WRVS Gold Age Power List
WRVS, the age positive charity, has compiled its 2011 Gold Age Power List. The list
celebrates individuals who are continuing to make significant social and cultural
contributions to the UK over the age of 66. They defy stereotypes and the misconception
that the UK’s ageing population is a looming disaster because it represents a “burden”
and “drain on society”.
Topped by The Queen, Delia Smith, David Attenborough and Michael Palin, the list
celebrates people from the worlds of arts, sports and adventure, science, public
service and business. It also recognises local volunteers who are making invaluable
contributions in their local communities every day.
WRVS is launching the list in the year the Baby Boom generation turns 66, with people
living and working for longer and many not ready to retire. The WRVS Gold Age Power
List, far from being a lifetime achievement award, demonstrates the impact older
people continue to make today - with many individuals on the list leaders in their
respective fields, despite being well over retirement age.
Earlier this year, WRVS published the Gold Age Pensioners research report, which
demonstrated that even allowing for the costs of pensions, welfare and healthcare,
over 65s made a positive net contribution to the UK economy of £40 billion last
year. The research identified the financial value of volunteering by older people
and revealed that they are often the ‘social glue’ of community life. With the Gold
Age Power List, WRVS hopes to go even further in celebrating the social and cultural
contribution of older people in the UK.
Helping to make Britain a great place to grow old in
WRVS’s older volunteers challenge the negative stereotypes so often associated with
old age, proving that age is no barrier to getting involved and staying active.
Getting older doesn’t mean missing out – volunteering is a great way to make new
friends and use your time to help other people in your community. Ultimately helping
to make Britain a great place to grow old in.
Volunteering can reduce isolation, allowing people to learn new skills and meet
new people. All year round about 45,000 WRVS volunteers are actively supporting
older people by running fitness classes, transport schemes, delivering meals and
books and helping older people to do shopping or just having a cup of tea with them.
WRVS volunteers from across Britain agree that volunteering helps keep them busy
and involved in community life.
Terry Burns, 74, said: “Volunteering helps older people realise that they can still
contribute to society and add value to the communities they live in. It’s providing
the personal support that makes a big difference to people’s daily routines – I
love what I do.”
Joy, 73 said: “Through my volunteering with WRVS I have watched people blossom,
and that’s what it’s all about. I’ve been able to practise the skills I’ve learned
over the years, which gives me a huge sense of satisfaction.
WRVS is one of the leading volunteer charities in the UK, with over 70 years work
in local communities supporting older people, enabling them to make the positive
contribution many want to.
If you would like to volunteer and help WRVS make Britain a great place to grow
old in ring 0845 601 4670 or visit www.wrvs.org.uk
Those that that have been judged to lead the list have achieved the following since
the age of 66:
- The Queen made her first state visit to Ireland earlier this year, and last year
carried out over 444 engagements.
- Delia Smith in 2008, Delia’s book How to Cheat
at Cooking was the fastest selling cookery book of all time. She is widely acknowledged
for her role in Norwich City football club – which she co-owns - winning promotion
to the Premier league in 2011.
- Diana Athill in 2009, at the age of 91, Athill
won the Costa Biography prize for her sixth memoir, Somewhere Towards the End.
-
David Attenborough Sir David’s distinguished career in broadcasting now spans more
than 50 years and he continues to work into his ninth decade. On his 80th birthday,
in 2006, Sir David was on the Galapagos islands filming giant tortoises.
- Lord
Robert Winston voted “peer of the year” by his fellow parliamentarians in 2008,
when he was 67, for his work on the human fertilisation and embryology bill.
-
Michael Palin In 2009, Palin became president of the Royal Geographic Society and
is currently in production for a new four-part BBC 1 series exploring Brazil.
Jenny Eclair, supporter and judge of the Gold Age Power List said:
“I am proud and pleased to be supporting WRVS - this is an underestimated organisation
who should be applauded for the fantastic work they do. All of us are getting older
and some of us will fall to pieces quicker than others, the WRVS provide some of
the kindest and most efficient helping hands to those who need it most. I was honoured
to be invited to join the Gold Age Power List judging panel and have a hand in making
sure very deserving individuals were recognised for the incredible influence they
continue to have.”
The list also includes a local hero category to celebrate those people who are making
invaluable contributions to their local communities. This list includes WRVS volunteers
who spend time with older people everyday, and are often involved in many other
initiatives and projects in their communities.
To see the full WRVS Gold Age Power List and to find out how you can get involved
in WRVS work in communities across the UK visit goldagepensioners.com.
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