We can try these things ourselves and we can encourage others to do so.
We are aware that ‘ageing’ is not something that we all want to think about and that we don’t always consider ourselves as being ‘older’ or ‘old’. Having said that, there are some steps that we can take in our lives to make things easier for ourselves and those around us – hover over the blocks below for some examples.
to make a Will
and/or to talk to others about what is important to us
to get some advocacy if we struggle to have conversations about our future or to take part in those sort of discussions
to get help with practical tasks if we need this to support us with day-to-day living
to understand more about our own choices
Do you know:
The Home Care providers which have signed up to EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion. Click here for a full list.
You can compare NHS waiting lists and plan your own care. Click here
to adapt our own home to meet our needs, if we do not want to move to a different sort of property, for whatever reason
Do you know about:
The help available from Home Care and housing providers – see who has signed up to the Covenant
You might like to meet up with others, have a telephone chat or have some help to think through some of this on your own before taking the plunge – whatever you choose, there is some help
Meet up with other LGBT+ people over the age of 50 for a chat on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Palmers Cafe in central Shrewsbury 2 – 4pm.
Prefer a regular telephone chat? REACH – AgeUK’s telefriending service specifically for older and old LGBT+ people. Telephone: 01743 233123
If you want to simply start thinking things through on your own then this Life Book is really helpful – download the editable file HERE or order a printed copy for free by calling the AgeUK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602
Key life events can occur at any time. This means that our lives can change quite suddenly, so it can be helpful to have conversations and do some planning beforehand – like now – especially, as LGBT+ people are quite often less likely to do anything until we have to, for a whole load of complicated reasons!
READ ON – to find out how you can help yourselves and others.
If you’d like to read more then take a look at some of these national organisations – some with regional or local links.
Ageing Without Children – campaigning, information and support for people ageing without children
Carents – the one-stop shop for looking after elderly parents: information, services, products and experiences which could make life easier for busy ‘carers of ageing parents’ (referred to as ‘carents’)
Centre for Ageing Better – making our workplaces, homes and communities inclusive of older people, as well as building an Age-friendly Movement so that society sees ageing in a more positive and realistic way.
Creative Ageing Development Agency – Challenge ageism, celebrate and champion the cultural contribution of older people in the arts and heritage sectors
When I Get Old – Manifesto / call to action
Ray’s Experience (8 mins)
