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The socio‐economic contribution of older people in the UK

The socio‐economic contribution of older people in the UK Purpose – The paper aims to highlight the contributions and opportunities offered by an ageing society to their local communities and wider society. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is set out in six sections: an overview of WRVS; challenges of an ageing society; the “grey pound”; provision of social care; volunteering and non‐financial and other contributions of older people. This paper draws on research published by WRVS in March 2011 while providing more detail on the contribution of, and opportunities for, older volunteers with supporting case studies. Findings – The paper shows the benefits of an ageing population, the contributions currently made by the UK's pensioners, and the inevitable increase in their provision to society. Social implications – In the UK, over 65s are often seen as a burden on society's resources. In many other cultures older people have an elevated status and respect. Older people make a huge contribution to the UK's society but their potential is not always realised. This paper gives evidence of the contribution of older people, the difference they are making in their communities and how the roles they take on can only become more important in their local communities. Originality/value – This paper refers to research which places an economic value on the contribution of older people to society. Equally important is recognising the value of older people to local communities: organisations and individuals may find this paper a useful insight into older volunteering. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Working with Older People Emerald Publishing

The socio‐economic contribution of older people in the UK

Julia Cook
Working with Older People , Volume 15 (4): 6 – Dec 9, 2011
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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1366-3666
DOI
10.1108/13663661111191257
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to highlight the contributions and opportunities offered by an ageing society to their local communities and wider society. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is set out in six sections: an overview of WRVS; challenges of an ageing society; the “grey pound”; provision of social care; volunteering and non‐financial and other contributions of older people. This paper draws on research published by WRVS in March 2011 while providing more detail on the contribution of, and opportunities for, older volunteers with supporting case studies. Findings – The paper shows the benefits of an ageing population, the contributions currently made by the UK's pensioners, and the inevitable increase in their provision to society. Social implications – In the UK, over 65s are often seen as a burden on society's resources. In many other cultures older people have an elevated status and respect. Older people make a huge contribution to the UK's society but their potential is not always realised. This paper gives evidence of the contribution of older people, the difference they are making in their communities and how the roles they take on can only become more important in their local communities. Originality/value – This paper refers to research which places an economic value on the contribution of older people to society. Equally important is recognising the value of older people to local communities: organisations and individuals may find this paper a useful insight into older volunteering.

Journal

Working with Older People – Emerald Publishing

Published: Dec 9, 2011

Keywords: Pensioners; Elderly people; Communities; Volunteering; Charity

References

  • Valuing carers: calculating the value of unpaid care
    Carers UK
  • Valuing carers 2011: calculating the value of carers support
    Carers UK
  • Focus on older people November 2005 report
    DWP
  • Opportunity age, volume II: a social portrait of ageing in the UK
    DWP
  • Opportunity age: meeting the challenges of ageing in the 21st century
    DWP
  • Barriers to and incentives for volunteering for older people
    Ford, J.