Changing attitudes to old age
Changing the perception of ageing
Our aim at Action for Elders is to change people’s perception of ageing. Age is a state of mind and our lasting impact will be to enable people to enjoy later life.
The latest official figures (as of August 2018) from the Office For National Statistics show that the UK will have 9 million more people over 65 within the next 50 years, in effect doubling those over pension age to nearly 20 million by 2066. We are all living longer and there is an urgent need to plan for later years in life, both individually and as a society.
In later life, people now expect a better quality of life and state of health. Getting old isn’t an end, it’s just a beginning. Those in later years have a lot to offer, in terms of their experience and attitude to life. Our Balanced Lives programmes offer both those in later life and their carers/loved ones a chance to be part of a totally positive health experience.
The social consequences
Find out what Balanced Lives can do for you…
“What a Drag it is Getting Old.” Mick Jagger, 1966
These are the prophetic words of the Rolling Stones frontman from the band’s big hit Mother’s Little Helper (what a drag it is getting old).
Mick was just 23 years old when he sang these words on the iconic Jagger/Richards composition from 1966. Mick was 75 in July, but shows no sign of slowing up, with live shows this year ranging from Dublin and London to Berlin and Warsaw. So, although it can be ‘a drag’ getting old it needn’t be time to slow down and let the quality of life suffer just because you have reached the age of 70 or above.
Now, we are not expecting every person over 70 years old to go on a world tour, with our without the Rolling Stones, but our impact with the Balanced Lives Programme is crucial. We are asking people (of all ages) to change their perception of ageing. It’s much easier than you think to remain mobile in mind, body and spirit. There’s never been a better time to take control of your life and reconnect with your own health and the community around you. The Balanced Lives programme can help you do this with its complete 360-degree health programme.
The Social Consequences
As far back as 2004, The Guardian was talking about Britain’s Population timebomb; warning us of the problems associated with an ageing demographic. Now, nearly 15 years later the problem has become more acute and the impact of tackling the lack of mobility in later life cannot be underestimated.
It would be very easy for us to sit back and do nothing, safe in the knowledge that we are all living longer. But, if we take time to think about it – we all know an older person, whether it’s a neighbour, friend or relative – that needs that extra bit of help.
We all lead very busy lives, so there’s only so much we can do to help and sometimes, older people need the right advice, support and just plain practical help to ensure they remain fit and active…
This is where Action For Elders come in. We run the Balanced Lives Programme to take away the worry for both elder people and their carers. There is an urgent need for a service which helps older members of society keep fit and active, both mentally and physically. Our simple but effective mentoring and exercise programmes have achieved startling results…
What a Drag it is Getting Old
The difference it can make to a life
Action For Elders is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 7698491 and registered as a Charity number 1145996
Action For Elders CIC Company No. 7604286 ©Copyright 2019 Action for Elders
Registered office: Elfed House, Oak Tree Court, Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff CF23 8RS
