MA DESIGN LAB: The Age Friendly City

MA DESIGN LAB

The Age Friendly City

Introduction
October 2011 saw the launch of a two-year partnership between the MA
Design (Design LAB) programme, based at the Manchester School of Art
Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Valuing Older People Team
VOP) at Public Health Manchester, Manchester City Council.

The aim of the partnership is to develop design ideas and approaches which contribute to the Age Friendly Manchester programme.

The project focuses on students working hands-on in the local community, whilst striving to achieve robust academic standards.
This booklet provides an overview of the initial phases of this partnership
It showcases several projects carried out in Chorlton, Manchester, and sets
out what was done, how, and why.

It documents design challenges and details responses that can be adapted or used by others working in this field
It is written from the perspective of the Design LAB students.
Collaborative, active, material-based design tools are starting to emerge
Direct contact with the community and its environment has been central
throughout. Much of the work has taken place on location. Some instances
have seen the street transformed into the design studio.

Read the full report here:

The_Age_Friendly_City ARTS (1)

Age-friendly Whalley Range and Chorlton Business Charter news

Dear All,

We just wanted to share our plans with you about getting local businesses/services/venues involved with the Age-friendly Whalley Range and Chorlton Business Charter – (see below and link) – and to ask for your support in reaching other local businesses/services – as I know you have a good relationship with other local traders in the Wards.

The idea of the Charter is to ensure that businesses and groups take account of older people’s needs
in terms of recognising barriers and addressing them by looking at the wider accessibility of their premises, awareness/care provided by staff and promoting additional services provided â€“ such as home delivery services and loyalty/discount schemes etc.

Obviously insurance issues and customer safety means that not every shop or venue can offer the use of toilet facilities – but many venues will be able to fulfil that criteria anyway: e.g. care homes, health centres,
dentists, social housing providers, mosques, churches, temples and schools etc. – and it will be useful to list venues that do offer the use of toilets â€“ not only for paying customers but for anyone needing to use the facilities.

What the Age-friendly Business Charter will do is to allow businesses/venues who sign up to promote themselves as providing an age-friendly service, to display a postcard in their window or in the premises – and to become part of our website/database list of age-friendly places/services

So a business could provide

a seat for an older person who is shopping in the area, (just a fold-up chair to be used on request)
the shop would be free of trip hazards,
decent lighting and accessibility of products,
Accessibility to wheelchair users – or that members of staff would be willing to attend to requests of older people if the shop venue is not accessible etc.

For an older person to recognise that many (or preferably all!) of their local shops have signed up as being ‘age-friendly’ would increase their confidence in getting out of the house to shop locally – even more important for residents living on or close to Withington Road since the demise of the regular 16 bus that took them into Chorlton etc.

(Good news: There are plans in progress as part of Withington Road First Steps to potentially provide a Stagecoach 85a bus service to cover this route following a recent survey:

visit http://withingtonroad.org/to find more!)

Older people are an important and growing consumer group – so it makes sense for local businesses to encourage and support the â€œshop localâ€ ethos – and becoming part of a recognised initiative that demonstrates a commitment and respect for the needs of older people is a good way to promote local services.

If you would like to sign up to the Charter, please complete the attached draft form adding your business/group name and ticking the criteria you feel you are able to meet. Add Charter to the subject field and return to our email address: agefriendlywhalleyrange@gmail.com and we will be in touch.

Please spread the word to any local traders or businesses operating in the Whalley Range/Chorlton area who you think might be interested in getting involved!

Building bridges, breaking barriers: Integrated care for older people

Building bridges, breaking barriers looks at how well care for older people is integrated across health and social care, as well as the impact on older people who use services and their families and carers.

Read the Report here:

20160712b_buildingbridges_report

The review seeks to improve our understanding of how services work together to meet the needs of older people.

What we did

We gathered evidence from a range of sources, undertook site visits and spoke with older people and their carers to understand how integration across services affected their experiences of care. We looked for examples of where care was coordinated effectively and identified barriers that prevent it from working well.

What we found

We found many initiatives aimed at delivering integrated care. We saw some good practice, and in many cases considerable drive from providers and commissioners to improve the way services work together, but we did not find many examples of it working really well. There was considerable variation in the care provided and in the experiences and outcomes for older people.

Across the eight sites we reviewed, our findings related to both how services were working together and the impact this has on older people’s experiences. Looking at how services were working together for older people, we found that:

There was widespread commitment to delivering integrated care.
There were still many organisational barriers that made it difficult for services to identify older people who were at risk of deterioration or an unplanned emergency admission to hospital.
There were examples of joint working in delivering health and social care, but these were often inconsistent, short-term and reliant on partial or temporary funding and goodwill between different providers. They were not a mainstream part of the way in which services were planned or delivered around older people.
Monitoring and evaluation was often not carried out locally or was insufficient.
The lack of connection between services often resulted in older people and their families or carers needing to take responsibility for navigating complex local services. This could result in people ‘falling through the gaps’ and only being identified in response to a crisis.
Older people often had multiple care plans because professionals did not routinely link together and share information.
Older people were not routinely involved in decision making about their needs and preferences.
Older people and their families or carers did not routinely receive clear information about how their health and social care would be coordinated, in particular if there were changes in their circumstances or if there was an unplanned or emergency admission to hospital.
Local leaders achieved integrated person-centred care by working closely across health and social care services to share information, reduce duplicated efforts and use resources more effectively.

Our recommendations

Health and social care leaders should develop and agree a shared understanding and definition of what integrated care means for the population in their local area, and then work towards delivering this shared aim.
NHS England and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) should lead on developing an agreed methodology and data set for identifying people at risk of admission to secondary care or deterioration.
Older people should be meaningfully involved in making informed decisions about their care needs and care planning â€“ in particular about the outcomes that are important to them â€“ based on the existing national and local guidance.
Commissioners and providers in an area should ensure that information and support for older people and their families or carers is available, and this sets out connections between services, and how the people’s accessibility needs will be met.
The National Quality Board, in partnership with the National Information Board, develop and share a set of validated data metrics and outcomes measures for integrated care with person-centred outcomes at the heart of decision making about service provision and based on a consistent, shared view and definition of integration.

Aspects of Ageing

Wythenshawe stories inspire new play

Real-life stories from Manchester grandparents have been the inspiration behind a new play making its premiere, as part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2016.

Aspects of Ageing, by Marie Greenhalgh, will be performed by the Captain Leg Theatre Company, at the King Arms, Salford, 28-30 July.

The play is about enduring relationships, brave, strong, pioneering and innovative young women and the integration of prisoners of war into local communities.

It also observes the present day relationships of cousins Samuel and Olivia. Finding a space to be alone, as a funeral reception is in full swing down stairs, they search through their great granddad’s personal effects and find a diary.

Former policewoman Marie, 61, who works with Wythenshawe Good Neighbours, said: â€œIn my job I work with older people. We give them volunteer companionship and they tell us loads of stories.

â€œSome of them are heartbreaking. Some are hilarious and some are like walking history. There were too many to ignore so I made it into a play. Now we have several stories channeled into five characters. We take it from the end of the Second World War, right up to present day.

â€œThere are many aspects to ageing and once youre heard a story you see that person in a different light. It started as monologues. Those monologues became a story, which Ive made it into a continuous flow, so the audience can see a friendship that blossoms and a love story.

â€œIve written quite a few plays but they have been one-off dramas and this is the first time Ive done something like this. So we are open to feedback.

Buy tickets: https://www.ticketea.co.uk/tickets-theatre-aspects-of-ageing/

Age Friendly Hulme and Moss Side Partnership Public Forum

Date & Time of Event:

29 July, 2016 – 11:00 to 14:00

Venue:

Brooks Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX

Come along to learn more about the partnership and how you can get involved at this public forum event.

Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be fun activities and information about Age Friendly activities in your area.

If you would like to attend, host a stall or run an activity on the day, contact Emily or Matt of Manchester Age Friendly Neighbourhoods â€“ the team who are supporting the partnership:
Emily Crompton, 0161 247 5960 / 0797 397 3184, email: e.crompton@mmu.ac.uk
Matt Youngson 0161 247 5960 / 0797 397 3185, email: m.youngson@mmu.ac.uk

For further information, visit: www2.mmu.ac.uk/birley/events/detail/index.php?id=5035

The first Red Extreme heat warning issued

For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.

Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week, with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.

10 top tips to help you keep cool and healthy

Although we all look forward to some sunshine over the summer months, it worth remembering that when the temperature goes up it can present health risks – especially for older people. Age UK has 10 tips to help you enjoy the sun but stay healthy at the same time.

The importance of staying cool and keeping well in hot weather cannot be over-estimated, as older people can be particularly susceptible to heat-related illness.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated. All of us, neighbours, family and friends should provide whatever support we can for older people, particularly those living alone.

Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the summer months and protect themselves when the temperature soars. Here are Age UK top tips staying cool and well in the warmer weather:

1. Stay inside during the hottest time of the day – late morning to mid-afternoon. If you do go out use sunscreen of factor 15 or above, wear a hat and stay in the shade if possible.

2. When inside, try to keep your house cool. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun.

3. Avoid or limit strenuous activities like housework and gardening – try to do these activities when it cooler in the early morning or evening.

4. When travelling always carry a bottle of water and drink lots of fluid even if you aren’t thirsty. Limit drinks with caffeine and avoid alcohol as it can make dehydration worse.

5. Watch what you eat. Follow these tips to help you eat well during the warmer months:

Eat normally but try to have more cold foods, particularly salads and fruits as they contain a lot of water
Also be careful when eating outside. Whilst al fresco dining can be one of the best things about summer, hot weather causes bacteria to multiply quickly and increases our risk of food poisoning. Avoid this by bringing chilled food home quickly from the shops and putting it straight in the fridge when you get home, making sure you don’t have food sitting in the sun for long periods, and storing it in the fridge when you can
Be careful when barbequing. We all enjoy a barbeque in the sun, but it actually a riskier way to cook meat. Before eating meat such as chicken, pork, burgers, sausages and kebabs from a barbeque make sure it piping hot and cooked all the way through, with no pink meat inside. There is no need to wash raw meat before cooking it and always wash your hands after touching it.

6. Choose the right clothes. It may sound obvious, but light-coloured, loose cotton clothing can help you stay cool in the heat. Dark colours absorb the light and can make you feel even warmer.

7. Think about your feet. Allowing your feet to breathe is important when the weather is hot so wearing open toe sandals is an excellent way to stop your feet getting sweaty and smelly. Avoid flip flops, which can be hard to walk in and opt for sandals which support your feet. Sandals that fasten with Velcro or adjustable straps are a good idea if your feet swell up in the heat.

8. Cool off with cold water. Remember to take nice cool baths or showers. Try splashing your face with cold water or placing a cool damp cloth on the back of your neck.

9. Check for weather forecasts and temperature warnings on TV, radio and online at www.metoffice.gov.uk

10. If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to visit or phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat. It’s important to be aware of friends and neighbours during a heat wave and to let people know if you are on your own and have any concerns. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated.

Older People’s Charter and Challenge

The Charter

This charter reinforces the existing rights of all older people in Manchester to live in an age-friendly city. We have a diverse population, and the charter recognises the diversity of older people. This includes gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and disability. The charter recognises the diverse roles that older people have in the city and all that they bring. We encourage all major organisations in the city to adopt it. It will be embedded through action.

Value
Older people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to be free to live a life that has meaning and purpose. Their contribution is a significant economic and social asset to the city. Older people work in the city with all generations to make it a better place.

Independence
Older people have the right to decide where they live, how they live and with whom they live. They have the right to access services and travel around their city without hindrance or barriers.

Information
Older people have the right to information, advice and guidance that is up to date, appropriate and relevant, in a range of formats.

Health & Wellbeing
Older people have the right to lead a healthy and proactive life wherever they live, with access to social and creative opportunities. They have the right to access health and wellbeing services and to be fully involved in later-life decisions.

Decision Making & Voice
Older people have the right to choice and control and to meaningfully influence the decision-making processes that affect their lives. They have the right to be engaged in shaping all aspects of life, including involvement in the design and delivery of the services that are provided to support them.

Safety, Security & Justice
Older people have the right to be taken seriously when they are afraid. When they need the law to protect them, they should not be treated differently because they are older.

We have a specially designed version of the Charter that can be printed and displayed on your wall.

Download a printable copy of the Charter

To support our Charter, please make a pledge.

Make a pledge now

‘Older People Learning: A reflection on some models

14th Frank Glendenning Memorial Lecture 2016 (Association for Education and Ageing with MMU)

Prof Peter Lavender Cert Ed, BEd, PhD, OBE, University of Wolverhampton

‘Older People Learning: A reflection on some models

Peter’s lecture will look in particular at learning in day centres and care homes

Peter Lavender is Professor of Education in the University of Wolverhampton Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing. Peter has worked as school teacher, adult literacy worker, manager of adult education, and full-time FE inspector. He was co-author of the reportInclusive Learning (HMSO, 1996). From 1999 to 2011 he was director of research and development at the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education and the deputy CEO. He works on the doctoral programme at the Open University. Peter has been a college governor and a chair of corporation and is deputy Chief Assessor for the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards.

The evening will feature the lecture followed by drinks and light refreshments

Prof. Peter Lavender

Background of the annual Frank Glendenning Lecture

Dr. Frank Glendenning (1921 – 2002) was a founder member of the AEA and sometime Treasurer, a long-term member of its Executive Committee and founding co-editor of its Journal for 15 years. The annual lecture series was set up in his memory by the Association in 2003. It seeks to promote high quality thinking and informed debate about the learning and education of older people.

Frank was based at Keele University, Staffordshire, UK, where in the early eighties he organised many educational programmes and conferences in the new area of learning in later life or education for the elderly as it was then sometimes known. Frank published and travelled widely and became established internationally both as a pioneer in the field of educational gerontology and as a champion of good practice in many professional fields in which older people were the clients, patients or users.

http://www.associationforeducationandageing.org/frank-glendenning-memorial-lectures.html

The Association for Education and Ageing

The AEA is an international membership organisation, open to all. Its concern is learning in later life. Its aims are to advance knowledge, to improve practice and to contribute to the development of policy. http://www.associationforeducationandageing.org/

WHENWednesday, 14 September 2016 from 15:30 to 16:45 (BST) – Add to CalendarWHERELecture Theatre 1 – Brooks Building, Manchester Metropolitan University 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX – View Map

Levenshulme 50+ Inspired Peoples Project – Sharing Good Practice “Don’t Get Caught Short”

Please see details below from the Levenshulme Inspired Peoples Project, about a fantastic local project, shaped and delivered by the Inspire Task Force (local older people who take a direct approach to tackling issues that affect local older people).

The “Don’t Get Caught Short” project was inspired by negative press publicity which highlighted the difficulty a visitor to Levenshulme experienced in obtaining access to a publically accessible toilet. The gentleman was in urgent need but was turned away from a number of shops who explained they were unable to help.

The Inspired Task Force responded by engaging with local business and services to highlight the importance of supporting members of the local community (their customers) and were able to negotiate with them encouraging many to provide access to their facilities.

This project / service has been widely publicised in a leaflet which has been distributed throughout the community. It highlights where facilities are available. Those businesses who are able to offer support have been provided with a window sticker. All businesses have been provided with copies of the leaflet – if they are unable to provide access to facilities, they can quickly refer someone to local services ensuring people don’t get caught short.

Opportunities will exist to replicate this scheme and support will be available through the Locality Networks to delivery similar projects in other neighbourhoods.

ipp-task-force-facilities-sign-1

ipp-task-force-caught-short-a4-a5-leaflet_hires-1

Seating and Sense of Place Document – Amy Barron, The University of Manchester

Introduction

The 21st century witnessed a momentous transition in modern urbanism with 2008 marking the year when more than 50% of the world population became urban.

Simultaneously, globally improving health, nutrition and medicine have resulted in population ageing significantly affecting contemporary conurbations.

The Age-friendly Manchester programme aims to improve the quality of life for older people in Manchester and make the city a better place to grow old.

In 2010, Manchester became the first UK city to join the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Network of age-friendly cities.

This membership recognised the work that had been happening in the city since 2002 as part of the Valuing Older People (VOP) programme.

Since 2005, work in Manchester has included an urban design element and in 2012, the Age-Friendly Manchester team established an Age-friendly Design Group.

This goes alongside partnerships with the Manchester School of Architecture and Manchester School of Art.

The WHO produced an Age-friendly City Guide, which has a focus on urban design, based on the model of an ideal city for older people.

It has a universal checklist of features that should produce an age-friendly environment. This guide highlighted public seating as a necessary age-friendly feature. Various academic and policy publications have since reinforced this observation, often with a focus on design.

Although crucial, this type of practical guidance carries an inherent risk in that a preoccupation with generating actionable results excludes the equally important, less obvious and more complex, relational dimensions amidst design, people and place (Handler, 2014).

Read the full report here:

Age-friendly Seating Report 04.10.2015