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Speaking Up
OPAAL speaking up on your behalf

“What surprised me the most, was the amount of paperwork there was to do after they had died…
and that it was my job to do it all” – bereaved person.

Perhaps over a cuppa, we could take the time to think about, or chat to someone about these key topics, so your needs and wants are expressed and protected:

  • Does someone know where your important documents are? If not, do you have someone in mind who could fulfil that role? If not, have you thought about what options there might be for non-friend or family support? ⇒ Click here to download our ideas and inspiration on this topic.
  • Can anyone access your financials? This can be a sensitive topic, as talking about money, even with those we love and trust, can be tricky. But you will want your money taken care of in the way you choose, so ⇒ click here for some ideas about how to accomplish this.
  • What would you like to happen to your body? Do you have thoughts on what you would like to happen to your body after your death? Does anyone know your wishes? Is there someone in your life who can take responsibility for following your wishes? If not, do you know what might happen if you don’t make your own arrangements? ⇒ Here is some information about this topic.
  • What could happen if I can no longer make my own decisions? Is there someone you have entrusted to make decisions about you and your life, if you are not able to? If there is no one in your life to undertake this role for you, have you thought about other ways you could ensure you are taken care of? ⇒ Take a look at this guide to give you some ideas about what could happen.
  • What happens to everything you have online? We live so much of our life through our technology devices, but what will happen to them when we die? Here Legacy Trail and other digital providers can be a huge help. ⇒ Read Legacy Trails guide to managing your digital footprint here.
  • Who could speak up for you NOW to make sure you can action any of the ideas we have given you? You can ask someone in your life to help you act, as an “informal advocate” (you can find our “how to” guide here). You could also look within our Membership for a paid advocate. Or you could email us at admin@opaal.org.uk to get some in-person help with managing your affairs.

OPAAL continues to call for a Commissioner for older people and ageing in England

OPAAL is committed to the premise that England urgently needs a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing—a dedicated, independent champion to ensure that the rights, voices, and wellbeing of older people are placed at the heart of public policy and decision-making.

As our population ages, the opportunities and challenges of later life are growing. Yet older people continue to face inequalities in health, housing, social care, digital access, and financial security. Too often, their experiences are overlooked, their contributions undervalued, and their voices unheard. Advocacy organisations like ours work tirelessly to support and empower older people, but systemic change requires leadership at the highest level.

A Commissioner for Older People and Ageing would:

  • Act as an independent champion, ensuring older people’s experiences shape national policy.

  • Hold government and public bodies to account for delivering fair, age-inclusive services.

  • Promote dignity, independence, and choice, recognising the diversity of experiences in later life.

  • Tackle ageism, challenge discrimination, and shift public attitudes around ageing.

  • Ensure long-term planning, so policies today meet the needs of tomorrow’s older generations.

Other parts of the UK—Wales and Northern Ireland—already benefit from Commissioners who have delivered meaningful improvements to the lives of older citizens. England should not be left behind.

OPAAL stands with older people, advocacy partners, and community organisations across the country in calling for this vital role. Now is the time for government to commit to a strong, independent Commissioner for Older People and Ageing, ensuring every person can grow older with dignity, security, and a voice that is heard.