Building better lives for elderly

IN response to the recent article written by Jayne Dowle, correspondent RG Dales gives a fairly accurate description of the problems the elderly now face living in 21st century Britain (Yorkshire Post, October 16).

The Government must take action now and increase the number of purpose-built complexes to meet the needs of elderly people in order to cope with the many social changes that have been identified.

There are hundreds of our elderly population being shunted into residential care prematurely when many are capable of living independently – and for a longer period of time – provided they have access to the appropriate facilities, and are given a little help to retain both their dignity and independence.

If grandparents were to strike...

From: John Fisher, Harrogate.

THE recent threats of strikes by teachers etc have hit the headlines but in stark contrast what damage would be inflicted on this country if all grandparents were to strike for one month?

Many families now rely on grandparents to look after grandchildren which, in turn, can save families a huge amount of money in childcare costs.

The employment of women and men in many public and private organisations is assisted by the voluntary help from grandparents. If their role in caring for other family members and friends were added, the cost to the country would be enormous.

The Government should remember that elderly people – even when retired – play a vital role in stabilising family finances, and maintaining many places in the national workforce.

Part of the story

From: Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard Avenue, Grimsby.

IT is good that new jobs have been created (Yorkshire Post, October 17). But I wonder how many are of the part-time variety? Such work is no good unless you have another source of income coming into the household, while the jobless are only allowed to earn £5 a week on top of their benefit. So the extra work is likely to go to those least in need of the money.