Living in Fear – Older Private Renters in London

George HarveyEvents

Over the last eighteen months, Age UK London has been investigating the experiences of older private renters in London as part of our Older Private Sector Tenants Programme. Funded by the Nationwide Foundation, the research collated the views of older Londoners across a series of focus groups and individual interviews to gain a broad insight into the experiences of older renters in the capital. This information formed the basis of our brand new research report: “Living in Fear – Experiences of Older Private Renters in London”.

With the report completed, Age UK London hosted a launch event to reveal our findings at the Coin Street Conference Centre on the South Bank, find out all about the event…

air pollution

Air Pollution – How do we Fight it?

George HarveyCampaigns

This is particularly concerning from our point of view, as older people are considered one of the most vulnerable groups for this type of pollution – especially those with heart or respiratory conditions. As it currently stands, the quality of London’s air is illegally poor, it is the most pressing threat to the future health of London. It is therefore unsurprising that the Draft Environment Strategy states that the Mayor wants to “dramatically reduce the number of Londoners whose lives are blighted by poor air quality.”

Air pollution poses a huge risk to older Londoners – but what can we do about it? We discuss our recent conference on the risks of air pollution and outline the Mayor’s proposals for change in the Draft Environment Strategy.

fruit and veg

Fruit and Veg – Too Much or Too Little?!

Lynn StrotherCampaigns

“How are you managing? Do you actually eat 5 portions of fruit and veg day? Well done if you do – I don’t think there are many of us who actually succeed apart from the odd occasion! 5 portions of dark chocolate a day I can manage, but fruit and veg?!”

Following the culmination of our Fit 4 Purpose programme, our online Opinion Exchange closed. This week on the blog we thought we’d highlight one of the articles posted there earlier this year, all about the proposed changes to our recommended daily allowance of fruit and veg. You can find this article and many more on our Opinion Exchange.

A Whole Host of Events!

George HarveyAge UK London Blog

It’s been a busy year so far here at Age UK London, but we’re showing no signs of stopping as we head into the winter months! With that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to run through some of the events we have coming up in the run up to the new year… Take a look and see how you could get involved!

Age Allies #4 – Getting Pensive About Your Pension

Richard NormanAge Allies

“There is also an interesting psychological element which has implications not only for income levels but for social attitudes towards older people: younger people are more likely to view their future self as a stranger with whom they have no emotional or physical connection.”

This month’s Age Allies blog tries to get to the root of ageism. Is age discrimination so prevalent in society because younger people can’t imagine their older selves? How do we go about changing this? Read on to find out more…

Royal Parks Half 2

Running the Royal Parks Half Marathon

Chloe SmithEvents

“What also keeps me going when my lungs feel like they’re on fire and my legs feel like lead, is the knowledge that I am raising money for such a worthwhile cause. It was impossible choosing a charity to run for, all are fantastic, however, whenever I read in the press about older people being lonely, without heating or enough to eat, it strikes a chord. A study, the findings of which were released earlier this month, suggests that loneliness is deadlier than obesity.”

This week’s blog comes from Chloe Smith, who is one of five fundraisers undertaking the Royal Parks Half Marathon on behalf of Age UK London! Chloe takes us through the preparation needed to tackle the 13.1 miles and explains what inspired her to raise money for older Londoners.

Gangsta Granny

Gangsta Granny!

George HarveyArts & Theatre

Today is an exciting day for us at Age UK London – we’re heading down to the Garrick Theatre in the West End to raise funds at the matinee showing of Gangsta Granny! If you’re at the show today be sure to say hello to our group of volunteers who’ll be collecting to make sure that we can continue to make the voices of older Londoners as loud as possible.

Seeing as Gangsta Granny is set to run until September 3rd, we thought it’d be fun to tell you a little more about the show and discuss the lessons it teaches us.

Age Allies #3 – A Senior Moment?

Richard NormanAge Allies

“The use of such negative language about older people is habitual and has become so mainstream, we hardly recognise we’re doing it. But the effects and consequences of our choice of vocabulary run deep. This socially ingrained ageism can become self-fulfilling as it repeats stereotypes of physical and mental decline, social isolation, and economic burden. There are only so many times you need to be told that you are helpless or dependent before you start to believe it.”

In the third of Age UK London’s monthly Age Allies blogs, Richard Norman explores the phrase “senior moment” and questions why such negative stereotypes feature when we discuss ageing.

Fit 4 Purpose – Gone but not Forgotten!

George HarveyCampaigns

March 2017 saw the end of our Fit 4 Purpose project after a four year period. Fit 4 Purpose was a capacity building project funded by London Councils which saw Age UK London work in partnership with Opening Doors London. The project reached over 500 organisations across London, working with them to make sure they could effectively serve older Londoners. All 32 boroughs, including the City of London, had several of their local older people’s organisations taking part in Fit 4 Purpose.

Over 100 workshops took place over the course of the four year period. These sessions were an opportunity to “skill-up” organisations that worked with Older Londoners as well as a chance to network across the capital, sharing intelligence and knowledge to build upon good practice.

Considering the success of the project, we thought it’d be good to give it a proper send off in this week’s blog!

silver sunday

Silver Sunday – Supporting Older People

Lucinda HurreyAwareness Days

“Attending a Silver Sunday event can be the first step for many older people to get out, make friends, and try something new. As well as giving them confidence, it also encourages them to stay mentally and physically active, learn new skills, and ensure they feel they are a valued part of their community.

Hundreds of free events and activities for people aged 65 and over will be taking place across the country marking the sixth annual Silver Sunday. This year it takes places on Sunday 1st October, the same day as the United Nation’s International Day for Older People.”

Here’s all the info you need to take part in this year’s Silver Sunday!