older people – Page 5 – The NEN

Age Scotland uncovers more than £2m of unclaimed benefits

Age Scotland has identified a record £2,116,447 of unclaimed benefits for older people who called the charity’s helpline in 2024 – an increase of 34% on the previous year.

However the Scottish charity for older people stressed that the amount could be the ‘tip of the iceberg’ with millions of pounds still going unclaimed by older people who are entitled to more financial support.

Last year Age Scotland was part of a campaign urging older people on low or moderate incomes to check if they were entitled to Pension Credit, after the UK government scrapped the Winter Fuel Payment for anyone not in receipt of the benefit.

Pension Credit is available to people over State Pension age on low incomes or with modest savings, to help with the cost of living. Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability.

Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said: “The UK government’s shock decision last year to remove the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners except those who received Pension Credit made it abundantly clear just how important it is for older people to claim all the benefits they are entitled to.

“We know that many callers to our helpline are facing severe financial hardship, and that claiming the full range of benefits can make a significant difference to their lives. It can be the difference between heating their home or not and being able to eat well.

“While we welcome the increase in the amount of money uncovered in 2024, we still believe this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are millions of pounds of benefits set aside for older people – money which could be life changing – which is not being claimed.

“Our helpline advisors can carry out a full benefits check and help callers navigate the complex benefits system. We also have an online benefits calculator, and we would encourage older people to make use of our helpline or the calculator to ensure that every penny gets into the right hands.”

Anyone over the age of 50 can call the Age Scotland national helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

Case Study 1:

Mrs Smith is in her 50s and currently unable to work through ill health. Her husband is a pensioner and has suddenly become unwell himself. Their adult son lives with them.

Mrs Smith called our helpline worried about how she would cope financially. Our advisors were able to examine a number of financial scenarios based on the potential award of benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Council Tax Reduction, Adult Disability Payment, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit, as well as the effect of her son leaving home if this occurred.

The potential financial gain to Mrs Smith identified was £8,724.04 each year. This would make a huge difference and alleviated some of Mrs Smith’s worries and concerns. We were able to explain how to go about claiming the benefits and where to get help if needed along with providing a range of publications for more information.

Case Study 2

Mr Brown is approaching pension age and not able to work through ill health. He and his wife are receiving a means tested benefit but were not sure if it would stop at pension age.

Mr Brown and his wife are both in receipt of disability benefits and she also gets Carer’s Allowance for helping to look after him. They called our helpline worried and unsure about their future financial circumstances.

Our advisors completed a benefit check and identified that Mr Brown and his wife are currently being underpaid on their existing benefit and that, by correcting this, not only will they be entitled to significant arrears but this will mean they are also able to receive some Universal Credit after Mr Brown reaches pension age. We explained how to go about disputing the underpayment, how and when to claim the new benefits, and what support might be available to do this.

We also explained that Mr Brown had been misadvised by his energy supplier in relation to obtaining the £150 Warm Home Discount, how to go about disputing this and what he might be able to do if there were any problems.

The total financial gain identified for 2024 was £6,637.10. Mr Brown felt reassured about the situation following the call.

New protections needed to tackle ‘pervasively ageist culture’, says Westminster Committee

‘Widespread’ and ‘culturally embedded’ ageism requires stronger legal protections against age discrimination and a new cross-Government strategy to address the challenges and opportunities posed by the UK’s ageing population, a new report by Westminster’s Women and Equalities Committee has warned.

It recommended the UK Government assess the experience in Wales, which has a well-established Commissioner for Older People and a comprehensive network of local authority Older People’s Champions helping to deliver a national strategy, with a view to replicating a similar framework in England.

Existing age discrimination law and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) are ‘failing older people’ as their protections are inadequate and rarely enforced, WEC’s report on the rights of older people found, as it called on the Government to commission and fund a wholesale review by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

MPs found clear evidence that ageist stereotyping, including portrayals of older people as frail, helpless or incompetent, or conversely as wealth-hoarding “boomers”, is highly prevalent across the UK media and is a significant contributory factor to the normalisation of ageist attitudes.

Ageism, the report concluded, causes harm both to older individuals, including when self-limiting stereotypes are internalised, and at societal level, pitting generations against each other and breeding unnecessary and unhelpful division.

 Despite the continuing rise in older age groups across the UK – with 11 million people in England and Wales aged 65 or older and over half a million people aged over 90 – the UK’s equalities framework omits a focus on demographic change and ageing, WEC found.

It called on the Cabinet Office to establish a unit of data and policy analysts within the Office of Equality and Opportunity (OEO) to build an evidence base on the key cross-departmental challenges, including intersectional issues, facing older people now and in the coming decades.

The report called on the Government to commission and fund the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to review the effectiveness of protections against age discrimination, including consideration of the impacts of allowing objective justification of direct age discrimination; the adequacy of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and the case for more specific positive duties in England; the case for a strengthened “reasonable steps” duty on employers to prevent age discrimination; and options to better reflect in the Equality Act the intersectional nature of age discrimination, including but not limited to commencement of section 14 on dual characteristics. 

On digital exclusion from essential services, it warned some older people are at high risk, including in aspects of healthcare, local authority services, benefits and banking, adding it is a ‘considerable failure of government’ that the UK’s digital inclusion strategy has not been updated in over a decade.

WEC urged the Government to prioritise the development of a new digital inclusion strategy that includes a detailed focus on the needs of older people, including a plan for locally delivered digital skills provision and promotion of best practice in maintaining offline alternatives to digital for as long as needs remain. 

It also called on the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the broadcast media regulator Ofcom and the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) to take steps to strengthen their respective regulatory codes to better protect individuals and society from the harms of pervasive ageism.

Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Labour MP Sarah Owen, said: “The Committee’s report shows clearly that age discrimination is widespread in the UK and often minimised compared to other forms of discrimination. A comprehensive review of age discrimination law is a necessary step in tackling the UK’s pervasively ageist culture.

“The UK’s growing and increasingly diverse ageing population presents significant cross-departmental challenges and opportunities, so the lack of a Government strategy on how to respond to these issues is concerning.

“The UK Government should look to the experience in Wales, which has a dedicated Commissioner for Older People and a national strategy, and consider how to give older people a much stronger voice in policy making in England.

“Technology has become the default for many public services, meaning a refreshed Digital Inclusion Strategy is more important than ever. It is a considerable failure of government that the Digital Inclusion Strategy has not been updated, nor progress tracked, for a decade.

“Ultimately much more must be done to tackle ageist attitudes and discrimination across society, including in access to healthcare, local services, banking and transport.”

Scottish rugby legend toasts the launch of care home facility

Care home residents scrum together for brand-new pub opening

FORMER Scotland rugby international Andy Irvine has officially opened a brand-new social space at one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious care homes.

The Scotland and British and Irish Lions star joined residents at Cramond Residence to open its very own pub, marking the latest addition to the home’s outstanding facilities.

Created as a vibrant social hub, the new space now offers residents a welcoming environment to enjoy sporting events, themed gatherings and special celebrations designed to enhance residents’ social lives and wellbeing.

Decorated with an impressive array of sporting memorabilia, the pub features a signed British and Irish Lions jersey donated by Irvine from his playing days, along with a collection of Scotland rugby keepsakes.

Andy said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to open the new pub at Cramond and spend time with the residents. It’s fantastic to see a space like this created for them, where they can come together, share stories, and enjoy the social side of sport.

“The pub has a great atmosphere, and with all the memorabilia on the walls, it feels like the perfect place to watch a match or catch up over a drink.”

Richard Annan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cramond Residence said: “The new pub space has rapidly become the heart of our home. It’s wonderful to see residents connecting over shared interests, making new friends and maintaining the active social lives they’ve always enjoyed.

“Many of our residents were previously members of clubs such as rugby, golf and tennis. This new space allows them to relive those experiences while enjoying live events together in a setting that encourages natural socialisation.”

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to see how the pub continues to bring people together.”

With nine lounges spread across different suites, the care home’s team embarked on a mission to transform select areas into purposeful, engaging and social spaces.

Head of Maintenance at Cramond Residence, Billy Early, played a key role in bringing the pub to life, using his skills to craft a bespoke wooden bar and transform the space into a warm and welcoming social hub.

Billy said: “It’s been a real privilege to work on this project and see how much the residents are enjoying it already. We wanted to create a space that felt special but also comfortable – somewhere people would naturally want to spend time.

“It’s all about tailoring our spaces to the interests and passions of our residents, ensuring they can continue to enjoy the things that matter most to them.

“The pub has already become a hub of activity, and we’re looking forward to making the most of it with events such as Wimbledon, The Grand National, and the rest of the Six Nations.”

Plans are already in motion to introduce further dedicated spaces at the home, including a fully equipped gym, a hobby and games room and a nostalgic 1970s-themed living area to support residents living with dementia.

Cramond Residence prioritises the residents’ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.

The residence was purpose-built for £8m and opened in October 2018, adopting a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, please visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Postive impact of new RSV vaccine

Report shows fewer older people hospitalised

Health Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed a report showing the new RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine has led to a significant decrease in hospitalisations among older people.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, demonstrates that vaccination resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.

The Scottish Government invested £4.2 million via health boards in the vaccine supply. The programme began last August following expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Mr Gray said: “Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.

“We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This research demonstrates just how many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.

“RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants – potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.

“It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68% of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called. It is incredibly important for older adults and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”

RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform

RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform

The RSV programme was in addition to winter vaccines offered, such as flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal.

Age Scotland: Our impact in 2024

For Age Scotland, 2024 was a year of growth as demand for our services continued to increase. This comes as no surprise, with older people trying to manage the rising cost of living, soaring energy bills, and continuing levels of loneliness and isolation.

Access to and long waits for health and social care continue to cause concern. There were also new crises to adapt to, such as the UK Government’s blindsiding decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment from nearly 900,000 Scottish pensioners.

In the face of these challenges, we’ve grown our helpline and friendship services to support, advise and provide companionship to more older people than ever before.

From record-breaking levels of unclaimed social security identified through our helpline to distributing over 125,000 free information guides distributed to older people, their families and carers.

We are proud of the work we do and how we support older people in Scotland. Our Impact Report outlines what we achieved together last year.

While we have been able to support thousands of people in later life, there are many more who still desperately need our help.

We are more determined than ever to be there for those older people most in need and remain committed to ensuring that Scotland becomes the best place in the world to grow older. But we can’t do that alone.

Together, we can make Scotland the best place in the world to grow older.

AS_Impact_Report_2024_Final_Web_original Download

Cyrenians: Golden Years service to close

It is with regret that we share the news our Golden Years service is closing in the spring of 2025.

As two significant grants come to an end simultaneously we are no longer able to continue delivering our much beloved service.

We know that lots of people across Edinburgh who have found company and solace at our Golden Years events, lunch clubs, and community groups will now be looking for that support elsewhere. We are doing our utmost to signpost all of our attendees and clients to other projects in the area who may be able to provide that support.

It is with great sadness that we will be saying goodbye to our brilliant volunteer befrienders and the staff that support them. They have worked tirelessly over the years to provide consistently high quality, compassionate support to older people in our community, and we wish them the very best and thank them for their service.

Whilst we are saddened by this loss, we are proud of the work that has been done and are working hard to look at viable options that will allow the lunch clubs to continue within the community and will share updates as and when we have further information.

If you have any questions about this service closure, and what it might mean for you, please contact us at BenHall@cyrenians.scot or AmyKarp@cyrenians.scot

Independent Age reacts to Scottish Housing Conditions survey

Reacting to the 2023 Scottish House Condition Survey results, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said:
“The latest statistics released today show that 317,000 older households (37%) were in fuel poverty in Scotland in 2023, with 1 in 4 older households (25%) living in extreme fuel poverty. This is extremely concerning and shows a step change will be required to meet Scotland’s fuel poverty targets.

“As well as this, almost half (49%) of people in later life live in homes with an EPC rating of band D or below. Cold homes are hazardous to health, especially for older people. Every day, our helpline hears from people in later life who are wearing a coat indoors, washing less and skipping meals. In a socially just and wealthy nation no older person should be in fuel poverty.

“While it is welcome that the Scottish Government is working with energy companies to encourage them to put in place social tariffs for financially vulnerable customers, there is more that can be done.

“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to urgently create a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty. With 317,000 older households in fuel poverty, this can’t come soon enough. Today’s figures underscore the need for strategic action to lower bills by improving energy efficiency support and making sure the energy social security older people can access is sufficient.”

Fuel poverty targets were introduced in Scotland through the Fuel Poverty (Targets, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Act 2019.

Interim targets for 2030 state:

a) no more than 15% of households in Scotland are in fuel poverty,

(b)no more than 5% of households in Scotland are in extreme fuel poverty.

Scottish House Condition Survey: 2023 Key Findings – gov.scot

Back in the Saddle: New Course Helps Seniors Rediscover Cycling Joy

Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3^rd March, designed specifically for older adults looking to rebuild their cycling confidence. The programme offers a supportive environment for those eager to return to cycling after years away from the handlebars.

The course, based at Saughton Sports Centre’s 400m traffic-free track, uses Cycling Scotland’s acclaimed Bikeability curriculum to help participants regain their cycling prowess. At just £3 per week, or £33 for the block, the programme provides bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, though participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile while enjoying Edinburgh’s amazing network of dedicated cycle paths,” says Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults.

“Whether you want to join grandchildren on family rides or meet new people, our experienced volunteers will help you rediscover the joy of cycling at your own pace.”

The course features:

Professional instruction in essential skills including safe stopping, proper signalling, and gear management
A traffic-free learning environment
Fully qualified, passionate volunteer instructors
All necessary equipment provided
Social, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants

Upon completing the initial course, participants can progress to an 8-week Level 2 programme, where they’ll explore Edinburgh’s cycle paths using their newly refined skills.

Important Notes:

This is not a beginners’ course but is designed for those who have previously cycled
Suitable for adults aged 50 and above
No current cycling experience required
All abilities welcome

The Ageing Well project, a partnership between NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure, and Pilmeny Development Project, is part of the UK Ageing Well network dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults and increasing expectations of good health in later life.

For registration, information and to register your interest: Phone: 0131 458 2260 Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Ministerial visit celebrates groundbreaking project

Innovating the future of independent living

A GROUNDBREAKING project is revolutionising the way technology and data are integrated into independent living solutions, offering transformative benefits for individuals across Scotland.

Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has praised the Peoplehood Project, a transformative initiative by Blackwood Homes and Care in collaboration with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI during a visit.

The visit took place at the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service, where Mr Gray experienced first-hand the innovative use of technology and data designed to support healthier, independent living for Scotland’s elderly and vulnerable populations.

Launched in 2022, the £12.5 million Peoplehood Project has engaged over 500 participants across Buckie, Dundee and Glasgow. The three-year project has co-designed new independent living models, incorporating cutting-edge assisted technologies and digital skills training aimed at improving quality of life while reducing dependence on social care services.

Neil Gray MSP commented: “The integration of technology into every-day lives is a key requirement in supporting individuals to live well at home for longer, and to support our health and social care services. We recognise that innovation must be at the heart of how we deliver these services across Scotland.

It is therefore important to recognise and to take the opportunity to learn from projects, such as Peoplehood, which are paving the way for a more sustainable and person-centred approach to social care.”

During the tour, Mr. Gray explored a Blackwood Home, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and witnessed how the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service is using the technology to the benefit of users.

Steph Sutherland, Development and Commercial Director at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “At Blackwood, our vision is to help people live their lives to the full.

“The Peoplehood Project has demonstrated the transformative potential of assistive technology in creating homes and communities that support independence.

“The learnings from the project will help shape our approach to independent living, ensuring that we can support as many people as possible to thrive in their homes and communities while leading healthier, more connected lives.”

Heather Thomson, Interim CEO of The Data Lab, added: “This collaboration demonstrates Scotland’s immense potential for innovation in health and social care. Through the power of data and AI, we are delivering ethical, impactful solutions that benefit communities across the country.”

The Peoplehood Project aligns with the UK Government’s Healthy Ageing Challenge Framework, addressing critical themes such as reducing social isolation, promoting independence, and fostering healthier lifestyles. The project’s insights are expected to influence Scotland’s social care sector on a national scale.

Blackwood Homes and Care, operating over 1,700 homes across 28 local authority areas, is renowned for its innovative approach to accessible housing, exemplified by the award-winning Blackwood House and CleverCogs technology.

Collaborating with The Data Lab – which is supported by the Scottish Government via the Scottish Funding Council National Innovation programme – the University of Edinburgh, CENSIS, Carebuilder and Mydex, the project harnesses data science to develop sustainable solutions for healthy ageing and independent living, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in data-driven social care innovation.

For more information about Blackwood Homes and Care, visit:
https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk

For more information about The Data Lab, visit: https://thedatalab.com/