In a report prepared for the Greater London Authority that explores how London could become more age friendly and develop the role of older Londoners, Jane Scobie also explored the ideas and input of older change makers in the capital. Interviewing older Londoners who are leading and mobilising to make London more Age friendly she wanted to ensure that her report gave them a voice in the discussions on how to develop better practice and make London a better place to grow old.
Jane interviewed older change makers and members of key stakeholder groups. In response to the question: “What project led by and for older Londoners would you like to expand and why?” she received this response about Magic Me’s Cocktails in Care Homes project:
“Cocktails in Care Homes – organises parties for young professionals and older residents. “we want to change the perception of what a care home is, remove the taboo and feeling it is an unknown place.” A key benefit to younger volunteers is to socialise with each other as well as with care home residents.”
Asked for three wishes to make London a better place to grow old one of the key themes coming out of these answers was around respect, intergenerational understanding and combating ageism:
“Being respected and understood by other generations, businesses and service providers is a key wish. Older change makers expressed concern that they were stereotyped and patronised despite their life experience. Action to support older people’s agency and multi-generational activities that bring different generations together as equals and for a common purpose is valued.”
You can read the full report here
Photos: Cocktails in Care Homes, picture by Lisa Belletty of People’s Post Code Lottery and