We have moved our blog to our website. You can read our latest blogs here. If you have a suggestion for a blog or would like to write an article about issues that are relevant for older Londoners please get in touch by emailing campaigns@ageuklondon.org. Share this post: Recommend on Facebook Tweet about it Print for later Tell a friend
Author: Age UK London
Age UK London is the new name for Age Concern London. We act as the collective voice of London's Age UKs and Age Concerns, working to improve the quality of life and enhance the status and influence of older people in the capital.
Memories of the Queen
This month we celebrate 35 years of service to Age UK organisations by our Finance and Corporate services officer, Margot Luke. Margot joined what is now Age UK Waltham Forest in September 1987 where she worked for 22 years and joined Age UK London in 2009 where she is an important and much appreciated member of our small team. During her time Margot has seen many changes within the charity, team members coming and going and a merger between Help the Aged and Age Concern creating what is our network of Age UK today. Margot has also seen many world […]
Dial-a-Ride Report: From Door to More – Serena’s Story
On 6 July, Age UK London (AUKL) and Transport for London (TfA) launched the Dial-a-Ride report: From Door to More. The report was the result of in-depth research carried out with 14 Dial-a-Ride service users of varying disabilities and ages. The report outlines how the door-to-door free bus service is essential to everyday life for users – but there are flaws. Share this post: Recommend on Facebook Tweet about it Print for later Tell a friend
Mayoral candidate blog – Mandu Reid
Age UK London recently hosted its Older Londoners’ Election Hustings 2021 and have also released its Manifesto.
We asked the top London Mayoral Candidates if they would write a blog post for older Londoners. Here we have the first piece, from Mandu Reid, Leader of the Women’s Equality Party.
Letters from Lockdown
The current pandemic has revealed some of the deepest inequalities that have often remained hidden in our society. Ageing Better in Camden’s members have been writing a weekly newsletter for one another throughout lockdown, as a way to keep informed in these challenging times.
Saving the Free TV Licence
“When mobility issues mean you struggle to get out and about, the TV helps you stay connected. When money is a constant worry, it’s a way to escape. And when you spend your days alone, it gives you something to rely on, something to look forward to. For over a million of the oldest people in our society, TV is their main form of company. It’s not just ‘the box in the corner’, it’s a window to the world, and a human voice when they’ve not spoken to another person in days.”
Following the news that the BBC plans to means test the TV licence for the over 75s, we explain why the free TV licence is such a valuable resource and why means testing isn’t as fair as you might think.
Holobalance – A New Way to Manage Balance Disorders
“Both of the focus groups took place at Age UK London over two dates, November 23rd and November 29th. Matthew Liston, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences at Kings College London and Sharon Tynan of Age UK London demonstrated and explained the purpose of an array of wearable sensors and gadgets on the day including, insoles, heart rate monitor, augmented reality headsets and accelerometers. The older people in attendance had many questions about the kit and how long one would need to wear it as well as how it would work. The older people brought their wealth of knowledge to the focus groups and came up with good practical ideas about Holobalance and its future development.”
Age UK London is one of 13 partners across 7 European countries involved in the Holobalance project. Find out how we’re getting older Londoners’ views to the forefront of the development of Holobalance.
#SwitchedOff: why we’re campaigning to save free TV for older people
“It’s a common misconception that all older people are comfortably off these days. In fact nearly a fifth of over 75s are living in poverty. For them, paying a hefty extra bill would simply be impossible when they’re barely scraping by as it is. Added to this, half of over 75s are living with a disability. Many of them rely on their TV for companionship and entertainment. And for those who don’t have the internet – a considerable proportion of the oldest in our society – TV enables them stay up to date with what’s happening in the world.”
For over a million of the oldest people in our country, television is their main form of compa-ny. Right now, that’s under threat. Together, we must take a stand. The BBC is considering removing the right to free TV
licences for the over 75s. If this is al-lowed to happen, it’s the most vulnerable people in our society who’ll suffer.
Purple Tuesday: Accessible Shopping for All!
“Nearly one in every five people in the UK has a disability or impairment, and over half of households have a connection to someone with a disability, so it goes without saying that businesses and organisations must be attuned to the needs of all their customers.”
This week saw the launch of Purple Tuesday, the UK’s first ever accessible shopping day! But what is Purple Tuesday and why is it so important? We investigate.
How Prepared are you for Flooding in London?
“Did you know that 1.3 million people are living and working in areas of the city at risk of tidal and river flooding? How about that around a third of London’s basement properties are at risk of flooding in a severe storm?”
Monday 12th November sees the start of Flood Awareness Week. The week involves a partnership of the Mayor of London, Environment Agency, Thames Water and London Resilience working together to improve awareness of flood risk and help Londoners get prepared ahead of the winter months. But how at risk is London from flooding? How can you prepare? Let’s investigate…