OLDER residents are being urged to have their voices heard by taking part in a charity's survey.

Age Scotland has launched its Big Survey, exploring a range of topics affecting people over tha age of 50 in Scotland.

The national charity for older people is seeking the views and experiences of people on all aspects of their lives, including health and wellbeing, the cost of living crisis, age discrimination ad working in later life.

Mark O'Donnell, Age Scotland chief executive, said: “The first time Age Scotland carried out this survey in 2021 more than 3,500 over 50s took part, and older people were facing challenges at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It highlighted the significant issues older people face but also demonstrated the incredible value they offer society.

“This edition will be an opportunity to find out how people’s lives have changed and what issues are most important to them now.

“We’re delving into lots of different areas to get as in depth a picture as possible about later life in Scotland.

“This is incredibly valuable in helping provide both national and local government with new evidence to help inform their future policies and ensure the needs of Scotland’s older population are well considered.”

MSP Alexander Stewart is encouraging residents in Clacks to take part before the deadline of April 24.

The shadow minister for older people said: “Back in 2021, Age Scotland surveyed over 3,500 people over the age of 50 from across Clackmannanshire and indeed Scotland as a whole, with its research partners Scotinform to capture their experiences and better understand how not only Covid-19 had impacted their lives, but they also asked about many other areas of life including health and wellbeing, housing, ageism, the representation of older people, their financial challenges, and looking to the future.

“This new and extensive national survey was hugely successful in its first year and ultimately ‘took the temperature’ of those over the age of 50, to provide a snapshot of what it is like to be an older person living in Scotland today.

“The survey also highlights some of the challenges that everyone especially the SNP Scottish Government very much need to address, more so now as they disappointingly have not appointed a specific ministerial position for the welfare of older people, which in itself is a major concern.”

The junior ministerial role of minister for equalities and older people, which was held by Christina McKelvie since 2018, has disappeared from Scottish Government following the recent reshuffle.

However, there is still a minister responsible for older people – Emma Roddick, who was appointed as minister for equalities, migration and refugees in March holds the portfolio.

The survey is available online at age.scot or call 0333 3232 400 to order a printed copy which can be returned in a freepost envelope.