Allowing elderly people to stay in their own homes rather than go into a home

Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of the UK Homecare Association has stated that funding care allowing people to stay at home is "cost efficient as it extends people's wellbeing, reducing admissions to A&E, and helps people return home from hospital quicker." The Care and Support Alliance study shows that since 2007-8 (when the global financial crisis began) the number of people receiving state-funded care in England slumped by 347,000 or more than a quarter. It is clear that services are being squeezed but if authorities take the long view, they will see that investing in providing good quality care in people's homes, they are saving money in the long run. Not just for themselves, but for their future care budget and NHS resources. Surely authorities and in particular government (as well as other political parties) should see the benefit of this way of thinking. It not only makes sense, it is practical and ensures the wellbeing of the older sections of the UK population.

The Amazings_learn some old skills in a new way

Think you could do with learning something new in 2014? The Amazings feature online courses in diverse subjects such as crocheting, quilting, felting, embroidering. All of the courses are hosted by older members of the community and you can start a free trial to see if you like it. They are a mixture of video, commentary, teacher's notes and I believe you can ask the tutor about the lessons. Now that is the sort of entrepreneurial spirit we love and we all get to learn something new too. https://www.theamazings.com/online_activities

Illusionist Derren Brown tries to change perceptions of older people

Some say he is controversial but there is no doubt that Derren Brown has talent and makes brilliant television. December 2013 and Channel 4 aired one of his programmes. Pensioners were trained to steal in The Great Art Robbery. There were a few people who couldn't quite believe it. A few of my younger friends were a bit confused about the whole thing and then a bit shocked that they would agree to do such a thing. But then having said that, would they be as shocked about people doing the same thing as a young man or woman? So the programme itself made me smile, laugh but most of all, I was astonished. Hats off to Derren Brown who is a genius. And for challenging stereotypes in the process! Yes! Derren Brown says "If I could be like (one of the participants) when I'm older, that would be great." Talking of the participants, he says... "They were all very engaged with life and very engaged with their retirement. It's good to know that you don't stop doing things just because you hit 65."