Politics: Supporting our older generations is vital for society
Scotland’s population is ageing. We knew it already, but this was again confirmed in the latest census report, writes MSP Karen Adam.
It demonstrates how our country, our people and our culture are changing. There were more people in the older age groups in 2022 than ever recorded in Scotland's Census. More than a million (1,090,600) people aged 65 and over, in fact.
It is worth noting that, while Scotland’s population is ageing, migration from the rest of the UK and overseas means we have more people in younger age groups than we otherwise would.
This is offsetting the higher numbers in older age groups to some extent. Yet another reason why Scotland needs control of its immigration policy which, in the hands of a UK Government hostile to immigration, is not fit for purpose in Scotland.
Many say it's a privilege to grow old and, as someone who lost their mother at the age of a mere 49, I can wholeheartedly agree with the that sentiment.
But we must ask ourselves, what kind of life can we give our older folks? How can we ensure the vulnerabilities of old age aren't taken advantage of and that our elderly have a decent standard of living? How can we really make old age a privilege?
I met with representatives from Hourglass, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable elderly people against exploitation and abuse.
It was both enlightening and deeply troubling to hear about the many ways our elderly citizens are often taken advantage of, frequently by those closest to them.
We discussed what more can be done to end the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in Scotland. One in six older people are victims of abuse. That’s more than 16 per cent of our mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties, grannies, grandads, friends and neighbours.
Another issue is Pension Credit uptake. Around a third of those eligible are not receiving the benefit. As ever, my office remains available to support you.
If you are not sure if you are eligible or are unsure how to apply, please get in touch via e-mail at karen.adam.msp@parliament.scot or via telephone on 01779 400 601.
In my role as a constituency MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I see first-hand the invaluable contribution of our older generations.
Take the Men's Sheds, for example. I recently had the pleasure of visiting a number of Men’s Sheds dotted around the north-east coast, including the Cullen Men’s Shed and the Banff and Macduff Men’s Shed.
They not only provide practical help, but also offer vital mental health support, combatting isolation and loneliness and I was deeply grateful to see that the Scottish Government has provided them with much-needed funding to continue this essential work.
Let us not wait until our grandparents are gone to appreciate their wisdom and contributions.
Let us act now to ensure that they can enjoy their golden years in comfort and security.
The way we treat our elderly reflects our values of a society. By supporting our older generations to live happy and comfortable retirements and by addressing elder abuse, we can give our older generations the respect and dignity they so thoroughly deserve.
