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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 6h

Today marks International Day of Older People (IDOP) and the theme is "What's on your doorstep?"

Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

2.9 million people aged 50 to state pension age are NETERs – people aged between 50 and state pension currently not in employment, training, education or retirement. And a growing number of organisations believe they should be more visible in our labour market statistics.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Today, the government has announced plans to maintain the State Pension triple lock until 2030 before introducing a new system for how the State Pension increases each year. Any replacement must provide robust protection for pensioners who rely on the State Pension to make ends meet.

Quote says: The question should not be which generation deserves support. It should be how we build a system that protects people from poverty now while giving future generations confidence that they too will have a decent standard
of living in retirement.

Dr Andrea Barry

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Our Age-friendly Employer Pledge evaluation found that feeling valued and included is a key driver in retaining older workers in your organisation. To find out more about how you can build an Age-friendly culture and better support your older workers, sign the Pledge today.

Quote card: 'Feeling valued and included in organisational culture keeps older
workers engaged and retained.'

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Last week, the UK House of Lords debated last year's Preparing for an ageing society report.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

There is an overlooked unemployment crisis for people in their 50s and 60s. Through a major new campaign, we want to put this right.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Why should you sign up for the Age-friendly Employer Pledge? The Pledge is a commitment made by employers to celebrate the value of older workers. It is free to sign-up and is open to employers across the UK.

Why sign the Age-friendly Employer Pledge?

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Our new State of Ageing Spotlight addresses the invisibility of older LGBTQ+ people in our data and in discussions about our ageing population.

State of Ageing Spotlight: Older LGBTQ+ people

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Our ‘A Tale of Two 60s’ research shines a light on how life has changed for people in their 60s over the past two decades.

A Tale of Two 60s: Unequal Wealth in a Decade of Transition

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

In June we attended the @britishgerontology.bsky.social, which saw over 400 academics and other delegates from around the world who are interested in ageing and later life come together. We held our own symposium titled 'Participatory research to promote equality in policy and practice'.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The Government's updated planning policy includes a new requirement for at least 40% of homes on major developments to meet accessible and adaptable M4(2) standards. That's welcome progress and recognition that accessible housing must be part of mainstream housing policy. 1/2

A woman stands inside her open front door, looking pensive

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Jenny Marshall from Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership tells us how inspiring she found our Pledge Connections event last year.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today, millions will look up to watch a solar eclipse. The last total eclipse visible from the UK was in 1999. Back then, around 32% of the population was aged 50+.

When the last eclipse happened in 1999...32% of the UK population was aged 50+

Today in 2026...38% of the UK population is aged 50+

When the next eclipse happens in 2050...40% of the UK population will be aged 50+

By the time of the next total eclipse in 2090...45% of the UK population will be aged 50+

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Our annual face-to-face Pledge Connections event for all Age-friendly Employer Pledge members is coming up on October 14 in central London! Join us for inspiring ideas, expert views and great networking.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Just over a decade ago, the Centre for Ageing Better was created to help society respond to the opportunities and challenges of our nation’s ageing population.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

"On one hand, a particular word might just be used lightly or in banter, but on the other hand, we know that people do experience ageism, and that as we get older, ageism can limit work, health, and who's valued."

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Our Age-friendly Engagement Toolkit brings together guidance, case studies and templates to make it easier for local places to meaningfully involve older residents in decisions affecting their lives.

The most consistent message from older people about engagement is simple: tell us what you did with what we told you. Councils that close the feedback loop honestly, including when they cannot act on what they hear, and explaining why, build the trust that sustains participation over time.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Dr Aideen Young, Head of Research and Analysis at the Centre for Ageing Better, has received the prestigious British Society of Gerontology Outstanding Achievement Award at the #BSG2026 conference.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

"Our new research found that a sizeable minority of people in their 60s are likely without health, income, pensions or savings that they need. So the result is that they face exclusion from the labour market, so they have to engage with the welfare system, often for the first time."

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Today we publish our ‘A Tale of Two 60s’ research which shines a light on how life has changed for people aged 60-69 over the past two decades and how a large minority are living precariously in their later life.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

"Signing the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge has helped us shine a spotlight on how we support our people throughout their career journey. It’s encouraged us to create an even more inclusive environment where age is never a barrier to opportunity, wellbeing, or belonging."

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Who gets to live longer and age well in our society, and crucially, how can societies adapt so we can all age better?

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

"A lot of us had career knockbacks because of our sexuality and that has an impact on your earning, and that has an impact on, therefore your housing. Because if you are having to take a job at a lesser pay grade because of homophobia, then you haven't got as much resource."

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

It's @agewithoutlimits.bsky.social Day! Today is all about questioning common assumptions about age and ageing, because when we question ageism, we challenge it. And the more we challenge it, the more we start to change it.

It's Age Without Limits Day! Let's question ageism

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

"During this time, I have to boil a kettle, carry it upstairs, have our bath… I was going through hell.” This testimony is a stark reminder that when housing support is fragmented, people can be left navigating crisis alone - with real impacts on health, finances and wellbeing.

Victoria talks about her housing situation as she sits in her home

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

A huge welcome to all new organisations who have joined our Age-friendly Employer Pledge in the month of April! Interested in signing up too? Find out more: ageing-better.org.uk/age-friendly... #ThankYou #PositiveAgeing #OlderPeople #OlderWorkers #Ageing

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A huge welcome to all new organisations who have joined our Age-friendly Employer Pledge in the month of March! Interested in signing up too? Find out more: ageing-better.org.uk/age-friendly... #AgeFriendlyEmployers #Ageing #OlderEmployers #OlderWorkers #Age

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Libraries play a vital role in age‑friendly communities, acting as welcoming hubs that support social connection and access to services for older people. Library services often span multiple sites, each with different staff, activities and ways of working.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

We know incredible prevention and home improvement work is happening in local authorities across the country but not every area is connected into a peer network to share and strengthen that work.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Our research has found that more than half (54%) of employers agree that an age-inclusive workforce would increase productivity. A multigenerational workforce can bring great benefits to an organisation.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

An inaccessible and unwelcoming environment puts people at greater risk of injury or feeling unsafe or isolated.

Quote card: “I am partially sighted and I struggle with the pavement near my house. It’s uneven, it’s like potholes in the pavement and I keep tripping up. It’s making it totally inaccessible.”

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

We have just released our brand new age-positive illustrations which depict a varied range of scenarios from work, to dating, to community involvement and intergenerational moments.

Illustration of an older couple sharing a kiss

Illustration of an older man baking with a younger boy

Illustration of two older people dancing together

Illustration of an older woman taking a selfie

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

"People don't consider that a cluttered home can impact on their health. Home means so much to people, right? It's where you spend most of your day, especially as you get older, and that's why there needs to be increased support to help people declutter their homes."

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Access to parks and green spaces can reduce loneliness and enhance mood while improving mental wellbeing, increasing physical activity and intergenerational social connection.

Quote card: “Only one park has a toilet. I’ve been put off going to the park because of it. I end up doing the maths on how long I can be out and how long I can wait without a toilet. And it doesn’t just affect older people.”

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Today we publish our new 'Developing a Good Home Hub' pages on our website. These Good Home Hub tools bring together practical guidance and evidence-based resources to help areas understand local need, design stronger services and improve commissioning across housing, health and care.

Explore our Good Home Hub development tools
Centre for Ageing Better

These tools can help you
Understand lived experience
Plan inclusive services
Build evidence
Make the case for investment
Centre for Ageing Better

Customer journey mapping
Understand lived experience and system barriers faced by residents.
For: Service leads, commissioners, resident-facing staff.
Centre for Ageing Better

Inclusive Commissioning Guide
Put co-production and inclusion at the heart of commissioning
Inclusive commissioning
A guide to creating inclusive commissioning processes
March 2026
For: Commissioners, strategy and policy teams
Centre for Ageing Better

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

We’re calling for an independent commissioner to champion the rights of older people and ensure policymaking considers the needs of England's ageing population.

Both Wales and Northern Ireland have a Commissioner for Older People but England doesn’t. Why not?

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Our Age-friendly Employer Pledge is a nationwide programme for UK employers who recognise the importance and value of older workers. Employers commit to improving work for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

"A home full of clutter is more likely to be in disrepair, and therefore affecting the health of that individual."

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Our State of Ageing 2025 report paints a picture of the older population in England, using a variety of national data sources.

Work
350,000 people aged 50 to 65 with long-term health conditions would return to the workforce if the right support were in place.

Our ageing population
People aged 50 to 64 who live in the regions with the worst health and highest poverty levels are most likely to provide unpaid care for others.

Financial security
One in ten pensioners have no savings at all.
And a quarter have less than £1,500.
Single female pensioners are the most likely to have no or low savings.

Society
Men aged 65 and over are less likely than women of the same age to receive support as carers.
Almost three-quarters of male carers receive no support from any source.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Some people may be balancing work with long-term health issues, impairments, or caring for partners, parents and/or grandchildren. They may fear that asking for adjustments will negatively impact their chances of future roles that meet their needs.

Quote card: ‘I was getting sent details of jobs that were similar and I was just thinking, I can’t, I cannot do it […] you’ve got a long-standing condition that you have to manage.' Male, Education Consultant, Supporting Disabled Older Workers research participant

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Did you know that more than a third of women have been patronised because of their age since turning 50? This needs to change. If you want to find out more, check out the Society chapter of our State of Ageing 2025 report, available in full here: buff.ly/KPlF979 #Ageing #Ageism #OlderWomen #Ageist

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Today we have launched our 'Age-friendly Built Environment Quick Guides. Our collection of quick guides offers a simple yet comprehensive overview of the key design considerations for ensuring age-friendliness across a range of spaces and amenities in the built environment.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Good Home Hubs provide one-stop-shop services on all aspects of home repairs and adaptations, with support and signposting on everything from finding trusted tradespeople and identifying what work needs to be done, to how to finance repairs and improve energy efficiency.

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Redundancy can bring many emotions including grief, frustration and anxiety – sometimes all at the same time. In our new Age-friendly Restructure and Redundancy Toolkit, we hear from over 50s about the impact redundancy and restructures have had on them.

Quote card: ‘It’s frustrating. I want to do something and know what my life is going to be like after this. I don’t really know what is going on.’ Over 50s Redundancy and retraining research participant

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Cold, damp and mouldy homes have serious health consequences for millions of people across the UK today. Our Safe Homes Now spotlights series brings the consequences of unsafe homes into focus by looking at the different aspects of the crisis of poor-quality housing.

Safe Homes Now spotlight: The impact of damp and mould

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