Long term strategy for care of the elderly

The Scottish Executive has published a long-term strategy, All Our Futures: Planning for a Scotland with an Ageing Population, outlining the opportunities and choice available to people as they get older.

The consultation identified six priority areas for action:
* improving opportunities and removing barriers
* forging better links between the generations
* improving and maintaining health and well being
* improving care, support and protection for older people
* developing housing, transport and planning services
* offering learning opportunities throughout life

The Executive has allocated £27 million of funding to support the strategy. This includes the establishment of a National Forum on Ageing and a new Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice to improve links between young and old. By 2031 the number of people aged over 50 in Scotland is projected to rise by 28 per cent and the number aged over 75 is projected to increase by 75 per cent.