AdvantageAge Scotland’s quarterly magazine winter 2012 issue 34

p22: Luminate Festival reviewed

p24: Interview - the Care Inspectorate

p8: Help for occupational pensioners

ISSN 1747-4515

Age Scotland, part of the Age UK family, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people in Scotland, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Reg No: 153343 Charity No: SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

Advantage is the Age Scotland magazine that provides information, inspiration and ideas to empower Scotland’s older people, their friends, families and carers.

If you have news, events or issues that you would like Advantage to cover, please get in touch. We would also welcome ideas on how we might improve the magazine.

Email: advantage@agescotland.org.uk

Telephone: 0845 833 9313Write to: Advantage, Age Scotland Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR Advantage magazine is part-funded by grant support

from the Scottish Government. Age Scotland aims to ensure that information in this magazine is accurate at the time of production and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions, or for the content of any third party advertisements.

p 4 News

p 7 Inform

p 13

p 18 Going Local

p 22 Inspire

p 24 Interview

p 26 Clubs’ Corner

p 27 Soap Box

p 6 Calendar

Get Involved

3

foreword

Hi Everyone,

Winter can be an extremely difficult time for some of our readers, so we’re working hard to help you stay warm, safe and included in your community through the coming months. If this edition arrived by post you will have received a free Hot Tips Calendar. We hope that you enjoy it and find the information in it useful. If you don’t have a copy please call 0845 833 0200 or email prid@agescotland.org.uk and we will be happy to send you one.

You can find out about the other actions we are taking to ‘Spread the Warmth’ on page 13, including a watch on Councils’ winter weather response and the Energy Bill Revolution. We also support many of our local groups’ Christmas events from our grants budget, which for some of their members is the only cheer they will be enjoying this month. And through the winter the Age Scotland Helpline will be assisting around 1000 older people each month with their concerns, from cutting fuel bills to getting the care and support they need.

All of this work depends on public generosity, so if you have any unwanted winter clothing items then please donate them to one of our shops where they will be very gratefully received.

Having been in post for four months now, I have managed to see first-hand the excellent work we are doing to make Scotland a better place for older people. During October we staged Luminate, Scotland’s first creative ageing festival. I was fortunate to get to some of its many events, the most inspiring for me being the age 70 plus ladies rock band, all of whom learnt to play their instruments after they retired. In its inaugural year Luminate has exceeded our expectations (see page 22 for a review) and many thanks are due to our funding partners Creative Scotland and The Baring Foundation. Next year we expect Luminate to be bigger still, with even more events and opportunities to join in across the country.

In November we held our Annual General Meeting, and although we are in a very difficult economic climate I do hope we assured those present that the Charity is very clear on its future strategy. I believe that there is cause to be very optimistic about the future, not least because of the dynamism and commitment of the groups and individuals we work with, as demonstrated by the awards we made at the AGM event. You can find out all about these on page 4.

Bye for now,

Brian

Brian Sloan, Interim Chief Executive

Spre

ad t

he

War

mth

4

news

Visit www.agescotland.org.uk/campaign for our lobbying guide

Age Scotland had expected to make two awards at its Annual General Meeting on 14th November. Instead it found itself awarding four, due to the exceptional quality of this year’s nominations. The Jess Barrow award for campaigning was won by Woodlands Senior Club and by Mrs Jean Miller. The Patrick Brooks award for Partnership Working was won by North Coast Connection and Transport for Tongue, and by Angus Care and Repair.

Working with the Irvine Seniors Forum, Woodlands Senior Club successfully lobbied local Councillors to avert a threat to the Woodlands Centre’s funding. The Centre has 180 members and offers a range of activities, Monday to Friday, to improve the health and well-being of older people in the local community; from bowling to crocheting classes.

After 4 years of suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis, and searching unsuccessfully for support and information, Jean Miller set up Tayside PMR and GCA Support (now PMR-GCA Scotland) in March 2006. From a position of nothing being available, she provided support to sufferers across the UK and even further afield through a telephone helpline, information packs, newsletters

and a website. The charity has been contacted by in excess of 1000 people across the UK, helping many cope better with the debilitating aspects of these conditions. With the creation of a sister charity for England and Wales, which Mrs Miller helped set up, this charity is now able to focus solely on Scottish needs and already supports more than 250 people.

When Highland Council decided to withdraw a transport service, North Coast Connection, which runs a lunch club, and Transport for Tongue, established a partnership which created an affordable, accessible and sustainable replacement. The lunch club is now bustling, and in September 197 volunteer hours and 882 miles were recorded taking clients to and from North Coast Connection’s services.

Angus Care and Repair assists older and disabled people to live safely and independently at home, principally through the fitting of aids and adaptations. It has formed partnerships with Tayside Police, to promote safety and security in the home, with Tayside Fire and Rescue, to help avoid fires in the home, and with Trading Standards and Neighbourhood Watch, to reduce doorstep crime and cold calling. A partnership with the NHS led to a drama, staged in a local theatre with an audience of 200, to highlight the risk of falls and ways to make the home safer.

Age Scotland awards go double

Averil Clayton (Irvine Seniors’ Forum), Jean Miller (PMR-GCA), Judith Leslie (Angus Care and Repair)

L-R: Brian Sloan (Interim Chief Executive, Age Scotland), Sarah Beveridge (Transport for Tongue),

5

news

Sign up for e-news at www.agescotland.org.uk

Premier Partnership launchedAge Scotland is working in partnership with the Scottish Premier League Trust on a new 2-year project, funded by Comic Relief, which will use Scottish Premier League Clubs’ facilities to promote the health and wellbeing of isolated older people. From late 2012 and throughout 2013 the Trust will run free ten-week programmes at each of the 12 clubs, offering social activities and opportunities to learn about looking after your physical and mental health.

Project manager Euan Miller says: “We would like to encourage isolated older people who don’t get involved in much to take part, using the ‘hook’ of linking into clubs to help break the cycle of inactivity. But you don’t have to be a fan to join in - it’s not at all restrictive.

“We’re using our network of veterans’ associations to set up Q&A sessions with former players from generations familiar to our participants. There will

In October Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) published its first 6 monthly report on hospital care for older people in Scotland.The report shows that, while our hospitals are far from being disaster areas, some services do seem to be buckling under the strain. Often assessments of a patient’s condition on admission, for example with regard to malnutrition, are partial and remain incomplete. It also appears that, at times, busy staff put expediency before patient dignity, with conversations that should be confidential held in open corridors, and language used that portrays patients as units to be processed rather than individuals entitled to rights and respect.

The report also reveals that good, and less good practices, often appear side by side. In Borders General Hospital inspectors found good quality and well appreciated food, mealtimes that were well managed on some wards, and staff knowledgeable and well informed about individual patient’s dietary needs. However they also found a lack of personalised nutritional care plans to provide information about individual patients’ specific needs or preferences.

Ian Smith, Acting HIS Chief Inspector; said: “In the majority of our observations, we saw staff treating older people with compassion, dignity and respect. We also noted that many hospitals have started to make the hospital environment more suitable for patients with dementia.”

Age Scotland spokesperson Doug Anthoney said: “NHS staff and managers shouldn’t feel too beleaguered by these reports. They should instead view them as a springboard for improvement, with Hospitals and Boards sharing learning from inspections to collectively build on strengths and tackle weaknesses. It should be possible to fix some recurring problems, for example the use of inappropriate language, at relatively low cost, although changing culture and habit will demand perseverance and focus of managers.

“Other issues however, such as the poor environment in some wards and far too frequent late night bed moves, raise serious questions about the resources available to fix them in this age of austerity.”

You can download the report from www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org.

Health inspectorate ‘state of the nation’ report on hospital care

be talks on community safety from the police, club tours, computer technology sessions and much, much more. We’re particularly excited about a link up with our Music Box project for young people, creating an opportunity for some real inter-generational fun making music together!

“Our inter-generational partnership with Age Scotland has been really helpful, as the expertise of its Development Team has helped us to shape the programme. Once each 10 week programme is over we’ll working with the Charity to signpost participants to the many older people’s groups affiliated to Age Scotland.”

Older people can join the programme through referral and self-referral. For information call 0141 620 4147 or email spltrustadmin@scotprem.com. Details will be available online soon at www.scotprem.com.

Averil Clayton (Irvine Seniors’ Forum), Jean Miller (PMR-GCA), Judith Leslie (Angus Care and Repair)

L-R: Brian Sloan (Interim Chief Executive, Age Scotland), Sarah Beveridge (Transport for Tongue),

6

calendar

Age Scotland Christmas Holiday Hours

Age Scotland’s main office on Causewayside, Edinburgh, will close at noon on Monday 24th December and re-open on Thursday 3rd January.

Age Scotland Enterprises’ offices in Glasgow will close 5pm on 21st and open 9am on 3rd. Edinburgh will open additionally on 24th until noon.

Age Scotland shops:Christmas Eve - 9am to 1pmChristmas Day - closedBoxing Day - closedNew Years Eve – 9am to 1pmNew Years Day - closed2nd January - 10am to 4pm

January 2013

13 Jan Westhill DuathlonWipe off the winter cobwebs and take part to raise money for Age Scotland. This event is a 4km run, 14km bike, 4km run. The perfect post-Christmas goal to set yourself! Contact Pippa at pippa.zawisza@agescotland.org.uk or call 01343 870 325 for more information.

14 Jan Entries open for the City of Aberdeen Baker Hughes 10K Race and Fun Run The City of Aberdeen Baker Hughes 10K is the largest 10K road race in the North East of Scotland, taking place on Sunday 19th May. This is a family friendly event including a 10k wheelchair race and family fun run. For many this is the highlight of the running season. For more information please contact Pippa Zawisza at pippa.zawisza@agescotland.org.uk or call 01343 870 325.

31 Jan Mental Health and Wellbeing in Later Life: What Matters? A free one day conference. John McIntyre Conference Centre, Pollock Halls, Edinburgh.

Hosted by NHS Health Scotland, Age Scotland and the Mental Health Foundation to highlight good practice in the promotion of mental health and well-being in later life at national and local levels, and explore the impact of the Scottish Government’s newly published Mental Health Strategy for 2012–2015. The event is for older people, policy makers, practitioners and academics. For more info and to register contact Jenny Kerr on 0131 536 8760 or jenny.kerr1@nhs.net.

February 2013

6 Feb Cross Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

The event starts at 1.30pm in the Scottish Parliament and the group will hear from Action on Hearing Loss Scotland and RNIB on the issue of sensory impairment. Call Callum Chomczuk on 0845 521 2457 or email callum.chomczuk@agescotland.org.uk if you wish to attend.

8 Feb Bobble Day Buy a bobble from Age Scotland shops and support our work to keep older people warm, safe and included in their community this winter.

March 2013 23 Mar Great Wall trek

The China Great Wall Trek for charity is a fantastic 5 day hike along the awesome manmade structure. This challenge takes you over watch towers and mountains, through historic battlement stations that are well off the tourist trail. The Great Wall provides a fantastic backdrop to some great trekking. For more information contact Pippa or Gillian by email at fundraising@agescotland.org.uk or call 0845 833 0200.

Email your events to advantage@agescotland.org.uk

7

inform

Follow us on www.twitter.com/agescotland

More than 13,000 people die every year in Scotland from smoking. It is associated with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular problems and stroke. There is also evidence to suggest that quitting smoking can help to reduce the onset of dementia.

In Scotland today, around 160,000 smokers are aged 65 and over. Older people sometimes think that it’s too late to quit, or that their long-term addiction to nicotine will make it difficult to stop. Yet the benefits of giving up smoking are evident even for people of 80 years and older.

Wendy from Clackmannanshire, who is is 67 years old, and Bill from East Lothian, aged 65, both started smoking in their early teens and were heavy smokers. Wendy’s attitude to smoking began to change when she and her husband approached retirement.

“When I started to count up how much it was costing me each year I quickly realised that when we retired we could not afford £2,500 a year for cigarettes and go on our holidays - so something had to go!”

Bill had previously made several attempts to stop, but it was his diagnosis of onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that spurred him on, and stopping was made easier with medication prescribed by his doctor.

“The doctor laid it out in no uncertain terms that this will never get any better, but you can alleviate it by stopping smoking. I had wanted to stop smoking for a long time but I just never had the will power to do it on my own”

Wendy freely admits that she found it hard to begin with when she made the decision to quit.

“The first two to three weeks were really difficult. I didn’t find the cravings too difficult but I did find it really hard to know what to do with my hands. I started knitting again and that really helped me.”

Wendy has found that in addition to having more money to spend on holidays she has also started to feel some real health benefits.

“After I had been stopped for a few months I started to feel as if I had more energy and was definitely breathing a lot more clearly. I have joined a local walking group, which is something I would not have done as a smoker.”

And Bill? “The practice nurse at my review has said there have been improvements over the last year when I do the breathing test,” he says.

Although Wendy hasn’t found it easy, she reckons she is proof that anyone can stop smoking if they really want to.

“My youngest son is also a smoker, so I wanted to set an example for him and show him that if I could stop after over 50 years then he could also do it!”

To find out more about free stop-smoking support in your area, or to get some ideas that might help you to stop, contact Smokeline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit www.canstopsmoking.com.

Smoking – is it too late

to stop?

Wendy

Bill

You are never too old to do anything that you want to do, says Donald Lockhart, Inequalities Officer with Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland.

8

inform

For some, retirement heralds a time of relaxation and the opportunity to explore new interests, but for others, it’s the loss of an entire support network. With the state pension barely rising and fuel costs soaring, more older people than ever are in need of financial and social support.

Yet there are many organisations offering specific help to pensioners who have retired from different occupations. These can offer financial support in the form of grants, pensions advice, and help with home maintenance and appliances. A variety of charities and services also offer help with chronic health problems and respite for carers, as well as an empathetic voice in times of need.

The National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP) is the oldest and largest occupational pensioner organisation in the UK, set up in 1930 to give assistance to Royal Mail and BT pensioners, though it now supports anyone with an occupational pension.

For an annual fee, members are entitled to advice, grants towards essential household items and mobility aids, as well as emergency support for home modifications and health issues, and participation in social groups. The organisation also campaigns on issues affecting occupational pensions.

NFOP Chief Executive Malcolm Booth says: “The problems facing anyone with an occupational pension are pretty much the same. When a person retires all the support goes, they’ve got no one to turn to to say ‘I need some advice.’ That’s where we see ourselves stepping in – we give the kind of support you get from the HR department at work.

Call the Age Scotland Helpline on 0845 125 9732

“We’re somewhere to turn for help and support when you don’t know who else to ask a question of.”

As well as more general organisations like the NFOP, there are hundreds of charities focused on providing tailored support to individuals who have worked in occupations that can result in physical and psychological problems later in life.

Seafarer Support is the point of contact for more than 130 maritime charities, and guides serving and former seafarers through the services available to them, from advice on debt and entitlement to benefits and nursing care, to one-off and regular grants for essential needs.

David Parsons, Chief Executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, which manages Seafarer Support, says: “Being at sea is a vocation. For example if you spend a number of years in the Merchant Navy, you become part of that community. Because both ourselves and those charities we work with understand the maritime community, we all have sympathy and empathy with the seafarers and their families.

“We are mindful of the occupational hazards and dangers of the sea, which can never be underestimated. Fishing is the most dangerous industry in the UK, followed closely by the Merchant Navy.”

Hugh Donnelly, 76, who lives in Dunoon, served in the Merchant Navy for 12 years as a senior engineer. He now has only 10 percent vision in both eyes. Last year he suffered a mild stroke, and while in hospital fell over and broke his leg, though has since made a full recovery. He was first put in touch with Seafarer

Looking after their ownRetirement can mean severing ties with colleagues and a whole way of life. Rebecca Gordon asks what the various occupations are doing to look after their retirees.

9

inform

Join us on www.facebook.com/agescotland

The Age Scotland Helpline saysThere are many more occupational charities – contact us and we can see if there is one which could help you.

Support by his sensory impairment team, and was able to apply for a special visual aid reader and computer, allowing him to read things like household bills, labels and books.

Mr Donnelly says: “Receiving help from Seafarer Support has been a lovely experience that has changed my life. The visual aid reader has been a tremendous help, every day now my life is easier and I feel more secure in my independence.”

Many of the charities offering support to pensioners of specific professions also offer specialist medical attention.

Veterans Scotland helps ex-servicemen and women source assistance from more than 55 charities, directs those who have health problems attributable to their time in the forces to specialist support, and uses its influence to lobby the Government.

“Our member organisations do a whole variety of things but the real issues around veterans aged 55 and over are around housing and health and well-being,” says General Secretary Scott MacFarlane.

Lasting lifestyle choices relating to some professions can often result in difficulties later in life too.

RSABI, formerly The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution, offers practical and financial support to people with backgrounds in land-based occupations, from farming to game-keeping, who are no longer able to cope, whether through illness, disability or crisis. As well as offering long-term and one-off financial support, advice and visits to members, the charity takes into account how a career spent working on the land can affect later life.

John Macfarlane, Welfare Manager for RSABI, says: “We are aware of the industry’s issues and also the fact that most of our beneficiaries live in rural or remote areas. We have an understanding of what life is like but also, while some people would say ‘why don’t you just move into the town?’, we grasp why the people we help aren’t able to do that.

“We would like to think we have a good knowledge of farming and game keeping, and that helps with the support line we run.”

In addition to support for financial, health and housing issues, organisations catering to people retired from different professions also offer social activities, breaks away and the opportunity to meet up with like-minded former colleagues.

Lindsay Lowson, 68, who lives in Balloch, Inverness, joined the Retired Police Officers’ Association Scotland after a 30-year career in the police force, and has since become its President.

As well as safeguarding the rights of retired police officers, their widows and dependants, the organisation keeps members in touch with one another through local branches and online.

Lindsay says: “The biggest benefit to us is keeping in touch with former colleagues. A lot of the branches hold social events and what’s good from my point of view is that we’ve got a large email system which keeps us up-to-date.

“It means that when we get the sad news that somebody has died, everybody’s told this, so we can go to an ex-colleague’s funeral. We’re also told when someone’s in hospital so we can visit them.”

Useful contacts

General: www.nfop.org.uk 01582 721652

Maritime: www.seafarersupport.org 0800 121 4765Horticulture: www.perennial.org.uk 0845 230 1839Agriculture: www.rsabi.org.uk/3 0131 472 4166Railways: www.btpf.org.uk Write to: British Transport Pensioners’ Federation, 1 Waterside Cottages, Wrenbury, Nantwich, CW5 8GZ

Civil service: www.cspa.co.uk 020 8688 8418Pharmacists: www.rpharms.com/sector-groups/retired-pharmacists-group.asp 0845 257 2570Nurses: www.bfns.org.uk 07584 322257 NHS: www.nhsrf.org.uk/about.html 01305 361317

Police: www.rpoas.org

10

inform

10 Call 118 202 Directory Enquiries and donate 9p for each 40p call10

What will you do afore ye go?

Whether you’re 55 or 95 it’s sensible to plan ahead for ill health in later life and - let’s pull no punches - for the end of life. But being prudent doesn’t make it easy to think, let alone talk about. Information Manager Heather Smith explains what Age Scotland has been doing to start the conversation.In October Age Scotland Enterprises hosted ‘afternoon tea’ events in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Castle Douglas, titled ‘Afore ye go’, to offer friendly, informal discussion over a cuppa with representatives of Age Scotland, a funeral director, and a lawyer.

On behalf of the Age Scotland Helpline I explained that there are many areas in which peoples’ rights differ between Scots law and English law, including; housing, community care, care homes, health, power of attorney and wills and estates. If you read about changes to rules or rights, double check whether they apply to Scotland, as the media can sometimes get it wrong! Age Scotland publishes free Factsheets which can help you to plan, or to deal with a difficult situation. These are available on our website and by calling the Helpline.

If you need help with a problem, it’s vital that you have choice in the sources you use, for example some will approach a solicitor as soon as they have a problem, while others will want to research information for themselves first. The Age Scotland Helpline gives you the opportunity to phone or email from the privacy of your own home.

David Borrowman from law firm Caesar and Howie talked about key things everyone should do to plan for their future. Check if you are entitled to Legal Advice and Assistance (a form of legal aid) to

help with the cost of setting your affairs in order. Set up a Power of Attorney, so that in case of incapacity, there is someone chosen by you with the legal authority to manage financial issues and be involved in decisions about your welfare. And, of course, write a will. There are laws which dictate what will happen if there is no will, but the law does not fully take account of informal family relationships and leaves little scope for choice.

Dignity Funerals talked about the changing character of funerals. Nowadays funeral directors will do everything legally possible to respect the family’s wishes. Every individual is different, and every funeral can also be, whether it involves a flock of doves or a jazz band.

Logan Steele, General Manager of Age Scotland Enterprises, talked about the range of products and services it offers, from travel insurance to funeral plans, designed with older people’s needs in mind.

The Age Scotland Helpline saysIf you need the facts to help with forward planning, just ring or email

the Helpline on 0845 125 9732. To find out more about Enterprises’ products call 0845 833 0758.

11

inform

Call Age Scotland Enterprises on 0845 833 0758

A fresh approach to funeralsWhile the funeral remains as a way of celebrating, respecting and remembering a life, its function in society has changed a lot over the last century. Rebecca Gordon reports.As the role of religion in society continues to shift, fewer families are turning to their local church or religious leader to organise the ceremony. A recent survey by The Co-operative Funeralcare found that one in three of the funerals it arranges has contemporary elements, celebrating a person’s life through personal music, words, flowers or even coffin decoration.

Ryan Duffy, General Manager at independent funeral directors Anderson Maguire in Glasgow, says: “Things are changing, people are looking for more of a celebration of life than the traditional route of mourning.

“They are asking for all sorts of different things and funeral directors are more open to that now. We’re here to give them what they want because at the end of the day it’s not our funeral, it’s theirs.”

An increasingly popular option is the woodland funeral. Often offering a more picturesque, tranquil setting than a graveyard, burial grounds are located in meadows or wooded areas, where loved ones can plant a natural memorial, like a tree, and place a wooden plaque rather than headstone.

Woodland burial sites available in Scotland include Delliefure in Speyside, Cothiemuir Hill near Alford in

The Age Scotland Helpline saysFor more information ask us for our factsheet ‘Planning a Funeral.’ We can also

send you a copy of the excellent Scottish Government leaflet What to do after a Death in Scotland.

Aberdeenshire, Hundy Mundy Wood near Kelso and Craufurland Estate in Fenwick, Ayrshire.

‘Green’ funerals are also growing in demand, as people become more aware of the environment, and coffins, urns and ashes caskets are now on offer in recycled and responsibly sourced materials ranging from British wool to 100 percent natural cotton and wicker.

Ryan says: “Eco-funerals are becoming more popular, and all walks of life go for them. People are more aware of what’s going on around them and the environment is very high up their lists.”

Some families are burying loved ones in personalised coffins, an option on offer from many funeral directors, in different shapes, colours and materials. Decorations can include anything from paintings or photographs to - a popular choice - tartan.

And personalisation doesn’t stop there. Bespoke and themed funerals can celebrate an individual’s passions and achievements. The choice of funeral vehicle can reflect the life of the deceased and many funeral directors are open to suggestions, anything from a horse-drawn cart to a motorcycle or a lorry.

At the graveside, too, rituals are evolving, and people are opting for balloon releases, musical performances and firework displays – regulations permitting.

Following a cremation, the choice of where and how to keep or scatter ashes is rapidly increasing. While some choose the keep the ashes in an urn or to create a remembrance plot in their own garden, others are going further afield.

Some of the more unusual alternatives have included transforming ashes into diamonds, to be worn as jewellery, launching ashes into space on board a commercial space flight, and, as Joanna Booth, the widow of an expert on vintage shotguns chose to do, loading ashes into cartridges and using them for the last hunt of the season.

Woodland burials are growing in popularity

12

inform

Visit our Blog for news & views: www.agescotland.wordpress.com

Giving prostate cancer the pushAs Prostate Cancer UK launches a new community support service Ann Ferguson, its Head of Scotland Operations, looks at what is being done to tackle prostate cancer in Scotland. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Scottish men. 2,700 are diagnosed with it every year and 19,000 Scottish men are currently living with the disease.

Despite predictions that this will be the most prevalent of all cancers in the UK by 2030, prostate cancer still does not receive the research investment it needs. Tests for the disease can be unreliable and treatments often have damaging side effects.

One major problem is that prostate cancer is simply not on the radar. Most men understand very little about it, or the increased risk they face as they grow older.

Prostate Cancer UK, which recently merged with Prostate Action, has laid out its plans to invest £25 million in research over the next 3 years, making it the largest single funder of prostate cancer research in the UK. Research priorities will be; to find a new

test for prostate cancer which does not pose the risk of unnecessary treatment to men, to find ways of identifying those men most at risk of aggressive prostate cancer, and to develop new, less invasive, less damaging treatments.

As well as campaigning for change and finding answers for the future, Prostate Cancer UK will also do more to support men, and their families. It will significantly increase its investment in locally based services including innovations to reach men in their communities and provide support to men where and when they need it. It will also be creating a network of Prostate Cancer UK nurses, bridging the gap between hospital care and GP support.

Men in Scotland will be the first to benefit from new services through Prostate Cancer UK’s newly opened community support service. Working from an administrative base in Glasgow, a network of services, including new nurse-led ones, is being rolled out across the country. This is one of the most ambitious programmes in the history of men’s health in Scotland, and in the whole of the UK.

The aim is to help men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer to make informed choices about their care and treatment, to commission services tailored to local needs, and to deliver information and support to men in their communities through an expanding network of trained volunteers and local groups. The charity will also tackle issues such as physical activity levels, erectile dysfunction and continence, and provides the only prostate cancer fatigue management service in Scotland

Anyone with a query about prostate cancer can call Prostate Cancer UK’s confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383. The Helpline, which is staffed by specialist nurses, is open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday and additionally from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesdays. Alternatively please visit www.prostatecanceruk.org.

13

Get Involved

Text AGES10 £5 to 70070 and donate £5 to Age Scotland

Spread the warmthIt’s beautiful outside. The ground is coated in glittering frost, or maybe a crisp layer of snow. But you’re not appreciating it. Instead you are worrying about whether you can afford to heat your home in sub-zero temperatures, wondering whether it’s wise to risk a walk to the shops over un-treated ice, thinking that if you don’t the day might pass without you seeing a soul.

Of course this isn’t the experience of every older person, but these concerns are all too common. Rising energy bills are eating into a greater proportion older people’s incomes; often fixed and often too low. And should the severe weather of 2010 be repeated, many older people face virtual house arrest unless Councils across Scotland are fully prepared.

Age Scotland’s Spread the Warmth campaign is taking action on both these issues. Our Hot Tips Calendar 2013, free with this magazine, offers information and advice to help you keep warm, safe and comfortable all year round. We’ve also signed up to the Energy Bill Revolution, alongside our colleagues in Age UK, Age Cymru and Age Northern Ireland (read more on page 14).

Last edition we told readers about action we were taking to make sure that Scotland’s Councils are doing all they can to keep older people safe this winter, and to prevent them being cut-off from services and social contact by severe weather. We would now like to invite you to join our Winter Weather Watch. Taking part is easy – simply keep a note of your Council’s performance and in spring 2013 we’ll ask you to complete a short survey about your experiences. Help us spread the word! The more watchers there are, the easier it is to make the case for action if Councils fall short. You can sign up online on the Age Scotland website or by phone – see the panel for details.

Spread the Warmth is just part of what Age Scotland is doing this winter. Our Helpline will take around 1000 calls a month, assisting older people with heating and weather worries amongst many other concerns. Across Scotland’s communities our Development Officers will be helping older people’s groups and services to thrive. None of this work just happens – it relies on public support. So if you can spare some winter warmers to help stock our Charity shops, or are able to make a donation, we can guarantee that your generosity will be put to good use.

To join Winter Weather Watch online, visit www.agescotland.org.uk and follow the links from the Spread the Warmth banner on the home page. Alternatively you can call the campaigns team on 0845 833 9313.

Get involved!

Have your say on our health information websiteAge Scotland’s website includes a Health and Well-being channel which offers information on a wide range of topics, from healthy eating to dementia. We are in the process of updating and refreshing this information, to make it both more useful and more readable. We would very much welcome your view on what should be included.

We will be putting a link to an online questionnaire on our social media sites asking for your opinions, so if you use Facebook, Twitter or our blog, keep a look out for it. If you would rather, we can send you a paper questionnaire which you can fill in and send back to us. To request one just give our Helpline a ring on 0845 125 9732 and they will take your name and address and pop one in the post for you.

We would really appreciate if you could take the time to fill it in, either online or by hand, and let us know what you think so we can tailor our health information to your needs. You can also get in touch and give us your views via the ‘contact us’ link on our website www.agescotland.org.uk and choosing ‘Helpline’ as the subject area.

14

Get Involved

Call 0845 833 0200 to share your fundraising idea

Greg McCracken, Age Scotland’s Policy Officer, represents the Charity on the Scottish Government’s Fuel Poverty Forum. He explains why the Charity is backing the newly launched Energy Bill Revolution, and how you can join with it.Right now, the Westminster Government collects billions of pounds of so-called ‘carbon taxes’ from energy companies for the damage their emissions cause to people and the environment. Not surprisingly, the cost of paying these taxes is handed directly on to you, the consumer, by way of increased fuel bills.

That’s where the Energy Bill Revolution comes in. It’s a coalition of like-minded organisations, including the Age charity family, Consumer Focus, and Friends of the Earth Scotland, that calls on the Government to link revenues from carbon taxes to programmes aimed at making homes super energy efficient. We believe that investing in excellent insulation, renewable energy and modern boilers will not only cut carbon emissions even more, but will also reduce household energy bills.

Scottish Ministers have accepted the Fuel Poverty Forum’s recommendation that a National Retrofit Programme be set up to help households in improving their energy efficiency. About £200 million per year has been earmarked for the scheme, which could help tens of thousands of homes annually.

It’s estimated that as much as £4 billion per year could be made available from carbon taxes towards implementing energy efficiency measures and tackling fuel poverty across the UK. Age Scotland fully supports the ambition that money raised by these taxes, and paid for by hard-pressed consumers, should be focussed on tackling fuel poverty. That’s why we’re asking people across Scotland to sign the campaign petition available through our website.

Join the Energy Bill Revolution

To sign up to the Energy Bill Revolution visit www.agescotland.org.uk and follow the links from the Spread the Warmth banner on the home page.

Get involved!

15

Get Involved

Find health information at www.agescotland.org.uk

Age Scotland would like to offer you the opportunity to become a Champion of Older People. Do you still have what it takes? We believe you do!

It’s very simple – just set yourself a goal and get your community involved by asking them to sponsor you. You might choose to walk the longest walk, bake the biggest amount of buns, swim the most lengths of your local swimming pool, knit the longest scarf ever … or anything else that takes your fancy! We are sure you’ll have lots of ideas!

The funds you raise will go towards making Scotland a better place for older people – for all of us! We at

Be a Champion of Older People.

Remembering a Champion in your lifeGiving ‘in memory’ to Age Scotland not only enables the Charity to do more for older people in Scotland, it can also be a way of celebrating the life of someone special to you. Age Scotland Communication and Campaigns Officer Doug Anthoney offers a personal perspective on the rewards a tribute can bring.

When my dad died in 2007 he left something invaluable behind; his memoire. His long battle with cancer, dreadful as it had been, had also spurred him to record his experiences and ideas about life before his health failed. Shortly after the funeral my brother emailed these to me as an unedited and untidy document file. Still numb from watching him fade in stages, I didn’t look at it for several months.

Then I came across an article about websites you can use to self-publish books, and decided to take on the task of editing and printing it on behalf of the family. There were challenges. I had boxes full of photographs, some from the early 20th century, with images of friends and family members only some of whom I recognised. I asked around the family, but still had to make a few guesses in some instances. (Memo to myself – make sure I label all my old photos for my kids’ sake!) There were also moments when I read my dad’s perspective on a memory we shared, or a person we both knew, and thought ‘how could he seriously think that?’

Yet overall it was a hugely positive experience. I learned about his growing up in Govan during the second-world-war, living with the ever present threat of the blitz, and of a disciplinarian father. I found out exactly how he had ‘pulled himself up by the bootstraps,’ from leaving school with no qualifications to becoming a lecturer in engineering. There was verse, including a heart-wrenching poem about my grandmother as he watched her dementia advance. His faith, not just in God but also in progress and science, shone through, and he ended ‘His Journey’ with the line: “There is nothing in this life that has not fascinated me.”

With his ashes scattered and no grave to visit, my dad’s memoire is the only meaningful remembrance I have of him. But to me it is more precious than any monument as through it his voice, and my conversations with him, can carry on.

You can now set up your own on-line tribute to someone special that you have lost. Share memories, stories and thoughts with family and friends whilst improving life for older people in Scotland with a donation - visit www.agescotland.org.uk/memory or call the fundraising team on 0845 833 9358

Get involved!

Age Scotland believe that older people are valuable but that society doesn’t always see this value, which makes life worse for older people and the rest of society. We are committed to empowering older people, and to finding new ways of enabling them to show their power and value. Become a Champion and raise money to help all older people at the same time as showing you’ve still got what it takes!

Interested? Call 0845 833 0200 and ask to speak to the fundraising team. However you want to show your support, we can support you to do it. We have two dedicated Community Fundraisers, Pippa and Gillian, who will give you all the assistance you need, even if you only have a glimmer of an idea.

16

Get Involved

Visit www.agescotland.org.uk/memory

Human rights: ‘Not bad, but we could do better.’

Care about Rights participants A still from one of the interactive fi lms in the Care about Rights resources

With older people’s treatment in care and hospital settings making headlines almost weekly, Dr Alison Hosie, Research Officer with Scotland’s Human Rights Commission, invites you to have your say on a new National Action Plan for Human Rights.

Our attitudes towards older people and our understanding of the value of human rights are changing. At the start of the Commission’s ‘Care about Rights’ awareness-raising project about human rights and the care of older people, those living and working in residential care homes were asked for their opinions on human rights. Among the responses were:

“People have had dignity their whole lives, so coming into a care home shouldn’t change that.”

“I fought for them. If I see something wrong, I’ll make a noise.”

“It means everyone gets a square deal. I think we’re not too bad in Scotland.”Human rights belong to us all, equally, as individuals. They provide protection for older people, secure an entitlement to be treated with dignity and respect and to participate in decision-making that affects them. In care settings, this requires a common understanding among older people, families and carers, care providers and those who commission and regulate services, about how to balance the rights of an individual with potential risks, and the rights of others.

17

Get Involved

You can find out more about the research findings and opportunities to take part in forthcoming participation events at www.scottishhumanrights.com/actionplan.

Alternatively call the Scottish Human Rights Commission on 0131 240 2989 or email hello@scottishhumanrights.com.

You can access all of the free Care about Rights resources online at www.scottishhumanrights.com/careaboutrights.

Get involved!

“I used to think that human rights were just an international thing and now I see that they relate to my life.”Outreach Participant in Care about Rights

With the support of Age Scotland, the Commission developed awareness-raising materials using real life examples to empower older people to understand human rights, and to have the confidence to articulate them in making their voice heard. The outreach groups involved 80 volunteers, including many Age Scotland members, and this part of the project was delivered in parallel to the Commission training over 1,000 care professionals in how human rights law and practice relates to other legislation and regulation.

One participant said: “I think it will be really powerful to use Care about Rights when you come across those brick walls when something is an issue.”

The Commission is delighted at the positive feedback for Care about Rights and all of the interactive resources continue to be available in full, and for free, on our website. The human rights concerns of older people are, of course, not limited to the social care sector, and over the last three years we have gathered evidence about the current realisation of human rights across a wide range of issues in Scotland. In October we published ‘Getting it Right? Human Rights in Scotland,’ a report detailing evidence on issues including: policing, housing, dignity in care, health-care, work and access to justice. It highlights a range of what appear to be gaps in good practice as Scotland grapples with the huge demographic challenges of a rapidly increasing older population. Concerns highlighted in the report include; fuel poverty, end of life choices, access to basic services in rural areas, and the integration of health and social care.

While it’s true that Scotland has a relatively strong legal and institutional framework for human rights, the actual outcomes for people, whatever their age, are often inconsistent.

The Commission proposes that to fill these gaps Scotland follows the example of several Nordic and Commonwealth countries by developing its first National Action Plan for Human Rights. This will identify the public bodies with responsibilities for upholding human rights and for understanding and tackling barriers to fully realising human rights, for everyone, throughout the country.

The Commission is facilitating the development of this National Action Plan. This means supporting you to take part in shaping the decisions that impact on your human rights, such as in the development of policy and practices. It also means increasing the ability of those with responsibilities for human rights to recognise instances where they are breached, and better enabling us to hold bodies to account for their actions, or inactions. Most human rights issues do not need specialist legal advice and can be resolved by talking to those involved, seeking advocacy support, or using existing complaints processes where necessary.

17Sign up for e-news online

18

news from the south

going local

For insurance call 0141 204 0811

LEAP years – 20 in all! In September Age Scotland member group Lightburn Elderly Association Project (LEAP) marked its 20th anniversary with a celebratory AGM at Cambuslang Parish Church.

The event, chaired by Councillor Russell Clearie, was attended by over 200 local people, James Kelly MSP, Provost Eileen Logan, Depute Provost Pam Clearie and Tom Greatrex MP, who talked about his experience of being a volunteer with LEAP for a day. Presentations were made to some members of the management committee who have been involved for over 18 years, and to all current volunteers, thanking them for their service and dedication.

LEAP was formed by members of the Cambuslang community in 1992, with the aim of providing more for the over 50s in the area to do. Today LEAP provides classes in Tai Chi, card making, genealogy, art, creative computing and digital photography, walking groups, energy efficiency programmes and befriending and small repairs services.

Councillor Clearie introduced a video made in 1996, which starred a very youthful Stuart McGregor, executive director of LEAP. This showcased the project, some of the people originally involved and how much LEAP has developed over the past two decades.

Stuart said: “The services we offer are not luxuries. They are necessities which make a huge difference to the lives of our local residents. I have enjoyed every minute of my time with LEAP and hope to be here for the next 20 years.”

For further information on LEAP, call Stuart McGregor on 0141 641 5169 or go to their website at www.leap-project.co.uk.

Enjoying a massage

North Connections Open Day In September the committee of North Connections Seniors’ Forum held an Open Day for older people in the North East of Glasgow. The event, which included tasters in cookery, arts and crafts, healthy eating and exercise, was partially funded by a grant from Age Scotland, and also supported by local social work and health staff. Forum Secretary Maureen Kelly said: “It went really well and everyone who attended gave very positive feedback. Thank you to Age Scotland as the grant helped to make the day hugely successful.”

Be fire safeStrathclyde Fire and Rescue is urging members of the public to ‘Join the Fight against Fire.’ It can carry out a free home visit and fit smoke alarms if they are required. Working smoke alarms are the most effective way of providing early warning of the onset of fire. Call 0800 0731 999 or text CHECK to 61611 to arrange your free Home Fire Safety Visit. Find out more online at www.strathclydefire.org.

Your local Age Scotland teamLinda Anderson (Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire) 01355 279 929

Charlie Murphy (Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde) 0141 427 5145

Dignitaries, awardees and staff at the LEAP AGM Arts and crafts at the North Connections Seniors’ Forum open day

news from the west

19

news from the south

More about member groups at www.agescotland.org.uk/community

Enjoying a massage

Hot Tips calendars for our curlers

going local

Presenting fl oral art

Luminate Festival lights up StranraerOn 30th October the North West Castle Spa Hotel Stranraer was home to a free arts festival as part of Luminate, Scotland’s national creative ageing festival. Over 115 participants from member groups across Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway joined in this celebratory event, organised by local Development Officers Morag Halliday and Heather Baillie.

There was a chance to try Indian dance, led by Dance Ihayami, community singing, led by West Wigtownshire U3A, and floral art, led by Dalbeattie Floral Club. We also enjoyed curling on the hotel’s ice rink, Indian head massage, Reiki, and PC and digital technology demonstrations from Castle Douglas IT Centre.

Eastriggs’ ‘Women of the World’ displayed their knitting, which is donated globally to various causes, and Donald Reid from Barrmill Jolly Beggars talked about a book written by the group. Titled ‘The Lost Mining Villages of Doon Valley,’ its publication is assisted by an Age Scotland grant.

New service launched for the sensory impairedRNIB Scotland and Action on Hearing Loss Scotland have joined forces with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the three Ayrshire Councils (East, North and South) to launch a new service supporting people who are blind or partially sighted, or who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Ayrshire Local Integrated Sensory Services (ALISS) offers community drop-in sessions, peer support groups, hearing aid maintenance clinics, equipment demonstrations, information, advice and signposting, or referral, to local services. Hearing aid maintenance can be carried out within the home or in a care home setting if required.

The Hidden Sensory Loss development will work with individuals, carers and professionals to support adults with learning disability, dementia and stroke to access community eye care, audiology and other sensory support services. Training of Sensory Champions will be targeted across Ayrshire to ensure the on-going sustainability of the service.

The two charities are now recruiting volunteers to help support these services, with roles including maintaining hearing aids, driving, assisting at events and helping with social groups.

For further information on services, volunteering, or to register on their mailing list please call Joanne Reilly at RNIB Scotland on 07584 203040 or email joanne.reilly@rnib.org.uk, or call Donna McSwiggan at Action on Hearing Loss on 07587 630336 or email Donna.McSwiggan@hearingloss.org.uk.

The power of advertisingAyr group Opportunities in Retirement (OiR) enjoyed spectacular success with a member recruitment campaign based on adverts in the local press funded by a £1000 grant from Age Scotland. The ads attracted 160 new people to join their almost 1600 strong existing membership. OiR Ayr offers opportunities to meet with like-minded people, learn new skills, keep fit and have fun. Its autumn programme includes Yoga, Pilates, jewellery making, a history group, pub lunches and much more. Call them on 01292 260086, email office@oirayr.org.uk or visit www.oirayr.org.uk.

Your local Age Scotland teamMorag Halliday (Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders) 01387 251036Heather Baillie (Ayrshire) 01563 528 441

20 Join our campaigns at www.agescotland.org.uk/campaign

The North Team was out and about for much of the summer. In August, Jo, Brenda and Christine joined over 30 representatives in Stornoway for a very enjoyable Network Assembly. Later in the month seven member groups in Highland area who run centres met at the Bradbury Centre in Bonar Bridge for a lively exchange of information and ideas.

Our annual North Regional Assembly held in Dyce in October also had a buzz about it. The North Team and Regional Trustee Brenda Nicolson welcomed 55 participants representing the Charity’s member groups and local organisations.

Following an update on Age Scotland’s work, the spotlight moved on to three member groups which received Age Scotland grant cheques on the day. Presentations from Badenoch and Strathspey Community Transport Company (BSCTC), Westhill Men’s Shed and The Forget Me Not Group highlighted the diversity and resourcefulness of the Charity’s member groups.

Judy Carey from BSCTC described how an ‘Untapped Talent’ survey, completed with volunteers earlier in the year, had identified a strong interest in starting a possible Friendship Project. She said:

“Now, with funding from Age Scotland and Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, we can go ahead and employ a part-time Co-ordinator to work with volunteers and take the project forward. We are very excited about this opportunity to develop the skills of existing and new volunteers and to pilot a new service for our clients.”

A DVD was shown about Westhill Men’s Shed, the first of its kind in Scotland (you can see this video online at www.westhillmensshed.co.uk). The Men’s Shed service aims to reach and reduce social Isolation amongst older men. A national conference is planned for spring 2013 to highlight the needs of older men and consider ways of providing them with appropriate services. We will be able to tell you more about this in the next edition of Advantage.

In addition to an interesting presentation on its development, The Forget Me Not Group, which works with people with dementia, also gave participants a calm, peaceful end to a high-energy day with a wonderful Tai Chi presentation.

Group table discussions on well-being preceded a panel discussion including representatives from the Care Inspectorate and Aberdeen City Council, around the topics raised including; transport, funding for vital community groups, and standards of care.

Following the Assembly, Suzy visited Peterhead Aged and Infirm to present their Age Scotland grant cheque. The grant has bought blinds and other equipment for their new premises.

Luminate Festival events in the North also saw us visit the Big Singaround event in Inverness and the Big Sheep Symposium in Helmsdale. You can find out more about this on page 23.

Your local Age Scotland teamSuzy Gentle (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney, Shetland) 01309 673455Jo Cowan (Highland, Argyll & Bute, Eilean Siar) 01855 821 809

news from the north

Westhill mens shedSuzy at Peterhead Aged and Infi rm

Douglas presents Freedom Coach with their grant cheque

news from the east

going local

news from the north

21

going local

Sign up for e-news at www.agescotland.org.uk

Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness in BlairgowrieThe berry season may be over in rural Perthshire but a further bountiful harvest has been garnered by Blairgowrie and District Freedom Coach Association.

Following the receipt last year of a substantial legacy from Miss May McFarlane, approaches were made to local member groups by Development Officers Douglas Macnaughtan and Carole Anderson and the association was the main beneficiary. On October 30th a cheque for almost £8,000 was presented to full-time driver Charlie Bisset. The money will be used to acquire a variety of equipment for their splendid new vehicle, recently presented by local MSP John Swinney.

Freedom Coach has been operating around Blairgowrie since 1981. The group is now on its 7th vehicle and demand for its valued service keeps growing. The bus is available for a wide range of journeys for older and disabled people. The association also organises outing to the likes of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Charlie said: “After the big expense of the new bus this year and all the work involved in raising the funds, it’s great to be chosen to receive this further donation to our service. Top of my list will be a power washer and industrial vacuum to keep our new coach in perfect condition for all our regular clients. We also hope to commission a website to help publicise our work.”

Douglas Macnaughtan said: “Seeing the generosity of people in leaving legacies to Age Scotland to help other older people is a very rewarding part of our work. The Charity relies heavily on such gifts to help fund so many worthy services around Scotland.

“We wish every success to Charlie and all those involved with the Freedom Coach for many years to come.”

Welcome to Laura, our new Development OfficerOn 3rd December Laura Dunkel joined Age Scotland as East Region Development Officer. Laura says: “I’m really looking forward to taking on this role and getting to know our members in the area.”

She previously worked with the Health Improvement Team within West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership. “I’ve spent a lot of time working with groups focussing on health and well-being, as well as organising and leading health walks across West Lothian,” says Laura. “I’m looking forward to finding out what’s going on in the rest of Lothian, Edinburgh and Falkirk.”

Laura lives in Broxburn in West Lothian. In her free time she enjoys walking her dog and reading.

Tara Anderson, Charity and Community Services Manager for East and North Scotland, welcomed Laura on behalf of her new team, and the Charity as a whole. “I am sure that her enthusiasm and energy will boost us all.”

Suzy at Peterhead Aged and Infi rm

Douglas presents Freedom Coach with their grant chequeLaura

news from the east

Your local Age Scotland teamDouglas Macnaughtan (Fife, Dundee, Angus) 01324 717 079Carole Anderson (Perth & Kinross, Stirling, Clackmannanshire) 01577 864658Laura Dunkel (Edinburgh, Lothians and Falkirk)

22

inspire

Visit our Blog for news & views: www.agescotland.wordpress.com

My Shrinking Life Review by Pat Craig‘My Shrinking Life’ will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. It’s not a ‘play’ but clearly, it is a performance, which at times is unsettling, but ultimately delivers the message the protagonist wants us to hear.

The stage, representing a scruffy medical waiting room, with the ubiquitous silent TV high on the wall in the corner playing to no one in particular, is juxtaposed with, behind a curtain, a glamorous dressing room.

Alison Peebles was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001. ‘My Shrinking Life’ is a theatrical account of what one of the other characters (herself at earlier stages of her life) at one point calls her ‘naughty little nervous system disorder.’

She is one of Scottish theatre’s most striking figures. With her confident swagger and winning combination of glamour, wit and intelligence, which is exactly how she describes herself in this National Theatre of Scotland’s performance, it’s hard to imagine how she could ever be seen as ‘shrinking.’ However, listen carefully and you’ll realise that when she describes herself thus, it’s in the past tense.

While she has maintained a steady workload as a performer and director since her diagnosis, she’s aware that it’s only a matter of time until she will need more than crutches to get around. The wheelchair at the back of the stage is an ominous portent.

The three beautiful dancers who represent her at earlier stages of her life juxtapose her stumbling,

asymmetrical walk with leaps and bounds and pirouettes, but it’s Peebles herself who engages us with her dry, ironic, belligerent and angry outpourings. Always too proud to ask for sympathy, it’s a heart stopping moment when rather than admit defeat she challenges herself to walk across the stage in her much loved high heels, albeit supported by her ‘younger selves.’

She is clearly a woman who is not yet ready to make the transition from the spotlight to whatever awaits her, and for that alone she is to be admired.

An imaginary line from here to there Review by Doug AnthoneyIn a sunny conservatory in Glasgow’s east end a group of artists sit absorbed in their work while gentle classical music plays. Matthew is painting a highland landscape layered with rich, earthy tones. Jo is using pastels to create a still life from objects on the table. Helen is experimenting with bold, abstract shapes and colours. Welcome to Greenfield Park Care Centre.

The group is part of an Art in Hospital project called ‘An Imaginary Line from Here to There’ which was launched as part of the Luminate Festival. “We’ve been working with groups here for over 13 years,” says Senior Project Manager Sharon Goodlet Kane. “But now funding from First in a Lifetime through Creative Scotland has allowed us to add an extra day to our work, to do something a bit different.” In a typical session residents will be invited to browse arts stimulus such as picture books, choose from a range

My Shrinking Life Brenda & Jo with the MacBrayne bus

Luminate, Scotland’s first national creative ageing festival, took place throughout October. Here are just a few of the highlights.

23

inspire

Call 118 202 Directory Enquiries and donate 9p for each 40p call

of quality art materials, and express themselves artistically however they so wish, with support from professional artists when it’s asked for. For ‘An Imaginary Line’ however, the starting point was a discussion with the artists about works that they could create on the theme of ‘washing lines.’

“We were amazed at how much the group had to say on the topic,” says Sharon. “They talked about their memories of going to the ‘steamie,’ of how when you hung your whites up on the line they would have to be pristine, otherwise folk would talk!” Now the Greenfield Park artists are working on their ideas with a view to exhibiting them in January, displayed on washing lines in the Care Centre’s courtyard. “Some are thinking about lines on maps, such as from home to the shops, while others are being more abstract,” says Sharon.

“Many of the residents we work with have never made any art before as adults, and can be initially reluctant” says lead artist Kay MacLean. “But we say, come along, look at what’s going on, and if you feel like it, maybe just try it. When they do they discover that they have a creative side and can express themselves through art – and very often they keep coming back.”

Indeed they do. Matthew has been with the group for five years and in that time has had work displayed in Kelvingrove Gallery. Helen says “I thought I would be rubbish and that it wouldn’t be for me, but it was and now I am in three days a week.”

The Big Sheep Review by Jo CowanAccompanied by Age Scotland Regional Trustee Brenda Nicolson I joined the Big Sheep event in Helmsdale, a community celebration of the work of Margaret Tait. Margaret was a writer, poet and filmmaker who lived at Slowbend, Helmsdale, in the mid-60s, at the time of the release of her films ‘Caora Mor - The Big Sheep’ and ‘Splashing.’

It was a beautiful day, and one filled with creative experiences and discoveries. The afternoon programme, ‘The Sheep and the Land’ kicked off in Helmsdale and District Community Centre with a

screening of the first Margaret Tait film of the day ‘Land Makar,’ a landscape study from 1980 of Mary Graham Sinclair’s Orkney Croft. Visually it was very nostalgic for me, a farm-child of the 60s, and the listening experience was enriched by the wonderful Orcadian dialect in the soundtrack.

Cara Tolmie’s sound workshop involved all participants, including some of the young people of the area who are helping with a recording project led by Oliver Mezger. Ollie is involved in a two-year programme designed to engage the older community across East Sutherland with digital technologies through the contemporary visual arts.

During the workshop, we created a haunting ‘sound loop’ of individual reminiscences drawn from a short session of sharing memories associated with artefacts chosen from Timespan’s archive.

The tour of locations related to Margaret Tait’s stay near Helmsdale was enhanced by our magnificent conveyance: a vintage MacBrayne’s bus. It also presented another great opportunity for reminiscence and for learning more about the history and culture of the area – ably related by local Portgower crofter, Esther McDonald, and Jacquie Aitken from Timespan. For the bus-spotters amongst you, it is a 1967 Bedford SB5, body by Plaxton – and is now part of the Macbrayne Circle Fleet.

Following the tour it was back to Timespan for a traditional high tea and a chance to look around. The evening programme, ‘A Film and A Poet’s Voice,’ first set the context for the time and work of Margaret Tait through talks by Dr Sarah Neely and Peter Todd, and short performances by sound artist Cara Tolmie and poet, Lesley Harrison.

The film itself drew lots of local reminiscences from the audience. For me, even just the sound of a ‘real’ projector was enough to transport me back to that time. Scenes of the local lamb sales, school sports, highland games and numerous buses were so full of nostalgia for me that I still haven’t quite got round to thinking about it as a creative piece or about the Clearances context. The mark of a good creative work – I’m still thinking about it and all its significance!

24

interview

Join our campaigns at www.agescotland.org.uk/campaign

An Inspector CaresThe Care Inspectorate is the independent scrutiny and improvement body for adult care and children’s services in Scotland. Doug Anthoney spoke to David Cumming about its current work and future plans.The Care Inspectorate was set up in 2011 as part of a move to simplify the scrutiny landscape. It replaced the Care Commission and Social Work Inspection Agency, and took on inspection of child protection services previously undertaken by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.

For David Cumming, one of the Inspectorate’s three Directors of Operations, making things simple has been a challenge. “The focus in our first year was joining up these organisations without any interruption to their activities.” This year he believes the benefits of bringing the three scrutiny bodies together are becoming apparent. “We’ve started to change our approach to children’s services, moving from a narrow focus on child protection to a broader focus on outcomes for all children in Scotland.”

But what about older people? “We’re currently talking to partners, including Councils and the NHS, about a similar reshaping of services for adults. You can expect some news early in 2013.”

Recently some inspections’ findings have generated negative headlines about particular care homes. Does the recent introduction of more un-announced inspections suggest they’ve spotted a widespread problem with care standards? “Before April 2011, by law, care homes had to have one announced and one un-announced inspection each year,” says David. “This is no longer required, so instead we’re targeting our un-announced inspections on services that are at high risk, or are poorly performing.” However he acknowledges that “service failures by big care home operators such as Southern Cross” have contributed to problems. “The collapse of Southern Cross led to a lot of uncertainty and highlighted just how important continuity of care is,” says David. “We linked up with other bodies, including local authority partners and COSLA in Scotland, and other UK regulators, to manage the situation.”

Cost cutting by cash strapped operators is arguably mirrored in the high proportion of complaints the Care Inspectorate receives around staffing levels and staff skills in care homes. “Geography has an effect on staff quality, as some areas have recruitment problems while others don’t,” says David. “Workforce regulation is the remit of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and we are working closely with SSSC colleagues to make the social services sector career pathways more attractive in recruiting high quality staff.”

David Cumming

25

interview

Fiona Mitchell is a volunteer Lay Assessor with the Care Inspectorate. She spoke to Advantage about her role. I first heard about The Lay Assessor scheme at a Hogmanay party and thought it sounded really interesting. At the time my mother was in her own home receiving care from a local care agency. A year down the line, Mum required more help at home, and then became less mobile. At the grand age of 96 we had to find a suitable care home for her.

This January I applied to become a volunteer Lay Assessor and attended a 2-day training course. Everyone on the course had had personal contact with care agencies for one reason or another. I really enjoyed hearing their stories, comparing notes and picking up hints as to how I could make things better for Mum.

My role is to support the Inspectors on their very comprehensive inspections. I have now visited two care homes, shadowed by The Lay Assessor Coordinator. I enjoyed talking to the residents, and observing the surroundings and the care being provided. The skills required include listening, observation, communication - and humour. The only drawback is that I do have to write a report after each visit, which I am told gets easier the more visits you do! I have also completed two phone assessments to home care agency service users, speaking to both carers and their relatives.

If I can assist the inspectors to improve the quality of care provision, and subsequent quality of life for some users of these services, then I would feel that my input has been worthwhile. Whether at home, or in a care home, people deserve quality care adapted to their individual needs. And, I may need these services myself in the future!

A Lay Inspector’s story

Join us on facebook

The long term future of residential care aside, a more pressing question for older people and their families is: ‘If a care home is necessary what should I look for?’ “Don’t rely on a brochure,” says David. “Visit the home and can see first-hand exactly what it’s about. Ask yourself; ‘how welcoming are the staff?’ and ‘do the care arrangements reflect my interests?’ Moving into care shouldn’t mean being cut-off from your former life, and a good care home will encourage you to maintain your friendships and interests.”

Despite its name, the Care Inspectorate does more than just inspect. “In law we’re actually called ‘Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland,’ and for us the word ‘improvement’ is a key one,” says David. “Our role is to offer public assurance and an honest appraisal of what we think is good and what must improve.”

“We help care providers get better, and have health advisers working on falls prevention, infection control and nutrition. We link in with community planning arrangements across Scotland, and work with partners such as Healthcare Improvement Scotland.”

Arguably the most important partnership is with people who use services, their carers, and the general public. “Unpaid carers have been involved in each of our social work inspections,” says David. “It was difficult for them to do this, but it was of great benefit. We also involve Lay Assessors in our regulated care work and have an active Involving People Group which informs our policy work. This means that at all times our focus is on hearing their views, opinions and experiences, as these are what matter most to all of our work.”

For more information about volunteering as a Lay Assessor, call Jo Phillips on 07920 595496 or 01382 207217, or email jo.phillips@careinspectorate.com.

Get involved!

26

Clubs’ Corner

26 More for member groups at www.agescotland.org.uk/community

Clubs’ Corner: I’m a volunteer – be good to me!Doug Anthoney suggests things to bear in mind if your club involves volunteers, or would like to do so.Volunteers are vital to the running many of Age Scotland’s member groups, and volunteering is, for many older people, a great way of keeping active and in touch with their community. It’s not uncommon for small voluntary groups to take volunteers involvement as a given, and then suddenly experience a crisis. Maybe several long term volunteers ‘retire’ at once. Or perhaps confusion about their role in the organisation leads to conflict. Whether you have been involving volunteers for a long time, or are just starting out, it’s worth checking whether you have the basic building blocks of good practice in place.

It might seem too obvious to mention, but is your group clear about why it wants to involve volunteers? Are you agreed about the benefits they will bring and how they fit into to your mission? If not, perhaps it’s time for a discussion? Ideally this will involve your management committee, any staff you have, perhaps also some of the people who use your services and, of course, the volunteers themselves.

Have you thought about the ‘cost’ of involving volunteers? This isn’t just about money, although it’s good practice to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses and to invest in their training induction and on-going support. There’s also a cost in terms of time and effort. You need to agree a volunteer policy, and set up systems and processes to ensure their involvement is of mutual benefit – although for small organisations these don’t need to be complicated. It’s also essential that you identify who will support and supervise volunteers, and ensure they have the time and skills to do this properly. So while volunteers are ‘cost effective,’ they aren’t ‘cost free.’

‘Volunteers urgently wanted!’ We’ve all seen adverts like this, and maybe even used them. But, putting yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn’t know about your organisation, how does this message make you feel? People volunteer for a variety of reasons – some will want to make good use of, or acquire new, skills. For others, it’s about companionship. Before recruiting, prepare descriptions for each of your volunteer roles that make clear what they will do, what skills and attributes are necessary, and what opportunities or benefits they will get from being involved, for example ‘working with a friendly team.’ Sending an attractive advertising message should now be easy, using channels such as posters, local press and word-of-mouth. Be ready – decide how you will respond to interest, including your recruitment and selection process, in advance.

Finally, keep them motivated! Saying ‘thank you’ is an easy way to reward volunteers, but also a very powerful one. Offer them fun, flexibility and involvement in decisions affecting their role, and they give with enthusiasm. If they move on, that’s okay so long as it’s not because they feel let down by you.

Find out more at www.volunteerscotland.org.uk.

27

soap box

Text AGES10 £5 to 70070 and donate £5 to Age Scotland

Don’t put up with age diagnosisGuest columnist Lillian Irvine calls on readers to challenge age-based assumptions by medical professionals.We all realise that as we get older we slow down a bit. We’re not so able to run a marathon, or even a half marathon. We’re maybe a bit heavier than we were twenty years ago, and we accept that. What we do not need to accept is the fact that doctors blame anything we complain about on our age.

I’m sure that many people in their 70s and 80s know exactly what I’m talking about. I call it ‘age diagnosis.’

My own experience is that I went to the doctor with a pain in my leg. After perfunctory examination she said: “You have arthritis.” When I said I had never had arthritis in my life, her answer was: “You are 82, and everyone who is 82 has arthritis, so go home and take Paracetamol.” So I did. You must understand that people in their 70s and 80s grew up in a time before the NHS, when the doctor’s word was law and you never questioned him.

The next day, I was in agony and could hardly move. I live in sheltered housing, so the warden got a doctor who examined me thoroughly and diagnosed a trapped nerve! That set me thinking. A month or so earlier I had had a heart scan and was told my heart was fine. I had asked: “So why do I feel tired?” and the reply was “you are 82 and a bit overweight.” Age diagnosis!

I checked my medication and, seeing that one of the side-effects was tiredness, phoned to ask if I needed to take them at all? I was told no, so I stopped taking them. The tiredness didn’t disappear overnight, but over the weeks I felt better and better.

I have spoken to several people about this and many have had similar experiences. A friend told me that he went to see a consultant and, as he went in the door, the consultant said “ah, we have an 88 year old man.” Not someone with a bad back, or a heart complaint – it was his age that was commented on.

So what’s the answer? There’s no use looking to the medical profession as they do not realise that they are being ageist. The solution lies with us. We must never accept such a diagnosis. We must question it. We must ask for another opinion. We are in charge of our own health!

If you have an idea for a Soap Box column, call Doug Anthoney on 0845 833 9313, email advantage@agescotland.org.uk or write to Doug at the Age Scotland office address on p2.

The views of Soap Box columnists do not necessarily reflect Age Scotland’s views or policies.

Not Lillian Irvine