Towards Common Ground
A community thrives when everyone is included, yet a quarter of older people feel their neighbourhood has changed for the worse in the last 10 years.
Simple things such as going to buy a pint of milk, meeting friends for a cup of tea, or taking a stroll in the park have become impossible for many older people due to declining local services.
Help the Aged has listed ten aspects of local life that need to be improved so that older people can be independent and actively included in their communities.
These are expanded upon in our ‘Towards Common Ground’ report, which you can download from the right hand side of this page.
We are already campaigning on several of the issues, and we will campaign on the others over the coming months.
You can start making your neighbourhood better today by supporting our campaign for better pavements
The Common Ground Agenda
- Lifetime homes – all homes can last a lifetime if they are designed or adapted with older people’s needs in mind.
- Transport for all – we welcome the national bus pass, but want alternative options for those who can’t access bus services.
- Pavements in good repair - all pavements should be smooth and non-slip so older people don’t have to walk in fear of falling.
- Basic amenities within reasonable reach - everyone needs access to money, healthcare and shops: neighbourhoods without these can leave older people isolated.
- Public toilets - these are vital to the many older people who suffer from incontinence, without them people are forced to remain housebound.
- Public seating – places to rest allow older people to remain mobile for longer and enjoy public spaces.
- Safe, secure and clean streets – good lighting, well kept streets and a police presence can help older people feel more confident about getting out and about.
- Places to meet and spend time – a park, a community centre or a village hall can be important to people of all ages.
- Information and advice – knowing what's going on in the area, from care services to volunteering opportunities, helps people of all ages to come together.
- Older people’s voices heard – a community should represent its residents so it is vital older people are involved in planning.
