ago, we set out a vision to make housing and related support work well for older people.

“Alongside COSLA and partners in the health, housing and third sectors, we have reviewed and updated our action plan to better reflect the needs and aspirations of older people – addressing the issues of isolation and loneliness while improving access to suitable housing.

“Having the right advice, the right home and the right support will enable older people to live independently for as long as they choose to do so. Our new joint strategy will support that vision.”

Cllr Elena Whitham COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson said

‘I welcome the publication of Age, Home and Community – the next phase today. The mid-point review of the strategy showed there is much to celebrate and case studies showed older people have benefited and improved their ability to live independently as safely at home.

“That said there is still work to be done to make living safely and independently at home a reality for many more aging people across Scotland. Today’s publication sets out the approach we will take to housing and older people – namely providing the right advice, house and support to allow older people to live the way they choose.

“The publication also set out how our older peoples housing strategy connects to other policies that affect outcomes for our aging population – this is especially welcome given the cross-cutting nature of issues and work ongoing in a number of related areas such as dementia, social isolation and loneliness.”

Background

The updated document – Age, Home and Community  – refreshes a strategy first published in 2011, reflecting changing needs, demands and demographics.

The launch meeting was attended by representatives of COSLA, older people from Age Scotland network groups and members of the Age, Home and Community Monitoring and Advisory Group.