Skipper must get his facts right on the elderly

11:21am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Whilst on holiday in the Falmouth area I read with interest the article by the Skipper published on April 16 concerning forums for the elderly. This is my response to him.

Those wishing to set up a forum for the elderly must welcome the publicity the Skipper is giving to their cause, but please, get the facts straight. The government, Saga, Age Concern and Help the Aged all classify anyone over the age of 50 as being "elderly".

Many people die unexpectedly before they are 60, let alone 70.

Councils are asked to encourage the setting-up of these self-help groups by sponsoring an initial meeting, thereafter they play no further part. If there is a local interest it is local people who set up the forum and run it in a way that suits them.

Similar groups have been established not only in Cornwall but in the UK as a whole.

Each forum is different but all aim to address the concerns of older or vulnerable people be it in advice on benefits, loneliness, lack of a police presence, no local doctor's surgery, lack of transport, etc.

In these days of cutbacks, if a service is not financially viable it is withdrawn, post offices being a prime example.

The 55-year olds should be concerned and involved now because by the time they are 70 there will be nothing left to fight for.

Mrs S M Hold Moorland Place Barnsley

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