Minister for older people leads celebration of Age Scotland’s 75th anniversary

The new Minister for Older People, Christina McKelvie MSP, thanked the contributions of hundreds of charity supporters over the span of Age Scotland’s 75 years yesterday (2 October) at a reception in the Scottish Parliament. There will also be a debate at Holyrood today (3 October) to mark the charity’s anniversary. These events coincide with the UN International Day of Older Persons (1 October).

The charity launched a new film and publication, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, called “Speaking up for our age”, at the reception which documents the 75 year history of national and local older people’s groups and organisations in Scotland.

Over 150 volunteers, individuals from member groups of Age Scotland and politicians celebrated the work of community organisations working to improve the lives of older people in Scotland over seven decades. The parliamentary reception also heard from Lord George Foulkes, the charity’s chair who has been heavily involved over the last 45 years, from his time on the Scottish Older People’s Welfare Committee, the first Scottish Director of Age Concern and as the current Chair of Age Scotland.

Four older people’s charities received special awards at the reception. Age Concern Ayr, Dundee Age Concern, Falkirk Age Concern and Glasgow’s Golden Generation. These are all important charities who were founded in the 1940s, have illustrious histories and are still providing outstanding service and support to older people in their communities today.

Minister for Older People, Christine McKelvie MSP said:
“I warmly wish Age Scotland a happy 75th birthday. Age Scotland share our desire to ensure older people enjoy fulfilled and meaningful lives, where they are properly celebrated and able to play a full part in society.

“Reaching 75 is a fantastic achievement for any charity. I am confident Age Scotland is well placed to continue its great work helping older people in Scotland for many more years to come.”

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said:

“We’re delighted to celebrate this significant anniversary with so many older people’s groups, supporters and volunteers who’ve built and contributed to our work over the last 75 years. It is especially welcome that Scotland’s first Minister for Older People will help lead this celebration and to Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame for hosting this reception in the Scottish Parliament.

“Over the last 75 years, Age Scotland and predecessor charities from the Scottish Older People’s Welfare Committee, to Age Concern and Help the Aged have been at the forefront of campaigning to improve the lives of older people in Scotland. The history is fascinating and the issues affecting the lives of older people have broadly remained consistent. Housing, poverty, health and loneliness are all issues which affect older people as much today as they did 75 years ago. We have come far, but there is still a long way to go.

“Looking forward, the challenges of a rapidly ageing population and a projected 50% increase in the number of people living with dementia means that the work to make Scotland fit for the future must be a priority. Age Scotland are focussed on tackling loneliness and isolation, ensuring that older people are supported to live independently in their own home with a decent income, improving their health and wellbeing, supporting an ageing workforce and promoting a positive view of ageing.”