"We need a Minister for Older people"
By Iain Harrison and Kirsten Mann
writing in The Sunday Post

Commissioner for Older People

The purpose of this email is to remind the Scottish Government  that Older People in Scotland also need a stronger voice than at present.
To quote your housing Minister:  "The hallmark of a civilised nation is the way in which it treats its older citizens. Scotland's older people have made, and continue to make, an invaluable contribution to our society. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in their old age.

Alex Neil's Bill highlighted a few key functions of the Commissioner:

• to promote awareness and understanding of the rights and interests of older people;
• to review current policy, law and practice relating to the rights and interests of older people;
• to promote best practice by those who provide services to older people;
• to promote the use of the skills and experience of older people; and
• to promote, commission, undertake and publish research on matters relating to the rights and interests of older people.
• Additionally the Commissioner will have the power to carry out investigations into how service providers have regard to the rights, interests and views of older people in their dealings
  with them.

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