SNP MSP celebrates Age Scotland’s 80th anniversary

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 00:01

Kenneth Gibson MSP: we owe a debt of gratitude to Scotland’s older generation “We owe a debt of gratitude to Scotland’s older generation” SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said, ahead of his Members’ Business debate this afternoon (Wednesday) celebrating Age Scotland’s 80th Anniversary. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament later today, the Cunninghame North MSP will congratulate Age Scotland for its invaluable contribution through its...Request free trial

Kenneth Gibson MSP: we owe a debt of gratitude to Scotland’s older generation

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Scotland’s older generation” SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said, ahead of his Members’ Business debate this afternoon (Wednesday) celebrating Age Scotland’s 80th Anniversary.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament later today, the Cunninghame North MSP will congratulate Age Scotland for its invaluable contribution through its work in helping older people to live as well as possible, promoting positive views of ageing and later life, and in tackling loneliness and isolation.

Currently, 15% of pensioners in Scotland live in relative poverty, while one in ten live in persistent poverty - exacerbated by the Tory UK Government reckless welfare cuts and austerity measures.

It is expected that by 2045, almost half of Scotland’s population will be over the age of 50.

Commenting ahead of this afternoon’s debate, Kenneth Gibson MSP:

“I welcome the opportunity to bring this important debate to chamber in recognition of a charity that has given so much to Scotland’s older generation, and to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Age Scotland.

“Scotland has an aging population, and it’s now more vital than ever that we recognise the achievements and contribution Scotland’s older generation have made to Scottish society and ensure that appropriate support is available to them in the later phase of their life.

“More than 100,000 older people in Scotland have reported feeling lonely all or most of the time – equivalent to one person on every street in Scotland – and it is on all of us as elected representatives to tackle this.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Scotland’s older generation and cannot allow them to be forgotten.”

ENDS

NOTES

Austerity, the cost-of-living crisis, and the economic impact of Brexit have worsened social problems such as social exclusion.

The Scottish Government has piloted the abolition of peak time rail fares to make train travel more reasonable for older people.

The Scottish Government has increased pay for social care workers in a direct care role to help social care staff, their families, and our communities - making social care a more attractive employment option. This will provide a much-needed support to our precious social care sector, on which many older people depend.

Scottish Ministers will continue to work with its partners to advance equality for people throughout Scotland, in line with the Equality Act 2010. This includes engaging with the Older People’s Strategic Action Forum to identify and develop solutions to barriers faced by older people.