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OPAAL BLOGS

Advocacy Awareness Week 2024: Empowering Voices in the UK

Advocacy Awareness Week 2024 is set to take place from 14-18 October across the United Kingdom. This national campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the vital role that advocacy plays in supporting individuals to have their voices heard, rights respected, and choices upheld. Advocacy empowers those who may struggle to be heard due to […]

The upcoming UK Parliament Debate on Assisted Dying: A crucial conversation on autonomy, advocacy, and dignity in later life

The upcoming debate in the UK Parliament on assisted dying has reignited a complex and emotionally charged issue: should individuals, particularly older people in later life, have the right to choose how and when they die when faced with terminal illness or unbearable suffering? This debate raises profound ethical, legal, and societal questions, and it […]

Sunnei’s Milan Fashion Week Show: Celebrating Ageless Style with Models Over 50

Milan Fashion Week is synonymous with innovation, bold creativity, and setting trends that ripple throughout the fashion world. But this year, Sunnei’s runway show carved out a unique space in the conversation, turning heads for a different reason: its bold decision to feature models aged over 50. In an industry long dominated by youthful ideals, […]

Older People in the UK: A Growing Vulnerability to Loan Sharks

As the cost of living rises across the UK, many older people are finding themselves in increasingly precarious financial situations. Pension payments often fail to keep pace with inflation, and for many retirees, their savings and investments don’t stretch as far as they once did. In this environment of economic uncertainty, a disturbing trend has […]

The Struggle of Older People in the UK with Online-Only Payments for Garden Waste Collections

In an increasingly digital world, it’s easy to forget that not everyone has embraced online services. This is especially true for many older people, who often find themselves isolated from modern technology. One area where this gap becomes painfully evident is with local services such as garden waste collections, which many councils in the UK […]

Why the term “Anti-Ageing” in beauty and health isn’t always helpful (And what we should focus on instead)

The pursuit of youth has been an enduring theme in human history. From ancient remedies to modern beauty products, the desire to “reverse” or “pause” the effects of ageing seems to have persisted through the centuries. Enter the term “anti-ageing,” a phrase widely used in the health and beauty industries to market products that promise […]

The Silent Exploitation: How Companies Can Rip Off Older Adults When Purchasing Goods and Services

As the global population ages, a significant and growing number of consumers are older adults. Unfortunately, some companies see this demographic not as valued customers, but as easy targets for exploitation. Older adults may be more vulnerable to deceptive practices due to factors such as cognitive decline, unfamiliarity with new technologies, or simply a trusting […]

The Urgent Need for Age-Appropriate Housing for Older People in the UK

As the UK population continues to age, the demand for suitable and age-appropriate housing for older people has become an increasingly pressing issue. By 2041, it is estimated that nearly one in four people in the UK will be aged 65 or over, a significant demographic shift that presents both challenges and opportunities. Ensuring that […]

The Link Between Purpose and Memory in Older Adults: Why Staying Engaged Matters

Ageing is a natural part of life, but how we age can vary significantly from person to person. Some people remain sharp and active well into their later years, while others experience a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory loss. While various factors contribute to this decline, one aspect that has garnered significant attention in […]

The Silent Crisis: Dental Health in Older Adults and the Role of Caregivers

In the grand narrative of aging, dental health often takes a back seat. For many older adults, the golden years are marred by various health challenges, and unfortunately, dental health frequently gets overlooked. This neglect, however, can lead to significant consequences, impacting not just oral health but overall well-being. As caregivers play a crucial role […]

The willingness of older adults to reduce medication for a better quality of life

Aging brings a host of challenges, not the least of which is managing a growing list of medications. Many older adults face the daily reality of a complex medication regimen, prescribed to manage chronic conditions and prevent potential health issues. However, an increasing number of seniors are re-evaluating their approach to medication, prioritising quality of […]

The Future of Older People’s Care: Is Moving to a Care Home Inevitable for Older People in the UK?

As the population ages, the question of how to care for older adults becomes increasingly important. In the UK, this issue is particularly pressing given the country’s rapidly aging demographic. One of the most common assumptions is that many, if not most, older people will eventually have to move into a care home. But is […]

Why older people have stopped going to cultural activities post-COVID (And how we can attract them back)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on all aspects of society, and one of the most significant impacts has been on cultural activities. Museums, theatres, cinemas, and other cultural venues were closed for long periods, leading to a substantial decrease in attendance. Interestingly, one of the demographics that have been most affected is older […]

The Silent Struggle: Understanding Suicide Among Older People in the UK

Suicide among older adults is a grave concern that often goes unnoticed. In the UK, the rates of suicide among people aged 65 and over shed light on a crisis that calls for immediate attention and action. Understanding the numbers and causes behind these tragic events is crucial in addressing the needs of this vulnerable […]

Embracing New Horizons: Alternative Lifestyles Adopted in Later Life Inspired by the Summer Solstice

As the summer solstice heralds the longest day of the year, it also symbolises a time of renewal and transformation. For many older adults, this period of extended daylight becomes an inspiration to explore alternative lifestyles, breaking free from traditional expectations and embracing new paths. Whether it’s reconnecting with nature, fostering creativity, or seeking spiritual […]

Reflecting on Youth: Common Regrets Among Those in Their 80s

Life is often described as a journey, and those in their 80s have travelled through a vast landscape of experiences. As they look back, many older individuals reflect on their younger years with a mix of nostalgia and regret. Understanding these regrets offers valuable lessons for younger generations, providing insight into what truly matters in […]

Cherishing Our Older Generations: Lessons from D-Day Celebrations

Every June, as the world commemorates D-Day, we are reminded of the incredible bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who participated in one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. The Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the end of World War II, a conflict that reshaped the world. As […]

Older woman on a tablet

The Wealth Gap Between Older Men and Older Women in later life

As we age, financial security becomes increasingly vital, not only for our well-being but also for our ability to live independently and with dignity. However, a significant and often overlooked issue is the pronounced wealth gap between older men and older women. This disparity has profound implications, affecting the quality of life, access to healthcare, […]

Taxation: What we need to know about paying Self Assessment tax whilst drawing a pension

Thinking about how we can manage our finances is a key consideration for many older people. And how and when we deal with our tax liabilities can be a concern. HMRC reached out to us with this helpful guide, which gives all the details that need to be considered when submitting a self assessment tax […]

Should Older Adults Downsize or Modify Their Home? A Financial Perspective

As we age, our living situations often need to adapt to our changing needs. One common dilemma older adults face is whether to downsize to a smaller home or invest in modifications to make their current home more age-appropriate. Both options come with financial implications that deserve careful consideration. Let’s explore the financial aspects of […]

Navigating Love’s Landscape: Challenges of Sustaining Romantic Relationships in Later Years

Love, a timeless emotion, is often perceived as ageless. However, as we journey through life, the dynamics of romantic relationships evolve, presenting unique challenges, particularly in our later years. While Hollywood often portrays love as a youthful pursuit, the reality is that sustaining romance in later stages of life requires navigating through a terrain of […]

Shifting Perspectives: How Our Definition of Old Age Is Evolving

In the tapestry of human existence, our perception of age has long been woven into the fabric of society, influencing everything from personal aspirations to social policies. Yet, as time marches forward, so too do our perspectives on what it means to grow old. Recent research in the publication “Psychology and Aging” sheds light on […]

Protecting older people: Tackling financial fraud amidst rising concerns

Financial fraud has become an increasingly pervasive issue, with recent events in the UK shedding light on the severity of the problem. This week’s arrests serve as a stark reminder of the threats lurking in the shadows of our digital and physical worlds. Among those most vulnerable to these scams are older adults, who often […]

Embracing Change: How the flexible working legislation announced on 6 April 2024 could benefit older workers

In an era marked by dynamic shifts in workplace culture and structure, the United Kingdom is taking significant strides towards empowering its workforce through flexible working legislation that came into force on 6 April 2024. While this initiative holds promise for professionals of all ages, it particularly shines a spotlight on the benefits it offers […]

Funeral Poverty in the UK: When Grief Meets Financial Strain

Death is an inevitable part of life, yet the financial burden it brings often goes unspoken. In the United Kingdom (UK), the rising costs of funerals have led to a stark reality: funeral poverty. This poignant issue affects individuals and families who find themselves unable to afford the expenses associated with saying goodbye to their […]

Nurturing Independence: Understanding the Impact of Residential Environment on Older People

As individuals age, maintaining independence becomes a significant priority. For many older adults, the ability to live autonomously is deeply intertwined with their quality of life and sense of well-being. However, this independence can be influenced by various factors, with one of the most critical being the residential environment they inhabit. The impact of where […]

Embracing Ageless Style: The Enduring Legacy of Iris Apfel

In a world where youth often takes centre stage in fashion and beauty, it’s crucial to remember that style knows no age. The recent passing of fashion icon Iris Apfel serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of expressing oneself through clothing, hair, makeup, and personal style, regardless of age. Apfel, known for her […]

Older Job Seekers in the UK

In the dynamic landscape of the modern job market, older individuals in the UK often find themselves facing unique challenges when seeking paid employment. Despite their wealth of experience and valuable skills, older job seekers encounter various obstacles that can hinder their efforts to secure meaningful employment. This blog explores the difficulties faced by older […]

Older Individuals in Rented Accommodation in the UK

In an era where housing affordability and accessibility are growing concerns, the challenges faced by older individuals in rented accommodation in the UK are gaining increased attention. As the population ages, a significant portion finds themselves navigating the complexities of rented housing, a task that comes with its own set of hurdles. In this blog, […]

Navigating Challenges: The Difficulties Older People in the UK Encounter When Accessing Services

In the rapidly evolving landscape of service provision, older individuals in the United Kingdom often find themselves facing a myriad of challenges when attempting to access essential services. From healthcare to technology, the difficulties encountered by older people are multifaceted and impact their overall well-being. This blog aims to shed light on the various obstacles […]

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