London Launches Older People Strategy

London is often seen as a city of young people, but almost 16 per cent of the city’s population – nearly 1.2 million people – are aged 60 or over, and almost a quarter of a million people are aged over 80. Valuing Older People, the Mayor’s Older People’s Strategy, aims to challenge stereotyping of older people and provide a framework to develop a city in which older Londoners have the support they need to lead active, healthy and independent lives.

The strategy, published in September 2006, is available to download

Valuing Older People – Older People Strategy PDF
Valuing Older People – Older People Strategy RTF

In addition to the full strategy, a 20-page summary is also available:

Older People Strategy – Summary PDF
Older People Strategy – Summary RTF

The Mayor said: ‘It is time to challenge negative perceptions about older people to make sure that their contribution to society and the economy is properly valued. Eleven per cent of older Londoners are still in employment, they provide £500 million worth of free care for their grandchildren, and over two hundred thousand people aged over sixty do voluntary work in the wider community.

‘My strategy for older people in London will ensure that their needs and aspirations are integral to the planning and delivery of services across the city. Improving services for London’s older people is not only a concern for those of us who are older now, but for the future generations too.’

The Older People Strategy’s development and content has been informed by a detailed consultation exercise with many of London’s older people. The Mayor published his draft Strategy in November 2005 with a three-month public consultation period. GLA staff attended 27 consultation events and received 565 completed consultation questionnaires and 80 written submissions. As far as possible the comments submitted have been incorporated into this strategy.