The Ready for Ageing Alliance have published a manifesto encouraging Government and relevant businesses, to react and prepare for increased longevity.
Established in 2013, the alliance was formed in reaction to the Filkin report that stated the country isn’t ready for the ever-ageing population.
The alliance is a coalition of some of England’s most influential independent organisations that work to support older people. Members include a variety of charities and organisations such as Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and Carers UK.
According to reports, our demographic is changing rapidly and by 2030 it’s expected there will be an increase of 101% in the number of people aged 85 and over, and a 51% increase in those aged 65 and over, compared to figures in 2010. 1 in 3 of babies born last year will reach their 100th birthday and by 2051 there will be over 1 million of us living with dementia — more than double than in 2012.
The Ready for Ageing Alliance says it’s fantastic we are living longer, but we need to adapt and respond to the issues this brings. Within the manifesto they call for the Government to establish a dedicated point of contact solely for age and ageing policy.
A list of goals is set out in the Getting Ready for Ageing manifesto which asks the nation to develop new ways of dealing with age-related issues, including ending discrimination, updating hospital and workplace systems, and starting to truly value older people, who are said to be highly beneficial to the economy.
The most important areas of focus advised by the alliance that will help us prepare for getting older are:
- Keeping fit
- Establish savings
- Paying off debts
- Smokers should quit or cut down
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Planning ahead
- Keeping friends and establishing new friendships
- Adapting our homes
- Keeping up to date with modern culture
- Get talking about ageing
A key part of planning is to ensure people are writing a will and providing concise details on what they would like to happen after they die. It’s even more important to gain advice from a legal professional when preparing a will, as there are ever-more issues that can arise if it’s not completed correctly.
You should be encouraging your clients to take note of this manifesto and make them aware of the benefits of early planning, as well as updating their will when circumstances change.
