Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

Everyone’sTomorrowThe Strategy for Older People and an Ageing Populationin Newcastle upon TyneApril 2007

‘I challenge society, collectivelyand individually, to rethink itsattitudes to older people, torecognise the value andbeauty of the fact that we areall living so much longer.’(Professor Tom Kirkwood, Co-Director of the Institute forAgeing & Health, Newcastle University – The End of Age)

1A vision for Newcastle 2021Newcastle City Council is working with partners to create avibrant, inclusive, safe, sustainable and modern European city.To achieve this vision we will: build on the heritage, and the cultural and economicstrengths of Newcastle, and the sense of identity and civicpride of our people; build and support safe and clean neighbourhoods andcommunities while managing the environment effectivelyand sustainably; and improve the quality of life for all people and communities inNewcastle and play a leading role in the sustainable growthand prosperity of the region.Delivering the vision for older peopleThe Strategy for Older People and an Ageing Population iskey to ensuring that older people are integral to achieving thisvision for Newcastle. To deliver this strategy requires a joinedupapproach. As a city we are committed to planning for thesechanges and to building a better life for older people inNewcastle. We want the support of all people living in the City,young and old, in this enterprise.The Strategy for Older People and an Ageing Populationhas been developed in partnership with an extensive networkof agencies and individuals in the city. The Quality of LifePartnership’s Network Event held in November 2006 with over140 people is just one example of this.

2By signing up to this strategy, partners will commit to workingtogether better and developing new ways of planning anddelivering services to meet the needs of Newcastle’s olderpeople and an ageing population. However, the cultural changerequired cannot be underestimated. Innovation and creativityare essential, in a climate where people are living longer butpressures on budgets, finances and resources are increasinglyputting strain on existing services. Finding sufficient resourcesto deliver this strategy is part of the challenge.

3ForewordBernard Baruch, the American businessman and statesman,was reported to have said ‘I will never be an old man. To me,old age is always at least fifteen years older than I am.’ Many ofus feel that way, don’t we? We feel that we still have a lot to giveand a lot of living to do. It’s sometimes the opportunity that weneed, the chance to keep making a positive contribution.We also want the security of knowing that when we do needhelp, and if our family and carers cannot provide it, then it willbe there for us. Whether this help is from statutory or voluntaryagencies, we need them to be accessible, working together,being sensitive to our needs and supporting our independence.But the view of older people purely as recipients of care isn’tgood enough. It’s not just about managing older age, but alsoabout continuing vigour and maintaining health and lifestyle.So Everyone’s Tomorrow, Newcastle’s strategy for older peopleand an ageing population, is about all of these different aspectsof ensuring well-being, independence and help to make positivecontributions. It’s about helping achieve practical outcomes –the aims and outcomes set out in the Government’s Health andSocial Care White Paper and Treasury paper Opportunity Age.We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The whole plan was built onthe knowledge and expertise of the Quality of Life Partnershipand the Elders Council of Newcastle. They took the lead andhelped us to genuinely involve older people in a thoroughconsultation process. We thank those who have played suchan important part in drawing up our strategy and action plan.

4Now the proof of the pudding is in the eating, or rather the“delivering”, as the modern jargon has it. Work with us, challengethings that don’t seem right, hold us to account. Ensure that ourstrategy is a living document that makes a real difference to thequality of life for older people in our city.Councillor David FaulknerDeputy Leader, Newcastle City CouncilSteve WhitleyChair, Elders Council of Newcastle

5Table of contentsPage1. Introduction 62. Culture and principles 163. Aims and outcomes 20Aim 1 – Making a positive contribution (active citizens) 23Aim 2 – Accessing information, advice and advocacy43Aim 3 – Physical, mental and emotional health andwell-being 51Aim 4 – Enjoying older person friendly environments 79Aim 5 – Financially and materially secure 1014. Turning the strategy into action 110Annexes1. Profile of older people in Newcastle 1112. Links to key national and local strategies 1203. Links to research and development 1254. Consultation 1285. List of agencies mentioned 1326. Glossary of terms and abbreviations 1377. Notes 141Figures1. The Menu – Putting older people in control 102. Newcastle Strategy for Older People andan Ageing Population: Outcomes Framework 21

7The first draft of the strategy, in December 2006, was developedfollowing discussions and workshops with a wide range ofgroups, organisations and older people in Newcastle – includingan event with Elders Council members (September 2006) and theQuality of Life Partnership stakeholder event (November 2006).Between December 2006 and March 2007 we took the strategyto a wide variety of local groups, residents, and organisationsto get their views and since then the strategy has been revisedwhere possible to reflect the changes that people wanted to see.More details about the consultation process, who we spoke toand what’s changed as a result can be found in Annex 4.Understanding the challenges of ageing populationPlanning for the future has become increasingly important forindividuals and for society as the population ages. Already, justover 30% of the population in Newcastle is aged over 50, andthis proportion is set to grow further. This significant change hasimplications for everyone. It is important that through this strategywe use our knowledge of how we age, what we can do to age well,how technologies, services and the ways in which our communitieswork can help us to enjoy a good quality of life as we grow older.In this strategy we look at people aged over 50, because this isincreasingly the starting age that is used by government indeveloping policy for an ageing population. It is also the age atwhich people may make lifestyle changes which have an impacton their later life or take on the care of older relatives and friends.Older people are not a homogeneous group. There aredifferences of culture, social class, life-style, health andexpectations, just as much as with any other age-group of

8the population. Older people seek to be treated as individualsand to know that the diversity of their experiences, life choicesand expectations are acknowledged in the way services aredeveloped and delivered.Age itself is not a useful indicator of an individual’s needsand aspirations. In this strategy, therefore, we take a differentapproach. Moving into and through older age may include anumber of transitions at different stages and involve differentdimensions including: For those in employment, moving from full-time employmentthrough part-time or casual work to retirement; for thosewho are not in employment, the changes which result frombecoming a pensioner. Active retirement, community engagement and volunteering. Moving from independence to increasing reliance on others,through an increasing use of services, having a full-timecarer role, or separation or the death of a partner.Each individual older person will go through their ownunique set of transitions. We need to develop a much betterunderstanding of these transitions, and how older people canaccess the information, advice and support to handle them,not just after retirement, but as part of pre-retirement planning.The gender balance within the population also changes as peopleget older. Women are living longer than men. At present womenmake up 59% of the population aged over 65 (see Annex 7, Note 1).As a result, many of the services available to this age group aregeared towards women, leaving men more isolated and lesslikely to engage.

9The diagram in Fig.1 illustrates the range of issues that areimportant to older people and the areas where information andnetworks can help to sustain or enhance quality of lifeand well-being in older age. It illustrates how having ‘accessto information, advice, advocacy and networks’ is at the heartof putting older people in control – and shows how each of thefive aims are interlinked. The numbers link with the outcomesframework that is set out in Section 3.Growing older in NewcastleThere are three main reasons why a strategy for older peopleand an ageing population is needed for Newcastle now.1 The population is ageing and changing –we need to plan for itThe population in Newcastle and across England is ageing andwill continue to do so. In Newcastle, we already have 82,900 people aged 50+,which is almost 30% of the population (see Annex 7, Note 2).By 2029, there will be an estimated 13.6% increase in thisage group (94,200 people). By 2029 the number of people aged 65 to 74 is projected togrow by 17.5%, from 21,700 to 25,500 (see Annex 7, Note 3). By 2029 the number of people aged 75 to 84 is projected togrow by 12.3%, from 15,500 to 17,400 (see Annex 7, Note 3). By 2029, a 67.3% increase in the city of people aged 85+ isprojected, from 4,900 to 8,200 (see Annex 7, Note 3) .

10Fig. 1: The Menu – Putting older people in controlMaking a positive contributionAim 1 Giving time to making things happenin the community Sharing stories and skills withyounger people Celebrating the positive contributionof older people Being active on forums and in helpingwith service planning and reviewAim 3Physical, mental and emotionalhealth and well-being – Getting thehealth and care services I need Quality health and care servicesclose to home and in hospital settings Support for carers Support to live independently (e.g.equipment, telecare, home care)Aim 3Physical, mental and emotionalhealth and well-being – Activity andlearning Clubs, groups and hobbies Lifelong learning Physical activity Theatres, concerts, cinemas andgalleries Companionship, support groups anddrop-insAim 2Older people –Accessing information,advice, advocacy andnetworksAim 2Aim 5Financially andmaterially secure Benefits advice Financial advice Work opportunities Welfare rightsAim 4Older person friendly environments– Decent, warm home Practical services e.g. trades register,handyperson and gardening schemes Design, adaptation and modernisation Advice and support to choose righthousing Specialist housing e.g. sheltered,extra care or residential careAim 4Older person friendly environments– Getting out and about Planning and design (e.g. roadlayouts, pedestrian-friendly streets,cycle and buggy routes) Bus and Metro services Community and specialist transportAim 4Older person friendly environments– Older person friendlyneighbourhoodsClean, well-maintained, safeenvironments: Shops, community centres, leisurecentres, libraries, places of worship,banks, post offices Parks and open spaces Public transport

11 The older population will become more diverse and witha growing number of black and minority ethnic (BME) olderpeople. According to the 2001 Census, the number of BMEpeople aged 50+ is 1,900 and this is projected to increaseto 4,300 by 2016 (see Annex 7, Note 3). Newcastle has a relatively high proportion of people witha disability and this is expected to increase in line with anageing population. The Institute for Ageing and Health is predicting that lifeexpectancy will continue to increase by about two yearsper decade – equivalent to five hours per day (see Annex 7,Note 4). The prevalence of dementia in the UK is forecast to increaseto 940,000 by 2021 (see Annex 7, Note 5); in Newcastle thismeans an estimated increase from 3,000 people in 2005 to4,100 by 2021.Further information about the characteristics of Newcastle’solder population is given in the profile in Annex 1.The challenge is not just about numbers of older people;it is also about the imaginative and creative ways in whichwe respond to longevity, as individuals and as a society.We need to plan for this changing picture by recognisingthe resource that a growing older population represents byencouraging and supporting their contribution, developingnew services which promote healthy ageing and support interdependence,as well as developing health and social careservices and housing which can respond to increased demand.

122 Older people themselves are changingGenerally speaking, older people are now better educated andare living longer, healthier lives. Some are quite affluent, whilstothers struggle financially.The aspirations of older people are changing rapidly as moreand more people are living longer. Older people: increasingly have higher lifestyle expectations; have diverse needs and views about what is importantto them; are looking for a range of high-quality services which helpto maintain their health and well-being; want to remain independent for as long as possible andhave choice, control and continuity in their lives; are seeking more opportunities to contribute to society andto feel valued for what they do; want much more flexibility and choice between full-time workand full-time retirement.3 Older people in Newcastle addressing the challengeIn Newcastle there are a number of different ways in whicholder people are working to ensure that they have a voice. Thismay be through formal structures, such as ward committees,tenants’ and residents’ associations or representation onbodies such as the Local Strategic Partnership; or it may bethrough participation in consultations or projects designedto capture the opinions of older people.

13A number of different organisations support older people inhaving their say, including ward co-ordinators, communitydevelopment staff from the City Council and voluntaryorganisations, the Tenants Federation, Age ConcernNewcastle, Community Action on Health and others.Since 2001 there has been significant progress in developinga citywide voice of older people through the Elders Councilof Newcastle. The Elders Council is an organisation of olderpeople working for older people. Membership is open toindividual older people aged over 50 and older people’sorganisations in Newcastle upon Tyne.The Elders Council is an example of older people making acontribution, as it is an organisation which talks but also takesaction. In addition to the elected Committee, the Elders Councilhas eight active working groups based on issues which are ofparticular concern to older people.In 2003 the Elders Council published The Way Ahead – anaction plan based on extensive consultation with older people.This was updated in 2005 and provided the foundation for thisstrategy. Through its outreach programme and partnershipworking with a wide range of agencies, the Elders Councilwill play a key role in ensuring that older people are activein the implementation, monitoring and review of this strategy.

14National policyGovernment policy is changing. The government is beginning torecognise the impact of an ageing population and is building amore coherent and integrated approach around four key themes: The importance of planning for the older population as awhole, not just for the 15% of older people who are regularusers of health and social care services (see Annex 7, Note 6). A recognition of the contribution that older people can maketo society, and the need for a focus on quality of life andwell-being. The need to engage older people as partners and puttingdecision-making directly in the hands of older people. Ensuring that all older people are able to contribute to andbe part of society by addressing issues of social exclusionamongst older people.This is reflected in a range of policy documents (see Annex 2)and is clearly expressed through the inclusion of older peoplein the Local Area Agreement, and the ComprehensivePerformance Assessment requirements to: engage older people as partners; develop a strategic approach to older people that goesbeyond health and social care; and ensure that a wide range of services are available that relateto all aspects of older people’s lives.

16Section 2: Culture and principlesSet out below are some of the main methods by which all thepartners want to work together to develop this strategy andturn it into action. They reflect the fundamental changes inattitude and culture that will be needed in order to move froma situation where ageism and age discrimination are built intothe fabric of life, to one where we celebrate older age andvalue the contribution that older people make to all aspectsof our society and across all generations.Engaging older people as partnersThere are three elements to this:First, engaging older people at every stage, and allowingenough time so that they can contribute in a meaningful way –‘nothing about us without us’. This means adopting a proactiveapproach to social inclusion and diversity.Second, building on the interests and skills of older peopleso that they can engage in planning the future for themselves,their neighbourhood and their city.Third, changing perceptions of older people so that theyare encouraged to be contributors to as well as recipientsof services.

17MainstreamingThis strategy will act as a catalyst for changing the waymainstream services are delivered to ensure that they meet theneeds and aspirations of older people set out in OpportunityAge and are focused on delivering the preventive agenda setout in the Adult Social Care Green Paper and Joint White Paper– Our health, our care, our say. This means changing the waymainstream services are planned and delivered to ensurethat they address the priorities of older people, includingsocially excluded older people, and ensure that there is noage discrimination in the way they operate. Designated leadsin key departments are being identified to lead this process.Developing the role of the voluntary and community sectorThe voluntary and community sector has a key role to playin the development and delivery of this strategy. This sectorencompasses a wide range of agencies, from community andvoluntary groups, to large and small registered charities, socialenterprises and co-operatives. These agencies are very activein Newcastle and are valued for their contribution to the localeconomy and the added value that they bring. The roles theyplay range from providing services, acting as advocates, orfacilitating and supporting the contribution of citizens asvolunteers or in paid employment, to running local campaignsand lobbying for change. The voluntary and community sectoris often a valuable source of innovation, which can helpimprove the quality of services by shaping service design andby pioneering new approaches that can influence the wayservices are delivered to older people and local communities.

18Newcastle City Council has signed up to a Compact Agreementwith the voluntary sector and discussions are underway withthe Primary Care Trust to undertake a similar process. Thisprovides a good practice framework for the relationship thatstatutory agencies have with the voluntary sector.KnowledgeWe need to build knowledge and understanding of howsociety is ageing and influencing research and developmentprogrammes. Research has shown that the adverse effectsof ageing are far more amenable to positive intervention thanis generally recognised. Research will help us to gather theevidence to inform the development and implementation ofthis strategy and to develop products and services to supporthealthy, independent living.Newcastle is fortunate in having two major universities, both ofwhich undertake research to address quality of life issues forolder people – the Institute for Ageing and Health (NewcastleUniversity) and the Centre for Collaborative Gerontology(University of Northumbria).Proposals for a Campus for Ageing and Vitality within theNewcastle Science City initiative will build on the work of theInstitute for Ageing and Health to create a vibrant, leadingcentre for ageing and health research in Europe.Newcastle also has links with the World Health Organisation(WHO) through its membership of the WHO Healthy CitiesProgramme. WHO is currently running two programmesthrough which we can share practice with other European

19cities – the Healthy Cities – Healthy Ageing sub-network andthe Age-Friendly City programme.Newcastle has also recently been awarded status of SpecialistBiomedical Research Centre on Ageing, with partners involvedincluding Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne HospitalsNHS Foundation Trust and Northumberland, Tyne and WearNHS Trust.Adopting an enabling ‘can-do’ service cultureA culture change is required which puts older people in thedriving seat as active citizens rather than as passive serviceusers. Staff from all agencies therefore need to adopt a can-doculture, to be facilitators, and to help older people to get theinformation and services they need. Even if it is not the serviceor product that they are directly responsible for, staff should beprepared to advise an older person where they can get theinformation, advice or service.Partners taking responsibility and showing leadershipEach partner takes responsibility and shows leadershipin delivering their contribution to planning for an ageingpopulation, whilst also recognising that they have a roleto play in supporting delivery of the overall vision and aimsof the strategy.

20Section 3: Aims and outcomesOverarching aimThe vision for Newcastle set out in the Sustainable CommunitiesStrategy is that it will be a vibrant, inclusive, safe, sustainableand modern European city, which builds on its heritage andculture and improves the quality of life of all its citizens.The Strategy for Older People and an Ageing Population has akey role to play in achieving this vision. The overarching aim ofthe strategy is to improve the quality of life of older peoplein Newcastle.In Sections 1 and 2 we have set out why Newcastle needsa strategy for an ageing population and what issues it needsto address. In this section we look in more detail at what thestrategy should aim to achieve.This section is organised around an outcomes framework (seeFig. 2 on next page) which brings together all the elements ofthe strategy into one place. It identifies five overall aims for thestrategy: in 10 years’ time we aim to have a city where olderpeople are able to: make a positive contribution (active citizens); access information, advice and advocacy; have physical, mental and emotional health and well-being; enjoy older person friendly environments; and be financially and materially secure.

21Fig. 2: Newcastle Strategy for Older People and an AgeingPopulation: Outcomes FrameworkOverall aim: To improve the quality of life of older people in NewcastleAim 1 Making a Aim 2 Accessing Aim 3 Physical, Aim 4 Enjoying Aim 5 Financiallypositive contribution information, advice mental and emotional older person friendly and materially secure(active citizens) and advocacy health and well-being environmentsOutcome 1a Outcome 2a Outcome 3a Outcome 4a Outcome 5aOlder people are Older people have Older people and Older people will feel Older people haveengaged in access to information, carers access a range safe in their home, the opportunity todecision-making advice and advocacy of preventive services their city and prepare for retirementOutcome 1b which enable them to their communities and to receiveOlder people are stay physically, mentally Outcome 4b ongoing advice andcontributing to and emotionally happy Older people have informationcommunity life Outcome 3b decent, appropriate Outcome 5bOutcome 1c Older people and accommodation in Older people haveOlder people are carers access a range older person friendly the opportunityrespected and of good-quality health neighbourhoods to workvalued and free and social care services Outcome 4cfrom discrimination Outcome 3c Older people canOutcome 1d Older people will have get out and aboutOlder people have good social networks easilyopportunities to Outcome 3dengage in activities Older people havewith younger people access to practicalservices whichpromote independenceDeliveryMainstream services meet the needs and aspirations of older peopleEffective leadership to deliver the strategyCommunicating and promoting the strategyPromoting positive images of older peopleReviewing and updating the strategy

22Each of these aims has its own outcomes which addressspecific issues such as transport, employment, feeling safeand so on. We have chosen these to reflect the issues thatolder people say are important. There is, inevitably, a lot ofcrossover between issues and we have indicated where thisis especially the case.This is a 10-year strategy with a 3-year action plan, which willbe regularly reviewed and monitored.The ways in which we aim to achieve these outcomes overthe next three years are set out within the document and aresummarised in the Action Plan.Finding your way round Section 3To help you find the part you want, we have signposted it ina number of ways. Each outcome and aim is numbered. That numberingis repeated in the text. Each aim and outcome starts on a new page. In the outcomes framework, each outcome and aim iscolour coded. The heading for the relevant section ishighlighted with the same colour.We recognise that using colour in this way will make it moredifficult for some people to read the outcomes framework.The colour can usually be removed quite easily when thedocument is printed from a computer so that it comes out inblack and white. A larger version (A3 size) of the outcomesframework is also available for improved legibility.

23Aim 1Making a positivecontribution(active citizens)

24Aim 1Making a positive contribution (active citizens)This aim has the following outcomes:Outcome 1aOlder people are engaged in decision-makingOutcome 1bOlder people are contributing to community lifeOutcome 1cOlder people are respected and valued and free fromdiscriminationOutcome 1dOlder people have opportunities to engage in activities withyounger people‘... independent, not a liability – treated with respect, treatedas an asset ...’ (The Way Ahead)To enable older people to play a full part as active citizens so thatthey are able to participate and contribute to their communityand to get involved in policy development and decision-making.

25ContextIncreasingly public services are being required to engagecitizens in the design, development, delivery and evaluation oftheir services. ‘The voice of older people needs to be heard aspart of wider consultative processes. They need to be involved– and to involve themselves – in decision making’ (OpportunityAge). This is reinforced by the Local Government White Paperreferences to changing the way we work to enable citizens andcommunities to play their part (Strong and prosperouscommunities – Local Government White Paper – October 2006).Newcastle’s vision to be a vibrant, inclusive, safe, sustainableand modern European city can be achieved only by workingwith people and partners to devolve decision-making andempower individuals and communities to contribute andinfluence services. Newcastle City Council’s CommunityEngagement Strategy sets out how citizens will be encouragedand supported to do this.Older people already contribute substantially to local decisionmakingand are a resource whose talent, experience,knowledge and commitment can be drawn on for the benefitof their peers and the community as a whole.

26Outcome 1aOlder people are engaged in decision-making‘I want to be active – contributing to community issues for thegeneral well-being of all’ (The Way Ahead)Issues and prioritiesMany older people are willing to give their time to engage indecision-making, providing that the principles and mechanismsused are appropriate and make best use of their time. TheJoseph Rowntree Foundation has developed a set of principlesfor the effective engagement of older people (see Annex 7,Note 7). Engagement needs to be adequately resourced andsupported if people are to use their time effectively and beproperly informed of the outcome of their efforts.Where we are nowIn Newcastle, for over 15 years, there have been some goodmodels of engagement of older people in decision-making.Examples include the work of Action for Health – SeniorCitizens in Newcastle and ‘a better life in later life’ (Newcastle’sBetter Government for Older People Programme).Newcastle City Council is a Civic Pioneer (see Annex 7, Note 8)authority and has recently published a Community EngagementStrategy together with a toolkit on how to engage and consultwith people effectively. The City Council is also developingstronger processes for including citizens in decision-makingat ward level (see www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/wardcoordination).

27The Elders Council and Quality of Life Partnership are workingwith ward co-ordination and community development on this.In addition, Newcastle City Council’s Community DevelopmentUnit also supports the work of the Quality of Life Partnershipthrough the secondment of a part-time officer to take forwardwork with older people.Newcastle has a broad range of community and voluntarysector organisations, many of which support the engagementof older people. The InfraNet project, which brings togethera number of infrastructure organisations, including NewcastleCouncil for Voluntary Service (NCVS)/Regen Forum, CommunityEmpowerment Network, The Alliance – East End CommunityDevelopment and West End Community DevelopmentConsortium, is being developed to ensure a wider and morestrategic approach to voluntary sector and community sectorinvolvement in the Newcastle Partnership. Community Action onHealth leads on the involvement of the community in healthissues. There are also specialist groups which support andprovide links to particular communities of interest e.g. Deaflink;Black and Minority Ethnic Forum; Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual andTransgender (LGBT) Forum; Newcastle Council of Faiths.Older people are often the bedrock of community activitythrough their engagement in ward committees, tenants’ andresidents’ associations, community associations, etc. However,it is often the same few key people who support this activity,and the responsibility and opportunity for engagement needsto be extended to a wider group of older people through newprocesses and capacity building.

28There is scope for developing good models of engagingolder people in decision-making within other partner agenciese.g. Nexus; health; and social care planning structures forolder people.RiverboatThe riverboat trip was organised through the West EndCommunity Development Consortium to engage older peoplein planning and decision-making processes. It provided aperfect opportunity to combine a consultation exercise withproviding an enjoyable outing. A trip along the Tyne waschosen because it allowed participants to see at first handthe transformation that had taken place along the riverside interms of housing and industrial change. Expert commentaryprovided information on the changes and stimulated people’sthinking about regeneration. Initial consultation with localresidents had indicated that it would be a popular trip, and soit proved, with about a hundred older people signing up for it.A further benefit of going on a riverboat was that it meanta captive audience. The consultation took place on the wayback upriver. People had been made aware of the purposeof the trip, and were willing and enthusiastic participantsin the consultation. The response rate was 100%, which isquite impressive for any survey. Two separate consultationexercises were carried out. Residents of the Benwell area wereconsulted about their use of and views about their local librarybuilding, in order to inform current plans for a new CustomerService Centre. Other people were interviewed about theirexperience of children’s play – from the point of view ofthemselves, their children and their grandchildren – as part ofa consultation exercise about local play facilities and needs.The findings of both these consultations were incorporated intoreports intended to influence future provision in the west end.

29ActionsThe work of building the voice of older people will bestrengthened by: ward co-ordination and community development workingwith the Elders Council and others to engage with a morediverse range of older people; taking a strategic approach to the changing needs of olderpeople from black and minority ethnic communities bybuilding a partnership approach with community leadersand community groups; continuing to develop innovative approaches to engagingcitizens e.g. arts and intergenerational projects; linking into networks of agencies which support theengagement of local citizens e.g. InfraNet; working with existing networks to develop training andmentoring to build the skills and capacity of older peopleto engage in decision-making processes; creating mechanisms for organisations to listen to the voicesof older people.

30Outcome 1bOlder people are contributing to community lifeSupporting older people’s contributionIssues and prioritiesOlder people contribute to community life in myriad ways –as friends, good neighbours, carers, grandparents, volunteers,employees, employers, mentors, peer-educators to mentionbut a few. Older people need to be valued for this contribution,which is so important to building stronger communities. Justas having a job can be significant in building a person’s senseof identity and social networks, so the role that older peopleplay in contributing to community life should be equallyacknowledged and supported.My Hats1234Mam, grandma, granHousekeeperCookChildminder5 Volunteer6 Chairperson7 Bingo caller8 Organiser9 FriendThese hats and many more besides are worn daily bymothers and grandmothers in all walks of life.God put me on this earth to finish a certain number ofprojects. Right now I am so far behind I will never die.Elsie Marshall (local resident)

31There is an increasing need for older people to give their time andskills to sustaining a range of activities which are vital to theirpeers and younger generations. For example, members of theUniversity of the Third Age providing opportunities for learningtogether; older people organising community groups; volunteersworking on handyperson and gardening schemes; being abefriender or buddy for people who have become sociallyisolated; supporting children in schools with basic skills; being amember of a time bank; and, increasingly, providing childcare toenable younger family members to take up or keep employment.It is important to provide ongoing and trusted support to thiscontribution. Very often, the organisations which support thiswork come and go as policies change and funding sourceschange, and, despite good work, fail to influence long-termdevelopments. There is a need for well-informed networks ofsupport agencies with access to flexible funding at communitylevel to stimulate and support this activity.Good transport provision is key to enabling older people tosustain their involvement in community life and is particularlysignificant in enabling more frail older people to get involved inactivity. Accessible public transport and a range of communitytransport options (e.g. TaxiLink and LinkUp) are key toaddressing this issue. Better partnership working betweentransport planners/providers and agencies working with olderpeople is needed (see Outcome 4c).The availability of a place in which to meet, with appropriateaccess and facilities, at a reasonable cost is very important toenabling small, informal groups run by older people to sustaintheir activities.

32Denton Park House – Tenants GroupDenton Park House has a family feel to it and this is in partdue to the efforts of their tenants’ group. A committee wasset up and has worked very hard to improve the quality of lifefor residents in the building. They keep a friendly eye on oneanother and try to make sure that everyone is included inactivities and outings.Tenants have improved the environment around their building.Working closely with Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle CityCouncil, they succeeded in having a space at the back of thebuilding covered in tarmac, making a patio area and improvingthe foyer, but have their eyes set on creating a communityspace within the house for meetings and get-togethers.They have also raised £4,080 themselves by holding tabletopsales, running a weekly lottery draw, holding raffles, andthrough donations from tenants. They are also successful inraising money from grants. To date, a total of £6,622 hasbeen raised in grants from funders including the DentonWard Committee, Community Foundation, Veterans Reunited,U Decide (Participatory Budgeting in Newcastle) andNewcastle Tenants Federation.The group is playing an important role in the developmentof an older people’s forum in Denton, which brings togetherrepresentatives from a range of different older people’sgroups in the area.The Ward Co-ordinator and representatives from the TenantsFederation are a valuable source of support for the group.

33Where we are nowThere is a considerable amount of activity supported byolder people in the community. Older people have welcomedopportunities to share and celebrate what they do, linked tofinding out more about access to support and funding.Strengthening networks of voluntary, community and statutoryagencies offers scope for providing more consistent localsupport for older people to contribute to local communities.It also provides opportunities to draw in emerging groupswith a particular interest or purpose, that may not otherwise beable to access appropriate support e.g. lesbian, gay, bi-sexualand transgender groups (LGBT).The trend towards making more money available to localcommunities through ward committees and community chests,as well as new approaches such as participatory budgeting,offer opportunities for older people to access local resourcesto support their activities.There are models of good practice for supporting andencouraging volunteering (e.g. Volunteer Centre Newcastle; AgeConcern Newcastle; Search Project; Dementia Care Partnership).There is scope for taking a fresh look at volunteering to match thechanging aspirations and needs of older people (e.g. time banks;role of older volunteers in delivery of low-level support services).A network of befriending agencies has been establishedto share good practice and develop a toolkit for befriendingvolunteers focused on encouraging inter-dependence ratherthan dependence. This work needs more resources to developinto a strong network.

34Older people bring their knowledge of history and culturaltraditions which can be shared across generations andbetween cultures to build greater understanding in increasinglydiverse communities. There is also scope for older people towork with refugees and asylum seekers or internationalstudents to help them acclimatise and improve language skills.There are a range of networks in the city (e.g. NewcastleCouncil of Faiths) which help to build stronger links intodifferent communities in Newcastle.ActionsA range of approaches are needed to encourage and supportthe contribution of older people to the community. More recognition of the importance of infrastructureorganisations which support older people’s contributionand investment in their sustainability. More opportunities for networking between older people’sgroups and support agencies to celebrate achievements,share information, support new and emerging groups andbecome more effective in accessing resources. Information NOW (Newcastle Older People’s Website) hasthe potential to be a key mechanism for raising awarenessof older people and staff in health, housing and socialcare about a range of community activity, and encouragesignposting (see Aim 2). The development of innovative approaches to volunteering/befriending to match changing needs, aspirations anddifferent cultures, and ensuring the resources to support them.

35 The creation of opportunities for older people from differentcultures to come together to share skills, traditions andfestivals by working with a range of networks across the city. Working with Nexus to improve communication aboutchanges in transport provision for older people and makingbest use of provision across the system (see Outcome 4c).

36Outcome 1cOlder people are respected and valued and freefrom discriminationIssues and prioritiesThe images we hold of older people can range fromnegative stereotypes, through to poor attitudes and ultimatelydiscrimination in provision of goods and services. All of thesehave a negative impact on the lives of older people.Where we are nowImages of older peopleOlder people are often portrayed in the media either as victimsor heroes. The prospect of an ageing population is oftenreferred to as a ‘demographic timebomb’ with the assumptionthat older people are a burden to be carried. The NationalUnion of Journalists has recently published guidelines onreporting age, which can be used as a tool to ensure thatthe reporting of older people is more positive.We need to present a more balanced view of older people,who are often the backbone of our family and community life,by developing better links with the media to improve coverageof older people in the press and on television and to ensuregreater coverage of issues which are important to older people.Older people are a very diverse group. We need to respect andvalue the different cultures, lifestyles and experiences in theway in which we develop and deliver services.

37Attitudes to older peopleOlder people often express frustration at either beingpatronised or finding little understanding of some aspects ofageing such as memory or sensory loss or loss of mobility.A campaign to safeguard dignity in care has been launchedby the Department of Health and is one of the main themes ofA New Ambition for Old Age (www.dh.gov.uk). Understandingwhat dignity in care means to older people, and being sensitiveto cultural needs and lifestyle choices, is an essential part ofthis campaign.Spirituality plays an important part in many older people’s lives,but this means many different things to such a diverse groupof people. Older people would welcome opportunities to sharewith different faiths and cultures.Perceptions of older people and attitudes towards them changewhen people have the opportunity to see the world from theperspective of older people. Training courses provided byolder people and carers have proved particularly effectivein improving staff attitudes in health and social care services.The training courses provided by the Old Spice drama groupare an example of this.Age discriminationNew legislation introduced in October 2006 makes agediscrimination in the workplace unlawful, but many olderpeople experience discrimination in accessing other goodsand services e.g. travel insurance; banking.

38As part of the National Service Framework for Older People,a major review of health and social care services wasundertaken to root out age discrimination from policies andpractice in health and social care services. This will continueto be monitored by the Older People’s Local ImplementationTeam (formerly Newcastle’s Strategic Planning andImplementation Group).Newcastle City Council is committed to achieving the top level(level 5) of the national Equality Standard for Local Governmentand has recently achieved level 3 (January 2007). This is aframework designed to identify discrimination in services,policy-making and employment and sets out a process thatseeks to remove it.Newcastle City Council is preparing its first Social InclusionStrategy and older people will be involved in this work.The Elders Council has started to review older people’sexperiences of discrimination in goods and services byconducting a survey of older people’s experiences of obtainingtravel insurance. This information is being shared locally andnationally as a contribution to campaigns to redress agediscrimination in services. This model can be applied toa range of services.

39Actions Carry out an audit of coverage of older people in the mediaand actively seek links with media outlets to improve this. Build on existing courses and develop more training coursesdelivered by older people and carers. Develop the Elders Council model and other tested modelsof conducting surveys of members to gather evidence ofage discrimination in services. Monitor whether age discrimination is evident in a rangeof policies and services e.g. by applying an Age ProofingToolkit such as the ones developed by Age ConcernEngland and Peter Fletcher Associates. Work with Newcastle City Council to achieve level 4 of theEquality Standard for Local Government.

40Outcome 1dOlder people have opportunities to engage inactivities with younger people‘Do things for all ages together. Don’t isolate or keep apartdifferent age groups.’ (Citylife consultation)Issues and prioritiesThere is increasing demand from both young and old todevelop work which brings the generations together to buildgreater understanding and tolerance within communities.There are a number of policies, both local and national,which point towards the need for more intergenerational worksuch as the Respect agenda – tackling anti-social behaviour,the Newcastle Plan for Children and Young People and theemerging Social Inclusion Strategy.Where we are nowThere have been a number of very successful intergenerationalprojects, including those funded through NeighbourhoodRenewal Fund and Participatory Budgeting. There is widespreadinterest and scope to build on these successes.The Quality of Life Partnership, the Children and YoungPeople’s Strategic Partnership, ward co-ordination andcommunity development are coming together to developan intergenerational programme linked to Respect andDemocracy Week.

41There are a number of initiatives linked to health and well-beingwhich lend themselves to bringing older and younger peopletogether e.g. healthy eating initiatives.Older people can be a resource to schools in providingadditional support to pupils on developing basic skills or byengaging in projects linked to the curriculum e.g. citizenship.The Newcastle Council of Faiths is supporting the ‘AcrossCommunities: The Young People’s Project’, which is providingopportunities for young people to hear and record the storiesof older members of their communities.The Magic PatchworkThe Magic Patchwork is a children’s book produced by writerMary Lowe and frailer older people who attend a day serviceat St Silas Church in Byker, supported by Age ConcernNewcastle. The book contains illustrations, vignettes andstories produced whilst Mary was in residence in 2005.As a follow-up to the publication, a series of workshops wererun in local primary schools. These were facilitated by Maryand introduced local older people to 9- and 10-year-olds;they shared their experiences of growing up and thetechniques that had produced the publication. For many ofthe children it was their first experience of meeting olderpeople in their 80s, and the knowledge and experience theyshared was met with excitement and rapture. The receptionfrom the teaching staff was equally enthusiastic.A grant from Neighbourhood Renewal Fund has beenawarded to explore further intergenerational links with thecentre and local schools such as a pen pal scheme.

42Actions Develop links between the Quality of Life Partnership, theChildren and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, wardco-ordination, community development, arts team andothers to develop an intergenerational programme. Develop more opportunities for older people to help in schools. Develop intergenerational programmes to address particularissues e.g. Respect; healthy eating.

43Aim 2Accessing information,advice and advocacy

44Aim 2Accessing information, advice and advocacyThis aim has the following outcome:Outcome 2aOlder people have access to information, advice andadvocacyTo ensure that older people have access to information, advice,and advocacy services so that they can remain independentand make meaningful choices.ContextAs policies and services move increasingly towards offeringpeople choice, access to good-quality information, advice andadvocacy services is key to enabling older people and carersto stay in control of their lives and to make informed choicesabout the options available to them.

45Outcome 2aOlder people have access to information, adviceand advocacyIssues and priorities‘If only I had known that…’ (House for Life report)‘He knew he should be getting some help, but he didn’t know howto go about it. He thinks people are entitled to get help, but … hewouldn’t know where to go’ (Male 69). (Evaluating welfare rightsadvice for ethnic minority older people in Newcastle upon Tyne)‘It’s not a lot but just that little bit of difference between not beingable to afford anything above normal, to having a little bit ofenjoyment and a little bit of entertainment. It’s marvellous thedifference it makes.’ (Evaluation of Primary Care Take Up Team)There is a huge range of information available but, for it to beuseful, people need to access it at the right time and in theright format.The ways in which people access information is changing rapidly.The internet is now a major source of information and increasinglyolder people are accessing the internet, either at home orthrough support organisations (see Annex 7, Note 9). It alsoneeds to be recognised that not all older people have, or want,access to the internet, and that other information routes areneeded alongside. Many older people want to receive adviceand information face-to-face or by speaking to a trusted personon the telephone.

46‘The Information NOW website is an excellent resource but itis important that older people can access someone to talk toabout topics that matter to them. This is often more reassuringthan a website.’ (Citylife consultation response)This is particularly important for older people whose firstlanguage is not English and who rely on word of mouth to findout about services and opportunities.The way in which services are delivered is constantly changingso that older people often do not know where to go forinformation, particularly when they are faced with makingimportant decisions about their future. This is particularlyimportant when older people and their carers may be facedwith making very significant decisions in a crisis e.g. a moveto residential or nursing care.The amount of information and support needed varies betweenindividuals. For some, it is sufficient to receive clear information,but others need support to think through decisions or tointerface with service providers.Well-informed front line staff can play a key role in helpingolder people to access timely information. This is particularlyimportant for people who are less able to get out and about.A network of advice and information services can providean excellent source of information about how the systemis working for older people, based around the nature of theenquiries they receive. This can be drawn upon to providevaluable information for service planning.

47Where we are nowThe Quality of Life Partnership has responded to the need forinformation by developing Information NOW (Newcastle OlderPeople’s Website). This comprehensive information resourceis being developed with older people and is written from theirperspective. Information NOW is linked to a range of local andnational websites, providing a comprehensive informationnetwork. Data on how Information NOW is being used is alreadyproving useful in providing information about key areas ofconcern for older people. This is being shared with serviceproviders to inform service development.Information NOW acknowledges that not all older people haveaccess to a computer and is working with an extensive networkof front-line staff from services such as advice and information,libraries, health and social care to ensure that they assist olderpeople in accessing the information they need. Work is alsobeing done to engage community workers from black andminority ethnic communities in this work to ensure that they areable to pass information on to older people in their communities.Mainstream services are also changing the way in which theyprovide information and advice. For example, Newcastle CityCouncil is developing Customer Service Centres where thegeneral public can access a range of services and informationfrom the council and other public services under one roof.Your Homes Newcastle is expanding its advice and informationservice to include a hospital discharge service and to graduallybroaden its service to cover all tenures. Your Homes Newcastle’schoice-based lettings service (Your Choice Homes) offersbetter access to information about rented housing, includingsome Registered Social Landlord property.

48Newcastle City Council’s Welfare Rights Service and welfarerights officers within voluntary organisations provide adviceand support to enable older people to access the benefits thatthey are entitled to. The Pension Service also offers a range ofinformation and advice, including outreach sessions in thecommunity, to improve take-up. Despite this, many older peoplestill do not access the benefits they are entitled to – lack ofinformation, bureaucracy, intrusion into private affairs, not wantingto accept ‘charity’ are just some of the reasons for this. Targetedwelfare rights work, such as the 75+ GP referral scheme, workedwell in reaching people who do not otherwise receive theentitlements which make a very significant difference to their lives.There are a range of advice and information services in thecity, such as Citizens Advice and some specialist advice andinformation services for older people and carers such as thoseprovided by Age Concern Newcastle (citywide), Search Project(inner west), and Carers Centre Newcastle. However, with theincreasing emphasis on independence and choice, the currentprovision of advice, information and advocacy services forolder people is inadequate.For example, older people need good advice and supportwhen making important decisions about housing. The decisionto stay put or move on is complex. There is a need for acomprehensive advice service which offers advice andsupport with repairs, maintenance and adaptations and howto finance them, through to discussing whether to move, whereto and the process of moving. Elements of this service existwithin Newcastle, but a more comprehensive service is needed,with the capacity for one-to-one sessions.

49Other specialist services are also needed to meet the needsof particular groups. Specialist advocacy services are beingprovided to meet the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act2005 but this still leaves a significant gap in citizen advocacyand advocacy services for older people.The quality of written information is also key to ensuring thatolder people can easily understand what services are availableand how to access them. The Elders Council Readers Groupprovides a service to agencies by commenting on informationleaflets from the perspective of older people.Actions Continue the development of Information NOW as a keyinformation resource for older people. Develop a network of agencies which use Information NOWas a resource and provide information to keep it up to date. Incorporate Information NOW into older people’s IT trainingcourses (e.g. Age Concern Newcastle; Newcastle Societyfor Blind People). Develop the skills of front-line staff and older people assign-posters. Develop strong links with community workers and networksfrom the black and minority ethnic communities and faithcommunities to improve information/communication withthese communities. Develop information hubs in community settings e.g. libraries;community centres.

50 Develop a strategic forum for older people’s advice andinformation to identify ways to fill key gaps in servicese.g. advocacy (both citizen and case advocacy) andhousing advice services. Safeguard welfare rights provision. Seek opportunities to develop more advocacy services.

51Aim 3Physical, mental andemotional health andwell-being

52Aim 3Physical, mental and emotional health andwell-beingThis aim has the following outcomes:Outcome 3aOlder people and carers access a range of preventiveservices which enable them to stay physically, mentally andemotionally healthyOutcome 3bOlder people and carers access a range of good qualityhealth and social care servicesOutcome 3cOlder people will have good social networksOutcome 3dOlder people have access to practical services which promoteindependenceTo ensure that older people have equal access to a full rangeof services to maintain physical, mental and emotional healthand well-being and receive the most effective support fromthe care system if required.

53ContextNewcastle is one of the more deprived areas, and has some ofthe poorest health in the country (Index of Multiple Deprivationranked 20): 25% of people aged 50+ report that they are in poor health(self-assessed) (see Annex 7, Note 10). Newcastle has increasing numbers of people with complexphysical and learning disabilities who are living longer, withincreased expectations in relation to levels of support. In 2005-6 11% of all adults aged 65+, 17% of all adults aged75+ and 40% of all adults aged 85+ received servicescommissioned by Adult Social Services (see Annex 7, Note 11). Carers need support to enable them to continue their valuablecaring role. 7,324 (9%) people aged 50+ provide between 1-19hours of unpaid care per week and 3,772 (5%) provide carefor more than 50 hours per week (see Annex 7, Note 10).There is strong evidence that physical activity, healthy eating,learning opportunities and social activity have a significantimpact on the health and well-being of older people at anystage in their lives, and can reduce demand on health andsocial care services (see Annex 7, Note 12). Increasingly,policy documents including Choosing Health, Opportunity Age,Sure Start for Older People and the National Service Frameworkfor Older People highlight the need for a focus on prevention.However, it is not just an issue of promoting good physicalhealth and well-being. Keeping older people mentally healthyis just as vital. Taking up new learning and cultural interestsin later life is important because it is satisfying and beneficial

54to older people’s health and well-being. It gives older peopleopportunities to use their time productively and enjoy socialcontact. It enables them to acquire new knowledge in the faceof a rapidly changing society and to gain the education andskills to adjust their lifestyles to make the most of opportunitiesto ensure a healthy and comfortable older age. Ultimately,learning helps people to stay active and reduces dependencyon health and social care.It is particularly important to recognise that all older people,not just the most active, need to be able to access theseopportunities, in particular people who through health issues,cultural differences or lifestyle are less able or confident to getout and about or take part in activities.When people do need health and social care services, theyare seeking more choice, more control over and better accessto person-centred community-based health services.In particular, older people need access to appropriatetreatment and support in managing long-term conditionsindependently. These aspirations are reflected in the Healthand Social Care White Paper Our health, our care, our say.Research into ageing is key to enabling us to understand theprocess of ageing and the causes of some of the commondiseases of older age and how they might be prevented.Further research is needed to demonstrate more clearly thebenefits of learning and being socially active on the healthand well-being of older people.

55Outcome 3aOlder people and carers access a range ofpreventive services which enable them to stayphysically, mentally and emotionally healthyIssues and prioritiesOlder people and carers are interested in looking after theirown health and well-being when provided with the appropriateopportunities: Information and advice. Access to health education and health checks. Choice of activity and learning opportunities provided bytutors with an understanding of working with older people,at an appropriate cost and which include an opportunity tosocialise. Continuity of activities which are tried and tested and work well. Access to cultural activities – both mainstream and targetedactivity (e.g. Silver Screen at Tyneside Cinema), andopportunities to participate in cultural activity (e.g. Limelightersat Theatre Royal; arts projects). Transport, which is a very significant barrier for frailer andless mobile older people.It is particularly important to recognise that all older people,not just the most active, need to be able to access theseopportunities, in particular people who through health issues,cultural differences or lifestyle are less able or confident to getout and about or take part in activities.

56It is important to work with agencies that have specialistknowledge of particular client groups (e.g. people who aredeaf/deafblind; people with dementia or sight loss, lesbian,gay, bi-sexual and transgender [LGBT] groups or differentethnic groups) to ensure that their client groups are able toaccess leisure, educational and cultural resources, eitherin specialist settings or as part of general provision.Having a spiritual life is very important to some older people.Religious networks often play a very significant role in olderpeople’s lives and are also a hub for wider community activityand support.Agencies that are in contact with older people (e.g. GP practices,sheltered housing, care homes) have a responsibility toencourage, motivate and signpost older people to localactivities or to provide activity within housing or care settings.Where we are nowThere is a good infrastructure which promotes and supportsolder people to adopt healthy lifestyles. For example: The Quality of Life Partnership’s Active Ageing Group, whichsupports a broad range of activity and has piloted a numberof successful initiatives to encourage older people to adopthealthier lifestyles. The Well-being and Health Partnership and the HealthImprovement Strategy. The Elders Council Learning and Culture Group, which hasa particular interest in ensuring that older people continueto have access to a wide range of learning opportunitiesand ways to engage in the cultural life of the city.

57 Age Concern Newcastle, which provides a wide range ofactivities and courses to over 1,000 older people per weekand also runs a very popular café offering healthy food. Dementia Care Partnership offers activities with specialistsupport but also provides a gym, activity groups and ahealthy eating cafe open to the wider community. A number of voluntary organisations which support activitieswithin specialist groups e.g. Newcastle Society for BlindPeople, or within particular geographical areas e.g. SearchProject, or special interest groups e.g. MetropolitanCommunity Church, or cultural groups e.g. South MountainChinese Club or Roshni. The Leisure, Pleasure and Learning group has worked overseveral years to promote and support activity in care homes,by taking a variety of approaches from training of care staffto direct support for activity co-ordinators. Generally speaking,provision of activity within care homes is not given high priority,but is very important to the quality of life of residents.Learning and culture‘Older people need to be able to continue to learn, to continuetheir studies and try new ones. This is essential for their mentalhealth.’ (Citylife consultation response)The position of older learners has been adversely affected bychanges in the Learning and Skills Council funding prioritiestowards a narrow focus on the development of skills foremployment. This change is having a significant impact onlearning for leisure and personal development, both in terms of therange of courses available and in the style and cost of provision.

58This situation is being exacerbated by an interpretation of theAge Discrimination Act which means that people aged 60+ mayno longer be offered discounts on fees for adult learning classes.Through the work of its Learning and Culture Group, the EldersCouncil has developed a body of knowledge on what olderpeople are seeking from lifelong learning. The Quality of LifePartnership and the Elders Council are working with othervoluntary sector partners to develop a clearer picture of theway in which informal, community-based learning opportunitiesare being provided, and to explore ways to share resourcesand good practice.The Quality of Life Partnership and the Elders Council are alsoworking with Newcastle City Council’s Adult Learning, theLearning Partnership and the Learning and Skills Council andother partners to safeguard provision for older learners in thischanging environment.As people live longer lives, they need to continue to learnand develop skills which enable them to keep pace with theever-changing environment and increased knowledge andunderstanding of the ageing process. There is scope fordeveloping a Later Life Curriculum based on topics whichare of interest to older people e.g. IT; Positive Ageing(a health education course piloted by the Active Ageinggroup); maintaining your home and garden; financial literacy(incorporating information about new financial products forhousing such as equity release or property appreciation loans);volunteering; or self-employment.

59Newcastle City Council Arts Team supports a range of artsactivity with older people across the city, ranging from majorprojects such as those carried out at The Grange Day Centre(www.grangearts.org.uk) to smaller, community-based activitygiving older people opportunities to try out different art forms.Healthy lifestylesThere is a range of health-related exercise and healthpromotion programmes in the city.The Physical Activity Team works across the city to developprogrammes which encourage sedentary people to take upexercise which they can fit into their daily lives e.g. walking.A comprehensive programme for walking groups is nowestablished, together with information materials on walksin local neighbourhoods.There are also a number of specific health-relatedprogrammes such as exercise referral, cardiac rehabilitation,specialist weight management, diabetes and stroke groups.Many of Newcastle City Council’s leisure centres offer sessionsfor people aged 50+ but there is scope to expandthis provision. The recent appointment of active lifestyleco-ordinators in all Newcastle City Council leisure facilitiesprovides new opportunities to take this forward.The Newcastle Primary Care Trust’s Health Promotion Unithas a range of resources to support the promotion of healthylifestyles including healthy eating, physical activity, smokingcessation and healthy workplaces. Primary Care Trust staff,

60in particular those based in the community, can signpost andsupport older people to adopt healthier lifestyles; the ChapelHealth Group organised by the health visitors at Chapel HouseClinic is just one example of this.The recently appointed health trainers have a key role to play insupporting individual older people to adopt healthier lifestylesand in developing activity groups in partnership with communitybasedstaff from other statutory and voluntary organisations.Many voluntary organisations provide activity sessions for olderpeople. For example, Age Concern Newcastle offers a widerange of physical activity sessions at their central location inMEA House, ranging from different types of dance to keep-fit.It is difficult to engage men in many of the activities which areprovided, but there has been some success with exercise andgym sessions targeted specifically at men. Search Project hasalso been successful in piloting a fishing group for men, whichhas appealed to men of all ages.As part of the 2006 Year of Exercise and Sport, the Quality ofLife Partnership hosted Senior Games Week with a range of highprofile events for older people (see www.informationnow.org.uk).Some of these events can be built on with a greater emphasison encouraging harder-to-reach groups to take part. Examplesof possible future activities include a Walking Week; CyclingWeek; Older People’s Dance Day at Dance City.

61Information and accessInformation NOW includes a comprehensive health section withinformation on health education. It also includes a local activitiessection which will expand as Information NOW develops. Thepromotion of activities and health education is often a keycomponent of older people’s events and information days.It is increasingly important that we build exercise into our dailyroutines and that our environment encourages and supports usto do this, with more opportunities for walking and cycling safely.The Local Development Framework includes an aim to maintainand improve access to open spaces for outdoor recreation, bothformal and informal and to develop more pedestrian-friendlyroutes. Community facilities such as community centres, librariesand sheltered housing complexes, with good access andfacilities, are also important venues or hubs in which activitiescan take place.Many of the activities currently provided in these settings areorganised by voluntary or community groups. The cost of theindividual activities is small in comparison to the benefits theybring. The lack of very modest amounts of resources, whichcan be accessed easily, can often jeopardise communityactivity which has value beyond simply providing a classor exercise session, but acts as a critical support network.Changes in funding mean that it is currently hard to find theresources to sustain some of this important activity. A modelfor distributing funding at local level similar to the Healthworks’‘Activities for Health’ model or the Year of Exercise and Sportgrants through ward committees provided an effectivemechanism for supporting community-based activity.

62Allotments are good for your healthAllotments are an extremely valuable recreational and leisureasset. Working an allotment offers healthy physical recreationfor gardeners, and is increasingly recognised for itstherapeutic value. It encourages people to eat seasonal freshvegetables and fruit, which is both healthy and economical.Allotment gardening brings people from different agestogether around a common interest, fostering the sharing ofknowledge and expertise and many allotment sites are linkedto schools, providing the basis for education projects. It canbring wider benefits – committee membership, allotmentmanagement, organising shows, community days and fairs.Dedication also brings personal satisfaction and somefinancial gain – Elders Council member John Reid won 76prizes and a Champion Gardener Shield in allotment showsin 2006, winning him £160 cash to invest in next year’s plants.A Chinese older people’s lunch club regularly enjoys theproduce from his allotment.Actions Work with partners to find ways of sustaining voluntary andcommunity sector infrastructure through which learningopportunities and activities for older people can besupported and provided. Provide better access to a range of community facilities atreasonable cost e.g. Full Service Schools; sheltered housing. Develop an older learners’ model which removes barriersto current participation by providing tasters, flexibleprogrammes, peer education (e.g. U3A model).

63 Develop a ‘life in older age’ curriculum including moduleson topics such as health and lifestyle; housing; finance;volunteering; self-employment – which can form partof both pre- and post-retirement courses. Continue to develop the Active Ageing group to lead onaspects of the delivery of the Healthy Ageing programmeof the National Service Framework for Older People. Develop 50+ clubs in Newcastle City Council leisurecentres, community centres and in Your Homes Newcastlesheltered housing complexes. Work with the Primary Care Trust to ensure that healthpromotion and the health trainer programme take accountof the needs of older people. Work with the care homes network to promote activity incare homes. Work with Newcastle City Council’s Arts Team to enableolder people to take part in arts and cultural activity, andexplore intergenerational opportunities. Hold high-profile events, e.g. Walking Week, to promoteactivity to harder-to-reach groups. Build on Information NOW to include information forcommunity groups on access to funding; tutors; and anideas bank. Work with the Institute on Ageing and Health and the Centrefor Collaborative Gerontology to gather evidence on theimpact of learning/social activity on health and well-being.

64Outcome 3bOlder people and carers access a range ofgood-quality health and social care servicesIssues and prioritiesHealth and social care services face a particular challengein meeting the expectations of a growing and changing olderpopulation. In Newcastle, this does present particular issuesbecause of the high level of people who live alone in their homes(40% of people aged 65+) (see Annex 7, Note 10), often onlow income and without resident family support, coupled withhigh levels of poor health.We can predict that, as the number of older people increases,there will be a corresponding increase in age-related healthproblems, most noticeably people with dementia.Recent research has been undertaken for the Alzheimer’sSociety by the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU)(see Annex 7, Note 5) regarding the prevalence and cost ofdementia. Dementia prevalence rates range from 1.3% at age65, 12.2% at age 80 through to 32.5% at age 95+. The totalnumber of people in the UK with dementia is forecast toincrease to 940,000 by 2021.The report also quotes estimates from the 2003 World Healthreport Global Burden of Disease, in terms of people overthe age of 60 years who live with a disability:

65Dementia 11.2%Stroke 9.5%Musculo-skeletal disorders 8.9%Cardiovascular disease 5.0%Cancer (all forms) 2.4%The average cost of support per person is quoted in thePSSRU report as £25,472 per annum.In the light of these predictions, it is important to invest inprimary prevention which encourages people to adopt healthylifestyles from an early age (see Outcome 3a) and to investin health and social care systems which provide good-quality,flexible support and care.The White Paper Our health, our care, our say sets aparticular direction with a shift towards prevention and earlierintervention, choice and personalised services which promoteindependence, more support for people with long-termconditions and improved access to community services.Where we are nowNewcastle Social Services, Newcastle Primary Care Trust,Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust andNorthumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust (which providesmental health services) have established a new governancestructure for older people’s services in Newcastle. This will ensurethe implementation of legislation, policies and guidelines relevantto older people and, through working in partnership with agenciesand stakeholders, ensure the best possible services for olderpeople in Newcastle. Older people and carers will be a part of

66this structure through the Older People’s Local ImplementationTeam, which has responsibility for monitoring the implementationof the National Service Framework for Older People.The emerging Joint Commissioning Strategy (Health and SocialCare) and Long Term Conditions Strategy provide details onthe way in which health and social care services are providedfor older people in the city.The Newcastle Carers Strategy and Action Plan was publishedin March 2006 and sets out how social services, health servicesand voluntary organisations will develop services over the nextthree years to support carers(www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/carersstrategy).Many people, both men and women, are mistreated or harmed bysomeone during their lifetime. It is very hard for people who havebeen harmed to talk about it because they might feel ashamed,embarrassed or think that no-one is going to believe whathappened to them. In October 2006, Newcastle’s SafeguardingAdults Committee published an interagency policy to addressthis issue (www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/adultsprotect).A major training programme is being developed for staff inall agencies, as well as an awareness-raising programme forolder people and carers.In Newcastle, a strategy for older people with mental healthproblems is being developed which will ensure the deliveryof the vision within Everybody’s Business: Integrated mentalhealth services for older adults (CSIP November 2005). Theviews of older people and carers are essential in developinga whole-systems approach.

67Newcastle is uniquely placed at the forefront of research intoageing through the Institute for Ageing and Health (NewcastleUniversity) (www.ncl.ac.uk/iah) and the University of Northumbria(www.unn.ac.uk).There are a number of examples of services which are beingpiloted to support older people to retain their health andindependence and demonstrate the shift towards preventionand early intervention:Walker Medical Group ‘Holistic 75+ Health Check’ – anassessment and screening service which includes a varietyof tests, such as blood pressure, vision and mobility, but alsoincludes a range of other issues such as benefit checks,housing issues, carer information and social care.Nail-cutting service: The Podiatry Department and SocialServices are working together to develop a nail-cutting servicefor older people who cannot manage the task themselves, butdo not require specialist podiatry services. Care managersand careworkers are being trained to do simple nail care forolder people, which can be incorporated into a care package.The STAR team has been piloting a package of intensive helpto older people over a short period (approximately six weeks)to help them to regain skills and retain their independence.The service can offer a range of support from accessingequipment (including telecare); signposting to other services;occupational therapy; physiotherapy; setting up exerciseregimes. It is proving particularly effective in helping olderpeople regain independence after a fall.

68Actions Ensure that there is a continued move from long-terminstitutional care to the delivery of health and social careand support in local settings which offer greater choiceand more control for older people. Ensure that rehabilitation and intermediate care services arein place which avoid unnecessary admissions to hospitaland facilitate timely discharge back to a person’s own home. Ensure that older people are involved in planning all aspectsof their care. Ensure that frail older people with more than one long-termcondition have a personalised care plan overseen by anamed individual, regardless of where their care is beingdelivered. Ensure that people with long-term conditions (e.g. diabetes,stroke, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease)receive information, advice and support which helps themand their carers to self-manage their conditions and careand support needs. Manage the social care market effectively so that there aresufficient services for people who need them which areresponsive, flexible and of good quality. Invest in new technologies, e.g. telecare and telemedicine,which help to support older people to live at home andpromote their independence and well-being.

69 Encourage older people to explore the possibilities ofdirect payments and individual budgets, supported bythe development of brokerage services. Recognise the needs of carers and invest in serviceswhich support them to continue in their caring role. Maintain and continually improve standards in the socialcare workforce through investing in staff training anddevelopment. Provide equipment and adaptations that help older peopleto live at home longer. Ensure the delivery of the vision for older people withmental health problems and Everybody’s Business. Introduce the new NHS ‘Life check for older people andtheir carers’ to assess their life risks and take steps to makehealthier choices. Safeguard vulnerable older people through multi-agencypolicies and procedures which protect older people. Embed the development of research programmes whichcontribute to the future health and well-being of thepopulation. Encourage and support the effective involvement of olderpeople and carers in the Older People’s Local ImplementationTeam, so that they can contribute to the planning of services.

70Outcome 3cOlder people will have good social networksIssues and prioritiesThe English Longitudinal Study on Ageing (see Annex 7,Note 13) found that 29% of older people are excluded throughlack of social relations and that this increases with age. Olderpeople emphasise the importance of good relationships withfamily and friends, having a role, feeling useful and beingtreated with respect as important aspects of quality of lifealongside good health and a good home.The first report from the UK Inquiry into Mental Health andWellbeing in Later Life (Age Concern and Mental HealthFoundation) identifies depression as the most common mentalhealth problem in later life. It states that there are currently up to2.4 million older people with depression severe enough to impairquality of life. It recommends that taking action to promote mentalhealth and well-being in later life will benefit the whole of societyby maintaining older people’s social and economic contributions,minimising the costs of care and improving quality of life.The reasons why people become isolated are multiple. Forexample, retirement when a job has been the main source ofsocial contact and friendships; caring responsibilities; loss ofcontact with family; bereavement; low income; declining health;and sensory loss.Once people start to withdraw, it becomes harder to find the rightway to encourage and support them to re-build social contacts.The consequences of withdrawing often lead to depression,ill−health and resulting demands on health and care services.

71It is often difficult to reach out to people in this position, but it israre for a person not to be in touch with at least one agency inthe system. In particular, more isolated older people are likelyto be in touch with housing, health and social care services,which, with the right information and networks at their fingertips,could provide the vital link to overcoming social isolation.There are a number of elements which are critical to enablingpeople who are socially isolated to link into support networks: Information Transport Design of houses and neighbourhoods (see Outcome 4a). Community hubs providing a range of practical, preventiveservices. ‘Link people’ who can support an individual to build linkswith the services and activities that are appropriate for them.Where we are nowAccording to the data from the former Office of Deputy PrimeMinister’s analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing,Tyne and Wear is one of the four areas in the UK with highlevels of loneliness and depression amongst older people:23% of older people report feeling depressed for much of thelast week and 18% report feeling lonely for much of the lastweek (see Annex 7, Note 14).Newcastle’s Health Improvement Strategy identifies improvingmental and emotional well-being as one of its key priorities.It seeks to improve access to services aimed at mild mentalhealth problems, raising self-esteem, self-help and early

72intervention. The proposed actions offer scope for joint workwith the Wellbeing and Health Partnership.There is a range of expertise across the system on supportingmore isolated older people, particularly in ways which buildconfidence and greater independence. A network of befriendingagencies has been developed through the Quality of LifePartnership to share expertise and develop innovativeapproaches to befriending.There are a number of services for older people at risk ofisolation, particularly aimed at people who are frailer and lessable to get out about. These range from specialist provisionsuch as day clubs organised by Dementia Care Partnership(www.dementiacare.org.uk), through to lunch and leisure clubsorganised by voluntary organisations such as Age ConcernNewcastle or the Greater Walker Community Trust(www.gwct.org), as well as a range of clubs and lunch groupsorganised in the community by older people and communitygroups in community centres and places of worship.Attending a lunch club or day centre may be the main socialcontact for an isolated older person. It is therefore veryimportant that the experience is fulfilling and that clubs andday centres are able to access a range of stimulating activitiesand community resources.Sharing memories can be a rewarding experience for olderpeople. The Newcastle Community Heritage Project is creatingopportunities for older people to document these stories,thereby creating new historical records which can also bea rich source of material for intergenerational projects.

73Mrs D is a 76-year-old fiercely independent lady who enjoyeda happy marriage and is proud of her two daughters. Shewas in the pub trade and took a keen interest in traditionalwholesome food. Sadly, following the death of her husbandtwo years ago, her world fell apart. She became depressed,isolating herself socially, neglecting her diet and rapidlylosing weight. Residential care was being considered. Hersister, who became the main carer, began to introduce Mrs Dto the new Bradbury Centre in Brunswick village, initially withthe view to eating in the restaurant. The friendship she builtup with the chef resulted in her volunteering to market thenew restaurant and assist in other ways. She met otherservice-users and began to join in activities such as musicand dancing and also benefited from using the gym. Oneyear on, Mrs D is no longer depressed, is gaining weight,has made several friends and is an active member of boththe Bradbury Centre and her local community.The Library Service provides a Home Delivery Service andmobile library and some branch libraries also organise olderpeople’s groups for which transport is provided.As it develops, Information NOW will provide comprehensiveinformation about local activities and services which can beused by individuals and service providers to signpost peopleto services.There are a number of new transport services (e.g. TaxiLink;LinkUp and group travel) being developed which offer thepotential for more flexible transport options for frailer olderpeople (see Outcome 4c).

74Actions Develop a strategic approach, through the Older People’sLocal Implementation Team, to engaging health and socialcare and other services (such as housing providers andThe Pension Service) in helping to address social isolation. Develop the befriending network and explore new approachesto volunteering e.g. time banks; buddying schemes. Ensure existing lunch clubs and day centres are seen aspart of a spectrum of provision for older people and haveequal access to community resources. Develop community hubs where older people can accessinformation and make links with a network of activity andservices in a safe and welcoming environment. Support specialist groups (e.g. LGBT; deaf/deafblind)to develop informal support groups which recogniseparticular needs.

75Outcome 3dOlder people have access to practical serviceswhich promote independenceIssues and prioritiesOlder people are finding it increasingly difficult to get that littlebit of help which enables them to retain their independenceand quality of life. Pressures on budgets mean that SocialServices can provide only for people with critical and substantialneeds, and there is very little available for people who needa little bit of flexible support to enable them to keep going.Older people are often willing to pay for services, but theyneed services which they can trust, are reliable and areshaped by older people.Where these services do exist, they have often been developedin the voluntary sector with time-limited funding. As a result,they are often short-lived.One of the strongest messages from older people both locallyand nationally is the importance of these services to olderpeople’s quality of life. The recent Joseph Rowntree FoundationOlder People’s Inquiry into That Bit of Help found that olderpeople value these services, which enable them to retain choice,control and dignity in their lives and to have a life worth living.

76Where we are nowIn 2002, Peter Fletcher Associates were commissioned toundertake a study into ‘that little bit of help’ in Newcastle.The first recommendation from the study was that older peopleneeded better access to information about the services alreadyavailable in Newcastle. This led to the development ofInformation NOW (see Aim 2).Another recommendation was to develop a register of reliabletradespeople, which led to the development of the TradesRegister provided by Anchor Staying Put in partnership withthe Quality of Life Partnership.This still leaves a number of other services which older peopleneed. There is great demand for a gardening service, shoppingservices (in particular access to good food), cleaning servicesand community transport. Some of these services alreadyexist, but often within small geographical areas, with particulareligibility criteria and with limited resources.Older people have a very important role to play in developingthese services, both advising on how they should be developedbut also in giving their time as volunteers or paid employeesto delivering the services.Access to technology is also key to enabling older people toaccess some of the help they need. Internet-based informationservices, shopping and banking schemes offer opportunitieswhich will increasingly become acceptable to older people(see Annex 7, Note 15).

77Older people will also continue to gain greater access to theinternet, either through taking up IT classes and having theirown computers, or through friends and family or throughcommunity-based staff from statutory and voluntary agencies.Agencies have a key role to play in recognising the costeffectivenessof practical services and committing to investingin preventive services. This is not simply investing financialresources, but recognising the value of these services as partof a network or hub of services which support older people’sindependence.Actions Establish a strong, cross-agency working group betweenkey agencies and older people to take forward thedevelopment of ‘little bit of help’ services. Find resources across the system to test out a range ofsustainable enterprise, voluntary and community sectorservices which can deliver handyperson, shopping,gardening and cleaning services for older people.

79Aim 4Enjoying older personfriendly environments

80Aim 4Enjoying older person friendly environmentsThis aim has the following outcomes:Outcome 4aOlder people will feel safe in their home, their city and theircommunitiesOutcome 4bOlder people have decent, appropriate accommodationin older person friendly neighbourhoodsOutcome 4cOlder people can get out and about easilyContextA number of factors determine whether a city or aneighbourhood is older person friendly. These include: The quality and choice of housing. Good local parks and open spaces. The provision of adequate street lighting. The quality and maintenance of pavements with provisionof drop kerbs and paving for people with visual impairments. Improved road layouts and provision of pedestriancrossings with adequate crossing times.

81 Developing a network of pedestrian-friendly routes in thecity centre, linking shopping areas, civic spaces, parksand gardens. Developing cycle-friendly routes. The availability of benches and seating, both in publicopen spaces and in shopping facilities. The provision of public toilets. Easy access to transport. Easy access to local amenities such as shops, librariesand post offices. Access to a range of cultural facilities. Good neighbourhood services e.g. litter and wastecollection; graffiti removal.As the population ages, it is becoming increasingly importantthat we develop accessible cities and neighbourhoods whichenable older people to retain independence and controlover their lives. This goes beyond the type of housing peopleare living in, to include the character of the city centre orneighbourhood and planning and provision of a range oflocal and city-centre facilities and services.Meeting the aspirations of older people also meets the needsof many other groups in society. For example, the provisionof low-liner buses with space for wheelchairs and buggieshas been of enormous benefit to parents of young children.More widespread provision of decent public toilets wouldalso benefit everyone.

82The Local Development Framework Core Strategy takes accountof many of the issues which are of concern to older people.(www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/corestrat). For example, theCity Centre Area Action Plan aims to make the city centre moreopen and welcoming to a wider range of people. It promotesnew housing in balanced communities with affordable andlifetime homes; citywide access to good-quality, competitivelocal shopping; and the development of parks, open spacesand allotments.The trend towards Neighbourhood Management with theintroduction of Neighbourhood Response Managers andNeighbourhood Wardens should help to improve the qualityof local services and make them more responsive to localpeople’s needs.Older people need to be actively involved in contributing tothe planning and regeneration of the city centre and localneighbourhoods. They bring knowledge of what works for thepresent, they care about and bring connections with the pastand have aspirations for the future.

83Outcome 4aOlder people will feel safe in their home, their cityand their communitiesIssues and prioritiesAlthough statistics from the Residents Survey show that 83%of people feel safe in Newcastle during the day, only 39% feelsafe after dark, and there is still a relatively high level of fearof crime amongst older people.There are a number of different issues which impact on the safetyof older people – from design of streets and neighbourhoods,sensationalist reports in the media, to bogus callers and scams,anti-social behaviour, fire, falls, and protection from elder abuse.The visible presence of police and neighbourhood wardensin neighbourhoods helps to allay fears.Where we are nowThe Local Development Framework provides for the design ofdevelopments to include natural surveillance of public areas,and pedestrian-friendly streets, which are busier and saferfor everyone.Safe Newcastle is the partnership which is leading on communitysafety issues for the city. The Safe Newcastle Strategy 2005-8 setsout its priorities, many of which relate to the issues of concern toolder people e.g. crime and anti-social behaviour. Safe Newcastleare working towards gathering data about crime relating to olderpeople and to developing interventions to address particularissues (see www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/safenewcastle).

84Safe Neighbourhoods is a project of Safe Newcastle whichaims to develop a programme, within ward structures, thatbrings together Northumbria Police, the City Council, otherrelevant organisations and the public to work closely togetherto solve problems of crime and anti-social behaviour, andimprove neighbourhood conditions and feelings of security.The aim is to identify community safety issues and act earlyand quickly to address them.Safe Neighbourhoods is also developing SafeNeighbourhood Action and Problem Solving (SNAPS)groups in each ward.Older people welcome schemes which have increased the visiblepresence of street wardens and police in neighbourhoods. Otheragencies also have a role to play in keeping neighbourhoods safee.g. Neighbourhood Response Managers and Housing Officers.Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, whether formal or an informalarrangement between neighbours, help to build a sense of safety.The number of ways in which people can report incidents isincreasing e.g. Nightwatch; 101 non-emergency line; antisocialbehaviour helpline.The ‘party city’ image means that many older people do not feelcomfortable or safe in the city centre at night. Safe Newcastle’sinitiatives on Managing the Night Time Economy address manyof the issues concerned with binge drinking and anti-socialbehaviour in the city centre.

85For many older people, the Community Care Alarm Serviceis an important aid to keeping safe by providing immediateaccess to a mobile warden in the event of accident or illness,but also as a means of checking up on bogus callers.It is important that older people have information and advicewhich enables them to keep themselves safe. There are manyexamples of where this work is being done: The Tyne and Wear Fire Service is proactive in offeringadvice and information to older people, including Home RiskAssessments. A Falls Prevention initiative including older and safer days. Bogus caller campaigns e.g. by Help the Aged. Old Spice drama group’s performances on staying safeand falls prevention.Actions Work with Safe Newcastle to address fear of crime andto develop targeted work to address issues particularlyaffecting older people. Develop intergenerational projects (see Outcome 1d).

86Outcome 4bOlder people have decent, appropriateaccommodation in older person friendlyneighbourhoods‘I would like a house for life, in a safe area, near amenities suchas shops, the doctor’s, buses and a chemist.’ (Quality of LifePartnership Stakeholder Network event May 2005)‘I would like to live in a mixed community, but I know others whowould like to live in a retirement community – we are all differentand we want choice.’ (Quality of Life Partnership StakeholderNetwork event May 2005)Issues and prioritiesMost older people live in general housing stock and theiraspirations and needs are similar to those of other groupsin the community: A home which is in good condition with modern amenities. A neighbourhood which is safe, clean and attractive. The opportunity to live independently for as long as possible(including appropriate use of assistive technology). Good local facilities depending on the requirements of thehousehold e.g. leisure and health facilities, parks, shopsand community facilities. Having good connections to family and friends, work andsocial networks.

87 Family circumstances and needs. Requirements due to lifestyle and religious beliefs(see Annex 7, Note 16).Most older people want to continue to live in their own homesfor as long as possible and are therefore seeking quality andchoice in housing with flexible support services which enablethem to maintain independence. Although many older peoplemay be willing to downsize to smaller properties, they are stilllooking for a decent amount of space to allow for visiting familyand friends and hobbies.As older people’s needs change, so they need good-qualityindependent advice, information and support to enable themto make the right choices (see Aim 2).Most older people prefer to live in general housing stock;however, as their needs change, some require adaptationsto their existing homes and others seek to move to specialistaccommodation (e.g. independent supported living houses;sheltered accommodation; extra care housing).For some people residential care is the most appropriateoption. It is important that we ensure that the design of carehomes and the quality of services provided give people thebest possible chance of living happily and with dignity.Where we are nowKey plansNewcastle’s Housing Strategy and the Local DevelopmentFramework Core Strategy set out the vision and key outcomes

88for housing in the city over the next 15 years. All the keypriorities in the Housing Strategy impact on older people: Offering the homes that people want, which includes arange of new build from larger family houses to 2-bedroomhouses, including 500 bungalows. Delivering more affordable homes and better mechanismsfor people to access housing through the choice-basedlettings scheme – Your Choice Homes – and a proposedhousing options service. Addressing students’ housing needs so that the studentsare housed appropriately and the popularity, character andhousing mix of existing residential neighbourhoods are notadversely affected. Delivering high-quality homes by ensuring that private andpublic housing meets the decent homes standard. Delivering sustainable neighbourhoods by ensuring thatappropriate housing and neighbourhood management is inplace and by preserving the distinctive character of differentneighbourhoods. The Local Development Frameworkproposes a character-based approach to design whichmaintains and enhances local distinctiveness. Providing homes for older people and people with disabilities. Providing homes for an increasingly diverse population,taking account of the needs of different black and minorityethnic groups. Providing homes for vulnerable people and people withsupport needs such as people at risk of homelessness.

89Decent, warm homesAll older people aspire to live in a decent, warm home.31% of pensioner households rent from Your Homes Newcastle,7% from other registered social landlords and 6% from privatelandlords (see Annex 7, Note 17). Your Homes Newcastleis already undertaking substantial refurbishment of existingcouncil stock, and other Registered Social Landlords areworking towards a target of bringing homes up to decenthomes standard by 2010.61% of pensioner households are homeowners in the city(see Annex 7, Note 17). A high proportion of older householdsare on a lower income (see Annex 7, Note 18) and requiregood advice and information as well as financial assistanceif they need to make repairs or adaptations to their homes.In areas of private housing at risk of decline, NeighbourhoodRenewal Assessments are used to appraise the effectivenessof different actions to support long-term sustainability. Actionto improve the stock includes external and environmental workto groups of houses. A programme of such improvements isunderway in areas of older private stock, and being consideredfor other areas. These group repairs particularly benefit themany older people living in unmodernised and sometimespoorly maintained private rented accommodation.In relation to individual properties, Anchor Staying Put providesa range of services to help older homeowners with anythingfrom major adaptations to minor repairs. They also manage theTrades Register – a list of reliable, vetted tradespeople. AnchorStaying Put is currently working with Newcastle City Council

90to develop new financial products to assist older homeownerswith repair, maintenance and improvement of their homes. Forvulnerable homeowners, Newcastle City Council continues toprovide support through the Disabled Facilities Grant to fundadaptations, Home Repair Assistance Grants for minor repairsand Warm Front Grants for energy efficiency.To alert older people to the importance of maintaining theirhomes, a simple framework for the Housing, Health and SafetyRating system is being produced, signposting homeownersto sources of help and advice.Keeping warm is important to older people’s health and wellbeing.65% of all fuel poor households are aged 60+ (seeAnnex 7, Note 19) and it is particularly important thereforethat older people access information and services to help themto keep their homes warm. The Affordable Warmth Strategy(www.newcastle.gov.uk/ core.nsf/a/energykeyaimc) and NewcastleWarm Zone initiative (www.newcastle.gov.uk/warmzone) aim toreduce fuel poverty. Many older people do not take advantageof the advice, information and services available through theseinitiatives, and different approaches are needed to overcomethe barriers to take-up.For future housing developments, the Local DevelopmentFramework is proposing higher energy-efficiency standards.Housing choice and maintaining independenceNewcastle City Council is undertaking a study of olderpeople’s housing requirements across all tenures up to 2021 inorder to better understand the needs of a changing populationand to produce a plan to meet requirements.

91Research is also being undertaken to assess the impact of thepredicted increase in the ageing population on housing servicesto produce a plan to address these jointly with housing, healthand social care agencies.To ensure that housing is planned to meet the changing needs ofhouseholds, Newcastle City Council, working with its partnersin the private sector and with Registered Social Landlords, will: adopt a policy to apply Lifetime Homes Standardsappropriately in housing development briefs; develop an improved approach to the provision of adaptations; address the estimated shortfall of adapted homes andpurpose-built homes through a combination of new buildand a better match between households and existingadapted homes.A review of the council’s sheltered housing stock has beencarried out. The review’s findings will inform decision-makingon the future of the stock, both in the context of the provisionof sheltered housing of all tenures across the city, and also therange of possible uses for the existing council stock.The development of Extra Care Housing provides an alternativeto institutional care for older people. Newcastle opened its firstextra care sheltered housing scheme in June 2006 and anotherwill be developed in 2008/9.The Supporting People Strategy (2005/6-2009/10) (seewww.newcastle.gov.uk/supportingpeople) aims to enable everyonewho can to live independently in the community, supported byappropriate, reliable services which promote security and stability.

92Older people are a key client group within this strategy. The typeof services provided include housing support services in ExtraCare Housing and floating support such as the Community CareAlarm Service for people in their own homes. It alsocommissions a handyperson service and help to owneroccupiers through the local Home Improvement Agency –Anchor Staying Put.The Newcastle-based voluntary organisation Dementia CarePartnership has developed innovative models of housing andcare for people with dementia (www.dementiacare.org.uk).Older person friendly neighbourhoodsNew planning frameworks such as the Local DevelopmentFramework provide more opportunities than ever for olderpeople to become involved in the planning and regenerationof their neighbourhoods. The Local Development Frameworkis a spatial plan for the city which goes beyond the scope offocusing on land use and deciding planning applications totake account of other social policy initiatives such as crimereduction, improved housing, better public transport andaccess to facilities and amenities.The Older Person Friendly City Centre group has developedprocesses through which older people have undertaken anaudit of the city centre and provided valuable information tofeed into planning processes. This could serve as a modelfor engaging older people in local neighbourhoods.

93An older person friendly city centreThe Elders Council ‘older person friendly city centre’ grouphas undertaken a range of opinion surveys and street surveysto determine whether, in their eyes, the city centre is an olderperson friendly environment. The results of their work arewritten up in reports (see Annex 7, Note 20), were the subjectof an Architecture Week workshop and have been capturedin a series of cartoons. The group regularly contributes toplanning discussions such as the city centre visioning event.It is also important to capture how older people feel aboutthe city. Members of the Elders Council worked with artists toproduce a DVD capturing their personal views of NewcastlePast, Present and Future.Planning needs to take account of the changing aspirations ofolder people. For example, increasingly older people with mobilityproblems are using scooters or buggies to get out and about.The design of roads needs to take account of this new trendin relation to road layout, dropped kerbs, siting and timing ofcrossings and positioning of the buttons on pedestrian crossings.The quality of a neighbourhood is not just about how it isplanned; it also depends on how it is managed. Issues likegarden maintenance, refuse and litter collection, parkingcontrol, crime and community safety and environmentalmanagement are all vital to the quality of neighbourhoods.A neighbourhood management approach which co-ordinatesactivity in a specific area is being piloted in Newcastle andhas been shown to be effective in improving local servicesand making them more responsive to local people’s needs.

94The role of Neighbourhood Management has been describedas helping ‘deprived communities and local services improvelocal outcomes, by improving and joining up local services,and making them more responsive to local needs’. The mainactivities of Neighbourhood Management include: delivering devolved services; and making and implementing agreements with existingservice providers to act more effectively or join up better.A key difference between Neighbourhood Management andearlier regeneration programmes is that NeighbourhoodManagement is not about spending a given pot of money,but providing long-term leverage over mainstream services.The objective of Neighbourhood Management is to helpdeliver long-term outcomes in the areas of: crime health education worklessness housing and the physical environment.Therefore, Neighbourhood Management should influencethe work of several public sector agencies in an area, andnot just the services of the local authority.In Newcastle there is a Neighbourhood Management pilot inNorth Benwell, as well as a city-wide approach to deliveringmore responsive local authority environmental services viaward-based teams and Neighbourhood Response Managers.

95Older people also want access to safe, well-maintained parks,green spaces and allotments. Through their involvement infriends’ groups, older people are already demonstrating theircommitment to the regeneration and maintenance of many ofthe city’s parks, for example through the creation of sensorygardens. There is more scope for making use of the parks topromote exercise (walking or green gyms) and intergenerationalopportunities. The Local Development Framework and theGreen Spaces Strategy take account of these aspirations intheir aim to maintain and develop parks and open spaces forformal and informal recreation (www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/greenspacesstrategy?opendocument).Actions Continue to support the involvement of older people tohelp develop policies and proposals through the LocalDevelopment Framework and related action plans. Undertake a study of older people’s housing requirementsand research into demands for housing services, anddevelop a plan jointly with housing, health and social careagencies to meet these requirements. Continue to seek good quality design for new and refurbishedhomes, including adopting ‘lifetime homes standards’. Produce an implementation plan to ensure that the Council’ssheltered housing stock meets older people’s requirements. Build a further 40 extra care units by 2010. Produce a framework for the Housing, Health and SafetyRating system so that older people can access advice andservices to live independently in a safe environment.

96 Deliver Warm Zone initiatives and address the barriers totake-up amongst older people and support the developmentof new planning policy on energy efficiency. Develop new financial products to assist older homeownerswith repair, maintenance and improvement of their homes. Further develop the neighbourhood management approach. Ensure older people are involved in initiatives to regeneratethe city’s parks and in ongoing activity to ensure that parksand open spaces are welcoming and safe for older people.

97Outcome 4cOlder people can get out and about easily‘So much of my life depends on having good transport.’(The Way Ahead)Issues and prioritiesThe ability to get out and about is central to older people’squality of life. Over 50% of people aged 65+ in Newcastle donot own a car and are therefore dependent on good-quality,accessible public transport services.Transport is one of the most important issues to older peopleand yet a recent Help the Aged survey of transport provisionin England and Scotland highlighted the fact that most localcouncils do not involve older people in the developmentof Local Transport Plans. There is a need to improve theinvolvement of older people in both transport infrastructureplanning and service delivery.The quality and maintenance of pavements have a significantimpact on older people’s ability to get out and about. Unevenpavements, inconsiderate cyclists and parking on pavementscan present serious hazards to older people, particularly thosewith limited mobility or sensory impairment. Poor pavementsare cited by many older people as being the cause of a fall,which often results in admission to hospital, significant lossof confidence and social isolation or on-going poor health.Older people and people with young families would benefitgreatly from better provision of decent public toilets in boththe city centre and neighbourhood centres.

98Where we are nowOlder people have welcomed the introduction of free bus travelacross Tyne and Wear, but regret the impact that this may havehad on younger people and on some bus routes. The Gold Cardfor travel on the metro has also been welcomed, with an initialtake up of 100,127. The way in which operators implement changes in bus routesor the complete withdrawal of services, based solely oncommercial decisions, has a very significant impact on thequality of life of older people, particularly on housing estateswhich are poorly served by public transport. Proposals in Strongand Prosperous Communities (Local Government White Paper)to strengthen the role of Passenger Transport Authorities andExecutives and to devolve powers to local authorities to developa more coherent approach to transport will be welcomed. Transport infrastructure is also important to older people.For example, there needs to be provision of good bus shelterswith clear information, reduction of congestion at bus stops,planning of bus routes and the introduction of bus lanes. Older people will feel the benefit of improvements to the Metroas part of Project Orpheus (www.nexus.org.uk) includingimprovements to stations and platforms, compliance with theDisability Discrimination Act, new vehicles and better integrationwith the bus network.The quality of service from drivers can make all the differenceto the quality of the journey. This is particularly important forpeople with learning difficulties, poor mobility or sensory loss.Proposals for the development of a travel bureau which will

99offer people assistance (buddying) to build people’sconfidence to travel on public transport are welcomed.There is substantial change in the way in which care servicestransport is being provided with the introduction of TaxiLinkand LinkUp and the provision of group travel through voluntarysector community transport providers. The proposed introductionof a Smart Card scheme as part of the TaxiLink service willincrease the flexibility and capacity of this service.Nexus, Community Transport and the Quality of LifePartnership are working together to improve the provision ofgroup travel and the development of a minibus brokeragescheme. There is demand for affordable group travel schemeswhich enable frailer people to access shopping and activities.There is potential for further co-operation and more effectiveuse of resources within the community transport section.Many older people are apprehensive about travelling on publictransport at night. The Safe Newcastle Travel Campaign, whichincludes the introduction of on-board CCTV and Metro securitypatrols, aims to address this issue.Patient Transport Services are very valuable in enabling olderpeople to get to hospital appointments. Whilst current servicesare welcomed, they very often involve older people spendingconsiderable amounts of time travelling or waiting for transport.There is potential for transport providers such as the AmbulanceService and Nexus to share resources and expertise indelivering these services.

100Strategic planning and transport services are not the onlyfactors which affect older people’s ability to get out and about.The timing and position of a pedestrian crossing, a well-placedbench, good street lighting, the availability of public toilets orthe condition of pavements can make the critical difference towhether an older person is able to get out and about safely.Actions Gather support across the system for the introductionof quality contracts with bus operators. Improve involvement of older people in transportinfrastructure and service planning. Improve the capacity and flexibility of TaxiLink servicethrough the introduction of a Smart Card scheme. Improve capacity and use of the LinkUp scheme. Develop greater co-operation and more effective use ofresources between Nexus and the community transportsector. Involve older people in the development of a Travel Bureauand driver training. Improve the quality and maintenance of pavements. Improve and increase decent public toilet provisionacross the city.

101Aim 5Financially andmaterially secure

102Aim 5Financially and materially secureThis aim has the following outcomes:Outcome 5aOlder people have the opportunity to prepare for retirementand to receive on-going advice and informationOutcome 5bOlder people have the opportunity to workIssues and prioritiesContextThe Indices of Multiple Deprivation show that in Newcastle23.7% of the population aged 60+ live in households withdeprived income (see Annex 7, Note 21).Many older people are finding it increasingly hard to manageto pay for essential items such as good food, heating andstaying active. National research also shows rising levelsof debt amongst older people (see Annex 7, Note 22).There is increasing complexity in the range of financialproducts available to older people. Significant changes in theway post office and banking services are provided (e.g. debitcards; internet banking) may be increasing financial exclusion,especially for those on lower incomes.

103More work is needed to encourage and support older peopleto take up the benefits that they are entitled to. Many olderpeople would prefer not to have to go through a process ofapplying for benefits, which they find intrusive and demeaning,and are seeking a better basic pension for all.Approaches to retirement are changing: whilst some peoplewish to retire, others may wish to continue working for as longas possible or seek flexible options which enable them to workpart-time, change career, or set up an enterprise.

104Outcome 5aOlder people have the opportunity to preparefor retirement and to receive ongoing adviceand informationIssues and prioritiesPeople need to plan ahead for retirement and to have access togood information and advice both before and during retirement.Older people are not accessing many of the benefits that theyare entitled to. This is often due to lack of understanding of thecomplex benefits system and sometimes a reluctance to undergofinancial assessments which are seen as an invasion of privacy.With proper advice and help, older people can access benefits,which can make all the difference to their quality of life.Older people need independent and affordable financial adviceand support. This is important to enable people to keep up todate with changing financial services. It is also important thatolder people who suddenly find themselves taking over themanagement of their finances after separation from or deathof a spouse can access sympathetic help and support. A widerange of advice and support is needed from the managementof day-to-day finances through to advice about specialistfinancial products for homeowners.Significant changes in financial services with an increasingrequirement for older people to have bank accounts, usedirect debits and debit cards is placing some older people,particularly those on lower incomes, at risk of financial exclusion.

105Where we are nowAlthough some organisations provide pre-retirement coursesfor their employees, there are others that do not.There is a need for a later life curriculum (see Aim 3) whichhelps people to think through this phase of life and tounderstand and overcome barriers to changes in services,particularly in financial products and services.At national level, organisations such as Help the Aged havesupported research into financial exclusion among olderpeople in deprived neighbourhoods (see Annex 7, Note 23).The findings of this research are being taken up withGovernment, banks, building societies and the Post Office toaddress the issues raised by the transition from cash-basedtransactions. Work is needed to understand the impact ofchanges in financial services on older people in Newcastle,particularly those on low incomes, and to find alternativeapproaches which could build on existing expertise withinorganisations such as the Credit Union – Moneywise.There are a number of different approaches to supportingpeople to access benefits from the City Council’s welfare rightsteam (including specialist projects such as the PCT benefittake-up project) and Warm Zone. A review of the provision ofwelfare rights provision in the city is currently being undertaken.Befriending services and generic advice services (e.g. AgeConcern Advice and Information) have some limited capacityto offer advice and support to older people.

106Actions Include financial literacy as part of a curriculum for lifein older age. Develop more ways in which older people can accessaffordable independent financial advice and supporte.g. Energywatch. Ensure that the current review of welfare rights servicesincludes adequate provision of advice and advocacy forolder people. Undertake more work on the financial inclusion of older people. Work with employers to increase the provision of preretirementcourses. Explore ways of improving benefit take-up amongstolder people.

107Outcome 5bOlder people have the opportunity to workIssues and prioritiesPerceptions of retirement are changing. Older people areseeking more flexible opportunities to work, set up their ownbusiness or volunteer.Recent research by The Age and Employment Network for theDepartment of Education and Skills (see Annex 7, Note 24)identified that the main barriers for older workers include: actualor perceived age discrimination; lack of retraining opportunities;the cost of retraining; and difficulties in finding support agencieswith the experience and expertise to assist older age-groups.It is important for employers to recognise the value of olderworkers and the experience they bring. Many people would bewilling to continue working, if they were offered more flexibleoptions and given the appropriate status and recognition.The Age and Employment Network research highlights thatpeople are not just looking for ‘a job’; they are seeking workwhich provides purpose, status, scope to use skills andabilities, and the opportunity to contribute to the community.Some people are seeking the same purpose and quality ofactivity from volunteering. Research by Age Concern Newcastleand Newcastle University (see Annex 7, Note 25) highlights thegreat value of volunteering to individuals’ self-worth and selfdevelopmentas well as the enormous contribution volunteersmake to organisations and family. The research provides keyinformation on ways of attracting and retaining volunteers.

108Where we are nowAge Concern have conducted research into EconomicInclusion, Over 50s and Age Concerns (November 2005),which provides an overview of the needs and aspirationsof older people in the North East and proposals for the waysin which these might be addressed.The University of Surrey (see Annex 7, Note 26) is currentlyundertaking research into ‘Understanding the workplace for theolder worker’. The results of this research can help to informlocal practice on how the workplace and training opportunitiesneed to change to meet the dynamics of an older workforce.Newcastle Futures has been set up under the auspices of theNewcastle Partnership to bring together agencies with resourcesand expertise in supporting back into work people who havebeen unemployed over a long period.Some employers have a good track record in employing olderworkers e.g. B&Q and others are able to develop employmentpractices which offer their employees choice and flexibility(see Newcastle City Council example).

109Age Discrimination Act 2006In response to the new age discrimination legislation,Newcastle City Council has reviewed all its recruitmentprocesses to remove all references to age. It has also carriedout a workforce analysis to determine the age-range of itsemployees, and this information will be used to analysewhere they have issues to address.Under the local government pension regulations, employeesaged 50+ have the right to request to ‘step down’ where theycan access their pension, whilst still continuing inemployment, by reducing their hours of work or stepping intoa post with less responsibility. Anyone who wishes to continueworking beyond age 65 can request to do so. Whereverservice needs allow, Newcastle City Council will endeavour toaccommodate requests for flexible working.Newcastle City Council also has carer-friendly policies whichmean that employees who are carers can request flexibilityto fit their caring responsibilities around their work.Actions Work with Department of Work and Pensions and the NorthEast Chamber of Commerce to develop a strategic forumto look at employment and enterprise for people aged 50+. Work with Newcastle Futures to provide appropriate advice,guidance and retraining for older people.

110Section 4: Turning the strategy intoactionAlongside the strategy there is an Action Plan that proposesactions for each of the 5 aims and 14 outcome areas set outin the previous section of the strategy.For each of the 14 outcome areas the Action Plan: identifies the action; sets out a date when the action will be achieved by; identifies who will do it; and provides ideas for measures for how will we know we aremaking a difference.Implementing, monitoring and reviewing the strategyThe development of the strategy has been overseen by aProject Board which includes representatives from the CityCouncil, the Elders Council, the Primary Care Trust and theQuality of Life Partnership.The Project Board is developing new governance structuresto oversee the delivery and monitoring of the strategy, buildingon the arrangements that currently exist for the Quality of LifePartnership. The partnership structure will be responsible forimplementing the strategy, as well as those elements of otherstrategies – such as the Local Area Agreement – which relateto older people.In addition, Newcastle City Council directorates are requiredto demonstrate how their service plans relate to the deliveryof the strategy.

111Annex 1: Profile of older people in Newcastle (see Annex 7, Note 27)Population forecasts(NB figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Source ONS 2005)Age 2004 2007 2017 2029Male Female Total % Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total50-54 7,700 7,500 15,200 5.6 7,700 8,000 15,700 8,800 8,700 17,500 6,900 7,200 14,10055-59 7,300 7,200 14,600 5.4 7,300 7,100 14,300 7,800 8,300 16,100 7,000 7,400 14,40060-64 5,300 5,800 11,000 4.1 6,000 6,300 12,300 6,400 7,000 13,400 7,100 7,500 14,60065-69 5,300 6,200 11,400 4.2 4,800 5,700 10,500 5,900 6,100 12,000 6,600 7,300 13,90070-74 4,600 5,700 10,300 3.8 4,500 5,400 9,900 4,700 5,400 10,100 5,300 6,300 11,60075-79 3,600 5,200 8,800 3.3 3,600 5,100 8,700 3,400 4,600 8,000 4,400 5,100 9,50080-84 2,400 4,300 6,700 2.5 2,400 4,100 6,400 2,700 3,900 6,500 3,400 4,500 7,90085+ 1,500 3,400 4,900 1.8 1,800 3,700 5,500 2,600 4,100 6,700 3,400 4,800 8,200Total 37,700 45,300 82,900 30.7 38,100 45,400 83,300 42,300 48,100 90,300 44,100 50,100 94,200

112 The population in Newcastle and across England isgenerally ageing and will continue to do so. The city has experienced a fall of 15% in its population inthe years between 1971 and 2001, but estimates indicatethat the population is now increasing. There are 82,900 people aged 50+ (almost 30% of thepopulation). This will increase by an estimated 13.6%by 2029 (to 94,200). The number of people aged 65 to 74 is projected to growby 17.5% (from 21,700 to 25,500) by 2029. The number of people aged 75 to 84 is projected to growby 12.3% (from 15,500 to 17,400) by 2029. By 2029, a 67.3% increase in the city of people aged 85+is projected (from 4,900 to 8,200). The total population of the city is expected to increasefrom 269,500 to 280,800 in 2015 and 287,500 in 2025.BME population projections(shows the number and percentage (%) of the populationwho are from a minority ethnic community, by age, projectedto 2016, and rounded to the nearest 100. Source ONS 2005)Age Census Estimate Projected population by age group2001 2001 2006 2011 2016no. % no. % no. % no. % no. %50-64 1,200 3.1 1,300 3.1 1,700 4.0 2,300 5.2 3,100 6.765 &over700 1.7 700 1.7 900 2.2 1,000 2.5 1,200 2.8Total 1,900 4.8 2,000 4.8 2,600 6.2 3,300 7.7 4,300 9.5

113 The older population will become more diverse and with agrowing number of black and minority ethnic (BME) olderpeople. The number of BME people aged 50+ is 1,900 andthis is projected to increase to 4,300 by 2016.Carers One in eight adults in the UK is a carer. Newcastle has around 26,000 adult carers. Older carers are some of the poorest people in the UK andare most likely to be managing alone. BME carers are less likely to have support due to negativeassumptions and stereotypes about their cultural difficulties. Nearly two thirds of working-age carers are juggling paidwork with their caring role. Over half of all carers have physical and mental healthproblems of their own. Over half of all carers look after someone aged over 75. Every year, over 301,000 people become carers.Housing In Newcastle, there is comparatively little accommodationowned by older people: 55% of people aged 65+ live inrented accommodation in Newcastle, compared to 36%nationally. Newcastle also has high levels of deprivation:Newcastle is the 20th most deprived city using IMD. All ofthis, together with the effects of long-term health conditions,places a significant financial responsibility on the council forthe commissioning of services.

114 However, there is a growing interest in leasehold propertiesfor older people. The growth of owner occupation is a long-term trend, whichis likely to continue with the support of government policy.The purchase of council homes under the ‘Right to Buy’scheme has been a significant part of this growth (HousingStrategy). This may result in an increasing number of people beingable to partially or fully fund their care.Disability Newcastle has a high proportion of households includingsomeone with a disability (27.3% compared to a 15%national average). In 1991, just under 29% of households had one or morepersons with a limiting long-term illness. For 2001, this hadincreased to just over 39%. Newcastle has increasing numbers of people with complexphysical and learning disabilities living longer, with increasedexpectations in relation to levels of support to enableindependent living. At present we estimate there to be 1,449adults with learning disabilities in Newcastle and 418children. National predictions suggest that the number ofpeople with learning disabilities will rise by 1% a year for thenext fifteen years and we expect this increase to bereflected in Newcastle. It is estimated that 27% of all households contain a personwith a physical disability. Over half of these people live insocial housing.

115We can predict that as the number of older people increasesthere will be a corresponding increase in age-related healthproblems, most noticeably, people with dementia. Recentresearch has been undertaken for the Alzheimer’s Society by thePersonal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) regarding theprevalence and cost of dementia (Dementia UK published bythe Alzheimer’s Society 2007). The average cost of support perperson is quoted as £25,472 per annum. Based on the report,prevalence rates in Newcastle can be estimated as follows:Age Newcastle population Dementia Projected no.2005 mid-year estimate prevalence with dementia65-69 11,300 1.3% 14770-74 10,200 2.9% 29675-79 8,800 5.9% 51980-84 6,500 12.2% 79385-89 3,500 20.3% 71090-94est. 1,414 28.6% 40495+est. 364 32.5% 118Total 42,078 7.1% 2,989This indicates that 23% of people over the age of 85 are likelyto have dementia.The report also quotes the 2003 World Health Report GlobalBurden of Disease estimates in terms of people over the ageof 60 years who live with a disability (please note: these are notNewcastle figures): Dementia – 11.2%; Stroke – 9.5%;Muscular Skeletal Disorders – 8.9%; Cardio-Vascular Disease –5.0%; Cancer (all forms) – 2.4%.

116Use of Adult Social Services During 2005-06 only 3% of all adults in Newcastle aged over18 received services commissioned by Adult Social Services. This increased to 12% of all adults aged over 65, 20% of alladults aged over 75 and 40% of all adults aged over 85. Newcastle City Council supports 14.5% of people aged over85 with full or partial payment of fees to live in residential ornursing care.Adult Social Services financeNewcastle City Council's Social Services gross revenue budgetruns to £59.68m in 2006/7, increasing to an estimated £61.02min 2007/8, to £62.74m in 2008/9 and to £64.62m in 2009/10.Social Services satisfaction(Newcastle City Council Personal Social Services Survey 2006) 63% of respondents were extremely or very satisfied withthe help that they receive from Social Services. 91% said that their care workers always or usually cameat times that suited them. 98% agreed that they felt safe in their home. 91% agreed that they had as much contact with otherpeople as they wanted. 94% said that they felt listened to when their needs wereassessed or reviewed. 16% received practical help from someone living in theirhousehold: 60% said that they received help from someone

117living in another household: 21% said that they did not receiveany practical help from friends, neighbours or family members. 22% of respondents had used the meals at home servicewithin the last month. 85% of respondents replied that they received between1–9 hours of care per week. 3% received over 21 hours. 12% received 10-20 hours.Long-term conditions In Newcastle, the proportion of very high intensity users(VHIUs) occupying emergency inpatient bed days wasaround 60%, which was much higher than the nationalaverage of 42%.Life expectancy The Institute for Ageing and Health is predicting that lifeexpectancy will continue to increase by about two years perdecade – equivalent to five hours per day.Satisfaction with services(Newcastle City Council Residents Survey 2005/6)Newcastle City Council carried out an annual survey of residents,covering a variety of issues. The following figures represent asample of questions asked, based on residents aged 16-49and 50+. 54.2% of people aged 50+ were very or fairly satisfied withpublic transport information, compared with 43.3% of peopleaged 16-49.

118 58.4% of people aged 50+ were very or fairly satisfied withthe local bus service, compared with 52.1% of people aged16-49. 35% of people aged 50+ were very or fairly satisfied withcommunity/neighbourhood centres, compared with 29.3%aged 16-49. 68.3% of people aged 50+ were very or fairly satisfied withparks and open spaces, compared with 75.5% of peopleaged 16-49. 51.6% of people aged 50+ definitely or tend to agree thatpeople from different backgrounds get on well together,compared with 54.5% of people aged 16-49. 79.5% of people aged 50+ are very or fairly satisfied withthe neighbourhood as a place to live, compared with 74.7%of people aged 16-49. 19.1% of people aged 50+ strongly or tend to agree thatthey can influence decisions affecting the local area,compared with 14.9% of people aged 16-49. 11.1 % of people aged 50+ are involved in formalvolunteering, compared with 8% of people aged 16-49.

119Newcastle City Learning: Numbers of learners includinglearners aged 60+(Based on full academic years 31 August through to July)Year Total Total Total Number Males Femaleno. of Male Female of 60+ 60+ 60+learners(included (included (includedin total) in total) in total)2003/4 17,523 5,049 12,474 2,875 1,022 1,8532004/5 18,448 5,187 13,261 3,075 1,066 2,0092005/6 16,565 4,955 11,610 2,736 972 1,764

120Annex 2: Links to key national andlocal strategiesThe first part of this section shows how the aims and outcomesof this strategy link to other key national and local strategies.The second part lists all of the other strategies that are referredto in this document.Newcastle Strategyfor Older Peopleand an AgeingPopulation – aimsNewcastle Strategyfor Older People andan Ageing Population– outcomesOpportunity Age –quality of lifeoutcome domains1. Makinga positivecontribution(active citizens)1a. Older peopleare engaged indecision-making1b. Older peopleare contributingto community life1c. Older people arerespected and valuedand free from discrimination1d. Older people haveopportunities to engage inactivities with younger peopleIndependencewithin inclusivecommunitiesHealthy activeliving2. Accessinginformation andmainstreamservices2a. Older people haveaccess to information,advice and advocacyHealthy activelivingFairness in workand later life

121Our health, our care,our say & OutcomesFramework for AdultSocial CareNewcastle LocalArea AgreementNewcastleCity CouncilRegenerationStrategyMaking a positivecontributionPersonal respectand dignityFreedom fromdiscriminationor harassmentTo enable people toplay a full part ascitizens, participatingand contributing to theircommunity, reducingisolation and lonelinessSafe, inclusiveand cohesivecommunitiesImproved qualityof lifeAs aboveAllExercise of choiceand control

122Newcastle Strategyfor Older Peopleand an AgeingPopulation – aims3. Physical, mentaland emotionalhealth andwell-being4. Enjoying olderperson friendlyenvironmentsNewcastle Strategyfor Older People andan Ageing Population– outcomes3a. Older people and carersaccess a range of preventiveservices which enable themto stay physically, mentallyand emotionally healthy3b. Older people andcarers access a range ofgood-quality health andsocial care services3c. Older people will havegood social networks3d. Older people haveaccess to practical serviceswhich promote independence4a. Older people will feelsafe in their home, theircity and their communities4b. Older people havedecent, appropriateaccommodation in olderperson friendlyneighbourhoods4c. Older people can getout and about easilyOpportunity Age –quality of lifeoutcome domainsSupport and careIndependencewithin inclusivecommunitiesIndependencewithin inclusivecommunities5. Enable olderpeople to befinancially andmaterially secure5a. Older people havethe opportunity to preparefor retirement and toreceive ongoing adviceand information5b. Older people havethe opportunity to workMaterial well-beingFairness in workand later life

123Our health, our care,our say & OutcomesFramework for AdultSocial CareNewcastle LocalArea AgreementNewcastleCity CouncilRegenerationStrategyImproved healthPersonal respectand dignityAs aboveSafe, inclusiveand cohesivecommunities;ensuringwell-being;promoting healthand reducinginequalitiesImproved quality oflife: security at homeand confidence insafety outsidethe homeTo enable everyone whocan to live independentlyin the communitysupported by mainstreamand community servicesand where neededappropriate and reliableservices which promotesecurity and stability.Protect vulnerable adultsSafe, inclusiveand cohesivecommunities;the right choiceof homesEconomic well-beingSupport the economicwell-being andemployment of those atrisk of social exclusionStrengtheningthe economy

124Other strategies mentioned in this document Adult Social Care WhitePaper – Our health, ourcare, our say Affordable Warmth Strategy Age Discrimination Act Children and YoungPeople’s Strategy City Centre Area Action Plan Community CohesionStrategy Community EngagementStrategy Compact Agreement Elders Council of Newcastle– The Way Ahead English Longitudinal Studyon Ageing Everybody’s Business:Integrated mental healthservices for older adults(CSIP) Every Child Matters Green Spaces Strategy Health ImprovementStrategy Homelessness Strategy Housing Strategy Joint CommissioningStrategy (Health andSocial Care) Local Area Agreement Local DevelopmentFramework – Core Strategy Local GovernmentWhite Paper – Strong andProsperous Communities Local Housing Assessment Local Transport Plan:Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plans Long Term ConditionsStrategy National ServiceFramework for OlderPeople Newcastle Carers Strategyand Action Plan Older People’sAccommodation Strategy Older People’s MentalHealth Strategy Regeneration Strategy Safe Newcastle Strategy Social Inclusion Strategy Supporting PeopleCommissioning Strategy Sustainable CommunityStrategy

125Annex 3: Links to research anddevelopmentNewcastle – an international centre for research intoageing and healthNewcastle is now an internationally renowned city for researchinto ageing and health in Europe. The city is at the forefrontof a number of programmes and initiatives which will increaseour understanding and knowledge of how society is ageing –and promote healthy and active older age for all.Institute for Ageing and HealthThrough the Institute for Ageing and Health, NewcastleScience City Initiative is supporting the expansion of theCampus for Ageing and Vitality at Newcastle General Hospital.The Institute for Ageing and Health undertakes world-leadingresearch into healthy ageing and brings together a range ofclinical, basic and social scientists in partnership with NHSorganisations and older people themselves.It has already achieved significant successes in importantareas of research into ageing (such as major improvementsin the diagnosis, management and treatment of dementia,stroke, falls and other age-related conditions). Togetherwith an expanded campus, it is becoming a thriving hub ofintellectual and economic research into ageing, helping tochange attitudes and expectations of healthy ageing.

126Newcastle Science CityNewcastle Science City (partners include Newcastle CityCouncil, Newcastle University, and One NorthEast) has ageingand health as one of it four main research areas. ScienceCentral – to be based on the former Scottish and Newcastlebrewery site – will be the hub of Science City and will forgelinks with other innovative science and business sites inNewcastle, such as the Centre for Life and the aforementionedCampus for Ageing and Vitality.Specialist Biomedical Research Centre on AgeingNewcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHSTrust and Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Mental HealthTrust have been awarded the status of Specialist BiomedicalResearch Centre on Ageing. The work in Newcastle will focuson ageing, with specific attention paid to: dementias andneurodegenerative diseases; stroke and cardiovascular ageing;mitochondria; diabetes; liver; musculoskeletal; and vision.Centre for Collaborative GerontologyThe Centre for Collaborative Gerontology at the University ofNorthumbria undertakes research into the health and socialcare needs of older people. It works with the Older People’sResearch Group – an informal network of older people whoplan, carry out, manage and report on research.Centre for Collaborative Gerontology members are part of anumber of national networks and groups, including the NationalCare Home Research and Development Forum, which is a UKwidegroup which meets to identify and explore key thinking in

127this area. Members have also been involved in the productionof a number of guides, including one on older people’sinvolvement in policy and planning, for Counsel and Care.Currently members are leading the ‘Years Ahead’ group for theNorth East on research for local agencies, and have just beenawarded funding to develop Master’s level modules ingerontology. Doctoral supervision includes studies of olderpeople leaving hospital, the experiences of older people withdiabetes, older people in Portuguese hospitals, and olderpeople with dementia.World Health OrganisationNewcastle is involved in two high-profile projects with theWorld Health Organisation (WHO) – on ‘healthy cities’ and‘age-friendly cities’. The Quality of Life Partnership andNewcastle Healthy City Project are working with the WHOon healthy ageing – looking at what makes a city healthy andhow cities can measure the health of their older population.The Institute for Ageing and Health is working with the WHOon ‘age-friendly’ cities, with the aim of sharing experienceand learning.

128Annex 4: ConsultationThe draft strategy went out to public consultation between11 December 2006 and 9 March 2007. The consultation wascarried out jointly with the Quality of Life Partnership, EldersCouncil of Newcastle and Newcastle City Council’s CommunityDevelopment Unit, Ward Co-ordination Team and Social PolicyTeam.Who was consulted? all 26 ward committees; councillors via the Policy Development/Co-ordination andAdult Social Services and Health Portfolios; full City Council;the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny panel; the Newcastle Partnership (the Local Strategic Partnership)Board and theme groups (including Newcastle LearningPartnership and Safe Newcastle); community and voluntary sector organisations (e.g. AgeConcern Newcastle; Carers Centre Newcastle; CommunityEmpowerment Network; Newcastle Council for VoluntaryService; Denton Mature Action Group); survey work using participatory appraisal techniques withWard Co-ordinators; and public-sector partners including Newcastle Primary CareTrust, Nexus (Passenger Transport Executive), Newcastleupon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Learning &Skills Council.

129We also included an article and prize draw questionnaire inCitylife, which is circulated to all households and premisesin the city. We received 243 responses to the questionnaire.We also sought the views of diverse and vulnerable groups– particularly BME communities and LGBT communities –to reflect the fact that, as Newcastle’s population growsand ages, the diversity of the population will also change.

130What was changed?Overall, feedback on the strategy was positive, and the followingchanges were made as a result: a section was added on intergenerational work with childrenand young people; the section on lifelong learning was strengthened – as theloss of discounts on fees for adult learning classes for peopleaged 60+ was raised by a large number of people; we strengthened references to the links with Science Cityand the Institute of Ageing and Health at NewcastleUniversity, the Centre for Gerontology at NorthumbriaUniversity and the World Health Organisation; more emphasis was placed on diversity and how thiswill change in the future – particularly the future needsof BME and LGBT communities – and the impact of agediscrimination legislation; we gave greater emphasis to transport; developing olderperson friendly neighbourhoods; promoting healthy lifestyles;safeguarding adults; and promoting financial inclusionincluding welfare rights; we gave greater recognition throughout the document tothe contribution that older people make to the economy andsociety in general and recognised the need for communitydevelopment and capacity building to support olderpeople’s involvement.

131What couldn’t be changed?Some of the issues raised fall outside the scope of this strategy.These included issues which will require changes to nationalpolicy or legislation such as pensions or the funding of longtermcare. A number of individual issues were raised whichwere brought to the attention of service providers, and wherepossible, individuals were signposted to services which canhelp them.Innovation and changeMany of the issues raised require significant commitment fromolder people and agencies to be innovative and creative inbringing about change in services for older people. This willtake time and will require us to be responsive to opportunitiesas they arise. This means that the strategy is not a staticdocument but will change over time. The action plan will beupdated every year and the strategy will be reviewed in detailby April 2010.

132Annex 5: List of agencies mentionedThis is a list of the agencies and organisations referred to inthe strategy, with website details where these are available.Community and Voluntary Sector organisationsAge Concern Newcastle – www.acnewcastle.orgThe Age and Employment Network – www.taen.org.ukThe Alliance – East End Community Development– www.eastendalliance.org.ukAlzheimer’s Society – www.alzheimers.org.ukAnchor Staying Put – www.stayingput.org.ukBlack Minority & Ethnic ForumCarers Centre Newcastle – www.newcastlecarers.org.ukChapel Health Group /Chapel House ClinicCitizens Advice Bureau – www.citizensadvice.org.ukCommunity Action on Health – www.caoh.org.ukCommunity Foundation – www.communityfoundation.org.ukCommunity Transport – www.communitytransport.orgDeaflink – www.newcastlehealthycity.org.uk/pages/newcastledeaflink.phpDenton Park HouseElders Council of Newcastle – www.elderscouncil.org.uk– Readers Group– Learning & Culture Group– Older Person Friendly City Centre GroupGrange Day Centre – www.grangearts.org.ukGreater Walker Community Trust – www.gwct.orgHealthWORKS east/west– www.westend-health.co.uk/healthworks/index.htmHelp the Aged – www.helptheaged.org.ukJoseph Rowntree Foundation – www.jrf.org.uk

133Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transsexual ForumLimelighters at Theatre Royal – www.theatreroyal.co.uk/learningMental Health Foundation – www.mentalhealth.org.ukMetropolitan Community Church, Newcastle upon Tyne– www.mccnewcastle.org.ukMoneywise Newcastle Credit Union Limited– www.moneywise.org.ukNewcastle Community Empowerment Network – www.ncen.org.ukNewcastle Community Food Initiative – www.newcastlefood.co.ukNewcastle Community Heritage ProjectNewcastle Council of FaithsNewcastle Council for Voluntary Service– www.cvsnewcastle.org.ukNewcastle Society for Blind People – www.nsbp.co.ukNewcastle Tenants Federation – www.newcastletenantsfed.org.ukPrime – www.primeinitiative.org.ukRoshniSearch Project – www.searchproject.co.ukSilver Screen at Tyneside Cinema– www.tynecine.org/whatson/silverscreen.phpSouth Mountain Chinese ClubTimebank – www.timebank.org.uk and www.timebanks.co.ukVeterans Reunited – www.tpyf.org.uk/server/show/nav.00n008Volunteer Centre Newcastle– www.volunteercentrenewcastle.org.ukWest End Community Development ConsortiumInternational organisationWorld Health Organisation: Healthy Cities Network andAge Friendly City Programmes – www.who.int

134Public Sector organisationsAudit Commission – www.audit-commission.gov.ukCare Services Improvement Partnership – www.csip.org.ukLearning & Skills Council – www.lsc.gov.ukNational Government– Department of Health – www.dh.gov.uk– The Pension Service – www.thepensionservice.gov.uk– Office of National Statistics – www.statistics.gov.uk– Communities & Local Government (formerly Office for theDeputy Prime Minister) – www.communities.gov.uk– Department for Children, Schools & Families– www.dfes.gov.uk– Department for Work & Pensions – www.dwp.gov.ukNewcastle City Council – www.newcastle.gov.uk– Adult Learning– Adult Services– Arts Team– Community Development Unit– Leisure Services– Libraries Home Delivery Service– Library Service– Neighbourhood Services– Newcastle Warm Zone– Physical Activity Team– Safeguarding Adults Committee– STAR Team– Strategic Housing– Welfare Rights ServiceNewcastle Primary Care Trust – www.newcastlepct.nhs.uk– Health Promotion Unit– STAR Team– Walker Medical Group

135Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS FoundationTrust –www.newcastle-hospitals.org.ukNexus – Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive –www.nexus.org.ukNorth East Ambulance Service – www.neambulance.nhs.ukNorthumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust – www.ntw.nhs.ukOlder People’s Local Implementation TeamOne NorthEast (Regional Development Agency) –www.onenortheast.co.ukTyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service – www.twfire.co.ukYour Homes Newcastle – www.yourhomesnewcastle.co.uk– Your Choice Homes – www.yourchoicehomes.org– Community Care Alarm ServiceAcademic organisationsNewcastle University – www.ncl.ac.uk– Institute for Ageing & Health – www.ncl.ac.uk/iah– Campus for Ageing & Vitality –www.ncl.ac.uk/iah/about/campus.htm– Specialist Biomedical Research Centre on AgeingNorthumbria University – www.northumbria.ac.uk– Centre for Collaborative GerontologyPersonal Social Services Research Unit – www.pssru.ac.ukUniversity of Surrey – www.surrey.ac.ukU3A The University of the Third Age – www.u3a-info.co.uk

136PartnershipsDementia Care Partnership – www.dementiacare.org.uk– Bradbury CentreNewcastle Partnership (Local Strategic Partnership) – www.newcastle.gov.uk/newcastleplan – Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership– Newcastle Futures– Safe Newcastle – www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/safenewcastle – Wellbeing & Health PartnershipNewcastle Science City – www.newcastlesciencecity.com Quality of Life Partnership – Active Ageing Group– Information NOW – www.informationnow.org.uk– Leisure, Pleasure and Learning GroupPrivate Sector organisationsAndrew Irving Associates – www.aiaresearch.co.ukB&Q – www.jobs.diy.com/jobs/working.htmlNational Union of Journalists – www.nuj.org.ukNorth East Chamber of Commerce – www.necc.co.ukPeter Fletcher Associates Ltd– www.peterfletcherassociates.co.uk

137Annex 6: Glossary of terms andabbreviationsAnti-social behaviour can be described as when a personhas acted in a manner that has caused or is likely to causeharassment, alarm and distress to one or more individualsnot of the same household as themself.Architecture Week is an annual national celebration ofcontemporary architecture which takes place in June.In the North East it is organised by Northern Architecture.See www.northernarchitecture.com .Citizenship – the term citizenship as used in this documentrefers to enabling people to play an active part in society asinformed and critical citizens who are socially and morallyresponsible.Citylife is a bi-monthly magazine published by NewcastleCity Council and delivered free to all residents and businessesin the city.Comprehensive Performance Assessments are carried outby the Audit Commission to assess the performance of localauthorities and the services that they provide for local people.Customer Service Centres are based in different parts ofNewcastle where you can get access to a range of servicesand information from the council and other public servicesall under one roof.Engagement or community engagement is a process forenabling local people to become informed and involved inlocal decision-making.

138Equality Standard for Local Government is designed toenable local authorities to consider gender, race and disabilityequality issues at all levels of council policy and practice.Extra Care Housing or ‘very sheltered housing’ is the term usedfor housing complexes for older people made up of individualflats with a range of facilities and communal areas and accessto 24-hour care.Full Service Schools provide a range of services and activitiesbeyond the school day to help meet the needs of pupils, theirfamilies and the wider community.Housing Health & Safety Rating System is a tool used toassess potential risks to the health and safety of occupantsin residential properties in England and Wales.Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) are used to analysepatterns of deprivation in an area based on 7 indicators (income;employment; health; education; housing; crime; living environment).Intergenerational Work brings people from differentgenerations together to promote greater understanding andrespect between the generations.Later Life Curriculum is a programme of courses whichenables older people to continue to acquire skills andknowledge to enable them to enjoy a good quality of life.Lifetime Homes Standards aim to create houses whichcan be adapted quickly and cost-effectively to meet thechanging needs of their residents. Seewww.jrf.org.uk/housingandcare/lifetimehomes .LinkUp is a bus service that you book like a taxi in Tyne andWear. It provides journeys at times when regular services are

139not operating or where direct services are not available. Seewww.nexus.org.uk .Local Democracy Week takes place in October and is part ofa campaign to make councils more relevant and useful to youngpeople. See www.campaigns.lga.gov.uk/localdemocracy .Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment is an approach usedto assess local areas prior to regeneration or renewal.Neighbourhood Renewal Fund is a grant given to some ofEngland’s most deprived areas to help to improve servicesand narrow the gap between deprived areas and the restof the country.Newcastle City Council Residents Survey is an annualsurvey of Newcastle residents to get their views about councilservices and the way they are provided.NHS ‘Life Check’ is a health check to be offered at up to fivepoints in a person’s life and aims to find those at risk of illnessessuch as diabetes and heart disease.Nightwatch is a night-time service provided by Newcastle CityCouncil to deal with noisy neighbours.Opportunity Age is the Government’s Strategy for an AgeingPopulation. It is led by the Department of Work and Pensionsand was published in March 2005.Outcomes Framework is a diagram summarising the aimsand outcomes of the strategy.Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a process which gives localpeople the power to spend public money to benefit theircommunities. PB is being tested in Newcastle.

140Positive Ageing is a pilot course developed by the Quality ofLife Partnership designed to give older people the informationto manage their own health and well-being.Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are independent housingorganisations registered with the Housing Corporation to providesocial housing. RSLs are run as a business but do not tradefor profit.Respect is a cross-government strategy to tackle badbehaviour and nurture good.Safe Newcastle Travel Campaign is supported by Safe NewcastlePartnership and includes a range of initiatives including CCTV onstreets and buses, better street lighting and Metro security patrols.Single Non-Emergency Number 101 is a new 24-hour numberprovided by the police and local councils in Northumberlandand Tyne & Wear to deal with community safety issues, includingcertain non-emergency crime, policing and anti-social behaviour.TaxiLink is a transport service for people with disabilitiesoperated by Nexus.Ward Committees: Each ward in Newcastle has a committeewhich brings together local councillors, residents and otherpartners like the police. It meets on a regular basis to informresidents about things that are relevant locally and to gainfeedback about what is happening in their area.Ward Co-ordinators are city council officers responsible forsupporting local people to get involved with ward committees,develop ward plans and support local councillors.Worklessness is a term used to describe people who areout of work but would like to have a job.

141Annex 7: Notes1 2005 ONS mid-year estimates2 Office of National Statistics 2004 population projections3 Office of National Statistics 20044 Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University(see www.ncl.ac.uk/iah)5 Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, 20076 Older People – A Changing Approach – Independence andWell-being 1, Audit Commission/Better Government forOlder People study, 20047 Involving Older People – What standards should weexpect? Joseph Rowntree Foundation, November 20058 Civic Pioneer – as a civic pioneer authority the Council hasmade a formal commitment to working with other areas, tosharing experiences and to involving local people in localdecisions and influencing what happens in their communities9 One in five over-65s has the internet at home. Nearly onethird use the internet for transactions (e.g. banking, shopping).Media Literacy Audit, Ofcom (see www.ofcom.org.uk)10 Census 2001 – Office of National Statistics11 Newcastle Social Services12 The evidence base for preventive services, Age ConcernEngland Research Briefing13 English Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Wave 1

14214 Sure Start for Older People15 ‘Over 55s is the fastest growing demographic online, withtwo in every three of those approaching retirement usingthe internet.’ (see www.iabuk.net/en/1/consumer.html)16 Newcastle Housing Strategy17 Census 2001 Tenure by age18 2003 Housing Requirements Study19 Newcastle Private Stock Condition Survey 200320 An Older Person Friendly City Centre: Interim Report ofWorking Group, Elders Council of Newcastle, May 2003and An Older Person Friendly City Centre: Report from aWorking Group, Elders Council of Newcastle, December200621 IMD 200422 www.thisismoney.co.uk/credit-and-loans – 22.6.06 andGuardian Unlimited Over 50s getting deeper into debt 16.8.0623 Financial Exclusion among Older People, Andrew IrvingAssociates24 Challenging Age – Information, advice and guidance forolder age groups, Department for Education and Skills, 200325 Volunteering, self-help and citizenship in later life, Baines S.,Lie M. and Wheelock J., 200626 Professor Peter Buckle, Ergonomics, University of Surrey27 Figures from Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older Peoplein Newcastle upon Tyne, unless otherwise stated

Barbara DouglasQuality of Life Partnership2nd FloorMEA HouseEllison PlaceNewcastle upon TyneNE1 8XSTel: 0191 233 0200Email: barbara.douglas@qualityoflife.org.ukLinda ScottSocial Policy TeamChief Executive’s OfficeNewcastle City CouncilCivic CentreNewcastle upon TyneNE1 8PRTel: 0191 232 8520Email: linda.scott@newcastle.gov.ukNEWCASTLECouncilDesign: GDA, Northumberland