Agenda item

(Mr M J Angell, Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and the KCC’s Older People’s Champion, was in attendance for this item at the invitation of the Committee).

(1)       Mr Angell introduced the report and commented on how much of the vision set out in “Unlocking Kent’s Potential” (Item B2 on today’s agenda) covered what the Living Later Life to the Full framework sought to achieve.  He emphasised the cross-cutting nature of the Framework and said that it had been reported to all POCs for comment and endorsement.

(2)       Members made the following comments:-

(a)       the reporting of the Framework to all POCs for comment and endorsement was welcomed;

(b)       the later years are a time when health and care inequalities are most noticeable and pronounced.  People have very diverse needs which are often very expensive to meet;

(c)        a different approach to ageing has emerged in recent years, and attitudes are still changing.  Older people now expect and seek an active life and involvement in public life.  They have much to offer and expect to be able to put their time, energy and skills to good use.  Alongside the health and care provision problems which come with age, it is important also to emphasise the positive side and show a balanced picture;

(d)       although restricted in the number of hours of paid employment they can take on, older people can contribute much on a voluntary basis;

(e)       some opportunities, however, are restricted by costs or regulations. For example, car insurance for those over 70 can be very expensive and over 75s are required to retake their driving test every three years;

(f)         although an ageing population brings problems and challenges, it also presents an opportunity to rethink how we provide care and explore new opportunities, e.g. Telehealth and Telecare;

(g)       older people with experience of bringing up a family can be a great support as mentors and advisers to young parents, teaching them tried and tested home and parenting skills;

(h)        inter-generational work is a challenge but could be very rewarding for both young and old.  Older people could pass on life skills and young people could teach older people how to use and benefit from new technology;

(i)         it is important that KCC does not assume that it knows what older people want and aspire to, but must always ask them.  It is particularly important to embrace equality and diversity and let BME communities tell KCC what they want rather than rely on assumptions; and

(j)    older People’s Forums across Kent empower older people to become involved in public work.

(3)       Mr Angell thanked Members for their valuable contributions and invited them to send any further comments they wish to make direct to him or to the report authors – Deborah Exall and Tim Woolmer.

(4)       RESOLVED that:-

(a)       the information in the report and given in response to Members’ comments and questions be noted, with thanks;

(b)       Kent’s Policy Framework for Later Life be endorsed; and

(c)        Members’ comments, set out in paragraph (2) above, be taken into account as part of the consultation exercise.