The Citizen and Gloucester Echo were part of the debate, which
was presented by BBC Radio Gloucester's Chris Baxter.
Residents and other guests were able to raise issues with a
panel of experts, including John Wilkey, a solicitor specialising
in issues affecting older people, Chief Executive of Gloucester
City Homes Ashley Green, and Village and Community Agent Qing
Lin.
The biggest topic debated was financial security in later life,
with several people explaining the difficulties of budgeting when
living on a pension, and one NHS staff member admitting that she is
afraid she will never be able to afford to retire. Residents from
the ExtraCare village and staff from Rooftop, ExtraCare's housing
partner in St Oswald's Village, explained the applications process
and the different types of tenure available at the retirement
village.
Solicitor John Wilkey suggested that older people find a
financial advisor. "Many people need to look at ways of raising
capital, and there's also often a lot of help from welfare
benefits. You need to find someone with experience in elder care
issues," he said.
Residents of the Gloucester retirement village also raised the
issue of poor bus services in the area, and their fear of crime
outside the Village. Resident Lillian Tomlins also spoke about how
little time she is given by her GP during appointments.
Several people complained about the generation gap, and Village
Activity Facilitator Scott Reed-King talked about the
intergenerational activities being held within the Village. He
said: "It gives our residents confidence to interact with younger
people and stops them being afraid of going out and encountering
them, and it gives young people a chance to come in and realise
what goes in here."
The debate will be broadcast on BBC Radio Gloucester on
Wednesday 25th January from 10.30am until midday. Click
here for more information.
Picture: St Oswald's residents Jackie Smith, Jill
Blanche and Jan Head, BBC Radio Gloucester's Chris Baxter, and
residents Linda Cassar and Chris Gardner.
Were you at the debate? Let us know how it went on Facebook!
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk