Advantage
Age Scotland’s magazine: summer 22, issue 62
F O R E SUMM
G N I L L E STORYT om
voices fr Ensuring older
ented all walks of life are repres
p14 LGBTQ+ community
p18 Falklands, 40 years on
p22 Ethnic Minority Older People Forum
Contents P6
Making ageism old news
P8
Older people in Ukraine at risk of being left behind
P14
Supporting older LGBTQ+ people
P18
Veterans remember the Falklands conflict 40 years on
P22
Community support for ethnic minority older people’s groups
P32
Social security in 2022
Advantage is the Age Scotland magazine that provides information, inspiration and ideas to empower Scotland’s older people, their friends, families and carers. If you have news, events or issues that you would like Advantage to cover, please get in touch. We would also welcome ideas on how we might improve the magazine. To stop receiving Advantage, please just get in touch with us on the details below. Email:
advantage@agescotland.org.uk
Telephone: 0333 323 2400
ISSN 1747-4515
Write to:
Advantage, Age Scotland Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR
Advantage is part funded by a grant from the Scottish Government. Age Scotland aims to ensure information is accurate at time of production and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions, or for the content of any third party advertisements. Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.
, an Slo
I hope you are enjoying the brighter weather and looking forward to a more connected summer, with groups now able to meet more freely.
Brian
Welcome to Advantage magazine!
Ch
ief
Exe cutiv e
As 2022 has been designated Scotland’s Year of Stories, in this edition we’re reflecting on the importance of storytelling as a means of connection and sharing experiences (p10). From the difficult situation facing older people in Ukraine (p8), to moving testimonies from veterans marking the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict (p18), it’s a privilege to be able to share stories from our member groups and help ensure older voices from all walks of life are represented in Scotland. Our friendship services (p3) have continued to go from strength to strength, and we’re looking forward to restarting our Community Connecting offering soon, while our dementia teams are celebrating new milestones in meeting centres (p20) and a national learning event (p25). We’re delighted to continue our Diversity and Inclusion work with the older LGBTQ+ community (p14), as well as ethnic minority older people’s groups and communities (p22). We also have some exciting dates for your diary, including upcoming fundraising opportunities (p34). We very much hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to get in touch if you’d like to see your campaign or project featured in a future edition! Brian Sloan
Feeling Connected – Age Scotland’s friendship services
Tackling loneliness and isolation has always been a key priority at Age Scotland, with recent statistics revealing that 218,000 over 50s in Scotland feel lonely all or most of the time. While the past two years have been difficult for everyone, we have continued to support older people through our friendship services. One call can make a huge difference, especially to those who live alone, who don’t have family nearby or who can't get online. Our Friendship Line is available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm to listen, have a blether and offer support. We also offer weekly calls of friendship and companionship to people who are 50 and over who feel they would benefit from a regular chat. In 2021, our volunteers provided 2,763 friendship calls ranging from current interests, hobbies, top tier biscuits, time travel – the list is endless. We have even had our fair share of singing and poetry recitals on these calls! Words matter and they help us to stay connected. Celebrating their 400th circle in March this year, our Comradeship Circles offer members of the exservice community to come together and engage in regular camaraderie over the phone. Group calls typically consist of six people who chat together at the same time and on the same day each week or fortnight. The service is free and open to HM Armed Forces regulars, reservists, National Servicemen and Merchant Navy that have supported a UK military operation. It is also available to partners, widows and widowers.
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News
rie ,F en Hel
nd s
hip
Vol untee r
With an ageing population and a digital divide, we understand the difficulties many people may face in accessing information on local groups and services. Our Community Connecting Service will be relaunching this year with the aim to connect older people to organisations that offer friendship, social activities, health and fitness groups and events. Over a period of weeks or longer if required, our volunteers will make weekly calls to talk through someone’s interests, have a friendly chat and offer encouragement.
If you are interested in any of our friendship services, or would like to add your organisation to our database, please get in touch by phoning our Helpline on 0800 12 44 222 or emailing helpline@agescotland.org.uk give us a call and feel connected again.
5
News
On a mission to make ageism old news Age Scotland has been campaigning over the years to shift the negative narrative that exists around ageing and tackle ageism in all its forms. We recently launched ‘Making ageism old news- a guide to reporting on older people’ and hope it will be a useful and informative tool for people reporting on issues facing older people and help avoid ageist stereotypes and negative images portraying later life. Our recent Big Survey painted a stark picture of how older people feel they are regarded and portrayed in Scotland, with only 7% agreeing that older people are represented positively in the media. It made very tough reading and we felt compelled to do something. We hope our guide will be a step in the right direction towards changing the narrative around older people and encouraging reporters to highlight the countless positive contributions made by those in later life. The guide has been endorsed by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) for Scotland. John Toner, NUJ national organiser, Scotland said: “Age Scotland has performed a very valuable service by identifying terms that are outmoded and offensive to many people. We hope that this sparks a growing interest in how older people’s issues are reported.” access the media guide at age.scot/mediaguide.
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Campaigns
Carers – know your rights If you are an unpaid carer, are you aware of your rights? There are an estimated 1.1 million unpaid carers in Scotland, all of whom are entitled to certain rights as laid out in the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. Unfortunately, many unpaid carers are unaware or unsure of what these are, and how to realise them. These could include support from their local authority or health board with information, advice, finances, training, or involvement in decisions such as hospital discharge planning. Older carers could have an “underlying entitlement” to Carers Allowance which could increase their Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. To help, Age Scotland has launched the #KnowYourRights campaign, designed to raise awareness of carers’ rights so that all unpaid carers in Scotland can access all of the support and benefits they need. How Age Scotland can help We offer a range of free resources to assist carers in better understanding and realising their rights, such as: • • • •
Training courses Workshops Information guides Advice through our free 0800 12 44 222 helpline
We want as many people as possible to have access to these resources, so that more carers can receive everything they are entitled to. Find out more about the campaign at age.scot/carersrights. 7
Volodymyr & Zina live in a frontline village in Eastern Ukraine. With ongoing shelling, they are living in their basement with a basic set up of bed, chairs and dishes.
Older people in Ukraine at risk of being left behind Age International – the international arm of Age UK – has been working in Eastern Ukraine since 2014 where more than four million people, a disproportionate number of them older, were directly affected by military conflict. With partner HelpAge International, Age International has been providing aid to those older people affected and helping to rebuild their lives. Eight years later, we find that older people are again at huge risk from a second conflict in Ukraine, with parts of Eastern and Southern Ukraine severely impacted. Millions of people are fleeing for their lives, seeking safety in other parts of Ukraine or even over the border to neighbouring countries such as Moldova, Poland and Romania. However, older people and those with disabilities are at risk of being left behind without care or support. Many cannot escape from affected areas nor seek shelter from bombings due to lack of mobility. They are also at risk of violence and neglect. For older people left behind, life has become lonely, and days are punctuated by nearby shelling.
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Inform
Olga, 71, lives alone in a village where the closest bomb shelter is several kilometres away. She can hardly walk due to pain in her legs and joints and does not own a car. She said: “I constantly hear explosions, and I don’t know if they will reach me. Everyone needs peace and quiet: children, adults, and older people. I do not want to worry about the lives of my children and grandchildren, and about what will happen to me tomorrow.” Ekaterina, 70, is a widow whose two daughters live in Russia. In 2011 she fractured her hip due to osteoporosis and has had trouble walking since. She said: “I am feeling very lonely. Because of the conflict, my daughters can’t come to me. I live on the line of contact, where they shoot almost every day. The shelling is what worries me the most. What if they hit the house, and blast the windows, roof, doors out? Who will help me?” In March 2022, the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) launched its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and has raised more than £260 million so far. Age International and its local partners have already supported 11,000 older people and their families, providing 150,000 hot meals, medications and hygiene kits, as well as providing mental health support for older people and their families in Ukraine and those seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
For more information about Age International’s work in Ukraine or to donate go to www.ageinternational.org.uk/ukraine
Anna, 72, fled Ukraine to Moldova with her family and is now in a refugee centre in Chisinau.
9
Celebrating our love of stories and storytelling We are a nation of storytellers. A big part of our lives is devoted to telling or writing stories about what we did, where we went, and who we spent time with. The love of stories is hardwired into us all. It is one of the strongest ways we connect with one another and share our experiences. So, it’s not surprising that 2022 has been designated Scotland’s Year of Stories by Visit Scotland. Activities are being held across the country to celebrate stories inspired by, created, or written in Scotland. We know many Age Scotland members have wonderful stories to tell and we would love to hear from members who have a story to share or are running activities to enable older people to tell their stories. We hope to run some Age Scotland Storytelling gatherings for members ourselves later in the year. For further information about Scotland’s Year of Stories: www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/stories Share your story with Age Scotland Email: members@agescotland.org.uk Tel: 0333 323 2400.
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Community
We hope you enjoy this story from Ian Grant, former Gardening Correspondent with Daily Record who during World War II travelled the length and breadth of Scotland to encourage and advise people on growing their own food.
Sausages My “Dig for Victory” activities took me all over Scotland. Once, in Skye, my film show came to an abrupt halt because the local butcher started making sausages. It was before the Hydro-Electrical people were in operation. Current in many places was supplied by small generators, often run by a garage. Arriving at the hall for my talk I was unable to find a power outlet but, discovering that a local man ran films on Saturday evenings, I set out to find him. He was most helpful. At the back of the hall, he explained, there was a small window, behind that he had a small structure as a projection room. I was to feed my cable through the window and he would connect it to his socket. Fixing up equipment I asked about the current, the voltage etc. It was DC, the voltage being anything from 180 to 220. That suited me. I switched on and found the screen quite bright. My local pal, however, warned me that in the evening when various places were using the juice, the voltage might be well down, and, he added, if the butcher starts making sausages I was sunk. I had a good turnout of people, everything was going nicely when suddenly the projector gave a groan and the light faded. My pal, sitting just in front of my machine, turned and whispered, “Sausages”. 11
Ways to wellbeing in later life Health is more than the absence of illness. The World Health Organisation defines it as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. If that appears far off and out of reach, there’s reassurance in research. This shows small adjustments to how we live day-to-day can, over time, be transformational.
Be social : Connecting with others is perhaps the most powerful thing you can do for wellbeing. If you are not already part of a community group, find and regularly attend one that matches your interests. Information about local groups can be found in places such as libraries, and online.
Move : Moving makes you feel good and boosts long-term health.
If you have got out of the habit, start small. Move for a few minutes each day, doing something fun that makes you a little warmer and gets your heart rate up a bit. A couple of times a week develops your strength and balance - activities such as yoga and gardening are ideal for this. It’s never too late to start.
Notice : Being more aware of how you are in the moment– mindfulness – enhances wellbeing. For a few minutes a day, try breathing in slowly for a count of four, and out for a count of six, to calm and anchor you. Record your thoughts and feelings in a daily journal. A practice of writing about what you are grateful for can boost positive feelings.
12 Call Age Scotland’s friendship line on 0800 12 44 222
Health & Wellbeing
Learn : Trying something new or rediscovering a past interest can
make you happier and healthier. Celebrate the joys of being a beginner. Research suggests this is better for brain health than coasting on expertise.
Give : Neuroscience shows helping others lights up the brain’s reward
centres. Kind words, helping family and friends, and volunteering all have a great wellbeing payback.
Eat and drink smart : Eating more and a variety of fresh foods, and less highly processed ones, will boost physical and mental health. 1.5 to 2 litres of liquid a day is vital. Water is best, but other drinks and foods contribute, excluding alcohol and sugary beverages.
If you belong to a community group, Age Scotland’s Health and Wellbeing Team would love to hear about any collective habits you’ve formed to improve wellbeing so we can share your great ideas and experiences with other groups. Email us at healthandwellbeing@agescotland.org.uk or call 0333 323 2400.
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Supporting older LGBTQ+
people in Scotland
Diversity and inclusion is a key theme underpinning Age Scotland’s strategy and, in recent months, we’ve been able to expand our work in this important area. To mark Pride month this June, we’re delighted to give an update on how Age Scotland is supporting the older LGBTQ+ community by providing advice and working to create a new Scottish LGBTQ+ Older People’s Network. Age Scotland wants to ensure that its services and activities are accessible and relevant to all older people across Scotland, particularly those groups currently under-represented. Our aim is for all older people to flourish in a culture of respect and self-dignity, where we celebrate differences and tackle inequality head on. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on older people. As communities and older people’s groups start to recover, the total impact is only now starting to surface. There is evidence that older people from ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as those with disabilities, have been disproportionately affected by the impact of Covid-19 and Age Scotland understands the need to take positive action to serve older people who face barriers in accessing information, advice and services.
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News
It is important for LGBTQ + older people to have a collective voice, and a platform to share their lived experience and the impact of discriminatory practice on their lives. As part of our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Age Scotland is in the process of setting up the first Scottish LGBTQ+ Older People’s Network in Scotland. The purpose of the Network is to stimulate debate, share information and discuss the common issues to influence change. The membership of the Network is made up of LGBTQ + individuals, groups and organisations with representation from Prides across Scotland. The Network will be led by its members and supported by the Diversity and Inclusion team at Age Scotland. While starting up a Network is important, Age Scotland is also committed to broader representation within its membership across all categories. We will continue to raise the profile of Age Scotland’s goal of representing the diversity and intersectionality of older people and encouraging interested LGBTQ+ individuals, groups and organisations to join Age Scotland’s membership network. We currently have two guides aimed specifically at providing advice to the older LGBTQ+ community. Rights of LGBT+ older people in Scotland covers some of the most common topics we are asked about, including rights, healthcare, financial and legal issues, and social opportunities, while Support for older LGBT+ Veterans in Scotland offers members of the ex-service community support in later life.
Support for Older LGBT + Veterans in Scotland
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tmas meal llo OPP Chris Portobe
Winter Warmer Grants
Following a rather bleak winter amidst Covid-19 restrictions in 2020, Walter Scott Giving Group (the philanthropic arm of an Edinburghbased Investment Company) contacted Age Scotland to see if we could make the winter of 2021 a better one for older people in the city. This resulted in the Edinburgh Winter Warmer Grant, created to fund activities for older people with up to £1,000 available per group. 19 Age Scotland member groups were awarded £18,382 in total, with 1,213 older people benefitting from activities, outings, meals and gifts. I couldn't 14 groups organised festive meals, 10 sent out Christmas gifts or festive packs, while 6 organised outings including a visit to the ballet, Dancing on Ice and a football match.
stop laughing! Group member
Like many groups, Portobello Older People’s Project suspended face-toface activities in March 2020 and were only able to resume activities in mid-September 2021 with significant mitigations in place. Folk really had missed each other’s company and the post-lockdown programme had to be quieter than usual, so the opportunity to have members enjoy a festive outing was welcome. With the help of Walter Scott Giving Group and the imagination and hard work of local Age Scotland member groups, we’re delighted that older people in Edinburgh were remembered and able to connect during the winter months.
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Community
Clydebank Seniors Forum – a legacy to be proud of
Janet Campbell, Rhona Young (seated), kay Mary Kennedy, Anne Meikle, Daphne Mac
Charlie Murphy (community development officer for Glasgow city) and Ann Yourston (community development officer for West Dunbartonshire) visited some of the members & committee of Clydebank Seniors Forum on a sunny afternoon in April. Unfortunately, this group is disbanding after a long association with its local community. Like many groups at the moment, they have found it increasingly difficult to get enough volunteers interested - especially in taking up committee member places. Mary Kennedy, the group’s treasurer, told us that the Clydebank Seniors Forum dates back to 1986 and over the years held monthly meetings for members, campaigning on behalf of older people in the area – for example they successfully pushed for a lift to be installed at Dalmuir Train Station – as well as enjoying regular social outings. The group can be justly proud that over five decades it did everything it could to support the rights of older people locally, as well as bringing them together socially. Age Scotland is sorry to see them go but their legacy will live on as they have very generously gifted the remainder of their funds (£4101.33) to us to support other groups. Their lovely banner, which can be seen in the photos above, has been gifted to the local Town Hall Museum. 17
Veterans remember the Falklands Conflict 40 years on On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory. A task force of warships and rapidly refitted merchant ships was dispatched, and Argentinian forces surrendered on 14 June. 25,948 British personnel served in the campaign. Today, surviving Falklands veterans are in or approaching later life. Some maintained contact with the Armed Forces community. Army veteran Les had a second career as a sales rep for regimental silver and corporate gifts. “I currently chair the Scottish Branch of the South Atlantic Medal Association and am active with Legion Scotland,” he says. “Helping out keeps the brain and body active!” For others, including former submariner Lenny, the connection waned. “The military is a way of life, and you never forget. But I’ve not been involved with the ex-service community.”
I’m doing alright now, but I need the support of the veterans’ community to keep me in a happy place.
18 www.unforgottenforces.scot
Veterans
Yet the door remains open. “I left in 2004 and cut my ties,” says Navy veteran John. “12 years later I was invited to an ex-service dinner, and from that got involved with Legion Scotland. I made new friends, even some from the Army!” Today, John volunteers with Legion Scotland and thoroughly enjoys it. “Talking with veterans makes it easier to reflect. The exservice community will be a big part of my life as I get older as it’s where I’m most comfortable. I had an issue with the demon alcohol. I’m doing alright now, but I need the support of the veterans’ community to keep me in a happy place.” For Les, John’s experience is far from unique. “Many service leavers today focus on settling with their families and lose touch, but 15-20 years later, start to return to the fold. Unfortunately, during this time, some have struggled on their own. I therefore strongly recommend that if you are experiencing any problems of any kind and there is a local Veterans Breakfast Club or Legion/Service Club nearby, go along and get involved. There’s great banter and inter-service rivalry, which is what always keeps our morale high and ongoing.” You can read more and find support for the ex-service community in Unforgotten Forces, a free magazine for everyone in Scotland aged 60 plus who has served one day or more as a Regular, Reservist, National Serviceman or Merchant Marnier. To subscribe, call the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222 or visit www.unforgottenforces.scot.
The Falklands revisited
Veterans look back, and forward to later life. p4
Erskine Centre make-over
p6
Be hearing loss aware
p8
Support for ex-RAF
MAGAZIN E
ISSUE FIVE: SPRING 2022
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Meeting Centres: bringing people with dementia together How much do you know about Meeting Centres? Meeting Centres are social community settings for people living with dementia and unpaid carers, which aim to provide local community support. They’re a safe space where people impacted by dementia can spend time with others and have fun. Founded in the Netherlands over 25 years ago, Meeting Centres based on the original Dutch model are now opening across Europe. Originally brought to the UK by the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies, we’re delighted that they’re becoming popular in Scotland. Regularly attending a Meeting Centre can help people affected by dementia access relevant information and stay connected with their communities. Centres can also offer social and emotional support to those dealing with the more difficult aspects of a diagnosis. One such Meeting Centre is the wonderful Kirrie Connections, funded by the Scottish Government, which opened in Kirriemuir in March 2022. About Dementia were delighted to attend the opening and hear Kevin Stewart MSP’s praise: “I’ve been able to see very quickly the difference that Kirrie Connections makes to people with dementia and their loved ones.” Graham Galloway, CEO of Kirrie Connections, is passionate about the Meeting Centre model. He commented, “We’re really excited about how things are developing at Kirrie Connections and about the development of meeting centres across all of Scotland.”
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News
Age Scotland’s new head of dementia Kainde Manji also spoke at the event, reflecting on the value of community spirit during the pandemic and stressing the importance of community-based approaches to dementia support as we move forward.
Ka in
de
Ma n ji
Kainde’s new role will help Age Scotland bring together the various strands of dementia work currently taking place across the organisation. A major venture for About Dementia this year is the grants programme we’re delivering in partnership with the Scottish Government and Age Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, £1 million of funding will be awarded to organisations to support the growth of Dementia Friendly Communities and Meeting Centres across Scotland. In April, following a competitive application process, five projects were selected to receive funding to support dementia-friendly communities, with work now well underway. This summer, we’re launching the next stage of the fund, which will focus on inspiring grassroots activity. This fund will be co-produced with people living with dementia and unpaid carers at every stage and will help organisations invest in communitybased approaches to dementia support. So watch this space!
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ion to An introduct
rity o in m ic n h t e 's d Age Scotlan community development officers Age Scotland employed two ethnic minority community development officers in October 2021 through the Scottish Government’s Equality and Human Rights grant. Their main goals are to: • Enable and support the growth of a more diverse Age Scotland membership • Build productive relationships with ethnic minority older people’s groups and communities • Co-ordinate programmes of national and regional networking, training, and engagement opportunities • Connect groups to Age Scotland’s services, offers and activities.
Meet the EMCDOs Jaime is Chinese Canadian and grew up with immigrant parents who struggled with the cultural differences and barriers in a small Canadian town. Having lived experience of growing up with racism and faced with various inequalities, it has given her the passion and drive to work with ethnic minorities. Having previously worked with older Chinese communities, she continues to see the barriers they are facing. She hopes that her work with Age Scotland will allow her to expand her repertoire to connect and educate other older ethnic minorities of Scotland. Wahida was born in England and raised in Edinburgh. With her upbringing within a loving Pakistani family, she is now a mother and grandmother to two sons and two grandchildren of mixed heritage. She is acutely aware
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Community
of the importance of retaining and honouring that heritage whilst celebrating other cultures too. She previously worked in a Community Development position for the Racial Equality Council in Edinburgh and more recently at a mental health charity. She is looking forward to using her experience and skills to assist ethnic minority older people overcome the barriers they face.
Wa hida
Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre One of Age Scotland’s recent members and first recipients of support from Jaime and Wahida is Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre (WHCEC), a Glasgowbased charitable organisation established in 1989, whose objectives are to: • reduce loneliness and isolation; • maintain and improve independence; • raise awareness and promote equal opportunities within the Chinese older people communities. WHCEC is a day centre with community facilities which offers a lunch club, activities, workshops, and day trips, and is the only centre in Scotland catering specifically to the Chinese community three days a week. Through the Age Scotland membership programme, WHCEC received a grant to purchase a commercial oven to allow for expansion to cook traditional Chinese meals for their lunch club and to help with their workshops. Both activities are very popular with their service users and with the new oven, they were able to increase their lunch club capacity by 10% while following government COVID guidelines at the time. If you know of an organisation or group that would be interested in working alongside our EMCDOs, please don’t hesitate to reach out: Jaime Lee: jaime.lee@agescotland.org.uk Wahida Rezaq: wahida.rezaq@agescotland.org.uk 23
Relaunch event
A welcome return for the Scottish Ethnic Minority Older People Forum
In March, members of the Scottish Ethnic Minority Older People Forum held a face-to-face meeting in Edinburgh to formally relaunch the project which empowers ethnic minority older people across Scotland. The forum, now hosted and supported by Age Scotland, will set out an agenda for the next chapter of its work influencing policy change, addressing the needs of ethnic minority older people and tackling inequalities. Since its launch in 2018, the forum has been a catalyst for change in Scotland, raising the collective voice of ethnic minority older people and working to ensure that planning services take on board the complex and changing needs of older people from ethnic minority communities. The forum will also challenge inequality and discrimination faced by ethnic minority older people, including poverty and barriers accessing information and services. Brian Sloan, chief executive at Age Scotland, said: “The forum is a hugely important platform for amplifying the voices and experiences of ethnic minority older people across the country. Age Scotland is wholeheartedly committed to working to bring about greater diversity and inclusion for all older people in Scotland and the forum’s engagement and advocacy work is vital in helping to deliver this.”
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News
Good to be with kindred souls The Dementia Team’s National Learning Event In November 2021, the Dementia Training Team, supported Good to by About Dementia, hosted their first National Learning see peop le Event on Zoom – focusing on several key themes: from a v a r ie t y of settings • Enabling outdoor activities and spaces together , sharing a • Empowering carers nd discussin g • Taking the lead from people living with dementia • Intergenerational approaches to inclusion The team was delighted to welcome 121 attendees, with people living with dementia, unpaid carers and organisations and individuals supporting people affected by dementia coming together for lively discussion and the opportunity to explore new connections. A key theme in the feedback was how beneficial the collaborative and inclusive environment was: “Together we can do anything and it was inspiring to hear from people with experience of caring for someone living with dementia and also from those living with dementia themselves.” Although there are too many names to mention individually, the team would like to sincerely thank all those who supported this inaugural event. We know how important it is for people to have the chance to share experiences, which is why our events, as well as in-person and online training workshops, are as accessible as possible to those looking to improve their knowledge of dementia awareness and inclusion, and to unpaid carers. For further information about our workshops, get in touch on dementiatraining@agescotland.org.uk or 0333 323 240. 25
Try bowls – the sport for all Looking for a sociable, fun, affordable and family-orientated sport to try this summer? Our partners at Bowls Scotland suggest looking no further than your local bowls club!
Coaching is provided through out Scotland
Scottish bowling clubs have played a vital role in reconnecting local communities across the country throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Bowls can offer social, physical, and mental health benefits for people of all ages and abilities. Gourock Park Bowling Club in Inverclyde were a prime example of this in 2021 as they welcomed 30 new members to their facilities over the season. The club has worked with the Gourock Community Sports Hub for the last 5 years, gaining access to local people looking to try new activities. John McCartney, who has played bowls for 68 years, was able to coach new bowlers at weekly Try Bowls sessions the club held to welcome new people along and help develop their skills. Speaking about the club’s success, John said: “I enjoy seeing how happy new bowlers, of all ages, are when they come down to the club. Some said that they did not expect to enjoy bowling but found it very relaxing and their day-to-day stresses disappear when they are on the green.
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Health & Wellbeing
John McCa rtney (68 y ears
ort he sp t g n i y enjo bowling) with hi s daughter, Lorna, who is also
“The older adults told me they wished that they had taken up the game at an earlier age. The young bowlers show so much enthusiasm and most of them are naturals. It is very satisfying to help bring new people into the sport and give them a good experience.” The national governing body, Bowls Scotland, is running their annual Try Bowls campaign throughout 2022 which is aimed at getting new people into bowls and increasing membership numbers in clubs. Over 200 Scottish bowling clubs have already registered as open and inclusive ‘Try Bowls Clubs’ in 2022 and the numbers are growing. Try Bowls Clubs are quickly recognisable with a purple pin on Bowls Scotland’s Club Finder Map and can provide fun, safe, and welcoming coaching opportunities to their local community – is there one near you? Find your local bowling club at www.bowlsscotland.com/club-finder and be sure to give the sport a go with your friends and family! Find your nearest bowling club using the club finder map: www.bowlsscotland.com/club-finder or call 01292 294623. 27
Now we are 10! It’s an exciting year for our friends at Luminate, as they celebrate 10 years of being Scotland’s creative ageing organisation. We were delighted to catch up with the team to find out about their highlights so far and their hopes for the future.
The Wise Guys at work
Our early years were focused on our nationwide festivals, but over time our activities started to extend beyond the festival month and a steadily increasing number of events took place at other times of year. That programme is now our focus, with year-round support and projects taking place to make sure that creativity is always a part of life for older people. We have seen over and again the way that creative activities light up lives; how they connect people no matter their age, ability or experience. From the Wise Guys older printmakers in Inverness, to the creation of a sculpture trail in Bishopton that captures the creativity of Erskine care home residents, or the new dementia inclusive Shalder Shanty Singers in Shetland - we are always inspired by the huge variety of talent we have in Scotland. Our work has inspired others as well. Finland took our original festival format and created a similar event, and Luminate’s work has drawn attention from Ireland, the States, mainland Europe and Asia. Our 10th anniversary follows one of the most extraordinary and distressing periods our society has faced. Covid particularly impacted older people, but we are proud of the resources we developed so that creative activities could still play their part for health and wellbeing. Our talented pool of
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www.luminatescotland.org
Luminate
Dementia Inclusive
Singing Ne twork -
. one of many highlights of our first 10 years
artists created videos and kits that could be easily watched and adapted, either singly or in larger groups in care homes. Dance and movement, pottery, paper art, writing and mosaics were just some of the activities covered. And now we are looking ahead once more, scoping out what we should do next to ensure that creative ageing is part of Scotland’s plan to be one of the best countries in which to live. We are helping older artists to keep their careers evolving, as well as using creativity to connect communities, such as our monthly LGBTI+ socials.
Looking for heroes We know that across Scotland there are people doing creative things that bring joy and satisfaction into the lives of so many older people. We are now looking for these heroes and asking people to think about who they feel really embraces creative ageing within their community. We would like to celebrate their work along with our own milestone, through the Luminate Heroes Awards. Details of how to nominate: www.luminatescotland.org / phone 0131 668 8066 / email info@luminatescotland.org 29
Getting tech connected in Highland As part of a 2-year Age UK partnership with technology company Dixons, three Age Scotland member groups in Highland received 14 tablets and SIM cards to help older people get online. Jo Cowan shares her experiences of the Tech Connected project, helmed by Highland Senior Citizens Network (HSCN). “HSCN received two tablets from the Programme at the end of 2021. It was challenging starting new projects during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the tablets are now coming into their own in two very different initiatives benefitting older people: Techy Tea Breaks and the Network’s new role as a Playlist for Life Help Point. Portable “mi-fi” provided with the tablets created new opportunities for HSCN staff to use devices in any venue, regardless of wi-fi access. Jo recently visited Fort William Men’s Shed to provide support to a member who has a device but felt they needed skills and confidence to use it. The idea of a regular “Techy Tea Break” was born – short sessions to learn about using tablets in a bite-sized way, building skills and confidence gradually. Jo says: “The key to people enjoying technology is tapping in to how an individual wants to use it. It needs to be very person-centred. Bruce wants to access meteorological charts for weather forecasting, and to take pictures and learn how to send them to his granddaughter. Photo skills will also be useful in documenting and promoting the work of the shed. Already, just chatting about technology in the shed has identified
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Community
Playlist fo r Life displa y at
Kinlochleven Library | Jo and Bruce at Fort William
hed Men’s S
other people who need connectivity support and gave the opportunity to highlight IT support available via Abilitynet and Tech & Chat sessions at the local library.” The project tablets have also enabled HSCN to initiate a partnership project with Kinlochleven library to become Help Points for Playlist for Life, a charity which aims for everyone with dementia to have a unique, personalised playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it. “It’s so helpful having a tablet set up so an older person can easily search for the music they love and work on their own playlist. We’re holding an event during Carers’ Week to raise awareness of Playlist for Life – but we’re also hoping to initiate a project bringing school children and older people together to work on playlists. Having the two tablets has been key to embarking on these new projects. We’re very grateful to Dixons, Age UK and Age Scotland for making this possible.” 31
Social security in 2022 The system of benefits and social security is always changing, so it’s a good idea to regularly check that you’re getting all you are entitled to. Benefit rates increase a little every April, but with pressures on budgets from the cost of living it is more important than ever to make sure you have every penny you are due to help make ends meet. Many older people miss out on money that should be in their pocket. The way some benefits are paid is changing. The Scottish Government is taking control of some entitlements, and these will be paid by Social Security Scotland. Social Security Scotland already pays Funeral Support Payment for help with funerals costs, and top-up payments of Carer’s Allowance Supplement for people who receive Carer’s Allowance. They also deliver benefits that are designed to reduce child poverty. More changes are coming: Adult Disability Payment has already started to replace Personal Independence Payment in Scotland as the disability benefit for people who are working age and by next winter the Cold Weather Payment (paid automatically to people in a benefit like Pension Credit in very cold weather) will be replaced by Low Income Winter Heating Assistance. Other benefits will be replaced over the next few years too, including Winter Fuel Payment, Carer’s Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
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Inform
The rules and amounts won’t change much at first, as it is important that no-one’s income is interrupted as payments are transferred, but changes are expected later to make the benefits work better. It can be tricky to find out what you are due, but Age Scotland is here to help. We provide: • Expert benefits advice from Age Scotland’s friendly helpline team call freephone 0800 12 44 222, 9.00-5.00 Monday to Friday. • Information guides on our website and free to order through our online order form or by calling the helpline. • Our Check in Cash Out campaign that focuses on specific entitlements throughout the year, including carer’s rights, Attendance Allowance, energy, Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction. • Free online Social Security workshops that provide an overview of entitlements for older people, and explain how best to complete an Attendance Allowance form.
t Unlock your entitlemen Benefits and social security for older people from Age Follow up information benefits, Scotland training about can help. making a claim and who
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are The benefit rates listed 23 for financial year 2022/20
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Get involved with Age Scotland’s latest fundraising challenges! The Age Squatland fundraising challenge is back this August Do you want to get more active and raise funds for a great cause in the process? Then the Age Squatland challenge is for you! We encourage you to set a target between 50-200 squats a day. This challenge can be completed anywhere – whether you do it from home, at the gym or even on your lunch break. This is a fun challenge suitable for all ages. Get involved and feel the burn!
Sign up at age.scot/squatland Don’t forget to share your progress online and tag @AgeScotland using #AgeSquatlandChallenge We can’t wait to see all your pictures!
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Get Involved
Can you support Age Scotland?
Support Age Scotland with a gift to help us improve the lives of older people in Scotland. Please complete the donation form below and return to: Age Scotland, Freepost RSBS_KEHC-GBBC, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR. Alternatively you can phone 0845 833 0200 or visit www.agescotland.org.uk. Title
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Will you “haud yer wheesht”? Help tackle loneliness by joining the Big Wheesht in September! Whether it’s a sponsored silence, 24 hours without social media or a silent disco, you can raise vital funds to support isolated older people.
Business leaders can also take part in our special corporate challenge on Thursday 16th September, challenging themselves to raise £1000 in silence before being allowed to talk again.
Find out more at www.age.scot/bigwheesht or contact fundraising@agescotland.org.uk
