A message from Rhian Bowen-Davies, new Older People’s Commissioner for Wales

It is an honour and a privilege to serve as the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. This independent role is unique in its purpose to promote and champion the rights of older people and as Commissioner I will listen to what’s important to them and ensure their voices and experiences are integral to bringing about positive change.

The quality of our lives as we grow older is influenced by a range of factors such as our health, housing and income as well as where we live and the types of support, services and community networks accessible to us. So I’m keen to meet older people in all parts of Wales to understand the range of challenges they face in their day to day lives and to hear how they feel things could be done differently to enable and support them to live and age well.

As I begin my term as Commissioner, I recognise the significant challenges currently facing older people, particularly in light of the Government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments, the rising energy cap and the potential implications of the upcoming autumn budget.

These issues, combined with pressures on public services and wider issues such as digital exclusion, loneliness and social isolation are resulting in multiple disadvantages for older people, making it increasingly difficult for them to access the vital services and support they need. I do not underestimate the gravity of these issues and, from the outset, I will be the strong voice of older people, ensuring that their experiences and concerns are brought directly to decision- and policy-makers.

Working with and on behalf of older people I look forward to making a positive contribution; safeguarding rights and challenging discrimination.

Together we will ensure that older people’s voices are heard at a local and national level, which will be crucial to create a Wales that leads the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality and enabling everyone to live and age well.