Here at Ostrich we are proud sponsors of Older People’s Day and although the event was a roaring success back in October we cannot rest on our laurels. We must continue to support Older People’s Day and raise awareness of everything older people can bring to society.
To support older people, the team at Older People’s Day have organised monthly themes that explore all that older people can bring to society. December’s theme is Full of Support, showcasing how the elderly can support the family, community and economy.
Full of community support
Many older people support organisations and charities in their free time, this may involve volunteering for charities such as RNLI, The Salvation Army and Shelter or taking time to help out the teams at soup kitchens across the country. The help older people supply these organisations with is invaluable especially at this time of year when people need help the most.
If they’re not volunteering at homeless shelters or food banks many older people help their local communities by fundraising for churches or schools, helping to organise Christmas plays for the local Scout or Brownie groups or creating handmade crafts or trinkets to be sold at Christmas markets to raise money for good causes.
Full of family support
If a family has parents that both work full time, making time for the children can be difficult. That’s where older people can offer support. Many enjoy babysitting their grandchildren while their parents enjoy a night out or a long weekend away. However, older people can do far more than just babysitting, many older people take their grandchildren out for the day to the local zoo or tell stories of their yesteryears. These stories are filled with knowledge and wisdom which are topics we’ll discuss in the coming months.
Older people can also support families financially, in today’s property market getting a deposit for a first home can be difficult, older people may be able to offer their children financial help so they can finally take that first step on to the property ladder.
Full of economy support
Once retired many older people can become disillusioned with the amount of free time available. Therefore some may choose to find a part time job such as a teaching assistant or worker at a school. Not only does the work and pay benefit them it also helps the economy, both financially and practically. Their help in schools may help the schools achieve their targets thus improving the level of education provided, which in turn improves children’s skills when entering the workplace.
Many older people who have worked hard all their lives may use their retirement to explore and relax. Many take holidays abroad or at home. The money they spend then boosts the tourism industry which is essential for a strong economy.
As official partners of Older People’s Day we fully support the messages they’re trying to promote. If you’d like to get involved in Older People’s Day you can by visiting the Older People’s Day website or their Twitter or Facebook page. However you get involved your contribution will be helpful in building awareness of everything older people can bring to society.
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Would you please explain what you mean by your reference to "older people"?
What is your definition of "old" and also of "older"?
Thank you in advance of your reply, and I hope that your reply will help me to understand where you are coming from because I find reading your blogs about 'older people' difficult to read, so I need you to clarify what you mean by 'old' and 'older'.
Do you mean all pensioners? Or do you mean anyone over the age of 40? Or over the age of 50? Or over the age of 60?
How old is old, as far as you are concerned?
That will help me understand what you mean by 'older'.
Who writes this rubbish?
It is juvenile and bordering on abusive.
What is old? The most asked question and one we don't have an answer to- Age is just a number! One of the many festivals held to support Older People's Day is in York. That is labelled as York 50+. There is the Over 50 Living Show at Alexandra Palace, London held each October. So is old 50 plus? If you were to ask my parents who are in their 80's if they were old they would claim certainly not!!
The main aim for Older People's Day is to be a national celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and to the economy. Through this we will tackle negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes. Numerous organisations and individuals are actively working together to make a difference.The key point is people are living longer and we want to ensure that we adapt successfully to the fundamental long-term changes that this will bring to society. As people get older they can still make a massive contribution to society and are not ready for the scrapheap as some would suggest.
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