News
March 2005
Opportunity Age
The Government has launched the first ever strategy for an ageing society.
'Opportunity Age – Meeting the challenges of ageing in the 21st century', launched by Minister for Pensions, Malcolm Wicks, establishes a programme of action to promote wider social change.
The report complements the Government's six principles for pension reform and the work of the Pensions Commission by focusing on other aspects of economic and social life affected by demographic change: employment, healthier and more active ageing and services, such as health, care and housing.
Announcing the publication of Opportunity Age, Malcolm Wicks said:
"With statistics showing that by 2007 there will be more people over state pension age than aged under 16, the importance of this strategy is clear. Right across Whitehall government departments are showing today their commitment to meeting the challenge of Britain's changing society.
"This paper is about shedding the stereotypes that surround our older people and instead ensuring that government can help people to live the lives that they want and deserve. This is not just about traditional issues such as pensions or care homes.
"It is about allowing people to work longer if they want to and ending the nonsense of good, able workers being thrown on the scrapheap just because of their age."
This strategy includes a consultative element on outcomes and indicators
in order to assess progress. Consultation will finish on 28 July 2005.
Read Opportunity Age
– Meeting the challenges of ageing in the 21st century on the
Department for Work and Pensions website