Kent's Policy Framework for Later Life

During the past few months we have held workshops and consultations with a cross section of the community including the public, professionals and voluntary sector to develop a policy framework for later life.

The aim of the document is to focus services on a series of objectives which will benefit older people and promote a positive image of 'later life'.

Read the Policy Framework for Later Life (PDF, 517k) and tell us what you think.

In the consultations, people said to us that they didn't think another detailed strategy document was needed. Indeed, KCC and its partner organisations already have strategies, plans and vision documents in place which collectively contribute towards supporting the people of Kent to have a fulfilled, independent, healthy old age. These include:

The Policy Framework for Later Life is therefore an over-arching summary of the issues that are important to older people in Kent and highlights action that is planned or currently being taken. It will be followed by a detailed action plan that will focus on a number of key strategic targets.

What is its aim?

The aim of this policy framework is to bring together all the agencies that work with older people, to ensure we provide services across Kent which focus on a range of agreed priorities. Ultimately, the strategy will provide a monitoring tool to enable people to hold agencies to account for achieving these collective objectives.

One of the big things is to make sure that the priorities identified are those that the public agrees with - this is why we have involved a cross section of public and professionals from the beginning to ensure that the priorities are real and relevant.

Why a Policy Framework for Later Life?

It is no secret that as a nation we are experiencing demographic changes. This shift in the proportion of older people relative to the rest of the population and changes in their attitudes, expectations and aspirations will have a profound impact upon public and voluntary services.

Whilst the changing demographic of society is inevitable, it is crucial that we dispel the negative image of old age and the notion that older people are a 'burden on society'. In reality, many older people are carers and volunteers who make up the backbone of local communities. Indeed, it is necessary to remember that older people are not only users of community services, but also providers. Older people have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are an increasing resource that we should welcome as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

The policy framework for later life will help people to understand how they could and should prepare for their own futures as well as 'age-proof' the services we and our partners provide. By this means we will be prepared for the changes in the county's demographic profile and shape the future of our public services.