Over the years expectations have changed and people have come to expect more out of life and want to stay healthy and active for longer. Our population is changing and Thurrock's historically young population is shifting as people live longer and the numbers of people over 50 increase.
Retirement, ageing and health issues are some of the lifestyle changes that people experience as they grow older. Being able to cope with these changes and receiving the correct help is the key to successful living.
People over 50 have told us that it is time for change and an approach is required that addresses the needs of the whole person and one that sees people as individuals.
Government now believes that in the years after reaching 50, people want three main things:
In Thurrock people have told us they want to be at the centre of all planning and development of services - 'Nothing about us without us'.
Thurrock's strategy for ageing, for people over 50, was produced in Autumn 2005 by the Ageing Strategy Steering Group. It aims to improve the well-being of people as they grow older. The strategy also aims to ensure people enjoy a good quality of life and live safely as valued citizens within an inclusive local community. A major emphasis will be to ensure that the rapidly expanding borough takes account of the needs and aspirations of all local people.
