European Year of the Elderly (Hansard, 18 January 1993)

§ Mr. Yeo

The Department, in co-operation with the Department of Social Security, has overall co-ordinating 87W responsibility for the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations in the United Kingdom and we are now well advanced with our plans. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health launched the Year in the United Kingdom at the age resource awards, which were presented in London on 17 December 1992 by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Following consultation with a wide range of national voluntary and professional bodies, statutory authorities and other relevant Government Departments, we have set up a group to advise on the conduct, promotion and evaluation of the programme of events to celebrate the year. The group involves representatives of organisations reflecting the interests of older people, including the National Pensioners' Convention, and will take direct account wherever possible of the views and preferences of older people themselves. The programme in the United Kingdom will focus on four major themes: Combating "ageism" and promoting positive images of ageing; Volunteering; Health promotion and active leisure, including remaining mentally active; Social integration, including problems of isolation and loneliness, information needs, housing, transport and community care issues.

Four task groups have also been set up to examine each of these themes and put forward specific proposals.

There will he two elements to the year in the United Kingdom: a core programme involving national events focusing on the four themes, including cultural and sporting events, exhibitions and conferences; and a general programme, consisting of activities organised by individual groups and voluntary bodies.

The Department has committed £81,000 in the current financial year for the costs of a secretariat—based at Age Concern England headquarters—to co-ordinate the core programme and to disseminate news and information.