It is great news that we are all living longer, but that means we have to adapt our towns and villages so older people can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Building Dementia friendly towns and villages across the Sevenoaks District was a big mission of mine becuase the great thing about Dementia friendly communities is that they are accessible for everyone. I also wanted to increase the amount of suitable older peoples' housing across the district so older people can down-size near their friends and family.
I was delighted to take part in the Emerson Grange topping out ceremony which later brought on stream a new retirement village for people in the North of the District. I understand that not everyone wants to live in a retirement village so there needs to be a range of local options for people to choose from if they want to right-size. Wearing an ageing suit gave me a really good idea of how hard it is to get around as we age and how vital suitable housing and age-friendly towns and villages are.
I was delighted to support Starts at Home day with Gary Johnson MP which celebrates the value of care and support services and the difference that having a safe and secure place to call home can make to people’s lives.
