Burstow launches first MP older people conference

12.01.00am GMT Fri 18th Jul 2003

Burstow to launch his own conference to find out the challenges for Suttons older people

Sutton and Cheam MP and Liberal Democrat Front Bench Spokesman on Older People Paul Burstow MP, will today (Friday 18th July 2003) launch the first ever conference held by a British Member of Parliament to discuss and develop a vision and action plan for the improvement of older people's services in his constituency.

The day-long conference will bring together all the statutory and voluntary organisations and local residents of Sutton Borough to reach a consensus and better understanding of the rights and responsibilities of older people living in the borough. Mr Burstow's conference is set to explore how older people can realise their full potential, take part and take pride in their community and remain living independent lives.

Paul Burstow MP said:-

"This conference is not simply set to talk about health and pension issues, important those these are. We need to understand from the older people themselves how they view the world, how they think they are viewed by others and what we should be doing to enhance their lifestyle and promote their independence.

"The Conference is not only set to talk to the vulnerable older population, but also the 80% of over 65 year olds in Sutton who are leading active independent lives and wish to continue to do so.

"We have to look closely at our own perceptions and prejudices about the ageing processes. I know that this conference will play an important part in reaching these objectives.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Conference "Developing a Vision for Improving Older People Services" will be held at the Holiday Inn in Sutton on the 18th July 2003 between 10am and 4.15pm.

The Conference will be attended by numerous organisations from the London Borough of Sutton that have an interest in older people. These include amongst others Age Concern Sutton, Sutton & Merton PCT, London Borough of Sutton Council, Alzheimer's Society, the British Legion and the Salvation Army

For more information contact Ruth Dombey on 02082888327 or 07798 7985 87

Facts and figures about older people in Sutton:-

• Sutton has the highest percentage of over-65s (14.5%) relative to the overall population that anywhere else in the country. The 2002 census shows 26,138 people over the age 65 of whom 3,695 are aged 85 or over.

• The majority of older persons (75-80%) are not disabled or dependent and will have little or no need for specialist services and live in their own homes or those of relatives.