The demographic change that is leading to longer lives is a great opportunity, but it also raises significant challenges. In this strategy, we have set out how we in Government will lead on this agenda in the coming years.
This strategy has been developed from discussions with members of the public and non-Governmental organisations. This has been a great collaborative effort, drawing on insights and experience from a wide range of sources.
Government alone cannot create a society for all ages; ultimately, this is a task for everyone. Working together across all sections of society is necessary to bring about the culture change to ensure that people are defined by their individual capabilities and needs, and not by their age.
This strategy sets out both our long-term vision and the actions we will take over the next two to three years towards achieving this. These initial actions can make a real difference to all our later lives, bringing together services to help us prepare better, helping us take the opportunities later life can present, supporting changing family lives, changing the world of work, improving financial support, providing better public services and building communities for all ages.
We have separately published an implementation plan that sets out how and when the different measures in this strategy document will be delivered. One of the most important actions is the contribution everyone can make by participating in the consultation. This will start a new debate about how we can all benefit from the opportunities of an ageing society.
We will then report our progress against achieving our vision to the Cabinet Committee on ageing issues and the new UK Advisory Forum on Ageing which represents views from across the country. Meeting the challenges and making the most of the opportunities our ageing society presents is a long-term endeavour and we want everyone to be able to influence the development of plans. This dialogue between Government and individuals will be a vital step building a society for all ages.
