Clogging on: What makes the Upper Calder Valley Age Friendly?

The rural population is generally healthier than the urban population due to the migration of more prosperous people who wish to live in a greener environment. However 13% of rural pensioners live in relative poverty and there is a breakdown of rural social networks due to a mixture of complex factors including demographic change, a lack of public spaces, the loss of venues and community facilities and the increasing use of on-line services. This photography project aimed to explore and document what people over 60 in the Upper Calder Valley think is important in creating age friendly rural communities
Participants were trained in photography and research methods and took photographs which represented aspects of their local surroundings that were, or were not, age friendly. They analysed the data, identifying 12 themes, which covered the ageing process, local characteristics of the Calder Valley, social connections, and services and amenities.
Our overarching recommendation is that all bodies should involve older people in local decision-making about provision of services including health and social care. In addition, we recommend that: Calderdale Council enforce breaches relating to access including pavements and parking, and ensures that approved planning applications reflect the nature of the area; bus services serving hilltop communities are maintained; local groups and activities take into account the needs of older people and their wide range of interests; and further research be commissioned on the needs of people over 60 in rural areas.