Sir – We believe Oxfordshire to be vibrant, healthy, well-educated and prosperous. But, there is a hidden side – which we are less proud to acknowledge – that is, the 30 per cent who are already over 65.
Half of this other Oxfordshire lives in its beautiful rural areas. Within 30 years these numbers will increase dramatically.
Are we planning the infrastructure for this demographic explosion?
Are we educating the young to engage with the reality of this other Oxfordshire?
Last Friday, the Ashmolean Museum — the world’s oldest public museum — was the venue for Age UK Oxfordshire to launch its report: A Tale of Two Counties — Growing Older in Oxfordshire.
This report promotes the ten steps leading to an age-friendly Oxfordshire. It also reveals this, the most challenging of facts, that the number of our fellow citizens over 65 will very soon exceed those under 20. What a rich seam of experience this offers our county! But, are we ready to harness it?
Are we designing our communities and public services to accommodate this reality?
The Ashmolean began as a young experiment for the education of the public in the 17th century. Now, in its mature glory, it is delighting everyone.
Let us show the world how Oxfordshire is achieving ‘Successful Ageing’.
Anita Higham, Adderbury
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