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We need a Minister for Older People
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021
Marathon is next for hospice doctor
HOSPICE doctor Richard Latten is familiar with helping patients and families through challenging times. Now, he’s preparing for his own, very different, very unfamiliar challenge – running this year’s London Marathon. But the Wirral Hospice St John’s, where he is the palliative care consultant, will not be far from his mind, as he raises money towards patient care there. Back in 2019, Richard was a long way from the physical and mental mindset required to run a marathon. He said: “I was finding things really tough with the challenges that work in our field can sometimes bring to the surface, while also dealing with a bereavement a few years before, which had had an emotional impact on my own family. “Joining some of my hospice colleagues, friends and family, in running in our local Parkrun was the turning point in getting myself back on track.” n To support Richard call 0151 343 0778
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RAFT of measures to change attitudes towards getting older are needed now, the Government has been told.
More than half of over 65s are more confident and resilient in later life and fiercely object to terms like “pensioner” , “old fogey”, and “codger”, says a new report, which highlights ageism as a big problem in the UK – and needs fixing. The major study into people’s experiences of ageing, and beliefs about growing older, was carried ouy by leading retirement homes developer McCarthy Stone. John Tonkiss, the company’s chief executive, said: “Our report shows the UK is blighted by ageist attitudes that prevent society from providing the support and opportunities older people need. “We are calling on Government and society
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
ON YOUR BIKE! So many positives about getting older
to make positive changes to establish Britain as the best place in which to live and grow old.” Among its recommendations, the report calls for a dedicated Ministry for Older People. Increasing representation of older communities in Westminster, with a dedicated Minister for Older People are among the demands being made. The UK currently languishes in 17th place in the list of best countries in which to grow old. Anna Dixon, CEO of the Centre for Ageing Better, who was one of those interviewed, said: “The current portrayal of older people in the UK is so negative, with disability and decline unfairly presented as inevitable consequences of ageing. “These stereotypes have a hugely detrimental impact, both on individuals and society more broadly.
“But we know that these assumptions don’t reflect the reality and diversity of how people experience later life. We need to see action across society to tackle ageism and create a more age-inclusive culture.” McCarthy Stone is also calling for mandatory Age Gap reporting for businesses, a Kickstart scheme to incentivise hiring an older workforce, and a technology fund to boost connection between generations. The research underpins McCarthy Stone’s new Vision for Later Life in Britain report – an extensive analysis of ageing, based on a poll of 5,000 adults and in-depth interviews with later life experts and elderly citizens. Almost half of people under 65 fear they’ll be regarded as frail and somehow less important in older age, yet more than half of over 65s say they actually feel more confident and resilient in later life.
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ForceThirteen
Live chat server: discord.gg/ forcethirteeQ n
Nathan’s 10m global Force
F
ORCE THIRTEEN is an international community of severe weather enthusiasts, and also covers interests in earthquakes, volcanoes, as well as wider science and technology topics.
Now in its tenth year of operation, the organisation sprang from humble beginnings, much like its founder, Nathan Foy. Living near Wigan, Nathan was diagnosed on the autism spectrum in 2008, at the age of 13. After a series of incidents growing up, he required a lot of support with depression and was incredibly isolated from the outside world at times due to social anxiety. However, with the help of his interests, as well as support groups and workers, he gradually started living a better life upon reaching adulthood. Today, Nathan and his large worldwide team of volunteers provide video broadcasts, graphical products, and web articles to over ten million users
per year, a number that’s constantly rising. Along with his usual work, Nathan is regularly looking for ways to help out in the local and regional communities, particularly in the areas he knows through lived experience – mental health issues, growing up with depression and anxiety, and being there for people who are lonely and those who need inspiration and opportunities to succeed. Over the last six years, Nathan has also built an online community for Force Thirteen that today resides on the chat platform Discord. To date, this heavily moderated community is home to over 2,600 members, many who share the same interests, and is a very inclusive place with people from all walks of life around the world.
n In 2018, Nathan produced his own documentary about his life. Nathan Weathering the Storm can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxQvyCUSJxo
