Janet Finch-Saunders MS, the Older People’s Champion, and Andrew RT Davies MS – who is Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services – are using the International Day of Older Persons (October 1) as a reminder to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and friends who are under local lockdowns in Wales.
First celebrated in 1991, the aim of the day is to raise awareness of issue affecting older people, and to recognise the contributions they have made.
Mrs Finch-Saunders, however, said:
“This year, there is only one issue we should have in our minds, and that’s the struggles many older people have had enduring months of lockdown – with many of them isolating and shielding – then a brief respite, and now thousands of them under local lockdowns in Wales.
“If you can, perhaps get in touch with older people you know to see if there is anything you can do for them, even if it’s just a chat on the phone or over your garden fence – and not just today, of course, but every day.”
Mr Davies said:
“The isolation many older people may be feeling under lockdown is likely only to get worse if it continues from autumn into winter, especially for those far from the families, and so I urge everyone who can to look out for the older people you know in your communities.
“Give them a socially-distanced knock on the door, ask if you can do a bit of shopping for them, though even just a friendly wave as you go past can make all the difference to someone’s day.”
The Welsh Conservatives renewed the commitment to an Older People's Rights Bill with greater powers for the Older People's Commissioner.
For a recent news release on the subject from Mr Davies, click here.
