Page 19 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • March 2000 19
Is the NHS turning its back on older people? Unusual

Age Concern Swindon is holding an extraordina ry general meeting for all members of the public hardwood furniture
on Wednesday 8 March, 2pm to focus on age discrimination in the National Health Service
following publication of a report Turning your back on us. Older people and the NHS.' at special, low
The report had widespread media coverage last is calling for action on the recommendations of the introductory prices
November, not least because it featured Swindon report - primarily to agree to an inquiry.
resident Les Wilson, who was refused a place on the The guest speakers at the Swindon meeting will be
heart transplant surgery waiting list because at age Dr Gabriel Scally, regional director of public health,
64, 'he was considered too old.' NHS executive South West and Caroline Gilchrist, lobal Dimensions
The government has since reiterated its commit- campaign manager Age Concern England.
ment to providing services to everyone on the basis Copies of 'Turning your back on us. Older people
of need and said it would not tolerate any discrimi- and the NHS' can be obtained from Age Concern
nation of any kind in health care. But Age Concern Swindon. For details, call Jo Osorio on 692166.
New import company
Where will you be in 2025? based in West Swindon

In January's Link Julia Drown MP looked forward to a better future as a result of developing government offers unique furniture
policies. She is right to say it is frustrating that things do not happen overnight. But what will it really
be like in twenty five years time, asks Jo Osorio, director of Age Conce rn Swindon. Solid hardwood from
Age Concern's Debate of the Age What of the future? It has been That means planning early for 5u5tainable forests
ended in December and will make argued that traditional housing - an adequate income in later years;
a vital contributionto future policy like residential and some sheltered having real dialogue about the Kitchen, dining room,
development. The Debate in- accommodation for older people - state's investment in health and
volved over a thousand events in- is 'ageist'. It is said to have fos- social care, and an honest debate bedroom and
cluding some in Swindon. tered separatism, perpetuated about rationing if that is the alter- garden furniture
The Call for Action from the De- negative stereotypical images and native. We also should make sure
bate's final conference was sent to prevented the integration and in- there are proper transport systems Something different
5,000 decision makers with key volvement of older people. in place so current generations of - not available elsewhere
priorities for action now. Top pri- An alternative vision based on car owners are persuaded to give
ority was a call to government to universal design, independent liv- them up.
introduce equal opportunities leg- ing, new technology has been put We always want to hear what Call 01793 886157
y
islation enshrining the principle of forward. With all new houses ha - people think at Age Concern Swin- to arrange viewing at
age neutrality so that ing to be built to im- don. Please write to 14 Milton our warehouse in Swindon
individuals can no proved standards of Road, Swindon SN1 5JE or call Jo
longer be denied ac- access, there is every Osorio on 692166.
cess to health care, hope that homes
employment, finan- could serve us for as
cial services or other much or a lifetime as
support simply on ,e we want them to. And Swindon Greyhounds
the grounds of age. t all around us you can
These demands see what market Abbey Stadium
and nine others of forces are generating gS GROUf^
s 1 A D I A
greatest priority are in the way of new Lady Lane, Blunsdon
to be presented to the houses, almost all for
government in a sale. every
document Agenda for Little sheltered Racin ]
the Age, recommendmgpnontyar- housing isproposedexceptm vll-
eas for longer term policy plan- lages' like the new scheme pro- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday,
ning - over the next 20 to 30 years. posed south west of Princess Mar- ^7
Many Link readers have been garet Hospital.
/
involved in local debates over the Living independently in 'life- First race . 3 0pm
shape of West and North Swin- time homes' as we get older is fine Bars Tote c" Raceview Restaurant
don. As the Borough Council takes but the changing balance in the
its plans out to the people and population between older and
develops its vision for Swindon younger people will have a huge admit
for the next 30 years, more of us effect too.
will need to play a part too and Up till 2011 there will be more
make sure we have an influence. people (often women) aged 45 to price of one
Key facts from the Debate of the Age 59 potentially 'available' to pro-
will make a contribution too. vide the informal care that increas- voucher
At the last census in 1991 only a ing numbers of us will need.
fairly small percentage of West But then there is a reverse. Over- (inclusive of racecard)
Swindon people were over 65. all the numbers go down and the
There were larger numbers in Hay- proportions change dramatically
don Wick, but none in Abbey so that by 2046 we expect there to evening
Meads - it wasn't there. be 150 people aged 75 and over per
The 2001 census will show huge 100
People generally are living
changes. A larger percentage of People LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!!!
people will have grown older in longer; men are doing a little bet-
homes they own but several hun- ter than women in increasing life Voucher valid until 31/12/2000
dred live in sheltered housing com- expectancy just now. So it is vital
plexes - popular schemes, which there is a balance struck between For further information: 01793 721253
in some parts of the town have adding years to life and quality to
vacancies those years. Bookings Hotline: 01793 726300