Call To Value Older People

A campaign to promote and support age-positive employment and workplace practices has been enjoying high-level political support.

The Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson and the Junior Minister Robin Newton have launched a DVD on behalf of GEMS NI and supported through funding from the Atlantic Philanthropies Ageing Programme Kestrel (Knowledge, Experience, Skills, Training, Respect, Empowerment and Lifelong Learning).

Speaking at the launch, the First Minister - who is himself over 60 - said: "We need to remember that the society we all enjoy and take for granted today was built by the hard work of our older generation.

"We all need to tackle the negative attitudes held by some and the outdated stereotype view that older people are a burden on society."

Speaking at a Kestrel Event 'Back to Your Future: Retirement Choices for Change and Beyond' in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, he continued: "People are now living longer and healthier lives than ever before and this is something that should be embraced and celebrated."

The Minister encouraged employers to ensure that they have age positive workplaces.: "The assumption that someone is too old to be sufficiently adaptable to do a job as well as a younger person wastes talent and potential in many workplaces."

Also commenting, DUP party colleague, Junior Minister Newton said: "For those who wish to remain in employment after the usual age of retirement - for whatever reason, be it through choice or necessity - Lifelong Learning can help them discover new skills, talents and opportunities.

"The benefits of life long learning for older people have long been recognised.

"Benefits relate to a myriad of aspects of life for older people including health, both physical and mental health, social exclusion and their retention in employment and participation in volunteering."

The Kestrel Project aims to make a meaningful difference to the experience and opportunities available to people in the 50-plus age range, as job seekers and employees, through engagement in age positive careers guidance and personal mentoring support and also in determining their choice of next steps following employment.

(BMcC/GK)