Older residents back campaign to tackle age discrimination

With more than one in six people living in the area being aged 65 or over, Age UK Wigan Borough has launched its Age Is Just A Number campaign to challenge stereotypes and negative views of growing old.

The charity drive, which aims to showcase men and women who are enjoying later life to the full, is backed by Wigan Council and their #BelieveImOnlyHuman campaign which is itself aimed at challenging discrimination based on gender, sexuality age or race.

From going back to university, writing poetry, dancing, singing, performing in a band or playing football, these role models are demonstrating how you can continue to enjoy what you have done throughout your life or even take on new adventures in later life.

Over the coming weeks, the Wigan Observer will be sharing some of their inspirational stories.

John McArdle, chief executive of Age UK Wigan Borough, said the campaign also aims to show older people what the charity has to offer, to help keep minds and bodies active.

He added: “There are so many older people living in Wigan borough who are enjoying later life and making tremendous contributions to our society.

“We want to show through this campaign that age really is just a number. It is about how you feel. We believe later life should be celebrated and that growing older doesn’t stop us being ourselves.

“We still want to laugh, have fun, stay independent, keep doing the things we love or learn new skills.

“We are here to make sure people can do that and challenge age discrimination in Wigan borough.”

Get in touch with Age UK Wigan Borough to see what services they have on offer to help you or a loved one enjoy later life at ageuk.org.uk/wiganborough and follow the campaign at facebook.com/AgeUKWiganBorough

If you are, or know an inspirational older person in Wigan, tell us their story by calling 01942 506394 or email [email protected]