The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government will publish the first ‘state of the nation’ report on older people’s well-being next year, Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas has announced.
The report will be published in Autumn 2009.
Gwenda Thomas said: “Our Older People’s Strategy sets the framework for a healthier, more independent nation of senior citizens in Wales. Policies such as free swimming, free bus passes and national guidelines to ensure the provision of high quality health and social care services are helping more older people live more rewarding and fulfilled lives.
“For example, better healthcare support for people with long-term conditions means more services are being provided closer to peoples’ homes, and our free bus pass scheme has resulted in a 40 per cent increase in passes issued and a 60 per cent increase in journeys made, enabling people to live more independently. The report will provide research evidence on older people’s health and reflect the aims and values of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Older People’s Strategy and the UN Principles for Older Persons.”
