The perception of retirement as a time of inactivity and the countryside as
an area of retreat is challenged in a new book from Age Concern and the
Commission for Rural Communities.
Britain’s countryside has a growing number of older residents and the balance
between age groups is shifting faster than in urban areas. This will have an
impact on all aspects of life in the country – economic activity, community, and
services – but rather than create villages of highly dependent residents, the
book argues that the ageing demographic could help build dynamic communities
rather than be a burden on society.
Older people are increasingly economically active in rural areas, where
part-time work gives them the opportunity to work more flexibly as they approach
or are in retirement, and the majority of over 65s in rural areas continue to
lead active social and domestic lives.
Far from being dependent, over 65s living in the countryside are more likely to
give help than receive it, by volunteering for community organisations such as
Age Concern that provide vital services. However, there are older people who do
need extra support. The type of family and social networks a person has, whether
they are still actively working or volunteering, and their state of health are
all better indicators of what those needs are than a person’s age.
Where these factors are in play, older people will need to access services that
will support them so that they can continue to live independently. Many older
people rely on others for assistance with day-to-day tasks bringing them vital
social contact as well as support. Those who have aged in their communities will
find this easier as they have a lifetime of social networks to support them,
than those who live in areas that have changed rapidly and therefore diffused
their social networks.
Dr Stuart Burgess, the Rural Advocate, said, "It is important that those of us
who care deeply for the future of rural England and for the future welfare of
its people, consider carefully the ageing of the countryside. This book
complements the work the Commission for Rural Communities is doing to tackle
rural disadvantage amongst older people in rural areas."
Gordon Lishman, Director General, Age Concern said: “The dynamics of the ageing
countryside are complex and changing but, as this book argues, they offer the
opportunity for rural areas to act as both a reference point and a testing
ground for policy makers and analysts in understanding the broader implications
of demographic ageing and the lessons it can offer an ageing nation. This new
book will help inform the 21st Century policy agenda for both rural areas and
for our wider society.”
Copies can be ordered online at http://www.ace.org.uk/bookshop/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&product=21308B49-E7FB-1C5F-E5C38EE30B20BBB3
or by phoning 0870 44 22 120
All of the above text is a press release provided by the quoted organization.
globalagingtimes.com accepts no responsibility for their accuracy.