A key focus of work for Years Ahead is time-limited task groups with clear objectives to deal with specific issues related to demographic change and ageing. Each task group undertaken by Years Ahead will:

• analyse the current state of play

• identify policy issues

• report on further research that is needed

• make recommendations for action

The Task Groups work programmes will be time –defined and action orientated and the lifespan of each group will normally be 6-12 months. Past Years Ahead Task Groups include:

• Implications of Demographic Change

• Worklessness in the 50+ Age Group

• Older People and the Research Agenda

• Arts and Older People

Other priorities identified by older people themselves include health, transport, age discrimination, social and economic inclusion and housing.

Task Group Activity 2012 – 2013

Currently, Years Ahead is developing a Task Group on the Index of Material Deprivation. Material deprivation refers to the inability for individuals or households to afford those consumption goods and activities that are typical in a society at a given point in time, irrespective of people’s preferences with respect to these items. It is envisaged that the Government’s new Index of material deprivation will provide a complementary perspective on poverty to that provided by conventional income measures. Years Ahead will work with Government and partners to better understand the North East perspective of the Index of Material Deprivation from an older person’s point of view and look to highlight the challenges and possible policy solutions to combat poverty in the North East.

For more information about the Task Group or to get involved please contact the Years Ahead Coordinator, Kasia Kurowska (kasia.kurowska@ncl.ac.uk)

Years Ahead Work through the Age Action Alliance

The Age Action Alliance is also a national and independent partnership of organisations which has adopted a new approach to the challenges of ageing, focused very clearly on finding practical solutions to improve the lives of older people. The Alliance’s work is informed and driven by older people themselves and now has over 200 members, working to improve older people’s lives and create a shared vision of neighbourhoods where older people are secure, valued and able to make a contribution to their local communities and wider society.

Years Ahead has committed to the Alliance’s declaration and continues to play and active role in its development nationally and locally.