Former Archbishop speaks out against society 'obsessed' with youth

Older people are being side-lined and ignored because of society’s obsession with youth, a former Archbishop of Canterbury has claimed.

Marking his appointment as Patron for older person’s charity Abbeyfield Society, Lord Williams of Oystermouth wants more people to recognise the contributions older people make to society and engage in open conversations about the issues which are affecting older people’s daily life.

The former Archbishop has warned against avoiding the challenges of ageing until it is too late and said it is crucial to move the needs of over 65s up to the top of society’s agenda.

He said: “Society’s obsession with youth has gone so far that older people are being side-lined and ignored.

“Too many people make the mistake of thinking that after a certain age, people are bound to be dependent and that they won’t have ordinary human needs, interests or energy.

“This is quite wrong. Society is the exchange we have with each other and what we offer changes at different points in our lives.

“Older people give so much and yet they tend to be ignored and therefore invisible. It seems that on the relatively rare occasions that the national conversation does turn to the over 65s, it does so in terms of anxiety and in the belief that they are a drain on society.

“Getting older can be a challenge, but it can also be a great joy and bring valuable rewards. Older people contribute a huge amount to the UK, not least in volunteering, helping their families with childcare and increasingly as experienced and valued career people. They are anything but a drain and when they need support, society should give it generously.”

Abbeyfield Society relies on the support of up to 9,000 volunteers to ensure over 8,000 older people living in 528 homes throughout the UK are supported to live well.