"Everyone gets older. We celebrate getting older every year with our birthday. Some things are good about getting older. Some things are difficult about getting older. It is different for everybody."This comment from Pat (above), who has learning disabilities, sums up the message of a campaign launched today by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to encourage society to recognise ageing in all its diversity and listen to the perspectives of those growing older on the margins of society.
The JRF has launched a website today, A Better Life, featuring reports of what it is like as an older person with learning disabilities or dementia, from South Asian communities, from Gypsy heritage or if you are lesbian, bisexual or gay.
Among those whose stories are told is Pal (above), who has been a widower for 28 years and lives on his own, though receives daily visits from his son and grandson. He used to access statutory day care services but stopped going because of the introduction of charges. However, he retains a positive mental attitude:"Never get depressed, I don't focus on what I don't have. Always keep your heart
full. I have fallen on my face many times in life but I had to get up."
Sylvia and Maggie (above) are civil partners living in Kent, who suffered bullying and hostility in sheltered housing when they disclosed their status. After no action was taken and suffering from stress, they were forced to move.
"We hope our programme of work looking at what makes life better for
older, frailer people will inform debate, without stereotypes or
prejudice, about how we adapt to our ageing society," says JRF chief executive, Julia Unwin. "Old age is not
about 'them', it is about all of us. And the sooner we start listening
to those with the experience, the sooner we can all start planning for a
better life in old age.
The site is worth a look if you have time. You may also want to read a poem from ex-Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, drawn from comments from the people involved in the research.
Here's a snippet:
You see what I am saying. I am living here among you
and you pay no attention or decide what I am thinking
which is not worth your attention. I am every single colour
in the rainbow but you see no colour. You see the colour grey.
The site is worth a look if you have time. You may also want to read a poem from ex-Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, drawn from comments from the people involved in the research.
Here's a snippet:
You see what I am saying. I am living here among you
and you pay no attention or decide what I am thinking
which is not worth your attention. I am every single colour
in the rainbow but you see no colour. You see the colour grey.
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