Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Analysis

Factual: Politics

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Analysis: Caring in the New Old Age

Factual

Caring in the New Old Age

16/03/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Analysis, Caring in the New Old Age

Is it time to rethink how older people are cared for to enable fulfilling lives?

Does the care system enable older people to live fulfilling lives? Sonia Sodha examines if it is time to rethink how older people are cared for.

Is it time to rethink how we care for older people, to enable them to have fulfilling lives?
In recent years the media has highlighted terrible cases of paid carers abusing and neglecting vulnerable, older people. Is it now time for a more fundamental re-examination of how society should care for older people? Much is made of the poor status, low wages and lack of training of workers in the care system. Why are older people entrusted to them in a way which we would never allow for children? Should we tackle the view that old age is simply a period of decline that has to be managed rather than an opportunity for a fulfilling final chapter of life? Sonia Sodha examines new thinking from Japan, the US and closer to home about how care might be done differently. And she considers whether we need to change our approach to how we look after the elders in our society.
Producer: Ian Muir-Cochrane.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Analysis

Caring in the New Old Age

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4