Why we’re calling for an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland
As we launch our campaign for a Commissioner with the support of more than 30 organisations, our Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Officer Louise Brady explains how the role could help
At Independent Age we’re campaigning for the Scottish Government to establish an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland. Sitting independently of Government, an Older People’s Commissioner would champion the rights of older people in Scotland, promote their interests and ensure their voices are heard by decision makers.
More than 30 organisations from across the third sector have united behind this call, from older people’s charities, health and social care organisations, to food charities and digital inclusion coalitions, among others. Like the interests of the organisations who support the call for a Commissioner, the issues older people face in Scotland are wide-ranging and diverse. Together, we know the introduction of a Commissioner will shine a light on these issues and will work to develop innovative solutions that improve the lives of older people in Scotland.
Many older people in Scotland tell us they feel undervalued and forgotten about. During a recent debate on Healthy Ageing in Scotland, an MSP admitted that she struggled to remember the last time they debated in the Scottish Parliament issues relating to older people. This is very much the case regarding issues faced by pensioners who are struggling financially — pensioner poverty is rarely mentioned by legislators. We believe it should be at the centre of the Government’s agenda.
At Independent Age, we campaign to improve the lives of older people experiencing financial hardship. Currently across Scotland, one in seven pensioners live in poverty — a total of 150,000 people. For those living alone or privately renting their home, the poverty rate rises — to one in five and 39% respectively. Older people have told us that they are choosing between eating a meal or heating their home as they cannot afford to do both.
We believe that an Older People’s Commissioner would be a voice for all older people in Scotland. By engaging with people in later life and informing decision makers about the varying issues they experience, a Commissioner is vital to dismantling the stereotypes that older people in Scotland are a homogenous group and that they all live comfortably in retirement.
It’s also important to remember that Scotland’s population is ageing. Currently, over one million people are aged 65 or over — around a fifth of the population. This is projected to rise to one in four people by 2040. Not only would an Older People’s Commissioner champion the rights of the older people of today, they could also work with the Scottish Government to properly plan for the future.
The other devolved nations of the UK already have an Older People’s Commissioner. The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales was introduced in 2007, followed by the appointment of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland in 2011. Without action, older people in Scotland are at risk of being left behind.
In addition to the 33 organisations who are united behind the call for an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland, there is also substantial public support. Almost 9 in 10 (89%) of people aged 65 or over in Scotland support appointing a Commissioner.
Last March during his previous role as Health Secretary, the now First Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP, stated he wanted “Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow old”. Instating a Commissioner is one step towards achieving this welcome vision.
It’s time for an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland. Show your support here.
