Priorities for the next Welsh Government: Commissioner calls for manifesto commitments to reduce poverty, tackle digital exclusion and make Wales a nation of age-friendly communities

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is calling on the next Welsh Government to take a range of action in key areas to ensure that older people are not excluded from society and have the opportunities they need to live healthy, independent lives.

The Commissioner wants to see all political parties in Wales include commitments in their upcoming manifestos to tackle key issues affecting older people’s lives and deliver services and support that respond to older people’s needs effectively.

The Commissioner’s ‘Priorities for the next Welsh Government’ document, published today (25 September) includes calls to ensure older people without digital skills are not excluded from accessing the services they need and to reduce poverty amongst older people by providing support to those who find themselves missing out due to the Pension Credit ‘cliff edge’.

The Commissioner also wants to see further action to make Wales a nation of age-friendly communities, which play a crucial role in supporting us to live and age well as we grow older.

The Commissioner says that delivering the action she is calling for is crucial, given that the number of older people in Wales is expected to continue to grow, reaching nearly a third of the population during the next Senedd term.

She has shared her calls with all political parties expected to win seats at the next Senedd election and has offered opportunities for them to meet with her to discuss these in more detail as manifestos are finalised in the months ahead.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“Wales has an ageing population, which alongside bringing many opportunities also presents some challenges.

“For many older people, growing older is a positive experience and later life is a time of fulfilment, which is something to be celebrated.

“But for some, growing older can present issues and challenges, such as digital exclusion, struggling financially, or facing barriers when accessing services or support.

“That’s why I want to see action in a number of key areas from the next Welsh Government focused on tackling these issues and supporting people to live and age well, recognising the diversity of older people and the needs they may have.

“The action I am calling for is based on the voices and experiences of older people living across Wales I have spoken and engaged with since I took up post, and I hope to have the opportunity to explore this in more detail with Welsh parties as they finalise their manifestos in the months ahead.

“It is important there are commitments across the political spectrum to deliver action to support older people as this will mean that whatever the composition of the next Welsh Government we will see important change, progress and improvements, building on the strong foundations already in place.”

ENDS