Celebrating Older People in Our Communities

Since 1991, the United Nations has observed October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons to promote the importance of older individuals in society. This year’s theme, Ageing with Dignity, is about recognising and celebrating the integral and invaluable contributions of our older friends and neighbours that help strengthen our communities. The day also aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations worldwide.

Despite the crucial role of older people in our society, their contributions are often overlooked. Older individuals can face significant challenges, including health issues, social isolation, and ageism, making it difficult for some to participate fully in community life and contribute to their overall wellbeing.

It is essential to recognise and address such challenges, ensuring that older individuals can continue to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our communities.

Cllr. Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Older People’s Champion, said: “Here at RCT Council, we are committed to creating an inclusive community where older people can thrive and continue to play an integral role.

“Our initiatives and support networks have been specifically designed to ensure that our older residents feel valued and supported, while being provided with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society.

“Additionally, the Council’s membership to the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in April 2024 is a clear demonstration of our commitment to our older residents.”

In RCT, we are proud to have several initiatives and provisions in place to support our older residents, including:

Investment in Extra Care: Extra Care Facilities in Aberdare and Pontypridd that provide essential support. Further Extra Care sites being developed in Porth and Mountain Ash, with a specialist dementia care facility in Ferndale.

Community Groups: Many of which are developed and delivered by older people including Pontypridd Men’s Shed, Fernhill & Glenboi over 60s, and Tonypandy OAPs.

Support Networks: The RCT Community Support Steering Group, Neighbourhood Networks, 50+ Forums, and the Older Persons Advisory Group (OPAG).

Dementia Support: Programmes like the Community Listening Campaign using local listeners to understand what dementia care and support looks like in our communities, the development of local Dementia Friendly Communities, and Dementia/Memory cafes, plus funding to support groups and organisations to develop risk reduction activities and raise awareness of dementia in local communities.

Organisations: Age Connects Morgannwg, Cwm Taf Care & Repair, Alzheimer’s Society, Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, and Interlink RCT.

Volunteers and Discounts: Volunteers are heavily invested in age-friendly provisions, and various discounts are available for older residents.

Learn more about age-friendly initiatives within RCT here.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council was recognised as part of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities earlier this year. This network was established in 2010, connecting cities, communities, and organisations globally. Members of the network commit to making their communities excellent places to grow old in through improvements to age-friendly environments, as well as promoting healthy ageing and a good quality of life for older residents.

You can find out more about the Council’s membership here: Working Towards an Age Friendly Community

CBC – RCT

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Monday 7th October 2024