Groups to get friendly with OAPs

The Charity Age Scotland is calling on community groups and schools in Edinburgh to join its campaign to end isolation among older people.

In the run-up to the council elections on May 3 they are asking the groups to make a map highlighting barriers to older people getting out and about locally, and to use this to sign up local politicians to actions that will make the neighbourhood more age-friendly.

Age Scotland’s free pack, titled Walk in our shoes, Act on our issues, includes all the materials needed for a map.

Local Age Scotland development officer, Doug McLellan, said: “Problems such as broken pavements, poor disabled access, unreliable bus services, closed public toilets and dim street lighting can discourage older people from leaving home.

“Where neighbourhoods are age-unfriendly older people can end up under virtual house arrest, living a lonely and isolated life.”