Older People – Is there an age limit to dignity?

In 2023, Dumfries and Galloway had a population of just over 145,000, with 50% of those being over 50, the age at which we are considered an older adult. There is no need to have to defend why there is a need to iterate the importance of strengthening support and networks for older people in our region, but what is ACTUALLY happening? How do we really go about creating sustainable and strong support for older people in Dumfries and Galloway?

Join us for a powerful afternoon of discussion, challenge and connection.

• Doug Anthoney (Age Scotland) on supporting older people to stay well and independent

• Gareth Marr (DGHSCP) joins us for a candid fireside chat

• Spotlight on Stewartry U3A

• Roundtable: What does dignity look like in real life — and what gets in the way?

We’ll open with a thought-provoking session: “Am I Ageist?” – a look at how ageism shapes our work and attitudes, even when we don’t realise it.

Agenda

• 1.00 pm – Welcome and introductions

• 1.20 pm – Feedback from previous forum

• 1.30 pm – Am I Ageist?

• 1.45 pm – Doug Anthoney, Age Scotland

• 1.55 pm – Table Talks

• 2.15 pm – Break

• 2.25 pm – Getting To Know You: Gareth Marr, Deputy Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership/Deputy Chief Operating Officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway

• 2.40 pm – Jennifer Challinor, Crichton Trust

• t2.55 pm – Organisational Spotlight: Stewartry U3A

• 3.10 pm – Screening Inequalities Partnership Learning: Richard Smith, NHS Dumfries and Galloway

• 3.30 pm – Strategic and Organisational Updates

• 3.50 pm – Networking

We would be delighted to share any organisation updates at the forum, please forward these to health@tsdg.org.uk Also, if you are interested in holding a stall at the forum to promote your services and/or upcoming events, please also email health@tsdg.org.uk.

OUTCOMES:

The forum:

• Provides a safe space for information sharing and discussion.

• Promotes networking between third sector organisations.

• Allows identification of key challenges and issues faced by the sector.

• Promotes sharing of learning and best practice, from both local and national level.

• Allows the third sector to influence the development of strategy and policy at local level.

• Allows direct access with third sector organisations for consultation and engagement.

• Builds capacity through training.

• Encourages and promote collaborative working.