Older people are a valuable part of our society and their knowledge, skills and experience enrich all of our lives. It is essential that older people's contribution is recognised and valued, and that older people are not excluded or marginalised. Rather than simply focus attention on how older people's care should be paid for, we believe it is important look firstly at how older people can be prevented from becoming dependent. We need to take positive action to ensure that older people live fulfilling lives. Providing older people with an adequate income is fundamental to ensuring health, security and independence.
Housing is central to older people's lives.
Many older people live in homes which are poorly insulated and suffer problems of dampness and condensation, compounding issues of poor health and poverty. In short, it is essential to a good quality of life. Adequate and appropriate social care services are essential if older people are to remain independent - and, unlike the present situation, they must be provided at a point before the individual reaches crisis level. Older people need leisure, education and social opportunities to remain alert, motivated and active. When older people do become in need of support, it is more important to look firstly at the kind of care and support which should be provided, rather than concentrating on how to pay for existing models of services.