A Wales that leads the way for older people

For many older people, growing older in Wales is a positive experience – they can access the information, support and services they need, they feel safe in their homes and communities, are treated fairly and can make their voices heard.

However, this is not the case for everyone and a range of challenges and barriers across many aspects of people’s daily lives impact upon their health, well-being and independence, leaving people feeling excluded, left behind and unvalued, thereby affecting their opportunities to live and age well.

This Strategy sets out the strategic objectives my work will be focused on during the next three years to address the issues and concerns raised with me by older people and drive the change and improvements they want to see. Alongside this I have also published my Work Programme, which is underpinned by this Strategy and details the specific action I will deliver in the year ahead.

It’s also crucial that policy- and decision-makers take action, using the levers of change available to them, to improve services and support for older people and respond to their voices more effectively.

This is something I will be closely monitoring as Commissioner, and I will not hesitate to hold public bodies to account where required should I feel that sufficient progress is not being made.

By working together, we have opportunities to create a Wales where every older person is valued, included and supported to live with dignity and independence. By listening, taking action, and driving meaningful change, we can build a society where growing older is something to be celebrated – a Wales that leads the way for older people.

Rhian Bowen-Davies // Older People’s Commissioner for Wales