OLDER people with disabilities can feel "useless and worthless" and need more and better coordinated support to keep them active and connected in later life, according to a campaigner.
Tressa Burke, chief executive of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, said more honest discussions are needed about the integration of health and social services, because many older people are struggling to access the help they need.
The biggest priority for older disabled people is the chance to participate in society, including having a social life, she said. But many are missing out on that, she said.
"Despite research telling us that social isolation increases the risk of early death, the importance of combating loneliness is often overlooked," Ms Burke said.
"Older people tell us they value social participation, having a sense of meaning or a sense of purpose in their lives and something to get up for in the morning. But too often they tell us they simply aren't asked their opinion, listened to, or treated with respect."
Her comments came as hundreds of older disabled people gather in Glasgow today for a GDA event "The Meaning of Life", which will give those attending the chance to have their say about the inquiry into social isolation and older people launched by the Scottish Parliament's equal opportunities committee.
The event also follows Glasgow City Council announcing its intention to apply for Age-Friendly City status with the World Health Organisation.
Ms Burke said GDA's research had found that disabled people are often isolated and need help forming vital relationships and networks.
However she said such early intervention was being held up by the reluctance of traditional services to change. "The very services which are being called for by disabled people cannot be afforded in real terms if services continue in their current form," she said.
Despite ministers legislating for the Integration of Health and Social Care, this is still not properly happening, she said. Funds designed to reshape care of older people had delivered imaginative new services which are not always being sustained.
"It might be more honest to simply give the money to health and social work to help plug budget cuts than to set an agenda for transformational change that is not achievable."
"Despite these challenges, we will continue to work together with partners to improve the lives of older disabled people."
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