Why senior citizens are important

According to the standards of the United Nations and the World Health Organization, an older person is universally defined as someone who has reached the age of In some developed world countries, old age starts at the chronological age of In Jordan, the definition of the United Nations is considered appropriate and is consistent with local legislation, national strategies and implementation plans. Heath: Older people contribute on a macro level to the workplace and financially and at a local level to their communities and individual networks in terms of experience.

They have also contributed for many decades which is something which is often forgotten. Figures from the Family and Childcare trust report that 2. Simon Bottery, director of policy and external relations, Independent Age : There are so many simple things that could be improved. For example, most people over 65 walk more slowly than the 1. The result is older people rushing to get across a road as the lights turn to green and the traffic begins to move.

Newman: In Singapore the elderly have smart cards that they can swipe at road crossings and thus slow down the speed that traffic lights change. Local authorities should review their funding policies to ensure home solutions such as telecare and assistive technology are free to all with substantial need. Creighton and Moore: Making active transport walking, cycling more accessible for older people is important. In the UK, cycling remains a disproportionately young and male mode of transport.

In the Netherlands and Germany, for example, it is far more common for older people to cycle. Improving cycle routes to make them safer is a start. In Scandinavia, planning laws encourage mixed-use development, making journeys from the home to shops and services a lot shorter, and more accessible for older people. This has obvious health benefits, but also can reduce isolation in our older population. For example, we could build a community platform for them to share their specialties. A large number of old people stay at home in a stereotyped position, but many really want to get out and contribute more to society.

One of my mother-in-law's elderly friends complained that, because she has no medical license, she can not work or volunteer at a hospital. But I believe that if her community gave her a second chance - maybe teaching local residents first aid - we could benefit from her participation.

My own mother is retired, but she still works half-day shifts for a local company once a week. She is satisfied with this job because it brings her a sense of pride, which in turn makes our personal relationship more harmonious.

A lot of relatives advise her to "have a good rest" instead of work, but I support her. I don't think that giving older people more opportunities means that younger people will lose their jobs.