Woody the Woodland View Mascot goes on Tour

less able or given fewer opportunities for progression, to our healthcare system where older people are often described as ‘bed blockers’. Surely the real bed blockers are those in charge who failed to plan ahead. Think about it: we don’t call people who get Glastonbury tickets ‘gig blockers’. The demand simply outweighs the supply.

The media often portray older people as rich baby boomers, but age does not equal wealth and millions of people in their 60s, 70s and beyond are living in poverty. In fact, the Independent Press Standards Organisation doesn’t even set standards in regards to age discrimination, despite age being a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

I’ve heard people refer to ageism as the last acceptable form of discrimination. I don’t agree. Unfortunately, racism, sexism and ableism are still all too acceptable in certain circles. But perhaps ageism is the most normalised? So much so that older people will freely describe themselves in negative ways such as ‘past it’ or ‘over the hill’.

We need to avoid ‘othering’ language that positions people in different age groups as ‘them’ and not ‘us’. I accept this can sometimes be difficult. We tend to group with the people closest to our age – those we grew up with. Sometimes I look at the generations coming after me with their Tik Tok and think ‘that’s weird’. But these snap judgements aren’t helpful to anyone. To avoid lazy stereotypes and prejudice, I must think to ensure everything I say or do is not ageist.

To age or not to age? That is not the question. Ageing is living. Yesterday we were all a day younger and tomorrow we’ll all be a day older. The point being, we are on this one-way flight together. Also, age is not just a number – it’s a clear indication of how old you are. It just isn’t anything to defy or fight. Making small changes to how we speak and write about ageing can have a big impact.

Age isn’t the problem. Ageism is. Let’s end it.” n

Niall Ryan Communications Officer Ageism – Centre for Aging Better

ageing-better.org.uk/blogs/what-doesageism-look

ageing-better.org.uk/publications/summaryreport-state-ageing-2022

Woodland View care home in Droitwich has unveiled its very own mascot, a woodland squirrel called Woody.

The care home on Woodland Way, which opened in October, launched a competition to design a mascot which residents could share with the local community.

Woody, a woodland squirrel holding a purple acorn, was designed by 13-year-old Evie Pinder, from Droitwich High School, who won the competition. Evie’s drawing has now been brought to life and is currently on display in Droitwich Library.

Eight smaller Woody’s, dubbed the ‘Woodettes’, have also been made and are now on tour around Droitwich, visiting cafes, garden centres, churches and even the local hospital in the run up to Easter. The care home is inviting any local businesses, schools or community organisations to get in touch if they would like one of the Woodettes to visit them. Cindy Hawkins, Woodland View’s home manager, said: “Woody is a fantastic mascot for Woodland View and Evie’s design was perfect because she really considered our name and location when she came up with Woody. “When we opened in October, we wanted to welcome residents into their new home but also make sure that their connections with the local community were not lost. Having a mascot like Woody is a lovely way that we can support our residents to connect with the local community where many of them have lived their whole lives.”

Woodland View, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home. It is welcoming new residents for short and long term placements with a unique inclusive fee to give peace of mind to residents and their families. n

For more information, call 01905 917 358, email woodland.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.