The Age Action Alliance, launched to coincide with Older People's Day celebrations, will work together to improve the lives of older people and help transform communities into better places to grow older. 

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is joining dozens of organisations from across the voluntary, private and public sectors who are coming together to celebrate the lives of older people and address the challenges of our ageing society.

As the first national initiative of its kind, the Alliance aims to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged older people, prevent deprivation in later life and challenge age discrimination. It will build on successful projects developed by the voluntary and private sectors and government programmes and will champion innovative ways of working to deliver practical solutions.

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: "By joining the Age Action Alliance Dorset Fire and Rescue Service will be making a public commitment to work with other organisations, and in a very practical way make a difference to the quality of life of the most disadvantaged older people and prevent deprivation in later life."

Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed the launch of the Age Action Alliance: "People are now living longer, more active lives and we must do more to reach out to older generations, not only to help the most vulnerable but also to better understand their needs and recognise the important role they play in society.

"So many older people take an active role in their local community that puts many of us to shame.  I want to encourage others to follow in their footsteps, through volunteering and being part of the Big Society so we can all benefit from their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.

"The launch of the Age Action Alliance will unite those working in this sector in celebration of the role of older people in this country and ensure their voice is heard at the very heart of Government."

The vision of the Age Action Alliance is that it will be informed by older people themselves. It will tackle several issues relevant to older people, including public health and active lifestyles, safe warm homes, improving the lives of excluded groups, combating loneliness and isolation, working on age-friendly neighbourhoods, promoting digital inclusion and new attitudes to ageing.

For information on the Alliance visit:  www.ageactionalliance.org  

 

Posted October 4th, 2011 at 1215 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com