The Scottish Older People’s Assembly will take place this weekend

Older Scots are set to make their voices heard.

Around 170 older people from across Scotland are expected to attend the Scottish Older People’s Assembly on Saturday (5 October) to make their voices heard on issues important to them. This will be the 10th Assembly of its kind and follows the International Day of Older Persons tomorrow (1 October).

The assembly exists to give a strong voice to older people about their experience of life in Scotland, their challenges and concerns, and to celebrate the positive contribution that older people make to society.

The event will have an interesting programme of speakers and workshops, including Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister for Older People and Equalities, who will deliver the keynote speech.

The debating chamber session will be chaired by Christine Grahame MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer, and will allow older people to ask questions directly to a panel of MSPs. Workshops will also take place during the day exploring topics including age friendly communities, primary care, digital connectivity, food and nutrition, older veterans and hearing the voices of older people.

Diana Findley, chair of the Scottish Older People’s Assembly, said: “With older people already making up a significant proportion of the population of Scotland and the number of over 75s set to increase by almost 80% over the next 25 years, it is more important than ever that the views of older people are at the centre of decision making in Scotland.

“The assembly provides a wonderful opportunity for people from across Scotland to come together and make their views known.”