The Audit Commission published its report, Don't Stop Me Now - Preparing for an Ageing Population, which has found that councils in England, particularly those which have the fastest ageing populations, are not ready to meet the challenges or grasp opportunities as we get older.
The report finds that, although the Government's 2005 strategy for older people - Opportunity Age - has the potential to improve the lives of an ageing population, so far it hasn't delivered those benefits to older people across the country.
The report asked older 'mystery shoppers' to identify the everyday challenges they face in accessing council services. They approached 49 councils asking a series of questions and found that most need to improve the way they provide information in key areas such as volunteering, leisure and social activities, learning opportunities and transport.
Older people, defined by Government as the over-50s, will make up more than one in three of the population by 2009, but the report reveals that most council services focus on the minority who require social care, excluding the invisible majority who may end up isolated and vulnerable if ignored.
Michael O'Higgins, Chairman of the Audit Commission, said:
"By 2029, nearly 40% of England's population will be over 50. These are active people, anxious to stay independent as long as possible. Despite the stereotypes, only 3% of people aged between 65 and 80 live in residential care. But it's worrying that the councils in areas with the most over 50s are the least prepared to cope with their long-term needs and interests.
Ex-punk rockers and Rolling Stones fans are not going to be happy with a cup of tea and daytime TV. As people live longer, those who can help them stay well and independent, need to be a little more imaginative.
There will be different opportunities in different areas, but there has already been innovative action from some forward-thinking councils. Penwith, Dudley and Blackpool have produced a variety of solutions such as special home safety checks, a falls prevention programme and even a radio station set up and run by older people. All are in place as 'age-proofing' measures to prevent social isolation and support independent living without incurring great expense.’
The report says Government should show clearer national leadership and work with councils to provide guidance and evaluate progress. Councils can prepare for an ageing population by making better use of information, reviewing demographic profiles and using local knowledge to target money and services effectively. They should also improve evaluation by testing local satisfaction and experience to assess age-proofing of services.
Information Notes
England's population is ageing and the trend is accelerating. In 2009 around 17.7 million people (34% of the population) will be aged 50 or over; by 2029 it will have increased by more than a quarter to 22.9 million, so 40% of people will be aged 50 or over.
In 2009 there will be 2.4 million people in England aged 80 or over; by 2029 the figure will be 4.3 million.
Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) help thousands of older or disabled to remain in their own home, living independently and safely by advising on home improvements and adaptations and helping them to apply for local authority grants or loans.
They also help to identify reputable local contractors to do the work, and oversee the work to ensure that their clients are completely satisfied.
Following a European Journal competition for the contract, Foundations emerged as the successful bidder, winning the chance to support the HIA sector for the next three years.
As part of the contract, Foundations will be tasked with providing advice and support to the sector as well as promoting and raising the profile of the good work being carried out by HIAs across the country.
They will also be responsible for representing the movement in dealing with government and for increasing capacity within the sector.
