Older People's Strategy - Newcastle City Council

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.